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.
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.
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.
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.
New sensing techniques reveal drought tolerance in ancient wheat and barley relatives, enabling the breeding of resilient crops for a warmer world. This systematic approach uses advanced imaging technologies to identify beneficial traits, paving the way for sustainable agriculture and improved crop yields despite climate change.
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.
