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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
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/08/2023