globalplantgpc - Network

Triggering parasitic plant ‘suicide’ to help farmers Parasitic weeds devastate crops in food-insecure regions by hijacking plant...

Triggering parasitic plant ‘suicide’ to help farmers

Parasitic weeds devastate crops in food-insecure regions by hijacking plant signals. Scientists have found a way to trick these weeds into germinating when no host is present, causing them to die. Using engineered microbes, they’re producing key plant hormones to potentially turn this natural system into a powerful defense.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/triggering-parasitic-plant-suicide-to-help-farmers/ via UCRiverside #PlantScience #Science #Plants #Weeds #Food #foodsecurity

A genomic analysis of fine aroma cocoa from northern Peru revealed genetic divergence and evolutionary patterns within Theobroma cacao. The...

A genomic analysis of fine aroma cocoa from northern Peru revealed genetic divergence and evolutionary patterns within Theobroma cacao.

The study identified 3 distinct genetic groups and estimated divergence times, suggesting that fine aroma cocoa diversified during the Pleistocene. The findings offer insights into cacao's genetic structure and could aid in breeding and conservation efforts.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/mapping-maternal-lineages-of-fine-aroma-cocoa-through-chloroplast-dna/ #PlantScience #Cacao #Agriculture #PlantGenetics #Science

Mixed-species forests outperform monocultures in carbon storage, even in extreme weather An international study has found that forests with...

Mixed-species forests outperform monocultures in carbon storage, even in extreme weather

An international study has found that forests with many tree species can store significantly more carbon than those with only one species.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/mixed-species-forests-outperform-monocultures-in-carbon-storage-even-in-extreme-weather/ via @unifreiburg #PlantScience #Forestry #Science

New study highlights ways to future-proof cocoa productionA study reveals that sustainable agricultural practices can future-proof cocoa...

New study highlights ways to future-proof cocoa production

A study reveals that sustainable agricultural practices can future-proof cocoa production. By enhancing pollination and mitigating climate risks, cocoa yields can increase without expanding plantations, supporting millions of farmers and the USD 100 billion chocolate industry while safeguarding biodiversity.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/new-study-highlights-ways-to-future-proof-cocoa-production/ #PlantScience #Science #Agriculture #CLimateChange #Chocolate #Cacao

Take vegetation succession into account when planning solar parks, otherwise problems can grow up New study reveals that solar parks can...

Take vegetation succession into account when planning solar parks, otherwise problems can grow up

New study reveals that solar parks can enhance #biodiversity through vegetation succession, where diverse plant species evolve over time. The study shows solar parks not only accommodate #energy needs but also support ecosystems, highlighting a need for #sustainable management practices, like grazing, to control plant growth & sustain biodiversity.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/take-vegetation-succession-into-account-when-planning-solar-parks-otherwise-problems-can-grow-up/ #Science #Plants

Grasslands study finds increasing fertilizer use drastically reduces flowers & insects World’s longest-running ecological experiment,...

Grasslands study finds increasing fertilizer use drastically reduces flowers & insects

World’s longest-running ecological experiment, researchers found that increasing fertilizer use in agricultural grasslands reduces flower numbers 5-fold & halves pollinator populations. Reducing fertilizer boosts biodiversity but lowers yields.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/grasslands-study-finds-increasing-fertilizer-use-drastically-reduces-the-number-of-flowers-and-insects/ #PlantScience #Science #Plants #Flowers

Researchers have developed a method to estimate hydrologic traits for 55,000 tree species, improving climate models without requiring...

Researchers have developed a method to estimate hydrologic traits for 55,000 tree species, improving climate models without requiring massive field data collection.

By analyzing evolutionary relationships, they infer missing data, enhancing Earth system models. This approach accelerates our understanding of plant-water interactions, crucial for predicting climate change impacts.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/plant-power-a-new-method-to-model-how-plants-move-water-globally/ #PlantScience #PlantSci #Science #Plants #Water #ClimateChange

A new study highlights how increasing aridity reduces plant species richness in drylands, with extreme droughts amplifying this effect....

A new study highlights how increasing aridity reduces plant species richness in drylands, with extreme droughts amplifying this effect.

Using a 7-year experiment, researchers found that while rainfall boosts diversity, dominant species can obscure this relationship. These insights improve biodiversity forecasts, crucial for conservation.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/how-reduced-rainfall-threatens-plant-diversity/ via HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research #PlantScience #Biodiversity #Diversity #Science #ClimateChange #Water #Plants

Botanic gardens play a crucial role in conservation, especially with wild-collected plants, which support research & climate adaptation....

Botanic gardens play a crucial role in conservation, especially with wild-collected plants, which support research & climate adaptation.

#ClimateChange threatens species survival, requiring a global network approach. Genetic #diversity is key for resilience, & ethical plant collection is essential. Collaborative efforts ensure conservation success while maintaining #biodiversity & sustainability.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/botanic-gardens-must-team-up-to-save-wild-plants-from-extinction-say-researchers/

A study finds that, of the 3 large-scale, plant-based climate mitigation strategies, reforestation stands out as most beneficial for...

A study finds that, of the 3 large-scale, plant-based climate mitigation strategies, reforestation stands out as most beneficial for biodiversity.

In addition to reforestation (restoring forests in places where they have historically grown), the team of scientists modeled the impacts of afforestation (adding forests in places like grasslands and savannas) & bioenergy cropping (farming plants such as switchgrass for renewable energy) on more than 14,000 animal species.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/reforestation-stands-out-among-plant-based-climate-mitigation-strategies-as-most-beneficial-for-wildlife-biodiversity/

Noticing the Treasure – The Orphan Crops with Pocket-Sized MachinesOrphan crops, as the name implies, are often ignored. Yet, they have...

Noticing the Treasure – The Orphan Crops with Pocket-Sized Machines

Orphan crops, as the name implies, are often ignored. Yet, they have great potential to improve global food security. These underutilised plants, primarily grown in Africa, Asia, & South America, are staples in local diets but receive minimal attention in modern agriculture. Due to limited research and breeding advancements, they remain vulnerable to biotic & abiotic stresses.

Contributed by Nisha Joy.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/noticing-the-treasure-the-orphan-crops-with-pocket-sized-machines/

The genetic architecture of resistance to septoria tritici blotch in French wheat cultivars Septoria tritici blotch, caused by Zymoseptoria...

The genetic architecture of resistance to septoria tritici blotch in French wheat cultivars

Septoria tritici blotch, caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, threatens wheat production. Researchers and breeders, studied 285 elite French wheat varieties, identifying 57 resistance QTLs and at least 11 known Stb genes. Their findings aid breeding for resistance and support the future meta-analysis.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/the-genetic-architecture-of-resistance-to-septoria-tritici-blotch-in-french-wheat-cultivars/ via INRAE #Agriculture #PlantScience #Plants #PlantSci #Wheat #Cereals

ASPB Reaffirms Its Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Statement from ASPB’s Board of Directors, February 11, 2025. The Society remains...

ASPB Reaffirms Its Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Statement from ASPB’s Board of Directors, February 11, 2025. The Society remains dedicated to fostering a welcoming, diverse, and supportive scientific community.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/aspb-reaffirms-its-commitment-to-diversity-and-inclusion/ via American Society of Plant Biologists #PlantScience #Diversity #Inclusion #ScientificCommunity #Science #DEI

Researchers discovered that different photoreceptors control distinct regions of a seedling’s stem. The photoreceptor cry1 reserves energy...

Researchers discovered that different photoreceptors control distinct regions of a seedling’s stem.

The photoreceptor cry1 reserves energy for later elongation, helping plants reemerge if buried. Using machine learning and genetic editing, the team’s findings could inform crop innovation, making plants more resilient and improving agricultural success.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/new-discovery-on-how-plants-detect-light-and-grow-could-result-in-more-resilient-crops/ via University of Wisconsin-Madison #PlantScience #Science #Plants #Crops #Plants #Agriculture

Pollinators, pollen and varieties determine fruit qualityPollinators boost both crop yield and quality, yet their species-specific behavior...

Pollinators, pollen and varieties determine fruit quality

Pollinators boost both crop yield and quality, yet their species-specific behavior and crop distribution patterns are often overlooked. Researchers stress the need to enhance cross-pollination to improve nutrient content. Optimizing landscape design and plant variety interactions can maximize benefits for both agriculture and consumer health.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/pollinators-pollen-and-varieties-determine-fruit-quality/ via @unigoettingen #PlantScience #Agriculture #Science

Genetics of Alternating Sexes in Walnuts Scientists have uncovered a genetic mechanism in walnuts and their ancestors that has remained...

Genetics of Alternating Sexes in Walnuts

Scientists have uncovered a genetic mechanism in walnuts and their ancestors that has remained stable for 40 million years. Male-first or female-first flowering, balanced by a single genetic locus, parallels sex determination in animals. This evolutionary trait ensures genetic diversity, with distinct pathways evolving independently in walnuts and pecans.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/genetics-of-alternating-sexes-in-walnuts/#PlantScience #Plantsci #Palnts #walnuts #PlantGenetics #PlantReproduction

An inexpensive fix for struggling wildflowers Raking dead grass (thatch) helps native plants grow by improving light access, according to a...

An inexpensive fix for struggling wildflowers

Raking dead grass (thatch) helps native plants grow by improving light access, according to a study. In three-year tests, raking increased plant diversity, reduced invasive grasses, and boosted wildflowers. While it also raised some invasive wildflowers, raking offers a low-cost, eco-friendly method for restoring native ecosystems and reducing wildfire risks.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/an-inexpensive-fix-for-struggling-wildflowers/ #PlantScience #Science #Plants #Flowers #wildflowers

The Minimum Information about a Biosynthetic Gene cluster (MIBiG) databaseEstablished in 2015 and recently updated, MIBiG sets a global...

The Minimum Information about a Biosynthetic Gene cluster (MIBiG) database

Established in 2015 and recently updated, MIBiG sets a global standard for annotating biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and their products. Its online, open-access database now catalogs ~2,500 pathways, with contributions from 288 scientists worldwide. Updates include verified entries, biosynthesis steps, and evidence linking BGCs to metabolites.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/the-minimum-information-about-a-biosynthetic-gene-cluster-mibig-database/ #Science #Research

Genetic test will help safeguard quinoa from downy mildew Scientists have developed a diagnostic tool to identify #quinoa plants resistant...

Genetic test will help safeguard quinoa from downy mildew

Scientists have developed a diagnostic tool to identify #quinoa plants resistant to #DownyMildew, aiding breeders in creating resilient varieties. The tool also ensures quinoa seed shipments are disease-free, preventing outbreaks.

As quinoa's popularity rises, the tool offers insights into the pathogen's spread, enhancing management strategies for sustainable production.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/genetic-test-will-help-safeguard-quinoa-from-downy-mildew/ #PlantHealth #PlantScience #Science

Biodiversity loss due to agricultural trade 3 times higher Intensive land use for #agriculture in tropical regions has caused over 90% of...

Biodiversity loss due to agricultural trade 3 times higher

Intensive land use for #agriculture in tropical regions has caused over 90% of #biodiversity loss since 1995, , far exceeding previous estimates of 20-30%. Research using satellite data highlights hotspots like Brazil, Indonesia, and Madagascar.. Solutions include transparent supply chains, fair pricing, and promoting sustainable domestic agriculture.

https://globalplantcouncil.org/land-use-in-tropical-regions-biodiversity-loss-due-to-agricultural-trade-three-times-higher-than-thought/ #PlantScience #forest #forestry #science #biodiversity