Newswise Feature Channel: Plants

The Trees of Miami's Future

University of Miami — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:35:46 EST

New research indicates that to keep Miami's tree canopy resilient, tropical species may be the best option for local municipalities and environmental leaders to consider.

Researchers Separate Plant Growth and Disease Resistance

University of Georgia — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:10:24 EST

Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified a promising approach to addressing a longstanding challenge for plant geneticists: balancing disease resistance and growth in plants. The breakthrough could help protect plants from disease in the future while also promoting higher biomass yields to support sustainable food supplies for both humans and animals, production of biofuels and lumber, and more, according to the new study.

Novel Study Uncovers Health Benefits of Red Clover Seed Oil

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 11:05:51 EST

A research team has identified a wealth of bioactive compounds in red clover (Trifolium pratense ) seeds and their oil, positioning them as a promising source for functional ingredients in food and health care products.

Declines in Plant Resilience Threaten Carbon Storage in the Arctic

Ohio State University — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:05:45 EST

Rapid warming has impacted the northern ecosystem so significantly that scientists are concerned the region's vegetation is losing the ability to recover from climate shocks, suggests a new study.

Plant Science Research Collaboration Will Explore Key Mosses Critical to Storing Carbon

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:15:26 EST

Plant scientists at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have been awarded a four-year National Science Foundation (NSF) Enabling Discovery through GEnomics (EDGE) grant to advance their understanding of sphagnum moss, a crucial component of peatlands and a vital player in global ecosystems.

Expert Offers Insight on Restoring Groundwater Reserves Following Prolonged Drought

West Virginia University — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:45:00 EST

As Temperatures Rise, Researchers Identify Mechanisms Behind Plant Response to Warming

University of California San Diego — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:30:03 EST

Plants widen microscopic pores on their leaves in response to heat. But scientists lacked an understanding of the mechanisms behind this "sweating" function. Now, biologists have unlocked the details behind these processes and identified two paths that plants use to handle rising temperatures.

Beyond the Stigma: Strategies for Maximizing Recombinant Protein Production in Tobacco Plants

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:05:09 EST

Plant molecular farming (PMF) is an efficient strategy for producing recombinant protein. Tobacco plants, known for their short life cycle and large biomass production capacity, are excellent choices for PMF. In this review, researchers from institutes across China and Korea reviewed strategies for guiding recombinant proteins into different subcellular compartments of the cell. Findings reported in this review are extremely significant as optimized localization of recombinant proteins is crucial for pharmacological industries.

Nitrogen Fertilizer for Soybeans Offers Limited Yield Benefits, Study Says

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:05:01 EST

In a recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers tested whether modern high-yielding soybeans benefit from nitrogen fertilizer, with results suggesting additions are largely unnecessary.

Mango Magic: Unraveling the Genetic Roots of Multiple Embryos

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 08:05:40 EST

A recent study has uncovered the genetic mechanism behind polyembryony in mango--a process where a single seed produces multiple embryos. By identifying the key reproductive wuschel-related protein (MiRWP) gene, researchers have unlocked how this natural cloning process occurs through changes in gene expression. The discovery has potential to transform agricultural practices, offering new methods for cultivating uniform plants and improving crop production efficiency across various fruit species.

The Crunch Factor: Grape Genetics Unravel the Mystery of Berry Texture

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:05:14 EST

A pivotal study has uncovered the genetic blueprint behind grape berry texture, a key factor in the fruit's commercial value. By mapping the genetic markers associated with firmness and brittleness, researchers have identified critical quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes that could revolutionize grape breeding, leading to superior varieties for both table grapes and wine production.

The Pink Ring Phenomenon: Key to Tea Plants' Disease Resistance Discovered

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:05:00 EST

Scientists have discovered a novel defense mechanism in tea plants where the synthesis of anthocyanin-3-O-galactosides is triggered by infections, particularly anthracnose. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of the plant's immune response and could lead to the development of more resilient tea varieties, offering a potential transformation in tea cultivation.

Unlocking Plant Potential: The Multifaceted Role of GRAS Transcription Factors

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:05:27 EST

A recent study has unveiled the pivotal roles of GRAS transcription factors, which act as master regulators in plant development and stress adaptation. The GRAS gene family is named after the first three genes that were identified: GIBBERELLIC ACID INSENSITIVE (GAI), REPRESSOR OF GA1 (RGA), and SCARECROW (SCR).The research sheds light on how these factors coordinate plant growth, fruit ripening, and resilience to environmental stressors, offering crucial insights that could drive future innovations in crop enhancement and global food security amid climate challenges.

Sweet Success: Genomic Insights Into the Wax Apple's Flavor and Fertility

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:05:53 EST

A recent study has successfully decoded the autotetraploid genome of the wax apple, uncovering its genetic evolution and key factors driving fruit diversity. The research highlights the fruit's rich antioxidant profile, with promising implications for human health and breeding strategies aimed at enhancing nutritional value.

Light Up Your Tomatoes: Optimal Spectral Mix for Enhanced Growth

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:05:36 EST

A recent study reveals that strategically combining specific light wavelengths can significantly boost tomato plant growth and improve fruit quality. By optimizing the balance of red, blue, and white light, researchers achieved higher chlorophyll levels and enhanced photosynthetic activity, suggesting a sustainable method to increase agricultural productivity.

Seeds of Innovation: Targeted Gene Mutations Boost Crop Hybridization

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:05:07 EST

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking two-line system that uses CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat) technology to control pollination in rapeseed by targeting the Oxophytodienoic acid reductase 3 (OPR3) gene. This innovation offers a more stable and efficient approach to hybrid breeding, bypassing the environmental vulnerabilities of traditional methods and promising higher crop yields and enhanced agricultural productivity.

Bamboo's Growth Blueprint: Unraveling the Microrna Regulatory Network

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:05:59 EST

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the role of microRNAs in bamboo's de novo shoot organogenesis, unveiling 727 differentially expressed miRNAs and their core regulatory networks.

Unlocking the Secrets of Tea's Healthful Compounds: Phosphate and Jasmonate's Role

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:05:39 EST

A recent study reveals the intricate dynamics behind catechin biosynthesis in tea plants, highlighting how phosphate (Pi) signaling and jasmonate (JA) pathways interact to regulate these valuable health-promoting compounds. The findings illuminate the environmental and hormonal factors that influence catechin production, which is crucial for both the economic value and the health benefits of tea.

Decoding 'Chachi' Citrus: Unveiling the Secrets of Flavorful Phytonutrients

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 02:05:26 EST

A pivotal study has revealed the gap-free genome of Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' (CRC), providing new insights into the biosynthetic pathways of flavonoids that contribute to the fruit's distinct flavor and health benefits. By mapping the metabolic changes of these compounds across various stages of fruit development, the research paves the way for enhancing the nutritional value of citrus fruits.

Plant Pathogen Battle: Slsyta Protein's Dual Role in Defense and Susceptibility

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:05:46 EST

A pivotal study has uncovered the dual role of the Solanum lycopersicum Synaptotagmin A (SYTA) SlSYTA protein in regulating tomato plants' immune response. Researchers found that while SlSYTA overexpression heightens vulnerability to pathogens, its suppression through genetic modification enhances resistance. This discovery paves the way for developing disease-resistant crops, potentially revolutionizing sustainable agriculture and food security.