How tomato 'golden hour' research could help crops survive heat waves and drought
What if the secret to drought-resistant crops isn't how much water plants use, but when they use it? A new study identifies a daily window that could help breeders develop tomatoes that better withstand drought without sacrificing yield.
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has revealed a potential key to creating drought-resistant crops: the timing of when plants open and close their microscopic leaf pores, known as stomata. The research, led by Dr. Sanbon Chaka Gosa and Professor Menachem Moshelion, focused on how the daily rhythm of tomato plants could impact water usage and crop yield.
Contrary to traditional belief that focuses on the number of stomata, the study found that the "golden hour" of early morning activity, when stomata open under strong sunlight but before heat and dry air increase water loss, plays a crucial role in a plant's ability to withstand drought. This period allows plants to maximize photosynthesis while minimizing unnecessary water loss.
The researchers identified a "physiological golden hour" where plants perform optimally. The study suggests that this dynamic water-use strategy, rather than just water-saving tactics, could be a game-changer in breeding climate-resilient crops. Plants that showed early-morning stomatal opening performed better under drought conditions, recovering more quickly and maintaining high biomass and water-use efficiency.
The findings, published in Plant Science, could significantly speed up the development of drought-resistant crops, providing a valuable tool for breeders facing the challenges of climate change.
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