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. K. (Kaisa) Kajala