Overexpression of RING Domain E3 Ligase ZmXerico1 Confers Drought Tolerance through Regulation of ABA Homeostasis

Drought tolerance is one of the key properties of crops in current and future agriculture. For a better understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms, researchers at DuPont Pioneer investigated the ABA signaling pathway, where the Xerico genes contribute to drought tolerance. A LemnaTec Lab Scanalyzer HTS was used to monitor effects of stress under water withdrawal conditions. The study revealed that overexpressing Xerico, the sensitivity to ABA increased and thereby drought tolerance war enhanced.