A molecular physiological review of vegetative desiccation tolerance in the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa (Baker).

ABSTRACT:

Main conclusion

Provides a first comprehensive review of integrated physiological and molecular aspects of desiccation tolerance Xerophyta viscosa. A synopsis of biotechnological studies being undertaken to improve drought tolerance in maize is given. Xerophyta viscosa (Baker) is a monocotyledonous resurrection plant from the family Vellociacea that occurs in summer-rainfall areas of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. It inhabits rocky terrain in exposed grasslands and frequently experiences periods of water deficit. Being a resurrection plant it tolerates the loss of 95% of total cellular water, regaining full metabolic competency within 3 days of rehydration. In this paper, we review some of the molecular and physiological adaptations that occur during various stages of dehydra

SUBMITTER: Farrant JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4498234 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature