Rieu’s research focuses on plants and how they cope with climate change – especially the increasingly frequent heatwaves. “Such periods of high temperatures are detrimental for plant fertility, causing them to produce fewer seeds and fruits. We look at the plants’ defence mechanisms and try to figure out why some plants can withstand heat better than others. The insights that are gained help to make agriculture and horticulture more sustainable and climate-proof, and improve food security,” says Rieu. He maintains that this research will continue to have great relevance in the coming years. “When a heatwave coincides with the flowering period of the tomato plants, it can destroy the entire harvest. This is a growing, global problem that transcends crop species. We try to provide nature-based solutions or solutions that we have developed ourselves by using a biotechnological approach.” [source]