Plants tolerate drought with the help of natural microbes

 

Poplars given microbes (top) survived better in drought conditions, compared with plants with no added microbes (bottom). Credit: University of Washington – https://images.sciencedaily.com/2016/09/160919131038_1_540x360.jpg

Microbes help plants survive in severe drought

Date:

September 19, 2016

Source:

University of Washington

Summary:

Plants can better tolerate drought and other stressors with the help of natural microbes, research has found. Specifically, plants that are given a dose of microbes stay green longer and are able to withstand drought conditions by growing more leaves and roots and using less water.