New research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) has identified genes that help plants thrive under stressful conditions, paving the way for the development of drought- and salt-resistant crops. This study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on a molecule called dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) that plays a crucial role in plant survival.
Key Findings
The research highlights that while most plants produce DMSP, those that generate it in higher quantities are better suited to grow in challenging environments, such as coastal areas with salty soil. The study shows that DMSP not only helps plants cope with salt but also aids in surviving drought conditions. By either adding DMSP to the soil or engineering plants to produce their own, agricultural productivity can improve, especially in nitrogen-poor soils.
This is the first study to pinpoint the specific genes responsible for DMSP production and to explain its benefits for plant stress tolerance.
Research Methods
The UEA team analyzed DMSP levels in leaf samples of Spartina anglica, a saltmarsh grass thriving in the saltmarsh at Stiffkey, Norfolk, UK. Lead researcher Prof. Jon Todd noted the significance of Spartina, stating, “Most plants produce DMSP, but Spartina is unique due to its high levels. This is vital because saltmarshes are key areas for DMSP production and for generating climate-cooling gases through microbial activity.”
Implications for Agriculture
Dr. Ben Miller, the study’s lead author, emphasized the findings’ potential to improve crop resilience against salinity and drought, which is increasingly important for sustainable agriculture amid climate change. The research involved collaboration among scientists from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Ocean University of China.
Comparative Analysis
The research team also compared the genes of Spartina anglica, which produces DMSP in high amounts, with other crop plants like barley and wheat that produce it in lower concentrations. They identified three specific enzymes responsible for DMSP production in Spartina anglica.
DMSP is essential for stress protection and contributes to global carbon and sulfur cycles, as well as climate-active gas production. Saltmarsh ecosystems, particularly those dominated by Spartina grasses, are known for their high DMSP levels, making them critical for both plant survival and climate regulation.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking research offers a better understanding of how plants handle stress and opens new pathways for creating resilient food crops. The study was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
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