Supercharging plant growth with a natural hormone

A hidden hormonal mechanism could pave the way for more sustainable agro-chemicals

Spotted: The world’s population is set to reach 10 billion by 2050, meaning the burden to maintain and increase food production will only become greater in the coming years. Modern farming methods, however, are often detrimental to the health of soil. This is where a discovery made by scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) may be crucial – helping to maintain soil quality and crop growth for years to come. 

Over the course of a five-year-long study, conducted in collaboration with the SCELSE (Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering), the researchers revealed a previously hidden tool used by plants that could be a secret weapon for regenerative farming that boosts food security – the hormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA). 

By producing this hormone, a plant essentially communicates into the soil for beneficial microbial biomes to form, and this translates into an increase in growth as the environment becomes more agreeable to the plant. 

Breaking down this process, the researchers first observed that MeJA, which is generally released by a plant above the soil as a protective compound during periods of stress, is actually created in the roots. When the volatile MeJa is produced, it signals to soil bacteria away from a plant’s roots to form biofilms. The bacteria in these biofilms then produce other volatile compounds, which can boost plant growth by up to 30 per cent. 

The team is now looking to delve deeper by pinpointing the exact chemical nature of the soil compounds that triggered the increased growth in the plant. 

Springwise has also spotted this platform that helps assess the risk posed by frost on crops as well as these findings that aim to increase crop yield by reducing stress. 

Written By: Archie Cox