Scientists have discovered a novel gene in rice that promotes root
development and provides tolerance to abiotic stresses. The gene can be
utilized as a molecular marker to develop rice that is tolerant to extreme
environmental conditions.



Root architecture and function are essential for plants to obtain water and
nutrients from the soil. However, environmental stresses can affect the
development of the roots. Jasmonic acid (JA), a phytohormone that controls
plant growth and stress response, can help with this issue, but its function
in root development for environmental adaptability has not been thoroughly
studied.



Researchers from various institutions in Taiwan discovered a JA Upregulated
Protein 1 gene (JAUP1) that works together with JA to enact various
functions in rice. JAUP1 induces JA biosynthesis, which activates a series
of genes that promote root growth and multi-stress tolerance in rice.
Increased expression of JAUP1 also minimizes grain yield loss even if there
is a limited water supply, which will help with water conservation.



[onlinelibrary.wiley.com]