đ» The Week in Botany October 21, 2024
I said there would be a slow start to the week. It turned out to be glacial. Fortunately Iâm ending the week feeling much better than how I started it. Itâs a reminder to myself that I donât travel well.
If you do travel well, then itâs handy to know that the 2025 ROOT & SHOOT Travel Awards are open for applications. This is for a mentor and student to attend a plant science conference with a grant of up to $3000 per pair. They ask that at least one member of the pair is a member of either SACNAS, MANRRS, or AISES.
Thank you to everyone who sent in items to help out this week. It helped as my automatic scanners are breaking down as Twitter breaks down. Thereâs also be a glitch with the systems monitoring Bluesky, but that might be due to the latest wave of people leaving Twitter for Bluesky and increasing congestion on site. Regardless of that, thereâll be another collection of the stories and papers youâre sharing on Twitter, Mastodon, Bluesky and Threads, at the same time next week. Until then, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
On Botany One
Small Islands Pack a Big Biodiversity Punch
New research shows that islands make an outsize contribution to the diversity of plants.
News & Views
How Do Plants Communicate With Each Other?
Theyâre pretty chatty Cathys as it turns out.
Plants and Forests Absorbed Almost No Carbon Last Year, Shocking Climate Scientists
"We are lulled into a comfort zone â we cannot really see the crisis."
How a Kenyan schoolgirl fell in love with trees
A 14-year-old girl from Kenya has achieved global fame for her efforts to save the planet, meeting the likes of King Charles and teaming up with Grammy award-winner Meji Alabi and ex-football star David Beckham in the campaign against climate change.
This Park Recreates Vincent van Goghâs âThe Starry Nightâ With a Dazzling Display of Plants, Trees and Winding Pathways
At a new park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, two dozen gardeners have spent years replicating the Dutch artistâs masterpiece using the land as their canvas.
The Art of Turning a Tree Into a Dog
For a recent contest, topiaristsâgardeners who clip plants into elaborate sculpturesâdisplayed their creations to the world.
Want a tree for the garden? Ask yourself these questions first
Planting a tree is a timestamp and a responsibility â itâs going to be there for a long time. Hereâs what to think about before you pick and plant one.
A Southern California school plants a 'Moon Tree' grown with seeds flown in space
A California school has planted a tree thatâs out of this world.
âAlarmingâ decline of seed-dispersing animals threatens Europeâs plants
First broad look at conservation status of animals that transport seeds raises alarms
Whatâs in a name? The case of Barnesâ stolon
When is stolon a rhizome, and does it matter if theyâre different?
Scientific Papers
Four cell wall-degrading enzymes of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris determine bacterial escape from hydathodes to the leaf vasculature (OA)
Paauw et al show that the Xps-T2SS allows Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) to breach the tissue barrier between hydathodesâ the initial bacterial entry point â and xylem thereby gaining access to the leaf vasculature.
Climate feedback from plant physiological responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 in Earth system models (OA)
Plant physiological responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration (iCO2), including enhanced photosynthesis and reduced stomatal conductance, impact regional and global climate. Li describes recent advances in understanding these effects through Earth system models (ESMs).
Modulation of fungal phosphate homeostasis by the plant hormone strigolactone ($)
Bradley et al develop an approach using the model fungus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to elucidate mechanisms of fungal response to plant hormones.
Novel crosstalk between DNA methylation and H3K27me3 revealed at Arabidopsis transposable elements (OA)
Hure et al uncover a novel crosstalk between DNA methylation and Polycomb at TEs and reveal that these two pathways, thought to be specialized and antagonistic, can be interdependent and cooperate more than anticipated to maintain genome and epigenome integrity in eukaryotes.
Unexpected westward range shifts in European forest plants link to nitrogen deposition ($)
Sanczuk et al. used data from nearly 3000 resampled European temperate forest vegetation plots to determine how understory plant species have shifted their ranges over multiple decades of environmental change.
Intensive leaf cooling promotes tree survival during a record heatwave (OA)
Posch et al show that the riparian tree Populus fremontii is highly efficient at leaf cooling via transpiration, even when air temperature exceeds 48 °C.
Current challenges for plant biology research in the Global South (OA)
Auge et al highlight the main obstacles plant biology communities in the Global South face in terms of knowledge production, as measured by the unequal production and citation of publications, investigating and advancing local plant genomics and biodiversity, combating disparities in gender and diversity, and current initiatives to break isolation of scientists.
The peri-germ cell membrane: poorly characterized but key interface for plant reproduction ($)
A unique membrane surrounds the male germ cells (the generative cell and subsequently the two sperm cells). Sugi et al propose to standardize and unify the name of this membrane as the peri-germ cell membrane.
Free ReadCube link: https://rdcu.be/dXxki
Glucosinolate structural diversity shapes recruitment of a metabolic network of leaf-associated bacteria (OA)
Host defenses can have broader ecological roles, but how they shape natural microbiome recruitment is poorly understood. Aliphatic glucosinolates (GLSs) are secondary defense metabolites in Brassicaceae plant leaves. Their genetically defined structure shapes interactions with pests in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves. Unger et al find that it also shapes bacterial recruitment.
Identifying climate-smart tropical Key Biodiversity Areas for protection in response to widespread temperature novelty (OA)
Trew et al quantify novelty in temperature regimes by modeling hourly temperatures below the forest canopy across tropical Key Biodiversity Areas between 1990 and 2019.
In AoBC Publications
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.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Bioinformatics - Crop Diversity and Evolution), Norwich
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Jose De Vega in the Organisms and Ecosystems Programme at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.
Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term), Cambridge
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to develop sustainable solutions using microalgae involving use of the Algal Innovation Centre (AIC) at the University of Cambridge, focusing on production of medium- to high-value biomaterials and compounds.
Research Associate, Sheffield
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate specialising in plant-soil functional ecology. You will work on an international project investigating how rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations impact on tropical savanna ecosystem structure and function. The project involves collaboration with UK and South African scientists.
Advanced Technician - Plant Biology, Durham
A laboratory technician is required to support research activities within the plant vascular development group based in the Department of Biosciences. The role is at 1.0FTE for an 8 month period, or can be part time with a concomitant increase in contract length.
Molecular Plant Pathologist (Senior Technician), Cambridge
NIAB are recruiting a molecular plant pathologist to join our friendly plant pathology team to provide molecular biology and microbiology research support for projects involving fungicide sensitivity testing, plant pathogenicity testing, genotyping, and functional genetics.
Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term), Cambridge
The postdoc's project aims to scale field measurements of fire intensity and behavior to predict greenhouse gas emissions arising from soil organic carbon combustion during small smoldering fires in peatlands. This involves prescribed burn experiments in the Scottish Highlands (Cairngorms), where numerous instruments will be used to measure fire behavior (thermal sensor on drone, thermocouples in peat, etc.), and greenhouse gas fluxes (chamber measurements of CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes).
PhD student: Cytoplasmic Inheritance in Plants (Two available PhD positions), Wageningen
In this call, we are looking for two PhD candidates for the projects derived from the ERC-funded research âControl of Cytoplasmic Inheritance in Plantsâ.
For PhD Project 1, you will
Develop the first experimental platform to identify and characterise both genetic and environmental factors that regulate plastid inheritance in Arabidopsis thaliana.
For PhD project 2, you will
Investigate the mechanisms and cellular processes that regulate plastid and mitochondrial inheritance in Nicotiana tabacum.
PhD student Plant root development, Wageningen
This PhD position is part the national program CropXRâs core research. The subproject âThe role of root plasticity in resilienceâ will run under supervision of Prof dr Christa Testerink in Wageningen.
PhD position Understanding and applying soil microbiome-mediated control of parasitic weeds, Wageningen
We are looking for a PhD student who will contribute to an improved understanding of the effects of soil-borne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on (germination and viability of) seeds of the parasitic weed Striga, and applications for control in the field.
Forest genomics postdoc, UmeÄ
Understanding genomic base of population variation and local adaptation based on genome sequencing is a new frontier research area for genetic adaptation to climate changes. You will participate conifer genomics projects including: (1) Phenotyping and data analyses for adaptive and economically important tree traits; (2) Population and comparative genomics analyses to elucidate conifer adaptive evolution; (3) Genome-wide association study and genomic selection for quantitative traits including phenology, flower, solid-wood, growth and adaptive traits.
Assistant Professor, Texas
The Department of Biology at Lamar University invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor in botany beginning August 2025. A demonstrated ability or potential for establishing a vigorous, externally funded, research program, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and effective teaching are essential requirements.
TTU Post Doc Remote Sensing & AI for Ag Water Sustainability, Texas
The Postdoc will work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication.
Research Scientist I - Grazing Ecosystem Modeler, Colorado
The successful candidate will use the APEX ecosystem modeling tool as applied to the Central Plains Experimental Range, northwestern Colorado, to better understand and represent how variability in spatial and temporal forage production influences livestock productivity.
Assistant or Associate Professor of Crop Production and Extension Specialist, South Dakota
The successful candidate will provide leadership for an innovative statewide Extension and research program that addresses important issues in crop production utilizing the integration of cultural practices, soil science, nutrient management, and integrative precision agriculture techniques to enhance the economic potential and sustainability of crop production in the Great Plains.
Department Head, Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina
The Head of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences has overall responsibility for the leadership and administration of all academic, research and extension activities in the Department. This is a full-time administrative position.
Research Assistant Professor - Agronomy, Horticulture, and Weed Science, Alaska
A successful applicant has excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly in listening and interpreting the weed management needs of small grain producers. You will communicate research findings to technical and general audiences with a focus on how to practically apply findings in field production.
Postdoctoral Associate, New York
This position will work on studying the connection between soil health and plant water use from field to global scales in the Yun Yang Lab at Cornell University. This individual will be responsible for collecting and analyzing soil health and plant water use data at field to global scales to explore how soil health influences plant water use and how different agriculture practices impact this relationship.
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, North Dakota
The successful candidate must be trained in one or more of the following areas including molecular plant virology, molecular genetics involving viruses, molecular genetics, host-pathogen interactions. Responsibilities include design and critical analysis of experiments and regular written and oral communication about the project including oral presentations at meetings and writing of manuscripts for peer reviewed journal submissions.
Postdoctoral Research Scholar, North Carolina
The position will be working under the supervision of Dr. Massimo Iorizzo's, Associate Professor at North Carolina State University. Dr. Iorizzo research aims to leverage advanced genetic and genomic resources to study the structure of the crop genomes and elucidate the genetic mechanisms and genes associated with enhanced quality characteristics including health properties. Crops of interest in his program includes blueberry, carrot, banana, pineapple, spinach, cranberry and potato.
Assistant Professor Of Plant Genetics And Director Of The C. M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center, California
The Department of Plant Sciences in the at the University of California, Davis is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Plant Sciences with a preferred emphasis in tomato genetics, who will also serve as Director of the C. M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center (https://tgrc.ucdavis.edu/) . This is an academic year (9-month), tenure track Assistant Professor position that includes an appointment in the California Agricultural Experiment Station (AES).
Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences Extension Weed Scientist, Kentucky
The person in this position will have primary responsibility for developing and implementing extension weed science programs in central and eastern Kentucky. This individual will need expertise in weed management in a diversity of crops produced in Kentucky but is expected to focus on weed management in forages, pastures, horticultural and other perennial systems.
Postdoctoral Employee Plant-Microbe Interactions Plant and Microbial Biology, California
The Plant and Microbial Biology Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Employee in the Jennifer Lewis Lab, in the area of Plant-Microbe Interactions. The Lewis lab studies how pathogens manipulate host immune signaling and how plants defend themselves against infection.
Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, New Hampshire
The Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems (ANFS) at the University of New Hampshire seeks a tenure-track faculty member in the field of Plant Pathology to conduct applied research on crop pathogens relevant to New England agriculture. The successful candidate will establish a high-impact, externally funded research program that will focus on integrated approaches to disease management, strategies to enhance crop biosecurity or quality, and/or improved understanding of host resistance.
Herbarium Collections Manager and Instructional Professor of Botany (Open Rank), Mississippi
This is a 9-month, non-tenure-track, permanent position with health and retirement benefits. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Assistant Professor, Texas
The successful candidate will provide leadership for a research and teaching program in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department with emphasis on sustainability and safety of turfgrass systems in urban and peri-urban environments at Texas A&M University.