At first glance, it may seem like a joke, but this is the remarkable achievement of a research team from the University of Haifa, Israel. After years of research, they have discovered a gene that can help crops thrive in saline water and desert environments.
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Saline lands can eventually be used for agriculture (Photo: VTV) |
In addition to salinization, the warming of the Earth’s temperature also exacerbates desertification. The consequences of these issues leave people with less arable land, crops unable to grow, and an increase in poverty. Faced with this reality, Israeli scientists were inspired to search for a type of crop that could thrive in both saline and desert environments.
The research team at the University of Haifa successfully cultured a type of fungus found deep beneath the Dead Sea—an area where most scientists believed no life could exist (the Dead Sea is actually a salt lake with a salinity of up to 34%, containing high levels of magnesium and calcium. The salt concentration is so high that one can comfortably float on the surface while reading a newspaper or making a phone call).
Professor Eviatar Nevo, Director of the Institute of Evolution at the University of Haifa, and his colleagues isolated a gene from this fungus called HOG (high osmotic glycerol).
“HOG is not only salt-resistant. It is a multi-stress resistance gene. It can withstand high and low temperatures, snowmelt, and fight against oxidative stress,” he stated.
Professor Nevo successfully isolated the HOG gene and implanted it into mustard plants. These plants subsequently survived and grew normally in a saline environment.
Not stopping at mustard, Professor Nevo believes this gene could also aid in the cultivation of wheat, barley, corn, and any other crops in saline-affected areas. He noted: “From this success, we can definitely expand agriculture in saline and desert environments, which is crucial for poverty alleviation.”
Globally, arable land is decreasing. Professor Nevo believes that nature always finds ways to adapt and survive amid environmental changes. Willow trees can thrive in saline waters and arid lands. Israeli scientists have studied the genetic mechanisms of willow trees and discovered a gene called SP-1 that helps the cells resist salt.
According to Professor Nevo, if we can modify or mimic this gene, it could lead to another agricultural revolution, enabling communities in desert areas to cultivate crops. “From a genetic perspective, organisms are always changing because the environment is constantly changing. If the environment changes and organisms do not adapt, they will face extinction,” Professor Nevo concluded.
