Image: Pixabay
In this case, they separated the HaHB11 gene (from the same family as HB4) and introduced it into the Arabidopsis thaliana plant (it would be like a laboratory mouse) and saw that biomass and seed production doubled. But in addition to these two benefits, they observed that it gave tolerance to flooding. Therefore, analyzing these results, they wanted to go further and sought to venture into plants of agronomic interest.
{module Form RD}
With this stamp, Jesica Raineri, who belongs to the research group and coordinates this specific work, highlighted that they decided to introduce the gene into a line of maize that is public and then introduce it into the hybrids that INTA has available. As he commented, flooding is quite common in corn and affects the root system, so with the gene, once the stress passes, it adapts better and is able to generate more seeds.
”The flooding tests lasted approximately two weeks and were carried out in the V3 phase (when the plant has three expanded leaves). As the plant is very large, flooding does not affect it as much when it is in more advanced stages”, added Raineri regarding the precise moment in which the tests are carried out, who also followed the project with experts Manuel Franco and María Otegui.
By: Leonardo Gottems | agrolink
