Submission + - Scientists Find Hormone that Allows Seeds to Germinate in Low Water Conditions (eurekalert.org)
StellarThoughts writes: Seeds produce a hormone termed ABA which is used in arid or dry conditions that cause a seed to close its pores and retain water for later in the hopes of better conditions. Yet scientists have found a way to block the pathway for this hormone, encouraging seeds to germinate despite the less than ideal conditions. The discovery stems from a study trying to do the opposite; coaxing plants and seeds to hold on to water to prevent wilting from drought stress.
The benefits of ABA in agriculture is clear, but its implementation is still vague. Farmers can use the chemical to spur growth in difficult terrain, or use it to germinate the seeds and "bank" any water for later use when the plants energy demands have increased. This could be the beginning of a solution in an ever warming and changing global climate.
The benefits of ABA in agriculture is clear, but its implementation is still vague. Farmers can use the chemical to spur growth in difficult terrain, or use it to germinate the seeds and "bank" any water for later use when the plants energy demands have increased. This could be the beginning of a solution in an ever warming and changing global climate.
