The principle of luminous indicator plants can also be applied to strawberry cultivation | ChatGPT | Tiziana Guerra
Our indicator plants serve as a bridge to such new technologies. They are transgenic, but are not consumed themselves. However, the technology behind them can be used without consumers having to fear (unfounded) genetic engineering in the end product.
How do you expect your research to be applied in 5 years?
My hope is that indicator plants will become established in greenhouse cultivation, enabling us to make food production safer and more sustainable. The principle can be applied to all indoor plants that can be genetically modified. The spectrum of usability is therefore broad. The stress parameters can also be adjusted so that plants can indicate not only infections but also, for example, nitrogen deficiency or drought stress.
What would need to change for innovations like yours to be put into practice more quickly?
Many scientists are very focused on their basic research and do not see the practical application of their research. I felt the same way for a long time. There is also a lack of role models who show that it can be done. Many people in science are creative and innovative, but perhaps they lack courage? Unfortunately, precarious working conditions, such as short contracts and hardly any promises of follow-up employment, lead to scientists dropping out or changing fields. A more stable career path would certainly help to bring more innovations into practical application.
What are the conditions in Berlin like for innovations such as yours?
The conditions in Berlin for innovation are excellent. There is an incredible amount of support from transfer managers at universities and many start-ups that are open to collaboration. Berlin is creative and innovative. Now we just need to take advantage of that.
Dear Tiziana, thank you for the interview!