The Molecular Plant Physiology group is located in the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria (UP). The group with postgraduate scientists from five African countries is headed by Prof. Karl Kunert (Plant Science Department) with Dr. Rachel Chikwamba as an extra-ordinary Senior Lecturer in the Plant Science Department and Dr. Juan Vorster from the Department of Plant Production and Soil Science. Research focuses on stress biology with specific emphasis on abiotic and biotic stress resistance, protein engineering and modelling as well as the function of bio-active compounds for stress resistance.   Plants had to develop mechanisms to survive in harsh environments. Our work carried out with partners in the UK, USA, Canada and Africa contributes to understand these mechanisms in more detail allowing plants to survive abiotic and biotic threats in environments relevant to Africa. Our ultimate goal is of applying the learnt principles to the design of crops that are better adapted to these environments.   For more information email Prof. Karl Kunert  karl.kunert@fabi.up.ac.za  or Dr. Juan Vorster  juan.vorster@fabi.up.ac.za