Scientists investigate the intricate networks of genes, proteins, metabolites, and environmental signals that govern plant characteristics and performance. Credit: Alonda Hines/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Connecting Genes to Plant Characteristics for Improved Performance
Scientists in the Plant Systems Biology Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory study the complex interactions between plant genes, environmental factors, and observable plant characteristics to enhance plant performance and productivity. The group seeks to identify and characterize the intricate networks of genes, proteins, metabolites, and environmental cues that collectively determine plant growth, resilience, and utility, particularly in the context of bioenergy and bioeconomy.
Central to the group’s mission is understanding how genetic information translates into the diverse metabolic, physiological, and morphological traits observed in plant species. Scientists investigate the molecular and genetic underpinnings of plant traits and explore how these genetic processes respond dynamically to environmental conditions, ultimately influencing broader ecological and agricultural outcomes. Comprehensively examining the pathways and interactions involved enables predictive modeling of plant behavior, facilitating targeted improvements in productivity and reliability of bioenergy feedstocks.
Scientists investigate the intricate networks of genes, proteins, metabolites, and environmental signals that govern plant characteristics and performance. Credit: Alonda Hines/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
A significant portion of the work is focused on biodesign strategies aimed at improving bioenergy feedstocks. By leveraging genomic editing techniques and insights gained from systems biology, the research team engineers plant species to exhibit enhanced growth rates, increased resistance to environmental stressors, and optimized biomass production. Additionally, studies delve deeply into plant-microbe interactions, investigating how these relationships can be manipulated to promote nutrient uptake, disease resistance, and overall plant health.
Researchers leverage new, automated systems that harness AI and robotics to quickly manipulate and sample living plants, accelerating efforts to optimize traits in bioenergy and agricultural crops. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The group employs a wide array of advanced scientific methods, including molecular biology, genomics, neutron and radiochemistry-based imaging, and metabolomics as well as high-throughput phenotyping enabled by the Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory at ORNL, a state-of-the-art imaging facility that leverages AI and automation to accelerate scientific discoveries that support abundant, secure, and affordable domestic energy for the nation. These tools enable researchers to quantify and visualize plant processes at unprecedented detail and scale, supporting the translation of fundamental biological discoveries into practical bioeconomy and ecological applications.
Current research collaborations includes initiatives with the Center for Bioenergy Innovation and the Plant-Microbe Interfaces Science Focus Area as well as projects supported by the DOE Office of Science Early Career program.
