For years, smallholder farmers have relied solely on rainfall to water their crops. Nonetheless, climate change increases the frequency and intensity of dry periods, putting pressure on rice production. Some of the traditional rice varieties farmed in such locations have adapted to dry conditions and may hold the key to developing drought-resistant rice farming tactics. This knowledge can be used to develop novel, drought-resistant rice varieties with higher yield stability. A gene involved in drought tolerance, on the other hand, has to be discovered.
A new study has discovered numerous characteristics linked to rice plant drought fitness, including higher crown root density. According to the findings, dryness had a more significant impact on gene expression patterns in the roots than in the shoots. Furthermore, researchers uncovered modules of co-expressed genes linked to drought resistance in both the roots and the shoots. The research is highly relevant for Crop Protection Chemicals Market as it demonstrates that gene expression patterns are linked to features that promote rice plant drought tolerance.
The team used a panel of 20 different rice varieties, some known to withstand drought. They then investigated how dry conditions affect rice gene expression patterns and how drought-stressed rice plants coordinate gene expression between their roots and shoots. Further, they also looked into how these gene expression patterns are linked to traits that make plants more resilient in drought. The whole experiment was about two-year-long and was situated in the Philippines.
Researchers found that several modules contained genes in interactions with soil-dwelling arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These also include ones involved in root-to-shoot water transport and photosynthesis. One module also had genes involved in interactions with soil-dwelling arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Interactions between roots and beneficial soil organisms may improve drought tolerance. This may happen due to increased nutrient availability.
The team witnessed first-hand how drought affects rice production and, more crucially, the lives of smallholder farmers in the area. This helped them understand why the study is essential in today's world with existing environmental conditions. The researchers expect that the gene modules discovered in their research could help them lead to attempts to develop more tolerant rice varieties, alleviating some of the stresses of a hotter, drier world.