KAUST's Salt Lab, led by Professor Mark Tester, is researching how salt-tolerant plants survive in harsh environments. The lab aims to improve plant yields in suboptimal conditions, focusing on naturally occurring variability in plants to enhance salinity tolerance. With 70% of global water used for agriculture and increasing water scarcity, the research seeks to unlock the potential of seawater for irrigation. Why it matters: Enhancing the salinity tolerance of crops is crucial for addressing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change and the growing global population, particularly in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST researchers have discovered that the bacterium Enterobacter sp. SA187, found in desert plants, enhances plant salt tolerance by triggering sulfur metabolism. Salt stress prompts the bacteria to release sulfur metabolites, which then generate the antioxidant glutathione in the plant, protecting it from salt-induced damage. A KAUST startup aims to commercialize SA187 as a probiotic treatment for seeds and crops. Why it matters: This research offers a biotechnological approach to enable saline agriculture, which is crucial for water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia that rely on energy-intensive desalination.
KAUST researchers led by Mark Tester are developing new irrigation technology to enable crop production using semi-saline water, aiming to reduce freshwater reliance to 10% in greenhouse systems. The technology is eco-friendly and intends to cut agricultural costs by utilizing seawater, targeting a cost of 10 U.S. cents per cubic meter. A new company named Red Sea Farms is being developed to grow salt-tolerant tomatoes in diluted seawater in a greenhouse cooled with undiluted seawater. Why it matters: This research could significantly reduce pressure on freshwater resources in arid regions and offers a sustainable approach to increase food production using available seawater.
KAUST's Professor Carlos Duarte contributed to sequencing the genome of Zostera marina (eelgrass), work published in Nature. The research identifies gene loss and adaptation mechanisms related to the plant's transition from land to marine environments. Eelgrass developed salt resistance, which could inform selective breeding for salt-tolerant food crops. Why it matters: Understanding the eelgrass genome can help in conservation efforts and provide insights into plant adaptation to climate change and marine environments.
KAUST community members planted mangrove trees in the university's coastal wetlands as part of the 2022 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). Mangrove forests are recognized as important carbon sinks, with KAUST hosting a thriving mangrove forest spanning over 110 hectares. The mangrove planting project was initiated to raise awareness of the negative environmental impact associated with travel-related carbon emissions from events like WEP. Why it matters: This initiative highlights the potential of mangrove forests in carbon offsetting and demonstrates KAUST's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Researchers from KAUST and the University of Padova studied how hyperoxia, or excessive oxygen supply, extends heat tolerance in marine ectotherms. The study, published in Science Advances, examined the role of photosynthetic organisms like seagrasses in producing oxygen in aquatic habitats. They found that increased oxygen availability helps coastal marine animals like crabs, sea cucumbers, and shellfish increase their resilience to rising temperatures. Why it matters: Understanding the interplay between oxygen levels and temperature tolerance can inform strategies for preserving marine ecosystems in the face of global warming.
KAUST researchers are studying coral reefs in the Northern Red Sea, which exhibit unusual heat tolerance, surviving temperatures 5°C above the mean summer maximum. This resilience makes them a potential refuge for coral, offering a "climate change insurance" for the next 100 years. Researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind this thermotolerance to aid coral conservation efforts globally. Why it matters: Understanding and preserving these unique coral reefs could provide crucial insights and strategies for protecting coral ecosystems worldwide in the face of rising ocean temperatures.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security (CoE-SFS) has launched 12 translation projects focused on plant growth and water security, establishing partnerships with public and private entities to scale up research. Mark Tester's team developed stress-tolerant rootstocks, grafted onto crops like tomatoes, that thrive in hot, dry conditions with increased yields. Through his start-up Iyris, Tester is conducting commercial field trials in over 12 countries. Why it matters: These efforts to adapt agriculture to environmental change are crucial for ensuring food security in Saudi Arabia, the region, and globally, especially in the face of climate change and limited water resources.