University of Cape Town drives BOOSTER project forward through guest lectures and collaborative research initiatives
The University of Cape Town (UCT), a partner in the BOOSTER project, recently expanded its outreach and knowledge-sharing efforts with South African institutions, particularly focusing on the potential of drought-resilient crops.
Through a series of guest lectures, research presentations, and contributions to regional forums, UCT highlighted the BOOSTER project’s mission and ongoing progress in addressing agricultural resilience to climate change.
On 14th and 18th October, Dr. Llewelyn van der Pas, UCT’s Postdoctoral Researcher at the Plant Stress Laboratory in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, delivered guest lectures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). His first lecture, titled “Desiccation tolerance and its potential benefits,” explored how understanding desiccation tolerance could enhance agricultural practices under climate stress. In his second lecture, “Biostimulants with emphasis on BOOSTER project research,” he showcased BOOSTER-specific findings, underscoring how biostimulants may play a crucial role in boosting crop resilience. These engagements provided UKZN students with valuable insights into innovative plant science approaches that can contribute to sustainable food systems.
Additionally, on 27th September, UCT honors student Julia Spolander presented her research project, “Investigating the potential role of mother soils from the resurrection plant Eragrostis nindensis in improving the drought tolerance of E. tef,” in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology’s main foyer. The project, conducted as part of the BOOSTER initiative, examined the effect of soil collected from natural habitats of E. nindensis in promoting drought tolerance in tef. With this research, Spolander investigated whether the unique microbiome associated with E. nindensis could serve as a natural enhancer for drought resistance in crops. Her findings have implications for BOOSTER’s broader work on developing resilient agricultural systems and add to UCT’s ongoing commitment to innovative solutions for climate-resilient agriculture.
In addition to these academic efforts, Professor Jill Farrant, UCT’s Research Chair in Systems Biology Studies on Plant Desiccation Tolerance, represented UCT and the BOOSTER project at the Western Cape Plant Science Forum on 31st October. This virtual forum, comprising plant scientists from across the Western Cape, provided an opportunity to introduce BOOSTER’s objectives and progress to a regional audience. Although not an international gathering, the forum was a critical step in broadening awareness of the project within South Africa, showcasing the value of collaboration in tackling the food security challenges posed by climate change.
UCT’s contributions to the BOOSTER project continue to make significant strides, with ongoing research and outreach aimed at fostering awareness and driving scientific innovation to equip the next generation of researchers and practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to address global food security and environmental resilience.”
