University Don Highlights Benefits of Modern Technology in Plant Research

A professor of Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Lagos, Adebayo Ogunkanmi, has said that the synergy between plant research and technology is paving the way for innovative applications.

Ogunkanmi stated this recently, while delivering the institution’s first inaugural lecture for the 2024/2025 academic session, titled ‘Hunger Pains, Plant Blisses: Understanding the Secret Lives of Plants’.

According to him, the development of smart agricultural systems that leverage data from plant behaviours to optimise resource use, also stands to revolutionise how to approach farming, reduce waste and mitigate environmental impact.

He also explained the surprising ways plants mirror human behavior, engaging dynamically with their environments and one another, through sophisticated genetic, phenotypic and molecular mechanisms.

Explaining the hidden complexities of the plant world, the don described them as active participants in a “dialogue” with their surroundings, sensing and responding to changes with remarkable adaptability.

“These insights emphasized the importance of genetic resources, known as germplasm, which is the cornerstone for breeding resilient and productive crops.

“Genetic engineering techniques, however too, can enable the enhancement of desirable traits, leading to increased yield and nutritional value,” Ogunkanmi said.

He added that studying both the physical traits (phenotypes) and genetic makeup (genotypes) of plants, would highlight how these factors interact with environmental conditions, enabling plants to survive and thrive even under adverse circumstances.

Ogunkanmi further stated that the concept of plant bio-sensors, which used plant responses to monitor environmental pollutants or detect bio signatures, could play a vital role in ecological conservation and public health.

According to him, the secret life of plants offers eye-opening revelations that challenge man’s existing views and encourage him to see plants as sentient beings, deserving of respect and care.

“By fostering a deeper connection with the plant kingdom, we not only enrich our lives, but also contribute to the health and sustainability of our planet.

“There is therefore a compelling case for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with the natural world, emphasizing the significance of building a harmonious and respectful relationship with plants.

“As we progress further into the 21st century, modern science continues to unveil the intricate and dynamic world of plant behavior, challenging long-held assumptions and opening new avenues for exploration and application.

“Advances in molecular biology, genetics and neurobiology are spearheading a revolution in our understanding of plants, cementing their status not only as living organisms, but as complex entities with unique forms of perception and interaction. Contemporary scientific approaches to studying plant behaviour have become increasingly sophisticated.

“With the advent of technologies such as high-resolution imaging, electrophysiological recording and gene editing tools like CRISPR, researchers are now able to observe and manipulate plant responses at a cellular and molecular level.

“These methodologies have revealed that plants possess intricate signalling networks, capable of transmitting information throughout their structure in ways which are remarkably analogous to the nervous systems of animals,” he stated.

He noted that modern research is uncovering the potential of plant studies to revolutionise various fields, adding that in medicine, bioactive compounds derived from plants, have continued to yield promising results in treating diseases and health conditions.

The don added that the exploration of ethnobotany and traditional medicine has highlighted how indigenous knowledge could guide the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents.

“However, as we delve deeper into the world of plant consciousness, ethical considerations grow increasingly pertinent. The idea of plant rights, once relegated to the realm of philosophical debate, is gaining traction as we recognise the depth of plant sentience and their critical role in ecosystems.

“Ethical discourse around genetic modification, the commodification of plant resources and the ecological implications of our interventions demands a cautious and balanced approach,” the professor said.

In his remarks, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe said the lecture was timely and apt, especially going by the crucial role plants play in relieving hunger in humans and animals.

He described Ogunkanmi as a distinguished academic, researcher and geneticist,

According to him, the lecture focused on understanding the breeding in cowpea, acha plant and some other plants, while developing innovative solutions to the improvement of varieties of these plants.

“He is a successful researcher with good training at institutions such as International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), UNILAG and other international institutions.

“He has a great network in his field of study and he is a humble man who is always willing to help others,” Ogundipe stated.