Scientists have developed drought and salt-resistant tomato plants by discovering a new stress-response mechanism. By engineering these plants to produce a synthetic molecule that activates this mechanism, they enhance the plants’ resilience. This breakthrough could ensure stable tomato production despite adverse climate conditions, supporting global food security.
Europe’s forests face a hidden crisis due to climate change, threatening tree species extinction. Research predicts only three out of 69 native species will thrive by 2090, impacting timber, carbon storage, and biodiversity. This calls for adaptable forest management to ensure future resilience and continued ecosystem services.
The SPS-CEPLAS Summer School 2024, united young scientists and researchers to address climate change through plant science. The Global Plant Council led a workshop on science communication for emphasizing the importance of conveying complex research to broader audiences effectively.
Scientists have uncovered how the enzyme carboxysomal carbonic anhydrase (CsoSCA) works in cyanobacteria. This discovery could lead to engineering crops that capture carbon dioxide more efficiently, boosting yields and resilience to climate change.
“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.
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.
Understanding how fire influences plant life is crucial for safeguarding biodiversity. By predicting plant responses to fire, scientists aid conservation efforts. Through traits like resprouting and seed germination, plants adapt to fire-prone ecosystems. With accurate predictions, land managers can plan controlled burns effectively, crucial as fire patterns evolve. Advancing fire-plant knowledge is key to future protection.
A new study highlights and quantifies the effectiveness of agroforestry practices in mountain agricultural systems to mitigate the effects of climate change while improving agricultural resilience and protecting biodiversity.
Climate change has advanced flowering in Doñana National Park by 22 days, as researchers discovered. Over 35 years, rising temperatures shifted peak flowering from May 9th to April 17th. This alters plant interactions, impacting pollinators and ecosystem dynamics, highlighting climate’s profound effects on biodiversity and the environment.
A global survey, encompassing 125 countries and over 130,000 individuals, reveals unprecedented support for climate action. Findings indicate 69% of respondents are willing to allocate 1% of personal income towards combating climate change. Overwhelmingly, 86% support pro-climate social norms, emphasizing a universal call for increased political action.
