June 20, 2023

Canadian university research aims to enhance corn's resilience to climate change

As corn and other warm-season crops expand into previously unsuitable regions of Canada, scientists at the University of Saskatchewan are conducting research to bolster corn's resistance to environmental stressors, Country Guide reported.

Led by Professor Karen Tanino, an expert in abiotic stress physiology, the team is investigating the impact of the first frost on different corn varieties, seeking innovative strategies to optimise crop yields. Their focus lies on the cuticular layer of the plant, a protective barrier analogous to its skin, which plays a crucial role in defence mechanisms.

According to Tanino, the cuticular layer's waxiness, or hydrophobicity, is of particular interest. This trait determines the plant's ability to repel water. Corn, being highly sensitive to frost, faces significant challenges during frost events, which offer no opportunity for recovery unlike drought conditions.

To prevent frost formation, the researchers aim to enhance the water-repelling capabilities of the plant's outer layer. By analysing the composition and quantity of the cuticle layer using advanced technology at the Canadian Light Source facility, they discovered that preceding low temperatures can decrease hydrophobicity, rendering the plants more susceptible to freezing at higher temperatures.

The team's findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Physiologia Plantarum, provide hope for breeders, as they identified genetic variability in corn that could be harnessed to develop more resilient varieties. By altering the hydrophobicity of the wax on the cuticular layer, the researchers aim to mitigate the risk of frost damage.

The hydrophobicity trait also has benefits during drought conditions, as it assists plants in retaining moisture. Tanino emphasizes the importance of considering multiple stresses in their research, as field-grown plants face not only frost but also heat and drought challenges.

By equipping breeders with these tools and identifying adaptive traits, the team hopes to accelerate the selection of better-suited genotypes, ultimately benefiting farmers and growers. Their goal is to identify "all-rounders," plants capable of withstanding multiple stresses, ensuring stable and consistent yields year after year.

-      Country Guide