A team of scientists at Nagoya University has discovered new compounds that can control stomatal movements in plants. Some of the compounds have been shown to prevent leaves from drying up suppressed withering when sprayed on rose and oat leaves. Further investigation could lead to the development of new compounds to extend the freshness of cut flowers and flower bouquets, reduce transportation costs for plants, and to confer drought resistance to crops. The study is published in Plant & Cell Physiology, and explores a new chemical approach that does not rely on classical genetic methods to regulate the stomatal openings in plants.