Monocots

How rice plants tell head from toe during early growth

A team of scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University discovered how fertilized rice seeds begin to divide and establish their body axis. They found that the process involves radical steps different from Arabidopsis, with cells acting collectively to allow axis development despite apparent randomness.

Urban natives: Plants evolve to live in cities

Researchers found that a plant species adapted to urban conditions exhibited inheritable characteristics, such as changes in size and flowering periods, within 60 years of urbanization. Elevated ground temperatures and reduced soil acidity drove these differences.

Fungicides intended to suppress turfgrass diseases may damage fairways

Researchers evaluated nine commercially available demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides on annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass fairways. The study found that two fungicides caused injury to annual bluegrass but not creeping bentgrass, while another fungicide resulted in the lowest injury on both species.

Look to the data, not the marketing: Turfgrass research shows no differences in ‘penetrant’ and ‘retainer’ wetting agents

A multi-state study found inconsistent results on the performance of 'penetrants' and 'retainers,' emphasizing the importance of evidence-based surfactant classification. The research showed varying effects on rootzone volumetric water content and surface firmness, depending on location and turfgrass species.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

On the origin (and fate) of plants that never bloom

A study by Kobe University reveals that plants reproducing solely through self-pollination likely arose from populations with extremely low genetic diversity. The research found that these species are highly successful at producing fruit and may have an evolutionary edge over outcrossing, raising questions about their long-term viability.

An inexpensive fix for California’s struggling wildflowers

A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.

Scientists uncover pathogen’s similar impact on two very different crops

Researchers investigate Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis (Pcal) interaction with cabbage and oats, discovering coronatine (COR) suppresses salicylic acid to aid pathogen growth. This finding opens doors to new disease control strategies.