Dr. Rita Verbylaitė

ORCiD iD: 0000-0002-0587-1599
Tel. +370 682 35 987
E-mail: rita.verbylaite@lammc.lt
Liepų St. 1, Girionys, LT-53101 Kaunas distr., Lithuania

Education  

2004–2005 MSc in Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources, Birmingham University, Birmingham, United Kingdom

2003–2006 Master in Genetics, Vilnius University, Lithuania

1999–2003 BC in Ecological Biology, Vilnius University, Lithuania

Academic degrees and pedagogical titles

2015 PhD in Biomedical Sciences in Ecology and Environmental Research, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, PhD Thesis “European aspen (Populus tremula L.) in Lithuania: genetic diversity of plus trees and populations, assessed using molecular markers”.

Research fields

• Molecular research of plants
• Genetics of forest trees
• Ecological genetics
• Conservation Genetics

Professional experience

Since 2018 Researcher, Department of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Institute of Forestry, LAMMC.

2015–2018 Junior researcher, Department of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Institute of Forestry, LAMMC.

2005–2006 Junior researcher, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Lithuanian Forest Research Institute.

2002–2004 Laboratory assistant, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Lithuanian Forest Research Institute.

Memberships and affiliations with professional organizations

• Member of Lithuanian Biotechnology Association
• Member of Lithuanian Scientific Society
• Member of Society of Lithuanian Foresters

In-service training

• September 16 – October 19, 2021 “Setting the baseline for genetic monitoring for Alnus glutinosa” at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
• September 7–10, 2021 “Introduction to species distribution modelling” held on-line, organized by COST action CA18201 “An integrated approach to conservation of threatened plants for the 21st Century (ConservePlants)”.
• January 20–22, 2020 “Genomic Tools for Conservation: A Practitioner's Guide” COST action CA18134 “Genomic biodiversity knowledge for resilient ecosystems” Training course. University of Malta, Malta.
• November 4–29, 2019 “Phenotypic traits analysis of Fraxinus excelsior clones“. University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
• May 6 – June 14, 2019 “Competence improvement in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on the subject of forest genetic monitoring research”. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
• January 8, 2016 Intense training course “Scientific writing” at Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Noreikiškės, Lithuania.
• December 14–16, 2011 Seminar “Lab water products training”. Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France.
• July 8, 2008 At ES structural funds and Ministry of Education and Science of Republic of Lithuania co-financed theoretical training cycle has completed these courses: “Introduction to Proteomics”, “Research of Prokaryotes Proteome”, “Future Prospects of Proteomics Research in Biotechnology and Clinics”. Project No. BPD2004-ESF-2.5.0-03-05/0089 “Human resources development in proteomics”, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania.
• July 10 – August 26, 2007 At ESF project No. ESF/2004/2.5.0-K02-VS-06/Sut-158 “Human Resources Development in Agricultural and Forest Biotechnology Research”, financed by EU Social Funds and State budget of Republic of Lithuania under 2004-2006 Single Programming Document 2 Priority “Human Resources Development” Measure 5 “Human Resources Development in Scientific Research and Innovation” has completed these training courses: LMI-2. Laboratory practice “Forest genetic diversity assessment and specific gene identification, using molecular markers”; LMI-5. Theoretical – practical training course “Application of In vitro technology for micro-propagation of fast growing trees: selection of genotypes and their genetic structure evaluation using RAPD method”.
• October 23 – December 18, 2006 At ESF project No. ESF/2004/2.5.0-K02-VS-05/SUT-159 “Highest Cycle Study - MScs and PhDs – Training at Agricultural and Forest Biotechnology Research” financed by EU Social Funds and State budget of Republic of Lithuania under 2004–2006 Single Programming Document 2 Priority “Human Resources Development” Measure 5 “Human Resources Development in Scientific Research and Innovation” has completed these training courses: LMI-6. Presentation of Forest Trees Genetic Objects Training Network; MF-3. Molecular Genetics and Genetic Modification of Forest Trees; MF-4. Internet web-learning page “Forest Tree Genetics and Biotechnology”; LMI-3. Model Tree (Populus tremuloides x Populus tremula) tissue culture and genetic transformation, using Agrobacterium; MF-5. The Role of Molecular Genetics in Forest Tree genetic Research.
• September 14, 2006 Seminar “Bi-dimensional electrophoresis in proteomics”. UAB “Grida LAB” and “GE Healthcare”. Vilnius, Lithuania.
• August 1–30, 2006 STSM (Short Term Scientific Mission) at Ghent University, Belgium.
• April 11, 2006 Applied Biosystems High Profile Seminar. Vilnius, Lithuania.
• June 1 – July 30, 2004 Lithuanian-Norwegian Network of Master Programmes in Environmental Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway; Telemark University College, Bo, Norway; Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania; Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
• September 16–27, 2002 “Genomic Approaches to Forest Tree Stress Tolerance – GENEFORSTRESS”, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Greece.

Involvement in programmes and projects

• 2021–2024 Project funded by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania “Evaluation of European and Manchurian ash susceptibility to Hymenoscypus fraxineus, fungus that causes ash dieback, in Lithuania”, leader. 
• Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry and technology transfer activities”, team member.
• 2020–2022 “Preparation of aspen seed plantation project by identifying the sex of aspen plus trees and establishing the optimal scheme for crossbreeding”, leader.
• 2020–2022 PostDoc project “Adaptation potential of Alnus glutinosa in future forests under climate change: genetic monitoring in natural distribution extremes (ALNUSGENMON)”, supervised by Filippos A. Aravanopoulos.
•  
• 2019–2023 COST Action CA18201 “An integrated approach to conservation of threatened plants for the 21st Century”, Lithuanian representative, management committee member.
• 2019 International scientific project “Ash-Adapt – Evolutionary potential of natural Fraxinus excelsior populations challenged by novel pests and pathogens”, leader of Lithuanian team.
• 2019–2021 “Creation of forest genetic monitoring methodology for Scots pine, Norway spruce, Common oak and Silver birch in Lithuania”, member of project work group.
• 2016–2018 “Response and plasticity of different tree species & juvenile-stage forest communities under impact of climate change and other environmental stressors (MIŠKOEKOKAITA)”. National Research Programmes Sustainability of agro-, forest and water ecosystems project funded by Research Council of Lithuania, member of project work group.
• 2007–2011 “Estimation of genetic structure in fast growing trees, development of new genotypes and assessment of tolerance to the stress factors using biotechnological methods” Lithuanian Forest Research Institute project, financed by Lithuanian government, member of project work group.
• 2007–2008 “Study of genetic polymorphism of Populus tremula plus trees and identification of molecular markers for resistance to stem rot”. 2007–2008, project funded by Ministry of Environment of Republic of Lithuania, member of project work group.
• 2006–2007 “Establishment of Interactive Plant Biotechnology centre”, Project No. BPD2004-ESF-2.5.0-03-05/0045, financed by Lithuanian 2004–2005 Single Programming Document measure „Human Resources Development in Scientific Research and Innovation“, observer.
• 2001–2006 COST action No. E28: “GENOSILVA: European Forest Genomics Network”, member of Lithuanian work group.
• 2001–2006 “The establishment of theoretical and methodological bases for identification of genetic polymorphism and assessment of embryogenic potency of forest trees in vitro” Lithuanian Forest Research Institute project, financed by Lithuanian government, member of project work group.

Awards

• October 7, 2021 Acknowledgment of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry.
• September 19, 2016 Acknowledgment of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry.
• November 5, 2015 Lithuanian Academy of Sciences award for the best presentation at IV conference “The Young Scientists for Advance of Agriculture”. Presentation “European aspen (Populus tremula) in Lithuania: Genetic diversity of plus trees and populations, assessed using molecular markers”.

MAJOR RESEARCH OUTPUTS

Articles in journals indexed in Clarivate Analytics Web of Science database

1. Verbylaitė R., Aravanopoulos F. A., Baliuckas V., Juškauskaitė A. 2023. Genetic monitoring of Alnus glutinosa natural populations using two generation cohorts. Forests, 14 (2): 330. IF – 3,282
2. Verbylaitė R., Pliūra A., Lygis V., Suchockas V., Jankauskienė J., Labokas 2023. Genetic diversity of five broadleaved tree species and its spatial distribution in self-regenerating stands. Forests, 14 (2): 281.  IF – 3,282
3. Pliūra A., Bajerkevičienė G., Labokas J., Lygis V., Jankauskienė J., Suchockas V., Verbylaitė R. 2020. The effects of different combinations of simulated climate change-related stressors on juveniles of seven forest tree species grown as mono-species and mixed cultures. Baltic Forestry, 26 (1): 326. IF – 0,732
   
4. Pliūra A., Jankauskienė J., Bajerkevičienė G., Lygis V., Suchockas V., Labokas J., Verbylaitė R. 2019. Response of juveniles of seven forest tree species and their populations to different combinations of simulated climate change-related stressors: spring-frost, heat, drought, increased UV radiation and ozone concentration under elevated CO₂ level. Journal of Plant Research, 132 (6): 789–811. IF – 2,185
5. Pliura A., Jankauskienė J., Lygis V., Suchockas V., Bajerkeviciene G., Verbylaite R. 2018. Response of juvenile progeny of seven forest tree species and their populations to simulated climate change-related stressors, heat, elevated humidity and drought. iForest – Biogeosciences and Forestry, 11: 374–388. IF – 1,419
6. Suchockas V., Pliūra A., Labokas J., Lygis V., Dobrowolska D., Jankauskienė J., Verbylaitė R. 2018. Evaluation of early stage regeneration of forest communities following natural and human-caused disturbances in the transitional zone between temperate and hemiboreal forests. Baltic Forestry, 24 (1): 131–147. IF – 0,754
7. Verbylaitė R., Pliūra A.,Lygis V., Suchockas V., Jankauskienė J., Labokas J. 2017. Genetic diversity and its spatial distribution in self-regenerating Norway spruce and Scots pine stands. Forests, 8 (12): 470. IF – 1,956
8. Verbylaitė R., Beišys P., Rimas V., Kuusienė S. 2010. Comparison of ten DNA extraction protocols from wood of European aspen (Populus tremula). Baltic Forestry, 16 (1): 35–42. IF – 0,200

Other peer-reviewed publications

1. Fišer Ž., Aronne G., Aavik T., Akin M., Alizoti P., Aravanopoulos F., Bacchetta G., Balant M., Ballian D., Barazani O., Bellia AF., Bernhardt N., Bou Dagher Kharrat M., Bugeja Douglas A., Burkart M., Ćalić D., Carapeto A., Carlsen T., Castro S., Colling G., Cursach J., Cvetanoska S., Cvetkoska C., Ćušterevska R., Daco L., Danova K., Dervishi A., Djukanović G., Dragićević S., Ensslin A., Evju M., Fenu G., Francisco A., Gallego PP., Galloni M., Ganea A., Gemeinholzer B., Glasnović P., Godefroid S., Goul Thomsen M., Halassy M., Helm A., Hyvärinen M., Joshi J., Kazić A., Kiehn M., Klisz M., Kool A., Koprowski M., Kövendi-Jakó A., Kříž K., Kropf M., Kull T., Lanfranco S., Lazarević P., Lazarević M., Lebel Vine M., Liepina L., Loureiro J., Lukminė D., Machon N., Meade C., Metzing D., Milanović Đ., Navarro L., Orlović S., Panis B., Pankova H., Parpan T., Pašek O., Peci D., Petanidou T., Plenk K., Puchałka R., Radosavljević I., Rankou H., Rašomavičius V., Romanciuc G., Ruotsalainen A., Šajna N., Salaj T., Sánchez-Romero C., Sarginci M., Schäfer D., Seberg O., Sharrock S., Šibík J., Šibíková M., Skarpaas O., Stanković Neđić M., Stojnic S., Surina B., Szitár K., Teofilovski A., Thoroddsen R., Tsvetkov I., Uogintas D., Van Meerbeek K., van Rooijen N., Vassiliou L., Verbylaitė R., Vergeer P., Vít P., Walczak M., Widmer A., Wiland-Szymańska J., Zdunić G., Zippel E. 2021. ConservePlants: an integrated approach to conservation of threatened plants for the 21st Century. Research Ideas and Outcomes, 7: e62810.
2. Gotoveckienė E., Kuusienė S., Verbylaitė R. 2019. Hibridinės drebulės palikuonių lyties identifikavimas naudojant APPD žymenis, sukibusius su spėjamu lyties determinacijos lokusu Salicaceae šeimos augaluose. Miškininkystė, 1 (83): 27–35.
3. Černulienė S., Stakėnas V., Verbylaitė R. 2017. Sėklinių ir vegetatyvinių palikuonių paplitimas baltažiedės robinijos (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) sąžalynuose. Miškininkystė, 1 (81): 30–36.
4. Verbylaitė R., Baliuckas V., Kuusienė S. 2015. European aspen (Populus tremula) genetic diversity assessed by molecular methods correlation with P. tremulae infection incidence. Biologija, 61 (3-4): 130–144.
5. Bareika V., Ozolinčius R., Verbylaitė R. 2007. Karpotojo (Betula pendula) ir plaukuotojo (Betula pubescens EHRH) beržų fenotipiniai skirtumai ir APPD lokusų polimorfizmas. Miškininkystė, 2 (62): 27–42.
6. Verbylaitė R., Ford-Lloyd B., Newbury J. 2006. The phylogeny of woody Maloideae (Rosaceae) using chloroplast trnL-trnF sequence data. Biologija, 1: 60–63.
7. Žvingila D., Verbylaitė R., Baliuckas V., Pliūra A., Kuusienė S. 2006. Genetic diversity (RAPD) in natural Lithuanian populations of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Biologija, 3: 46–53.
8. Žvingila D., Verbylaitė R., Abraitis R., Kuusienė S., Ozolinčius R. 2002. An assessment of genetic diversity in plus tree clones of Pinus sylvestris using RAPD markers. Baltic Forestry, 8. No. 2 (15): 2–7.

Other publications

1. Verbylaitė R. 2008. Genetic diversity assessment of selected European Aspen (Populus tremula) trees in Lithuania using RAPD markers. [Rinktinių drebulės (Populus tremula L.) medžių genetinės įvairovės įvertinimas naudojant APPD žymenis]. 2008. Tarptautinės konferencijos “Klimato kaita ir miškų ekosistemos”, spalio 22–23 (Vilnius, Lithuania) leidinyje.
2. Vitas A., Žeimavičius K., Kuusienė S., Verbylaitė R., Šabūnaitė J. 2008. Sidabrakrūmių veislių genetinio polimorfizmo tyrimai AAPD metodu. Dekoratyviųjų ir sodo augalų sortimento technologijų ir aplinkos optimizavimo respublikinės mokslinės konferencijos straipsnių rinkinyje, p. 92–96.

Popular press articles

1. Verbylaitė R., Baliuckas V., Aravanopoulos F. A. 2022. Lietuvoje kuriama juodalksnio genetinio monitoringo sistema. Mūsų girios, p. 12–13.
2. Pliūra A., Suchockas V., Verbylaitė R. 2018. Siekiant suvaldyti klimato kaitos poveikį miškams [To manage the impact of climate change on forests]. Mūsų girios, 3: 10–13; 4: 14–15.
3. Verbylaitė R., Baliuckas V., Bakys R. 2017. Europinė miškų genetinio monitoringo sistema. Mūsų girios, 6: 8–9.