A University of Alberta student has discovered the gene that may lead to saline-proof plants.
Sanjeeva Srivastava, a third year PhD student, began his research by looking at proteins in pea plants under stress. He discovered some proteins seemed to protect plants from harsh saline conditions.
He then worked back and found the gene responsible for this protection.
“No one knew the potential of this gene,” said Srivastava, who was born in rural India and feels the discovery has huge potential to allow crops to be grown on saline land.
“We have to utilize what lands we have,” said Srivastava.
