Wheat's Secret Weapon Against Drought

Drought is a big problem for wheat crops. But what if wheat could learn from its parents to handle dry conditions better? Scientists found that when wheat plants go through drought during a key growth stage, their offspring become more resilient. This is called intergenerational plasticity. The study tested nine wheat varieties. Only one, called JM22, showed big improvements. Its offspring had better roots, leaves, and water use. They also produced more grain, even in dry conditions. The benefits got even stronger when the drought lasted for two generations.So, how does this work? The study found that drought changes how the wheat's genes work. It also changes how the plant uses resources. This helps the plant balance survival and growth. The changes get stronger over time. This is big news for agriculture. It could help farmers grow more wheat in dry areas. But it's not a magic solution. More research is needed to understand all the details. And it's important to remember that this is just one tool in the fight against drought.