Plant reproduction: from sporogenesis to seed formation under normal and stress conditions
Information
Plant reproduction is crucial not only for generating offspring but also for supplying food. It entails complex growth and development processes that provide excellent opportunities to uncover fundamental principles in plant biology. The proposed mini symposium, "Plant reproduction: from sporogenesis to seed formation under normal and stress conditions," will bring together researchers and experts to present recent processes in plant reproductive biology. Key topics will include but are not limited to sporogenesis, embryo sac and pollen development, fertilization, embryogenesis, endosperm formation, along with seed and fruit development. Reproductive development is highly susceptible to abiotic stresses, often resulting in partial or complete sterility, and subsequent yield loss in crops. Thus, considering global warming and vulnerability of plant reproduction to climate changes, one presentation will specifically address the impact of heat stress on plant reproduction.
This mini symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary discussions on plant reproduction studies that advance both basic and applied research in plant biology. It will increase awareness of the importance of plant reproduction studies in improving crop resilience to environmental stresses.
We have invited speakers who have recently made significant progress in this field. This event will be valuable for plant biologists, agronomists, breeders, postdocs, and graduate students who are interested in plant reproductive development and broader plant biology.
Equity and Inclusion: The proposed mini symposium, titled " Plant reproduction: from sporogenesis to seed formation under normal and stress conditions," embodies the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion by assembling a distinguished panel of speakers that represent different genders, a wide range of career stages, institutions across different regions and countries, and diverse scientific backgrounds. These speakers will present a breadth of experiences and research approaches, fostering a multifaceted exploration of plant reproduction.
This session emphasizes equity by providing each speaker with an equal opportunity to share insights, encouraging discussions that highlight both fundamental and applied research in plant reproductive biology. Each presentation aims to address issues critical for plant reproduction and related to food security and climate resilience, ensuring that relevant discoveries are accessible to all.
Inclusion is a key focus, as this mini symposium will create a welcoming environment where plant biologists, agronomists, graduate students, and early-career scientists can actively engage and feel valued. To further unite researchers across career stages, the senior speakers may choose not to present and instead invite their postdoc researchers or graduate students to present in this session. Overall, this mini symposium exemplifies our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing a platform for advancing plant reproduction research with global relevance.
