To reach these conclusions, US researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) studied a model plant called Arabidopsis, often considered a weed.

The team of scientists found that during prolonged and intense episodes of drought, the plant studied activates a molecule known as MEcPP.

The accumulation of this molecule in the plant’s cells favours the production of salicylic acid, which will then spread and deploy its protective actions.

“It’s like plants use a painkiller for aches and pains, just like we do,” said Wilhelmina van de Ven, UCR plant biologist and co-first study author.

“Because salicylic acid helps plants withstand stresses becoming more prevalent with climate change, being able to increase plants’ ability to produce it represents a step forward in challenging the impacts of climate change on everyday life,” said Katayoon Dehesh, senior paper author and UCR distinguished professor of molecular biochemistry.

The researchers hope to discover more about the mechanism of stress reactions in this type of plant and to be able to apply this knowledge to other plants, in particular those cultivated for food.

“Those impacts go beyond our food. Plants clean our air by sequestering carbon dioxide, offer us shade, and provide habitat for numerous animals. The benefits of boosting their survival are exponential,” Katayoon Dehesh explains.