Data collection 2026

Last update in June 2026

Overview 2026

In 2026, the experimental populations in the EcoRaMa plots will have been established for three years, corresponding to approximately 3–6 generations, depending on the garden. Several data collection activities are planned throughout the year. First, we will continue regular monitoring of the plots (Regular Survey 2026; approximately two hours per survey). Surveys should be conducted at least once per month, with more frequent visits (e.g. every two weeks) recommended during periods of active germination (typically spring and autumn) and high mortality (e.g. due to summer drought or frost in autumn). During the middle of the growing season, we will conduct leaf sampling for DNA extraction and sequencing (DNA Sampling 2026; approximately two person-days). Ideally, leaves should be collected at an early stage when they are still healthy and green. Approximate dates for DNA sampling are provided below. At the end of the growing season, in late spring or early summer, we will carry out harvesting, individual measurements, and plot disturbance (Harvest & Disturbance 2026; approximately one week). We expect flowering and growing seasons in 2026 to be broadly similar to those observed in 2025, so you can use your 2025 schedule as a guide when planning fieldwork.

In the final 18 months of EcoRaMa grant, we wish now to conduct three additional experiments: (1) genomic analyses, (2) a common garden experiment (3) a quantitative genetics experiment. With these experiments, we aim to ask whether the effects of admixture after several generations of growth, mating, reproduction and selection look more like genetic rescue or genetic swamping, and how these effects vary among sites and environments. We have put together the proposed plan in a document (EcoRaMa plan for the final 18 months).

Suggested dates for DNA sampling

  • Tel Aviv: Feburary
  • Bordeaux, Lausanne, Prague: June
  • Kassel, Waageningen and Oxford: June
  • Edinburgh, Bergen, Uppsala, Helsinki: June or July

Suggested dates for summer harvest and disturbance

  • Tel Aviv: Feburary - March
  • Bordeaux: May
  • Lausanne: June
  • Prague: mid-June to early July
  • Kassel, Waageningen and Oxford: end of July or early August
  • Edinburgh, Bergen, Uppsala, Helsinki: early to mid-September

Protocols and proposals

Note that we may need to make small changes to the beta version of the documents based on the feedback from our partners in the southern gardens. So, it would be a good idea to download the document right before your measurement.

Datasheet and data entry

The field-collected data is stored on Google Drive. There are 11 folders, each for a site. In each folder, you can find the Excel template for the Regular survey, flowering size and intensive measurement. You can print and use them in the field and enter the data you collect afterwards. In each folder, there are also subfolders where you can upload photos and datasheet scans. You or your helpers need to ask for first-time access to the folders.