Monsanto, BASF discover drought tolerance genes in corn
Monsanto and BASF scientists have discovered a naturally-occurring gene that can help corn plants combat drought conditions and confer yield stability during periods of inadequate water supplies.
The companies stated that they will use the gene in their first-generation drought-tolerant corn product which is designed to provide yield stability to their farmer customers.
This product will be the first biotechnology-derived drought-tolerant crop in the world.
The companies said that the drought-tolerant corn contains the cspB gene, from Bacillus subtilis.
The gene was first identified in bacteria subjected to cold stress conditions and further research has demonstrated that cspB helps plants cope with drought stress.
Monsanto scientists have published those findings in a peer-reviewed paper in the journal, Plant Physiology.
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