Research showing how the roots of a widely used pigeon pea crop responds to heat stress will be on display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week as part of 'The Garden of the Future'.
The garden design will showcase the pioneering scientists, farmers and innovators who are leading the way in building healthier, climate-resilient futures in the UK and globally.
Scientists from the University of Nottingham's School of Biosciences have been invited to share their research into the climate-resistant pigeon pea as part of the Garden of The Future, designed by award winning garden designers Butler and Parker and sponsored by the Gates Foundation.
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a major grain legume in several countries. It is a major source of protein and is used in indian dals and traditional dishes, they are also commonly used in African stews and soups. It's drought tolerance, nutritional qualities, and soil improvement potential make it a promising crop for sustainable agriculture in many climate-challenged regions. However, its production is vulnerable to rising temperatures.
Plant scientists at the University of Nottingham are undertaking research to understand exactly how the pigeon pea responds to heat stress in the soil. Their findings could help to develop ways to engineer more climate resilient crops.
The Garden of the Future will showcase this research through X-ray images and videos displayed on screens, alongside 3D-printed models of pigeon pea root systems featured within the garden. These visuals will show how the roots adapt to heat stress by reshaping their architecture and growing deeper into the soil. By moving away from the warming, drying topsoil and reaching into cooler subsoil layers, the roots can access the nutrients and water they need to thrive under challenging conditions.
The show garden is set in the near future in the UK, in a scenario where the climate is continuing to change. Countries all over the world, including the UK, are experiencing higher than average temperatures, more extreme weather, periods of drought and sudden, heavy rainfall. Aimed to thrive in these challenging conditions, the Garden of the Future will be biodiverse and feature a wide array of climate-resilient ornamentals and crops, edible plants with multiple uses and properties, and tools that demonstrate how farmers, scientists, and communities are working together to grow a healthier future for everyone.
Visitors both at the show and online will have the opportunity to understand the science and research behind these innovations. As well as being able to see the images and videos of the pigeon pea roots on screens, there will be iPads with information about the research and its aims to help develop climate-resilient crops to protect this valuable global food source.
This is a showcase of the work being done by researchers at the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with University of Warwick and CGIAR researchers at ICRISAT, CIMMYT and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) partners from India, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
The project is being led by Dr Rahul Bhosale from the University of Nottingham's School of Biosciences.
Taking our research to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is hugely exciting and will give visitors an insight into what is happening beneath the soil. With the technology housed within the Hounsfield Facility at the University of Nottingham we have been able to create unique images and videos to show exactly how root systems change according to the soil conditions, which we hope will engage the visitors and help them understand more the link between climate and how it affects what we grow.
Garden Designers Matt Butler and Josh Parker from Butler & Parker said: "Thanks to scientists from the University of Nottingham we're able to highlight in the garden research into how root systems of crops respond to climate stress. This will help farmers breed more resilient crops, and visitors to the garden can explore 3D printed pigeon pea root models showing the different effects of heat stress on roots.
Our message for gardeners in the UK is to try growing climate-resilient crops like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and pigeon peas. These are well-suited to our changing climate, thriving in warmer temperatures and resisting drought. They are not yet common in most gardens, they are becoming increasingly viable, and starting now could put you ahead of the curve.
