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Soil microbes remember drought and help plants survive

Researchers discovered that soil microbes in Kansas carry drought “memories” that affect how plants grow and survive. Native plants showed stronger responses to these microbial legacies than crops like corn, hinting at co-evolution over time. Genetic analysis revealed a key gene tied to drought tolerance, potentially guiding biotech efforts to enhance crop resilience. The work connects ecology, genetics, and agriculture in a novel way.

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