Drought tolerant gene found

A mutation in the lab rat of the plant world may have important implications for establishing drought resistance in key food crops.

Australian National University:  http://news.anu.edu.au/?p=1738

The researcher team is exploring the application of the mutation, via genetic engineering and molecular marker technologies, to food crops such as rice or wheat. The researchers will begin to introduce the mutant characteristics into the elite wheat cultivars currently used in agriculture industry.