Israeli Researchers Root Out New and Efficient Crop Plants

Not all water given to a plant reaches the roots, amounting to an enormous waste of water and energy. Tel Aviv University researchers, however, are investigating a new solution: genetically modifying plants' root systems to improve their ability to find the water essential to their survival. The teams of Prof. Amram Eshel and Prof. Hillel Fromm will take advantage of a newly discovered gene that controls hydrotropism, a plant's ability to send its roots towards water.

Scientists in TAU's lab are observing plants that are grown on moist air in the University's lab, making it possible to investigate how the modified plant roots orient themselves towards water. The current research is being done on the experimental model plant Arabidopsis. "Our aim is to save water," explains Prof. Eshel. "We are increasing a plant's efficiency for water uptake. Plants that can sense water in a better fashion will be higher in economic value in the future." There can be significant water-saving consequences for farmers around the world.

The complete article is available at http://www.aftau.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7489.