Projects
Project
One cell, three barrier fates – How do cereals use root barriers to survive and thrive?
01.06.2025
to 31.05.2031
General project description
Cereal crops, like maize, provide most of the world’s food. However, their production is at risk from climate change, especially droughts. Our project studies how certain cells in maize roots use physical barriers to help the plant survive tough soil conditions linked with drought, such as soil compaction and presence of parasitic plants. We use advanced methods study these barriers and their genes, and test how these affect plant growth in drought. By understanding this, we can breed stronger crops that handle drought better, helping ensure food security.
Role
Project Leader
Funding
NWO grant NWO Open Competition Domain Science XL OCENW.XL.23.072
Project members UU
External project members
- prof. Hannah Schneider - IPK Gatersleben Germany
- dr. Victoria Mironova - Radboud University
- prof. Jian Xu - Radboud University