Plant Gene Required during High Temperatures Identified

Climate change causes several abiotic stresses in crops affecting their productivity. In a study led by researchers from Monash University, they discovered the gene responsible for plant growth during warmer temperatures.

By analyzing the growth responses of Arabidopsis thaliana population at different temperatures, the gene ICARUS1 has been identified as the one responsible for the plant growth of A. thaliana at increasing temperatures. A. thaliana lacking this gene inhibited their growth during high temperatures and resume their growth once the temperature goes down and gets cooler.

ICARUS1 is not only found in A. thaliana, but in other plants as well. The discovery of this gene will help scientists in developing plants that can tolerate increasing temperatures.

Details of their study can be read at Monash University's website.