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Boosting Apple Water Efficiency and Strength by Regulating Key Plant Enzyme
Greg Howard
24th July, 2024
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Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024
Key Findings
- Researchers at Northwest A&F University found that overexpressing the MdMRLK2 gene in apple trees improves water use efficiency (WUE) under drought conditions
- The modified apple trees showed higher photosynthetic capacity, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, greater biomass, and improved root activity and water potential
- The MdMRLK2 gene interacts with and modifies the MdCCR1 enzyme, enhancing lignin synthesis, which strengthens plant cell walls and improves drought tolerance
AgricultureBiochemPlant Science
References
Main Study
1) Overexpression of FERONIA receptor kinase MdMRLK2 regulates lignin accumulation and enhances water use efficiency in apple under long-term water deficit condition.
Published 23rd July, 2024
https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.16938
Related Studies
2) Transcriptional activation of rice CINNAMOYL-CoA REDUCTASE 10 by OsNAC5, contributes to drought tolerance by modulating lignin accumulation in roots.
3) The cell biology of lignification in higher plants.
4) Stress-induced deeper rooting introgression enhances wheat yield under terminal drought.