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Drought is one of the most important problems in agriculture.
It is estimated that global crop losses due to drought exceed
$10 billion annually. Between 1978 and 1995, average crop losses
due to drought in the US exceed $1.2 billion each year.
On a more regular basis, many crops are subject to relatively
short, but yield-limiting periods of water deprivation.
Technologies are needed that extend survival during extended
periods of water deprivation and which maintain growth and
yield potential during brief periods of water deficit.
Mendel has identified several genes that confer greatly
improved drought tolerance and water use efficiency on a
wide variety of crops. Transgenic plants carrying these genes
have greatly enhanced ability to grow under limited water
supply without experiencing the same deleterious effects that
occur in unmodified plants.
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