Scientists from Cornell University and partners have identified the
drought-coping mechanisms of cotton plants. Their findings may be used to
produce more resilient cotton varieties.



Climate change causes frequent and severe droughts that can affect
cotton-growing regions. Due to the challenges brought about by climate
change, improved varieties of cotton must be developed to cope with these
issues.



Researchers subjected cotton plants to drought conditions and examined their
genes and physical traits. The results showed that the GhHSFA6B-D and
GhDREB2A-A genes help the plants handle water stress while preserving fiber
development. These regulatory genes coordinate the activity of other genes
that are responsible for drought response and fiber production.



The team also identified that the GhIPS1-A gene creates an enzyme that is
necessary for the production of compounds that protect crops from drought
stress. A genetic variation near the GhIPS1-A gene was also associated with
the maintenance of cotton yield during drought. Their research offers
valuable insights that may be used as a guide for breeding efforts.



[onlinelibrary.wiley.com]