Wang’s latest research, published in the journal New Phytologist, demonstrates how understanding plant stem cells can advance agricultural practices and improve the sustainability of crops.
Wang’s team focused on investigating the role of a particular transcription factor gene, HVA, in vascular stem cells (cells responsible for forming vascular bundles that transport nutrients and water throughout the plant). Their work showed that overexpressing the HVA gene led to a dramatic increase in the number of vascular bundles. Plants with one copy of the overexpressed HVA gene had more than 20 bundles, and plants with two copies had more than 50 bundles, compared to the usual five to eight bundles in plants that did not overexpress it.
The discovery has important implications for agriculture. Plants with increased numbers of vascular bundles are stronger and more resistant to environmental stress. This trait is especially useful for tall crops that are prone to collapse, such as corn.
Source: Ferra
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