At the Jardin botanique de Montréal, research is carried out by botanist-researchers with a broad activities and research spectrum. These researchers are part of the Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (IRBV), a corporation that is the result of a partnership between the Jardin botanique de Montréal and the Université de Montréal.
The IRBV is at the forefront in terms of skills in the fields of plant ecology, the molecular processes involved in plant development and phytotechnology. Research conducted by the team of scientists allows to develop and transmit knowledge in botany and horticulture to the scientific community but also to the general public.
The IRBV has identified four "starred" themes that make up the new structure of its research program and whose researchers at the Jardin botanique follow the guidelines:
Plant signaling, reproduction and development
In this topic, researchers focus on the characteristics of sexual reproduction in plants by observing the phenomena taking place at the molecular and cellular level. This work attempts to understand the different adaptation mechanisms responsible for the differentiation and the great diversity between species.
Associate Researcher(s):
At the Jardin botanique, Simon Joly is associated to this line of research.
Urban ecology and phytotechnologies
More than half of the world's population lives in cities; hence, urbanization brings many environmental challenges. The work of this theme aims to better understand the effects of urbanization on plants found in cities and to determine their impact, particularly on biodiversity. Plans on optimal management and preservation of species diversity could then be suggested. On the other hand, these studies are also conducted to develop techniques using plants as a way to counter the nuisances that can be caused by urbanization such as noise or pollution.
Associate Researcher(s):
At the Jardin botanique, Michel Labrecque, Stéphanie Pellerin and Frédéric Pitre are associated to this line of research.
Origin, structure and conservation of biodiversity
Biodiversity encompasses biological variation in genes, species and ecosystems. It represents a major global issue, mainly because of the pressure that humans exert on it, this pressure being responsible for a species extinction rate never seen before in the history of life. Our work aims to understand the origin of biodiversity and its evolution in space and time in order to better protect it.
Associate Researcher(s):
At the Jardin botanique, Alain Cuerrier, Simon Joly, Michel Labrecque and Frédéric Pitre are associated to this line of research.
Plant / environment interactions
Plants are essential for humans and for the functioning of ecosystems in which they provide many vital services such as the production of oxygen or the improvement of soil quality. The purpose of research in this area is to understand the functioning of plants in order to use them and protect them optimally. Studies carried out in this light are thus interested in the interactions between plants, how plants interact with their environment, as well as the various processes related to their growth.
Associate Researcher(s):
At the Jardin botanique, Alain Cuerrier, Simon Joly, Michel Labrecque and Frédéric Pitre are associated to this line of research.