Media

HKU botanists discover plant growth technology that may alleviate climate change and food shortage

12 Oct 2015

An HKU research team at the School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has discovered a plant gene that can promote plant growth and at the same time increase seed yield by 50% in a model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

The team found that by overexpression of AtPAP2 on chloroplasts and mitochondria, the engineered plants can grow 15% faster and produce 50% more seeds. It is because AtPAP2 can modulate the import of a number of specific proteins into chloroplasts and mitochondria, and subsequently boost their capability to harvest solar energy and generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is the first study of AtPAP2 in the world, and AtPAP2 is the first protein that can modulate energy outputs from these two organelles simultaneously.  

This discovery may have potential applications in agriculture, forestry, and climate change. The work has yielded a publication in PlantPhysiology, a publication in Biofuels and Biotechnology, and a number of patent applications.

Members of the media are cordially invited to a press briefing on the research findings. Below please find the details:

Date: October 15, 2015 (this Thursday)

Time/Activity/Venue:

10:50 Gathering on G/F, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam, HKU (Map)

11:00 Photo taking at Plant Chamber, Lab E, 1st Floor, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building

11:15 Press briefing at Conference room, Room 6S/13, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building

Speakers:

Dr.Wallace Lim Boon-leong, School of Biological Sciences, HKU

Dr.  Law Yeesong, School of Biological Sciences, HKU

Media enquiries:

Communication and Public Affairs Office Ms Rhea Leung (Tel: 2857 8555/ 9022 7446; email: rhea.leung@hku.hk)
Faculty of Science Ms Cindy Chan (Tel: 3917 5286/ 6703 0212; email: cindycst@hku.hk)