Next-generation ABACUS biosensors reveal cellular ABA dynamics driving root growth at low aerial humidity

Abstract The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) accumulates under abiotic stress to recast water relations and development. To overcome a lack of high-resolution, sensitive reporters, we developed ABACUS2s, next-generation FRET biosensors for ABA with high affinity, signal-to-noise ratio and orthogonality, that reveal endogenous ABA patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana. We mapped stress-induced ABA dynamics in high-resolution to reveal the cellular basis for local and systemic ABA functions. At reduced foliar humidity, roots cells accumulated ABA in the elongation zone, the site of phloem transported ABA unloading. Phloem ABA and root ABA signalling were both essential to maintain root growth at low humidity. ABA coordinates a robust system to maintain root growth in response to foliar stresses, enabling plants to maintain foraging of deeper soil for water uptake