Weather-resistant crops could soon be a reality, according to researchers from the universities of Bolton and Warwick.

Following a 'fundamental' molecular-level discovery in plants, molecular physiologist Dr Ianis Matsoukas said that his research team has learnt that during the process of juvenility - a phase where flowers are unable to bloom - the appearance of a vital protein is repressed.

Matsoukas said that by understanding how plants regulate juvenility in relation to light quality and quantity, carbon dioxide and temperature, scientists will be able to breed fruit and vegetable crops which are more resilient to climate change.

He explained: 'Being able to understand and ultimately control juvenility will enable more predictable flowering, better scheduling and reduced wastage of crops.In addition, knowing the mechanism gives us the tools to increase crop yield by accelerating or delaying time to flowering. This might also lead to higher yields of plants grown for biofuels and pulp production.'

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