š» The Week in Botany May 8, 2023
As predicted the various usual aids for reading Twitter failed this week. I can say the links in this weekās newsletter were shared on Twitter, but I canāt be sure they were the most popular links shared by people following @botanyone. Iām hoping theyāre not too far off though.
There will be another newsletter of links at the same next week. Until then, take care,
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
Harnessing Natureās Arsenal to Combat Invasive Gutenbergia cordifolia
Researchers have found a more eco-friendly way to tackle a plant thatās replacing forage for the wildlife of Tanzania.
Arabidopsis thaliana ā the botanistās lab rat
What is Arabidopsis thaliana and why do botanists like it so much?
New Research Warns of Increased Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Alpine Meadows Due to Climate Warming and Land Reclamation
Warming temperatures and land reclamation are causing a significant increase in harmful greenhouse gas emissions from alpine meadows, intensifying the effects of climate change.
Hybrid Douglas-Fir Trees Hold the Key to Climate Change Adaptation
Hybrid Douglas-fir trees, with mixed ancestry from coastal and interior varieties, may offer greater resilience to climate change due to their higher water use efficiency and heat tolerance, making them a better choice for reforestation efforts.
Plants under pressure: activation of stress hormones
An introduction to the concept of plant stress and a class of phytohormones ā called Jasmonates ā that mediate plant response to damages caused by herbivore insects, necrotrophic fungi, and mechanical wounding.
Annals of Botany wants your papers on Macroalgae and Plant Reproduction
Deadlines are approaching for two forthcoming special issues of Annals of Botany.
Scientists are unlocking the secrets of water efficient faba beans
A new study provides insight into the physiological and genetic control of transpiration in faba bean and opportunities for marker-assisted selection to improve its performance in water-limited environments.
News & Views
To save chestnut trees, we may have to āplay Godā
Four billion American chestnut trees were killed by a deadly fungus. In the quest for its revival, can scientists learn to build a better tree?
āSeeds ensure our survivalā: the women of Guinea-Bissau who keep vital plants and culture alive
The āseed keepersā of the Unesco-designated Urok Islands pass creole seeds from generation to generation, protecting their traditions and climate-resistant varieties from extinction.
Assembling the dream team: Host selection drives the composition of mycorrhizal fungi in plant roots
The symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and plants is not only very old (>450 million years old) but also widespread in ecosystems around the world. These fungi can enhance plant nutrient uptake, in particular phosphorus, but can also affect plant defences to pests and diseases.
A Critical New Drug Is ComingāUnless Agriculture Gets There First
Two long-awaited fungus killers are about to roll out. But if one is widely deployed first, it might breed resistance and make the other useless.
Bloom or bust
Historic rains are fueling another California super bloom ā but itās under threat.
The most mysterious forests on Earth are underwater
Kelp forests are majestic, life-sustaining ecosystems. Climate change imperils them.
This Might Be the Worldās Oldest Tree. And It Could Die of Thirst
LaƱilawal, a Patagonian cypress that may be one of the oldest trees on Earth, needs greater protection if scientists are to understand its secrets of survival, an environmental scientist says.
First slavery garden features prickly plants to reflect William Gladstoneās āuncomfortableā past
A black British artist has been hired by a London council to create a public artwork in Gladstone Park.
Do Plants Have Feelings? A Science Explainer
Turns out they do. Now the question is, how complex?
The Trees That Survived Hiroshima
My grandmother doesnāt talk about the bomb. Whenever I ask, she claims she doesnāt know what happened to her family, though I suspect she simply doesnāt want to think about it.
Scientific Papers
Tree diversity increases decadal forest soil carbon and nitrogen accrual
Chen et al. analyse Canadaās National Forest Inventory (NFI) database with the help of structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore the relationship between tree diversity and soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation in natural forests. We find that greater tree diversity is associated with higher soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation, validating inferences from biodiversity-manipulation experiments.
Pooled effector library screening in protoplasts rapidly identifies novel Avr genes
While progress in resistance (R) gene cloning and stacking has accelerated in recent years, the identification of corresponding avirulence (Avr) genes in many pathogens is hampered by the lack of high-throughput screening options. To address this technology gap, we developed a platform for pooled library screening in plant protoplasts for rapid identification of interacting R/Avr pairs.
Proteomics for abiotic stresses in legumes: present status and future directions
Jan et al. discuss the role of different proteomic approaches (2-DE, 2āD-DIGE, ICAT, iTRAQ, etc.) in the identification of various stress-responsive proteins in important leguminous crops, including soybean, chickpea, cowpea, pigeon pea, groundnut, and common bean under variable abiotic stresses including heat, drought, salinity, waterlogging, frost, chilling and metal toxicity.
Long Non-Coding RNAs of Plants in Response to Abiotic Stresses and Their Regulating Roles in Promoting Environmental Adaption
Yang et al. discuss the recent progress of plant lncRNAs, outlining their features, evolution, and functions of plant lncRNAs in response to drought, low or high temperature, salt, and heavy metal stress. The approaches to characterize the function of lncRNAs and the mechanisms of how they regulate plant responses to abiotic stresses were further reviewed.
COLD REGULATED GENE 27 and 28 antagonize the transcriptional activity of the RVE8/LNK1/LNK2 circadian complex
The circadian MYB-like transcription factor REVEILLE 8 (RVE8) interacts with its transcriptional coactivators NIGHT LIGHT-INDUCIBLE AND CLOCK-REGULATED 1 (LNK1) and LNK2 to promote the expression of evening-phased clock genes and cold tolerance factors. While genetic approaches have commonly been used to discover connections within the clock and between clock elements and other pathways, Sorkin et al. used affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (APMS) to identify time-of-dayāspecific protein interactors of the RVE8-LNK1/LNK2 complex in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Among the interactors of RVE8/LNK1/LNK2 were COLD-REGULATED GENE 27 (COR27) and COR28, which coprecipitated in an evening-specific manner.
Hypotheses in urban ecology: building a common knowledge base
Urban ecology is a rapidly growing research field that has to keep pace with the pressing need to tackle the sustainability crisis. As an inherently multi-disciplinary field with close ties to practitioners and administrators, research synthesis and knowledge transfer between those different stakeholders is crucial. Knowledge maps can enhance knowledge transfer and provide orientation to researchers as well as practitioners. A promising option for developing such knowledge maps is to create hypothesis networks, which structure existing hypotheses and aggregate them according to topics and research aims. Combining expert knowledge with information from the literature, we here identify 62 research hypotheses used in urban ecology and link them in such a network.
A cytosolic bifunctional geranyl/farnesyl diphosphate synthase provides MVA-derived GPP for geraniol biosynthesis in rose flowers
Geraniol, a volatile compound contributing to the unique smell of rose flowers, is synthesized through a noncanonical NUDX1-dependent pathway from cytosolic geranyl diphosphate (GPP), the origin of which remained unknown. Conart et al. demonstrate that in contrast to the heterodimeric GPP synthase providing plastidic GPP in most plants, a cytosolic and bifunctional FPP synthase enzyme produces both GPP and farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) via the mevalonate pathway in rose flowers.
Parallel evolution of cannabinoid biosynthesis
Berman et al. explored Helichrysum umbraculigerum, an Asteraceae species unrelated to Cannabis sativa that produces Cannabis-type cannabinoids (for example, 4.3% cannabigerolic acid). In contrast to Cannabis, cannabinoids in H. umbraculigerum accumulate in leavesā glandular trichomes rather than in flowers. The integration of de novo whole-genome sequencing data with unambiguous chemical structure annotation, enzymatic assays and pathway reconstitution in Nicotiana benthamiana and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has uncovered the molecular and chemical features of this plant.
Resurrection of plant disease resistance proteins via helper NLR bioengineering
Parasites counteract host immunity by suppressing helper nucleotide binding and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins that function as central nodes in immune receptor networks. Understanding the mechanisms of immunosuppression can lead to strategies for bioengineering disease resistance. Contreras et al. show that a cyst nematode virulence effector binds and inhibits oligomerization of the helper NLR protein NRC2 by physically preventing intramolecular rearrangements required for activation.
Gibberellin and abscisic acid transporters facilitate endodermal suberin formation in Arabidopsis
Binenbaum et al. identify three NITRATE TRANSPORTER1/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER (NPF) transporters required for GA and abscisic acid (ABA) translocation. They demonstrate that NPF2.14 is a subcellular GA/ABA transporter, presumably the first to be identified in plants, facilitating GA and ABA accumulation in the root endodermis to regulate suberization.
ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/dbw0g
Uncovering the transcriptional regulatory network involved in boosting wheat regeneration and transformation
Liu et al. employed a multi-omic analysis strategy to uncover the transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) responsible for wheat regeneration. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag techniques were utilized to profile the transcriptional and chromatin dynamics during early regeneration from the scutellum of immature embryos in the wheat variety Fielder. Our results demonstrate that the sequential expression of genes mediating cell fate transition during regeneration is induced by auxin, in coordination with changes in chromatin accessibility, H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 status.
ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/dbw02
A critical analysis of plant science literature reveals ongoing inequities
Marks et al. analyzed ~300,000 papers published over the past two decades to quantify global, gender, and taxonomic disparities in plant science. Our analyses reveal striking geographical biases that are correlated with national affluence.
An elastic proteinaceous envelope encapsulates the early Arabidopsis embryo
Plant external surfaces are often covered by barriers that control the exchange of molecules, protect from pathogens, and offer mechanical integrity. A key question is when and how such surface barriers are generated. Post-embryonic surfaces have well-studied barriers, including the cuticle, and late Arabidopsis embryo was shown to be protected by an endosperm-derived sheath deposited onto a primordial cuticle. Harnvanichvech et al. show that both cuticle and sheath are preceded by another structure during the earliest stages of embryogenesis.
Effector protein structures: a tale of evolutionary relationship
Effector proteins are highly diverse, often lacking similarity in their protein sequences, making it challenging to determine their biological function. Using AlphaFold2 (AF2), Seong and Krasileva recently found that effector structures, but not sequences, share commonality. This helps further understanding of effector evolution across fungal species and reveals unique sequence-unrelated, structurally similar, effector families.
Nematodes as suppressors and facilitators of plant performance
TopaloviÄ & Geisen provide a comprehensive overview and most recent insights into soil nematodes by showing direct and indirect links of both PPNs and FLNs with plant performance. They especially emphasize the knowledge gaps and potential of FLNs as important indirect players in driving plant performance such as stimulating the resistance to pests via improving the disease suppressive activity of the rhizobiome.
Careers
MSc by Research in Grassland Plant Ecology, Cork
The MSc research as part of the StableGrass project will focus on determining functional traits and functional strategies of grassland plant species and relating these strategies to soil carbon storage. It involves (i) analysis of trait data from databases for plant species that were previously identified at the grassland sites, (ii) field work to determine functional leaf and root traits of grassland species, and (iii) soil sampling for the analysis of soil carbon and nitrogen stocks. This work will complement botanical surveys and monitoring of yield stability through remote sensing as part of the wider StableGrass project. The student will also work with other members of the team on science communication and outreach activities.
Research Associate (African TIPAs and Bioresources), Kew
This role will support research in the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC), as part of the project: āRealising the potential of plant bioresources as nature-based solutions in African biodiversity hotspotsā. The role will develop new biodiversity metrics by integrating multiple biodiversity datasets and habitat maps together with remote sensing data to allow tracking conservation effectiveness of both wild biodiversity and natural capital in Guinea and Ethiopia.
Research Assistant (African TIPAs and Bioresources), Kew
We are seeking a Research Assistant with a background in biodiversity, conservation, sustainable development or a related field. This role will support research in the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC), as part of the project: āRealising the potential of plant bioresources as nature-based solutions in African biodiversity hotspotsā. The role will collect and combine data from plants red listing, other spatial and biodiversity datasets and remote sensing- data for use in the identification and mapping of important areas for plant and agrobiodiversity conservation in Ethiopia and Guinea. The role also involves preparing project outputs to support policy engagement in Ethiopia and Guinea and coordinating with host country policy-makers.
Director of Conservation, North Carolina
The Director of Conservation manages all aspects of the North Carolina Botanical Gardenās 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.
Research Assistant, Kent, UK
As a Research Assistant, your key duties include: Field work, such as preparing trial materials and marking out trials; applying treatments (spraying); monitoring crop husbandry; collating experimental data (plant, disease, pests); accurate record keeping; biocontrol, pollinator and wildflower identification. Laboratory work, such as laboratory maintenance; molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR); microscopy; and culturing microbial strains in vitro. Data entry, quality checks and administration such as ordering consumables.
PhD in the Development and Application of Photonics Sensors to Support Marine Restoration and Research, Aarhus
The successful candidate will work with the development, testing and validation of the instrumentations with the current methods employed in environmental monitoring and research to ground-truth the instruments. The work will contribute to other ongoing projects on marine restoration and the application of novel marine monitoring techniques.
Data Support Officer, Remote Working, UK
The post holder will support the Database Manager in all aspects of data management; mainly you will help improve the ways in which botanical records are collated, verified, stored and disseminated. The role will also involve routine data management, including data loading and verification, as well as building capacity amongst data providers and users to submit, manage and utilise BSBI data using online systems. This includes supporting/training both internal and external data providers/users, promoting BSBIās data management practices and online systems and helping to develop outputs from our data that support conservation and land management.
Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Greenwich
An experienced plant biology researcher is required to extend our recent Innovate-funded feasibility study of agrivoltaics, which combined crop and photovoltaic (PV) energy production, in a new 2-year project. This work aims to reduce farm carbon use, alleviate competition for space between renewable energy installations and agriculture, and test novel PV materials with a range of crops. There will be applied and basic biology aspects to the research, with analysis of plant physiology, biochemistry, photosynthesis and genetic regulation, as part of a collaboration between a PV developer, soft fruit farm and two universities.
PÅ«kenga (Lecturer) in Botany, Dunedin
Applications are invited for the position of Lecturer in Botany. We are seeking to appoint a teacher and researcher with vision to pursue and engage in new opportunities that contribute to teaching and research in the Department of Botany. The position affords the opportunity for interested scholars to teach and conduct research in a manner that is transformative and beneficial to MÄori or Pacifica.
Postdoctoral Fellow in Natural History and Machine Learning, Trondheim
The postdoctoral fellowship position is a temporary position where the main goal is to qualify for work in senior academic positions. The position will apply machine learning approaches to extract data from natural history specimens and apply these to address ecological and taxonomic questions.
Research Fellow (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. The project will also focus on preserving the nutritive quality of fresh produce during storage.
Environmental Horticulturist, Moscow, Idaho
Biodiversity and landscape management are critical pieces of a comprehensive sustainability plan for the University of Idaho. Some endorsed goals involving our campus landscape include becoming both a certified Bee Campus and achieving Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf (ACSP) certification for our golf course. In coordination with golf course management, this position will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining Audubon certification. In coordination with facilities, this position will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining Bee Campus certification.
Assistant Professor Modelling plant organ growth in controlled environment agriculture (Tenure Track), Wageningen
Your work will focus on developing novel simulation models and improving our understanding of physiological processes that determine growth and development of plant organs in relation to the abiotic environment. You are exited about whole plant physiology, including, but not limited to, topics such as sink strength of organs, plant-water relations, or morphogenesis. These models for plant organs are integrated into whole-plant models that can be used for optimizing sustainable crop production. You will also conduct experiments using high-tech instruments for model development, calibration and validation.
Postdoctoral fellowship stipend on quantifying forest albedo in a managed and natural forest chronosequence study system, UmeƄ
Society is actively debating the role of forests and forestry as strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Most of this discussion is focused on the role of forests in the global carbon cycle, whereas it is well known that boreal forest have a warming effect on the global climate via their low albedo. Despite this, very little research to date has evaluated how albedo varies as stands develop, and how this differs between managed and natural stands that are subjected to wildfire disturbance. We seek a post doc to investigate these questions. The Post doc will begin as a stipend for two years, after these two years the successful candidate can apply for the two year position that we plan to advertise for.