Teams of researchers are unearthing prehistoric plant DNA from the Arctic depths with the aim of potentially fortifying modern-day crops against the challenges posed by climate change.
Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, in collaboration with other European scientists, is engaged in examining ancient microbial life from the palaeolithic era, coinciding with a time of similar climatic warming as seen today.
A grant of £500,000 from Horizon Europe, the European Union’s scientific research program, has been extended to the university to support a four-year investigation of old soil samples as part of the Tolerate project.
One of the researchers, Dr Ross Alexander from Heriot-Watt, emphasized the value of these palaeolithic samples – dating back roughly 100,000 to 200,000 years – due to the analogous warming period they represent with our current situation.
The research targets understanding how past flora, soil, and bacteria could play a role in the survival of today’s crops amidst a rapidly shifting global climate.
Dr Alexander pointed out the global concern over drought conditions, commenting on the European Drought Observatory’s findings, which state that nearly half of the EU is on drought warning, with significant reductions in cereal yields in some regions.
The Heriot-Watt research group intends to analyze soil samples taken by the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, aiming to discover if ancient DNA can support contemporary bacteria to bolster plant resilience in drought conditions.
Dr Alexander highlighted the significant part that bacteria play in plant health and their potential in aiding moisture retention and nutritional absorption, key factors in drought resistance.
“We’re going to employ sophisticated growth chambers to test if we can utilize the bacteria to make crops like barley more drought-resistant,” explained Dr Alexander.
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Professor Stephen Euston, a food chemistry specialist at Heriot-Watt, is coordinating with Scottish farmers and landowners for soil sampling. He elaborates on the pressures of climate change, land for housing, and the growing population on agricultural systems in the UK and worldwide.
“Growing food crops like barley on marginal land, currently unsuitable due to drought, could offer considerable economic and social advantages,” he added.
Furthermore, he expressed enthusiasm for the broader applications of molecules produced by these bacteria, including potential uses in medicine and industrial cleaning. Accessing these ancient samples might reveal untapped biological resources to enhance both present and future conditions locally in Scotland and globally.
FAQ
What is the main goal of the Tolerate project?
The primary objective is to investigate whether historical plant DNA can help make modern-day crops more resilient to climate change, particularly to drought conditions.
Who is conducting the research for the Tolerate project?
Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, along with other European scientists, are leading this research.
How is ancient DNA expected to help modern crops?
The researchers hope that microbes from the palaeolithic period might hold the key to helping present-day bacteria support plant health, particularly in retaining moisture and improving nutrient uptake.
What crops are being focused on in this research?
While the research might extend to various crops, barley—a significant crop in Scotland—is one of the main crops being tested for drought resistance.
Conclusion
The innovative Tolerate project spearheaded by researchers at Heriot-Watt University holds promise for sustainable agriculture amidst climate change. By drawing on the resilience of prehistoric plant DNA, this groundbreaking research could pave the way for more resilient crops and more robust agricultural practices in the future. Such initiatives are key to addressing the pressing concerns of climate change and global food security, ensuring that we are better equipped to nourish a growing population on a warming planet.