Cultivating a
botanical balance
Scientists search for solutions to save plant life, foster sustainable use
T
he world’s rarest species contribute disproportionally to the ecosystems where they reside. Losing a rare type of tree species could be catastrophic for a forest struggling to adapt to climate change. Christopher Baraloto, director of the International Center for Tropical Botany (ICTB), is part of an international team that has conducted an assessment on the role of rare species in fragile ecosystems. By highlighting their importance, the team’s findings are changing how scientists view rare species, many of which are on the brink of extinction. Throughout the world, ICTB scientists are balancing the preservation of imperiled species with continued research on sustainable use of plants. After all, plants offer a variety of benefits to people including healthy ecosystems, food, medicines, and oxygen. Emily Warschefsky knows genetic diversification can help plants adapt to the changing world and, in turn, preserve food sources for people. The biology Ph.D. student is studying the evolution of wild mangoes. She hopes to help crop breeders identify genetic traits that enable the fruit to tolerate harsh conditions and resist disease. ICTB researcher Eric von Wettberg has spent much of his career studying the genetic diversity of plants. Recently, he identified the gene responsible for giving white chickpeas their light color. It may seem insignificant except the color of a chickpea is often what drives its value on the market. Though dark chickpeas tend to be more resistant to disease and yield higher numbers of seeds, light chickpeas are usually preferred in developing countries for their appearance and thinner seed coats, which makes them easier to cook. Von Wettberg’s genetic finding means breeders can now focus on creating varieties of chickpea that appeal to consumers, are more disease-resistant and yield more product. Housed at The Kampong in Coconut Grove, Fla., ICTB is a collaboration with the National Tropical Botanical Garden. With nearly 40 core faculty members along with research scientists and students, ICTB is advancing conservation science in South Florida and across the world to protect botanical resources from land use and climate change. Support is needed to expand ICTB’s facilities, fund new postdoctoral researchers, and develop the next generation of plant-derived products and medicines.
The tropics are the most diverse regions on Earth, rich with resources. FIU has one of the largest teams of tropical scientists in the country working to discover and preserve species and their habitats. Our experts have been working for more than half a century on issues critical to the tropics including habitat restoration, tropical diseases such as Zika virus, food security for our growing population and climate change. To learn how you can support its efforts, contact givetocase@fiu.edu | 305-348-4349.