IISER Bhopal scientists identify protein that helps in plant growth regulation

Study shows ‘BBX32’ helps provide leads to control timing of seedling emergence, maximise seedling establishment and enhance crop yields in areas prone to heatwaves

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal have identified a protein that plays a critical role in plant growth regulation and can have potentially significant implications in the agriculture sector. The protein ‘BBX32’ thus identified is a B-box (BBX) protein (B-box play an important role in plant growth and development) that helps provide leads to control the timing of seedling emergence and help maximise proper seedling establishment, thereby enhancing crop yields in areas prone to heatwaves during the Indian summer. ‘BBX32’ helps in plant growth regulation by keeping its first leaves folded until they emerge out of the soil and thus provide crucial aid in the seedling establishment process. This protein is activated in the darkness by a steroid hormone in plants called Brassinosteroid (BR).