Scientists have found that rice plants use a special gene, NRT1.1B, to attract helpful microbes that aid in nitrogen absorption. This discovery means rice can grow more efficiently with less fertilizer, benefiting farmers and the environment. The gene acts like a green thumb, fostering beneficial bacterial communities around the roots.
Researchers fine-tuned sugarcane leaf angles by editing varying copies of the LG1 gene in its genome, optimizing light capture and increasing biomass yield. A specific edit led to a 56% decrease in leaf angle and an 18% increase in biomass. This CRISPR breakthrough enhances crop yield without extra fertilizers.
Scientists revealed that plants distribute sugars to specific root zones to nourish beneficial microbes. Disrupting this sugar transport may promote harmful microbes, impacting plant health. A new plant-growing device mimics soil conditions to study this intricate relationship.
Researchers in Malaysia discovered Thismia malayana, a tiny plant species that parasitizes underground fungi for nutrients. This 2 cm-long mycoheterotroph thrives in low-light forest understories. Sensitive to environmental changes, it is classified as Vulnerable, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that the N-terminal extension (NTE) of AGO proteins, crucial for RNA-associated gene regulation, interacts with PRMT5 to undergo symmetric arginine dimethylation. This modification alters small RNA loading and AGO1 functionality, highlighting the importance of post-translational modifications in plant gene expression.
A study reveals that climate change forces trees to migrate, often to soils lacking the necessary mycorrhizal fungi. This mismatch hinders forest growth and affects ecosystems relying on forests for clean air, water, and carbon absorption. Conservation efforts must address these crucial underground partnerships.
Researchers have enhanced CRISPR/Cas9 efficiency for plant genome editing. By optimizing vector design, they achieved higher mutation rates with reduced complexity and cost. This advancement significantly improves large-scale genetic experiments, facilitating complex plant genome editing projects.
Researchers discovered the interaction between proteins PIF and KAT1, essential for stomatal rhythmic movements in plants. This mechanism controls stomata opening in the day and closing at night, vital for photosynthesis and water regulation. This knowledge aids in enhancing crop resilience under drought conditions.
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 in assembling a healthy plant microbiome, enhancing plant nutrition and growth.
Scientists identified REGENERATION FACTOR1 (REF1) as the primary wound signal that initiates plant regeneration. REF1 binds its receptor PORK1 to activate SlWIND1, promoting cellular reprogramming and tissue repair. This breakthrough enhances crop transformation efficiency, offering a universal solution for improving genetic transformation in challenging crops like soybean, wheat, and maize.
