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.

• dr. D. (Dorota) Kawa

• prof. Hannah Schneider - IPK Gatersleben Germany
• dr. Victoria Mironova - Radboud University
• prof. Jian Xu - Radboud University

Many crops, such as tomato, have a root cell layer that strengthens the roots and protects against from drought and flooding. The researchers will use molecular tools to study how the strengthening of this layer is controlled on genetic level. This knowledge can be used for breeding more tolerant crops.

• dr. L. (Leonardo) Jo
• R.M.C. (Rianne) Kluck MSc

To support the global population growth, we need a massive increase in world food production. One possibility would be to grow food crops at higher densities, but this requires optimization of plant response to those high densities. Neighboring plants are able to perceive each other through touch. We discovered that the touch response in plants depend on the trichome cells located on the leaf surface. These cells initiate a calcium wave that travels from the leaf tip all the way to the petiole, and that this response provides the plants with a competitive advantage.

• dr. C. (Chrysoula) Pantazopoulou

Understanding plant development and responses to the environment is key for improving crop yields and ensuring food and fuel for the future. In the face of environmental stresses, plant development changes in order for the plant to acclimate and survive these challenges. Abiotic stresses, such as drought, affect root development drastically and certain species have evolved adaptations that make them more tolerant. One of these adaptations is the exodermis, a water- and air-proofed cell layer in the root that protects it from drying and drowning. In this project we aim to investigate exodermis development and responses to drought using tomato (S. lycopersicum) as our model species.

• dr. M.A. (Mariana) Silva Artur