New Zealand study improves chances of plants surviving severe drought

New Zealand scientists say they have made a breakthrough in helping plants cope with droughts and adapt to the onset of global climate change.

The Lincoln University research uses computer modeling to understand more about how plants respond to drought -- knowledge that could improve their capacity to withstand the effects of severe climactic conditions.

"One of the biggest global problems is freshwater scarcity. Plants account for 65 percent of global freshwater use," researcher Dr Pramuditha Waidyarathne said in a statement Tuesday.

When a plant was under stress, the small pores on the surfaces of its leaves closed, allowing it to retain water and improving its chance of surviving drought conditions.

A factor playing a large role in the closure of the pores was a hormone called phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), which plants produced to regulate growth, development and stress responses.

ABA triggered the closure of the pores.

Waidyarathne said her study was the first attempt at computer modeling the ABA signaling network from a holistic perspective, by looking at all data and evidence already available in existing literature on the subject.

"ABA signaling involves a large number of proteins and other molecules that are interconnected to form a complex network," she said.

"My study uses computer modeling to develop an easy-to-digest system that shows how the protein-signalling pathway leads to rapid pore closure in plants. This has generated new insights into how these proteins are connected and why."

The last attempt at computer modeling ABA signaling was reported in 2006, but it lacked current knowledge, depth and a holistic perspective.

"The model can be used to find ways to improve plant drought stress response, which is crucial in the face of prevailing climate change." Endi