New Maize Trait Boosts Drought Tolerance, Increases Crop Yields Dramatically
Maize plants with a limited-transpiration trait can handle drought better and produce more yield in the US Corn Belt. This trait helps the plants use water more efficiently and save it for later, especially in dry conditions. However, it may slightly reduce the overall yield potential. A study showed that this trait can boost maize performance in areas prone to drought, with the biggest yield increase seen in these environments. The impact of the trait on maize productivity depends on factors like location, environment type, trait expression, and plant density.