KELPRIME - Priming as a kelp engineering technology to enhance yield and secure production under environmental challenges
KELPRIME aims to characterize the phenology of temperature priming effects on kelps and the underlying molecular mechanisms that can explain positive priming effects, which is essential to develop these into a kelp engineering technology.
Macroalgae cultivation is becoming a rapidly growing industry sector in Europe. Current attempts to develop superior kelp cultivars (enhanced productivity, temperature tolerance, or disease resistance) are based on selective breeding. This is a long-term process that involves artificial selection over several generations and may lead to unwanted genetic impoverishment or degeneration in productivity. In addition, the ocean temperature can affect macroalgae production and is also an important factor in determining the distribution limits of macroalgae. Rising ocean temperatures already have a devastating effect on wild kelp forests.
'Priming' is a technique to overcome these challenges. It describes the ability of organisms to acquire a stress memory that enhances performance and relies on the formation of a molecular stress memory, possibly via epigenetic mechanisms. The formation of a stress memory through pre-exposure to a stressor like temperature can rapidly enhance stress resistance and performance, providing an alternative to kelp breeding.
Our project aims to characterize the phenological responses of kelp species observed after temperature priming. Our cooperation partners in Norway and France are investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms. One aim is to ensure that the application of priming in macroalgae cultivation fits well with current cultivation practices, which are closely linked to the complex life cycle of macroalgae.
Funding: 2023-2026, Research Council of Norway, Project No.: 334327
In POF-VI, KELPRIME is integrated into sub-theme “Adaptation of marine life: from genes to ecosystems”
Team
AWI:
Inka Bartsch (Co-PI)
Niko Steiner (PhD)
Extern:
Alexander Jüterbock (PI, Universität Bodø)
Anne Nilsen (PhD, Universität Bodø)
Mark Cock (Co-PI, CNRS Roscoff)
Social Media:
X: @nrfKelprime
Nord university