Plant Genetics
Articles tagged with Plant Genetics
A fresh approach to peppermint
What gives stevia its sweetness? Scientists uncover the genetic secret
Plants survived the dinosaur-killing asteroid by duplicating genomes
Novin AgriTech receives USDA grant to develop novel traits for wheat, accelerate trait integration
Novin AgriTech received an $174,906 USD grant from the US Department of Agriculture to develop nitrogen use efficiency trait in elite wheat cultivars. The company's platform technology will introduce genetic tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency.
Super-powered population genomics: Watermelon super-pangenome paves the way for precision breeding
A comprehensive watermelon super-pangenome has been established to understand genotypic differences contributing to phenotypic variation in watermelon. This resource integrates 138 genomes from wild and cultivated watermelons, revealing evolutionary relationships and genomic prediction capabilities.
Historical climate and geography shaped the phylogeography of a rare mycoheterotrophic herb in subtropical China
A study on the phylogeography of Burmannia nepalensis, a rare mycoheterotrophic herb in subtropical China, found that historical climate fluctuations and geographic isolation shaped its evolutionary history. The research reveals limited gene flow due to mountain barriers and fragmented habitats.
New study shows editing grapevine DNA could boost resistance to disease and drought
A new study uses CRISPR technology to edit grapevine DNA, reducing vulnerability to downy mildew while improving water conservation. This breakthrough could lead to climate-resilient crops in Africa, addressing growing challenges in viticulture.
Integration of two genes: A valuable strategy for developing virus-resistant tomatoes
Researchers discovered a combination of Ty-1/Ty-3 and Ty-6 resistance genes in tomato plants provides highly robust protection against begomoviruses. Integration of fewer resistance genes than expected can enhance resistance, offering a promising approach for improving tomato varieties while balancing productivity and fruit quality.
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.
Genetic markers fast-track breeding of seedless muscadine grapes
Using new genetic markers, fruit breeders can predict flower sex type and seedlessness in muscadines and other grapes with high accuracy. The approach will save time and resources in developing new grape varieties, including the major challenge of creating flavorful seedless muscadines on self-pollinating vines.
Unexpected potential bacterial symbiosis found in fungus that causes angular leaf spot
Researchers analyzed 48 isolates of P. griseola and found a potential symbiotic relationship between the fungus and endophytic bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans, influencing disease severity. The study sheds light on how the pathogen evolves and may point to new strategies for breeding disease-resistant crops.
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.
Succulents as role models: new opportunities for plants under drought?
A team of scientists has discovered a gene switch in the leaf succulent Kalanchoë laxiflora that enables it to conserve water during dry conditions. This discovery could lead to the development of drought-tolerant crops with improved water efficiency, contributing to global food security.
Unlocking longevity insights from ancient bristlecone pine
Researchers sequenced the Great Basin bristlecone pine genome, revealing genes associated with disease resistance and longer telomeres, potentially holding clues for understanding longevity in other species. The study provides a reference genome sequence that can be used to inform modern genetic discovery.
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.
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.
Soybeans recruit beneficial soil microbes to defend against major pest
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
This odd little plant could help turbocharge crop yields
Researchers discover a unique protein component, RbcS-STAR, that helps concentrate carbon dioxide around Rubisco, boosting photosynthetic efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable food production by improving crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
Genetic discovery could lead to faster growing duckweed
Researchers from Adelaide University and international collaborators discovered the architecture of duckweed's 5S ribosomal DNA locus at the nucleotide level. This knowledge could lead to more efficient protein design and faster-growing plants.
Rice gene discovery could cut fertiliser use while protecting yields
Researchers have identified a master regulator in plants that balances root and shoot growth when nutrients are limited, leading to yield increases of up to 24% in rice plants. This breakthrough could ultimately improve global crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers.
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.
Protecting turfgrass from fungal foes
University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.
First-of-its-kind automated root imaging platform speeds plant discoveries
The new platform at ORNL's APPL facility combines robotics and AI to deliver in-depth insights for plant transformation. Massive datasets generated by the platform are analyzed using AI and ORNL's Frontier exascale supercomputer.
How plants control fleshy and woody tissue growth
Researchers discovered that thermospermine, a small positively charged polyamine molecule, regulates vascular development by promoting the translation of SAC51 transcription factors while inhibiting LHW. This study sheds light on how plants fine-tune their vascular systems to produce soft edible storage organs or rigid woody tissue.
Plants retain a ‘genetic memory’ of past population crashes, study shows
Researchers found that plants living in areas with human activity causing population crashes have reduced genetic diversity and higher inbreeding levels. Conservationists must consider a population's history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in planning.
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.
Probiotics for plants
Research reveals that probiotics can enhance root development and nitrogen uptake in plants, improving growth without excess fertilizer use. The Sphingopyxis genus supports plant function, offering a potential solution to reduce environmental impact of agriculture.
Scientists unravel vines’ parasitic nature
Researchers identify XTH5 candidate gene and brassinosteroid hormone's role in vine growth and movement. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind vines' ability to search for and attach to host plants, blocking sunlight and nutrients.
Scientists empower an AI foundation model to accelerate plant research
A new method called Distributed Cross-Channel Hierarchical Aggregation (D-CHAG) accelerates analysis of hyperspectral data, enabling faster AI-guided discoveries for high-performing crops. The approach reduces computational bottleneck and increases efficiency, making it possible to extract subtle patterns in plant physiology.
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.
Grant to expand self-cloning crop technology for Indian farmers
A $4.9 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of self-cloning crops in India, improving agricultural productivity and accessibility for smallholder farmers. The project aims to expand synthetic apomixis technology into staple crops like pearl millet and Indian mustard.
Desperate race to resurrect newly-named zombie tree
A recently identified tree species in Australia, Rhodamnia zombi, is facing extinction due to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that attacks and kills its young shoots. Researchers are working on finding clean cuttings and propagating them to grow resistant seedlings, which may hold the key to resurrecting the 'zombie' tree.
Rewilding corn reveals what its roots forgot
Researchers have found that teosinte-derived traits in corn can alter the relationship between plants and soil microbes, improving nitrogen cycling and potentially making corn production cheaper. By reintroducing these traits, modern maize becomes more sustainable.
Dosage-sensitive genes suggest no whole-genome duplications in ancestral angiosperm
Researchers used dosage-sensitive genes to detect whole-genome duplication events in ancient angiosperm evolution. Their findings suggest a single ancestral WGD event in seed plants, rather than two independent events, with no additional WGD occurring during angiosperm evolution.
Plant science with a twist
Researchers have found that twisted growth in plants is not due to null mutations, but rather changes in gene expression in the epidermis layer. This discovery could help crops thrive in challenging conditions with rocky soils.
Chonnam National University scientists discover a molecular switch that protects crops from freezing cold
Researchers at Chonnam National University identified a hidden molecular switch that quickly reprograms root development to withstand cold conditions. The discovery highlights opportunities to protect crops from rising climate instability by enhancing specific signaling pathways or stabilizing key regulators.
More yield through heterosis: IPK research team decodes gene interaction
The IPK research team has developed a new statistical method to analyze gene interactions that contribute to heterosis, resulting in more robust and productive plants. The hQTL-ODS method quickly and accurately identifies relevant loci contributing to heterosis in wheat, potentially accelerating yield increases.
Small proteins, big impact: Why SUMO Proteins are crucial for chromosomes
Research reveals that SUMOylation of key kinetochore protein αKNL2 is essential for its activity and chromosome segregation. Disrupted SUMOylation leads to growth and fertility defects.
Myosin XI-1: A key molecular target for salt-tolerant crops
Researchers found that myosin XI-1 modulates salt tolerance, leading to lower Na⁺ accumulation and higher chlorophyll levels. The study suggests functional diversification among myosin XI members, offering a new strategy for improving crop resilience to salinity.
Engineering the next superfood: BTI unlocks goldenberry’s commercial potential
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute engineered compact goldenberry plants that are 35% shorter than their wild relatives, making them viable for commercial agriculture. These new plants have the same nutritional profile as commercially available goldenberries but can be grown at higher density and with reduced maintenance.
Plants use engineering principles to push through hard soil
Researchers discovered that plants respond to compacted soil by thickening their roots and changing their structure, allowing them to penetrate harder. This mechanism is similar to basic engineering principles, such as a pipe's diameter and outer wall strength affecting its ability to resist buckling.
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.
Cabernet sauvignon’s long memory revealed
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that Cabernet Sauvignon retains molecular marks from its ancestors after 400 years of clonal propagation. The study used advanced genome sequencing to assess the stability of epigenetic modifications, which can influence traits like fruit quality and stress tolerance.
New volume explores India’s wild vegetables and their scientific, nutritional, and cultural value
This book provides an in-depth overview of 120 wild vegetable species from India's Western Ghats biodiversity region, covering their morphology, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and nutritional composition. It connects indigenous knowledge with modern plant science to promote the sustainable use of underutilized edible plants.
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.
An international team uncovers the comprehensive repertoire of genes and agricultural traits of eggplant
Researchers sequenced the genome of over 3,400 cultivated eggplant varieties and identified key agronomic traits associated with genes. The study revealed over 3,000 associations between traits and genes, providing a foundation for breeding tailor-made eggplant varieties adapted to local conditions.
Plants balance adaptability in skin cells with stability in sex cells
Researchers found that DNA mutations accumulate more frequently in stem cells producing plant skin compared to those producing eggs and sperm. This layered stem cell architecture allows plants to regulate mutation rates in different cells to optimize success and offspring stability.
Wild grass offers new genetic clues to combat deadliest pathogen of wheat
Researchers have identified Aegilops cylindrica as a powerful genetic reservoir for resistance against the devastating fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. The study reveals novel mechanisms of immune suppression by the pathogen and offers new insights into plant immunity.
New ground-breaking gene atlas could lead to healthier, climate-resistant oats
A breakthrough gene atlas for oats has been developed, which could help plant breeders create better oat varieties with improved health benefits and climate resistance. The atlas will significantly expand genomic resources available to researchers.
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.
Salk scientist Joseph Ecker awarded McClintock Prize for Plant Genetics and Genome Studies
Joseph Ecker, a Salk Institute professor, has received the Barbara McClintock Prize for his groundbreaking work in plant genetics and genomics. His research explores the epigenome, revealing critical details about plant immunity, drought recovery, and modern photosynthesis.
Key wheat genes that control plant height and grain size identified
Researchers have discovered how a family of genes in wheat regulates growth and grain development, leading to new possibilities for crop improvement. By examining the role of gibberellin-3-oxidase genes, scientists found that different gene variants can affect plant height and grain size.
Announcing the Jane Silverthorne Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The Jane Silverthorne Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides comprehensive support for groundbreaking research in plant science. The program aims to nurture innovative scientists and foster collaboration between disciplines.
Stowers Institute recruits renowned developmental and evolutionary biologist from HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus
David Stern, a Senior Group Leader at Janelia Research Campus, joins Stowers Institute to uncover new avenues of biology with enormous implications. His lab discovered 'bicycle proteins' that trick plants into growing protective homes for aphids, shedding light on the battle between plants and insects.
Ancient crop discovered in the Canary Islands thanks to archaeological DNA
Researchers at Linköping University and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have discovered that lentils grown in the Canary Islands have a 2,000-year history, with genetic analysis revealing they originated from North African varieties brought by indigenous people. The study suggests these well-adapted lentil varieties may be...
Scientists trace origins of now extinct plant population from volcanically active Nishinoshima
Researchers analyzed seeds from a now-extinct plant population on Nishinoshima, tracing its lineage to nearby Chichijima island. The study found distinct genetic traits and a strong founder's effect due to limited seed dispersal opportunities.
Unraveling the proton translocation dynamics behind photoprotective mechanisms in plants
The study found that DLDG1 regulates NPQ by controlling proton conductivity within the thylakoid membrane through CFo-CF1 ATP synthase activity. The dldg1hope2 double mutant showed faster NPQ induction than the hope2 mutant, indicating a complex relationship between DLDG1 and NPQ regulation.