Increasing Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Case ID:
UA18-103
Invention:

This technology is a method of conferring increased salt tolerance in Arabidopsis Thaliana, a small flowering plant that is widely used as a model organism in plant biology.

 

Background:
With 36% of the world's food supply being produced by irrigated land, a growing challenge exists for food safety and agriculture regarding the treatment methodologies in overcoming salt accumulation in soil. One-fifth of irrigated land world-wide is affected by increased soil salinity, resulting in a global economic cost exceeding $27 billion. Crops grown in high salinity environments experience inhibited/disrupted growth due to osmotic stresses and salt-related injury. Multiple strategies to address this issue have been explored including soil decontamination and plant modification. This technology addresses these issues by employing recent genetic engineering and scientific advances to confer increased salt tolerance. Crop yields may be recovered, ultimately restoring functionality and productivity to land with high salinity soil.

 

Applications:

  • Biotechnology
  • Agriculture

Advantages:

  • Increases salt tolerance
  • Broadens growth conditions
  • Genetic manipulation (consistent resistance)
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Tod McCauley
Assistant Director of Licensing, CALS
The University of Arizona
520-621-9493
todm@tla.arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Karen Sue Schumaker
Shea Monihan
Choong-Hwan Ryu
Keywords: