CATRIN launches PLANTONICS project to develop plant theranostics

The PLANTONICS project has launched at the Czech Institute of Research and Advanced Technologies (CATRIN) at Palacký University to establish the field of plant theranostics. Led by Nuria De Diego, the project received 18.6 million CZK through the ERC CZ competition.

Plant theranostics integrates biology, data science, and nanotechnology to simultaneously diagnose and treat various stressors in plants. Unlike traditional research that focuses on single factors, this approach addresses both biotic stresses, such as pests and diseases, and abiotic stresses, including drought, high temperatures, and nutrient deficiencies. The goal is to identify new biomarkers to develop tools that increase plant tolerance to adverse conditions, ultimately contributing to global food security.