Gene editing is now helping crops grow deeper roots to find hidden water
Scientists are using CRISPR technology to engineer crops with vertical root systems that reach deep underground reservoirs, allowing plants to survive extreme droughts and thrive in arid environments.
Agricultural researchers have identified specific genes, such as the DRO1 gene in rice, that control the angle at which roots grow. By using gene-editing tools like CRISPR, scientists can encourage plants to grow their roots downward rather than outward. This vertical growth allows crops to access moisture trapped deep in the soil that traditional varieties cannot reach.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 4-question quiz