LUMS Researchers Help International Scientists Discover Compounds That Could Make Crops More Drought-Resistant

Researchers at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) have contributed to an international study that identified two chemical compounds that could support plants better withstand drought.

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• The researchers identified a small molecule called NS5806 and its derivative, UA49.
• Laboratory experiments indicated that NS5806 and UA49 could provide drought-tolerance benefits without causing these side effects.
• The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications, was co-authored by LUMS Associate Professor Dr.

Meanwhile, the research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications, was co-authored by LUMS Associate Professor Dr. Khurram Bashir and PhD researcher Farhan Aziz. Scientists from Japan, Italy, Germany and Spain additionally participated in the study.

Meanwhile, the researchers identified a small molecule called NS5806 and its derivative, UA49. It can improve drought tolerance in plants.

Meanwhile, the compounds influence potassium channel activity and support regulate the opening and closing of stomata. These microscopic pores on plant leaves control water loss and gas exchange.

Plants normally produce the hormone abscisic acid during drought conditions, causing their stomata to close and reducing water loss. Nevertheless, applying the hormone externally can delay seed germination and stunt root expansion.

Meanwhile, the findings suggest that the compounds work through an alternative signalling pathway. Australian Scientists Turn Giant Cockroaches into Drug-Delivering Cyborgs.

In practice, the study additionally identified a previously unknown connection between potassium channel activity and calcium signalling in guard cells. It control stomatal movement.

For context, the discovery could eventually support efforts to develop crops that require less water and can better survive drought conditions.

Nevertheless, researchers stressed that the discovery remains at an early stage. The compounds still need extensive testing on major agricultural crops under real-world field conditions before they can be considered for practical agricultural employ. Visit EduNation to find scholarships from worldwide. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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