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 practices by improving seed yield and germination rates.
A study reveals that Norway spruce forests near recent clear-cuts are highly susceptible to European spruce bark beetle damage. The beetle prefers mature forests in specific soil types. Increased monitoring and adaptive forest management are recommended to mitigate this threat, particularly in Southern Finland.
Orchids nurture seedlings through shared underground fungal networks, researchers found. Orchids transfers sugars to seedlings via these networks, aiding their growth near mature plants. This discovery, solving a long-standing mystery, highlights the crucial role of fungal networks in orchid population support.
Annual flowers, typically considered poor for pollinators, can support bees and insects if the right varieties are chosen. A study found significant variation in pollinator attractiveness among 25 cultivars of popular annuals like begonias and impatiens. This research highlights the potential for pollinator-friendly annuals in home gardens.
Researchers identified molecular pathways regulated by the Photoperiod-1 (Ppd-1) gene to boost wheat yields. By editing the ALOG1 transcription factor, they increased branching in wheat and barley, potentially enhancing grain yield. Field trials are underway to test these gene-edited lines, aiming to improve global food security.
Scientists discovered that autophagy, a cellular clean-up process, is crucial for plant root growth. This mechanism, also found in fasting humans, optimizes the “heartbeat” of root tips, aiding water and nutrient absorption. Better understanding this process could enhance crop resilience to climate change.
Like forests, grassland provides numerous ecological, economic and social benefits. Researchers have investigated ways to maintain and improve these benefits.
“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.
Fine roots from four tree species in a 26-year common garden study showed distinct microbiome and metabolome differences. Sequencing revealed that bacteria and fungi on root surfaces and surrounding soil differ significantly between absorptive and transportive fine roots. This emphasizes the need to consider root function in root-microbial interaction studies.
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.
