“Glowing” plants may predict flash droughts by emitting solar-induced fluorescence (SIF), detected by NASA satellites. Increased plant productivity before a drought reduces soil moisture, indicating risk. These early signals, visible from space, could provide up to three months’ warning, aiding mitigation efforts and improving agricultural planning.
A 23-year study found that barley grown under organic farming conditions developed unique genetic adaptations, enhancing resilience to nutrient and water deficiencies. Unlike conventionally farmed barley, which became genetically uniform, organic barley maintained genetic diversity, aiding adaptation to environmental changes.
Scientists developed a system to create tomato plants with the full genetic material of both parents. By replacing meiosis with mitosis, they produced clonal sex cells, enabling offspring with complete parental genomes. This technique promises more robust, high-yield crops, potentially transforming agricultural practices.
Researchers mapped 971 cauliflower genomes, revealing its evolutionary history from broccoli. They identified key genes, including CAL1, CAL2, and FUL2, crucial for the plant’s unique curds. This genomic insight may enhance future cauliflower breeding for better nutrition and resource efficiency.
A global meta-analysis shows cover crops, particularly legumes, boost crop yields by 2.6%. The study highlights significant benefits under nutrient-limited conditions and for crops like corn and barley. Findings suggest that cover crops can improve yields while addressing soil degradation and nutrient loss, promoting sustainable agriculture.
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.
