Leaf Wax May be Key to Drought and Heat Tolerance in Wheat

Drought stress affects crops by reducing yield and increasing sensitivity to disease and pest attack. Drought has affected much of the United States Midwest and it is expected to extremely affect countries like India and Bangladesh. In studies conducted by Dr. Dirk Hays of Texas A&M University, he found out that leaf wax variability in different genetic wheat lines can influence heat and drought tolerance in crops.

"We've found if leaf wax is quantified and mapped, it can result in up to a 25 percent increase in yield. The higher wax content keeps the plant cooler and reduces the amount of water the plant uses to keep itself cool," Hays observed.

Studies on leaf wax and chemical composition is at its infant stage. Genetic plant breeding to put together traits for optimal leaf structures, regulate wax and root/leaf structure using genetic markers can expedite the development of varieties with tolerance to drought.

More on this news can be viewed at http://today.agrilife.org/2012/09/07/texas-am-researcher-leaf-wax-may-be-key-to-drought-and-heat-tolerance-in-wheat/.