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This Review summarizes the available and missing reference genomes in the seed-free plant lineages, compares the genomic and epigenomic features between seed-free and seed plants, and highlights the model systems of seed-free plants.
Plant defence is based on a two-tiered immune system comprising pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Effective defence against host-adapted microbial pathogens relies on mutual potentiation of immunity by both PTI and ETI components.
Increases in tree mortality affect the ability of forests to absorb and store atmospheric carbon, but how the largest trees die is still relatively understudied. This Perspective posits and examines several biotic and abiotic drivers affecting these trees and their disproportionate impacts.
This work reviews our understanding of plant sex-determining systems and the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolutionary shifts to dioecy. The homomorphy of plant sex chromosomes and their small sex-determining regions are attributed to limited sexual conflict.
Agriculture attempts to satisfy the demand for food of a growing human population but contributes to environmental degradation. However, there are technological options for agriculture to deliver food security and potentially reduce atmospheric CO2.
Root nodules that form on legumes, such as garden pea and soybean, are the salient feature of symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria. It is now shown that formation of these unique lateral root organs necessitates co-option of elements mediating radial root patterning.
Managing root nitrate transport is required by plants to meet ongoing nitrogen demands, and is coordinated by bidirectional communication between roots and shoots. Shoot-derived signals can now be directly linked to the activation of nitrate transport by CEPH, a targeted NRT2;1-specific phosphatase.
The lipid biopolymer suberin is an integral component of the root diffusion barrier, yet its deposition changes dynamically in response to both developmental and physiological cues. A new study identified GELP family proteins as strong candidates for suberin polymerases and degradases acting in suberin remodelling.
Light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (LPOR) is a light-activated enzyme that catalyses a vital step in chlorophyll biosynthesis and acts as a key regulator of plant greening. In this Review, the authors summarize recent progress in the functional, chemical and structural understanding of LPOR photocatalysis in plants.
Managing agricultural microbiomes is an efficient approach to improve crop performance in agroecosystems. This Review summarizes the current state of knowledge from less to more targeted approaches to manage soil, plant and pest-associated microbiomes. The authors also identify the knowledge gaps in relation to current agricultural practices in microbiome management.
In plants, the absence of the retinal cofactor hinders the implementation of light-gated ion channels and optogenetic control of membrane potentials through rhodopsins. The engineering of β-carotene conversion into retinal now makes this powerful approach possible.
The genetic control of crop growth and behaviour can be modified through traditional plant breeding or genetic engineering, but is fixed once a variety is sown. New spray-on viral transfection technology can transiently alter gene expression to fine-tune agronomic traits within the season while avoiding modifications to the genome.
Asia has a rich variety of nutritious ‘neglected crops’, including cereals, roots and pulses. Adopting a diverse cropping portfolio using these forgotten crops is a promising approach to closing the current production and nutrition gaps.
All living organisms require proper environmental pH for normal growth and development. Unlike in bacteria, fungi and animal cells, the mechanisms for environmental pH sensing in plants are underexamined. In this Perspective, the authors summarize the current understanding of the process in various organisms and propose possible molecular mechanisms underlying the perception of external pH in plants.
Cullin3–RING ligases (CRL3s) are a subclass of the vast family of ubiquitin E3 ligases. This Review comprehensively explores the role of CLR3 proteins in various biological processes, in light of exciting recent discoveries.
The budding field of precision genome editing in plants expands with an engineered CRISPR–Cas9 variant named SpRY, which enables mutagenesis of virtually any genomic sequence.
