Plant reproduction is a vital process that directly impacts the production of seeds and fruits, which are an essential part of the human diet, but are also essential for the continuation of plant species.
In plants, reproduction begins with the development of the flower, which in most species contains both male and female parts. The male part – the anther – produces pollen grains, which have to reach a female part – the stigma – during a process called pollination. The pollen grains are often carried to their destination on the stigma by various pollinators, such as bees.
After landing on the stigma, a pollen grain germinates into pollen tubes that deliver the sperm cells to the flower’s ovary, which contains egg cells. Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell from a pollen tube fuses with the egg cell in the ovary.
This fertilized egg develops into a seed, which – in the case of cereal crops – becomes encased in a grain. The entire grain, including the seed, is what we harvest from wheat and other cereals to produce food, such as bread and pasta.
The production of fruits follows a similar yet distinct pattern. For example, the tomato flower also has both male and female components. Pollen from the anthers needs to be transferred to the stigma, often with the help of insects. After fertilization, the egg within the ovary develops into a seed, but here’s where it differs significantly from wheat: The ovary and the seed inside grow into a tomato fruit.
Extreme weather phenomena such as heat waves can disrupt plant reproduction, particularly during the critical stages of pollen and egg development. In wheat fields, high temperatures might cause pollen to become unviable, preventing it from fertilizing the eggs and leading to fewer grains. Similarly, in tomato plants, excessive heat can impair both the growth of pollen tubes and the viability of eggs. This disruption results in crop losses.
RECROP, a visionary COST Action consortium stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Bringing together a diverse array of experts, from molecular biologists to agronomists, RECROP is pioneering an integrative approach of cutting-edge research to enhance crop resilience in the face of climate change. By facilitating the interaction and coordination among partners, the consortium seeks to decode the complex interactions between plants and their environment, focusing on the most vulnerable stage of plant life: reproduction.
Imagine a future where, despite the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, every person on Earth has access to adequate and nutritious food. In this envisioned world, advanced agricultural technologies allow resilient crop varieties to thrive under the harshest climates. Through pioneering research and collaboration, RECROP will play a crucial role in making this vision a reality, by developing innovative solutions that enhance crop resilience and ensure sustainable food systems for future generations.
