News Archives - Page 9 of 138 - The Global Plant Council

Dec 19

The Trehalose 6-phosphate pathway impacts on Flowering Locus C (FLC). Photo: Gramma, Olas, and Zacharaki et al. (2024), Plant Physiology, Fig. 1C.

New Insights into Flowering Regulation: Impact of Carbon and Nitrogen Signalling on Floral Repressors in Arabidopsis

By Isabel News, Plant Science

An international team uncovered how carbon and nitrogen signals regulate flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. The study reveals that these pathways converge on FLOWERING LOCUS C to fine-tune flowering time, offering insights to develop resilient, resource-efficient crops for sustainable agriculture.

Dec 17

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Image: Strawberries planted into mulched beds. Credit: Seeta Sistla

Agricultural plastic pollution reduces soil function

By Isabel Agriculture, News

A new study reveals that plastic, even under best practices, contaminates soils with macro- and microplastics, harming critical soil functions. Sampling 12 California farms, researchers found significant plastic debris. To protect soil health and productivity, biodegradable alternatives to plastic mulch…

Dec 11

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Image: Image shows a heatmap of the corpse flower when it blooms, with the central appendix heating up to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient temperature. Credit: of Eric Schaller

Secrets of the Corpse Flower Revealed

By Isabel Botany, News, Plant Science

The corpse flower’s rare, short-lived blooms emit a pungent scent to attract pollinators, fueled by heat from its spadix. Researchers uncovered genes driving heat and odor production, linking sulfur metabolism and amino acids like methionine and putrescine to its smell.…

Dec 09

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USU biochemists Lance Seefeldt, left, and Zhi-Yong Yang are among an international, Gates Foundation-funded collaboration reporting new knowledge in the Nov. 6, 2024 issue of PNAS that could simplify genetic transfer of nitrogen fixation to food crops. (Photo Credit: USU/M. Muffoletto)

New research could simplify genetic transfer of nitrogen fixation to food crops

By Isabel Agriculture, News, Plant Science

Scientists aim to engineer cereal crops like corn and rice to fix nitrogen directly from air, reducing fertilizer dependence. By identifying a minimal seven-gene pathway, they aim to embed nitrogen-fixing abilities into crops’ mitochondria and chloroplasts. This innovation could lower…

Dec 06

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Image: Foxtail barley. Credit: 👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day / Pixabay

Scientists shed light on an arms race between barley and a fungal pathogen

By Isabel Agriculture, News, Plant Health

Barley plants produce unique antifungal compounds called hordedanes to defend against pathogens. Scientists identified 17 hordedanes that inhibit fungal growth, but a pathogen, Bipolaris sorokiniana, exploits these defenses to thrive. By neutralizing hordedanes, it extends its parasitic phase, showcasing the…

Dec 04

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Image: Photo taken at the Marchouch Field Station in Morocco, showing grass pea (right) next to a lentil crop (left) planted at the same time, suffering from lack of water. Credit: Matt Heaton.

A new piece in the grass pea puzzle – updated genome sequence published

By Isabel Agriculture, News

Researchers have achieved the most detailed genome assembly of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) to date, creating a chromosome-scale reference genome. This resource could revolutionize breeding for climate-smart agriculture. With improved accuracy, the genome reveals insights into drought resilience and supports…

Nov 29

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Image: Test site of the generated cybrids. Credit: WUR

Hidden DNA in plants reveals secrets of photosynthesis

By Isabel News, Plant Science

Researchers have streamlined methods to study chloroplast and mitochondrial impacts on photosynthesis, opening new pathways for enhancing energy efficiency in crops. Plants currently capture only ~1% of solar energy; optimized genetics could increase this sixfold. These advances promise sustainable, high-yield…

Nov 28

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Study shows weak external electric fields may protect crops from infection

By Isabel News, Plant Health

Scientists have discovered a novel way to protect plants from harmful pathogens using weak electric fields. Spores like Phytophthora palmivora, which attack crops such as palms and nuts, are electrotactic—attracted to electric charges. Placing field-generating devices near plant roots reduced…

Nov 21

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Image: The spring pea (Lathyrus vernus) is a nitrogen-fixing plant that occurs in the forest undergrowth. Credit: Marcus Schmidt

Consequence of over-fertilization – Diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants is reduced

By Isabel News, Plant Science

Nitrogen-fixing plants like clover and alder, crucial for enriching nutrient-poor soils, are declining in temperate forests due to human-driven nitrogen deposition, a new study shows. Using decades of data from Europe and the USA, researchers found this decline is independent…

Nov 19

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Adaptability of trees persists after millions of years of climate change

By Isabel Botany, Climate change, News

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…

News

New Insights into Flowering Regulation: Impact of Carbon and Nitrogen Signalling on Floral Repressors in Arabidopsis

Agricultural plastic pollution reduces soil function

Secrets of the Corpse Flower Revealed

New research could simplify genetic transfer of nitrogen fixation to food crops

Scientists shed light on an arms race between barley and a fungal pathogen

A new piece in the grass pea puzzle – updated genome sequence published

Hidden DNA in plants reveals secrets of photosynthesis

Study shows weak external electric fields may protect crops from infection

Consequence of over-fertilization – Diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants is reduced

Adaptability of trees persists after millions of years of climate change

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