A new study finds that, of the three large-scale, plant-based climate mitigation strategies, reforestation stands out as most beneficial for biodiversity. In addition to reforestation (restoring forests in places where they have historically grown), the team of scientists modeled the impacts of afforestation (adding forests in places like grasslands and savannas) and bioenergy cropping (farming plants such as switchgrass for renewable energy) on more than 14,000 animal species.
Orphan crops, as the name implies, are often ignored. Yet, they have great potential to improve global food security. These underutilised plants, primarily grown in Africa, Asia, and South America, are staples in local diets but receive minimal attention in modern agriculture. Due to limited research and breeding advancements, they remain vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Aspen forests face complex challenges from climate change, not just rising temperatures but interactions with drought, fire, and browsing. A 42% aspen mortality rate highlights vulnerabilities, especially for young trees in dry, low-elevation areas. Adaptive management and collaborative strategies are vital to support regeneration and maintain biodiversity in these essential ecosystems.
Ice age cycles had minimal impact on the genetic diversity of European trees, finds a new study. High diversity arose from traits like long lifespans and pollen traveling vast distances. This resilience offers hope for forests adapting to today’s rapid climate changes.
Phytoplankton blooms in Antarctic waters help slow ice shelf melting by 7%. These marine microbes trap heat near the surface and provide shade, cooling deeper waters and reducing the impact of sunlight. However, a feedback loop with iron from melting ice limits their growth, highlighting a complex climate interaction.
Researchers have uncovered genetic traits in wild tomatoes, specifically *Solanum pimpinellifolium*, that enhance salt stress tolerance. By analyzing plant vigor, shoot mass, and transpiration rates, they identified new genes linked to resilience in salty soils. These findings could inform breeding strategies to create more salt-tolerant crops, boosting agricultural sustainability.
The first continent-wide mapping study of plant life across Antarctica reveals growth in previously uncharted areas and is set to inform conservation measures across the region.
Scientists have developed drought and salt-resistant tomato plants by discovering a new stress-response mechanism. By engineering these plants to produce a synthetic molecule that activates this mechanism, they enhance the plants’ resilience. This breakthrough could ensure stable tomato production despite adverse climate conditions, supporting global food security.
Europe’s forests face a hidden crisis due to climate change, threatening tree species extinction. Research predicts only three out of 69 native species will thrive by 2090, impacting timber, carbon storage, and biodiversity. This calls for adaptable forest management to ensure future resilience and continued ecosystem services.
The SPS-CEPLAS Summer School 2024, united young scientists and researchers to address climate change through plant science. The Global Plant Council led a workshop on science communication for emphasizing the importance of conveying complex research to broader audiences effectively.
