Articles tagged with Plant Roots
A study by University of Montreal and University of Western Australia scientists reveals that plants in Australian bushland use an array of root strategies to obtain nutrients from poor soils, defying expectations.
Research suggests that selective breeding of maize led to the evolution of root systems more efficient in acquiring nutrients like nitrogen. The study found that newer commercial varieties performed better in every agronomic environment, with characteristics known to increase nitrogen uptake.
Researchers from Carnegie Institution for Science discovered that brassinosteroids and auxin hormones work antagonistically to regulate root cell elongation, affecting the rate of root growth. This finding could lead to engineering more-efficient crops with idealized root growth and water uptake.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that chemicals emitted by plant roots break bonds between carbon and minerals in the soil, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. This process could accelerate climate warming by up to 1% per year, as current models may be underestimating carbon loss from soil.
Research found that abscisic acid (ABA) treatments can increase calcium concentrations in tomato fruit, reducing the risk of blossom-end rot. ABA applications were effective in early stages of plant development, but additional treatments may be needed for later stages.
A study published in HortScience confirms that sweet potato leaves are a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin B6. The research found that young leaves contained the highest levels of ascorbic acid, while mature leaves provided significant amounts of vitamin B6.
Researchers developed an automated imaging technique to measure and analyze the root systems of mature plants in field conditions. The system uses digital photography to provide detailed images of roots from thousands of plants, enabling scientists to evaluate crop improvement efforts.
Cytokinins, produced in legume leaves, play a crucial role in regulating root nodule numbers by signaling from the roots to the leaves. This discovery sheds new light on the symbiotic balance between rhizobia and legumes.
Researchers discovered a new route for legume plants to communicate with their symbiotic bacteria. The study found that cytokinins, signaling molecules, are transmitted from leaves to roots to control the number of bacterial-holding nodules. This innovation allows legumes to balance energy production and nodule development.
Researchers have discovered that plants use a complex process to sense water in soil and adjust their root architecture accordingly. This process, known as hydropatterning, allows plants to optimize water uptake and survive in environments with limited resources.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis solved the structure of NolR, a master off-switch for the nodulation process that converts bacteria into nitrogen-fixing organisms. The discovery provides insight into the biological machinery of nitrogen-fixing and may lead to re-engineering crop plants with on-site nitrogen-fixing systems.
The Yangambi km5 banana variety produces toxic metabolites that kill the nematode Radopholus similis, a major roundworm pest. This discovery could lead to the development of edible and pest-resistant banana varieties, as well as new pesticides against nematodes.
A new study identifies a protein essential for relocating cytokinins from roots to shoots, regulating plant growth and development. The research has implications for increasing biomass yield and stress tolerance of plants grown for biofuels or agriculture.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a hormone and receptor that control cell expansion in plants. This finding reveals the molecular mechanisms behind plant growth, which is crucial for developing new technologies to manipulate crops for food, fuel, fiber, and medicines.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered that banana plants accumulate specific toxins in infected root tissues to resist parasitic nematode Radopholus similis. The localized accumulation of defense substances inhibits further propagation of the pest, leading to its death.
Researchers discover that desert plants use hydraulic lift to acquire nutrients in dry conditions, supporting plant productivity and seed set. The system relies on tiny amounts of water released from plant roots into dry soil at night.
The root microbiome plays a vital role in plant functions and ecosystem well-being, influencing genetic structure, health, and interactions with other plants. Microbial organisms associated with plant roots have far-flung global influences, from regulating plant performance to facilitating crop production in harsh climates.
Plants with thinner roots show natural variation in cortical cell number, reducing energetic cost of soil exploration and increasing rooting depth. This trait could lead to improved seed production for agriculture, maintaining high yields in drought-prone regions.
Researchers have discovered evidence of ancient agriculture in southern China, predating the arrival of domesticated rice. The use of a new analysis technique on grinding stones revealed starch from tropical palms, indicating that people may have cultivated these plants around 5,000 years ago.
Researchers found that at least three fungi cause horseradish disease: Verticillium dahlia, V. longisporum, and Fusarium solani. However, new species F. commune has been linked to the condition, with 83% of infected roots developing root rot. Growers can use IPM techniques to manage the disease.
Bt corn has higher yields and uses nitrogen more efficiently due to its healthy root system, leading to increased production and potential changes in management practices. This study demonstrates the benefits of Bt corn beyond rootworm resistance.
A new 'scarecrow' gene has been found that controls a unique leaf structure, leading to more efficient photosynthesis. This discovery could lead to new varieties of staple crops with significantly higher yields through genetic engineering.
Researchers in China have discovered that corn can be used as a trap crop to control the devastating parasitic weed sunflower broomrape. The weed causes significant damage to vegetable and row crops, but using corn as a trap crop can induce suicidal germination in the weed, reducing its impact.
University of Illinois researchers have refined a model to describe the relationship between root injury caused by corn rootworm pests and yield loss. The model suggests that yield is reduced by 15% for each node of roots lost, with location and experimental error having statistically significant effects.
Researchers studied plant roots grown on the International Space Station and found that they retained complex patterns of 'waving' and 'skewing', characteristic of Earth-grown roots. However, the degree of waving was more subtle than expected, suggesting that gravity is not essential for this process.
Research at CARB has shown that plants use protein receptors to detect modified Nod factors, leading to root nodule development and nitrogen production. Legumes employ a sophisticated detection system to distinguish between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms.
Research found that drought stress enriches microbial communities around plant roots, promoting drought resistance and increasing plant photosynthesis by up to 40%. This discovery highlights the importance of symbiotic relationships between plants and soil microbes in maintaining plant health.
Using 3D time-lapse imaging, scientists have discovered that plant roots twist and buckle to generate force and push through barriers, allowing them to grow in difficult soil conditions. The study sheds new light on the mechanics of root growth and reveals a previously unknown connection between root geometry and force generation.
Researchers have discovered that plants like Arabidopsis select a specific bacterial community from the diverse microbial ecosystem in the soil, with Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla being preferred. This community is dependent on soil type and plant genotype, and plays a crucial role in plant health.
A recent study sheds light on the mechanisms driving the formation of the 'plant microbiome' and how plants influence microbial communities. Researchers identified key microbial players and their metabolic roles, revealing a complex interdependence between host plants and soil microbes.
Researchers have identified a core group of bacterial types consistently found inside Arabidopsis roots, while others depend on soil type. The study establishes a framework for examining how plants interact with microbial communities influencing growth and development.
A recent study found that the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill exacerbated existing environmental problems in Louisiana's salt marshes, causing erosion and permanent habitat loss. However, the study also suggests that healthy marsh plants can quickly regrow and recolonize affected areas, potentially mitigating the damage.
Scientists at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência have identified a new phosphate transporter in plant root cells that plays a crucial role in phosphorus uptake when Pi is scarce. The discovery provides insight into how phosphate transport systems can be manipulated to counteract stressful conditions and potentially improve crop yields.
Clemson University researcher Julia Frugoli has been awarded a nearly $600,000 four-year grant to study how plant roots communicate with each other to control growth. This research could lead to nitrogen-free farming methods that increase food supply and benefit agricultural production.
Researchers discovered that maize crops emit chemicals attracting growth-promoting microbes to live amongst their roots. This attracts beneficial bacteria, making important nutrients like iron and phosphorous more available, and competing against harmful bacteria.
Researchers have discovered that liquorice root contains substances called amorfrutins, which reduce blood sugar levels and are also anti-inflammatory. These natural compounds may be suitable for treating adult diabetes and could lead to the development of new treatments.
Researchers used bovine collagen to enhance gum healing around exposed roots, resulting in thicker margins and complete coverage of roots in over half the cases. The study found that the collagen acted as a scaffold for the body's own cells to repair damage, making it a possible solution for patients with limited donor tissue.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a revolutionary technique using X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) to analyze plant roots with unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough enables the identification of root architecture in three dimensions, paving the way for improved crop breeding and food security.
A team of researchers led by Michigan State University has discovered an overachieving plant enzyme that can work both day and night shifts. This enzyme, ATP synthase, was found to have a new function when one of its protein building blocks is changed, allowing it to transport energy in the roots at night.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have successfully altered root growth in plants by controlling a key regulatory protein, WRKY23. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields and resistance to parasites under varying environmental conditions.
The USAN Council assigns simplified generic names to drugs, using 'stems' that describe characteristics such as function and shape. Examples include '-prazole' for antiulcer medications like esomeprazole.
A new technology called RootChip enables scientists to analyze root tissue in intact live plants, revolutionizing the field of root studies. The device monitors real-time responses to environmental changes, revealing key insights into nutrient acquisition and carbon sequestration.
A team of researchers has identified a protein that facilitates the radial transport of calcium ions from the root to the shoot, resolving a long-standing mystery. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for preventing blossom end rot and other nutrient deficiencies in crops.
Researchers found that ABCB4, a protein responsible for moving auxin, also removes excess hormone when it accumulates, potentially affecting root growth. The study suggests that the herbicide 2,4-D may impact plants thought to be resistant due to its effect on this protein.
Researchers have found that the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains were formed by multiple tectonic events over a billion years, rather than a single event. The mountains' youthful appearance is thought to be due to the preservation of ancient crustal roots and uplift caused by rifting.
Researchers used laser capture microdissection to analyze individual root cells and discovered genes involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. The study found that even non-colonized cells are reprogrammed to prepare for fungal colonization, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-depleted soil.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute discovered that plants create a water reserve around their roots, which helps them survive short periods of drought. The water reserve is found within a few millimeters from the roots and contains about 30% more water than the rest of the soil.
According to a recent VHA report, the rate of adverse events and wrong-site surgery has decreased significantly since 2006. The study attributes this decline to improvements in safety measures and team training, resulting in a 14% annual reduction in 'highest harm' adverse events.
Researchers identified three groups of genes required for extensin production, crucial for root hair growth and nutrient uptake. The study sheds light on the assembly of plant cell wall components regulating growth, with potential applications for sustainable agriculture and forestry.
USDA scientists tracked E. coli's journey from soil to leafy greens, finding the pathogen's survival in roots is sporadic and not a significant food safety concern. The study suggests that E. coli is unlikely to become internalized through plant roots, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
A study found that contaminated fungi attached to ryegrass roots help plants absorb toxic contaminants like acenaphthene. This process affects not only plant health but also poses risks to human health through environmental exposure.
Researchers have discovered two classes of peptaibols with potential therapeutic value, including antibiotics and growth promoters. The fungus Trichoderma virens produces diverse compounds that can be tested for various applications.
Alternative grass species such as little bluestem, purple lovegrass, and tall fescue have been identified for anchoring roadside slopes. These deep-rooted species can stabilize the soil, while warmer-season grasses like little bluestem and purple lovegrass prevent surface erosion and provide green roadsides.
A study published in American Journal of Botany found that cacti like Ariocarpus fissuratus use root contraction to move deeper into the soil and escape high temperatures. While this method helped protect plants growing in rocky soils, it was not enough to prevent death in sandy soils
Researchers at Duke University have identified a single gene, UPBEAT1, that controls the balance of free radicals in plant roots, leading to faster growth and improved root establishment. This discovery could accelerate the development of biofuels and enhance carbon sequestration capabilities.
Researchers found E. coli can survive and contaminate lettuce and radish plants grown in manure-treated fields. Harvesting produce at least 40 days after planting can minimize the risk of contamination.
A naturally occurring variant of cassava has been found to accumulate high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, offering a potential solution to vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. Transgenic approaches can also be used to increase the enzyme phytoene synthase, leading to increased carotenoid synthesis and biofortification of co...
Researchers found that ancient cratonic roots have low water content beyond a certain depth, making them harder to deform or break up. This explains why these roots are resistant to destruction and preserved the oldest continents.
A new biosensor developed at Purdue University can detect auxin movement in real-time, allowing scientists to better understand how the plant hormone regulates root growth. The sensor uses nanomaterials to create an electrical signal that measures auxin concentration, enabling instantaneous and continuous measurements during root growth.
Researchers found that subjecting horseradish root stocks to hot water at 47 degrees Centigrade for 20 minutes effectively controls Verticillium and Fusarium pathogens. This simple, safe, and cost-effective method is expected to boost crop yields and improve the quality of commercial horseradish.