Centre of Excellence in Anthropocenic Chemical Ecology of Forests (ACE-Forest)

Blande, James UEF; Hao, Liqing UEF; Hellén, Heidi FMI; Huynh, Tan Phat ÅAU; Joutsensaari, Jorma UEF; Kivimäenpää, Minna Luke; Pinto Zevallos, Delia Milagros UEF; Salminen, Juha-Pekka UT

A diverse array of ecological interactions in forest ecosystems is mediated by biological chemicals. These include volatile compounds that function as information-bearing odours, as well as defence-related toxins. Recent research indicates that air pollution affects chemically mediated interactions in complex ways. Importantly, findings suggest that information encoded in chemical cues may change in time and space in ways that have not previously been documented.

The ACE-Forest Centre of Excellence investigates biochemicals across soil and atmospheric environments. The research spans defence-related plant polyphenols, through volatile compounds, to their reaction products in the atmosphere. The aim of the CoE is to establish a new branch of chemical ecology that integrates processes operating at the biosphere–atmosphere interface.