Grant: Canada Research Chairs

Plants produce most of the Earths biomass, are our major source of food, and provide renewable fuels, chemicals and materials. However, the stability of our resource base is progressively at risk from stresses associated with climate change. This research program focuses on better understanding the structure and biosynthesis of lipid barriers that protect plants against environmental stressors. This basic knowledge is crucial to devise strategies to improve plant resistance to biotic and climatic stresses. It will also allow the development of plants and microorganisms that produce large amounts of biopolymers or their precursors as sources of energy and bio-based materials.