The Week in Botany July 28, 2025
We’ve had some good posts this week. The naming of plants after people is controversial. Erika Alejandra Chaves-Diaz writes about which women get plants named after them. I can sympathise with people who notice that naming plants after people has become more of a problem, since plants have started being named after non-fictional women. We have the definitely non-fictional Ana Bedoya as our interview this week, which reminds me that maybe I’m not paying enough attention to aquatic plants. We also have a post on flower size. Not everything floral is about pollinators.
I’ll be sorting out autumn plans this week. My first meeting of the autumn will be Plant Science Wales, on September 9. I’ve also booked Black in Plant Science on October 24. At the moment the plan is to look for single-day events in the UK. If these go ok, then I’ll be open to short events in Europe next year.
There will be another email of the papers and the news stories you’re sharing on Mastodon and Bluesky next week. Until next time, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
Women, Plants, and the Power of a Name
Researchers uncover the real women behind botanical names, turning obscure eponyms into powerful stories of recognition and representation.
Ana Bedoya: Exploring the Evolutionary Journey of Aquatic Plants
Botany One interviews Dr. Ana Bedoya, a Colombian botanist fascinated with the systematics of aquatic plants.
From Mountains to Tropics: What Petal Size Reveals About China’s Flowering Plants
Recent research using Chinese plants reveals why some flowers have giant petals while others barely show theirs.
…and last’s week’s Week in Botany with gossip from the rhizosphere, why eating melons takes a lot of aardvark, a plant that caters to different pollinators at different times.
News & Views
Wildfires send Canada's carbon emissions soaring. And our peatlands emit even more
A new model of estimating emissions from peatlands is close to being ready.
Ranching and farming have eroded almost all the soil in the Alps
Grazing livestock and farming over the past 4000 years have rapidly accelerated the rate of soil loss in the Alps, jeopardising the ecosystem and putting the mountains at risk of further erosion.
Stop displaying journal names on your slides
A mentoring event at a scientific Congress called for better support of early-career scientists — but what followed sent mixed signals. This blog reflects on those moments and ends with a pledge: stop displaying journal names on your slides.
Science and Democracy Under Siege
Documenting Six Months of the Trump Administration’s Destructive Actions.
Radical approach to improve plant immunity secures funding for Programmable Plants initiative
John Innes Centre researchers have secured funding for an ambitious research programme that will seek to borrow immunity principles from all forms of life to protect major crops from disease.
Joanne Chory (1955–2024): Plant geneticist extraordinaire
A beloved mentor and visionary leader, Chory championed science as both a rigorous discipline and a force for good.
New Study Reveals Mycorrhizal Fungal Hotspots and Their Lack of Protections
Fungal communities hidden underground support 80 percent of land plants around the world and store 13 billion tons of carbon annually. But new research mapping their locations reveal few concentrations of the vital fungi are protected.
SHNH William T. Stearn Student Essay Prize 2025
Instituted in 2007 to commemorate the work of William T. Stearn (1911–2001), a scholar whose work contributed much to the field and to this Society, the prize is awarded to the best original, unpublished essay in the history of natural history. The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide in full- or part-time education, and to postdoctoral students within two years of the award of their doctorate. It is not limited to members of SHNH.
Why scientists need to be better at data visualization
The scientific literature is riddled with bad charts and graphs, leading to misunderstanding and worse. Avoiding design missteps can improve understanding of research.
The problem of “dark taxa” in ectomycorrhizal fungal conservation and research
The symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi drives many aspects of ecosystem structure and function, but fungi have been historically overlooked when it comes to ecosystem management strategies.
This Week in Botany
5 Years Ago: Botany 2020: More Botany Than You can Shake a (Virtual) Stick At
10 Years Ago: Bearded bardic botanist, bruised but not bested?
15 Years Ago: The waste of what we do?
Scientific Papers
Conservation of chromatin states and their association with transcription factors in land plants (FREE)
Shukla et al identify and characterize chromatin states in the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha, showing a large degree of functional conservation over more than 450 million years of land plant evolution.
Recruitment, rewiring and deep conservation in flowering plant gene regulation ($)
Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that bind DNA to control where and when genes are expressed. In plants, dozens of TF families interact with distinct sets of binding sites (TFBSs) that reflect each TF’s role in organismal function and species-specific adaptations. However, defining these roles and understanding broader patterns of regulatory evolution remain challenging, as predicted TFBSs may lack a clear impact on transcription, and experimentally derived TF binding maps to date are modest in scale or restricted to model organisms. Baumgart et al present a scalable TFBS assay that we leveraged to create an atlas of nearly 3,000 genome-wide binding site maps for 360 TFs in ten species spanning 150 million years of flowering plant evolution.
Read free via ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/ex1K9
Somatic mobility of transposons is explosive and shaped by distinct integration biases in Arabidopsis thaliana (FREE)
The movement of transposable elements (TEs) in somatic cells generates genetic and phenotypic diversity across the soma of individual organisms. Ambreen et al adapt high-throughput TE sequencing and introduce a new computational pipeline, “deNOVOEnrich”, to identify and analyse somatic transposition events in Arabidopsis thaliana. They detect ∼200,000 new TE insertions across wild-type and epigenetic mutant backgrounds, revealing en masse active transposition in the plant soma.
A developmental switch controls cell-to-cell transport in roots via pectin-linked plasmodesmata changes (FREE)
Jacquier et al demonstrate that plasmodesmatal transport persists in fully differentiated roots, despite the formation of apoplastic barriers such as Casparian strips and suberin lamellae in the endodermis.
A roadmap to developing unified streptophyte algal model systems (FREE)
Carrillo-Carrasco et al highlight community-developed resources to study these closest algal relatives of land plants to gain insights into the evolution of land plant traits.
Three-step biosynthesis of salicylic acid from benzoyl-CoA in plants ($)
Liu et al report the identification of a conserved pathway for salicylic acid biosynthesis in seed plants. Using Nicotiana benthamiana as a model, they identified three key steps for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid.
Read free via ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/ex1On
Tropical biodiversity loss from land-use change is severely underestimated by local-scale assessments (FREE)
Human impacts on nature span vast spatial scales that transcend abiotic gradients and biogeographic barriers, yet estimates of biodiversity loss from land-use change overwhelmingly derive from local-scale studies. Using a field dataset of 971 bird species sampled in forest and cattle pasture across 13 biogeographic regions of Colombia, Socolar et al quantify biodiversity losses from local to near-national scales.
Members of the MYB68 subclade orchestrate cork differentiation by regulating stem cell proliferation and suberin deposition (FREE)
Plants have developed specialized barriers to isolate the inner tissues from the environment. The periderm is a dynamic barrier comprising a stem-cell niche, the cork cambium, which produces the cork. Cork cells have a unique cell wall impregnated with hydrophobic polymers such as suberin and lignin, which are essential for the barrier function. Despite its importance, the cork differentiation network remains largely unknown. Molina et al identify MYB68 subclade transcription factors as activators of suberin biosynthesis and polymerization, as well as repressors of cork cambium proliferation.
Global hotspots of mycorrhizal fungal richness are poorly protected (FREE)
Van Nuland et al trained machine-learning algorithms on a global dataset of 25,000 geolocated soil samples comprising >2.8 billion fungal DNA sequences. They predicted arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungal richness and rarity across terrestrial ecosystems. On the basis of these predictions, they generated high-resolution, global-scale maps and identified key reservoirs of highly diverse and endemic mycorrhizal communities. Intersecting protected areas with mycorrhizal hotspots indicated that less than 10% of predicted mycorrhizal richness hotspots currently exist in protected areas.
Estimation of Genome Size Variation in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (FREE)
Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) is a popular ornamental crop because of its abundant flower color and robust flowering ability. Extensive breeding efforts have produced numerous tropical hibiscus cultivars, thus significantly contributing to the ornamental plant industry. However, limited genetic information is available for this crop, thereby posing challenges to the development of new cultivars. This study aimed to assess the genome size variation of 96 tropical hibiscus accessions using flow cytometry.
In AoBC Publications
Simulating berry sunburn with the functional-structural plant model Virtual Riesling (FREE)
Root morphology and anatomy respond similarly to drought and flooding in two wheat cultivars (FREE)
3D growth: the diversity of strategies in brown algae (FREE)
Careers
Note: These are posts that have been advertised around the web. They are not posts that I personally offer, nor can I arrange the visa for you to work internationally.
Optical Microscopy Support Specialist, Norwich
The John Innes Centre is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Optical Microscopy Support Specialist to join our Bioimaging Platform at a world-leading institute in a full-time, indefinite post. The post holder will train users on all the light microscopes, collaborate on imaging projects, provide technical support including some sample preparation, give talks at the annual light microscopy course and help with the development of advanced technologies such as (FRET-)FLIM and FCS.
Independent Fellowship in Plant-Associated Microbial Interactions, Norwich
The John Innes Centre (JIC) recognises the critical importance of this rapidly evolving field and invites applications from visionary scientists for an Independent Research Fellowship focused on microbial communities and their interactions. We welcome candidates with expertise and interests in any aspect of microbial or fungal communities and their interactions with host organisms, particularly where these interactions contribute to plant and soil health.
Horticultural Technician (part-time) – Nobori Lab, Norwich
We are looking for a part-time Horticultural Technician in the Nobori Group at The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) to support our research team by managing the cultivation of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Initially, this role will focus on supporting the team by maintaining plant growth, carefully handling seeds, monitoring plant health, and ensuring precise experimental conditions.
Group Leader in Discovery Plant Sciences, Norwich
The John Innes Centre (JIC) seeks a visionary Group Leader to lead research on Discovery Plant Science. We welcome applications from scientists with expertise in any aspect of fundamental plant science, including but not limited to, growth and development, environmental interactions, seasonal biology, cellular signalling, cell biology, genetics, epigenetics and transcription.
Senior Research Technician, Warwick
We are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working and dedicated individual to support our dynamic lab’s research on various aspects of plant immunity. You will join a well-funded lab (predominately BBSRC supported) undertaking interdisciplinary discovery research on plant disease resistance, systemic immunity and suppression of plant defence.
Assistant Professor in Genetics, Dublin
The primary purpose of the Assistant Professor position is to undertake research and teaching in the School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, predominantly in the Discipline of Genetics. The role will involve teaching at undergraduate level for the biological streams, and where appropriate, providing postgraduate teaching via postgraduate programmes in which the School of Genetics and Microbiology participates.
Research Assistant in Environmental Technology, Dublin
This post is a research assistant role in the Plant-Soil Biogeochemistry group at Trinity College Dublin (Botany Discipline). The holder will primarily contribute to a project about understanding the controls of soil respiration – the release of climate-warming CO2 from soil systems via its component sources such as roots and microbes. You will perform a mix of field, lab, and engineering tasks and support activity in our interdisciplinary working group.
Global Talent Ireland, Ireland
Global Talent Ireland aims to attract exceptional mid-career and established researchers from across the globe to Ireland. Researchers funded through this programme are required to transfer their research activities from their current location to an Eligible Research Body in Ireland. Given its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, Research Ireland welcomes applications from women and those from historically underserved communities. The programme comprises two streams: Rising Stars and Research Leaders.
Research engineer in plant organellar RNA biology (M/F), Strasbourg
The Research Engineer (M/F) will work on a project funded within the framework of a Labex MitoCross chair. The project focuses on the characterization of chloroplastic and mitochondrial ribonuclease (RNase) mutants in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana in order to understand the role of these enzymes in organelle RNA quality control.
Coordinator (f/m/d) of the CEPLAS Graduate School (60%, pay grade 13 TV-L), Düsseldorf
Heinrich Heine University are seeking someone to help with recruitment of new PhD students, and support current students at the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences.
PhD position (m/f/d) Mountain Forest Management, Munich
You will conduct research on the effects of different forest management regimes on the protective function of forest ecosystems. The work is embedded in a collaborative project coordinated at the Technical University of Munich and conducted across research groups, with other PhD students working on related topics of natural hazard management in mountain areas. You will specifically use remote sensing and simulation modelling in combination with empirical data to assess how forests under different management regimes protect against natural hazards. A specific focus of the work will be on how climate change will impact protective forests, and if areas managed for biodiversity conservation can also supply protective functions.
Postdoctoral fellow studying population genomics of tropical palms, Leiden
As a postdoctoral fellow in the NWO-funded VIDI project led by Dr. Renske Onstein, you will contribute to understanding how the extinction of large fruit- and seed-dispersing megafauna has shaped the distribution, population size, and genetic diversity of tropical palms with large fruits. You will lead the sampling and population genomic part of the project, focussing on ~20 palm species across Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.
Postdoctoral researcher Enabling plant protein concentrates for extrusion, Wageningen
Are you a talented doctoral graduate who has a passion for doing research on development of sustainable processing technologies for making plant protein ingredients? Do you want to perform dry fractionation and agglomeration trials to improve functionality of legume ingredients? Do you want to understand rheology of hydrated ingredient blends to predict extrusion behaviour for meat analogue processing? We have a vacancy for a postdoc position at the Laboratory of Food Process Engineering!
Postdoc position in economic modelling of forest resources, Alnarp
The project deals with international trade in forest-based products, focusing on the trade between Sweden and Norway and other regions. The post-doctor will develop an analytical framework able to account for bi-lateral trade in forest-based products and its consequences for the forest sectors of the trading regions. The research questions include how to account for leakage, i.e., stricter environmental regulation leading to production and harvesting in the regulated countries moving to unregulated countries. The position is part of a joint research program between Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), University of Inland Norway (INN) and Linneaus University, Sweden.
Associate Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in landscape architecture with a focus on soil-plant systems for urban conditions, Alnarp
The subject covers soil-plant systems for an urban context with a focus on the ability of different substrates to offer a good and sustainable biotope, as well as supporting biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services. The research area has the potential to range from soil structures, quality of constructed soils, to soil formation and development of microbial communities.
Environmental Studies - Postdoctoral Researcher (Transcriptomics and Proteomics for Ecotoxicology), Ontario
The Environmental and Isotope Geochemistry & Mass spectrometry Applications (EnIGMA) lab at the School of the Environment, Trent University, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in transcriptomics and proteomics for ecotoxicology. The successful candidate will take an active role in planning and executing research ideas, conducting field and laboratory work, mentoring students, reporting and publishing results, and communicating with industrial partners. The project also involves fifteen other graduate students and postdoctoral researchers on various topics, e.g., ecotoxicology, biogeochemistry, microbiology, plant sciences, forestry, and environmental modelling.
Applications Now Open For the 2025-2026 Plantae Fellows Program
Are you a creative and articulate plant scientist looking to connect with other like-minded folks? We need your help to nurture and grow Plantae, the online home for the global plant science community that is powered by ASPB. We are looking for individuals who want to become highly engaged by creating and curating content, facilitating and hosting discussions, and otherwise fostering our growing global community.