A new study suggests that Suberin, a polymer found in plant roots, can act as a ‘toolbox of ways’ to help plants cope with water stress and droughts.
- Protectant for cell wall against pathogens
- A physical barrier, preventing water loss in tissues
- A water-repellent polymer in plant cell walls
Plants frequently adapt to environmental changes to thrive in severe conditions which is why suberin blocks water from flowing up to the leaves during water stress to avoid water loss.
Suberin is usually produced by endodermal cells inside the roots.
However, in tomatoes, suberin is produced in exodermal cells, right below the skin of the
root.
New study suggests that exodermal suberin serves the same function as
endodermal suberin. Tomato plants will not be able to cope with water stress without it.
To delve deeper, researchers have created mutant strains that lack
functional versions of exodermal cells involved in suberin production.
They compared mutant plants with normal plants and found :
2. Normal plants wilted in 10 days post water scarce
1. Both plants grew normally during regular watering
Having shown suberin’s wonders in a greenhouse setting, plans are
underway to test suberin’s drought-proofing potential in the field.