Plant Stress and Function

Like all other living organisms, plants are subjected to various environmental stresses. This module explores stress physiology and plant response to environmental stresses: temperature, water, salinity, radiation and other stresses. We will explore abiotic stresses; impact of temperature stress on plants ( high and low temperatures: heat, chilling and freezing) and how plants respond to those, impacts of drought, floods & impact of salinity stress on plants, and plants responses, nutrient stresses. We will explore impact of biotic stresses including herbivores, fungi, bacteria and competition among plants. Example case studies and current event will allow us to link issues with the on-going climate change. We will apply both qualitative and quantitative tools to learn impact of environmental stresses on plants. Students will manipulate plant stresses and their respective responses through heating plants and controlling the impact. We will therefore be able to demonstrate a tangible example of heat tolerance, damage and how different plants respond. The course is designed to guide students towards development of a critical attitude, and an understanding of plants stresses and their responses in line with climate change.