Highlights Salk scientists debut gene expression atlas of plant leaves across development, comparing normal versus drought conditions The atlas reveals drought accelerates leaf aging; pinpoints a gene that helps leaves keep growing under stress The study clears the path to more drought-tolerant crops, which would protect yields and reduce farmer losses during mild droughts LA JOLLA—The United States and Mexico have been in a historic megadrought since the turn of the century. For more than 25 years, the American Southwest has faced the severe social and economic consequences of this megadrought—including a $1.1 billion agricultural loss in California in 2021 alone. With these conditions persisting, how can we help crops withstand drought while minimizing yield loss?
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