Dr. Silvia Pihu

[img_assist|nid=244|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=260|height=245]
Research Fellow of Botany
silvia.pihu[at]ut.ee

Up to now I have been dealing mostly with plant systematics at the species and lower level. The main aim has been to clarify the differentiation and phylogenetic relationships of the related species, subspecies or varieties. In cooperation with different colleagues and/or students I have been investigating Alchemilla, Anthyllis, Dianthus, different Boraginaceae and a moss genus Tortella. I have been using mainly molecular methods as DNA sequencing, RAPD, AFLP, microsatellites, but also morphological characters. Additionally, I have some experience in population genetics and conservation biology. We have been investigating the genetic variability of Gentiana pneumonanthe and Pulmonaria angustifolia as well as the influence of landscape and environmental conditions on the genetic variation of Myosotis laxa ssp. baltica. All of them are rare and/or protected species and thus our work has helped to clarify the reasons of their rarity and to work out conservation strategy. Recently I have started a new research in collaboration with colleagues in landscape genetics, where we want to know how contemporary and historical landscape structure influences the genetic variability and gene flow of the characteristic plant species on alvar grasslands. We also plan to reveal the dark genetic diversity of these plants.

See my CV and publications in the Estonian Research Portal.

[img_assist|nid=244|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=260|height=245]
Research Fellow of Botany
silvia.pihu[at]ut.ee

Up to now I have been dealing mostly with plant systematics at the species and lower level. The main aim has been to clarify the differentiation and phylogenetic relationships of the related species, subspecies or varieties. In cooperation with different colleagues and/or students I have been investigating Alchemilla, Anthyllis, Dianthus, different Boraginaceae and a moss genus Tortella. I have been using mainly molecular methods as DNA sequencing, RAPD, AFLP, microsatellites, but also morphological characters. Additionally, I have some experience in population genetics and conservation biology. We have been investigating the genetic variability of Gentiana pneumonanthe and Pulmonaria angustifolia as well as the influence of landscape and environmental conditions on the genetic variation of Myosotis laxa ssp. baltica. All of them are rare and/or protected species and thus our work has helped to clarify the reasons of their rarity and to work out conservation strategy. Recently I have started a new research in collaboration with colleagues in landscape genetics, where we want to know how contemporary and historical landscape structure influences the genetic variability and gene flow of the characteristic plant species on alvar grasslands. We also plan to reveal the dark genetic diversity of these plants.

See my CV and publications in the Estonian Research Portal.