Plant physiology is the study of how various processes within plant structures allow them to function and survive. For example, it covers photosynthesis, which enables plants to convert light energy into sugars, cellular respiration, which converts food into ATP, the transport of water and minerals, and the role of plant hormones in growth and response to environmental stimuli.
This field also covers areas like:
Understanding these processes is especially beneficial for agricultural countries like Thailand, as it helps in identifying solutions to increase crop yields amidst climate change and rising global population. Plant physiologists play a key role in addressing food security issues by developing techniques to improve plant growth and resilience.
At the Department of Botany, Chulalongkorn University, the Center of Excellence in Plant Physiology and Environment focuses on research in plant physiology. Below are examples of ongoing research in different areas
Plant stress physiology: Studying plant responses at the organismal and genomic levels, such as
Plant responses to external factors
Postharvest physiology
The Center of Excellence in Plant Physiology and Environment fosters partnerships with various national and international institutions, including Rice Gene Discovery Unit at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, and Rice Research Centers in Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, and Sakon Nakhon in Thailand.
International collaborations with :
These collaborations contribute to the department’s cutting-edge research and development in plant physiology, benefiting both Thailand’s agricultural sector and global scientific communities.
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University