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Image: Plant breeders play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success of crops. Credit: CSIRO

News Plant Science

Shortage of skilled plant breeders could impact global food security

A global shortage of skilled plant breeders threatens food security. With many specialists nearing retirement and fewer graduates entering the field, urgent action is needed to bolster training and ensure the sustainability of agricultural production worldwide.

Isabel15/07/2024

Image: Eleanor Brant collecting leaf samples for molecular analysis of gene edited sugarcane. Credit: Charles Keato

Agriculture News Plant Science

Fine-Tuning Leaf Angle with CRISPR Improves Sugarcane Yield

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.…

Isabel11/07/2024

Philaenus spumarius. Credit: Elke Freese/Wikimedia Commons

News Plant Health

Study shows climate change boosts olive tree-devouring bacteria in the Mediterranean

Climate change is boosting the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium devastating Mediterranean crops like olive and grapevines. Researchers predict increased risks under global warming scenarios, stressing the importance of climate in plant disease outbreaks and the need for enhanced…

Isabel08/07/2024

Image: Thismia malayana live specimen. Credit: Pensoft Blog

News Plant Science

New plant species robs underground fungi to survive

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.

Isabel04/07/2024

Image: Confocal images showing the interaction between AGO1 and PRMT5 in N. benthamiana leaf cells. Credit: CRAG

News Plant Science

Unveiling the role of AGO’s post-translational modifications in plant gene regulation

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…

Isabel02/07/2024

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Shortage of skilled plant breeders could impact global food security

Fine-Tuning Leaf Angle with CRISPR Improves Sugarcane Yield

Study shows climate change boosts olive tree-devouring bacteria in the Mediterranean

New plant species robs underground fungi to survive

Unveiling the role of AGO’s post-translational modifications in plant gene regulation

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