Brian Husband

• B.Sc. - University of Alberta
• M.Sc. - University of Alberta
• Ph.D. - University of Toronto

My research and that of my lab group is focused on the ecology and genetics of plant populations. We study the mechanisms regulating genetic diversity and phenotypic evolution in plants, and, conversely, how evolutionary processes (drift, gene flow, adaptation, genetic diversity) affect the ecological function of populations (reproduction, growth, persistence, extinction). To understand these relationships we focus mainly on plant genetic systems, those reproductive attributes that govern mutation, gamete formation, pollination, fertilization, and organization of genetic diversity in populations.

Currently, my lab is involved in four related research areas:

I. Ecology and genetics of small populations

All populations contain a finite number of individuals, particularly those populations in restricted or marginal habitats or disturbed or fragmented landscapes.  This can have a profound effect on mating patterns, genetic diversity, and ecology, with important implications for conservation and the evolutionary process. We have explored these issues through studies on endangered species, effective population size, metapopulation dynamics, the effects of drift on mating system evolution, inbreeding depression, and the mechanisms by which hybridization causes extirpation of rare species.

II. Evolutionary significance of genome duplication.

Genome duplication above the diploid state (a.k.a. polyploidy) is widespread among plants and animals and is particularly common in flowering plants and ferns. Its prevalence in plants (and absence in many animals) has long puzzled biologists and recent mathematical models still argue that polyploidy should rarely evolve in sexual organisms with non-overlapping generations. Our research uses plant species with natural variation in ploidy (Chamerion, Galax, Malus) and mutagens that induce genome duplication to explore two major hypotheses: 1) genome duplication has a disproportionately large influence on rates of species diversification; 2) it enhances the adaptive potential and, hence, persistence of lineages that bear it.

III. Function and evolution of plant reproductive systems.

Plants exhibit a bewildering array of breeding systems, reflected by variation in gender, floral form and display, mechanisms of pollen transfer, and pathways of fertilization and seed maturation. Accounting for this sexual diversity is important because of its significance for population persistence, reproductive isolation and the organization of genetic diversity within and among populations. It also provides a useful focal point for studying the mechanisms of microevolution such as gene flow, genetic drift, and selection. Our research currently focuses on two aspects of plant reproduction: the evolution of self-fertilization versus cross-fertilization (mating system), and the adaptive significance of dichogamy (temporal separation of male and female function). In both cases we are using comparative analyses, manipulative experiments and multi-generational selection studies to understand the evolution of these traits.

IV. Ecological impacts of hybridization and gene flow.

The importance of genetic diversity (mutation, gene flow, drift, heritability) to adaptive evolution is widely recognized, but it is less clear whether and how it affects ecological function and viability of populations. Understanding the ecological consequences of genetic diversity also have implications for conservation, restoration practices. Using a combination of genetic markers and manipulative studies, our research on hybridization between American and Eurasian chestnut (Castanea), Asian and native mulberry (Morus) and domestic and native apples (Malus) has allowed us to explore the conditions favouring gene exchange between species and the impacts on seed production and establishment. In addition, paternity analysis, flow cytometry and experimental crosses are being used to examine patterns of mating and the effects of mate diversity on reproductive success in domestic and native species.

V. Development and applications of plant barcoding

We are part of a national collaborative effort (comprising 4 labs) to develop barcoding tools for plants. The group has published one of the most extensive evaluations of potential barcode regions and has been instrumental (along with 3 other international groups) in facilitating an international agreement on a standard barcode region for land plants . Equally important we are advancing and exploring the applications of this tool for studies in ecology (belowground community structure and function) and evolutionary biology (phylogeography).

Ecology and Genetics of Small Populations

• Van Drunen, S.G., K. Schutten, C. Bowen, G.J. Boland and B.C. Husband. 2017. Population dynamics and the influence of blight on American chestnut at its northern range limit: lessons for conservation. Forest Ecology and Management 400:375-383.
• McCracken, A., J.D. Bainard, M.C. Miller, and B.C. Husband. 2013. Pathways of introduction of the invasive aquatic plant Cabomba caroliniana. Ecology & Evolution 3:1427-1439 doi: 10.1002/ece3.530
• Campbell, L.G. and B.C. Husband. 2007. Reproductive consequences of population size in self-incompatible plant, Hymenoxys herbacea (Asteraceae). New Phytologist 174:915-925.

Genome Duplication

• Kolář, F., M. Čertner, J. Suda, P. Schönswetter, and B.C. Husband. 2017. Mixed-ploidy species: progress and opportunities in polyploid research”. Trends in Plant Science 22: 1041-1055.
• Kreiner, J.M., P. Kron and B.C. Husband. 2017. Evolutionary dynamics of unreduced gametes. Trends in Genetics. doi.org/10.1016/j.tig2017.06.009
• Kreiner, J., P. Kron, and B.C. Husband. 2017. Frequency and maintenance of unreduced gametes in natural plant populations: associations with reproductive mode, life history, and genome size. New Phytologist (accepted Dec 3, 2016).
• Husband, B.C., S.J. Baldwin and H.A. Sabara. 2016. Direct vs. indirect effects of whole-genome duplication on prezygotic isolation in Chamerion angustifolium: Implications for rapid speciation.  American Journal of Botany 103:1259-1271 [Special Issue].
• Husband, B.C. 2016. Effect of inbreeding on pollen tube growth in diploid and tetraploid Chamerion angustifolium: do polyploids mask mutational load in pollen. American Journal of Botany  103:1-9. doi:10.3732/ajb.1500243 [Special Issue].
• Kron, P. and B.C. Husband. 2015. Distinguishing 2N gamete nuclei from doublets in pollen using flow cytometry and pulse analysis. Cytometry A. Cytometry Part A 87A: 943-957. doi: 10.1002/cyto.a.22696.
• Thompson, K.A., B.C. Husband and H. Maherali. 2015. No influence of water limitation on the outcome of competition between diploid and tetraploid Chamerion angustifolium (Onagraceae). Journal of Ecology 103:733-741. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.12384.
• Thompson, K.A., B.C. Husband and H. Maherali. 2014. Climatic niche differences between diploid and tetraploid cytotypes of Chamerion angustifolium (Onagraceae). American Journal of Botany 101:1868-1875.
• Martin, S.L. and B.C. Husband. 2012 Whole genome duplication affects evolvability in natural populations of a flowering plant. PLos One. 7(9): e44784.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0044784.
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Reproductive Systems

• Miller, J.S., A. Kamath, B.C. Husband and R.A. Levin. 2015. Correlated polymorphism in cytotype and sexual system within a monophyletic species, Lycium californicum. Accepted, International Journal of Plant Science.
• Kron P., Kwok A., and B.C. Husband. 2014. Flow cytometric analysis of pollen collected from individual bees provides information about pollen load composition and foraging behaviour. Ann. Bot. doi:10.1093/aob/mct257.

Ecological Consequences of Genetic Diversity and Evolution

• Kron and Husband. Botany. 2009. Hybridization and the reproductive pathways mediating gene flow between native Malus coronaria and domestic apple, Malus domestica. Botany 87: 864-874.
• Burgess, K.S., M. Morgan, and B.C. Husband. 2008. Interspecific seed discounting and the fertility cost of hybridization in an endangered species. New Phytologist 177:276-284.

Plant Barcoding

• Percy D.M., G.W. Argus, Q.C. Cronk, A.J. Fazekas, P.R. Kesanakurti, K.S. Burgess, B.C. Husband, S.G. Newmaster, S.C.H. Barrett and S.W. Graham. 2014. Understanding the spectacular failure of DNA barcoding in willows (Salix): Does this result from a trans-specific selective sweep? Molecular Ecology 23:4737-4756.
• Burgess, K.S., Fazekas A.J., Kesanakurti P.R., Graham S.W., Husband B.C., Newmaster S.G., Percy D.M., Hajibabaei M., Barrett S.C.H. 2011. Discriminating plant species in a local temperate flora using the rbcl + matK DNA barcode. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2:333-340. doi: 10.1111/j.2041-210X.2011.00092.x
• CBOL Plant Working Group. 2009. A DNA Barcode for Land Plants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 106:12794-12797

As an instructor, my goal is to instil a love of discovery and personal motivation for learning at both undergraduate and graduate students. I have taught several undergraduate courses (Foundational Biology, Introductory Ecology, Plant Diversity and Evolution, Evolutionary Ecology), ranging from first to fourth year, as well as graduate courses such as Advances in Evolutionary Biology.

As Associate Dean Academic for the College of Biological Science, I am deeply invested in program development, curriculum reform, student support (awards, outreach, enrichment programs, student advising, early detection of risk) and instructor support through peer-consultation programs, summer research assistantships and teaching practice (Office of Educational Scholarship and Practice). I support and participate in scholarly approaches to teaching and learning that advance the student experience and best teaching practices.

Selected publication:  Husband BC, W.J. Bettger, C.L. Murrant, K Kirby, PA. Wright, S.G. Newmaster, J.F. Dawson, T.R. Gregory, RT. Mullen, A. Nejedly, G. van der Merwe, K. Yankulov, P. Wolf.. 2015. Applying a Linked-Course Model to Foster Inquiry & Integration in Large First Year Courses. Can. J. Higher Education 45: 244-260.

• Werdah Iqbal (MSc) - Co-advised by J. Colasanti (Dept. MCB)
• Evan Pacey (PhD) - Co-advised by H. Maherali
• Dane Cronin (MSc)
• Wendy Van Drunen (PhD)
• Sophia Stoltz (MSc)