Research set to span five years will examine the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) plant, a common biological model for scientists, to analyse the effect of temperature Photo: Wikipedia

UK University of Edinburgh scientists are planning to undertaken a £6 million ($11.8 million) project, which could potentially lead to the development of climate-resistant crops.  Research set to span five years will examine the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) plant, a common biological model for scientists, to analyse the effect of temperature. Findings may be applicable to other plant species, including crops, to potentially help farmers cope with milder winters, hotter summers and shifting lengths of seasons.

Britain’s average temperature has risen by approximately one degree Celsius in the last century, and scientists predict a further increase within the next few decades. It is feared the change could have a negative impact on crop yields, as well as forests, woodlands, heaths and moors.

Dr Karen Halliday, of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences, noted the key aims of the project. “We're interested in how temperature affects the behaviour of the proteins that control plant growth and development," she explained. “We plan to examine how biopathways cope at different temperatures, and develop a picture of what is happening at a molecular level.”

Dr Halliday acknowledged the importance of potential discoveries for scientists working on crop development. “Our findings may drive crop research projects in the future,” she noted. "I would anticipate that some of the results we get would be directly useful.” However, she also emphasised the focus remained on the studied plants, rather than crops.

Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Councils, experts from the Universities of York, Liverpool and Warwick will collaborate as part of a £30 million UK-wide investment into biological science research.

The teams will use computer modelling and experiments to explore genetics, biochemistry and climate change to understand the potential effects of temperature on plant growth and stability.

Research is planned to begin in late spring next year.
By Rebecca Debens

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