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Gene Identified by Scientists May Lead to Drought-Resistant Plants U.S. Scientists have identified a gene that controls water retention in plants, raising the hope of making crops more resistant to drought. Professor Alan Jones, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, says the discovery could help prevent famine. "We think this work is an important step because researchers should be able to modify this gene to make crops hardier. "Researchers worked with arabidopsis, a plant commonly used in the laboratory, also known as thale cress. They targeted a gene that responds to a natural acid that controls the size of opening in leaves. Source: thescotsman.co.uk |
