Unmasking the Biology and Biotechnological Applications of Halophytes

Halophytes are plants that grow in highly saline and harsh environments for life and have therefore developed a series of evolutionary acquisitions that allow them to master these extreme conditions for plant survival. In this seminar, we will learn about the biology and the main morphological and anatomical characteristics of the halophytes that have led them to dominate the vegetation of the interior and coastal marshes, as well as the biotechnological applications that are beginning to be promoted in a context of global warming: From the emerging crops in saline agriculture to their participation in alcoholic beverages or gourmet cuisine.

Speaker: Esteban Ramírez Chueca (PhD Candidate in Biology Department of CBMSO-UAM (Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology – Autonomous University of Madrid). Short-term scholar at Harvard University Herbaria)

Sponsor: RCC; Autonomus University of Madrid; Harvard University Herbaria