New studies have discovered, for the first time, the specific genes that assist plants in thriving under challenging conditions, which could lead to the development of more sustainable food crops as the world faces climate change. The research highlights the genes responsible for producing a unique anti-stress compound known as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). The findings indicate that while most plants produce DMSP, those that generate it in larger amounts are better suited to grow in coastal environments, particularly in salty soils.
New studies have discovered, for the first time, the specific genes that assist plants in thriving under challenging conditions, which could lead to the development of more sustainable food crops as the world faces climate change.
Conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA), this research uncovers the genes that allow plants to synthesize the anti-stress molecule DMSP. The study reveals that the majority of plants can produce DMSP; however, those with higher levels of production are equipped to flourish in coastal areas or other saline environments.
Moreover, the findings suggest that plants can also thrive in various stressful situations, such as drought, if they are either provided with DMSP or genetically altered to produce their own. This method could significantly enhance agricultural productivity, especially in soils with low nitrogen content.
This marks the first investigation outlining the genes responsible for DMSP production in plants, clarifying why this molecule is essential, and demonstrating its potential to increase plant resilience against stress factors.
The results of this study are featured today in the journal Nature Communications.
Prof Jon Todd from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences commented, “Our findings are thrilling as they reveal that most plants produce DMSP, but the saltmarsh grass Spartina stands out for its notable abundance of this compound. This is especially relevant because Spartina saltmarshes are vital regions for generating DMSP and the climate-cooling gas dimethylsulfide, which is produced by microbes that decompose DMSP.”
Dr. Ben Miller, the lead author from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, stated, “This discovery enhances our comprehension of how plants manage stress and opens new pathways for improving crop tolerance to salinity and drought, which is crucial for boosting agricultural sustainability amidst climate change.”
The research team comprised scientists from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, School of Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology, along with contributors from Ocean University of China.
The researchers examined a species of saltmarsh cordgrass, known as Spartina anglica, which produces significant levels of DMSP, and compared its genetic makeup to that of other plants that generate the compound, albeit in smaller quantities.
Many of these lower DMSP-producing plants are important crops in the UK, including barley and wheat.
The scientists identified three enzymes essential for the elevated production of DMSP in Spartina anglica.
DMSP is vital for protecting plants from stress and plays a key role in global carbon and sulfur cycles as well as in the formation of climate-influencing gases.
Saltmarsh ecosystems, especially those dominated by Spartina species, act as key areas for DMSP production due to their ability to synthesize high levels of this important compound.
This research received funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
