"Drought-proof" crops a step closer after breakthrough discovery: Aust'n researchers

Australian researchers are a step closer to developing "drought-proof" crops, following the discovery of an enzyme which senses adverse weather conditions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) said they had discovered enzyme, which acts as a "fire alarm" if the plant determines a drought is imminent.

Lead researcher Dr Kai Xun Chan from the ANU Research School of Biology said it was a breakthrough which could one day lead to the development of next-generation drought-proof crops for farmers in areas affected by severe droughts.

Chan said by identifying the enzyme and tracking its response to weather conditions, researchers can actively assist plants in helping stave off death by drought.

"The sensor in plant leaves is constantly sensing the state of its environment in terms of water and light levels," Chan said on Tuesday.

"The sensor is able to sense when conditions become unfavorable, such as during extreme drought stress, by changing itself into a form with altered shape and activity.

"This sets off a 'fire alarm' in the plant, telling it to respond to drought by making beneficial chemical compounds, for instance. But in the field, this can occur too late and the plant would have suffered damage already.

"If we can get the alarm to go off at the first signs of water deficit, we can help the plant survive severe droughts."

Chan said by triggering the alarm by using a potential enzyme spray during a dry season, crops such as wheat can activate a counter-measure to prevent water loss and survive periods of drought.

"We're really excited about the potential applications of this research, which range from genetic modifications and plant breeding to the development of a chemical spray that directly targets this sensor to set off the alarm in plants," Chan said.

"This could save crops and ensure they produce bigger yields. The chemical spray would provide an innovative way to reduce the impact of drought stress."

The ANU collaborated with research teams at the University of Western Australia, University of Birmingham and University of Cologne. Endit