Technologies Being Researched to Help Farmers Mitigate Against Climate Change
A European research-led consortium, including the University of Galway and Kerry-based biotech company BioAtlantis, has been established to pioneer technologies to improve crop resilience to drought stress caused by climate change.
EpiSeedLink: A European Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture
EpiSeedLink is a €2.69 million project funded under the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program. Running for four years, the project explores innovative methods to help farmed crops survive prolonged dry spells by harnessing natural processes.
The research consortium includes partners from Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Among them is the Kerry-based biotech company BioAtlantis.
Key Research Strategies
EpiSeedLink employs two primary strategies to tackle drought resistance in crops:
- Understanding the Molecular and Epigenetic Mechanisms behind seed germination and vigor to develop drought-resistant crops.
- Developing Molecular Seed Priming Agents from renewable marine and terrestrial resources, such as seaweed, to improve seed performance under drought conditions.
These innovative approaches will be tested in both laboratory and field trial conditions using model plants like Arabidopsis (a flowering plant from the mustard family), as well as essential crops such as tomato and oilseed rape, two of Europe's major crops.
The Role of Epigenetics in Agriculture
Dr. Sara Farrona explains:
“Our goal is to research the potential for technologies that could help farmers grow crops under climate-related stress conditions, such as drought. Developing sustainable agricultural practices is essential in combating climate change, and EpiSeedLink aims to contribute by advancing both foundational knowledge and practical solutions in agriculture.”
Dr. Farrona highlights the significance of epigenetic mechanisms, which function similarly to a computer's software. While genomes serve as the "hardware" running cells, epigenetic changes act as the software that determines when genes switch on or off in response to environmental conditions, such as drought. These changes do not alter crop DNA sequences but provide adaptive advantages, making crops more resilient.
Three Main Research Areas of EpiSeedLink
The project focuses on:
- Seed Germination: Understanding how epigenetic factors influence the seed-to-seedling transition.
- Stress Adaptation: Studying how plants respond to drought stress.
- Seed Priming: Developing Molecular Seed Priming agents from marine and terrestrial resources, such as seaweed, to improve drought tolerance.
Training the Next Generation of Scientists
As part of EpiSeedLink, BioAtlantis is hosting PhD students, providing training in cutting-edge plant epigenetics research. This initiative aims to equip future plant scientists with innovative tools to enhance crop yields and resilience to climate stress.
Dr. Sujeeth Neerakkal, Head of Plant Research at BioAtlantis Ltd, emphasises:
“EpiSeedLink is a cutting-edge research project focused on modulating the epigenetic code in crops using novel Molecular Priming agents. BioAtlantis plays a key role in developing these agents to improve drought tolerance, enhance growth, and boost crop yields. Our participation in EpiSeedLink demonstrates our ongoing commitment to STEM development and biotechnology in Ireland, while also ensuring sustainable solutions for farmers worldwide.”
PhD students will conduct scientific trials at BioAtlantis’ R&D facilities, working with model plants and crop species such as oilseed rape and tomato, further strengthening Ireland's leadership in biotechnology and agricultural research.
Find Out More
For more details about the EpiSeedLink project, visit: EpiSeedLink Official Website
