Facing Forwards - Understanding epidermal development in cereals

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We aim to understand and exploit variation in epidermal features to future proof cereal crops from accelerating climate changes. To achieve this, we need to define the genes and developmental mechanisms controlling epidermal properties and how these contribute to physiological functions and whole plant performance. This proposal builds on our discovery of a coordinating genetic network controlling epidermal traits linked to plant performance and yield. These genes all promote wax deposition on the cuticle as well as formation and spacing of specialised epidermal cells such as stomata, epidermal hairs and silica cells, all features which help plants cope with stressful environments. We will use fine scale cuticular profiling coupled with single cell transcriptomic resolution to reconstruct pathways leading to different cell types and cuticular chemistries, followed by comparative analyses with mutant alleles in genes known to control specific features. We will also explore the interdependency between epidermal patterning decisions and cuticular properties using transgenic overexpression of cuticular enzymes. We will expand the epidermal genetic network through both forward and reverse approaches and by evaluating the function of orthologous genes in wheat. While advancing the power of our genetic tools to control epidermal patterning, we will deploy state of the art climate control and physiological sampling methods to reveal the impact of altered epidermal patterning on leaf physiology and function including stomatal conductance and intrinsic water use efficiency. These approaches will assess spatial and temporal control of epidermal patterning and the physiological impact of trait variation to identify desirable traits and ideotypes for crop production in future climates.