Australian scientists have recently discovered a gene that can prevent frost damage to wheat crops. It is estimated that this gene could save farmers around the world millions of dollars each year.
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Wheat (Photo: oznet) |
In recent years, the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria, Australia, has conducted research on various plants and organisms that can survive in extreme environments.
The scientists at this department have studied how some plants endure the harsh freezing conditions in Antarctica, while other species in similar environments simply freeze, suffer severe damage, and die. Globally, it is estimated that about 5 to 15% of crops are lost each year due to frost.
The researchers at the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria have identified a frost-resistant gene in Antarctic hair grass—a plant that thrives at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. They plan to use this gene to develop wheat and barley varieties that are frost-resistant.
The team is also researching drought and exploring various plant species that are better drought-resistant. Additionally, they aim to study salt tolerance in plants, as some species in Australia can thrive in saline environments.
Dr. Robert Sward, the Director of Biotechnology Policy at the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria, stated that once scientists understand the mechanisms of frost resistance, drought resistance, and salt tolerance in plants—especially in species like Antarctic hair grass—they can apply these research findings to agricultural biotechnology.
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