Dr Dylan Jones, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)

Date: Friday, March 27 2026, 11 am, SARDI Plant Research Centre Auditorium

Title: Investigating regulation of vascular patterning along root axes in cereals

Abstract: Root anatomy significantly affects root system physiology, especially hydraulic transport. Different parts of the root system (seminal and adventitious root classes) can present different anatomical traits, which can also vary significantly within individual roots. By developing a low cost high throughput root anatomical phenotyping platform, we were able to screen a wide range of cereals to investigate differences in anatomy between root classes and along root lengths. We identified a conserved root class specific change in vascular anatomical patterning, and have proceeded to investigate how this anatomical transition is regulated hormonally and transcriptionally, and what physiological effect this has on root system function.

Bio: I am a postdoctoral researcher at the IPK Gatersleben with a strong interest anatomical phenotyping to investigate root development and the relationship between root anatomy and water availability and transport. I studied at the University of Nottingham, during which I worked on projects investigating anatomical reduction and vestigialization of duckweed roots, regulation of vascular patterning in Brachypodium and Barley roots, and the role of root anatomy in drought tolerance in pearl millet. In my current work at the IPK I am collaborating with the University of Queensland to investigate how root plasticity affects water use in wheat and sorghum and how to phenotype roots using remote sensing techniques. 

https://adelaide.zoom.us/j/88324941961?pwd=iBEvCU8wU2bKbEa3JaDzLIDGOZtEkj.1

Webinar ID: 883 2494 1961, Passcode:429141

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https://adelaide.zoom.us/j/88324941961?pwd=iBEvCU8wU2bKbEa3JaDzLIDGOZtEkj.1

Webinar ID: 883 2494 1961

Passcode:429141