As climate change brings warmer temperatures, scientists say we can expect an increase in the intensity of diseases facing crops. And, with an ever-growing and hungry population, our crops will need to rise to this challenge. As scientists find ways to grow more resilient crops, their findings can also lead to drug development for humans.
The Scientist in Every Florida School team has partnered with the Song Lab in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ department of plant pathology on a four-year National Science Foundation grant-funded project to improve disease resistance in crops.
As part of the outreach portion of the project, SEFS is hosting a series of four professional development programs for Florida teachers where they will run active experiments relating to improving the rice immune system. Teachers will also work with scientists to develop lesson plans that help students better understand issues surrounding agriculture and food security.