Purdue Innovation Could Help Crops Survive Prolonged Drought

Purdue researchers are developing technology that could enable specific plants and crops to survive extreme periods of drought while significantly decreasing agricultural water consumption.  Purdue researchers have developed an alternative way to genetically modify crops and plants to survive severe drought conditions.  The technology utilizes a gene that causes the plant to have rapid leaf pore closure, a reduced rate of water loss due to evaporation, alleviated cell membrane damage and improved photosynthesis that results in an improved reaction to drought conditions.  Essentially, the technology allows plants to protect themselves with dormancy. Researchers say they are developing the technology because agriculture has become the most significant user of fresh water, accounting for at least 75% of fresh water usage.

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