Demystifying How Plants Handle Stress (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption Jian-Kang Zhu, Purdue distinguished professor of plant biology, studies how plants respond to harsh environments -- how they manage to survive in the face of drought, too much salt in the soil or when temperatures are too hot or cold. Credit (Purdue Agriculture/Vincent Walter) Usage Restrictions Please credit (Purdue Agriculture/Vincent Walter) License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.