Open Competition ENW-XS-2023

Effects of pectin methylesterase inhibitor application on the activation of salinity responses in Plants.
Dr. N. (Nora) Gigli Bisceglia (University of Utrecht)
Global warming is causing the sea levels to rise, increasing soil salinity. Salt is detrimental to plants because most cannot survive high salt concentrations. We discovered that by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the modification of plant cell walls, plants tolerate and resist salt exposure. In this XS project, we aim to discover the molecular mechanism behind this regulation and investigate the effects of the inhibitors in salt-treated food crops. The results will form the foundation for a project that foresees the development of salt-tolerant plants increasing food production also in a sustainable manner.