Scientists have revealed how the Periderm, armoured roots of plants, not only help shield from environmental stress but also play a crucial role in capturing and storing carbon, offering a natural solution to climate change
Despite their rooted existence, plants have evolved ingenious defences against environmental challenges. One such defence is the periderm, a protective layer that forms around their roots and stems as they mature. This armour acts as a shield against drought, extreme temperatures, and microbial infections.
How do plant roots protect themselves and fight climate change
Salk Institute researchers have uncovered the secrets of the periderm, shedding light on its intricate workings and revealing its dual role in plant protection and climate change mitigation.
Using cutting-edge single-nuclei RNA sequencing, the scientists created a comprehensive gene expression atlas of the periderm in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant commonly used in research.
The study, published in Developmental Cell, focused on phellem cells, a key component of the periderm. These cells are rich in suberin, a waxy substance that acts as a natural carbon reservoir, capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere within the plant’s roots. This process not only enhances plant resilience but also contributes to long-term carbon sequestration in the soil.
A deeper dive into phellem development
Employing single-nuclei RNA sequencing, the researchers generated a comprehensive census capturing the complete developmental progression of Arabidopsis root phellem cells. This innovative approach allowed them to:
- Identify distinct developmental stages:
- The study revealed multiple, distinct developmental stages of phellem cells, from their origin in pericycle cells to their maturation.
- Uncover key regulatory genes:
- The researchers identified a whole suite of genes underlying this process, including MYB67, which they demonstrated to play a crucial role in phellem cell maturation.
MYB67: A key regulator of phellem cell maturation
The identification of MYB67 offers crucial insights into the genetic mechanisms that govern phellem development.
This knowledge can be utilised to manipulate plant gene expression and potentially enhance suberin production in crops.
The importance of suberin
Suberin plays a vital role in plant survival and environmental health:
- Enhanced Plant Resilience:
- Suberin strengthens the plant’s defences against root rot and other diseases, improving overall plant health and productivity.
- Carbon Sequestration:
- Suberin acts as a long-term carbon storage reservoir, capturing and holding carbon dioxide from the atmosphere within the plant’s roots. This natural carbon sequestration process can contribute significantly to mitigating climate change.
What are the implications for climate change and agricultural research
The study’s findings have profound implications for both agriculture and climate change mitigation:
- Improved crop resilience:
- By understanding the genetic mechanisms that control phellem development and suberin production, scientists can potentially engineer plants with enhanced resilience to drought, salinity, and other environmental stresses.
- Enhanced carbon sequestration:
- These insights can be leveraged to develop crops with increased suberin production, leading to enhanced carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. This natural approach to carbon capture offers a sustainable solution to mitigate climate change.
Future research directions
The Salk researchers are eager to continue exploring the complexities of the periderm. Future research will focus on:
- Identifying additional genes involved in phellem cell development and suberin production.
- Investigating the role of the periderm in protecting plants from root pathogens and other environmental stressors.
- Exploring the potential for utilising periderm-related mechanisms to enhance carbon sequestration in agricultural settings.
This research represents a significant advancement in our understanding of plant root biology. It opens new avenues for developing more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices while combating climate change. By harnessing the power of the periderm, scientists can contribute to a more sustainable future for plants and the planet.
“Our work not only advances plant science but also opens the door to creating more robust crops and enhancing carbon sequestration through plant roots, providing solutions to both agricultural and climate challenges, which is a key goal of Salk’s Harnessing Plants Initiative,” says Professor Wolfgang Busch, senior author of the study.
