🌻 The Week in Botany May 15, 2023
No Mow May is well underway, though the sound that’s coming through window as I type tells me many of my neighbours disagree. The front lawn is a mix of patches where Yellow Rattle is keeping the grass down, and patches where it isn’t. I’ve not seen many invertebrates in the lawn at the moment, and judging from the way the hedgehogs are hitting their feeding stations, they’re not seeing a lot either. I’m hoping that there’ll be more visible in the lawn than Yellow Rattle in a few weeks.
This Friday, if you’re in the United States, it’s National Endangered Species Day. I’m seeing a lot of events, but nothing geared towards plants. If anything changes, then I’ll try to include it in the newsletter that should be with you at the same time next week. Until then, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
Big Brother keeps its eye on leaves to measure the health of ecosystems
Phenocams, cameras that monitor leaf function, offer a promising new method to track and detect the impact of climate change on ecosystems, helping conservation efforts and ensuring long-term resilience.
What’s the smallest payment you can give to a courier who carries your pollen?
Researchers reveal the delicate balance plants must maintain to maximize their pollen donation to pollinators.
Big European Funding to Boost Research on the Plant Stress Hormone Jasmonate
The European Research Council awarded a consolidator grant to the plant biologist Debora Gasperini, which investigation strives to solve some mysteries of stress response to pathogen attacks and wounding mediated by the phytohormone Jasmonate.
Rewilding the Argentine Puna is a Mixed Result for Biodiversity
Replacing exotic animals for natives isn’t a magic fix for rewilding habitats.
Rising from the ashes: The “Phoenix plants” that flower the next day after burning
Some Brazilian Cyperaceae are the fastest post-fire bloomers in the world!
News & Views
No Mow May: What to know about the campaign to help your garden become a pollinators’ paradise
From Dry January to No Shave November, month-long challenges with catchy names can offer a chance for those looking to improve their physical health, mental health, or raise awareness for an issue they care about.
Urban oasis: What an award-winning landscape designer plants in his own garden
Urban designer Bayley LuuTomes speaks more than one language, but his first language is nature.
Let the Post-Pandemic City Grow Wild
If only all cities had forests like the one that slashes through Dallas. At 6,000 acres, the Great Trinity Forest is one of the largest urban woodlands in the United States, an expanse of hardwood trees, ponds, swamps and meandering creeks.
Can a city store as much carbon as a forest?
A team of researchers at Aalto University has developed a new tool to help urban planners keep urban developments in line with climate goals. The tool provides a metric that planners can use to improve carbon-neutral planning of urban growth, which is essential for meeting carbon emission targets.
In Southern California, everything is blooming everywhere all at once
There is always something growing inside the gated courtyard of the L.A. Catholic Worker Hospitality Kitchen, the Skid Row food distribution center better known as the “Hippie Kitchen.” But this spring has super-charged the courtyard’s trees and lush greenery, which offer shade and sanctuary to the hundreds of neighborhood residents who come for the kitchen’s thrice-weekly meals.
What’s Happening to the Trees in New Orleans?
The Louisiana city has struggled to rebuild its tree canopy, devastated by storms and neglect. But an influx of federal aid and a new reforestation plan could offer hope.
Congresswoman wants marijuana plants displayed at US Botanic Garden
“As this country moves towards legalizing cannabis, I asked the Botanic Garden to display marijuana plants for the first time, esp[ecially] given its impact on the economy,” Norton said in a tweet. She added that this ask follows an earlier request for the garden to display hemp, which she’s “pleased it now does.”
Seeds of Hope for a Plant in Peril
Curiously beautiful and highly elusive, parasitic plants are some of the plant kingdom’s greatest enigmas. These plants have often been neglected from conservation strategies worldwide because they’re perceived to be difficult or even impossible to cultivate.
The climate gains of urban trees
From stormwater runoff prevention to reducing the impacts of extreme heat, tree canopies provide a host of health and climate resiliency benefits for those in urban landscapes.
Hands in the dirt: Meet some of NYC's community gardeners
Community gardens are oases from the hustle and bustle of New York City, but their histories are rooted in the city’s darker past. Many gardens grew out of urban decay due to the hard work of volunteers, who reclaimed abandoned trash-strewn lots in their neighborhoods over the years.
Scientific Papers
Re-examining the evidence for the mother tree hypothesis – resource sharing among trees via ectomycorrhizal networks
Henriksson et al. review the current understanding of ectomycorrhizal C metabolism and observations on forest regeneration that make the mother tree narrative debatable. They then re-examine data and conclusions from publications that underlie the mother tree hypothesis.
Reproducibility in ecology and evolution: Minimum standards for data and code
Jenkins et al. call for journals to commit to requiring open data be archived in a format that will be simple and clear for readers to understand and use. If applied consistently, these requirements will allow contributors to be acknowledged for their work through citation of open data, and facilitate scientific progress.
A pan-grass transcriptome reveals patterns of cellular divergence in crops
Guillotin et al. compare the transcriptomes of root cells in three grass species—Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor and Setaria viridis. They show that single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing provide complementary readouts of cell identity in dicots and monocots, warranting a combined analysis.
♻️ Developing climate-resilient crops: improving plant tolerance to stress combination
Rivero et al. review recent studies of stress combinations in different plants and propose new approaches and avenues for the development of stress combination- and climate change-resilient crops.
The evolution of extant South American tropical biomes
This review explores the evolution of extant South American tropical biomes, focusing on when and why they developed.
Demystifying global climate models for use in the life sciences
Schowman et al. provide an accessible introduction to climate model outputs that is intended to empower the life science community to robustly address questions about human and natural systems in a changing world.
A morphological analysis of Syzygium, with a focus on fibre bundles and description of a new subgenus
Syzygium is a large genus (1200–1500 species) of Old World tropical trees, currently divided into five subgenera containing widely different numbers of species. Syzygium subgenus Perikion was defined by the presence of fibre bundles in the hypanthium wall, although until now this feature has not been investigated or images published.
Phyllosphere microbiome induces host metabolic defence against rice false-smut disease
Liu et al. identify a metabolic defence underlying the mutualistic interaction between the panicle and the resident microbiota in rice to defend against a globally prevalent phytopathogen, Ustilaginoidea virens, which causes false-smut disease. Analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and internal transcribed spacer sequencing data identified keystone microbial taxa enriched in the disease-suppressive panicle, in particular Lactobacillus spp. and Aspergillus spp.
A non-canonical role of ATG8 in Golgi recovery from heat stress in plants
report a non-canonical function of ATG8 in regulating the restoration of plant Golgi damaged by HS. Short-term acute HS causes vacuolation of the Golgi apparatus and translocation of ATG8 to the dilated Golgi membrane. The inactivation of the ATG conjugation system, but not of the upstream autophagic initiators, abolishes the targeting of ATG8 to the swollen Golgi, causing a delay in Golgi recovery after HS.
ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/db6mk.
The integration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium signalling in abiotic stress responses
This review discusses the proteins that may serve as nodes or connecting bridges between the different pathways during abiotic stress responses, highlighting the crosstalk between ROS and Ca2+ pathways in cell signalling. Ravi et al. consider putative molecular switches that connect these signalling pathways and the molecular machinery that achieves the synergistic operation of ROS and Ca2+ signals.
Contrasting ecosystem vegetation response in global drylands under drying and wetting conditions
Abel et al. examined recent trends in aridity over the past two decades within global drylands as a basis for exploring the response of ecosystem state variables associated with land and atmosphere processes (e.g., vegetation cover, vegetation functioning, soil water availability, land cover, burned area, and vapor-pressure deficit) to these trends. They identified five clusters, characterizing spatiotemporal patterns in aridity between 2000 and 2020. Overall, they observe that 44.5% of all areas are getting dryer, 31.6% getting wetter, and 23.8% have no trends in aridity.
Careers
PhD Positions - Quantitative Plant Sciences - JĂĽlich
Doctoral theses are offered in the following subject areas:
Topic 1: ROOTED: Root plasticity responses to low P as modulated by N availability
Topic 2: Root2Resilience: Simulation of root system architecture for the discovery of traits covering resilience to Climate Change.
Professor or Associate Professor, Lectureship or Senior Lectureship in Ecology or Conservation Science, Exeter
We are looking for an innovative researcher and educator, to join our department. We welcome applicants in the broad field of Ecology and Conservation to pursue research that aligns with our strengths as well as contributing to our undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes. As a key senior member of the department, you will be required to provide academic leadership and mentoring.
Research Technician in Plant Biology, Sheffield
We are seeking to appoint a skilled and motivated Research Technician to work in the laboratory of Dr. Luke Dunning, at the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology cluster in the School of Biosciences. You will join a research group of plant evolutionary biologists who combine cutting-edge genomic techniques, comparative analyses and experimental approaches to understand how organisms adapt to their environment.
Tenure Track Faculty - Biology, Chicago
Malcolm X College is currently seeking a Full-Time Faculty member to teach General Biology / Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology. If you have 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 students’ diverse needs and engage the student in critical thinking and problem-solving. 
Research Assistant, 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.
Research Fellow, Forest Ecology (Biological Sciences), Singapore
The Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions at the National University of Singapore (NUS) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Forest Ecology. The position will focus on tropical forest carbon stock assessments. Prior experience on tropical forest dynamics plots, particularly in Southeast Asia, is an advantage. The position is expected to begin in March 2023 or soon thereafter. The appointment is for an initial period of one year with possibility of renewal.
Assistant / Associate / Full Professor in Plant Science, Thuwal
We seek ambitious and outstanding scientists in different areas of Plant Science, which include but are not restricted to Photosynthesis, Biophysics, Plant Nutrition, Stress Physiology, Ecology, Plant-Microbe Interaction, Plant Pathology, Optogenetics, Quantitative genetics, Macro-Algal Biotechnology, Metabolism and Green Synthetic Biology. Successful candidates are expected to develop world-class research programs, teach postgraduate courses, and establish inter- and multidisciplinary collaborations within the Plant Science Program and the BESE Division and across Divisions, Research Centers and Initiatives at KAUST.
Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, School of Biology / Environmental Science / Earth Institute, Dublin
The project aims to develop biological solutions for agriculture and horticulture, based on the expertise of E-Seed, LAN Teo, SeqBiome and Origin Enterprises, which are existing consortia and enterprises revolving around the same key principles for the development of long term sustainable agricultural practices. 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 different crops and soil conditions especially in relation to plant health and also microbial isolates.
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.
Director of Conservation, North Carolina
The Director of Conservation manages all aspects of the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s Conservation programs including but not limited to planning and implementation of the rare plant gene bank storage facility, reintroduction and associated research projects; management of the Mason Farm Biological Reserve and the five Nature Preserves of the Botanical Garden Foundation, and miscellaneous other conservation lands; and participation in local, state, and regional conservation organizations. The Director for Conservation also teaches undergraduates, mentors graduate students, and writes funding proposals for a wide range of conservation activities.
PDRA Bioinformatician (Fixed Term), Cambridge
We invite applications for a post-doctoral research associate in bioinformatics to join the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences. The successful applicant will work in the brand new and vibrant Crop Science Centre: a flagship initiative designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture. Funding is available for three years initially, with a flexible start date within the next 6 months. The appointee will join a proudly international, diverse, and welcoming collection of researchers.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (A) (with PhD) - School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Adelaide
The successful applicant will maintain and further enhance a plant breeding and research program specifically in the area of faba bean quality. Outputs from this investment will lead to new research discoveries related to quality improvement and the commercial release of new faba bean varieties that are, in the first instance, targeted to end-user needs (e.g. high/alternative protein). They will liaise closely with research and industry experts co-located on campus and beyond. This appointment will also work closely with the existing faba bean breeder at the University of Adelaide, and the national faba bean breeding program that is led by the University of Adelaide and primarily invested through the GRDC.
PhD position, The role of soil priming on plant nutrient availability, UmeĂĄ
This PhD project will focus on the fine-scale carbon-nitrogen interactions in the soil environment around fine roots (the rhizosphere) and how these interactions are crucial for the large-scale sequestration of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. The project will simulate different scenarios of root exudation and monitor effects on nitrogen availability with methods such as microdialysis LC-MS analysis, metagenomics and modelling. The project will strive to simulate, model and predict future plant nitrogen availability.
Assistant/Associate Professor in Agronomy, Nottingham
The post will be based within the Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (AES). The successful candidate will be expected to develop externally funded research leading to high quality peer reviewed outputs, and deliver modular teaching, in particular in non-cereal field crops and related areas.
Postdoctoral scholarship, 2 years, in Plant Developmental Biology, UmeaĚŠ
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for the project “How does the ERF115 gene control the cytokinin machinery to repress adventitious root formation in Arabidopsis?” in Professor Catherine Bellini's research group. The scholarship refers to full-time studies for two years with a starting date of 1st September 2023 or according to agreement.
Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) to investigate the role of the circadian clock in plant - especially tree - growth and adaptation under abiotic stress, UmeĂĄ
We are offering a postdoctoral scholarship in Dr. Maria E. Eriksson’s research group. We are looking for a motivated candidate who has interest in the research areas light reception, circadian regulation and abscisic acid (ABA) regulated stress responses. The scholarship refers to full-time studies for two years with starting date 1 September 2023 or according to agreement.
PhD, How is a grass leaf patterned from its base to its tip?, Edinburgh
We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join The Plant Shape Lab, as part of the recently funded DynaLines Project. The student’s project will span multiple areas of the DyanLines Project, aiming to discover key genes that control specification of the different domains in the maize leaf, and test their evolutionary conservation. In particular the student will use next generation sequencing to map a maize mutant that has defects in leaf domain specification, and use a range of microscopy and molecular biology approaches to characterise how the causal mutation affects gene function. They will then compare function across plant species to assess evolutionary conservation.
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Forest Biodiversity and Resilient Landscapes, Wageningen
Are you a dedicated researcher and teacher in the field of forest ecology, management, and conservation? Do you want to work in a multi-disciplinary team focusing on the conservation of multifunctional, biodiverse, and resilient landscapes? If you answer these questions affirmatively, we invite you to apply for this position.