🌻 The Week in Botany January 29, 2024
I’m hoping that next week, I’ll start to test negative for COVID. At the moment, I’m positive in both senses of the word. It means I’m still out of energy, but at least I’ve had more time to prepare for it this week, so there are job links at the bottom of the email.
News-wise, there are a few tree-planting stories this week, and I’m sure I could have gone out and found plenty more. As long as things don’t take a turn for the worse, there’ll be another email with you at the same time next week. Until then, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
Turning the Key in Wakehurst’s Vault to Combat Climate Change
Researchers from the most prominent native plant seed bank use innovative modelling to better inform plant conservation and restoration under the pressure of future climate change.
A Journey into the past in Search of Agapetes’ Pollinators: Could They Have Been Extinct Hummingbirds?
Agapetes species native to the Himalayas exhibit red, tubular, pendulous flowers, characteristic of hummingbird pollination. However, these birds are not found on the Asian continent! Kriebel and colleagues reconstructed the evolutionary history of the family to test the hypothesis that now-extinct hummingbirds pollinated these plants.
Exploring the synergy of canopy architecture and nitrogen partitioning
Models uncover how plants coordinate architectural characteristics and photosynthetic nitrogen allocation to optimize photosynthesis.
When Moss Gets Messy and Spores Go Flying
Researchers found that a special kind of moss only release their spores when their pod structures open up in the dry air helped by wind, which blows the spores out, rather than just opening on its own in humid conditions.
News & Views
Urban agriculture beats conventional agriculture on climate — if it’s done right
For gardeners looking to do their part to slow the heating of the planet, all vegetables aren’t created equal.
Urban agriculture’s carbon footprint can be worse than that of large farms
Saving on the emissions associated with shipping doesn't guarantee a lower footprint.
UK tree planting projects get competitive. Cheltenham grandmother to plant 720 trees for children's future but Rainworth: Project that will see 800 trees planted begins. If you’d like to get into competitive tree planting, East Riding of Yorkshire Council is holding free sessions near Pocklington.
What to Know Before You Start Your Own Plants From Seed
Starting your garden from seed instead of buying nursery starts is not for the faint of heart.
Diverse forests of slow-growing trees more resilient to storms, study finds
Fast-growing monocultures are less able to withstand extreme weather events than varied woodlands, researchers find.
NY Plans to Let You Grow 5lbs of Weed at Home
It’s almost official: new rules could soon let New York tokers grow up to 12 marijuana plants at home.
The Best Plant Identification App
Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? With an accurate plant-identification app installed on your phone, you won’t have to guess.
MoBot botanist has named more plant species than any other living woman
There is a certain protocol to naming new species of plants that have never before been identified.
What is an Herbarium and How Does it Help Us Protect Biodiversity?
When scientists study plants, they often collect, preserve, and store parts of the plants in a big collection called an herbarium. These plant specimens serve as proof that a species was growing in a certain place at a certain time. Herbaria (“herbaria” is the plural of herbarium) are where scientists describe new plant species and study how different species are related.
Old year, new [plant] species…
No doubt 2024 will bring its share of new plant species. But, now that 2023 is behind us, what botanical novelties did that year give the world?
Scientific Papers
Building an inclusive botany: The “radicle” dream (OA)
In response to a global dialog about systemic racism, ongoing inequalities, appeals to decolonize science, and the many recent calls for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, we draw on the narratives of plants to revisit the history of botany. Mabry et al.’s goal is to uncover how exclusionary practices have functioned in the past and persist today.
A tripartite bacterial-fungal-plant symbiosis in the mycorrhiza-shaped microbiome drives plant growth and mycorrhization (OA)
Plant microbiomes play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and plant growth, and are shaped by a complex interplay between plants, microbes, and the environment. The role of bacteria as mediators of the 400-million-year-old partnership between the majority of land plants and, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is still poorly understood. Zhang et al. test whether AM hyphae-associated bacteria influence the success of the AM symbiosis.
Sea otter recovery buffers century-scale declines in California kelp forests (OA)
The status of kelp forests and their vulnerability to climate change are of global significance. As the foundation for productive and extensive ecosystems, understanding long-term kelp forest trends is critical to coastal ecosystem management, climate resiliency, and restoration programs. Nicholson et al. curate historical US government kelp canopy inventories, develop methods to compare them with contemporary surveys, and use a machine learning framework to evaluate and rank the drivers of change for California kelp forests over the last century.
Scattered tree death contributes to substantial forest loss in California (OA)
In recent years, large-scale tree mortality events linked to global change have occurred around the world. Current forest monitoring methods are crucial for identifying mortality hotspots, but systematic assessments of isolated or scattered dead trees over large areas are needed to reduce uncertainty on the actual extent of tree mortality. Cheng et al. mapped individual dead trees in California using sub-meter resolution aerial photographs from 2020 and deep learning-based dead tree detection.
A simple and efficient in planta transformation method based on the active regeneration capacity of plants (OA)
Plant genetic transformation strategies serve as essential tools for the genetic engineering and advanced molecular breeding of plants. However, the complicated operational protocol and low efficiency of the current transformation strategies restrict the genetic modification of most plant species. This paper describes the development of a Regenerative Activity-dependent in Planta Injection Delivery (RAPID) method based on the active regeneration capacity of plants.
Simulated microgravity facilitates stomatal ingression by Salmonella in lettuce and suppresses a biocontrol agent (OA)
As human spaceflight increases in duration, cultivation of crops in spaceflight is crucial to protecting human health under microgravity and elevated oxidative stress. Foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella enterica) carried by leafy green vegetables are a significant cause of human disease. Totsline et al.’s previous work showed that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium suppresses defensive closure of foliar stomata in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to ingress interior tissues of leaves. While there are no reported occurrences of foodborne disease in spaceflight to date, known foodborne pathogens persist aboard the International Space Station and space-grown lettuce has been colonized by a diverse microbiome including bacterial genera known to contain human pathogens.
Spatiotemporal oxygen dynamics in young leaves reveal cyclic hypoxia in plants
Oxygen is essential for plant growth and development. Hypoxia occurs in plants due to limited oxygen availability following adverse environmental conditions as well in hypoxic niches in otherwise normoxic environments. However, the existence and functional integration of spatiotemporal oxygen dynamics with plant development remains unknown. In animal systems dynamic fluctuations in oxygen availability are known as cyclic hypoxia. In this study, Triozzi et al. demonstrate that cyclic fluctuations in internal oxygen levels occur in young emerging leaves of Arabidopsis.
Genetic regulation of self-organizing azimuthal canopy orientations and their impacts on light interception in maize (OA)
The efficiency of solar radiation interception contributes to the photosynthetic efficiency of crop plants. Light interception is a function of canopy architecture, including plant density; leaf number, length, width, and angle; and azimuthal canopy orientation. Zhou et al. report on the ability of some maize (Zea mays) genotypes to alter the orientations of their leaves during development in coordination with adjacent plants.
Cynipid wasps systematically reprogram host metabolism and restructure cell walls in developing galls (OA)
Markel et al. characterize the molecular alterations underlying gall development using a combination of metabolomic, histological, and biochemical techniques to elucidate how valley oak (Quercus lobata) leaf cells are reprogrammed to form galls. Strikingly, gall development involves an exceptionally coordinated spatial deposition of lignin and xylan to form de novo gall vasculature.
Multilocus sequence and phenotypic analysis of Pectobacterium and Dickeya type strains for identification of soft rot Pectobacteriaceae from symptomatic potato stems and tubers in Pennsylvania ($)
Outbreaks of potato blackleg and soft rot caused by Pectobacterium species and more recently Dickeya species across the U.S. mid-Atlantic region have caused yield loss due to poor emergence as well as losses from stem and tuber rot. To develop management strategies for soft rot diseases, we must first identify which members of the soft rot Pectobacteriaceae are present in regional potato plantings. However, the rapidly expanding number of soft rot Pectobacteriaceae species and the lack of readily available comparative data for type strains of Pectobacterium and Dickeya hinder quick identification. This manuscript provides a comparative analysis of soft rot Pectobacteriaceae and a comprehensive comparison of type strains from this group using rep-PCR, MLSA and 16S sequence analysis, as well as phenotypic and physiological analyses using Biolog GEN III plates.
Careers
Regular Faculty - Controlled Environmental Agriculture, Idaho
The University of Idaho, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Plant Sciences department, is seeking a tenure-track Research Faculty, Assistant Professor, to develop an extramurally funded, nationally and internationally recognized research program to address sustainable 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. Specific areas of research may include plant nutrition and disease, irrigation systems, hydroponics, vertical farming, and organic production within controlled environments.
Assistant Professor Tenure Track (Genetics/Plant Biology/Biostatistics), New York
The Division of Biology and Biochemistry at Alfred University invites applications for a tenure track assistant professor beginning August 2024. We seek someone with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts setting, and whose research interests can be expanded to include undergraduate participation. The successful candidate should be able to contribute to our core courses with an annual offering of Principles of Genetics with lab, and a Biostatistics course. In addition, the successful candidate will be able to teach the following courses alternate years: Botany with lab, an upper division elective related to plant biology, and Introduction to Human Genetics for non-majors.
Assistant Professor of Biology (Botany), Arkansas
The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for the position of a 9-month tenure track Assistant Professor of Biology (Botany). We are seeking a broadly trained botanist to complement our existing faculty, teach undergraduate courses focused on aspects of botany, plant identification/ecology and possibly fire ecology, mentor undergraduate biology majors, and develop an undergraduate research program.
Herbarium Collections Manager, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin State Herbarium (WIS) within the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks applicants for a permanent Collections Manager. With a collection of >1.3 million specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, and microfungi, WIS ranks among the largest and most active herbaria in the world.
Professor in Botanical Studies, Missouri
We invite nominations of and applications by outstanding scientists for the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies. Successful candidates will have an active research program that incorporates ecology, evolution, and conservation approaches to understanding plant diversity.
Plant Propagation Fellow - Morris Arboretum, Pennsylvania
The Plant Propagation Fellowship covers the whole range of traditional plant propagation skills and production schemes. The Fellow will spend 12 months (expected duration of internship) receiving hands-on training in seed and cutting propagation, nursery and greenhouse management, organic pest control and maintenance of a unique Victorian Fernery. Emphasis is placed on the refinement of skills and developing the protocols for the propagation and care of a vast range of woody and herbaceous plants.
Urban Forestry Fellow - Morris Arboretum, Pennsylvania
The Urban Forestry Fellow engages in urban forestry and natural resource management practices, assessments, programs, and planning for public gardens, design firms, government agencies, education, and community organizations. The Fellow also learns about and teaches stewardship concepts and practical applications through urban tree and natural resources management projects as well as developing community partnership, tree and vegetation analysis and management planning skills.
Associate Professor (or Professor) in Molecular Plant Biology, Oxford
We are seeking a researcher and teacher with outstanding potential to bring exciting new perspectives in the area of molecular plant biology at the University of Oxford. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic new Department with a culture that values, innovation, collegiality, and scholarship. This post is offered by the new Department of Biology in partnership with St John’s College.
Science Officer - CITES (x2 posts), London
In support of Kew's mission to influence national and international opinion and policy, this position plays a pivotal role as the UK CITES Scientific Authority for Flora. The primary responsibility involves delivering scientific advice to Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) by conducting non-detriment findings for CITES plant applications within specified standards and deadlines. This entails extensive research, evidence collation, and contributing to scientific advice for policy development at both national and international CITES meetings. This role will contribute to research on sustainable use of plants and wildlife trade to support policy evidence.
Research Associate, Sheffield
This Grantham Foundation funded project proposes a biological solution to capturing atmospheric CO2; to harness nature’s greatest carbon capture technology: photosynthesis. Working with the principal investigator you will explore ways of producing plants with enhanced carbon drawdown and implement this technology into crops – helping farms to serve as more efficient carbon sinks to help curb climate change. It is hoped that these photosynthetic improvements could also increase agricultural productivity, enabling this carbon capture technology to help maintain global food security, as well as actively mitigate climate change which threatens it.
Tissue Culture Senior Technician, Cambridge
We are recruiting a Tissue Culture Senior Technician to provide technical support in our crop transformation research projects. Working within our GM laboratories and glasshouses, the role is focused on plant transformation, micropropagation and ongoing husbandry. Duties include looking after plants in tissue culture, preparing media and constructs for transformations, genotyping transformed plants, seed processing /germination and ongoing care of transformed plants.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Edinburgh
We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Plant Molecular Biologist with experience of gene editing approaches and bioinformatics, together with expertise in plant tissue culture/plant natural product biosynthesis.
Assistant Professor Plant Ecology and Biodiversity, Maastricht
We are looking for an Assistant Professor in Plant Ecology and Biodiversity to help develop our new activities in the area of system earth sciences at the Greenport Campus Venlo in the Southern Netherlands. These new activities will focus on earth and plant-biological research (from fundamental to applied) in relation to human health, the environment and relevant stakeholders. Currently, at the campus a strong knowledgebase is being developed to facilitate education, research and innovation in an interdisciplinary setting. All activities have a strong systems approach.
PhD Studentship: Adaptive management strategies of amenity grasslands for biodiversity and ecosystem services, Newcastle
Northumberland County Council (NCC) currently manages 300 ha of amenity grassland and is seeking to improve biodiversity in these habitats, whilst taking into account the operational and logistical constraints of mowing management and the uncertainties of climate change. In collaboration with Newcastle University, this exciting interdisciplinary project will examine the social, economic and ecological impacts of changing mowing regimes across Northumberland.
Research Fellow (Biological Sciences), Singapore
The NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI), a university-level research institute, National University of Singapore, is looking for a Research Fellow to work with Dr Darren Sim on an interdisciplinary project on plant microbiomes and their potential to emphasize desirable traits in their host plants.
Research Assistant (Biological Sciences), Singapore
The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for one Research Assistant position to study the impacts of climate change on tropical tree demography and forest dynamics, with a focus on the primary and secondary forests in Singapore. The appointment is for an initial period of one year with the possibility of contract renewal (1 – 3 years ).
Research Fellow (Biological Sciences), Singapore
The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions for a four-year study of the impacts of climate change on tropical tree demography and forest dynamics, with a focus on the primary and secondary forests in Singapore. The appointment is for an initial period of one year with the possibility of contract renewal (1 – 3 years ).