đ» The Week in Botany February 20, 2023
Itâs a busy time in the Annals of Botany office at the moment. The deadline for articles for a special issue: African Flora in a Changing World â Integrating Multiple Dimensions of Diversity is coming up. It looks like it could be a good issue. Theyâve also been promoting their Polyploidy week, to tie in with the special issue thatâs free access for the next few weeks.
Along with a couple of Annals papers, youâve been sharing plenty of other things on Twitter and Mastodon this week. Iâve had comments that old entries get in every so often, and the reason is that while theyâre old, theyâre getting shared this week. When I spot them, Iâll be adding the â»ïž symbol to the front of the headline. I expect some will still escape me.
Another email should be with you at the same time next week. Until then, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
Plant science, the secretâs out!
Nigel Chaffey reviews The Science of Plants: Inside their secret world by Dorling Kindersley.
New study on iron uptake adds another piece to the puzzle of land plant evolution
New research from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte (Brazil), sheds new light on the evolution of land plants, and specifically in one of the mechanisms underlying plant terrestrialization (the colonization of dry land).
Purple Moor Grass prevents Oaks from getting help finding nutrients
Molinia caerulea out-wrestles Quercus petraea in the battle for better ectomycorrhizal colonization.
Watching TV is good for the planet
From couch potatoes sprout potential botanists.
Set a killer to catch a killer?
Carrying dengue fever and Zika virus, the Asian tiger mosquito is a danger to humans. Italian scientists have examined whether plants could help reduce their numbers.
News & Views
Speargrass collecting â a whirlwind tour of Te Waipounamu South Island
Sun, rain, hail, mist and snow â Research Scientist Lara Shepherd and Botany Curator Leon Perrie encountered them all over an epic six-week plant collecting trip late in 2022. Their aim was to collect Aciphylla speargrasses for a research project to determine the number of species. Here is an overview of the trip and selected highlights.
Kenyan rice farmers battle quelea birds in Kisumu
Rose Nekesa's rice field in western Kenya has been invaded by huge swarms of the voracious red-billed quelea bird. Thousands of farmers like her near the lakeside city of Kisumu fear they will reap their worst harvest in five years.
Want to live longer? Consider planting a tree.
The more trees planted in a neighborhood, the longer people live, according to a recent study led by U.S. Forest Service researchers out of Portland, Ore.
New podcast Why Women Grow looks at gardening from a feminist perspective â review
Alice Vincent talks to women about how they connect with nature through their gardens.
Do trees really stay in touch via a âwood-wide webâ? Hereâs what the evidence says
Commentary on the Karst et al. paper on the shaky evidence for a Wood-wide Web.
New hope for forests of ancient Athens' silver hills
It was once the source of Athens' fabulous golden-age wealth before its hillsides were blackened by fire after fire and scandalously torched by a foreign mining company. Now an ancient forest south of the Greek capital is finally to be revived having suffered catastrophe after catastrophe.
Migrating Could Help Plants Escape Climate Change. But They Need Our Help
When we talk about climate migration, we donât normally picture a seed blowing uphill in the wind, or landing in a cooler place among a pile of fox poop. Yet just like humans, plants around the world are being forced to find new homes because of shifting climate conditions in their original habitats. The problem is, according to two new studies, they donât always make it where they need to go.
David Attenborough has made people more interested in plants, study finds
Times certain species appeared on Green Planet were compared with online searches which showed a âsubstantial effectâ on viewersâ awareness.
The Results Are In: Gene Edited Wheat Field Trial Delivers
The results of Europeâs first ever field trial of a gene edited (GE) variety of wheat have shown a significant reduction of the potential carcinogen acrylamide when the flour is baked.
For the First Time, Genetically Modified Trees Have Been Planted in a U.S. Forest
Living Carbon, a biotechnology company, hopes its seedlings can help manage climate change. But wider use of its trees may be elusive.
Happiness from organized learning about gardening
Todayâs column continues our exploration of ways to achieve happiness through gardening. After considering hands-on gardening, thinking about gardening, and resources for learning about gardening, the logical next topic is organizing your learning about gardening.
Scientific Papers
â»ïž Stomatal closure during water deficit is controlled by below-ground hydraulics
Abdalla et al. used a novel root pressure chamber to measure, during soil drying, the relation between transpiration rate (E) and leaf xylem water pressure (Ïleaf-x) in tomato shoots grafted onto two contrasting rootstocks, a long and a short one. They conclude that, during soil drying, stomatal regulation is controlled by below-ground hydraulics in a predictable way.
A nuclear Pandoraâs box: functions of nuclear envelope proteins in cell division
Ashraf highlights our current knowledge about the role of nuclear envelope proteins and points out the unanswered questions as future directions.
De novo genome assembly and analyses of 12 founder inbred lines provide insights into maize heterosis
Hybrid maize displays superior heterosis and contributes over 30% of total worldwide cereal production. However, the molecular mechanisms of heterosis remain obscure. Wang et al. show that structural variants (SVs) between the parental lines have a predominant role underpinning maize heterosis.
Positive citation bias and overinterpreted results lead to misinformation on common mycorrhizal networks in forests
A common mycorrhizal network (CMN) is formed when mycorrhizal fungal hyphae connect the roots of multiple plants of the same or different species belowground. Recently, CMNs have captured the interest of broad audiences, especially with respect to forest function and management. Karst et al. are concerned, however, that recent claims in the popular media about CMNs in forests are disconnected from evidence, and that bias towards citing positive effects of CMNs has developed in the scientific literature. They conclude that knowledge on CMNs is presently too sparse and unsettled to inform forest management.
Photoperiod controls plant seed size in a CONSTANS-dependent manner
Photoperiodic plants perceive changes in day length as seasonal cues to orchestrate their vegetative and reproductive growth. Although it is known that the floral transition of photoperiod-sensitive plants is tightly controlled by day length, how photoperiod affects their post-flowering development remains to be clearly defined, as do the underlying mechanisms. Yu et al. demonstrate that photoperiod plays a prominent role in seed development.
Cooperative virulence via the collective action of secreted pathogen effectors
Although virulence is typically attributed to single pathogenic strains, Ruiz-Bedoya and colleagues investigated whether effectors secreted by a population of non-virulent strains could function as public goods to enable the emergence of collective virulence. They disaggregated the 36 typeâIII effectors of the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae strain PtoDC3000 into a âmetacloneâ of 36 coisogenic strains, each carrying a single effector in an effectorless background. Each coisogenic strain was individually unfit, but the metaclone was collectively as virulent as the wild-type strain on Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting that effectors can drive the emergence of cooperation-based virulence through their public action.
Plant tRNA functions beyond their major role in translation
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are well known for their essential function as adapters in delivering amino acids to ribosomes and making the link between mRNA and protein according to the genetic code. Besides this central role in protein synthesis, other functions are attributed to these macromolecules, or their genes, in all living organisms. This review focuses on these extra functions of tRNAs in photosynthetic organisms.
QTL and Candidate Genes: Techniques and Advancement in Abiotic Stress Resistance Breeding of Major Cereals
At least 75% of the worldâs grain production comes from the three most important cereal crops: rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and maize (Zea mays). However, abiotic stressors such as heavy metal toxicity, salinity, low temperatures, and drought are all significant hazards to the growth and development of these grains. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) discovery and mapping have enhanced agricultural production and output by enabling plant breeders to better comprehend abiotic stress tolerance processes in cereals. An overview of constitutive QTL, adaptive QTL, and significant stable multi-environment and multi-trait QTL is provided in this article as a solid framework for use and knowledge in genetic enhancement.
Sap flow and growth response of Norway spruce under long-term partial rainfall exclusion at low altitude
Under ongoing climate change, more frequent and severe drought periods accompanied by heat waves are expected in the future. Under these conditions, the treeâs survival is conditioned by fast recovery of functions after drought release. Therefore, ZavadilovĂĄ et al. evaluated the effect of long-term water reduction in soil on tree water use and growth dynamics of Norway spruce.
A wheat kinase and immune receptor form host-specificity barriers against the blast fungus
Since emerging in Brazil in 1985, wheat blast has spread throughout South America and recently appeared in Bangladesh and Zambia. Arora et al. show that two wheat resistance genes, Rwt3 and Rwt4, acting as host-specificity barriers against non-Triticum blast pathotypes encode a nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptor and a tandem kinase, respectively.
Redox-mediated responses to high temperature in plants
In this review, Hendrix et al. summarize current knowledge on the functions of ROS and oxidoreductase systems in integrating high temperature signals, towards the activation of stress responses and developmental acclimation mechanisms.
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate regeneration in the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle: Focus on the last three enzymatic steps that allow the formation of Rubisco substrate
The Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle comprises the metabolic phase of photosynthesis and is responsible for carbon fixation and the production of sugar phosphates. Meloni et al. review the current understanding of the structural and catalytic features of the photosynthetic enzymes that catalyze the last three steps of the regeneration phase, namely ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (RPI), ribulose-5-phosphate epimerase (RPE), and phosphoribulokinase (PRK). In addition, the redox- and metabolic-based regulatory mechanisms targeting the three enzymes are also discussed.
Making a greener planet: nature documentaries promote plant awareness
Previous studies indicate that nature documentaries can generate shifts in audience awareness of animal species by providing vicarious connections to nature. Kacprzyk et al. investigated whether the plant-focused popular BBC show Green Planet had a similar effect for plants and stimulated audience engagement for information after the broadcast.
Careers
Adjunct Faculty in Biology, Maryland
Bowie State University is accepting applications to establish a pool of applicants for possible future openings in General Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Botany, Microbiology, Genetics, Cellular Biology, Bioinformatics or Molecular Biology.
Instructor Botany and Plant Ecology, Utah
The primary responsibility of successful applicants will be to teach lower-division botany courses which may or may not have a laboratory component. Teaching responsibilities could include some combination of the following (descriptions available at http://catalog.weber.edu/): BTNY 1010 (Plants: Apocalypse Prevention), BTNY 1203 (Plant Biology), BTNY 1303 (Plants and People), BTNY 1403 (Principles of Environmental Science), BTNY 2104 (Plant Form and Function), and BTNY 2114 (Evolutionary Survey of Plants). Depending on department needs, instruction in upper-division botany courses in the applicantâs area of expertise also may be possible. The teaching load for this position will be 12-15 credit hours per 15-week semester. Some department service may also be required. Teaching assignments could be at both the Ogden and Davis (Layton) campuses.
Undergraduate Programmes Manager, Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Educationalist to join our team and lead the development and growth of our undergraduate programme of world-leading horticulture and plant biodiversity-related courses. As well as co-ordinating and teaching on the courses, youâll be managing a team of lecturers, managing the day-to-day relationships with our academic partners, and constantly looking to further enhance the experience of our students.
Integrative Taxonomy Researcher, Edinburgh
We have an exciting opportunity for an integrative taxonomist to join our research team, focussing on plant diversity in Southeast Asia. You will work with the RBGE science team to develop and implement a programme of collaborative taxonomic and floristic research linking field-based, herbarium-based, and laboratory/analytical approaches to document and characterise plant species diversity. The focus of the role is on plant diversity in Southeast Asia, but we envisage that the post-holder will also interact with the wider science team, supporting the integration of methodological innovations across the full range of taxonomic projects at RBGE. Additional responsibilities include submitting funding proposals, some teaching on the RBGE-led MSc course âBiodiversity and Taxonomy of Plantsâ, supervising PhD students and more general training activities.
Research Fellow, Coventry
The University of Warwick seeks a highly motivated plant molecular biologist, ideally with experience in cell biology and/or small molecules. The candidate will be responsible for the successful execution of the project objectives including developing and refining reporter tools and interpreting and integrating imaging data with analytical /transcriptomic data generated in the project. The project will involve supervising post-graduates and the candidate will be trained in techniques necessary for project delivery.
Research Associate, Sheffield
The University of Sheffield has an expert opportunity in the School of Health and Related Research for an experienced Research Associate to join an existing team of researchers working on the multidisciplinary âHealthy soil, healthy food, healthy peopleâ UKRI SPF funded project (https://h3.ac.uk/). The post holder will work directly on work package four âBiofortification and consumer acceptanceâ, led by Dr Sam Caton (ScHARR, Public health). It is essential that you have some previous experience of conducting health or social research, and that you can demonstrate experience of preparing manuscripts for publication.
Postdoctoral Computational Biologist/Senior Data Scientist for AI and Computer Vision Powered Trait Analysis, Cambridge
NIAB are seeking a Post-doctoral Computational Biologist or Senior Data Scientist to work on advanced algorithmic development in automated image analysis, vision-based artificial intelligence (AI) modelling and omics analytics. The aim is to mine meaningful information from big biological data to help UK and developing counties in Africa develop resistant crops. You will work with world leading breeding companies and prestigious UK research institutes such as the Crop Science Centre (University of Cambridge). Together we lead the development of novel AI-powered solutions to characterise holistic and dynamic plant-pathology interactions to design the next-generation resistant crops under climate changes. Your duties will be focused on novel tracking algorithm design, 2D/3D trait analysis and AI predictive modelling.
Assistant Professor in Ecology and Biodiversity, Dublin
The School of History and Geography, Dublin City University, is an ambitious, research-intensive School in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The successful candidate will be expected to assist the School in implementing an innovative curriculum project. Applicants must hold an honours degree in Geography or related discipline, and should be qualified to a post-graduate level with a PhD specialism in ecology, biodiversity and sustainability, or a related discipline. Applications are specifically invited from those with strong research credentials and a publication record, particularly in one or more of the following research areas: Plant or animal ecology and biodiversity, Soil ecology, Ecology and conservation, Freshwater ecology.
Senior Research Technician, Warwickshire
This post is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced research technician to utilise plant science and microbiology skills in a new research project investigating sustainable inputs to mitigate abiotic and biotic stresses in pea and bean crops. The job requires a range of techniques and skills including culturing of fungi pathogenic on pea, inoculation of plants, and evaluation of applications of biostimulants or microbial biological control agents (BCAs) for disease control in controlled environment and glasshouse-based plant bioassays. You will join an established research team working on a range of plant diseases based at the University of Warwickâs Wellesbourne Campus in a supportive research environment with excellent facilities.
Assistant / Associate Professor, Agricultural Plant Pathology, Abu Dhabi
he United Arab Emirates University invites applications for a Faculty position in the area of agricultural plant pathology. Candidates are expected to have a strong background in diagnosis and management of health problems of crops in greenhouses as well as in the open field. Experience in the development of diagnostic protocols and plant disease management strategies for agro-ecosystems of arid lands would be of great advantage.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Comparative Genomics, Bioinformatics, Brno
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the research group of prof. Martin Lysak to join projects investigating the structure and evolution of crucifer genomes (Brassicaceae). The project aims to establish high-quality chromosome-scale sequence assemblies of several genomes and analyze the process chromosomal and centromere evolution in these plant genomes.
Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Paleontology / Paleoecology, Dunedin
The Department of Geology at the University of Otago is searching for a confirmation-path Lecturer / Senior Lecturer (equivalent to North American tenure-track Assistant Professor) in paleontology and/or paleoecology. We are particularly interested in collaborative candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary Earth system science approaches. The ideal candidate will be able to capitalise on the globally significant fossil record found in and around New Zealand, which is featured in the world-class collections of the department.
Research Assistant, Biological Sciences, Singapore
The National University of Singapore seeks someone with relevant qualifications in life science / agriculture / horticulture or equivalent, preferably with a minimum of 1 year of experience in growing, maintaining and harvesting plants in laboratory/farming systems to carry out indoor, greenhouse or field research work on urban agriculture.