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Adapt to survive: Researchers prove plants alter genes to combat dry spells

Researchers have now confirmed what most gardeners and experts at plant culture have been suspecting for long.This further supports the popular notion that less watering to the transplants in the first few days toughens them for drought and they blossom better down the line. US researchers have confirmed this as they have published their latest findings that point out to the genetic transcription in plants that have had to deal with more spells of dry season to ensure their survival.

Plants 'remember' droughts to prepare

This survival instinct has been confirmed by those who have observed certain plants growing better with lesser water. Plants do this by altering their genetic structure and the information is stored so as to ensure that they are prepared for the next dry spell that is on its way. In this sense, they actually have a memory that enables them to adapt with changing weather and humidity patterns.

While the final outcome of the process and the ability to adapt has been known for a long time, it is the first time that scientists have found the actual mechanism involved. Michael Fromm, a plant scientist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln claims that the transcription of the genetic subset that enables them to deal with the drought spells could be passed on genetically as well if the patterns are regular and permanent. So, next time you have new transplant in your garden you can safely water it a tad bit less to ensure that it toughens up down the line.

Via: Upi

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