KU study finds soil microbes help plants survive drought

KANSAS (KSNT) - A recent study from the University of Kansas analyzed soil samples from across the state to see how corn and a native relative are influenced by microbes from different regions.

Researchers collected soil samples from six regions across Kansas with varying precipitation levels and subjected them to a five-month drought. Corn and eastern gamagrass were planted in the varying soil samples and monitored to see how the plants responded. Researchers found that drier soil harbors a set of bacterial genes that enable eastern gamagrass to survive with little precipitation.

Maggie Wagner, an associate professor at the University of Kansas and co-author of the study, was surprised that corn did not show the same success but hopes the findings can lead to future advancements.

"We identified some groups of bacterial genes that we think are involved in bacterial adaptation to dry conditions," said Wagner. "Our idea is that we can learn from eastern gamagrass, which genes help the plant have this beneficial response."

Inside the lab, researchers are hoping that corn, a crop that requires abundant water, can survive with less, enabling farmers to conserve water and sustain crop growth.

"That's going to help growers and their pocketbooks," said Wagner. "It's also going to help the environment and water availability in their communities."

Owner of A & H Farm, Andrea DeJesus, and other local farmers are taking note of this research as biotech firms could use it to genetically modify or apply a seed coating containing the bacterial genes that would allow corn to survive drought conditions.

"We'll be able to get corn that can take the drought better," said DeJesus. "Instead of waiting for evolution to take thousands of years to catch up to us, we can have it in a year or two."

The end goal is that each year corn could be a bumper crop since its survival rate would be much higher, especially under the pressures of drought.

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