TED: How we can make crops survive without water | Jill Farrant

The video discusses the potential of resurrection plants in addressing global food security challenges due to population growth and climate change. It explains how these plants can survive extreme drought by losing most of their water and reviving when rehydrated. The video explores various plant survival strategies, the importance of desiccation tolerance, and ongoing research to genetically modify crops using resurrection plant genes. The goal is to develop drought-tolerant crops by understanding and mimicking the natural mechanisms of these plants.

What is the estimated world population by 2050?

• 11 billion

• 9 to 10 billion

• 8 billion

• 7 billion

Why is water essential for plant survival?

• It supports plant structure

• It is a medium for life reactions

• It helps in photosynthesis

• It provides nutrients

What is a common strategy of water loss avoidance in plants?

• Growing in the rainy season

• Sending down deep roots

• Developing thick leaves

• Storing water in leaves

What percentage of plant food supplies is made up by wheat, rice, and maize?

• 75%

• 50%

• 95%

• 85%

What unique ability do resurrection plants have?

• They can survive in salty water

• They can grow without sunlight

• They can lose 95% of their cellular water and revive

• They can grow in any soil type

What is the main focus of research on resurrection plants?

• To comprehend their desiccation tolerance mechanisms

• To analyze their root structure

• To understand their growth patterns

• To study their photosynthesis process

What is the role of antioxidants in plants?

• They enhance growth

• They prevent free radical damage

• They improve photosynthesis

• They increase water absorption

What is the goal of the ambitious genetic approach mentioned?

• To activate existing drought-resistant genes in crops

• To increase plant height

• To create new plant species

• To enhance seed production

What is the similarity between seeds and resurrection plants?

• Both require less sunlight

• Both grow in dry conditions

• Both are desiccation-tolerant

• Both have deep roots

What is the ultimate aim of the research on resurrection plants?

• To enhance seed production

• To replicate natural evolution in a short time

• To develop new plant species

• To increase plant height