Scientists have discovered how free-forming organelles in plant cells, known as photobodies, help plants sense light and temperature. Researchers revealed these structures are crucial for plants’ adaptation to climate change. This breakthrough could inform strategies for enhancing crop resilience in a warming world.
Researchers developed a web-based tool for rapidly identifying genes regulating plant traits without experiments. Using machine learning on vast datasets, the tool predicts transcription factors that control traits like seed oil biosynthesis. This approach can be applied to various crops, streamlining genetic improvements for food and biofuel production.
Plants utilize the drought hormone abscisic acid (ABA) to block spider mites, a major pest, by closing stomata within hours of infestation. This response, typically for water conservation, also prevents mites from accessing nutrients. These findings, using the ABACUS2 biosensor, may guide future crop breeding for enhanced pest resistance.
An international team has sequenced the genomes of Zygnema algae, the closest relatives of land plants. This breakthrough illuminates how early plants adapted to terrestrial environments 550 million years ago, paving the way for all land-based life, including humans. The findings offer insights into plant evolution and potential applications in bioenergy and climate resilience.
Scientists have discovered how a sugar-sensing protein, KIN10, controls plant growth and oil production by acting as a molecular switch. When sugar levels are high, KIN10 activates pathways for growth and oil production. Understanding this mechanism could help engineer plants for increased oil production, potentially benefiting biofuel development.
Researchers have devised a plant regeneration method by manipulating gene expression to control cell differentiation, eliminating the need for external growth regulators. This innovation promises simpler and more cost-effective development of genetically modified plants, potentially revolutionizing agriculture and biotechnology while addressing food scarcity challenges.
Pioneering research delves into plant immune system mechanics, spotlighting the role of callose in intercellular communication via plasmodesmata (PD). Their study, comparing detection methods for callose accumulation, sheds light on plant defense strategies. These findings promise standardized techniques for enhanced plant disease management.
Researchers have uncovered a genetic anomaly in tomato plants, revealing a “parallel universe” where sticky defense sugars, called acylsugars, are found in both leaves and roots. This discovery not only sheds light on plant evolution but also offers insights for developing natural pesticides.
Researchers have enhanced CRISPR, enabling precise insertion of large gene segments into higher plant DNA efficiently. By adding an exonuclease to CRISPR, they prevent DNA repair enzymes from interfering, increasing successful gene insertions. This method promises advanced plant breeding and targeted gene function studies.
Barley plants orchestrate their underground microbial entourage by secreting a tailored blend of sugars, shaping distinct communities around their roots. A. new study reveals how modern and traditional barley types summon unique microbial allies, highlighting potential for optimizing crop health through targeted microbiome management.
