Thématics

The scientific objectives of STREMHO are to contribute to the understanding of the responses of horticultural plants (ornamental and vegetable) to abiotic factors, and also to decipher the mechanisms of plant memory, priming, and desensitization to these environmental stimuli. We study several key factors: water resources, light, mechanical stresses, and electromagnetic waves. We analyze the consequences of these stresses on plant development using an integrative approach in order to identify the mechanisms and actors involved. This first step allows us to study the existence or absence of plant memory related to the application of these stresses and to identify its characteristics (stability, persistence, recall, transmission) by comparing the responses of plants exposed to one or more successive stimuli. To do this, we use phenotypic, physiological, and molecular markers, comparing their quantitative and qualitative values ​​during plant acclimatization. We are investigating whether the physical storage of this information (the "memory") occurs in the form of modifications to epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. Since many horticultural plants are produced through vegetative propagation, we are assessing the possibility of intergenerational transmission of this memory between successive clones. Our research addresses the societal demand for more environmentally friendly agriculture and the need for crop adaptation to climate change. More robust plants could be produced by exploiting the phenotypic diversity stemming from plant memory in response to stress, initiated by a first exposure (a "priming"). These plants would thus be better able to establish themselves in challenging environments, particularly hot and dry ones, and to conserve natural resources (water in particular). The knowledge we acquire about plant responses to abiotic factors also contributes to the development of alternatives to chemical treatments (i.e., light, electromagnetic, and mechanical treatments instead of treatments using pesticides or stunting molecules). Understanding the phenomena involved in the priming and storage of information (memory) contributes to the development of new, effective, and sustainable cultivation methods. The STREMHO project is structured around two main themes: Enhancing and understanding plant adaptation to stress through priming and memory. CLIMATVEG Project PRIMEPULSE Project Developing alternatives to chemical treatments by harnessing plant responses to environmental factors.

The STREMHO project is structured around two main themes:

Enhancing and understanding plant adaptation to stress through priming and memory.

CLIMATVEG Project

PRIMEPULSE Project

Developing alternatives to chemical treatments by harnessing plant responses to environmental factors.

LabCom MATCH Project

DéfiOndes Project (SNCF Réseau)