Gansu Agricultural University Researchers Modify Potato Gene to Boost Drought Tolerance

Researchers from Gansu Agricultural University in China have identified a gene in potato that will enhance drought stress tolerance by regulating internal defense systems. The study focused on StMYB19 and examined how genetic modification of this gene affects drought tolerance in the potato variety “Atlantic.”

The researchers genetically modified potatoes to obtain overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) lines. When exposed to drought conditions, potatoes with increased StMYB19 expression showed milder drought symptoms, while the suppressed expression lines showed growth inhibition and severe leaf wilting. Further analysis revealed that overexpressing plants significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced the levels of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS).

The study also showed that StMYB19 activates drought defense by regulating the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway. By maintaining ROS homeostasis and activating the JA signaling pathway, StMYB19 coordinates plant defense and growth under drought conditions. These findings highlight the potential of targeted genetic modification to improve drought tolerance in crops facing increasing climate stress.

For more information, read the study from Plant Science.