Beet Pigment Boosts Drought Survival

A recent study by the University of Michigan has discovered that the pigment betalain, which gives beets their distinctive red color, may have played a crucial role in helping a group of flowering plants adapt to harsh, dry environments.

The study, led by Tom Carruthers, a recent University of Michigan postdoctoral researcher, found that betalain is linked to plants' ability to tolerate drought. This pigment is produced only by species in the flowering plant group Caryophyllales, which has many drought-tolerant species.

The research suggests that betalain enabled plants to inhabit dry conditions, allowing for the development of specializations such as succulence. Succulence is a trait characterized by thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store water, enabling plants to survive in environments with limited water availability.

The study's results, published in the journal New Phytologist, were co-authored by Stephen Smith, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Michigan. The researchers found that betalain evolved independently in several different species early in the plant group's evolution.

## Why it matters The discovery of betalain's role in plant adaptation to harsh environments is significant, as it sheds light on the evolutionary processes that have enabled certain plant species to thrive in challenging conditions. The evolution of drought-tolerant traits like succulence has allowed plants to inhabit some of the harshest environments on Earth, and understanding the mechanisms behind this adaptation can provide valuable insights into the development of more resilient crops.

The study's findings have implications for our understanding of plant evolution and adaptation, and may have potential applications in the development of more drought-tolerant crops. As researchers continue to explore the role of betalain in plant adaptation, they may uncover new strategies for improving crop resilience in the face of environmental stressors.