Bacterial RNA Chaperones Confer Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants and Improved Grain Yield in Maize under Water-Limited Conditions

Abstract

Limited available water is the single most important factor that reduces global crop yields, with far reaching socioeconomic implications. In North America alone, it is estimated that 40% of yearly maize ( Zea mays ) crop losses are due to suboptimal water availability ([Boyer, 1982][1]).