š» The Week in Botany April 3, 2023
I was surprised earlier this week when I was told how close the Easter break was. I still thought it was a month away. If Iād realised it was as close as it was, then I wouldnāt have tried getting Botany One listed in Google News. Fortunately, the assessment went quickly and you can now follow us in Google News if you like. What Iām hoping for is that we can publicise peopleās work a bit better by getting reports on their recent papers listed as news stories when we cover them.
The other new feature is that the Chinese version of the site is now live.
Next weekās issue might be a bit shorter as Iām planning to take a little time off for Easter. That will mean preparing the email for next week a lot earlier than usual. Iād love to say Iām off somewhere exotic, doing something exciting, but Iāll probably just try catching up on lost sleep.
Until next week, take care,
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
What drives cambium development?
Using a mathematical model to test a proposed cambial cell division feedback loop.
Ceropegia gerrardii smells of pain to attract ābloodā drinking flies
New research uncovers how this South African plant tricks kleptoparasitic flies into pollination by imitating wounded honey bees.
Orchid Mimics Aphids to Lure Pollinators in Intricate Trap Flower Scheme
What appears to be a place of safety becomes a maze, as an orchid manipulates its visitor.
Thinning Chinese Pine Plantations Could Be a Solution for Improved Plant Diversity and Forest Regeneration
The best way to rejuvenate forests is to let in a little light ā but not too much.
Study Develops Herbicide-Resistant Super Basmati Rice Using CRISPR-Cas9
The new strain of rice could help farmers save labour and water resources while combating weed infestations.
Environmental DNA Technique Sheds New Light on Pollinator Monitoring
A study reveals how environmental DNA can help monitor and conserve our vital pollinators.
Researchers uncover how an enzyme helps a sundew digest its victimās DNA
Researchers have uncovered the unique structure and function of the S1-type nuclease enzyme DAN1 in the Lance-leaved sundew, Drosera adelae, which aids the carnivorous plant in breaking down prey for nutrient absorption.
Improving Urban Green Spaces Can Increase Inequality
A new study suggests that increasing urban green spaces and street trees may unintentionally worsen inequality, as they can lead to neighbourhoods being infested by hipsters and property developers.
Citizen Science Boosts Models of Rare Plant Distribution
iNaturalist users help improve a distribution model of a rare plant species.
News & Views
Helping plants grow as phosphorus levels in soil deplete
Michigan State University researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that connects plant root growth to phosphorus availability.
Council accused of 'threatening existence' of rare plant collection
Campaign groups furious at move to redeploy expert staff currently caring for famous Roscoe Botanical Garden.
Don Quixote gives his name to a new plant species only known from La Mancha, Spain
āIn the present biodiversity crisis scenario, it is critical that we do not neglect basic scientific disciplines like taxonomy, since cataloguing biodiversity is a fundamental step towards its preservation.ā
Disease-resistant potatoes, fortified bananas ā 2 more GM crops get govt nod, trials this year
Over past couple of months, an Indian govt panel has given go-ahead to field trials for several GM crops. There's still apprehension that anti-GM activism could derail trials.
Warmer temperatures might make high-elevation plant populations more vulnerable to herbivores
With rising global temperatures, cold-adapted alpine plants are expected to suffer from both a reduction in suitable habitat and an increase in low-elevation insect herbivores that are rapidly colonising high-elevation locations. However, it is unclear how warmer temperatures might impact the interactions between alpine plants and potential herbivores.
What is the real impact of eco-tourism on the environment?
In this blog post, Andrew Torsney and Yvonne Buckley share findings from their latest research aiming to better understand and identify the drivers of tourism-related impacts on the environment.
Opening The Door To The Use Of Antibodies To Protect Plants From Pathogens
New technologies are currently being explored to protect our agriculturally important plants from invading pathogens. The advent of mass monoculture, that is to say, enormous numbers of plants with a similar genetic background, has provided an almost perfect environment for a wide variety of invading organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Researchers in Germany protest proposed postdoc rule change
A potential legal reform is reigniting debate about a time limit on fixed-term postdoc contracts.
See also: Joint Statement from German Postdoctoral Networks on the Eckpunktepapier from the BMBF on 17.03.2023
This Is What It Sounds Like When Plants Cry
Scientists recorded the popping noises that plants make in response to stresses like dehydration or a cut.
International Potato Center unveils late blight-resistant potato for Kenya and Nigeria
The International Potato Center (CIP) is working on providing market access to genetically engineered potato varieties with complete resistance to late blight disease for farmers in Kenya and Nigeria.
Scientific Papers
A Single-Nucleus Atlas of Seed-to-Seed Development in Arabidopsis
Extensive studies of the reference plant Arabidopsis have enabled deep understandings of tissues throughout development, yet a census of cell types and states throughout development are lacking. Lee et al. present a single-nucleus transcriptome atlas of seed-to-seed development employing over 800,000 nuclei, encompassing a diverse set of tissues across ten developmental stages, with spatial transcriptomic validation of the dynamic seed and silique.
A role for heritable transcriptomic variation in maize adaptation to temperate environments
Transcription bridges genetic information and phenotypes. Sun et al. evaluated how changes in transcriptional regulation enable maize (Zea mays), a crop originally domesticated in the tropics, to adapt to temperate environments.
Two florigens and a florigen-like protein form a triple regulatory module at the shoot apical meristem to promote reproductive transitions in rice
Giaume et al. show that the arrival of Hd3a and RFT1 at the shoot apical meristem activates FLOWERING LOCUS T-LIKE 1 (FT-L1), encoding a florigen-like protein that shows features partially differentiating it from typical florigens. FT-L1 potentiates the effects of Hd3a and RFT1 during the conversion of the vegetative meristem into an inflorescence meristem and organizes panicle branching by imposing increasing determinacy to distal meristems.
ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/c8YqH
The plant vampire diaries: a historic perspective on Cuscuta research
The āevolutionā of Cuscuta research started with early studies that established the phylogenetic framework for this unusual genus. It continued to produce groundbreaking cytological, morphological, and physiological insight throughout the second half of the 20th century and culminated in the last two decades in exciting discoveries regarding the molecular basis of Cuscuta parasitism that were facilitated by the modern āomicsā tools and traceable fluorescent marker technologies of the 21st century. This review will show how present activities are inspired by those past breakthroughs.
Protein S-acylation controls the subcellular localization and biological activity of PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE
Lopez Vazquez et al. show that PKS sequences are restricted to seed plants and that these proteins share six motifs (A to F from the N to the C terminus). Motifs A and D are also present in BIG GRAIN, while the remaining four are specific to PKSs. We provide evidence that motif C is S-acylated on highly conserved cysteines, which mediates the association of PKS proteins with the plasma membrane. Motif C is also required for PKS4-mediated phototropism and light-regulated hypocotyl gravitropism.
Biomolecular condensation orchestrates clathrin-mediated endocytosis in plants
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is an essential cellular internalisation pathway involving the dynamic assembly of clathrin and accessory proteins to form membrane-bound vesicles. In plants, the evolutionarily ancient TSET/TPLATE complex (TPC) plays an essential, but not well-defined role in CME. Dradwidge et al. show that two highly disordered TPC subunits, AtEH1 and AtEH2 function as scaffolds to drive biomolecular condensation of the complex.
Multi-Knockāa multi-targeted genome-scale CRISPR toolbox to overcome functional redundancy in plants
Hu et al. describe the development and validation of Multi-Knock, a genome-scale clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat toolbox that overcomes functional redundancy in Arabidopsis by simultaneously targeting multiple gene-family members, thus identifying genetically hidden components.
ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/c8Yr4 (see also https://rdcu.be/c8Ysc)
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis facilitates the internalization of Magnaporthe oryzae effectors into rice cells
The blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae secretes cytoplasmic effectors into a specialized biotrophic interfacial complex (BIC) before translocation. Oliveira-Garcia et al. show that cytoplasmic effectors within BICs are packaged into punctate membranous effector compartments that are occasionally observed in the host cytoplasm.
ļ»æA new species of Hoya R.Br. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from the Philippines
Hoya medusa M.D.De Leon, Cabactulan, Cuerdo & Rodda, sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) is described from the Philippines. Even though numerous taxa with a shrubby habit from this area are known, it can be immediately separated because of its urceolate corolla and prominent elongated corona lobes. No other species in the genus possesses such a combination of characters.
Sounds emitted by plants under stress are airborne and informative
Stressed plants show altered phenotypes, including changes in color, smell, and shape. Yet, airborne sounds emitted by stressed plants have not been investigated before. Khait et al. show that stressed plants emit airborne sounds that can be recorded from a distance and classified.
Gibberellins promote polar auxin transport to regulate stem cell fate decisions in cambium
Vascular cambium contains bifacial stem cells, which produce secondary xylem to one side and secondary phloem to the other. However, how these fate decisions are regulated is unknown. MƤkilƤ et al. show that the positioning of an auxin signalling maximum within the cambium determines the fate of stem cell daughters.
Studying Wild Plant Pathosystems to Understand Crop Plant Pathosystems: Status, Gaps, Challenges, and Perspectives
This article introduces the general principles of plant pathosystems, provides a basic critical overview of current knowledge of hostāpathogen interactions in natural plant pathosystems, and shows how this knowledge is important for future developments in plant pathology especially as it applies in cropping systems, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
Competence for transcellular infection in the root cortex involves a post-replicative, cell-cycle exit decision in Medicago truncatula
Batzenschlager et al. show that a dual-colour Medicago histone reporter robustly identifies cells with different mitotic or endoreduplication activities in the root cortex. By imaging deep root tissues, they found that a confined trajectory of cortical cells that are transcellularly passed by infection threads are in a stage of the cell-cycle that is distinct from directly adjacent cells.
Careers
Two PhD positions in peatland restoration, Uppsala
We are seeking two highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team in a new peatland rewetting project (https://predpeat.com). The successful candidates will be responsible for conducting research on Ecology and water biogeochemistry of peatlands, and Hydrology of peatlands.
Imaging specialist (m/f/d), Potsdam
The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI MP) located in Potsdam is seeking, for the earliest possible date and for a period of two years, to strengthen the cell biology-based approaches a highly motivated and service-oriented Imaging specialist (m/f/d) who will become part of the microscope facility supporting imaging projects.
Postdoctoral position (2 years) within photosynthesis, UmeƄ
A postdoctoral position is available in Stefan Janssonās research group at the Department of Plant Physiology, UmeĆ„ Plant Science Centre: a stimulating research environment at UmeĆ„ University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to work within the project āTrees that grow betterā. The employment is full-time and is limited to 24 months but with the possibility for an extension of one more year. Starting date 2023-07-01 or according to agreement.
PostDoc, āRisks and Opportunities of Genome Editingā, Zurich
The āBiosafetyā Research Group, together with 17 European partners, is taking part in the Horizon Europe project āGene editing for a sustainable bioeconomyā (GeneBEcon). The project is concerned with regulatory aspects, economic incentives and societyās perceptions of virus-resistant potatoes with improved industrial tuber starch quality and microalgae-based production of industrially relevant mycosporine-like amino acids.
Lectureship in Conservation Science (Teaching and Research), Bangor, Wales
The School of Natural Sciences invites applications for full-time, permanent Lectureship in Conservation Science to support areas of growth and development within the School.āÆ We are a large and diverse School with a strong research record and successful recruitment into our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.āÆ
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow In Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (Specifically, Plant-Soil Interactions), Stirling
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to work with Professor Philip Wookey for a period of up to 42 months on the āMYCONETā project. This NERC funded project aims to understand how the highly organic soils of northern latitudes respond to increased abundance of trees and woody shrubs. MYCONET will focus on the role of the 'mycorrhizosphere' in determining the carbon balance of these important soil carbon stores. The overarching hypothesis of MYCONET is that associated changes in the mycorrhizosphere with tree and shrub establishment could, paradoxically, result in net losses, rather than gains, of soil carbon (C) over timescales of relevance to the Climate Emergency.
Horticulture Researcher (Peat Alternatives) - 36 Month Fixed Term Contract, Armagh
Further appointments may be made from this competition should AFBI positions become vacant which have similar duties and responsibilities.
Technician Position 2 Blades Group, Norwich
We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to join the 2Blades group at The Sainsbury Laboratory. The successful applicant will join a research team in the identification of disease resistance against Asian soybean rust. Working as part of an existing research group to provide technical support across all aspects of the work, including micropropagation, plant pathogen assays and molecular biology techniques such as DNA extractions, PCR, and genotyping. The successful candidate will have a significant responsibility to support researchers with the various experimental and technical challenges within the project.
Lectureship in Ecology (Teaching and Research), Bangor, Wales
The School of Natural Sciences invites applications for a full-time, permanent Lectureship in Ecology to support areas of growth and development within the School. We are a large and diverse School with a strong research record and successful recruitment into our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Arboretum Summer Program Instructor, Philadelphia
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College seeks an engaging and knowledgeable part-time Summer Program Instructor for our Arboretum summer class for rising 4th grade students in the Chester Childrenās Chorus summer program. They will be responsible for preparing materials, implementing horticulture-based curriculum, and engaging children from diverse backgrounds.
Full Time Faculty - Urban Agriculture, Chicago
Olive-Harvey College is currently seeking a full time tenure track faculty to teach in the Urban Agriculture Department. If you have a passion for teaching and learning, and are committed to the mission of the community college, consider joining our team. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in the classroom by developing and using effective teaching strategies that meet studentsā diverse needs and engage the student in critical thinking and problem-solving.
Regular Faculty - Controlled Environmental Agriculture, Moscow, Idaho
The University of Idaho, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Plant Sciences department, is seeking a Tenure Track, Regular Faculty, Assistant Professor, to develop an extramurally funded, nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program to address sustainable agricultural production in controlled environment systems. This candidate is expected to work independently and collaboratively with other faculty members in research and to engage industry as appropriate as partners and in outreach.
Garden Manager, Houston
The Wiess School of Natural Sciences is seeking a Garden Manager for the Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden. The manager will manage the garden and supervise garden workers, including students. S/he will facilitate the purchasing, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and sales of produce and plants and fundraising. S/he acts as a key contact for garden activities.
Vegetation Technician, Boulder, Colorado
The Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research group is looking for a summer vegetation technician to assist with vegetation surveys, plant biomass harvests and general plot maintenance in long-term experimental plots in the alpine tundra at our research site on Niwot Ridge.
General Field Technician (14 weeks), Boulder, Colorado
The Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project is hiring a general field technician for the summer of 2023. Come spend your summer working outdoors at our high-altitude research site above Boulder Colorado at the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station and gain experience in a wide variety of field research methods and data collection.
Post-doc Research Fellow L1, Dublin
This post-doctoral research position will be based at University College Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland, and the appointed person will have to focus on the molecular characterization of the microbes associated with the rhizosphere of different genotypes of barley under a range of different environmental conditions.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Grain Quality and Proteomics, Sydney
The School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES) is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grain quality and proteomics) to join a multidisciplinary research team on a 4-year project supported by the Bruce Veness Chandler fund entitled "The effects of crop production under heat stress and high atmospheric CO2 on the food grain chemistry of wheat, barley and chickpea". The appointee will have access to a suite of emerging and established techniques in the project.
Research Fellow (Biological Sciences), Singapore
The successful candidate will work with Project Investigator on the shelf-life extension of leafy greens under a project on Sustainable Urban Food Production. The project will also focus on preserving the nutritive quality of fresh produce during storage.
University assistant (Post Doc) for ecological modelling, Vienna
Research in the field of ecological modelling (e.g. effects of climate change on the distribution of animals or plants, remote sensing, bioinformatics or similar); Co-design and delivery of teaching events; Support in organising internal and external ongoing education; Supervision of non-graduate and graduate students; Developing and implementing interdisciplinary research projects related to wildlife ecology, conservation of biodiversity, and species protection; Acquisition of third-party funding in this field of research.
Research Engineer, Plant Nanotechnology, Singapore
Positions are available for Research Engineers or Research Assistants in the Lew Lab led by Assistant Professor Tedrick Thomas Salim LEW at the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). In our lab, we combine approaches from nanotechnology, engineering, chemistry and plant biology to engineer new tools to study plants.
Research Assistant Position for the Hormonal Crosstalk in Plant Development Group, Brno
We are seeking a research assistant to join the research group of Helene Robert Boisivon ā Hormonal Crosstalk in Plant Development (https://boisivonlab.ceitec.cz/). Our team is focused on the role of hormones during the plant embryo and seed development and in the response to warm temperatures. For our studies, we use plant model species Arabidopsis thaliana and oilseed crop Brassica napus. We are looking for a motivated researcher to join us on a project investigating the roles of the BnaTAA1 auxin biosynthetic enzymes in Brassica napus.
Post-doctoral Position for the Hormonal Crosstalk in Plant Development Group, Brno
We are seeking a junior post-doc to join the research group of Helene Robert Boisivon ā Hormonal Crosstalk in Plant Development (https://boisivonlab.ceitec.cz/). Our team is focused on the role of hormones during the plant embryo and seed development and in the response to warm temperatures. For our studies, we use plant model species Arabidopsis thaliana and oilseed crop Brassica napus. We are looking for a motivated researcher to join us on a project investigating the roles of the BnaTAA1 auxin biosynthetic enzymes in Brassica napus.