Scientists have found a plant gene that drives the growth of root hairs, the tiny structures that help plants find water and nutrients in the soil.
that control nitrate uptake and signaling, as well as how plants can better use nitrate, it's advantageous for agriculture, soil, water, fertilizer application and the entire nitrogen cycle."found that the BUZZ gene adjusts root growth—both the rate and lateral root initiation—in response to the nitrate concentration in nearby soil.
The gene is expressed at very low levels and had never been described before, which made finding it more challenging. Identifying the gene in a model grass plant is also important because its function is likely conserved given the sequence similarity between grasses. Thus it translates to crops like wheat, rice, maize and barley. These crops are vital to feeding the world's population, so a gene that could boost their ability to find and use nitrate could have a large impact.
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