Most plants are sensitive to even slight water loss for short periods of time. Resurrection plants are extremely unusual in that they can lose 95% of their cellular water, remain viable for prolonged periods and recover full metabolism on rehydration. Given the predictions that climate change will result in increased aridity in much of Africa by 2050, severely limiting agricultural productivity of this region, Professor Farrant has proposed that understanding the mechanisms whereby resurrection plants are able to survive such extreme water loss, will give insight as to what is required for the production of extremely drought tolerant crops. Jill Farrant is a Professor and holds a research chair in Plant Molecular Physiology in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town. She is an acknowledged world leader in the field of plant desiccation tolerance, working on both seeds and resurrection plants. Her fundamental research involves use of a systems biology approach (using techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and physiology) to understand the protection mechanisms laid down in orthodox seeds and vegetative tissue of resurrection plants, with the ultimate aim of using key protectants identified to make drought tolerant crops. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

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