Plant Improvement Using Microrna-Based Biotechnology

Abstract

Micro-RNAs are becoming a novel target for plant improvement. miRNAoverexpressing transgenic plants exhibited higher tolerance or sensitivity to different environmental abiotic stresses as compared to their wild type, according to researchers at Aberystwyth University in the UK. Seed germination and seedling establishment will be critical for the survival, health, and overall yield of the crop. The majority of transgenic technology studies have focused on the effects of stress conditions on seed germination (i.e., adverse environmental conditions. Identifying miRNA targets will help us understand the miRNAmediated mechanisms that regulate plant growth and development. Further study of miRNAs could provide new tools for increasing crop yield and/or improving crop quality.