A new scientific discovery could lead to heat-tolerant lettuce plants. Sabrina Hill has more.
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A team of researchers led by UC Davis plant scientist and professor Kent Bradford, has made a potentially big discovery for lettuce growers. They’ve identified a lettuce gene and related enzyme that stops germination during hot weather. Their discovery could lead to lettuces that can sprout year-round, even in California’s warmer areas.
California and Arizona together produce 90 percent of the nation’s lettuce, and the new findings could lead to year-round lettuce production in those areas. The discovery could also be important in the future, as scientist continue to warn of global climate change, and rising temperatures around the world.
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