Artificial intelligence to understand plant resilience in harsh environments

The Atacama Desert, located in South America, is one of the driest regions on Earth. Several types of endemic plants are still present at the site. After collecting several species that grow between 2,400 and 4,500 meters above sea level, scientists from INRAE, Purdue University and the Pontifical Catholic University of Santiago in Chile have been able to identify common molecular markers that allow an understanding of the mechanisms of these plants' resilience in the face of a harsh environment. The researchers used an innovative approach using artificial intelligence. The results of their work are detailed in review The new botany.