Enhancing Climate-Resilient Crops by Innovative Priming Strategies

ongoing

PRIMER addresses the escalating threat of climate change on agriculture, specifically the increasing frequency of heatwaves on food security. PRIMER is a network of 10 beneficiaries and 10 associated partners which aims to enhance the resilience of tomato using innovative priming approaches, including genetic, chemical and physiological interventions. PRIMER will train 12 doctoral candidates through projects that utilize multidisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge technologies to generate improved tomato yields and mitigate losses due to heat. In addition to the scientific training, PRIMER aims to (1) generate a single-cell gene expression atlas to decipher intricate cell- and tissue-specific priming mechanisms; (2) explore the genetic basis of priming by leveraging diverse tomato varieties, offering valuable germplasm for breeding; (3) develop computational models to predict plant responses under diverse heat stress scenarios, optimizing novel priming strategies; (4) pioneer interventions (physiological, chemical, and genetic) to bolster plant thermotolerance and enhance crop resilience. Each objective is addressed through dedicated WPs. PRIMER's approach spans from fundamental research elucidating cellular mechanisms to practical interventions aimed at mitigating the detrimental impacts of heat stress on crop productivity. By integrating state-of-the-art technologies like single-cell analysis, advanced genomics, computational biology, novel chemical priming stimulants and modern genetic approaches, the network bridges the gap between fundamental and applied research. PRIMER training on these techniques will empower the doctoral candidates with hands-on experience, fostering expertise at the forefront of plant stress biology. Moreover, the program emphasizes transferable skills such as interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and leadership, ensuring researchers will address multifaceted challenges in sustainable agriculture.