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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.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateFeb 24, 2026

In chromosome of key biotech bacterium, different setups bring different strengths

Researchers found that Agrobacterium's virulence is more effective in its natural two-chromosome state, but it grows faster and handles stress better when fused into a single chromosome. This study opens the door for optimizing its use as a crop improvement tool or devising new ways to protect crops vulnerable to crown galls.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

Transforming the future by making maize bioengineering more accessible

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a new method for transforming maize using leaf whorls, reducing the need for advanced growing facilities. The new technique has been tested on two maize genotypes and shown to be effective in boosting plant resistance.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalIn Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Successful detailed tracking of major plant disease's global spread

Agricultural Research Service scientists and OSU collaborators have developed a new genetic way to trace the spread of Agrobacterium, a bacterial plant pathogen causing crown-gall disease in fruit trees and other plants. The method allows tracking disease outbreaks by analyzing plasmid transmission among bacteria.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 2020
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Sweet potato naturally 'genetically modified'

Researchers at Ghent University discovered that sweet potatoes contain genes from the bacterium Agrobacterium, which were likely introduced through horizontal gene transfer. The findings suggest that genetic modification also occurs in nature, and could have implications for our understanding of plant evolution.

SourceGhent University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2015

May's Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features plant gene expression methods, Xenopus imaging

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has published new methods for plant gene expression and Xenopus imaging, enabling faster and more efficient investigation of gene function. These protocols utilize Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and confocal microscopy to study cellular behavior and subcellular processes in plants and frog embryos.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateMay 3, 2010

Plants, plasmids and possibilities -- Methods permit functional gene studies in plants

Researchers create transgenic Arabidopsis plants by introducing genes into bacteria Agrobacterium, which then infect the plant cells. This method allows scientists to identify and characterize specific gene functions in plants. The technique enables the development of pest-resistant crops, vitamin-enriched foods, and more.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateDec 1, 2006
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Researchers make key genome public on the Internet

The Agrobacterium genome, a key tool for genetic engineering of foodstuffs, has been sequenced and made publicly available. This will provide insights into its unique properties and enable the development of more nutritious and resilient crops.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 21, 2001