"Breakthrough: Plant hormone found to increase growth by 30%"
Scientists have discovered that a plant hormone called methyl jasmonate (MeJA) serves as a communication tool between plants and microorganisms in the soil. The release of MeJA by plant roots triggers the formation of biofilms in bacteria, which in turn release volatile compounds that can boost plant growth by up to 30%. This discovery has significant implications for sustainable agriculture, as harnessing these agricultural microbes can enhance crop productivity, reduce the need for synthetic inputs, and mitigate the environmental impact of modern farming practices. Agro-microbials are emerging as a promising strategy to address the challenges of food security and agricultural productivity in the face of climate change and land degradation.