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Scientists discovered how the pathogen Phytophthora infestans weakens plant immunity by targeting the chloroplast protein StFC-II in potatoes. The pathogen’s effector Pi22922 stabilizes StFC-II, disrupting chloroplast function and reducing the plant's immune response. This finding offers insights into enhancing crop…

A new framework for climate event attribution, combines qualitative physics, quantitative methods, and local knowledge to trace climate change's role in extreme events. This approach can guide the swift, ethical allocation of funds to developing nations facing climate-related loss and…

Researchers have uncovered the gene LcSVP2 as a key regulator of dormancy in lychee, an evergreen tree. This gene controls when buds rest and also represses flowering. Understanding LcSVP2's dual role could improve crop management, boosting lychee yields and sustainability…

Researchers engineered walnut rootstocks to combat drought. By modifying the JrGA20ox1 gene, they improved drought tolerance in grafted trees. Scions grafted onto gene-suppressed rootstocks retained more chlorophyll and experienced less oxidative stress under drought conditions. This study highlights rootstock modifications…

Researchers have uncovered genetic changes behind the timing of plants’ transition from leaf growth to reproduction, akin to “puberty.” This discovery reveals variations in developmental timing even under identical conditions. Understanding these genetic factors could enhance crop uniformity and nutrition,…