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Science & Tech.
Mahesh

10/08/22 05:50 AM IST

Common weed can offer drought-resistant crops

In News 
  • A common weed — Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, offers important clues about creating drought-tolerant crops in a world beset by climate change.
About the Study 
  • The study conducted a spatial analysis of gene expression within the leaves of purslane and found that C4 and CAM activity is totally integrated.
  • They operate in the same cells, with products of CAM reactions being processed by the C4 pathway. This system provides unusual levels of protection for a C4 plant in times of drought.
  • Understanding this novel metabolic pathway could help scientists devise new ways to engineer crops such as corn to help withstand prolonged drought.

Portulaca Oleracea 
  • Purslane has the evolutionary adaptations that help it to be both highly productive and drought tolerant, an unlikely combination for a plant.
  • Portulaca oleracea has been used as a folk medicine in many countries, acting as a febrifuge, antiseptic, and vermifuge.
Source- DTE 

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