Gene helps plants use less water without biomass loss

Farm & Ranch Guide
Posted: Friday, February 25, 2011 2:43 pm
By Brian Wallheimer, Purdue University

Gene helps plants use less water without biomass loss

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers have found a genetic mutation that allows a plant to better endure drought without losing biomass, a discovery that could reduce the amount of water required for growing plants and help plants survive and thrive in adverse conditions.

Plants can naturally control the opening and closing of stomata, pores that take in carbon dioxide and release water. During drought conditions, a plant might close its stomata to conserve water. By doing so, however, the plant also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide it can take in, which limits photosynthesis and growth.

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