Genetically modified plants withstand drought

US and Japanese researchers have created genetically modified plants that can withstand drought and need very little water. This finding could facilitate the production of food crops, even in extreme conditions.

'We have confirmed that we can increase the tolerance of the plant to the stress of drought by slowing the aging process of leaves during drought,' said study author Rosa Rivero (University of California, USA). ) and Mikoko Kojima (Riken Research Institute, Japan) explained in PNAS magazine.

In plants, aging is not due to cell degeneration, but a process controlled by genes. Some genes express only in the aging phase, while others become ' silent '.

The researchers explained that the aging process is caused by the activation of the ' dead program ' in some cells. This program can be activated in some tree species during the dry season. Canceling this program can help plants withstand drought.

Based on research in genetically modified tobacco plants, the scientists added the IPT (isopentenyl transferase) gene to produce enzymes that produce cytokinin hormone (CK). Cytokinin helps leaves stay green even during the dry season. Researchers hope this finding will help reduce crop losses due to drought and allow food production in water-scarce regions.

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