Tristan Cofer

Dr. Tristan Cofer is a Researcher at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, focusing on plant interactions with the environment and biotic factors. His work centers on plant volatile emissions, defense mechanisms, and ecological interactions, particularly in maize, Arabidopsis, and Xyris species. He investigates how plants respond to herbivory, stress, and microbial interactions through biochemical and physiological pathways.

Research interests include: plant defense signaling, volatile organic compound (VOC) dynamics, plant-microbe-insect interactions, and the ecological consequences of plant responses to biotic/abiotic stressors. His studies often integrate molecular biology, biochemistry, and ecological field observations.

Key research trends from his publications show focus on: (1) Herbivore-induced plant volatiles' ecological roles, (2) Enzymatic conversion of VOCs in Arabidopsis, (3) Leaf size's role in volatile emission patterns, and (4) Fungal-insect-plant symbiotic systems. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with ecological outcomes, emphasizing plant communication and defense strategies.

Currently based at the Biotic Interactions group, his research contributes to understanding how plants adapt and interact in complex ecosystems. Office: T 017, main building ground floor.