Trees are an elegant and majestic lifeform and have for centuries been used by humans to create more pleasurable surroundings. One type of tree that perhaps sparks the imagination more than any other is one that exhibits the weeping branch phenotype. Recognized for their beauty, their drooping, downward facing branches makes them much sought after in parks and gardens. Despite a pretty clear idea of the structural difference of the weeping phenotype, little is known on the molecular regulation of the trait. In this issue of Physiologia Plantarum, Mao et al. (2020) screened for candidate genes related to the weeping phenotype to enhance our understanding of the molecular basis behind this characteristic way of growth.

中文翻译：

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宝贝不哭，梅树哭泣表型的遗传调控

树木是一种优雅而雄伟的生命形式，几个世纪以来，人们一直利用树木来创造更令人愉悦的环境。一种可能比其他任何一种更能激发想象力的树是一种表现出垂枝表型的树。因其美丽而闻名，它们下垂、朝下的树枝使它们在公园和花园中备受追捧。尽管对哭泣表型的结构差异有很清楚的认识，但对该性状的分子调控知之甚少。在本期《植物生理学》中，Mao 等人。(2020) 筛选了与哭泣表型相关的候选基因，以增强我们对这种特征性生长方式背后的分子基础的理解。