Natasha Ali | Contributor
Featured image: A team of York researchers uncover significant research for climate change. | Courtesy of Forestry Images
A recent research study by a trio of York biologists investigated viral resistance in plants.
It was pioneered by Professor Katalin Hudak, along with PhD Researchers Kira Neller and Alexander Klenov. The American pokeweed plant was used as the plant of interest, as it contains certain proteins that enable it to fend off viruses, according to the research team.
The researchers used their knowledge of its antiviral properties to study its genetic makeup and determine the mechanism with which the defense proteins are made.
They treated a group of pokeweed plants with a stimulating hormone, later employing a technology, supplied by Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, which allowed them to identify the genes responsible for producing defense proteins. The results showed higher levels of said proteins in the treated plants, which enriched the pokeweed’s defense mechanisms against viruses and insects.
According to Hudak, the research was primarily concerned with improving agriculture and crop production during extreme weather conditions.
She added: “Our research has become increasingly relevant, given the impacts of climate change.”
In recent years, climate change has had a detrimental impact on agricultural crops. Thus, the study aimed to find new ways of dealing with warmer weather and droughts by locating unique genes that improve a plant’s survivability during extreme circumstances.
The researchers expect that their research will act as the basis for agricultural prosperity against climate change, which was a major factor in the rstudy. Further, they plan on continuing to expand their studies on pokeweed, due to its beneficial properties as a virus inhibitor.
In regards to the future of the research, Hudak commented: “A wealth of genomic knowledge remains unknown in this species.”
