International scientists identified a genetic “off switch” in legumes that stops nitrogen fixation when soil nitrate levels are high. Removing this switch ensures continuous nitrogen fixation, boosting crop growth and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, benefiting agriculture and the environment.
Researchers have significantly improved maize transformation efficiency using ternary vectors and morphogenic regulators. This advancement enhances gene-editing research and potential agricultural applications by overcoming a major bottleneck in maize transformation frequency.
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.
A recent survey of over 4,500 Americans reveals that increased knowledge about gene editing correlates with greater acceptance of its safety for agricultural and medical applications. The study emphasizes the need for effective science communication to shift public opinion, highlighting a general preference for gene editing over genetic modification.
Researchers discovered forests with cold-air pooling, where colder air settles in valleys, reversing typical temperature patterns. These areas could protect cold-adapted species from climate change, serving as refuges and aiding conservation efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of such forests for species adaptation and carbon storage.
Goldenrod plants exhibit adaptive responses to environmental cues, such as perceiving nearby plants through far-red light and changing behavior when attacked by herbivores. This ability to solve problems and adjust based on environmental information is argued to fit a very basic definition of intelligence, challenging traditional views on plant cognition.
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.
