A recent study suggests that the timing of water use in tomato plants, rather than total volume, could help develop crops resilient to drought and heat. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem identified a daily period when plants open leaf pores to maximize carbon intake while reducing water loss.
The work, published in Plant Science, examined stomata, the tiny openings that control gas exchange and transpiration. Instead of single measurements, the team tracked whole-plant water use continuously across the day in diverse tomato varieties. Strong performers showed an early morning peak in pore activity, before peak heat raised evaporation rates. Scientists termed this window a physiological golden hour.
Data from field trials and greenhouse tests indicated that top lines also recovered faster after dry periods and kept higher biomass and efficiency. While these plants often had more stomata on leaf undersides, pore count alone did not forecast resilience. Continuous daily patterns proved more predictive.
The approach may shorten selection time for promising varieties and apply to other crops facing warmer, drier conditions. Lead researchers noted that strategic water management, not mere conservation, offers new targets for breeders adapting agriculture to climate shifts.
