University Researchers Identify Mechanism for Water-Efficient Crops
What happened
Researchers from Australian National University and James Cook University identified a natural mechanism that helps plants limit water loss while maintaining carbon dioxide intake. This mechanism could allow crops to be more resilient to extreme weather events, including drought. The discovery is expected to help agricultural scientists and plant breeders develop more water-efficient crops.
From science20.com
Why it matters
The finding suggests that plants can be genetically optimized to reduce water loss with little effect on carbon dioxide uptake. This could potentially lead to less water needed by farmers and lower costs for people in more arid regions.
From science20.com
Who's involved
- Australian National UniversityCollaborated with James Cook University on the research identifying the natural mechanism.
- James Cook UniversityCollaborated with Australian National University on the research identifying the natural mechanism.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Australian National UniversitySpeculative
Agricultural scientists and plant breeders might increase investment in developing water-efficient crops.
- James Cook UniversitySpeculative
Farmers might see lower operational costs due to reduced water requirements for crops.
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The entities involved
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Australian National University
national research university in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
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James Cook University
university in Australia
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