Speaker: Dr. Shawana Tabassum Plants encounter different types of biotic (such as attacks by microbes, herbivores, invasive plants, and pests) and abiotic stresses (including drought, floods, salinity, extreme temperatures, and nutrient deficiencies) throughout their lifecycle. These environmental stresses lead to time-dependent changes in biochemicals, which circulate through the xylem and phloem, vary progressively, and can act as early indicators of plant stress. Key signal molecules produced in response to environmental stresses include both non-volatile phytohormones and volatile organic compounds. Therefore, accurate and timely measurement of these biomolecules would help producers and scientists diagnose crop stresses early, before visible symptoms appear, and optimize resources to minimize stress-induced growth and yield declines. This talk will focus on measuring these plant stress signals early with in-situ sensors.
