Drought tolerance

Definition

Drought tolerance refers to the ability of a plant to withstand periods of low water availability, allowing it to survive and grow in arid or semi-arid conditions. This trait is increasingly important in agriculture, as climate change and water scarcity make it vital for crops to cope with limited water resources while maintaining yield and quality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drought-tolerant crops are engineered or bred to enhance their ability to maintain physiological functions during water scarcity, which can lead to higher yields in dry conditions.
2. Genetic modification techniques often involve incorporating genes that regulate water retention or stress response mechanisms, enhancing the plant's ability to survive drought.
3. Drought tolerance can also be achieved through traditional breeding methods, selecting for plants that naturally exhibit superior drought-resistant traits.
4. These crops not only help ensure food security but also reduce the need for irrigation, which can conserve water resources and lower production costs.
5. Research continues on identifying specific genes associated with drought tolerance to further improve crop varieties and adapt to changing climate conditions.

Review Questions

• How does drought tolerance contribute to crop resilience in the face of climate change?
  • Drought tolerance enhances crop resilience by enabling plants to survive and produce yields under water-limited conditions. As climate change leads to more frequent and severe droughts, having crops that can thrive despite reduced water availability becomes crucial for food security. By developing drought-tolerant varieties through genetic modification or traditional breeding, farmers can maintain productivity and ensure a stable food supply even in challenging environments.
• Evaluate the advantages and challenges of using genetic modification to develop drought-tolerant crops compared to traditional breeding methods.
  • Genetic modification offers several advantages for developing drought-tolerant crops, such as the ability to introduce specific traits quickly and accurately. This can result in crops that are tailored for specific environmental stresses. However, challenges include regulatory hurdles, public perception issues, and potential ecological impacts. Traditional breeding methods, while slower and less precise, are often more accepted by consumers and can still produce effective drought-resistant varieties without the use of genetic engineering.
• Synthesize information on how improved drought tolerance in crops could influence agricultural practices and global food systems in the future.
  • Improved drought tolerance in crops could significantly transform agricultural practices by reducing reliance on irrigation and promoting sustainable farming techniques. This advancement would enable farmers in arid regions to maintain yields with limited water resources, thereby stabilizing local economies and enhancing food security. As a result, global food systems could become more resilient to climate fluctuations, reducing vulnerability to supply disruptions and allowing for greater adaptability in various ecological contexts.

Related terms

Water use efficiency: The ratio of the amount of biomass produced by a plant to the amount of water used during its growth, indicating how well a plant can conserve water.

Transgenic crops: Crops that have been genetically modified to express traits from other organisms, such as drought tolerance genes, to improve resilience and productivity.

Abiotic stress: Environmental factors like drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures that negatively impact plant growth and development.