Scientists identified a gene in Russian dandelion — a plant that naturally produces rubber — that dramatically improves its ability to survive in salty soils. By activating this single gene, the plant ramps up its internal antioxidant defenses, offering a promising tool for breeding salt-tolerant crops suited to degraded or saline farmland.
1
Salt concentrations of 100–300 mM NaCl suppressed growth and photosynthesis in Russian dandelion while triggering a measurable rise in antioxidant enzyme activity and the stress compound proline.
2
Network analysis of the entire genome identified TksC3H20 as a master regulator among 49 related zinc-finger proteins, with the gene strongly induced specifically by salt stress in leaves.
3
Overexpressing TksC3H20 improved salt survival in both Russian dandelion and the model plant thale cress by upregulating multiple protective genes and reducing oxidative damage.
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