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Project Code [2019-CCRP-PhD.10]

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Project title

Climate smart Ireland: identifying regulators of aerenchyma, the 'snorkel' tissue for survival of waterlogged crops

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Orla Sherwood

Project Abstract

This project will elucidate the molecular events underpinning aerenchyma formation, explore its genetic regulation and forecast the effect of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide on this agriculturally important process. I will use the advanced imaging technologies of computed tomography (CT) scanning to monitor the aerenchyma formation in real time, and determine its localisation without destroying the plant. Subsequently, I will identify cellular, molecular and morphological markers involved in this process. Generation and analysis of RNA sequencing data will identify genes that drive aerenchyma formation. The project will focus on two crops highly relevant to Irish agriculture, barley (susceptible to waterlogging) and ryegrass (relatively waterlogging tolerant). This will ensure that project discoveries are seamlessly transferred into novel crop breeding strategies in Ireland. This research will advance basic and applied science, and contribute to the development of climate smart agricultural strategies for increasing food security in Ireland, Europe, and internationally.

Grant Approved

�96,000.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2023