Scientists Control Protein to Alter Root Growth and Crop Yield
January 27, 2012| |
University of Nottingham scientist Ive De Smet and colleagues from different research institutions have demonstrated in a study that the root growth of plants can be altered to significantly improve crop growth and yield in different environmental conditions.
The researchers modulated the levels of the protein transcription factor WRKY23 in Arabidopsis and analyzed its effects on root development. They used chemical profiling to demonstrate that the protein controls the production of important metabolites called flavonols. When flavonol levels are altered, the distribution of the growth hormone auxin is affected, thus resulting to disrupted root growth.
The research team's findings can be used to develop new crops with improved root system, enabling them to resist harsh environmental changes.
Read the research article at http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/01/13/1121134109.full.pdf+html and the media release at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2012/january/improving-crops-from-the-roots-up.aspx.
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