Biotech Updates

HvBADH1 Gene Improves the Salinity Tolerance in Chicory

August 19, 2015

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting crop's growth and yield. Studies have shown that the overexpression of the betaine aldehyde dehydrogensae (BADH) gene can enhance crop's salinity stress tolerance. Hence, the researchers from Life Sciences School of Northwest University, China conducted a study using a BADH gene, HvBADH1, to evaluate its efficiency in enhancing the salinity stress tolerance of chicory (Cichorium intybus).

The study was conducted by transferring HvBADH1 into chicory. The stress tolerance traits were assessed by comparing some of the physiological indicators of stress resistance exhibited by both transformed chicory and its wild type.

Results of their study suggest that the transformed chicory gain better performance than the wild type under saline stress condition. This indicates that the overexpression of HvBADH1 has the ability to improve the salinity stress tolerance in chicory.

The details of the study can be read at South African Journal of Biotechnology.