Plant Science Today Blog
-
Submit Your Abstract for Plant Biology 2021
The Plant Biology 2021 Worldwide Summit will be virtual again this year, taking place online July 19-23, 2021. As always, the program will provide a rich mix of scientific content in plenary talks, concurrent symposia, virtual posters, professional development workshops, a virtual exhibit hall, and ample opportunities for small-group networking.... Read more
-
The announcement you have been waiting for: the Plant Biology 2021 Worldwide Summit
Are you ready for the Plant Biology 2021 Worldwide Summit? As we completed the final session of Plant Biology 2020, our thoughts quickly turned to the following year and our excitement about gathering with you in Pittsburgh. The 2020 Worldwide Summit was a resounding success, with 2,700 participants from 56... Read more
-
Advice from a Plant Biologist – A Video Series
Looking for advice, but have no one to ask? Check out, Advice from a Plant Biologist, a new video series created by the ASPB Women in Plant Biology Committee, and the ASPB Early Career Researchers Section! Watch these videos for advice on all things in life as a plant biologist... Read more
-
President’s Letter—Moving Forward
There’s a carving of a crocodile on the walls of the old Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge in honor of Ernest Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics. It was commissioned by Peter Kapitza, a Soviet Nobel laureate, and various legends attach to its significance. “The Crocodile” was Kapitza’s pet name for... Read more
-
Travel Awards for Plant Biology 2021 for Faculty from the Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Section
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) is a leader in developing and supporting professional development opportunities for members at all career stages and who are at different types of institutions. In an effort to boost inclusivity in research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), ASPB is offering a PUI workshop... Read more
-
2021 ASPB Ambassador Applications Now Open
Apply Now: Deadline to apply: February 28, 2021 Open to members: Not a member – JOIN NOW by creating an account and then clicking JOIN APPLICATION Program summary: The ASPB Ambassador Program was established to involve students, post-docs and industry scientists in communicating ASPB’s mission to plant biologists and to... Read more
-
Introducing Changing Cultures and Climates, a new online resource for equity, diversity, and inclusion
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), in partnership with the North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee (NAASC), is excited to announce the creation of an online hub for collecting resources aimed at improving diversity and inclusion in the plant sciences. The mission of Changing Cultures and Climates is to provide... Read more
Plantae Blog
-
Plantae Presents: Ksenia Krasileva, Christine Diepenbrock, and Rory Craig
Plantae Presents: Ksenia Krasileva, Christine Diepenbrock, and Rory Craig Special Event: The Plant Cell Focus Issue on the Biology of Plant Genomes Wed April 7th – 4pm EDT, 1pm PDT 9pm BST, Th April 8 8am NZT Register Here Advances in genome sequencing have yielded insights into aspects of plant... Read more
-
Plantae Presents: Jim Birchler, Evan Forsythe, and Tom Jacobs
Plantae Presents: Jim Birchler, Evan Forsythe, and Tom Jacobs Special Event: The Plant Cell Focus Issue on the Biology of Plant Genomes Wed April 21st – 10am EDT, 7am PDT 3pm BST, 4pm CET Register Here Advances in genome sequencing have yielded insights into aspects of plant biology; elucidating the... Read more
-
Review: Perspectives on improving light distribution and light use efficiency in crop canopies (Plant Physiol)
Light comes largely from above, and plants have evolved strategies to efficiently capture this light even when competing with other potentially shading plants. However, at a field-level, such competition may (and does) prevent plants from collectively maximizing light use efficiency, hence yield. In this comprehensive review, Slatterly and Ott provide... Read more
-
Genome assembly and population genomic analysis provide insights into the evolution of modern sweet corn (Nature Comms)
In maize (Zea mays), loss of function mutations in genes involved in starch biosynthesis characterize sweet corn varieties that have increased sugar content in the kernel. Specifically, lines carrying the shrunken2 (sh2) allele revolutionized the corn industry in Northern America in the last 50 years thanks to improved quality traits... Read more
-
Enhancing grain-yield-related traits by CRISPR-Cas9 promoter editing of maize CLE genes (Nature Plants)
During domestication of maize, one of the favorable traits was meristem size. Understanding the genetic circuit of maize meristem development and engineering for crop productivity are important from an agricultural perspective. In this article, Lie et al. used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the promoter regions of ZmCLE7 (ZmCLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED7), ZmFCP1... Read more
-
Molecular mechanism of cytokinin-activated cell division in Arabidopsis (Science)
Proper organogenesis depends on the precise control of cell proliferation and differentiation. Cytokinin and auxin have emerged as key regulators of both these processes, where cytokinin promotes proliferation and synergistically with auxin fine-tunes the proliferation and differentiation rate. Years of research and evidence have implicated cytokinin as a central regulator... Read more
-
Mechanism and function of root circumnutation (PNAS)
This is an engrossing paper. The authors start off with a simple mutant screen for abnormal root growth in rice seedlings, through which they identified three “long root” mutant alleles of a rice mutant in a gene encoding a histidine kinase, HK1. Careful analysis showed that the mutant roots fail... Read more
-
Phytoplasma effector physically interacts with host proteasome to promote bacterial growth
As a way to circumnavigate the plant innate immune system, phytopathogens evolved effector molecules that protect the pathogen from the plant’s defenses. SAP05, an effector from the insect-vectored phytoplasma Candidatus (a bacterial obligate parasite), is responsible for the plant phenotype observed in witches broom disease, characterized by increased vegetative growth... Read more
-
Plant Science Research Weekly: March 5, 2021
Review: Perspectives on improving light distribution and light use efficiency in crop canopies Light comes largely from above, and plants have evolved strategies to efficiently capture this light even when competing with other potentially shading plants. However, at a field-level, such competition may (and does) prevent plants from collectively maximizing... Read more
-
Labeling the Arabidopsis soluble “Phenylalanome”
Simpson et al. describe and use PODIUM, a tool for global annotation of metabolites. Plant Cell (https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koaa046) By Jeffrey Simpson, Brian Dilkes, Clint Chapple Background: Plants synthesize hundreds to thousands of different chemicals. These chemicals help plants adapt to the biotic and abiotic factors encountered in natural environments. Through mass... Read more
-
A BLUS1 kinase signal and a decrease in intercellular CO2 concentration are necessary for stomatal opening in response to blue light
Abstract Light-induced stomatal opening stimulates CO2 uptake and transpiration in plants. Weak blue light under strong red light effectively induces stomatal opening. Blue light-dependent stomatal opening initiates light perception by phototropins, and the signal is transmitted to a plasma membrane H+-ATPase in guard cells via BLUE LIGHT SIGNALING 1 (BLUS1)... Read more
-
Phytophthora infestans RXLR effectors target vesicle trafficking
... Read more
-
Rubisco feedback loop: Control by Epistasy of Synthesis governs large subunit biosynthesis
... Read more
-
How stomata see the light: the complex blues of PHOTs and BLUS1
... Read more
-
Host-interactor screens of Phytophthora infestans RXLR proteins reveal vesicle trafficking as a major effector-targeted process
Abstract Pathogens modulate plant cell structure and function by secreting effectors into host tissues. Effectors typically function by associating with host molecules and modulating their activities. This study aimed to identify the host processes targeted by the RXLR class of host-translocated effectors of the potato blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. To... Read more
Highlights from the Plantae Community
Policy Updates
-
Letter urging continued support for AFRI (FY2021)
The AFRI Coalition sends letter to Chairman Hoeven, Ranking Member Merkley, Chairman Bishop, and Ranking Member Fortenberry (members of the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees) regarding fiscal year 2021 spending proposals. The AFRI Coalition commends you for your support of USDA’s Agriculture & Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and... Read more
-
ASPB joins CNSF in support for NSF funding (FY21)
ASPB signs on to coalition letter in support of the NSF for fiscal year 2021 appropriations legislation. The letter was sent on November 20, 2020 to the U.S. Senate and House Committee on Appropriations members: Chairman Shelby, Vice Chairman Leahy, Chairwoman Lowey, and Ranking Member Granger. As Congress seeks to... Read more
-
Agency Update: NIH Releases Final Data Management and Sharing Policy
As part of its ongoing work to standardize and promote the sharing of data generated from biomedical research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published its final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing (DMS) on October 29, 2020. The final policy is the culmination of several recent efforts from... Read more
-
Agency Update: DOE Ready to Launch New Portal For Application Submissions for EERE Research and Development Opportunities
On November 2, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will launch a new portal to list all future funding opportunities and submit applications for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Fiscal year (FY) 2021 application submissions will be through the new portal, while open opportunities published prior to November 2... Read more
-
Funding Opportunity: NSF Releases Mid-Career Advancement Program Solicitation
The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently released a solicitation for the new Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) program. NSF recognizes that while the mid-career timeframe is essential for advancing research, many faculty have to balance research with other demands, such as teaching and service activities. Through this solicitation, NSF intends to support... Read more
Press Releases
-
Engineering Drought-Resistant Crops with Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) Photosynthesis
This work examines requirements for introducing CAM and alternative water-saving pathways into C3 plants in different environments. ASPB is pleased to announce the publication of noteworthy research investigating water-saving alternatives for photosynthesis in temperate environments, which are likely to become hotter and drier in the future. Drought causes major crop... Read more
-
Plant Science Research Network Releases Decadal Vision 2020-2030
Research network presents action plan for the plant science community to maximize impact on pressing global issues such as human health and climate change. Plant science research has tremendous potential to address pressing global issues including climate change, food insecurity and sustainability. However, without sustained investment in plant science, the... Read more
-
Oxford University Press to publish American Society of Plant Biologists journals
Oxford University Press (OUP) and the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) are pleased to announce that OUP will publish the ASPB journals Plant Physiology® and The Plant Cell beginning January 2021. Established in 1926, Plant Physiology® is an international journal devoted to the physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology,... Read more
-
Journals Announce Journal Portability Initiative
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) is pleased to announce that, effective immediately, authors who have received an editorial decline decision from any journal in the ASPB suite of titles will have the option to transfer their submissions to any other ASPB journal. ASPB publishes three journals: Plant Physiology... Read more
-
Press Release – Blake Meyers Appointed Next Editor of The Plant Cell
Rockville, Maryland, October 21, 2019 – The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Blake C. Meyers to serve as editor-in-chief of The Plant Cell beginning January 1, 2020. The Plant Cell publishes novel research of particular significance in plant biology, especially in the... Read more
-
Press Release – Gene Responsible for Lutein Esterification in Bread Wheat Identified
The activity of this gene controls the timing of esterification in grain, which is related to storage and nutritional qualities of bread wheat and other grains. This work provides insight into the timing and control of esterification, related to storage and nutritional qualities of bread wheat and other grains. ASPB... Read more
-
Press Release – ASPB Names 2019 Recipient of Leadership in Science Policy Public Service Award
Honor to be presented at Plant Biology 2019 in San Jose, California ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) is pleased to announce that Pamela Ronald is the recipient of its 2019 Leadership in Science Policy Public Service Award. The ASPB Science Policy Committee awards the Leadership... Read more
-
Genetic Variant Linked to Cucumber Fruit Length
ASPB is pleased to announce the publication in The Plant Cell of important research describing the discovery of a key regulator of fruit length variation in cucumber. The discovery of a fruit length modulator has implications for cucumber breeding. Fruit size is a major determinant of yield and market value.... Read more
-
Robotic device tracks plant growth at the cellular level
A new open-source device allows scientists to identify treatments and conditions that affect the mechanical properties of plant cells Determining how various treatments and conditions affect the mechanical properties of plant cells could allow scientists to understand plant growth at the cellular level and devise ways to enhance it. In... Read more
-
A crucial gene controls stem juiciness in sorghum and beyond
The discovery of the gene behind stem juiciness in sweet sorghum could have huge agricultural implications Sorghum, the fifth most popular crop worldwide, is used to create many products in the United States and is widely consumed by people in developing countries. The discovery of a crucial gene controlling stem... Read more
-
ASPB Wins The 2018 Gold EXCEL award for the Plantae podcast, The Taproot, from Association Media and Publishing
ASPB is pleased to announce that The Taproot, a Plantae podcast, has received a Gold EXCEL award for excellence in DIGITAL MEDIA: Podcast (Other category) from the Association Media and Publishing. The EXCEL Awards recognize excellence and leadership in nonprofit association media, publishing, marketing, and communications. Winners received their awards... Read more
-
A pretty plant of summer produces a promising anti-diabetes compound
Discovery of the biosynthetic pathway of a plant metabolite lays the groundwork for its use as an anti-diabetes drug. Montbretin A (MbA), a natural compound with great potential for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, was discovered in the ornamental plant montbretia ten years ago, but it can’t be produced on... Read more
-
ASPB Wins 2018 Excellence in New Communications Award for Plantae
(ASPB) is pleased to announce that Plantae, the online home for the global plant science community, has been awarded an Excellence in New Communications Award from the Society for New Communications Research of The Conference Board (SNCR) in the Communications, Communities, and Collaboration category – nonprofit division. This prestigious award honors organizations for their exemplary... Read more
-
Gene Boosts Rice Growth and Yield in Salty Soil
Discovery of a gene that helps rice plants grow in salty soil paves the way to developing salt-tolerant crops Soil salinity poses a major threat to food security, greatly reducing the yield of agricultural crops. Rising global temperatures are expected to accelerate the buildup of salt in soil, placing an... Read more
-
New approach to improve nitrogen use, enhance yield, and promote flowering in rice
Expression of the nitrate transporter gene OsNRT1.1A improves yield and accelerates maturation. Using nitrogen fertilizer increases crop yields, but excess runoff causes environmental pollution. Moreover, in grains such as rice, large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer can delay flowering, leaving the crop vulnerable to late-season cold weather. A recent study in... Read more