Durham has a long-standing record of research in the plant sciences, and is currently supported by significant levels of external grant income from UKRI and industry, with world-leading publications.

Areas of particular research strength are: plant responses to environmental (biotic and abiotic) stresses; developmental biology, with a focus on genetic and epigenetic control of gene expression linked to the development of tissues and organ systems; and cell biology with an emphasis on membrane-cytoskeleton interactions and plant cell signalling, including understanding the architecture and regulation of gene-hormone and second messenger signalling systems.

Platforms include:

• Controlled environment plant growth facility
• Automated Petri plate imaging robotic platform

What we do

Our research covers various aspects of plant science, from cellular to the whole organism level. We use a brand-new controlled environment system and root phenotyping technologies to study root system architecture. Using molecular genetics, physiology, and phenotyping approaches, we aim to understand the molecular underpinning of plant stress resilience and translate it into agronomic benefits. Our automated petri plate imaging robotic platform can scan 30 petri plates (12 x 12 cm) at a time over a period, and it can be customized further for different sizes of plates.

Projects

• Unravelling the molecular underpinning of root growth and developmental responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses.

Contact

Prof. Ari Sadanandom, Director of the Durham Centre for Crop Improvement Technology

For further information please go to:Visit website

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