In this episode* of A Botanical Podcast, Dr. Andrea E. Berardi from James Madison University joins show host Dr. Shiran Ben Zeev to discuss the evolution of flower color and why plants change their colors. They discuss the role of plant-pollinator interactions and environmental relationships. This topic ties into the upcoming “Paradigm Shifts in Flower Color” special issue of the American Journal of Botany (https://botany.org/home/publications/ajb/ajb-special-issue-call-for-papers-paradigm-shifts-in-flower-color.html).
*Note: At 18:15, Dr. Berardi mentioned that nectar is an efficiency trait when in fact nectar is a reward trait. We thank her for pointing this out in post-production.

Andrea Berardi is an Assistant Professor at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is a plant evolutionary biologist whose research focuses on evolutionary, genetic, and ecological processes underlying speciation, specifically focusing on how floral traits play a role in reproductive isolation and adaptation to the environment. Her favorite traits to study are floral color and plant secondary/specialized metabolites. She is co-editing a special issue of American Journal of Botany on "Paradigm Shifts in Flower Color," along with Justen Whittall, Eduardo Narbona, and José Carlos del Valle García.

Andrea Berardi homepage
Andrea Berardi Instagram

This podcast is hosted and produced by BSA member Dr. Shiran Ben Zeev. He is a postdoctoral fellow at Penn State University who studies plant–plant interactions in crops.

Disclaimer

The Botanical Society of America (BSA) has produced and provides this podcast for people who love plants, plant research, and BSA journals. The information presented is based on current scientific understanding and may be subject to change as new research emerges. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are the personal views of the host and guests, and not the views, policies, or opinions of BSA or any of its officials. The appearance of any host or guest does not imply an endorsement by BSA of them, their employer, any entity they represent, or any view or content they express or create outside of this podcast. Reference to any product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BSA. This podcast may not be republished or repurposed without the consent of the BSA.

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