Portuguese scientists develop pine trees that are more drought-resistant

Portuguese researchers are developing pine trees that are more resistant to drought, which need less than half the usual water to achieve the same productivity of wood and resin.

"We managed to create more resilient pine trees with better genetic quality, through an approach at the genetic level and molecular biology," Joao Nunes, the president of the BLC3 Technology and Innovation Campus, was quoted as saying by the Lusa News Agency on Sunday.

According to him, the "supertrees" were created through induced and controlled drought situations, which make them "better prepared and resilient to climate change and phytosanitary risks."

After two years of experiments, three BLC3 scientists claim that the trees can save up to 60 percent of water compared to existing normal varieties.

From now on, the 162 "supertrees" will be multiplied to "generate other plants with the same characteristics," transmitting their genetics to other plants that will also be exposed to water stress to continue the lineage.

The scientists say the objective is to avoid "significant loss of plants that are fundamental to the balance of the planet," in addition to providing natural resin, which is of "great importance for the Portuguese economy."

BLC3 is a Portuguese non-profit association that promotes research and technological intensification activities, incubation of ideas and businesses, and support to economic chains.