Newcastle University

Qualifications

University of Groningen, the Netherlands:
1974 Bachelors degree pharmaceutics
1977 Bachelors degree biology
1982 MSc biology: Population genetics and plant physiology
1988 PhD: Faculty of Natural Sciences, title: “Natural selection in Plantago species: a genetical analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability”

Previous Positions

2002 – now Reader in Evolutionary Genetics at University of Newcastle
1999 – 2002 Lecturer at the University of Newcastle
1998 - now Honorary Lecturer at the University of St Andrews
1998 - 1999 Associate Professor at the Dept. of Botany, Univ. Neuchâtel, Switzerland
1995 - 1998 Teaching and Research Fellow at the Univ. of St Andrews, Scotland
1991 - 1995 Research Associate University of Leiden, the Netherlands
1990 Research Associate, Population genetics group University of Groningen
1988 - 1989 Science Fellowship of NWO, Prof. Schaal, Washington Univ., St. Louis, USA
1983 - 1987 Science Fellowship (PhD) NWO (BION)
1977 - 1982 Demonstrator practical courses (total 9) Population Genetics, Plant Physiology

Memberships

Genetics Society
British Ecological Society
Botanical Society of the British Isles

Languages

Dutch is my mother tongue
Fluent in English, fair in German and French

Informal Interests

Gardening
Choir singing
Walking

Research Interests

I have a broad research interest in molecular evolution and molecular ecology.
- What is the origin of genetic variation in populations and how is genetic variation in populations maintained?
- How do different genomes and parts of the DNA evolve in plants?
- What influences population structure in general?
- What is the influence of natural selection and gene flow on populations and species relationships in the genus Plantago?

Other Expertise

The use of molecular tools for individuals identification in wild species as well as in cultivated species.

Current Work

Microsatellite markers and evolutionary and ecophysiological studies in Plantago major L. and Plantago intermedia Gilib. (NERC funded). In this project we developed 30 primers that amplify highly polymorphic and codominant microsatellite markers in two closely related taxa, Plantago major L. and P. intermedia Gilib. These markers are now available to tackle many interesting problems in future projects

Current work concentrates in determining genetic variation in lime tree, Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos and on working with gynodioecy in Plantago.

Visit the Green fingers lab!

Future Research

- Evolution of microsatellites in plants
- Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear restorer gene evolution in relation to male sterility and the plant 'immune system' in Plantago
- Ecotypes and QTL mapping in Plantago

Research Roles

I am responsible for supervising and training PhD students in population genetics and molecular ecology.

Esteem Indicators

Peer Review College NERC (2008 - 2011)
NERC standard grant panel (2008 - 2011)
Member of the steering committee of NERC’s molecular facilities in Sheffield (2002 - 2007)
Expert evaluator EU proposals, Brussels
Member of the Visiting Group of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on invitation of Scottish Office (SEERAD)
Member of Scientific Board and panel of Norwegian Research Council (2007 - 2009)
Member of Scientific Board of SEERAD, reviewing grant proposals

Funding

Recent funding:

EU Marie Curie Training Site Fellowship "Molecular Tools in Evolutionary and Ecological Research, MOTIVE", PI and co-ordinator

NERC with Prof. Marion Petrie (PI): "Maternal, paternal and genetic compatibility effects on fertility and offspring growth and sex in peafowl (Pavo cristatus)"

Industrial Relevance

Director and co-founder of Bioprofiles Ltd., a biotech company that delivers a service of DNA fingerprinting of plants for a variety of purposes, such as tree root identification and cultivar identification.

For further information: click on Bioprofiles

Projects

• Evolution and Population Genetics in the Genus Tilia
  Project Leader(s): Prattana Phuekvilai

Undergraduate Teaching

BIO1005 Evolution (Module Leader)
BIO1010 Biology in Action
BIO2008 Evolutionary and Population Genetics (Module Leader)
BIO3012 Conservation Biology Issues
Honours projects 

Postgraduate Teaching

BIO8016 Genetically Modified Organisms
BIO8002 Conservation Biology Issues

Administrative duties

Chair Board of Examiners MSc degrees
Webmaster School of Biology 

• Lagisz M, Port G, Wolff K. Living in a jar: genetic variation and differentiation among laboratory strains of the red flour beetle. Journal of Applied Entomology 2011, 135(9), 682-692.
• Kopp KC, Wolff K, Jokela J. Natural range expansion and human-assisted introduction leave different genetic signatures in a hermaphroditic freshwater snail. Evolutionary Ecology 2011, (epub ahead of print).
• Lagisz M, Port G, Wolff K. A cost-effective, simple and high-throughput method for DNA extraction from insects. Insect Science 2010, 17(5), 465-470.
• Lagisz M, Wolff K, Sanderson RA, Laskowski R. Genetic population structure of the ground beetle, Pterostichus oblongopunctatus, inhabiting a fragmented and polluted landscape: evidence for sex-biased dispersal. Journal of Insect Science 2010, 10, 105.
• Lagisz M, Wilde KE, Wolff K. The development of PCR-based markers for molecular sex identification in the model insect species Tribolium castaneum. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 2010, 134(1), 50-59.
• Lagisz M, Wolff K, Port G. Time matters: delayed toxicity of pirimiphos-methyl on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and its effects on efficacy estimation of residual treatments. Journal of Stored Products Research 2010, 46(3), 161-165.
• Holzhauer SIJ, Wolff K, Wolters V. Changes in land use and habitat availability affect the population genetic structure of Metrioptera roeselii (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). Journal of Insect Conservation 2009, 13(5), 543-552.
• Simeoni M, Dawson DA, Gentle LK, Coiffait L, Wolff K, Evans KL, Gaston KJ, Hatchwell BJ. Characterization of 38 microsatellite loci in the European blackbird, Turdus merula (Turdidae, AVES). Molecular Ecology Resources 2009, 9(6), 1520-1526.
• Wolff K, Houston K, Dunbar-Co S. Cross-species amplification of primers developed from Plantago major and P-intermedia in two Hawaiian Plantago species from the section Plantago. Molecular Ecology Resources 2009, 9(3), 981-984.
• Robson MA, Thomason JC, Wolff K. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci markers for the barnacle Balanus amphitrite (syn. Amphibalanus amphitrite) Darwin 1854. Molecular Ecology Resources 2009, 9(1), 368-369.
• Houston K, Wolff K. Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for Rhinanthus minor. Molecular Ecology Resources 2009, 9(1), 174-176.
• Wolff K, Knees S, Cubey S. Genetic relatedness and cultivar identification in a valuable garden species, Hesperantha coccinea (Schizostylis coccinea). Plant Genetic Resources 2009, 7(3), 281-290.
• Hale ML, Verduijn MH, Moller AP, Wolff K, Petrie M. Is the peacock's train an honest signal of genetic quality at the major histocompatibility complex?. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 2009, 22(6), 1284-1294.
• Robson MA, Williams D, Wolff K, Thomason JC. The effect of surface colour on the adhesion strength of Elminius modestus Darwin on a commercial non-biocidal antifouling coating at two locations in the UK. Biofouling 2009, 25(3), 215-227.
• Wilk T, Cichoń M, Wolff K. Lack of evidence for improved immune response of extra-pair nestlings in collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis. Journal of Avian Biology 2008, 39(5), 546-552.
• Garnier S, Verduijn M, Preuss S, Wolff K, Stone GN. Polymorphic microsatellite loci and interspecific cross-amplification in the parasitoid wasps Megastigmus stigmatizans and Megastigmus dorsalis. Molecular Ecology Resources 2008, 8(2), 421-424.
• El-Bakatoushi R, Richards AJ, Wolff K. Introgression between PLantago major L. subspecies major and subspecies intermedia (Gilib.) Lange in a British population. Watsonia 2007, 26, 373-379.
• Perini D, Meloni M, Wolff K, Binelli G. Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in Primula glaucescens Moretti and their cross-species amplification in P. spectabilis Tratt. Conservation Genetics 2007, 8(5), 1263-1266.
• Coiffait L, Bevan RM, Newton J, Redfern CPF, Wolff K. Elucidating the movements of migratory birds through the combined use of stable isotope ‘signatures’ and DNA markers. In: Boere, G.C.; Galbraith, C.A.; Stroud, D.A., ed. Waterbirds Around the World. Edinburgh: The Stationery Office, 2006, pp. 506-507.
• Gondek A, Verduijn M, Wolff K. Polymorphic microsatellite markers for endangered spotted suslik, Spermophilus suslicus. Molecular Ecology Notes 2006, 6(2), 359-361.
• Nilsson E, Gyllenstrand N, Wolff K. Six polymorphic microsatellite markers for Plantago maritima. Molecular Ecology Notes 2006, 6(4), 1093-1095.
• Weising K, Nybom H, Wolff K, Kahl G. DNA fingerprinting in plants: principles, methods, and applications. Boca Raton:Taylor & Francis Group,2005.
• Hale ML, Borland AM, Wolff K. High degree of conservation of nuclear microsatellite loci in the genus Clusia. Genome 2005, 48(5), 946-950.
• Mira S, Wolff K, Cancela ML. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus). Molecular Ecology Notes 2005, 5(3), 493-495.
• Maurer G, Hale ML, Verduijn MH, Wolff K. Polymorphic microsatellite loci in pheasant coucal (Centropus phasianinus). Molecular Ecology Notes 2005, 5(2), 337-339.
• Holzhauer SIJ, Wolff K. Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the bush-cricket Metrioptera roeseli. Molecular Ecology Notes 2005, 5(3), 502-503.
• Hale ML, Borland AM, Gustafsson MHG, Wolff K. Causes of Size Homoplasy Among Chloroplast Microsatellites in Closely Related Clusia Species. Journal of Molecular Evolution 2004, 58(2), 182- 190.
• Korbecka G, Wolff K. Characterization of nine microsatellite loci in Cynoglossum officinale (Boraginaceae). Molecular Ecology Notes 2004, 4(2), 229-230.
• Lagisz M, Wolff K. Microsatellite DNA markers for the ground beetle Pterostichus oblongopunctatus F.. Molecular Ecology Notes 2004, 4(1), 113-115.
• Hale ML, Lurz PWW, Wolff K. Patterns of genetic diversity in the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L.): Footprints of biogeographic history and artificial introductions. Conservation Genetics 2004, 5(2), 167-179.
• Hale ML, Lurz PWW, Wolff K. Patterns of genetic diversity in the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L.): Footprints of biogeographic history and artificial introductions. Conservation Genetics 2004, 5(2), 167-179.
• Hale ML, Petrie M, Wolff K. Polymorphic microsatellite loci in peafowl (Pavo cristatus). Molecular Ecology Notes 2004, 4(3), 528-530.
• Davison AW, Neufeld HS, Chappelka AH, Wolff K, Finkelstein PL. Interpreting spatial variation in ozone symptoms shown by cutleaf cone flower, Rudbeckia laciniata L. Environmental Pollution 2003, 125(1), 61- 70.
• Hale ML, Wolff K. Polymorphic microsatellite loci in Plantago lanceolata. Molecular Ecology Notes 2003, 3(1), 134-135.
• Hale ML, Squirrell J, Borland AM, Wolff K. Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the genus Clusia (Clusiaceae). Molecular Ecology Notes 2002, 2(4), 506-508.
• Wolf K. Visual ecology: Coloured fruit is what the eye sees best. Current Biology 2002, 12(7), R253-R255.
• Hale ML, Lurz PWW, Shirley MDF, Rushton S, Fuller RM, Wolff K. Impact of Landscape Management on the Genetic Structure of Red Squirrel Populations. Science 2001, 293(5538), 2246-2248.
• Squirrell J, Wolff K. Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Plantago major and P. intermedia. Molecular Ecology Notes 2001, 1(3), 179-181.
• Hale ML, Bevan R, Wolff K. New polymorphic microsatellite markers for the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and their applicability to the grey squirrel (S. carolinensis). Molecular Ecology Notes 2001, 1(1-2), 47-49.
• Lesur C, Boury S, Weising K, Kahl G, Wolff K, Becher A, Peltier D. Comparison of seven molecular techniques for Pelargonium cultivar identification. Acta Horticulturae 2000, 508, 297-300.
• Becher SA, Steinmetz K, Weising K, Boury S, Peltier D, Renou J-P, Kahl G, Wolff K. Microsatellites for cultivar identification in Pelargonium. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 2000, 101(4), 643-651.
• Abbott RJ, Smith LC, Milne RI, Crawford RMM, Wolff K, Balfour J. Molecular analysis of plant migration and refugia in the Arctic. Science 2000, 289(5483), 1343-1346.
• Wolff K, Morgan-Richards M, Davison AW. Patterns of molecular genetic variation in Plantago major and P. intermedia in relation to ozone resistance. New Phytologist 2000, 145(3), 501-509.
• Morgan-Richards M, Wolff K. Genetic structure and differentiation of Plantago major reveals a pair of sympatric sister species. Molecular Ecology 1999, 8(6), 1027-1036.
• Milne, R.I.M., R.J. Abbott, K. Wolff, D.F. Chamberlain. Hybridization among sympatric species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) in Turkey: morphological and molecular evidence.. Amer. J. Bot. 1999, (86), 1776-1785.
• Wolff, K., Morgan-Richards, M. The use of RAPD data in the analysis of population genetic structure: case studies of Alkanna (Boraginaceae) and Plantago (Plantaginaceae).. In: P. Hollingsworth, R. Bateman & R. Gornall, ed. Molecular systematics and plant evolution. London: Taylor & Francis, 1999, pp. 51 - 73.
• Wolff, K., M. Morgan-Richards. RAPD markers distinguish Plantago major subspecies.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1998, 96, 282-286.
• Schoen, E.D. and K. Wolff. Design and analysis of a fractional 413125 split-plot experiment.. J. Appl. Stat. 1997, 24, 409 – 419.
• Todd,C.D., A.M. Walker, K.Wolff, S.J. Northcott, A.F. Walker, M.G. Ritchie, R. Hoskins, R.J. Abbott and N. Hazon. Genetic differentiation of populations of the copepod sea louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer) ectoparasitic on wild and farmed salmonids around the coasts of Scotland: evidence from RAPD markers.. J. Exp. Marine Biol. And Ecol. 1997, 210, 251-274.
• Wolff, K., El-Akkad, S., Abbott, R.J. Population structure in Alkanna orientalis L. Boiss. (Boraginaceae) in the Sinai desert, in relation to its pollinator behaviour.. Mol. Ecol. 1997, 6, 365-372.
• Ritchie, M. G., Racey, S. N., Gleason, J. M. & Wolff, K. Variability of the bushcricket Ephippiger ephippiger: Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs and song races.. Heredity 1997, 79, 286 – 294.
• Wolff, K. RAPD analysis of sporting and chimerism in chrysanthemum.. Euphytica 1996, (89), 159-164.
• Weising, K., H. Nybom, K. Wolff and W. Meyer. DNA fingerprinting in plants and fungi.. Boca Raton: CRC Press., 1995.
• De Jager, C.M., R.P.T. Butôt, P.G.L. Klinkhamer,T.J. De Jong, K.Wolff and E. Van Der Meijden. Genetic variation in chrysanthemum for resistance to thrips.. Entomol. Exp. et Applica 1995, 77, 277 - 287.
• Wolff, K., E. Zietkiewicz and J. Peters-Van Rijn. Identification of chrysanthemum cultivars and stability of fingerprint patterns.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1995, 91, 439-447.
• Wolff, K., A.F.M. Nierop and C.M. De Jager. Insect resistance and molecular markers in chrysanthemum analysed with a newly developed regression (WeSel). In: Ninth meeting of the Eucarpia section Biometrics in plant breeding, 6-8 July 1994. 1994, Wageningen.
• Wolff, K., E. Schoen and J.Peters-Van Rijn. Optimizing the generation of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tvelev.).. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1994, 86, 1033-1037.
• Wolff, K., B.A. Schaal and S.H. Rogstad. Population and species variation of minisatellite DNA in Plantago.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1994, 87, 733-740.
• Wolff,K., J. Peters-Van Rijn and H. Hofstra. RFLP analysis in a horticultural species: chrysanthemum.I Probe and primer development.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1994, 88, 472-478.
• Wolff, K. and J. Peters-Van Rijn. Rapid detection of genetic variability in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tvelev.) using random primers.. Heredity 1993, 71, 335-341.
• Van Dijk, H. and K. Wolff. Allozyme variation and genetic structure in Plantago species.. In: Kuiper, P.J.C. and M. Bos, ed. Plantago: a multidisciplinary study. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1992, pp. 184-192.
• Wolff, K. and B.A. Schaal. Chloroplast DNA variation within and among five Plantago species. .. J. Evol. Biol 1992, 5, 325-344.
• Van Delden, W., H. Van Dijk and K. Wolff. The genetics of Plantago species. In: Plantago: a multidisciplinary study. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1992, pp. 295-310.
• Wolff, K. Analysis of allozyme variability in three Plantago species and a comparison to morphological variability.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1991, 81, 119-126.
• Wolff, K. Genetic analysis of morphological variability in three Plantago species with different mating systems.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1991, (81), 111-118.
• Rogstad, S.H., K. Wolff and B.A. Schaal. Geographical variation in Asimina triloba revealed by the M13 “DNA Fingerprinting” probe.. Amer. J. Bot. 1991, 78, 1391-1396.
• Wolff, K. Genetic analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability in Plantago lanceolata L.V Diallel analysis of two natural populations.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1990, 79, 481-488.
• Wolff, K. and J. Haeck. Genetic analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability in Plantago lanceolata L.VI Relation between heterozygosity and some fitness characters.. J. Evol. Biol. 1990, 3, 243-255.
• Wolff, K. and W. Van Delden. 1989. Genetic analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability in Plantago lanceolata L.IV Response and correlated response to bidirectional selection for leaf angle.. Heredity 1989, 62, 153-160.
• Wolff, K. 1988. Genetic analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability in Plantago lanceolata L.III Natural selection in an F2 population.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1988, 75, 772-778.
• Van Dijk, H., K. Wolff and A. de Vries. Genetic variability in Plantago species in relation to their ecology. 3. Genetic structure of populations of P. major, P. lanceolata and P. coronopus.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1988, 75, 518-528.
• Wolff, K. Natural selection in Plantago species: a genetical analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability.. Groningen: University Press, 1988.
• Wolff, K., B. Friso and J.M.M. van Damme. Outcrossing rates and male sterility in natural populations of Plantago coronopus.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1988, 76, 190-196.
• Wolff, K. and W. van Delden. Genetic analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability in Plantago lanceolata L.I Population characteristics.. Heredity 1987, 58, 183-192.
• Wolff, K. Genetic analysis of ecologically relevant morphological variability in Plantago lanceolata L.II Localisation and organisation of quantitative trait loci.. Theor. Appl. Genet. 1987, 73, 903-914.