Researcher Improves Crop Performance through Biotechnology

Researchers from Arizona State University, University of Arizona, University of North Texas, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a way to enhance a plant's tolerance to stress, improving how it uses water and nutrients from the soil.

According to Roberto Gaxiola, lead author of the study, the discovery could be instrumental in agriculture and food security by improving crop sustainability and performance. "We have learned how to modify the expression of a gene that codes for a plant proton pump," said Gaxiola. The gene, called type 1 H+-PPase, found naturally in all plants, helps to move photosynthates to places where plants need them in order to grow better roots, fruits, young leaves and seeds.

Altering the expression of this gene in rice, corn, barley, wheat, tomato, lettuce, cotton, and finger millet caused better growth in roots and shoots, and also improved how plants absorbed nutrients. These crops also showed improved water use and tolerance to salt. Gaxiola suggested the next step is to further study this simple biotechnology in order to maximize its agricultural potential.

For more details, read the news release at the Arizona State University website.