Using ethanol to grow heat tolerant vegetables

A group of researchers in Japan is advancing studies on the application of ethanol for vegetables to grow steadily under high heat stress. The group, led by Seki Motoaki at Riken Center for Sustainable Resource Science, has discovered that plants can grow in high temperatures by feeding ethanol through the roots and spraying the alcohol on leaves.

In an experiment using cherry tomatoes, the researchers applied ethanol, diluted to about 0.1 percent, to the plants and exposed them to heat at 50 degrees Celsius for several hours. They said they found that the leaves grew larger than those treated only with water and the number of fruits more than tripled.

When ethanol was applied to other plants, the researchers said they detected changes, such as increases in proteins that protect cells from heat and sugar contained in leaves and fruits. The research group said the findings show that ethanol can effectively bring out plants’ ability to grow, even under severe heat.

Seki noted that ethanol is readily available and can be used in a simple way just by diluting it. He expressed hope that his group will further advance studies to make the methods applicable worldwide to help alleviate agriculture problems caused by extreme heat.