Harnessing the Potential of RNA: Pioneering a Sustainable Path to Climate-Resilient Crops

Federico Ariel's research project addresses this critical threat to global agricultural productivity and offers a potential solution. His focus on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) will shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental stress, providing a new perspective on addressing this urgent issue. Prof. Ariel aims to develop non-transgenic tools to prime crops, specifically tomato and wheat, to withstand heat extremes and mitigate yield losses. The strategic focus on these crops is due to their global nutritional significance and widespread consumption. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as RNA sequencing and biochemical approaches, the research team seeks to identify and characterize heat-responsive noncoding transcripts in these crops, while also overcoming the challenge of controlled delivery of RNAs using nanotechnology. This innovative approach aims to unravel the RNA-mediated pathways activated in response to heat waves, ultimately enhancing the acclimatization of crops to temperature extremes.

By demonstrating the feasibility of employing lncRNAs as bioactive compounds for the acclimatization of tomato and wheat, this research project not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also offers practical, eco-friendly solutions to enhance stress resilience in crops globally. It aligns with the crucial goal of preserving genomic diversity in local landraces while ensuring sustainable yields in the face of adverse environmental conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding plant responses to stress for sustainable agriculture in a changing climate. The potential impact of this research is far-reaching and promises transformative technological advancements and sustainable agricultural practices for the future.