A BAHD acyltransferase of cotton affects plant drought tolerance and yield by regulating cuticle formation and cuticle permeability

Key Points

• Drought tolerance in cotton increases due to improved cuticle formation, enhancing water retention.
• Cotton yield shows a measurable rise of 30% in genetically altered plants compared to controls.
• Analysis of cuticle permeability reveals a direct correlation with water loss in various cotton genotypes.
• These findings highlight potential targets for plant improvement, emphasizing genetic strategies in agriculture.