Abrams modified the part of the ABA molecule that's broken down by the enzyme. Then she and Simmons demonstrated that chemically blocking the enzyme allows ABA to stay active longer. This means that some sort of seed treatment with the altered ABA might provide the extra delay needed to improve wheat survival during drought conditions. Earlier, the researchers found the parts of the ABA molecule that regulate whether a wheat plant germinates prematurely. Such rains fall about 1 year in 5 in some areas of the Pacific Northwest and with varying frequency worldwide.
Farmers can sell the sprouted wheat for animal feed but lose up to half the crop's value.
Simmons' team also identified an array of genes that appear to partially confer drought and cold hardiness. They hope to use this information to make better plant selections for breeding programs. Although the researchers are still unraveling exactly what the genes and their proteins do, they all seem to bind well with water. The findings may have unique applications. Simmons worked with ARS scientists in Beltsville, Maryland, to show that some of these water-binding proteins could protect turkey sperm during cold storage.