Researchers Identify Drought Response Genes in Jatropha Plant

A study published in the Journal of Plant Physiology by an international team of scientists has reported the possible physiological roles of two genes that help the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas become drought resistant. Jatropha is known for its oil-packed seeds that are potential source of biodiesel.

Researchers have thought that enhancing the ability of Jatropha to grow on marginal lands so that it does not compete with food production will further boost its potential for large-scale biofuel production. A team of scientists from South Korea, Denmark and USA have studied the physiological and molecular aspects of Jatropha's response to water stress.

The researchers examined two candidate genes for drought response – known as JcPIP1 and JcPIP2 – which code for cell membrane proteins called aquaporins. These proteins are responsible for transporting and balancing water throughout the plant. The research team have found that JcPIP1 and JcPIP2 are expressed at different times during a stressful situation, and they have hypothesized that these genes play a role in the early response to and recovery from drought stress.

Using virus to genetically modify Jatropha plants in which JcPIP1 or JcPIP2 was temporarily disabled, the researchers were able to confirm that both JcPIP1 and JcPIP2 have positive roles in response to water deficit stresses, but have antagonistic functions at the recovery stage, and both have potential as targets for genetic engineering.