Drought-resistance Spray Developed for Crops

Researchers from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) reported in Molecular Plant the new molecule that they have developed to help plants better withstand drought. Known as inverted cyanobactin (iCB), the newly developed molecule copies the mechanism of abscisic acid (ABA), a natural plant hormone that regulates how plants respond to water stress.

The iCB compound works by activating the plant's drought resistance mechanisms, specifically by helping them close the tiny pores on their leaves, called stomata, which significantly reduces water loss. This approach allows plants to survive severe drought while still being able to maintain productivity.

According to the authors, iCB is more effective than the natural ABA hormone because it activates a broader range of receptors in the plant. This leads to a more comprehensive response, including not only reduced water loss through the leaves but also enhanced root protection and growth toward moisture. In trials on tomato plants, a foliar spray containing iCB helped them recover photosynthesis after severe drought. Preliminary studies also suggest the compound could be effective on other crops, such as wheat and grapevine.

Read more findings in Horti Daily and Molecular Plant.