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Other Colchester events

Dying of thirst: How can plants survive extremes?

Please note this event is on the first floor. Over 18s only.
Past event - 2018
14 May Doors 7pm
Event 7.30-9.30pm
Three Wise Monkeys (Middle Floor), 60 High Street ,
Colchester CO1 1DN
Sold Out!
Extreme conditions are on the increase due to climate change. Our crops may struggle under changing environments making it a huge challenge to feed a predicted human population of 9 billion. Hear about the innovative research at the University of Essex to generate crop plants that are able to tolerate such extremes and that take inspiration from fascinating plants already living well beyond the limits in harsh environments.

How long can a plant hold its breath?

Tracy Lawson (Professor)
Plants breathe through pores in their leaves called stomata, but by opening these pores to take in carbon dioxide, they lose water through evaporation. This is problematic during drought, in which stomata close to conserve water at the cost of carbon dioxide uptake, and can lead to reduced crop growth and yield. This is especially a concern for the future, as a changing climate is predicted to bring increased drought for the planet. Tracy will discuss her research exploring how plants breathe and possible ways to optimise this process in the context of improving crop growth.

Life at the extreme: lessons from the desert

Ulrike Bechtold (Lecturer)
Plants can’t run away from extreme heat and drought so they must have an array of tactics to be able to sit these conditions out. Uli will explore some of the amazing ways that plants deal with stress, from bulging cacti that hoard water, to plants that can bring themselves back to life. What can we learn from these strategies to improve the survival of our own crops in ever more extreme climates?
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