Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Quebec, where about 160,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year.



"An unusually intense start to Canada’s wildfire season filled skies with smoke in May 2023. Then, at the beginning of June, scores of new fires raged in the central Canadian province of Quebec, some of which were ignited by lightning," says NASA.



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this view of smoke billowing from the fires on June 3. Shortly after the fires started, about 5,000 residents were ordered to evacuate near the city of Sept-Îles in the province’s east."&nbsp;



"As the fires grew, evacuations were extended to an additional 9,000 people in surrounding communities and in western Quebec’s Val-d’Or and Normétal municipalities. As of June 5, more than 150 wildfires were active in Quebec."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Forest fires rage in Quebec

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the west coast of South America. The photo was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station while orbiting over the Atacama Desert and Central Andes Mountains near the border of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.



"Over the Pacific Ocean, marine stratocumulus clouds develop over cold water that rises from the ocean depths as the Peru current (Humboldt current) flows north along the west coast of South America," says NASA. "The coastline is marked by low mountains that are dissected by canyons carved by rivers that flow down the western side of the Andes."



The Atacama Desert receives less than 0.2 inches of rain per year on average. According to NASA, this dry environment provides an ideal setting to conduct Mars analog studies.



"Active and inactive volcanoes comprise the Central Andean Volcanic Arc within the Atacama Desert and Andes Mountains. One of the inactive volcanoes visible in this photo is Bolivia’s Nevado Sajama, which has a maximum elevation of 6,542 meters (21,463 feet). Nevado Sajama and other volcanoes in the region often have glaciers and snow cover due to their high elevation."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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The west coast of South America

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Cape Cod peninsula, located in the easternmost portion of Massachusetts. The peninsula extends into the Atlantic Ocean and is a significant feature of the East Coast of the United States.



Cape Cod peninsula is characterized by its beaches, villages, and seafood. It's a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months, with people visiting for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture.



Cape Cod consists of 15 towns, including Provincetown, Hyannis, Falmouth, and Chatham. Each town has its own distinctive character and attractions. For example, Provincetown, located at the tip of the peninsula, is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, while Hyannis is famous as a ferry gateway to the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.



The Cape Cod National Seashore, a national park covering much of the Outer Cape, including the entire east-facing coast, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and beachgoing.



Historically, Cape Cod was a landmark for early explorers of the Americas. It was among the first places settled by the English in North America in the Pilgrim Fathers' era, and it played a key role in the early history and development of the United States.&nbsp;



Today, the Cape's history is preserved in numerous museums, historic sites, and lighthouses. In addition, a variety of wildlife can be found in the region, such as whales, seals, and many species of birds.



"The variety of ecosystems within Cape Cod National Seashore sustain over 450 species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals, including 32 species that are rare or endangered," says NASA. "One of those species is the American oystercatcher, a large shorebird that uses a knife-like bill to eat shellfish."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Cape Cod peninsula in the northeastern United States

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Amundsen Gulf in northern Canada, where ice is typically covered with ice that is fastened to surrounding coastlines. According to NASA, the breakup of this ice tends to be rapid when the melting season arrives in spring.



"Patches of fast ice remained in the eastern part of the gulf in late May, but summer weather will ultimately clear it away as well. The Amundsen Gulf, the western entrance to the Northwest Passage, is usually ice-free by August," says NASA.



Walt Meier, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, said that winds play an important role in the breakup of the ice. He noted that an area of low pressure centered south of the gulf prior to the breakup fueled strong easterly winds and large waves that broke up the ice and sent chunks of it drifting west.&nbsp;



This year's spring breakup occurred earlier than usual, which aligns with the overall trend in the Beaufort Sea region in recent decades, noted NASA.



“Over a period of two decades, the Amundsen Gulf had the highest interannual variability of anywhere across the entire Northwest Canadian Arctic,” said Eleanor Wratten, a researcher at Northumbria University and the lead author of an analysis of decades of MODIS observations of fast ice in the Northwest Canadian Arctic.&nbsp;



“We saw the timing of breakup change considerably from one year to the next, but the general pattern looked similar to what you see here. Ice usually remains in the southern bays the longest, with breakup veering toward the strait in the southeastern portion of the gulf.”



The image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on May 30, 2023.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Spring ice breakup in the Amundsen Gulf

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Nova Scotia, where unusually large fires have led to the evacuation of thousands of people. The photograph, which was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station, shows smoke rising from a fire near the town of Shelburne on May 29, 2023.



"By the morning of May 31, after four days of burning, the fire had scorched 17,000 hectares (66 square miles) near the southern tip of Nova Scotia," says NASA. "It became the largest forest fire in the province’s history, according to CBC Nova Scotia, exceeding the area burned by a fire in Guysborough County over six days in June 1976."



"Fires have burned in Canada for weeks, as the western part of the country experienced a record-breaking streak of hot weather in mid-May."&nbsp;



"Several regions in Canada also had an abnormally dry spring; Nova Scotia received about half of the usual amount of rainfall in April. Authorities classified both the Halifax and Shelburne County fires as uncontrolled on May 31 and expected the fires to grow as dry and windy conditions continued."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke rises from fires in Nova Scotia

North America's smallest falcon, the American Kestrel, has been at the center of a perplexing scientific mystery for some time now. Researchers across the continent have confirmed a worrying decline in kestrel populations, but identifying the exact cause of their disappearance has proved to be a challenging task.&nbsp;



A new study published in the <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/rapt">Journal of Raptor Research</a> provides a detailed report on the current status of the American Kestrel across various regions. The authors of this vital research, David M. Bird and John A. Smallwood, highlight the complexity of the issue by pointing out that not all kestrel populations are encountering the same obstacles. Some populations are dwindling, others are stabilizing, and a few groups are even rebounding.



<h2 id="h-much-more-research-is-needed">Much more research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



The investigation suggests that multiple causes may be contributing to the varying trends in different kestrel populations. Importantly, the researchers emphasize the need for a closer examination of the kestrel's life cycle, particularly periods outside the breeding season, which they believe has been understudied.



In their exploration of potential contributing factors, Bird and Smallwood present a range of crucial research pathways. These include examining the impact of the Cooper’s Hawks on kestrel distribution and survival, investigating the effects of habitat degradation in the kestrel's wintering grounds (which often extend beyond U.S. borders), and assessing changes in habitat quality on their breeding grounds.



The experts also recommend examining the impacts of climate change on the availability of prey species for the kestrels, with an emphasis on the importance of grasshoppers as a prey species. Further, the paper calls for research into the possible impacts of rodenticides and pesticides on the health of kestrel populations.



<h2 id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



While some theories regarding the kestrel's decline are put to rest in this study - for instance, the West Nile virus and competition for nesting cavities from European starlings are no longer seen as significant threats - the research shines a light on the broader implications of the falcon's plight. Raptors, including the American Kestrel, serve as bioindicators, reflecting the overall health of the ecosystems they inhabit.



For their investigation, the researchers largely depended on the contribution of citizen scientists. Four types of data spanning 38 to 55 years were analyzed, including the Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Count, migration data from two sites located along flyways in the east, and nest box monitoring programs.&nbsp;



According to Smallwood, the nest box monitoring programs have "generated an invaluable database that allows us to examine not only population trends but also lots of aspects of kestrel behavior and ecology."



The researchers found that declines in kestrel populations were recorded in 23 of 25 bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/">conservation</a> regions, with the mid-Atlantic region bearing the brunt of this downward trend. Surveys across Canada reflected similarly high rates of decline. Population increases were observed in only three of these conservation regions, including the Chihuahuan Desert.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-kestrel-decline-is-a-wake-up-call">Kestrel decline is a wake-up call&nbsp;</h2>



The intricate interplay of factors causing the decline of the American Kestrel shines a spotlight on the complex realities of conservation. Smallwood emphasizes the gravity of the findings: "The population's marked decline should be a wake-up call. Something is out of kilter across North American ecosystems, and the problem could be much more widespread than for just this remarkable species."



The factors contributing to the kestrel's decline highlight how our actions are impacting wildlife. While no single issue stands as the unequivocal culprit, the cumulative effect of various human activities is making survival increasingly challenging for the American Kestrel.



Despite the stark picture painted by these findings, the experts argue that the scenario is not all doom and gloom. The magnitude of the kestrel's decline may be lessening, meaning extinction is not the only possible outcome. Instead, we might witness a gradual thinning of the kestrel population across the landscape, resulting in fewer sightings of these falcons.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-american-kestrel">More about the American Kestrel&nbsp;</h2>



The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. It's a bird of prey known for its striking plumage and agility in flight.



Despite their small size, American kestrels are known for their boldness. They're capable of taking on prey larger than themselves, and are known to fiercely defend their nests against intruders.



<h3 id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



Kestrels are small compared to other raptors. They typically measure about 9 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 22 inches. They have a slender body and long, narrow wings, and their tail is also long with a notable black band near the end. Males have blue-gray wings, while the wings of females are reddish brown. Both sexes have a distinctive double black stripe on their faces.



<h3 id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h3>



The American Kestrel can be found throughout the Americas, from Alaska and Canada all the way down to the southernmost tip of South America. These birds inhabit a wide range of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, deserts, and even urban and suburban areas. They can often be seen perched on telephone wires or fence posts.



<h3 id="h-behavior-and-diet">Behavior and diet</h3>



Kestrels are carnivorous birds that eat a variety of small animals. Their diet consists of insects, lizards, small mammals, and small birds. They have a keen eyesight and often hover in the air before diving to catch prey on the ground.



<h3 id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h3>



American Kestrels are cavity nesters, often taking over old woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities for their nests, though they'll also use nesting boxes if available. The female lays a clutch of about 4-5 eggs, which both parents help to incubate. The chicks are altricial, meaning they hatch in a helpless state and require parental care.



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Vanishing falcons: The mysterious decline of the American Kestrel

North America's smallest falcon, the American Kestrel, has been at...

A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/">North Carolina State University</a> has recently identified significant differences in the gut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-surprising-gut-microbiome-composition/">microbiome</a> of female southern white rhinos which managed to reproduce successfully in captivity compared to the less successful ones. These findings raise important questions about the role particular types of gut microbes may be playing in limiting captive breeding of this species.



“Our work focuses on the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum), because while it is not yet endangered, species numbers are declining in the wild due to poaching,” said study lead author Christina Burnham, a former graduate student in Animal Sciences at NC&nbsp;State.



“There is a significant population of southern white rhinos under human care in the United States, but there have been challenges in getting many of these animals to reproduce successfully. It is critical we understand why, as the managed rhinos serve as important assurance populations in case wild rhino numbers continue to fall. We wanted to know how the gut microbiome may influence the reproductive ability of these rhinos.”



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



To clarify these issues, the scientists collected multiple fecal samples from eight female southern white rhinos during a period of six months. The examined population consisted of two juveniles, two “subadults” that are no longer nursing but have not yet reached reproductive age, two adults that have managed to reproduce successfully, and two that have not reproduced successfully.



“We wanted to have a robust sample size that would allow us to assess the gut microbiome of females in this species while accounting for age, the time of year and reproductive status,” Burnham explained.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



By extracting and sequencing DNA from the fecal samples, the experts identified the diversity and abundance of bacteria in the gut of the female rhinos. The analysis revealed important differences between animals in each age group, suggesting that microbial communities in the gut microbiome change predictably as the animals grow, reflecting changes in their diet and behavior.



However, the differences in bacterial populations in the reproductively successful versus unsuccessful adults provided clear evidence of the critical role of the microbiome in reproductive processes. The researchers found that reproductively successful females had less diversity in the types of microbial species in their gut microbiome compared to the unsuccessful ones. Moreover, each group of adults was hosting microbial species which have been previously associated with reproductive health.



“One of the microbial families we found at significant levels in reproductively successful adults was&nbsp;Rikenellaceae,” Burnham reported. “This is of interest because&nbsp;Rikenellaceae&nbsp;has previously been theorized to play a role in helping southern white rhinos break down dietary plant compounds – including phytoestrogens that are associated with limiting reproductive success."



“On the other hand, we only saw significant enrichment of&nbsp;Mobiluncus&nbsp;microbes in reproductively&nbsp;unsuccessful&nbsp;adults. Previous work has found that&nbsp;Mobiluncus&nbsp;is associated with a range of reproductive health problems in a variety of non-rhinoceros species.”



<h2 id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



Since in those previous studies, Mobinculus was detected in cervical and vaginal microbiomes, further research is needed to clarify whether this is the case in rhinoceros females too.



“Because this was a longitudinal study, we collected multiple samples from each animal over the course of half a year,” said co-author Erin McKenney, an expert in Applied Ecology at NC State. “And the differences we saw in the gut microbiomes of adult females were consistent over time, which suggests that these differences in microbial communities may be playing an important role in the reproductive health of these animals. That said, we will need to do additional research to determine what that role may be, if any.”



<h2 id="h-more-about-southern-white-rhinos">More about Southern white rhinos&nbsp;</h2>



Out of all five rhino species, the Southern white rhino is the only one that is not classified as endangered. Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, the Southern white rhino is now classified as "near threatened."



<h3 id="h-key-points">Key points</h3>



<h4 id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h4>



Southern white rhinos are the second largest land mammals after elephants. They can grow to be 12-13 feet long and 6 feet tall at the shoulder, and can weigh up to 2.5 tons. They are known for their square-shaped lip, which differentiates them from black rhinos, which have a hooked lip. They have two horns, with the front one typically larger than the other, that can grow up to 5 feet long.



<h4 id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h4>



These rhinos are native to southern Africa. They mainly live in South Africa, but they have also been reintroduced to Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland. They prefer habitats with plenty of grass for grazing and water holes for wallowing.



<h4 id="h-diet">Diet</h4>



Southern white rhinos are herbivores and primarily eat grass, making them grazers. They use their broad, square-shaped lip to help them eat large quantities of grass.



<h4 id="h-behavior">Behavior</h4>



These animals are generally quite social and live in groups known as "crashes," which typically consist of a female and her calves, though larger groups can sometimes be found. Male southern white rhinos are generally solitary unless there's a female in heat nearby.



<h4 id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h4>



In the early 20th century, southern white rhinos were thought to be extinct, but a small population was discovered in South Africa. Since then, rigorous conservation efforts have helped to increase their numbers. However, they are still threatened by poaching for their horns, which are prized in traditional Asian medicine, and by habitat loss.



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Reproductive success of southern white rhinos linked to gut microbiome

A team of researchers led by the North Carolina State...

The tale of the peppered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moths-may-struggle-to-move-in-response-to-climate-change/">moths</a> remains one of the most powerful narratives of evolution's relentless course. These moths faced a life-and-death struggle during the Industrial Revolution in England. The white-bodied moths, once plentiful, became easy pickings for predators as coal smoke blackened the tree bark in urban environments. On the flip side, black-bodied moths, initially a rare sight, prospered and became the dominant variant under the newfound conditions.&nbsp;



This case has long served as a key illustration of how environmental change can guide species evolution. Recently, however, a role reversal has intrigued the scientific community. Could it be possible that species evolution, rather than just being influenced by, actually shapes environmental change?&nbsp;



A new study from the <a href="https://www.uri.edu/">University of Rhode Island</a> lends credibility to this provocative notion, offering robust evidence of this reverse dynamic.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2221691120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, exposes a fascinating connection between evolutionary change in lizards' leg length and consequent impacts on vegetation growth and spider populations on a selection of small islands in the Bahamas.&nbsp;



The researchers consider this as one of the first demonstrations of evolution-to-environment effects recorded in a real-world setting.



"The idea here is that, in addition to the environment shaping the traits of organisms through evolution, those trait changes should feed back and drive changes in predator-prey relationships and other ecological interactions between species," explained study senior author Professor Jason Kolbe.



He emphasized the importance of understanding these dynamics for predicting species persistence and potential ecological changes.



For two decades, Professor Kolbe and his team have focused on the anole lizards inhabiting a chain of tiny islands in the Bahamas. These islands, numbering around 40, are small enough to allow for comprehensive monitoring of the resident lizards, and sufficiently isolated to prevent inter-island lizard migration, facilitating the formation of distinct populations.



<h2 id="h-previous-observations-were-used-in-the-new-study">Previous observations were used in the new study</h2>



Prior investigations have demonstrated that brown anoles are adept at adapting to the specific characteristics of their vegetative surroundings. In settings where tree and brush limbs are narrower, natural selection favors short-legged lizards, granting them greater agility in predator evasion or prey pursuit.&nbsp;



However, in habitats where plant and tree limbs are thicker, lizards with longer limbs have the upper hand. Scientists have also found that this limb-length trait can evolve swiftly within a few generations in brown anoles.



<h2 id="h-segregation-by-leg-length">Segregation by leg length</h2>



To explore how this evolved trait might reverberate through the ecosystems on these tiny Bahamian islands, the team decided to segregate short- and long-legged lizards on separate islands, then compare the ecological impacts.



Equipped with poles outfitted with tiny dental floss lassos, the team captured hundreds of brown anoles. They gauged the leg length of each lizard, selecting only those with exceptionally short or long limbs, and released the rest. They then populated lizard-free islands with these distinct groups.



The researchers hypothesized that the short-legged lizards, given the predominance of smaller diameter vegetation on the experimental islands, would prove more adept hunters in this environment. They then aimed to determine if the ecological impact of these efficient predators would be noticeable.



Eight months later, the team revisited the islands to observe any ecological disparities between those inhabited by short- and long-legged lizards. The differences were, indeed, striking. Islands with the shorter-legged lizards saw a 41% reduction in web spider populations - a primary food source for brown anoles - compared to the islands with the longer-legged lizards (see image <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/987255">here</a>).&nbsp;



The plant growth also varied significantly due to the short-legged lizards' superior insect herbivore hunting prowess, which allowed plants to thrive. On such islands, buttonwood trees showed twice as much shoot growth as those on islands with the long-legged counterparts.



<h2 id="h-full-feedback-loop-between-ecology-and-evolution">Full feedback loop between ecology and evolution</h2>



The results of the study bring the intricate interaction between ecology and evolution full circle. "These findings help us to close that feedback loop. We knew from previous research that ecological factors shape limb length, and now we show the reciprocal relationship of that evolutionary change on the environment," said Professor Kolbe.



This study signifies a leap forward in understanding the full breadth of interactions between evolution and ecology. It provides invaluable insights into how morphological adaptations - like the limb length in lizards - can exert influence on broader ecological dynamics such as vegetation growth and spider populations. Moreover, it reveals how quick evolutionary changes can have immediate and measurable impacts on the surrounding ecosystem.



<h2 id="h-study-s-outcome-is-crucial-to-making-future-environmental-predictions">Study’s outcome is crucial to making future environmental predictions</h2>



It's important to highlight the pivotal role that this understanding could play in predicting future ecological outcomes, especially at a time when human activities are rapidly accelerating both evolutionary and ecological changes globally. Understanding these feedback loops is crucial to anticipate and manage potential challenges and changes that ecosystems might encounter.



In essence, the narrative of evolution has come full circle with this research. It reinforces the fact that the relationship between evolution and ecology is not one-way, but rather a complex, intertwined interaction.&nbsp;



Just like how the environment can impact species through natural selection and evolution, the evolution of species can, in turn, modify the environment, influencing the dynamics of other species and ecological processes.



As the story of the peppered moth once shed light on how environmental change fuels species evolution, this latest research might soon find its way into textbooks as an example of the reverse - how species evolution, in return, steers environmental change.



<h2 id="h-more-about-environmental-change-and-evolution">More about environmental change and evolution</h2>



Environmental change can significantly influence the evolution of species. This process, referred to as natural selection, is one of the cornerstones of evolutionary biology.



When the environment changes, it can alter the balance of ecosystems and the survival prospects of species. Such changes can include shifts in climate, alterations in landscape, or variations in the availability of resources, like food or water. These changes can make certain traits more beneficial, leading those individuals with these traits to have higher survival and reproduction rates.



For instance, let's consider a hypothetical population of rabbits in an environment that suddenly experiences a colder, longer winter. In this scenario, rabbits with thicker fur will have a survival advantage over those with thinner fur.&nbsp;



Over time, these warmer, thicker-furred rabbits are more likely to survive the harsh winters, and thus more likely to pass on their genes to subsequent generations. As a result, the rabbit population, as a whole, will gradually evolve to have thicker fur.



Similarly, in the case of the peppered moths during the Industrial Revolution, the darkening of tree bark due to soot made the black-bodied moths less visible to predators compared to the white-bodied moths. This camouflage gave the black-bodied moths a survival advantage, leading to their increase in population, while the white-bodied moths dwindled. This is an excellent example of how environmental changes can drive the evolution of a species.



Changes in the environment can also lead to speciation, the process through which new species evolve. For instance, when a population gets divided by a geographical barrier such as a mountain range or a river, different environmental conditions on either side can lead to the evolution of two distinct species from the original population. Over time, the separated populations may evolve unique traits in response to their specific environmental pressures, eventually becoming different species.



In summary, environmental changes can have a profound impact on the evolution of species, shaping their traits and even leading to the emergence of new species. This process of natural selection is a dynamic and ongoing part of life on Earth.



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It's a two-way street between evolution and environmental change

The tale of the peppered moths remains one of the...

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Beneficial bacteria protect crops from heat stress Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en">KAUST</a> reveals how bacteria can help protect crops from heat and drought.
The researchers tested the power of the beneficial bacteria SA187 that lives in the roots of tough, resilient desert shrubs.
The team coated wheat seeds with the bacteria and then planted them in the lab, along with seeds that were left untreated. 
When exposed to extreme heat, the untreated wheat plants suffered too much to survive. Meanwhile, the wheat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-invasive-species-are-for-sale-as-garden-plants-in-the-u-s/">plants</a> that had been treated with SA187 were not damaged and continued to thrive.
Genetic analysis revealed that the bacteria produce metabolites that are converted into the hormone ethylene, which primes the plant&#8217;s heat-resistance genes for action. 
&#8220;Essentially, the bacteria teach the plant how to use its own defense system,&#8221; explained said study co-author Kirti Shekhawat. Therefore as shown on in video the Beneficial bacteria protect crops from heat stress.
Thousands of other bacteria have the potential to protect plants against threats ranging from drought to fungi, and the team is already testing some of these microbes on vegetables and other crops. 
&#8220;We have just scratched the surface of this hidden world of soil that we once dismissed as dead matter,&#8221; said study lead author Heribert Hirt. &#8220;Beneficial bacteria could help transform an unsustainable agricultural system into a truly ecological one.&#8221;
Video Credit: © 2021 KAUST; Anastasia Serin
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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer