Salk findings of a key genetic mechanism in plant hormone
signaling may help save crops from stress and help address human hunger
Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have
discovered a key genetic switch by which plants control their response to
ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone best known for its ability to ripen
fruit, but which, under stress conditions, can cause wilted leaves, premature
aging and spoilage from over-ripening. The findings, published August 30 in
Science magazine, may hold the key to manipulating plants' ethylene on/off
switch, allowing them to balance between drought resistance and growth and,
therefore, decrease crop losses from drought conditions.