The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is the world’s largest nonprofit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. It is so exciting to be a part of their mission as they receive grant monies to implement “How Plants Fight Back”, a hands-on learning experience for middle-grades students across the Greater St. Louis region.
The program promotes middle-grade students to help develop sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges while engaging in hands-on research that will further develop their knowledge and develop their love for agriculture. They will be discovering how plants can protect themselves from fungal attacks. The students will do this by researching antifungal peptides that are able to kill pathogens. As students make their observations, they will be helping scientists develop non-toxic chemical fungicides.
Funds provided by the Ladue Garden Club grant will purchase tomato plants, petri dishes, and other necessary supplies for the program.
