Yes, plants breathe! Their growth is the result of a delicate balance between the photosynthetic acquisition of carbon and the respiratory restitution of part of it. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide, CO2, whose increasing presence in the atmosphere is a problem, and release oxygen, O2. This gas exchange characterizes the autotrophy of plants, i.e. their… »
On a global scale, forests are the main continental carbon sink. However, on a more local scale, while some forests are carbon sinks, others are sources. The net carbon flux depends on various natural and anthropogenic factors. In particular, human activities can both promote carbon storage (protection and expansion of forest areas, fertilizing effect CO2 released… »
Human activities are largely responsible for soil and water pollution and more generally for global environmental damage. Each one of us has already been confronted with situations of very strong pollution or aggressions of nature, such as the impacts of biocides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides...), hydrocarbons or metals and toxic inorganic elements (Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb,… »
Most tropical trees produce fleshy fruits that are eaten by vertebrates (known as frugivores) that disperse plant seeds. The regeneration of tropical forests therefore depends on frugivore populations, which are in sharp decline, or even extinct in many parts of the world. This is the case of the emblematic dodo that disappeared from Mauritius shortly after… »
Roots are a prime target for crop improvement towards a more frugal and environmentally friendly agriculture. However, root traits have long been neglected in breeding programs, especially because the first green revolution was based on massive use of water and fertilizers. Global changes are now encouraging a more rational use of agricultural inputs in order… »
Everyone knows or has experienced dew, when the ground and plants are wet on the morning of a clear, calm night or when water runs down the walls and windows of kitchens and bathrooms. But where does dew come from ? Its origin has long been a mystery. From alchemists to scientists, many scholars have… »
Water is essential for plant growth. If there is a lack of rainwater -particularly in the perspective of climate change- what can man do to ensure the plant production necessary for his food? There are two possibilities that can be combined: (i) provide the necessary additional water via irrigation and/or (ii) adapt the choices of… »
How does water reach the leaves of large trees? What tricks do plants develop to cope with the lack of water? How does vegetation modify the climate? Life was born in water, and land plants have had to adapt to temporary water shortages. The roots allow them to draw water from the soil, and the… »
Global warming has accelerated since the 1970s. This climate change has a major impact on crops and threatens agricultural production. In the countries of the South, which are already vulnerable due to erratic local conditions, fragile social contexts and limited resources, climate change is further threatening food security. In response to this challenge, farmers are… »
Soils can become naturally saline, for example due to sea spray. But they can also be saline due to human activities. The latter phenomenon is a problem affecting 20 to 30% of the 260 million hectares of irrigated land worldwide. A number of plants grow naturally in saline conditions, by the sea for example, despite… »