Researchers are testing a drought-tolerant plant to better understand how the species survives in warmer conditions.

A University of Queensland study found the female jojoba species significantly outlives the male.

Scientists have developed a gender-distinguishing test to ensure more female plants are produced, in a bid to bolster crop production.

Rural editor Sophie Clarke caught up with Professor Robert Henrey to hear more about the study, and how findings could eventually be applied to other splant species.