Climate change could worsen the frequency and severity of droughts. To help farmers adapt, Prof. Siobhan Brady is exploring how the biopolymer suberin can help roots combat drought. View Halo Profile >>
Tell us about your research.
My group studies how individual cells within plant roots respond to the environment for potentially adaptive outcomes. In this project, we are exploring how a biopolymer called suberin can influence drought tolerance.
In this project, we are exploring how a biopolymer called suberin can influence drought tolerance.
Can you explain that to a non-scientist?
We want plants to make roots that are better able to combat drought.
Why did you choose this area of research?
Roots are beautiful and are often overlooked due to their presence underground. Plant roots have evolved so many simple and elegant ways to interact with a harsh environment. I love seeing all the different solutions that they have generated and seeing if there are ways that we can harness this to enable more sustainable agriculture.
Roots are beautiful and are often overlooked due to their presence underground.
How could your Grants4Ag project someday impact #healthforall #hungerfornone?
Drought tolerance!