Reno Reporter

New research has resulted in breakthroughs that will increase tolerance to drought conditions in vital crops throughout Nevada. 

In a press release from the University of Reno last week, foundation professor John Cushman was awarded two patents for his investigations aimed at helping with statewide drought conditions and the amount of water that is used in order to combat problems brought on by high temperatures in Nevada.

“We wanted to file these patents because we thought this could be important and applicable to a number of crop species," Cushman said, according to the press release. "We chose to test this process on soybean because it’s a vital crop, and it suffers a lot of loss due to drought stress. We’re hoping we can eventually continue this work with other vital crops as well.”

Under US Patent 11,053,512, which addresses the process of increasing tissue succulence in plants, Cushman's research will continue over periods of time to provide solutions and results designed for everyday improvement in order to help generate better agriculture practices, since finding solutions for high temperatures and for water consumption is something that could be applied in times of excessive heat, according to the press release. 

The patent was awarded last year to both Cushman and Sung Don Lim, a former postdoctoral research scholar in the department who now works as an assistant professor at Sangji University, South Korea, according to the press release.