In a new study published in Science, researchers were able to isolate the genes in the plant that cause the roots to grow in the air instead of in the soil, thus surviving strain conditions created from a damaged tattoo
Many plants produce their roots above ground, such as the ivy that uses its roots to climb structures and the ficus tree that uses them to support its large branches. If so, what causes certain plants to form roots in the “wrong place”? A new study led by Prof. Idan Efroni from the Faculty of Agriculture at the Hebrew University, published in the prestigious journal Science, reveals the mechanism that causes roots to grow in the air. With the help of careful genetic research and the genome isolation of a number of common plants, the research team was able to identify the cells that enable the special phenomenon.
Prof. Ofri, together with Moatsam Omri and Dr. Naama Gil-Yarom, examined the genetic load of sweet potatoes, beans, tomatoes, rice, corn, wheat and other common plants, and found that they share a dual root control system, which also allows them to take root in the air. If necessary, the researchers used innovative techniques to closely filter thousands of cells, until they were able to identify those that control the plant’s ability to form roots in the air.
“The ability to produce air roots is a great advantage for the plant”Prof. Efroni explained. “In case the subterranean roots are flooded or damaged, the plant can grow aerial roots and survive,” Added. Plants developed this trait early in their evolution and it is preserved in most of the plants that exist today.
Despite findings that illustrate the determination of plants to stay alive, what is beneficial in nature may be a disadvantage in agriculture. In order to allow farmers to grow soil-resistant plants, many plants are transplanted with a root system of one plant and another system of another plant above ground. However, if the transplanted plant grows aerial root before the ground root, the transplanting effort will become useless. The new study offers a solution to the problem by developing plants with no air roots at all.
The study has significant applied implications. Prof. Efroni: “In the future we hope to find a way to change the DNA code of the plant, in order to produce custom root systems above and below ground. To get the most out of the soil we have, we must optimize the utilization of the resources of our food crops. In a daunting and complex task, but, step by step, we get there “
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