Horticultural crops are facing unprecedented challenges in the face of global warming and climate change. As weather becomes more extreme and unpredictable in future decades, growers will need access to crops capable of withstanding periods of severe environmental and biological stress.
The understanding of plant abiotic and biotic responses on the molecular and genetic level is of paramount importance for developing climate tolerant crops of the future. This encompasses the elucidation of molecular networks associated with stress sensing, signalling and resistance. Through exploration of genetic diversity and utilisation of new genome editing techniques, new avenues for the development of climate and pest tolerant crops can be explored.

Conference sessions will cover:

Physiological responses to climate change

Exploring genetic diversity and new breeding strategies

Stress sensing and signalling mechanisms

Plant immunity

Pest and disease tolerance

Secondary metabolism and nutritional responses to climate change

Postharvest stresses