Scientists Discover Plant Hormone Methyl Jasmonate that Increases Plant Growth by 30%
In a recent study conducted by scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), a plant hormone called methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been found to significantly boost plant growth by up to 30%. This groundbreaking discovery could have profound implications for agriculture and crop productivity.
Understanding the Role of Methyl Jasmonate
Methyl jasmonate is a volatile organic compound that is typically released by plants above ground during periods of stress. However, the researchers discovered that MeJA is also released underground by plant roots in a volatile form. This underground release of MeJA serves as a communication signal between the plant and the microorganisms present in the soil.
The synergy between Plants and Microbes: Methyl Jasmonate
The study found that MeJA acts as a shared language that allows plants to communicate with the microorganisms in the soil. The researchers discovered that volatile MeJA triggers the formation of biofilms in bacteria located at a distance from the plant roots. These biofilms, in turn, release a different set of volatile compounds that have the ability to enhance plant growth.
The Role of Agro-Microbials Via Methyl Jasmonate
Agro-microbials are communities of microorganisms associated with crops that play critical roles in plant growth promotion, disease prevention, nitrogen fixation, and soil fertility. They break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and create humus to retain moisture. The discovery of MeJA’s ability to enhance the formation of biofilms in bacteria provides a new insight into how agro-microbials can be utilized to improve crop yield and productivity.
Future Research and Implications of Methyl Jasmonate
The research team plans to further investigate the exact chemical nature of the compounds released by the soil microbial environment that stimulate plant growth. This knowledge could potentially lead to the development of new agricultural practices and technologies that harness the power of agro-microbials to enhance crop production.
The discovery of methyl jasmonate as a plant hormone that can boost plant growth by up to 30% is a significant breakthrough in agricultural science. By understanding the role of this hormone in promoting the formation of biofilms in bacteria, researchers can potentially harness the power of agro-microbials to improve crop productivity. Further research in this field could have profound implications for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Keywords: plant hormone, crop growth, agriculture, agro-microbials, sustainable farming, plant hormone, boost plant growth, agro-microbials, crop yield, biodiversity, Methyl Jasmonate
See Also: Precision Agriculture
