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Beyond 'shovelomics': Growing cassava in the air helps study the plant's mysterious roots

Scientists have developed an innovative method of growing cassava in the air using aeroponics, allowing for real-time observation of root development and identification of genes that regulate growth. This breakthrough could lead to increased yields, improved sustainability, and accelerated plant growth.

How plants harness 'bad' molecules for good ends

Researchers have identified a complex molecular interaction between reactive oxygen species and protein RITF1 that regulates root growth in the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery could lead to more efficient crop development for different soil types, optimizing productivity.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Living bridges

Researchers studied traditional Khasi building techniques for living root bridges, which can reach over 50 meters in length and withstand centuries. The bridges' complex root structure provides stable and safe passage, while also serving as a natural cooling system for cities.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 2019

How roots grow hair

A team of researchers has identified a key regulator of root hair growth in plants, revealing a new mechanism for controlling this process. The discovery, made using 'smoke detectors' from fire-following seeds, shows promise for improving crop yields and drought resistance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 17, 2019

Putting the brakes on lateral root development

New research from Washington University in St. Louis identifies a critical regulator of lateral root production, showing how auxin and cytokinin hormones interact to control root growth. The study reveals that the transporter TOB1 can limit auxin's root-promoting capabilities, promoting a slow but steady approach to root development.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 23, 2019

Getting to the root of plant simulations

A new root algorithm developed by Beth Drewniak improves the Energy Exascale Earth System Model's ability to simulate vegetation growth and respond to changes in resources. The dynamic root model addresses both water uptake and nitrogen allocation, enabling plants to thrive in varying environmental conditions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateApr 11, 2019

Plant root hairs form outward due to shank hardening

Plant root hairs grow long by suppressing lateral cell expansion due to PI(3,5)P2 regulation. This allows for increased surface area absorption of water and nutrients from the soil. The discovery sheds light on plant cell morphogenesis and could lead to the development of more efficient nutrient-absorbing plants.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 20, 2018

Root discovery may lead to crops that need less fertilizer

Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJan 18, 2018

Cucumbers in space provide insights on root growth

Scientists have grown cucumbers in space to study the effects of water and gravity on plant roots. In their experiments, they found that water has a greater influence on controlling root growth than gravity, which will help inform future space farming strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 20, 2017

A better dye job for roots -- in plants

A researcher at Salk Institute has discovered a fluorescent dye that reveals root growth is more influenced by auxin than thought, shedding light on the acidification theory and its role in plant growth. The study could inform faster-growing crop production or mitigate climate change effects.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

Helping plants pump iron

A recent study at Salk Institute found that genetic variants of a single gene, FRO2, play a crucial role in determining a plant's ability to grow and stay healthy in environments with limited iron. The research has the potential to improve crop yields and increase dietary sources of iron for animals and humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

Plants call 911 to help their neighbors

Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants release airborne chemicals when injured, alerting neighboring plants to boost their defenses. The injured plant sends signals through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which stimulate nearby plants to grow more robust roots and increase malate transporter genes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 16, 2017

How plants grow new lateral roots

Researchers used 3D live imaging to study the formation process of lateral roots in plants, clarifying part of the mechanism that creates new meristematic tissue. This discovery could potentially be used to control plant growth by artificially altering root system architecture.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 2016

How roots grow

Root shape is determined by a combination of genetic predisposition and the self-organization of cells. The development of secondary roots follows principles of non-deterministic growth and adaptation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2016

Plant pest reprograms the roots

Researchers discover nematodes produce plant hormone cytokinin to stimulate root cell growth and create a nurse cell system, essential for the parasite's survival. This discovery opens new avenues in plant breeding to develop resistance against cyst nematode pests.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2015