Alongside drought, which high temperatures can exacerbate, plants' defences are compromised by heat, leaving them prone to attacks by pathogens and insects. Now, a team of scientists at US and Chinese institutions say they have identified the exact process which leads to faltering plant immunity as temperatures rise, and have worked out a way to stop this process and bolster plants' defences during periods of heat.
The researchers carried out tests on a plant known as thale cress, from the mustard family, which is widely used as a "lab rat" by plant scientists. If the findings are transferable to commonly grown crops, it could help maintain higher yields during extreme weather. The research focuses on a defence hormone called salicylic acid. When plants come under attack from predators or diseases, the levels of salicylic acid rise up to seven-fold. This hormone fires up the plant's immune system and helps them fight off the attack.
However, over certain temperatures plants simply fail to ratchet up their salicylic acid levels, and as a result, are unable to fend off pathogens or pests. This happens as a result of even brief heatwaves, the researcher said.
This story is from the June 30, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 30, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The five UFC fights fans.most want to see in 2025
Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall tops the wishlist for the year ahead
The many problems facing Tuchel as England manager
If 2024 took England to the brink of the trophy that has eluded them since 1966, 2025 brings the arrival of a manager with the track record of winning silverware that Gareth Southgate lacked.
Gunners fire back with win to stay in touch in title race
Arsenal scored two goals in three second-half minutes to complete a 3-1 comeback victory at Brentford to move back up to second in the Premier League.
TWIST AND DOUBT
Another cast of mild eccentrics enter the Traitors castle for a game of deception that's feeling familiar
The joke is over - get Mrs Brown's Boys off the BBC
As time goes on, Brendan O'Carroll's sitcom remains the same: tedious, small-minded and unfunny
'It felt way out of my depth'
Jim Swire's quest to find the truth behind the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 has inspired a new series starring Colin Firth. Ellie Harrison hears the actor's thoughts on the role
Love, the old-fashioned way
As many plan to swerve dating apps, Olivia Petter shares tips on how to hit on someone in real life - without being a creep
Which domestic routes are popular from Heathrow?
Q Which are the most popular domestic routes to and from London Heathrow?
How the keto diet's five-day meal plan can reboot your body and mind this January
Ready for a health reset? Hannah Twiggs learns about the benefits of keto and a new, easier approach to cutting carbs
CONNECTION LOST
Technology's complexity keeps growing and those showing us the way, such as Elon Musk, are now our leaders but what happens when innovation slows down, asks Andrew Griffin