A research team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has identified plant genes that can be altered to increase a plant’s tolerance to heat, drought and salinity, facilitating survival in more arid regions.
Temperature extremes, drought and saline soils are three main causes of low crop yields, and most annual crop losses are due to such environmental effects. It is estimated that by the year 2025, an increase in crop yield of 40 percent will be needed to support the ever-growing world population. Global climate change is contributing to an increased amount of desert-like soil conditions, which is less conducive to plant growth.
The study was conducted by Dr. Simon Barak, a lecturer and researcher of the Albert Katz Department of Dryland Biotechnologies at Ben-Gurion University’s Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research. The results were the subject of a recent paper published in the November issue of "Plant Physiology"
The research group focused on finding genes that control tolerance to multiple environmental stresses. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (whose genome had been sequenced), they discovered that by mutating one of two genes, stress tolerance could be increased to higher levels. “We manipulated these genes to enhance the plant’s own tolerance systems, making the plant more resistant to salinity, heat and drought. As we decode the exact mechanism linking the genes to the degree of tolerance, we will understand them better, but so far we have only had a tiny glimpse,” Barak said.
“Ideally, we would like to create varieties of staple crops such as corn and rice that are more tolerant to multiple environmental stresses” Barak added. “The group has been researching the genome databases for some of these plants and has already found similar genes. We recognize the commercial applications of this discovery and we’re looking to collaborate with biotechnology companies in the near future to further develop the technology.”
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on February 6, 2008
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