Israeli-Led Research Team Enhances Plant Cloning Technology for Better Crops

Technology News ,Israel :- A group of researchers led by experts from Tel Aviv University and the Volcani Institute in Rishon LeZion has made a breakthrough in improving the process of genetically cloning plants. This development could have a significant impact on modern agriculture.

The key advancement, achieved after eight years of research, focuses on making the process of rooting cuttings from mature trees more efficient. This method, known as "cutting propagation," involves using a piece of a parent plant, such as a stem or branch, to grow a new plant.

The traditional way of cutting propagation uses the plant hormone auxin to stimulate root growth. However, this method is not equally effective for all plant species, making widespread adoption challenging. Building on existing knowledge, the researchers aimed to enhance the effectiveness of auxin by exploring slow-release formulations.

After extensive experimentation, the researchers developed a "library" of synthetic auxin varieties. Compounds showing promising results were identified and further refined, enabling prolonged auxin release within plant cells. This significantly increased rooting percentages in various plant species.

The findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Biotechnology.

To understand the enhancement's mechanisms, the researchers studied the mode of action of the new compounds using model plants. They discovered that the synthetic auxin in the compounds exhibited greater stability within plant cells. The researchers also identified a family of enzymes responsible for its release, paving the way for broader applications across different plant species.

Research student Ohad Roth explained, "We identified compounds with a positive effect on the rooting process and focused on the most effective one. This compound allows high permeability to the plant with a prolonged release of the synthetic auxin, staying in the plant for up to a week and a half."

The study's significance was highlighted by its success in propagating argan trees, historically challenging due to their reliance on sexual reproduction via seeds. The researchers successfully produced a large number of seedlings from elite selections, opening up possibilities for cultivating argan trees outside their native habitat.

The upgraded treatment also showed promising results with other trees, including apple, poplar, and eucalyptus. For example, the rooting percentage of eucalyptus cuttings increased to 60%, up to six times higher than the standard method.

The team believes that their findings will reduce the cost of rooting procedures, improve produce quality, and contribute to the development of new crops capable of adapting to challenging climate conditions.