News Feature Channel: Plants

Blooming Revelations: The Complete Carnation Genome Assembled

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:35:22 EST

Carnations, prized for their diverse colors and long vase life, have had their genomes completely sequenced, marking a significant advancement in floral biology. This study offers detailed insights into the genetic underpinnings of this popular flower, crucial for guiding breeding programs aimed at enhancing its aesthetic and practical qualities. The comprehensive genome map provides a foundation for exploring the complex interplay between gene expression and the carnation's rich phenotypic variation.

Boosting Kiwifruit's Immunity: Transcription Factors Prove Crucial in Disease Resistance

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:10:26 EST

Researchers have made a key discovery in agricultural science, identifying transcription factors AcREM14 and AcC3H1 that significantly boost kiwifruit's resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, the bacterium behind the devastating bacterial canker.

How to Grow Food Without Light

Washington University in St. Louis — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:05:35 EST

In a new publication, engineers at Washington University in St. Louis make the case for electro-agriculture to help drastically cut carbon emissions.

Green Leaf Volatiles: A Natural Ally in Plant Stress Resistance

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:55:59 EST

Scientists have identified a natural compound, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate (HB), that can induce stomatal closure in plants, a defense mechanism to conserve water and protect against pathogens. This discovery could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing crop resilience to environmental stresses without the need for synthetic pesticides.

Seeds of Success: Genetic Discovery for Bigger Yellow Horn Yields

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:50:01 EST

A new study has uncovered the genetic controls behind seed size and yield in yellow horn, a tree species valued for its high-quality oil. Researchers have identified a key gene, XsAP2, which could significantly boost the plant's productivity.

Revamping Chinese Cabbage: CRISPR Edits for Healthier Flavonoids

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:35:41 EST

Scientists have leveraged CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to enhance the nutritional properties of Chinese cabbage. By targeting the BrFLS1 gene, they engineered a variety with reduced flavonol content and increased levels of dihydroflavonols, compounds associated with enhanced health benefits and stress tolerance. This advancement paves the way for developing cabbage varieties with improved nutritional value, offering potential benefits in both health and agriculture.

The Rosy Future of Fruits: A Genomic Leap with ROFT Database

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:20:41 EST

A new study presents a significant leap in our understanding of Rosaceae fruits, unveiling a comparative genomic resource that could transform fruit breeding. The research provides insights into the gene expression patterns across different developmental stages of apples, peaches, strawberries, and raspberries, offering a robust platform for future crop improvement and variety development.

New Tool Enables a More Complete and Rapid Decoding of the Language of Algal Gene Expression

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:10:27 EST

A new method that research teams can use to measure and compare different forms of proteins and protein complexes helped reveal a previously unseen molecular signature of how algal genomes are controlled during the cell cycle.

Aromatic Arms: Waterlilies Wage Scent-Based War on Aphids

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:55:00 EST

A recent study has uncovered how the night-blooming waterlily Nymphaea prolifera uses its floral scents to ward off aphids. Researchers explored the biosynthesis and ecological role of these floral compounds, revealing new insights into early plant-insect dynamics and the plant's natural defenses.

Decoding Rose's Immune Crosstalk: The Power of Proteomics in Combating Plant Pathogens

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:40:03 EST

A cutting-edge study offers fresh insights into how roses defend themselves against the damaging fungus Botrytis cinerea, which causes severe losses in ornamental plants. Researchers uncovered how phosphorylation and ubiquitination--two key protein modifications--work together to regulate the plant's immune response. Their findings may lead to the development of roses with stronger resistance to fungal infections, potentially benefiting both commercial growers and horticulturists.

Growing Taller: How Genetics Could Transform Chrysanthemum Breeding

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:30:27 EST

A new study has uncovered critical genetic factors that influence the height of chrysanthemum plants, a key trait that affects both their market appeal and structural integrity. The research analyzed plant height, internode number, internode length, and stem diameter in 200 chrysanthemum varieties.

A Taste of Science: How CsMYB67 Influences Tea's Healthful Compounds

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:00:19 EST

A new study has uncovered the crucial role of the CsMYB67 gene in controlling flavonoid biosynthesis in tea leaves, compounds that give tea its bitter and astringent taste. This gene's role in regulating flavonoid production in response to environmental stress offers valuable insights into tea plant biology and opens up avenues for enhancing tea quality through genetic modification.

Blue-Purple Magic Unlocked: Scutellaria Baicalensis Genome Holds Key to Flavonoid Biosynthesis

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:35:36 EST

A pioneering study has completed the first gap-free genome assembly of Scutellaria baicalensis, a medicinal plant known for its potent therapeutic properties. The research decodes the genetic basis of anthocyanin production, which gives the plant its signature blue-purple flowers, as well as key flavonoid compounds.

Plant CO2 Uptake Rises by Nearly One Third in New Global Estimates

Oak Ridge National Laboratory — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:45:51 EST

Plants the world over are absorbing about 31% more carbon dioxide than previously thought, according to a new assessment developed by scientists.

Decoding Dormancy: The Key to Better Potato Storage

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:55:45 EST

A new study has uncovered the critical role of the interaction between StSN2 and StBIN2 in sustaining potato tuber dormancy, a phase essential for maintaining quality and seed viability. The discovery opens the door to innovative methods for controlling sprouting, offering the potato industry potential for enhanced storage solutions and improved crop management.

Engineered Yellow-Seeded Camelina Packs More Oil

Department of Energy, Office of Science — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:15:31 EST

In oilseed crops like canola, yellow-seeded varieties generally produce more oil than brown-seeded varieties. Camelina, a bioenergy crop closely related to canola, usually has brown seeds. Scientists have now disrupted genes called TT8 that are responsible for making seeds brown, producing an engineered camelina with light yellow seeds that accumulates more than 20% more oil than ordinary varieties.

The Silent Regulators: Unveiling the Role of lncRNAs in Plant Biology

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:15:49 EST

A recent review has identified the critical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating plant growth and stress responses. The research reveals complex interactions among various classes of non-coding RNAs, with lncRNAs emerging as key regulators. This discovery offers new insights into how plants adapt to environmental challenges, potentially paving the way for developing more resilient crop varieties.

Unveiling the Giant: Tibetan Wild Peony Genome Sheds Light on Floral Evolution

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:35:41 EST

A new study has decoded the complex genome of the Tibetan wild tree peony (Paeonia ludlowii), revealing its evolutionary history and the genetic drivers behind its unique traits. This comprehensive genomic resource could transform tree peony breeding and shed light on how plants adapt to high-altitude environments. The research unveils the genome's intricate structure, emphasizing the crucial role of transposable elements and DNA methylation in shaping the genetic diversity of this rare species.

Boron Shortage: The Silent Inhibitor of Tomato Yield and Quality

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:20:25 EST

Boron, a crucial nutrient for plants, is essential for tomato growth and development. Yet, how tomatoes respond to boron deficiency has remained largely unclear. This study sheds light on the physiological and molecular changes tomatoes undergo when faced with boron scarcity. The findings reveal critical mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for boosting crop resilience and improving productivity in agriculture.

Red Light, Big Impact: Phytochromes in Strawberry Development Unveiled

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:00:25 EST

A new study has revealed how light regulates the growth and pigmentation of woodland strawberries. Researchers identified the FvePhyB gene, a red/far-red light photoreceptor, as a key player in controlling plant height and anthocyanin production. These findings could reshape strawberry farming by optimizing light conditions to improve crop quality and yield.