In a world facing increasing droughts due to climate change, scientists are looking to nature for solutions. A small group of plants known as “resurrection plants” may hold the key to making crops more resilient to water scarcity. These plants can survive for months without water, appearing dead, before regreening within hours of rainfall.
Jill Farrant, a professor at the University of Cape Town, has spent over 30 years studying these remarkable plants. She first noticed their extraordinary ability as a child in South Africa. Unlike most plants, which die after losing 10-30% of their water, resurrection plants can withstand losing over 95% of their moisture by replacing water with sugars that preserve their structure. This process, known as vitrification, helps them survive extreme drought conditions.
If scientists can transfer this resilience to crops like maize, rice, and wheat, it could revolutionise agriculture. Current breeding techniques improve drought resistance, but crops still struggle to recover after water returns. Resurrection plants, however, regain their original structure almost instantly, allowing them to continue growing without disruption.
Researchers have already introduced genes from resurrection plants into crops like sweet potatoes, showing increased drought tolerance. Others are exploring whether activating dormant genes in crops could yield similar results. As global temperatures rise and droughts become more frequent, finding ways to enhance food security is critical.
With further research, these plants could help prevent widespread crop failures, ensuring food production even in the driest regions. Scientists are racing against time to unlock their full potential and help agriculture adapt to a changing world.
