Friday 5 August 2022 07:07 PM Purslane is a 'SUPER PLANT' that holds the key to drought-resistant crops, ... trends now
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Purslane can be a nightmare for keen gardeners, but a new study may make you think twice about getting rid of the weed.
Researchers from Yale claim that purslane may be a 'super plant' that holds the key to drought-resistant crops.
In their study, the researchers found that the plant integrates two distinct metabolic pathways to create a novel type of photosynthesis.
This allows the weed to endure drought, while remaining highly productive.
'This is a very rare combination of traits and has created a kind of 'super plant' — one that could be potentially useful in endeavours such as crop engineering,' said Professor Erika Edwards, senior author of the study.
Purslane can be a nightmare for keen gardeners, but a new study may make you think twice about getting rid of the weed
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesise nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.
Over time, different species have independently evolved a range of distinct mechanisms to improve this process.
For example, corn and sugarcane have evolved 'C4 photosynthesis', which allows them to remain productive under high temperatures.
Meanwhile, cacti and agaves have evolved 'CAM photosynthesis', which allows them to thrive in areas with little water.
While C4 and CAM serve different functions, they both
