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Image: Aerial hyperspectral image showing the condition of wheat crops in Victoria, gathered by the University of Melbourne’s aircraft. Credit: HyperSens Laboratory.

Going back to the future for food crops

By Agriculture, News
New sensing techniques reveal drought tolerance in ancient wheat and barley relatives, enabling the breeding of resilient crops for a warmer world. This systematic approach uses advanced imaging technologies to identify beneficial traits, paving the way for sustainable agriculture and…
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Image credit: Nitrogen nutrition and signaling during root nodule symbiosis impact the community assemblies. Lotus plants grown in the presence of inorganic nitrogen secrete specific metabolites and assemble a microbial community with low connectivity. Lotus plants grown in symbiosis-permissive conditions secrete metabolites such as flavonoids (1) that induce Nod factor production in compatible nitrogen-fixing Rhizobiumisolates (2). Nod factors are recognized by the Lotus host which initiates a signaling pathway (3) to accommodate the symbiont. Symbiotically active roots have an exudate profile (4) and associated microbial communities that differ from plants grown in the presence of inorganic nitrogen. It remains to be determined how bacterial communities associated with symbiotically active plants impact the host to promote the symbiotic association and plant growth (5). Figeure: from Ke Tao et al. 2024)

A new study reveals key role of plant-bacteria communication for the assembly of a healthy plant microbiome supporting sustainable plant nutrition

By Agriculture, News, Plant Science
Researchers found that specific molecules enable symbiotic bacteria to communicate with legume plants, influencing bacterial growth near roots. This signaling fosters beneficial partnerships for nutrient uptake and resilience, crucial for sustainable agriculture. The study highlights the role of plant-bacteria communication…
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Image: Deep imaging reveals dynamics and signaling in one-to-one pollen tube guidance. Credit: Issey Takahashi

How plants mate for life and repel other suitors

By News, Plant Science
Researchers developed a two-photon microscope technique to observe pollen tube elongation in angiosperms. They discovered signals that attract and repel pollen tubes, ensuring one-to-one guidance for successful fertilization. This intricate regulation optimizes seed production, offering insights to enhance agricultural breeding…
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