METHODS FOR LEVERAGING HORMESIS IN PLANT BREEDING AND PLANTS WITH ENHANCED HORMESIS EFFECTS

摘要

Methods for plant breeding using hormesis effects as selection criteria are disclosed. Plants enhanced with strong hormesis responses can be obtained with the methods. Improved seedling vigor and improved yield by application of herbicide to herbicide tolerant plants is demonstrated. Improved cold germination in herbicide tolerant plants is demonstrated.

主权项

1. A method of selecting plant lines with a hormesis response comprising:
a. growing multiple plant lines; b. applying a stress in the form of a herbicide; c. observing an increased yield response (in bushels per acre) to the stress compared to corresponding control plants with the same genetic profile without having the herbicide applied in one or more of the plant lines indicating a hormesis effect; and d. selecting the plant lines with the strongest increased yield responses to the stress; and e. growing the plant lines selected for the greatest increased yield responses to the stress relative to the corresponding control plant yields.