š» The Week in Botany May 12, 2025
Iām told today is National Limerick Day. Itās also World Topiary Day, when gardeners trim plants in display with shears to cut hedges, making sharp edges and shapes in an artistic way. Iām glad it isnāt a day to celebrate Arabidopsis because after genomic synopsis Iām out of rhymes.
I donāt think Iāll have time to produce anything for World Topiary Day, but while having a quick browse on the topic I found an interesting paper that purports to identify the most relaxing plants to keep indoors. Iāll see if I can blog that this week.
This coming week, we have plants fighting while mating and how you can help monitor plants and pollinators for science. Thereās also a post on why the same species of flower, attracting the same pollinators, can be different colours. For once, pollinator attraction isnāt the answer.
And there will be another email of the papers and the news stories youāre sharing on Mastodon, Bluesky, and Twitter next week. Until next time, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
Tomato photosynthesis benefits from far-red light
Far-red light boosts tomato photosynthesis in low-light conditions, but offers no benefit at higher intensities, suggesting optimal greenhouse lighting depends on intensity levels.
Snakeās Head Fritillaries Raise Their Heads Again in Iffley Meadows
Oscar A. PĆ©rez-Escobar: āThe Thrill of Discovery Never Endsā
Botany One interviews Dr Oscar PĆ©rez-Escobar, a passionate orchidologist from Colombia that looks to untangle the evolutionary history of this megadiverse group.
Why Thrips Might Be the Unknown Heroes of Pollination
Thrips, tiny insects often seen as pests, play a key role in pollinating many plants.
Want More Bees in Your City? Mix Up Your Flowers
A new study finds that cities can support more wild bee species by planting a greater variety of flower shapesānot just more flowers.
News & Views
India unveils āworldās firstā genome-edited rice
India unveils the worldās first genome-edited rice varietiesāKamala and Pusa DST Rice 1āpromising 25ā30% higher yields without foreign DNA. These non-GMO crops, exempt from GEAC approval, aim to boost production, cut emissions, and transform Indian agriculture.
See also Nature.
Planting more trees in cities could have saved 1.1 million lives in two decades, study suggests
A new study has calculated that increasing vegetation in urban areas by 30 per cent could have prevented more than one third of all global heat-related deaths between 2000 to 2019. In total, 1.16 million lives may have been saved with more greenery during this 20-year period.
Closing speech by President von der Leyen at the āChoose Europe for Science' event at La Sorbonne
The European Research Council is expanding funding, creating super grants to attract researchers to work in Europe, if they feel like moving to Europe for some reason. This has proven interesting to botanists.
Funding for tenure
Faculty funding should not play a role in tenure decisions, especially now. Opinion by Brian OāMeara.
Field Safety (from 2024)
Info on field safety protocols. A second post by Brian OāMeara.
England has just given the thumbs up to gene-edited plants. Hooray!
A UK parliamentary committee has greenlit gene-edited plants. This is great news, as it will boost food production and reduce waste, says Michael Le Page.
MSCA opens ā¬404.3 million call for Postdoctoral Fellowships
Postdoctoral Fellowships offer researchers holding a PhD the opportunity to acquire new skills through advanced training and international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral mobility.
Saplings from a tree that survived atomic bombing planted at U.N. headquarters
Saplings from a persimmon tree that survived the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima were planted in an event at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Monday.
āDesert Princeā combats desertification in China by planting trees in arid regions
A young Chinese man with mismatched eyes has been dubbed āDesert Princeā for combating desertification by planting trees on barren land.
Biologists create a one-stop shop for world's most charismatic plants, ferns
The Florida Museum of Natural History has partnered with 35 herbarium collections across the United States to create a web portal for ferns.
Scientific Papers
The developmental basis of floral nectary diversity and evolution (FREE)
Liao et al summarize the recent breakthroughs in nectary research and provide a macroevolutionary framework of floral nectary evolution, focusing on the genetic mechanisms that drive nectary development and shape nectary diversity.
Flower movement induced by weather-dependent tropism satisfies attraction and protection (FREE)
Flowers have antagonistic demands for reproductive success, that is, pollinator attraction and flower protection. However, how flowers accommodate these antagonistic reproductive demands has not been thoroughly analysed. Shibata et al elucidate the mechanisms and adaptive significance of weather-driven flower movement in Arabidopsis halleri.
Construction of multi-targeted CRISPR libraries in tomato to overcome functional redundancy at genome-scale level (FREE)
Genetic variance is vital for breeding programs and mutant screening, yet traditional mutagenesis methods wrestle with genetic redundancy and a lack of specificity in gene targeting. CRISPR-Cas9 offers precise, site-specific gene editing, but its application in crop improvement has been limited by scalability challenges. Berman et al develop genome-wide multi-targeted CRISPR libraries in tomato, enhancing the scalability of CRISPR gene editing in crops and addressing the challenges of redundancy while maintaining its precision.
Adaptation and gene flow are insufficient to rescue a montane plant under climate change ($)
Species stressed by climate change must move or adapt in order to persist. However, adaptation and gene flow between populations adapted to different climates are rarely integrated into models predicting how species will respond to climate change. Anderson et al. collected data on Boechera stricta, a common perennial plant, from five common garden experiments in the Rocky Mountains of the US to quantify the amount of migration needed to keep up with climate change and the potential for evolutionary rescue.
Diversification of CLE expression patterns and nonmeristematic roles for CLAVATA receptor-like kinases in a moss (FREE)
Nemec-Venza et al analysed the promoter activities of all peptide (PpCLE) and receptor-encoding (PpCLV1a, PpCLV1b and PpRPK2) genes throughout the moss (Physcomitrium patens) life cycle and validated our expression analyses using mutant phenotype data.
Molecular evolution of a reproductive barrier in maize and related species (FREE)
Three cross-incompatibility loci each control a distinct reproductive barrier in both domesticated maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) and its wild teosinte relatives. These three loci, Teosinte crossing barrier1 (Tcb1), Gametophytic factor1 (Ga1), and Ga2, each play a key role in preventing hybridization between incompatible populations and are proposed to maintain the barrier between domesticated and wild subspecies. Each locus encodes both a silk-active and a matching pollen-active pectin methylesterase (PMEs). To investigate the diversity and molecular evolution of these gametophytic factor loci, Cryan identified existing and improved models of the responsible genes in a new genome assembly of maize line P8860 that contains active versions of all three loci.
Conserved mechanical hallmark guides four-way junction avoidance during plant cytokinesis ($)
When building an organ, adjacent cells coordinate to form topologically stable junctions by integrating mechanosensitive signaling pathways. Positioning the newly formed tricellular junction in walled multicellular organisms is critical, as cells cannot migrate. The cell division site must avoid existing cellular junctions to prevent unstable four-way junctions. The microtubule preprophase band (PPB) is a guideline for the plant cellās future cell division site. Yet, mutants impaired in PPB formation hardly display defects, suggesting the presence of an alternative mechanism. Gascon et al report the existence of a process that guides the cell division site close to an adjacent tricellular junction.
Convergent acquisition of disulfide-forming enzymes in malodorous flowers ($)
There are many ways for plants to attract pollinators, and some flowers are specialized to mimic the smell of rotting meat. Okuyama et al. identified the disulfide synthase enzymes responsible for producing volatile oligosulfides in three plant genera, including Asarum species.
In defense of funding foundational plant science (FREE)
This commentary lays out a vigorous defense of foundational, i.e., "basic", plant science research; describes that often, Arabidopsis is preferable to working directly in crops; highlights several transformative applications generated from basic plant research; and makes the argument that plant science is vital to the survival of humanity.
A hierarchical immune receptor network in lettuce reveals contrasting patterns of evolution in sensor and helper NLRs (FREE)
Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat immune receptors (NLRs) are known for their rapid evolution, even at the intraspecific level, yet the rates of evolution differ significantly across various NLR classes. Within the NRC (NLR Required for Cell Death) network, NLRs operate in complex sensor-helper configurations to confer immunity against a diverse array of pathogens, particularly in Asterids. While helper NLRs are typically conserved and evolve slowly, sensor NLRs tend to evolve more rapidly. However, the functional connections between slow and fast-evolving NLRs remain poorly understood, notably in important crop species. Pat et al conducted a comparative analysis of NLRs across 40 Solanales and 29 Asterales genomes to explore NRC network expansion and diversification within the less-studied Asterales order
In AoBC Publications
Population Genomic Assessment of Dudleya brevifolia for in situ Conservation Management ($)
Plants originating from more extreme biomes have improved leaf thermoregulation (FREE)
Enhancing Sorghum Yield and Risk Management via Optimising Crop Design (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.
Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term), Cambridge
A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Luginbuehl group investigating the regulation of nutrient exchange during the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. This position is funded by the Allan and Gill Gray foundation as well as the ERC Starting Grant "Harnessing mechanisms for plant carbon delivery to symbiotic soil fungi for sustainable food production".
Research Associate - Expansion Microscopy of Shoot Apical Meristems (Fixed Term), Cambridge
Applications are invited for a short fixed-term Post-doctoral Research Associate position in the groups of Prof. Henrik Jƶnsson and Elliot Meyerowitz at the Sainsbury Laboratory (SLCU), Cambridge University, to study the cytoskeleton and transcriptome of the shoot meristems and developing flowers of Arabidopsis thaliana by optical microscopy, and to develop as the highest priority methods of tissue expansion for increased resolution of cellular structures.
Research Assistant/Associate - Bartlett Group x 2 (Fixed Term), Cambridge
For these positions, the successful candidates will investigate the evolution of developmental gene regulation in the grasses, especially as it relates to the evolution of development. The successful candidates will ideally have expertise in reverse and forward genetics in the grasses, especially in the model systems Zea mays (maize) or Brachypodium distachyon. We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in grass transformation and/or spatial transcriptomics in grasses. Expertise in molecular biology, genetics and plant developmental biology are required.
Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term), Cambridge
The Department of Plant Sciences is seeking to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate to investigate how DNA features contribute to gene expression and how these can be used for the predictable design of synthetic constructs for engineering plants. The successful candidate will join the Patron Lab and will work in collaboration with researchers in the Queitsch lab (University of Washington, USA) and the Jores lab (University of Dusseldorf, Germany). Together, we will investigate regulatory sequences and engineer programmable and tuneable gene expression in plants.
Research Fellow in Mountain River Ecology, Leeds
Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in river ecology, glacier-fed river ecosystem studies and water quality dynamics? Are you interested to explore the impacts of climate change on mountain river ecosystems, working with researchers and end-users in Nepal to create a standardised biomonitoring approach for high-elevation Himalayan rivers? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKās leading research-intensive universities?
PhD. EpiPlasticity: exploring the ecological and evolutionary significance of epigenetic defence plasticity, Sheffield
Have you ever wondered how plants without a brain or cellular immune system cope with simultaneous and recurrent environmental stress? This PhD provides the opportunity to address this fundamental question in a multidisciplinary PhD project between the University of Sheffield (UoS) and Western Sydney University (WSU) Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE).
Research Assistant, Oxford
The Department of Biology is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Mosher Laboratory. This is a full-time position, starting 1 September 2025 with an initial fixed term of 1 year. We work with a variety of plant systems and use genetic, molecular, and computational approaches. Our goal is to understand how small RNAs are produced, how they induce epigenetic modification of DNA, and the biological consequences of that action.
Research Associate: Ecosystem Change in Savannas, Edinburgh
We are seeking a highly talented, independent and motivated candidate for a 22-month fixed term position. You will work as part of a team to collect, clean and analyse data on savanna vegetation change across Africa. You will work at research sites that are part of the SEOSAW network, collecting data to continue long term observations of vegetation change, and in some cases, establishing new plots to compare restored and unrestored savannas. Your work will focus on the vegetation and soils data and you will work alongside a post doctoral researcher who will lead on bird diversity data.
Researcher in climate modelling and statistical analysis for the study of vegetation tipping points in Africa and northern Europe over the last 6,000 years. (M/F), St Aubin
As part of the LSCE MERMAID team, which is involved in the development and application of the IPSL model for aspects of ocean-atmosphere coupling and between climate and biogeochemical cycles, the successful candidate will be in charge of analyses of vegetation tipping points related to the meridional circulation of the North Atlantic Ocean or to vegetation dynamics. The aim of this work is to develop early warning indicators for the occurrence of tipping points and to gain a better understanding of the interactions between climate-related and vegetation-related tipping points in terms of vegetation cover.
PhD position in plant-pathogen interactions (M/F), Strasbourg
This project offers essential knowledge and experience in plant-pathogen interactions, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and biophysics. The candidate will learn advanced techniques, including DNA cloning, biochemical characterization of protein-RNA complexes and their analysis by mass spectroscopy, in vivo fluorescence imaging and microscopy, Arabidopsis genetics, and plant virology. The candidate will also achieve training in writing and communication skills, and how to present results to different audiences.
Group Lead Plant Genome Editing Trait Discovery (all gender), Einbeck
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Plant Trait Discovery Group Lead (all gender) to join our Research & Development department. This full-time position is located at the KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA headquarter in Einbeck, Germany. The successful candidate will lead a team focused on identifying and characterizing genes for genome editing that contribute to key trait product launches in KWS crops.
Postdoctoral researcher - In silico prediction of plant developmental transitions, Wageningen
We are looking for an experienced bioinformatics postdoc, who is both enthusiastic to develop models based on transcriptomic and genetic data, and able to guide the bioinformatics support at the Plant Physiology department.
Research Fellow in Plant Evolutionary Ecology (postdoc), Tartu
We are looking for a 2-year postdoctoral research fellow within the European Research Council project PlantSoilAdapt - āEco-evolutionary dynamics in plant-soil interactions during land use transition: consequences for soil functioning and resilience to droughtā, led by Prof. Marina Semchenko.
Postdoc on Integrating Flux Data and Remote Sensing to Quantify Environmental Footprints of Agroecosystems, Zurich
The Grassland Sciences group at ETH Zurich is a vibrant and international working group at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Together with the team Earth Observation of Agroecosystems at Agroscope, we are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated postdoc with a passion for science to join our team. Our research focuses on process- and system-understanding of agroecosystems (grasslands and croplands), in particular on their response to management and climate.
Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor in Genomics, Melbourne
You may be a great fit if you are a passionate researcher and educator with a PhD in genetics, synthetic biology, or a related field, possessing a strong publication record, teaching experience, and a collaborative approach to scientific inquiry.
PhD, The Importance of Nutrients in Controlling How Much Ecosystems Can Slow the Rate of Rising COā, Sydney
Recent advances at the University of Western Sydney and the University of Sheffield show that competition between plants and soil microbes for P likely plays a significant role in ecosystem responses to elevated COā (eCOā). This PhD will develop this understanding of the plant-microbe interactions and soil biophysical conditions that drive P nutrient availability to control ecosystem responses to eCOā.