Scandinavian countries are predicted to experience higher temperatures and higher sea levels, leading to loss of arable coastal land. While this future scenario may seem bleak, it offers an opportunity to diversify the crops grown in the region, by introducing for example sweet potato, a crop with no natural pests in Sweden.

Welcome to a seminar about introducing sweet potato in southern Scandinavia, a root that is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and zinc. 

Researcher Nélida Leiva Eriksson will present her research to use gene editing to investigate the genetic mechanisms of cold tolerance in sweet potatoes to improve its adaptation to Scandinavia. The results will contribute to a diversified, resilient and climate-adapted agriculture in southern Scandinavia.

Welcome to a Crafoord seminar with Nélida Leiva Eriksson, Associate Professor at the Division of Biotechnology, Lund University.

The Crafoord seminars are a collaboration between the Crafoord Foundation, Lund University and Lund City library, with the aim to present research which has received funding support from the Crafoord Foundation.

After the talk, the public will be invited to ask questions.

The event is free and requires no registration. 

Watch a short interview about the research project with researcher Nélida Leiva Eriksson.