Secondary metabolites of many structural types form the basis of many biological interactions in which plants are involved. Study of secondary metabolism, the interactions in which secondary metabolites serve as mediators or messages, and the evolutionary relationships of organisms in which these interactions occur has been the central focus of research in my laboratory.

We have examined systematic and phylogenetic problems in the genus Acacia for several years and have published revisions of several portions of this large genus (about 250 neotropical species).

Past research has focused on compounds capable of liberating HCN upon hydrolysis - both cyanogenic glycosides and lipids. Although studies have involved a number of plant groups, recent investigations have centered on the genus Acacia (Fabaceae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, and the Passifloraceae and related families, providing a base for resolution of systematic and evolutionary problems as well as biological interactions within the groups.

Representative Publications

D. Seigler, J. E. Ebinger, C. Aupic, G. Aymonin, and C. Loup. 2014. Lectotypification in American Acacia (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae), with clarifications for types at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle. Novon. 23: 98-112.

D. S. Seigler, J. E. Ebinger, P. G. Ribeiro, and L. P. de Queiroz. 2014. Three new species of Senegalia (Fabaceae) from Brazil. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. 8: 61-69.

D. S. Seigler and J. E. Ebinger. 2015. New species of Senegalia (Fabaceae) from South America. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 9(2): 335 – 343.

C. L. Cespedes, L. Lina-Garcia, I. Kubo, J. R. Salazar, A. Ariza-Castolo, J. Alarcon, P. Aqueveque, E. Werner, and D. S. Seigler. 2016. “Calceolaria integrifolia s.l. complex, reduces feeding and growth of Acanthoscelides obtectus, and Epilachna varivestis. A new source of bioactive compounds against dry bean pests.” Industrial Crops and Products. 89 (1): 257-267.

D. S. Seigler, J. E. Ebinger, J. T. Miller, C. W. Riggins, and V. Terra. 2017. Parasenegalia and Pseudosenegalia (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae): New genera of the Mimosoideae. Novon. 25: 180-205.

J. T. Miller, V. Terra, C. W. Riggins, D. S. Seigler, and J. E. Ebinger. 2017. Molecular Phylogenetics of Parasenegalia and Pseudosenegalia (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae). Systematic Botany 42(3): 465-469. 2017.

C. Bahmann, T. Rinas, N. Niemenak, E. Hegmann, B. Bisping, D. Seigler and R. Lieberei. Cacao seed testa controls transport processes in the course of germination and fermentation-like incubation. Submitted

D. S. Seigler, J. E. Ebinger, J. T. Miller, and V. Hollowell Dawson. Nomenclator for American Acacia names. In preparation