Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in plant development, potentially offering a solution to enhance root growth for future crops. The discovery, detailed by Anthropocene, emerged from experiments utilizing mebendazole (MBZ), a medication commonly employed in parasite treatment.
During the experimentation phase, researchers observed that plants treated with MBZ displayed shallower root systems, prompting a focused investigation into the enzymes responsible for root growth. Wolfgang Busch, Executive Director of the Harnessing Plants Initiative at the Salk Institute, explained that suppressing specific enzymes associated with the ethylene pathway led to the development of deeper, less horizontally spread roots.
Published in the journal Cell Reports, the findings raise optimism for the cultivation of climate-resilient crops, particularly crucial amid increasing occurrences of extreme weather events due to global warming. A 2023 survey conducted by Bayer Group indicated that 90% of farmers noted weather changes, with 70% facing heat or drought conditions anticipated to impact yields adversely.
Deeper root systems offer enhanced resilience against prolonged dry periods, with the ability to more efficiently absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas contributing to planetary warming. Notably, ecosystems like Brazil’s “upside-down” Cerrado forest savanna exemplify the benefits of such root structures.
While acknowledging that plants alone cannot mitigate climate change, researchers underscore their importance in conjunction with transitioning away from fossil fuels. Busch emphasized the significance of deep roots for environmental sustainability and crop health.
To advance this research, Busch highlighted the necessity for highly targeted engineering, considering the broader influence of ethylene on plant physiology, including fruit ripening. Current efforts involve precise manipulation of the ethylene pathway in select root cells to modify root structure without altering other plant properties.
With greenhouse experimentation underway, researchers anticipate transitioning to field tests within the next few years, marking a critical step toward practical application in agricultural settings.