Critical crops’ alternative way to succeed in heat and drought

Press/Media: Press / Media

Description

Scientists have discovered that certain plants can survive stressful, dry conditions by controlling water loss through their leaves without relying on their usual mechanism - tiny pores known as ‘stomata’.

Nonstomatal control of transpiration in maize, sorghum, and proso millet – all C4 crops which are critical for global food security – gives these plants an advantage in maintaining a beneficial microclimate for photosynthesis within their leaves.

This allows the plants to absorb carbon dioxide as part of the photosynthesis and growth process, despite raised temperatures and increased atmospheric demand for water without increasing the water expenditure.

The research is published in PNAS.

Period13 Sept 2024 → 16 Sept 2024

Media coverage

2

Media coverage

  • TitleScientists discover nonstomatal control of water loss in critical crops
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletPhys.org
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date16/09/24
    PersonsDiego Marquez
  • TitleCritical crops’ alternative way to succeed in heat and drought
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletPreventionWeb
    Media typeWeb
    Date13/09/24
    Producer/AuthorUnited Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
    PersonsDiego Marquez