Plant Genes

What gives stevia its sweetness? Scientists uncover the genetic secret

Novel wheat hybrids increase resistance to major fungal disease by up to 70%

Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...

Identification of a key gene that enables tomato seed germination under high-temperature conditions

Tomatoes have difficulty germinating under prolonged heat stress, but two mutant lines with the loss-of-function mutation in SlIAA9 showed little decline in germination and normal seedling development. The mutants exhibited elevated expression of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins, leading to enhanced resilience to heat stress.

The fast-track tree breeding method that is restoring European ash to the landscape

Researchers at John Innes Centre develop rapid seed germination protocol, reducing Ash dieback's impact. This new method has already produced over 2,000 seedlings for trials and research.

Rice functional genomics innovation team reveals the molecular mechanism of Fd1/FNR1 in thermotolerance and stable yield, providing new germplasm

A recent study elucidated the molecular mechanism by which Fd1 and FNR1 enhance rice thermotolerant yield stability. The research found that overexpression of these genes stabilizes photosynthesis, reduces ROS accumulation, and protects pollen viability.

Evolution in fast-forward: How thale cress adapts – or goes extinct

Researchers tracked genetic changes in Arabidopsis thaliana across 30 sites over five years, finding most populations adapted to local environmental conditions. However, some populations went extinct due to genetic drift, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity.

How do thirsty plants hold out during drought?

Salk Institute scientists created a high-resolution atlas showing how droughts affect plant cells. They identified a gene, Ferric Reduction Oxidase 6 (FRO6), that could be targeted to create more resilient crops. FRO6 expression in mesophyll cells partially maintained leaf growth under drought stress.

Secrets of evolution found in ancient plant DNA

A new study has discovered over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences in plants, providing a comprehensive atlas of regulatory conservation across 284 species. These sequences date back to over 400 million years ago, shedding light on the evolution of plant genomes and gene families.

Hiding in plain sight: Scientists uncover the ancient DNA sequences that control gene function across plant evolution

A new study has identified ~2.3 million conserved non-coding DNA sequences across 284 plant species, revealing deep principles of plant genome evolution. These ancient regulatory sequences can be maintained despite repeated genome duplications, opening the door to precise engineering of plant traits.

Novel structural insights into Phytophthora effectors challenge long-held assumptions in plant pathology

Researchers at FABI define a conserved subset of Phytophthora RxLR effectors with short linear motifs embedded within folded WY domain cores. This arrangement preserves domain integrity while enabling potential interactions with host immune components, reframing pathogen strategies and challenging SLiM dogma.

Plant hormone therapy could improve global food security

Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.

Hope for global banana farming in genetic discovery

Researchers have discovered a genetic region controlling resistance to Fusarium wilt Sub Tropical Race 4 (STR4) in a wild banana subspecies called Calcutta 4. This finding holds promise for developing sustainable and disease-resistant commercial banana varieties.

Rapid response launched to tackle new yellow rust strains threatening UK wheat

A new strain of yellow rust pathogen has broken down a key resistance gene, leaving over 50% of the UK's wheat acreage vulnerable. Researchers are racing against time to find new resistance genes and breed them into modern wheat varieties.

This flower evolved a new shape so that different birds could pollinate it. Then, it spread.

Researchers found that the green-flowered Aeschynanthus acuminatus evolved on the mainland, not in Taiwan, and adapted to shorter-beaked birds. This contradicts the Grant-Stebbins model of plant evolution, which predicted the species would evolve in Taiwan with new pollinators.

CRISPR primes goldenberry for fruit bowl fame

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory use CRISPR to edit the goldenberry plant, reducing its growth by 35% and making it suitable for denser farming. The team hopes to breed plants with desirable traits such as fruit size and disease resistance.

AI offers ‘roadmap’ to plant genetics

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed an AI-powered approach to identify redundant genes in plants. By analyzing evolutionary data and machine learning models, they predicted which genes to edit to modify specific traits, providing a new 'roadmap' for plant breeders.

Understanding how plants distribute iron to young leaves

A new iron transporter protein, OsIET1, has been identified in rice, crucial for delivering iron to young leaves. The study reveals OsIET1 mediates inter-vascular Fe transfer, promoting optimal plant growth and productivity.

Making LAZY plants stand up: Research reveals new pathway plants use to detect gravity

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has identified a previously unknown gravitropism pathway in plants, which helps them orient their growth direction. This new pathway, controlled by the SLQ1 gene, works independently of the LAZY genes and may provide a backup mechanism for detecting gravity.

Epigenetic changes regulate gene expression, but what regulates epigenetics?

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a new mode of epigenetic targeting in plant cells, where specific DNA sequences guide DNA methylation patterns. This finding has major implications for understanding epigenetic regulation and could inform future strategies for epigenetic engineering.

Researchers use living fossils to uncover a wealth of genes for seed improvement

A multidisciplinary team of researchers used genomic technology to decode the DNA of non-flowering seed plants, including gymnosperms, to identify genes involved in seed development. The study, published in Nature Communications, may aid scientists in improving crop production and conserving these ancient endangered seed plants.

Researchers identify rare lost allele boosting soybean seed protein

A Chinese research team has identified a rare natural allele in wild soybeans that increases seed protein content and was lost during domestication. The found allele, PC08 Ins, boosts gene expression, raises ABA levels, and promotes storage protein accumulation.

Oat’s genetic diversity decoded: Prospects for climate-resilient oats

Researchers have mapped the full genetic diversity of oat lines to understand their capacity for adaptation and resilience. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the pan-genome, including a directory of gene activity across different tissues and lines.

Genome-informed restoration could save our oceans and coastlines

Scientists from Salk and UC San Diego have discovered a new hybrid seagrass that demonstrates low-light tolerance, offering a promising solution for coastal restoration efforts. The hybrid combines the shallow-water Zostera marina with its deeper-water cousin Zostera pacifica, inheriting the latter's low-light toolkit.

Genome-wide analysis of gene expression in sorghum furthers efforts to improve stem biomass

Researchers have identified genes with organ-preferential expression in sorghum stems, revealing distinct temporal functional signatures and potential candidates for genetic engineering applications. These findings offer valuable insights into improving sorghum stem biomass and composition for bioenergy and biopolymer production.

All DRII-ed up: How do plants recover after drought?

Researchers discovered that plants rapidly activate a coordinated immune response during drought recovery, prioritizing immunity over growth. This finding highlights the importance of studying the post-drought period and points to new strategies for engineering crops that can rebound more effectively after environmental stress.

Scientists debut a new foundational atlas of the plant life cycle

Researchers create first genetic atlas to span entire Arabidopsis life cycle, capturing gene expression patterns of 400,000 cells in multiple developmental stages. The atlas provides comprehensive insights into plant biology, enabling future studies on different cell types and developmental stages.

Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials

A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.

Genomic techniques can streamline breeding for grain quality

Researchers developed a strategy to predict multiple traits at once based on the whole genome, increasing predictive ability by 2-10 times. This method, called multi-trait genomic selection (MT-GS), combines genetic markers with known trait links for more accurate predictions, making it a promising tool for efficient and cost-effective...

Researchers identify protein that evolved to enable photosynthesis in land plants

A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has identified a protein, Shikimate kinase-like 1 (SKL1), that enables land plants to convert light into energy through photosynthesis. This discovery holds promise for improved herbicides and increased efficiency of photosynthesis in food crops.

New project to develop methods to fast-track crop improvement

Researchers at Cranfield University are developing a faster and more efficient method for genetically engineering plants, bypassing tissue culture. The 'Fast-Track Crop Improvement' project aims to transform seeds and pollen directly, increasing the speed of crop improvement and opening up new possibilities for breeding and production.

Researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production

Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.

Branching out: Tomato genes point to new medicines

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that cryptic mutations in tomato genes can increase or decrease the number of reproductive branches on plants. This finding has implications for agriculture and medicine, potentially leading to better crops and more effective medicines.

How cucumbers got longer - and why it's a big deal for farming

Researchers found that a single synonymous mutation in a gene drives cucumber elongation by altering RNA structure and function. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop breeding programs and may lead to the development of precision-crop improvement techniques.

New study reveals episodic and gradual patterns in plant diploidization process

A recent study has revealed that the diploidization process in plants can be both episodic and gradual, depending on the type of mutation. The researchers used population genomics to uncover a nuanced picture of this process, including gene fractionation, transposable element accumulation, and homoeologous expression bias.

New Australian Chickpea pan-genome poised to boost Chickpea production

Researchers created a comprehensive genetic resource for Australian chickpea varieties, uncovering previously uncharacterized genetic diversity. The pangenome analysis identified 34,345 gene families, including those associated with key agronomic traits like yield, flowering time, and disease resistance.

Scientists reveal gene pairs conferring resistance to wheat diseases

Researchers identified two novel genetic mechanisms governing disease resistance in wheat, involving pairs of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptors. The discoveries offer new insights into plant immunity and provide crucial gene resources for breeding resistant wheat varieties.

New 3D genome mapping technology sheds light on how plants regulate photosynthesis

Chinese researchers developed a groundbreaking 3D genome mapping technology that reveals how the 3D organization of plant genomes influences gene expression, especially in photosynthesis. The innovation provides a precise tool for understanding long-range chromatin interactions and their role in regulating biological processes.

Cannabis pangenome reveals potential for medicinal and industrial use

Researchers created the most comprehensive genetic atlas of cannabis, revealing unprecedented diversity and untapped opportunity in this foundational agricultural species. The study sets the stage for transformative advances in cannabis-based agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Researchers unveil epigenetic mechanism of cold adaptation in rice

A new study reveals that DNA methylation mediates the transgenerational inheritance of acquired cold tolerance in rice, supporting Lamarck's theory. Researchers developed a novel breeding strategy to develop stress-resilient crops, offering a promising avenue to tackle agricultural challenges posed by global climate change.

A root development gene that’s older than root development

A Kobe University study finds that a gene regulating root development in vascular plants is also essential for organ development in liverworts, demonstrating the evolutionary dynamic of co-opting. The RLF protein, involved in this process, interacts with others to clarify plant organ development evolution.

Research team homes in on genetics behind blackberry thorns

A research team has pinpointed the genetic location behind thorns in blackberries, enabling plant breeders to accelerate the creation of thornless varieties. The study used genome-wide association studies and genotyping to identify a specific region of DNA associated with the prickly trait.

Artificial intelligence and genetics can help farmers grow corn with less fertilizer

New York University researchers developed a novel process using machine learning to reveal groups of genes governing nitrogen use efficiency in plants like corn. The study aims to help farmers improve crop yields and minimize fertilizer costs.

Two-in-one root armor protects plants from environmental stressors and fights climate change

Researchers have debuted the first comprehensive gene expression atlas of the plant periderm at the single-cell level, providing new insights into phellem cells and their role in carbon storage. The atlas could be used to stimulate growth of the protective periderm in plants facing environmental stress due to climate change.

Climate-ready crop

A team from the University of Illinois has engineered a potato crop that can thrive in elevated temperatures, resulting in a 30% increase in tuber mass under heatwave conditions. This adaptation aims to improve food security for families dependent on potatoes, which are often affected by changing climate conditions.

Study finds the secret behind the corpse flower's famous stench

A Dartmouth-led study reveals the fundamental genetic pathways and biological mechanisms behind the corpse flower's heat production and odorous chemicals. The researchers identify a new component of the corpse flower's odor, an organic chemical called putrescine, which is released when the plant blooms.

Making soybeans smarter

Researchers are developing soybeans that can handle extreme weather conditions, allowing farmers to maintain yields under pressure. By studying plant adaptation strategies, scientists aim to create more resilient soybean varieties.

Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil

A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.

Researchers develop plant gene drive system for enhanced trait inheritance

A new plant gene drive system, CRISPR-Assisted Inheritance (CAIN), has been developed to enhance trait inheritance in plants. The system uses a toxin-antidote mechanism to override Mendelian inheritance, allowing for the spread of beneficial genes at higher rates.

Sweetpotato’s sweet revenge

Researchers have identified 31 effector genes from the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, which causes devastating black rot in sweetpotatoes. This breakthrough provides a new approach to developing disease-resistant crops using effector-assisted breeding.

Discovery of mechanism plants use to change seed oil could impact industrial, food oils

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a new way for plants to change the fatty acid composition in their seed oil after it's already made. This process could lead to improved production of valuable oils used in various industries, including food and biofuels.

“Phytopathology Research Forum” highlights advances in plant pathology research in China

The Phytopathology Research Forum successfully concluded its spring edition, showcasing cutting-edge developments in plant disease research and molecular breeding technology. Experts discussed the importance of adopting provenance security measures to ensure agricultural product integrity.

New sunflower family tree reveals multiple origins of flower symmetry

A new analysis of the sunflower family tree shows that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently among its members. The research, led by Penn State biologist Hong Ma, used low-coverage genome sequences to increase the number of species available for comparison and resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree.

Understanding jasmonic acid: A switch that activates autophagy in Arabidopsis petals

A team of researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a phytohormone-mediated switch controlling autophagy, leading to terminal cell differentiation for petal abscission. They found that jasmonic acid promotes petal abscission by activating autophagy at the base of petals.

Research unveils genetic basis for S-metolachlor resistance in Waterhemp

Research reveals a single major gene controlling resistance to S-metolachlor in the Stanford, Illinois resistant population of waterhemp. This finding is significant due to the difficulty in studying weed resistance to soil-applied herbicides.

New study eyes nutrition-rich chia seed for potential to improve human health

Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the chia genome, identifying genes associated with improving nutrition and human health. The study found 29 genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and 93 genes that aid gel-forming properties of chia seeds.

Identifying a silicon transporter to improve the yield of rice

Scientists at Okayama University have identified a membrane transporter, SIET4, in rice leaves that facilitates the localization of silicon. This discovery reveals intricate processes involved in Si deposition, enabling plants to accumulate high levels of silicon and survive environmental stresses.

Demystifying the role of plant x- and y-type thioredoxins

X- and y-type thioredoxins play a crucial role in maintaining the redox balance of photosynthesis during fluctuating light conditions. The study found that these proteins facilitate electron transport through the electron transport chain, preventing photoinhibition and promoting plant growth.

Gene required for root hair growth, nitrate foraging found in grasses

A team of researchers led by Karen Sanguinet identified a plant gene called 'BUZZ' that drives the growth of root hairs, helping plants find water and nutrients. The gene also plays a role in nitrate uptake and signaling, which could lead to more sustainable crop production.

Gene grants powerful resistance to resurging plant disease

Researchers have discovered a gene, B5, in Egyptian cotton that confers powerful resistance to bacterial blight. The gene enables strong resistance to the disease under Oklahoma field conditions and accumulates high amounts of defense chemicals.

Study reveals how a tall spruce develops defense against hungry weevils

A study by North Carolina State University researchers identified genes involved in the development of stone cells, which can block weevil feeding on budding branches. The findings could help breed genetically improved Sitka spruce trees resistant to the spruce weevil, a significant pest affecting forest giants.