New papers on Plants & agriculture
43 new papers on plants & agriculture in the last 7 days, within Biology. These are the 43 Pipette rates most worth reading, with the main result in the authors' own words.
The best of the week
Nonlinear distributed sensing of light patterns leads to perceptual distortions in plants
We show that seedlings respond to the vectorial sum of transduced signals rather than to the physical sum of incident light, which can create systematic deviations between maximal physical illumination and growth direction, akin to optical illusions.
Peer-reviewed journalBroad interestHopeaphenol targets histidine kinase signaling across kingdoms to suppress bacterial virulence and potentiate plant immunity
Here we show that hopeaphenol (HP), a resveratrol tetramer from stilbene producing plants, acts on histidine kinase (HK) signaling on both sides of the Arabidopsis-Pseudomonas interaction.
PreprintEngineering plant tandem kinase immune receptors expands effector recognition profiles
These results establish integrated HMA domains as programmable modules within TKPs for designing new specificities in plant immunity for diseases relevant to global agriculture.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useEmbeddings from standardized sorghum leaf images capture variation in disease response that human scoring misses
These results demonstrate the power of combining scalable, standardized leaf imaging with pretrained image encoders to capture genetically controlled variation in diverse disease symptoms that human ordinal scoring misses.
PreprintA breeder in the sky: scoring flowering with fewer flights
Using a dataset of more than 200,000 UAV images and associated flowering-time records collected across 27 environments, we demonstrate that this approach enables the prediction of flowering time from as few as one observation per field experiment and successfully generalizes to field experiments in environments not represented in the training dataset.
PreprintGb3 encodes a unique kinase fusion protein conferring greenbug resistance in wheat
Here we report cloning of the greenbug resistance gene Gb3 in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), initially introgressed into cultivars such as 'TAM112' from Aegilops tauschii.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useA spatiotemporal single-cell transcriptomic atlas reveals fertilization-induced auxin signaling driving strawberry fruit set and development
Together, this work provides a spatiotemporal framework for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fertilization-induced fruit development and morphogenesis.
Peer-reviewed journalSynthetic FLS2 receptor oligomer boosts plant innate immunity
We then showed that synthetically engineered receptor homo-dimeric association markedly enhances plant defense responses while avoids dysfunctional high-order assemblies, which inhibit dynamic receptor replenishment and thus defect in long-lasting immune activities.
Peer-reviewed journalPectin is a critical contributor to the mechanical properties of Chara cell walls
Our findings support the idea that pectin locally restricts the movement of cellulose microfibrils, with implications for understanding functional properties of primary cell walls in vascular plants and developing high-performance double-network materials.
PreprintModel-assisted high-throughput phenotyping of photosynthetic acclimation
These results demonstrate a scalable, uncertainty-aware sensor-to-trait architecture for dynamic physiological phenotyping that enables high-throughput germplasm screening across diverse environments and provides novel physiological selection targets for improving crop adaptation under variable climates.
PreprintReal-world useMCA1 mechanosensitive channels enable fast communication of wound signals between lateral roots
Our results demonstrate that a wound-induced decrease in root cell turgor pressure rapidly spreads across the root network, where neighboring roots decode this signal via MCA1.
Peer-reviewed journalEco-Evolutionary Optimal Carbon Allocation in a MechanisticCrop Growth Model: Theory and Application to Wheat
Here, we present DAESIM2-Plant, a mechanistic plant growth model that couples physiological processes including photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, plant hydraulics, and canopy radiative transfer, with an eco-evolutionary optimal allocation scheme for leaves and roots.
PreprintMultimodal single cell analysis reveals a link between flowering and leaf initiation
Beyond highlighting hitherto unappreciated Te1 autonomous flowering roles, this genetic synergy raises the hypothesis that meristem leaf primordia cessation underpins maize flowering.
PreprintHeterotrimeric Gβ subunit orchestrates flavonoid metabolism governing drought-tolerance in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Collectively, our findings establish AhG{beta}1 as a conserved regulator linking early G-protein signaling with transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming to maintain redox homeostasis during drought stress and identify promising molecular and metabolic targets for improving drought resilience in groundnut.
PreprintReal-world useDIRTNet: Enabling Root Phenotyping with Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
We present DIRTNet (Digital Investigations of Root Traits Net), a hybrid deep learning model that interprets in-soil signals collected by Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useDetection of Red Crown Rot of Soybean in Illinois Fields Using High-Resolution Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning
These results demonstrate the potential of high-resolution satellite imagery for within-field mapping of RCR-associated canopy symptoms across independent commercial soybean fields.
PreprintReal-world useLarge-scale phenotyping and multi-trait selection identify low-methane Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus) accessions under contrasting environmental conditions
These results demonstrate substantial variation in NG and identify accessions with low-CH4 production, favourable digestibility and relatively stable performance across growing conditions.
PreprintReal-world useTemporal TOC1-CLV3-WUS cascade controls organogenesis and rhythmic stem development
Collectively, our findings uncover a spatiotemporal regulatory cascade that fine-tunes SAM activity to coordinate rhythmic organogenesis and stem development, thereby establishing optimal phyllotactic patterning in plants.
PreprintA TurboID-based proximity labelling method for detecting extracellular protein interactions in plants
These findings demonstrate that TurboID-based PL is functional in the apoplast and provides a proof-of-concept for investigating elicitor-receptor interactions in this compartment.
PreprintSevere warming alters biomass allocation and enhances ecosystem respiration in an alpine grassland: evidence from a short-term mesocosm experiment
However, under the more severe RCP 8.5 scenario, biomass allocation shifted toward greater aboveground and reduced belowground investment, leading to altered C fluxes that, if sustained over the long-term, could drive the ecosystem C balance from a sink to a source.
PreprintMorphological and biochemical evaluation of tolerance to water deficit identifies SlCLE9 as a novel regulator of drought stress
Altogether, our screening uncovered new potential trait donors for breeding against drought stress and describes a novel role for SlCLE9 in drought tolerance.
PreprintSpatial metabolomics links polyamine turnover and vascular lipid remodeling to barley spikelet fate
Together, our study reveals spatial polyamine and lysophospholipid domains that couple meristem maintenance with vascular support, providing a metabolic framework for the fate of developing cereal inflorescences.
PreprintThe plasma membrane bound transporter COPPER TRANSPORTER 2 facilitates palladium uptake in Arabidopsis
Together, these findings identify COPT2 as a key transport protein mediating the uptake of Pd in Arabidopsis and suggest that Pd induces similar detoxification mechanisms as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd), providing a foundation for engineering plants for precious metal recovery.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useMpILR1 Hydrolyzes Jasmonate-Amino Acid Conjugates to Activate dn-iso-OPDA Signaling in Marchantia polymorpha.
Here we show that MpILR1, the sole Marchantia ortholog of the ILR1/ILL family, hydrolyzes a specific subset of dn-iso-OPDA-amino acid conjugates in vivo.
PreprintFunctional divergence of plant expansins as revealed by genetic complementation of root-hair tip growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
These results demonstrate functional differences among EXPA clades and among expansin families, establishing a genetic platform to analyze functionalities (trafficking, binding, activity) of EXPA and other wall-modifying proteins during root-hair tip growth.
Peer-reviewed journalCentral cell–produced salvagers promote fertilization recovery and interspecific hybridization
In this study, we identified two central cell–produced peptides SALVAGER3 (SAL3) and SAL4 that attract pollen tubes when synergid cell–controlled attraction is compromised.
Peer-reviewed journalPlant architecture as a tool to mitigate late blight: significant but variable contributions of erect, aerated potato canopies over six years of field trials
Our results confirm that canopy architecture can complement other levers within integrated late blight management.
PreprintReal-world useMidday shading alleviates thermal stress but has contrasting agronomic effects across medicinal and aromatic plants
Overall, our results show that midday shading primarily reduced leaf-level thermal and radiative stress rather than modifying the surrounding air microclimate, and suggest that its agronomic effects may reflect a balance between stress alleviation and reduced carbon acquisition, that varies with species ecology and production objectives.
PreprintReal-world usePotassium deficiency reinforces the endodermal but not the exodermal suberized barrier in maize seminal roots
Endodermal, but not exodermal, barrier reinforcement limits K leakage from the stele in maize roots.
PreprintOccurrence, incidence, and severity of Alternaria leaf spot of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in major cotton-growing districts of the Lake Zone, Tanzania
Conclusion: These findings provide the first systematic epidemiological baseline for Alternaria leaf spot across the major cotton-growing districts of Tanzania's Lake Zone.
PreprintEnvironmentally-mediated yield effects of vernalization and photoperiod alleles in historic winter wheat trials
Mediation analyses showed phenologically-dependent environmental variables are one mechanism through which phenological changes created by vrn1 and Ppd1 variants alter yield across multiple developmental stages.
PreprintStandardized and rapid protocol for drought tolerance screening at seedling stage in small grain cereals and their wild relatives
Here, we present a rapid, reliable, and highly reproducible soil-based screening protocol for evaluating large germplasm collections under drought stress at the seedling stage.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useNicotiana tabacum and Vitis vinifera as suitable growth-chamber models for microinjection-based studies of Xylella fastidiosa
Both species subsequently exhibited measurable disease development, whereas bacterial establishment and phenotypic responses were less consistent in N. benthamiana and M. sativa.
PreprintDrought-Spec-Net: Early Tomato Drought Detection and Potential Yield-Impact Assessment Using Vis NIR Data
This integrated approach not only improves early drought stress detection but also delivers quantitative and interpretable estimates of potential productivity losses, providing a complete framework connecting physiological stress detection to actionable agricultural outcomes.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyReal-world useIntronised fluorophores improve reporter output and biosensor expression in plants
Here, we developed modular intronised fluorophores to improve reporter output in transient and stable plant expression systems.
PreprintHost-dependent salivary effector candidates and predicted plant immune targets in Spodoptera frugiperda
Together, these findings suggest that S. frugiperda may adjust its salivary molecular repertoire in response to the host plant and provide a transcriptome-wide framework for validating effector-target interactions and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying S. frugiperda-plant interactions.
PreprintDistribution of target-site resistance mechanisms to nicosulfuron and glyphosate in Amaranthus palmeri accessions from two different regions of Turkiye
These findings reveal distinct regional patterns of TSR mechanisms in A. palmeri in Turkiye that are consistent with differences in herbicide use and/or introduction history, but the roles of local selection, demographic processes, and gene flow remain unclear.
PreprintReal-world useIdentification of a sequence motif of the rice Pho1 L80 that potentially modulates grain starch metabolism and floral timing
These results demonstrate that starch biosynthesis and flowering are governed by one or more discrete sequence motifs within the middle and C-terminal regions, whereas PSI modulation likely requires the structural integrity of the intact IDR.
PreprintAcclimation to enhanced photorespiratory conditions increases the effectiveness of C2 photosynthesis in C3-C4 intermediates
Aspartate aminotransferase activity increased in both sub-C2 and C2 species. - Acclimation to greater photorespiratory conditions strengthens C2 photosynthesis, but only in species whose BS has crossed a threshold of organelle and GDC investment.
PreprintIntegrated anthocyanin profiling and transcriptome analysis identify candidate genes associated with petal color variation in Cyclamen persicum
This study provides a metabolite-transcript framework for Cyclamen petal coloration and identifies ANS-related genes as priority candidates for future functional studies and flower-color breeding.
PreprintBiosynthesis of prenylated flavonoids by two membrane-bound prenyltransferases in glandular trichomes of Macaranga tanarius.
The other PT (MtPT3) transferred a geranyl moiety to the A-ring of eriodictyol to form nymphaeol A. Although dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) was not recognized as its prenyl donor substrate of eriodictyol, giving a B-ring geranylated eriodyctiol as the prenyl acceptor substrate, this enzyme used DMAPP to attach the prenyl moiety to the A-ring and produced nymphaeol C. These data suggest that M. tanarius has evolved its PT function to produce a diverse range of prenylated flavonoids using a limited set of genes.
PreprintAntagonistic regulation of PIF4 and HY5 activity by BBX28 regulates thermomorphogenesis
BBX28 therefore regulates the HY5-PIF4–mediated antagonistic regulation of growth-related genes as per environmental conditions.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyPEELING WALLS1 encodes a GT106 protein required for seed surface integrity
Collectively, these findings identify PEEL1 as a previously unrecognized contributor to primary cell wall adhesion and suggest that different RRT-related proteins contribute to unique pectic structures or localizations in vivo, rather than total mucilage RG-I abundance.
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