Cotton serves as not only a crucial natural textile crop, with cotton fibre accounting for approximately 95% of fibre usage in the textile industry but also a valuable model for the investigation of plant cell elongation (Cao et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2019). The plant hormones brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellic acid (GA) promote fibre cell development (He et al., 2024; Huang et al., 2021; Shan et al

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the third-most important food crop in the world. Although the potato genome has been fully sequenced, functional genomics research of potato lags behind that of other major food crops, largely due to the lack of a model experimental potato line. Here, we present a diploid potato line, ‘Jan,’ which possesses all essential characteristics for facile functional genomics studies

The extremophile desert moss Syntrichia caninervis, from the Gurbantunggut Desert in China, was capable of surviving simulated Mars conditions (Li et al., 2024). Syntrichia caninervis has become a research model for plant desiccation tolerance (Oliver et al., 2020). The chromosome-level genome of S. caninervis, from gametophytes originating from the Mojave Desert, was sequenced and assembled (Silva

Heat stress significantly impacts global rice production, highlighting the critical need to understand the genetic basis of heat resistance in rice. U2AF (U2 snRNP auxiliary factor) is an essential splicing complex with critical roles in recognizing the 3′-splice site of precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). The U2AF small subunit (U2AF35) can bind to the 3′-AG intron border and promote U2 snRNP binding

SummaryCarotenoids are a diverse group of pigments imparting red, orange, and yellow hues to many horticultural plants, also enhancing their nutritional properties and health benefits. In strawberry, the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating the natural variation of fruit carotenoid composition remain largely unexplored. In this study, we use a population segregating in yellow/white flesh to

SummaryPowdery mildew poses a significant threat to global wheat production and most cloned and deployed resistance genes for wheat breeding encode nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors. Although two genetically linked NLRs function together as an NLR pair have been reported in other species, this phenomenon has been relatively less studied in wheat. Here, we demonstrate

Maize, now ranking #1 in world cereal production (accounting for ~42% of total cereal production worldwide), plays a pivotal role in securing food and feed supply globally (FAO, 2023). Historically, increasing planting density has been adopted as a key measurement to increasing maize grain yield per unit land area (Mansfield and Mumm, 2014). Plant height (PH) and ear height (EH) are key agronomic traits

SummarySoybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is a major pathogen harmful to soybean all over the world, causing huge yield loss every year. Soybean resistance to SCN is a complex quantitative trait controlled by a small number of major genes (rhg1 and Rhg4) and multiple micro‐effect genes. Therefore, the continuous identification of new resistant lines and genes is needed for the sustainable

Base editors (BEs), a groundbreaking class of genome editing tools, enable precise single-nucleotide alterations at target genomic sites, leading to mutations that either disable or enhance gene functions, thus significantly advancing plant functional genomics research and crop enhancement (Li et al., 2023). In plants, significant advancements have been made in DNA base editors that can directly modify

SummaryThe production of complex multimeric secretory immunoglobulins (SIgA) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves is challenging, with significant reductions in complete protein assembly and consequently yield, being the most important difficulties. Expanding the physical dimensions of the ER to mimic professional antibody‐secreting cells can help to increase yields and promote protein folding and assembly

SummaryPhosphorus (P) is an essential yet frequently deficient plant nutrient. Optimizing P distribution and recycling between tissues is vital for improving P utilization efficiency (PUE). Yet, the mechanisms underlying the transport and re‐translocation of P within plants remain unclear. Here, wide‐ranging natural diversity in seed P allocation and positive correlations among yield traits were found

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial leguminous forage extensively planted around the world (Annicchiarico et al., 2015). As a result, improving alfalfa forage yield and quality is a crucial agricultural goal (Kumar, 2011). Branching traits has a significant impact on the yield of alfalfa (Gou et al., 2018). The previous report showed that HEADLESS (HDL), the orthologue of WUSCHEL (WUS) in M

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. Ex Nees in Wallich (A. paniculata), an annual medicinal herb of the Acanthaceae family, is widely cultivated for its various medicinal utilities in Southeast and South Asia. Its total extract and monomeric components have a broad range of pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective and anticancer (Subramanian et al., 2012)

Exclusion of Na+ from the above-ground tissues serves as an important salt-tolerant mechanism in most glycophyte plants, such as maize (Munns and Tester, 2008). Existing studies have corroborated that different maize varieties exhibit significant diversity in shoot Na+ content and then salt tolerance (Liang et al., 2024). However, the genetic basis underlying this diversity remains largely unknown

SummaryThe Cas12j‐8 nuclease, derived from the type V CRISPR system, is approximately half the size of Cas9 and recognizes a 5′‐TTN‐3′ protospacer adjacent motif sequence, thus potentially having broad application in genome editing for crop improvement. However, its editing efficiency remains low in plants. In this study, we rationally engineered both the crRNA and the Cas12j‐8 nuclease. The engineered

Genome-wide selection (GS) represents a contemporary methodology that harnesses a comprehensive array of molecular markers across the entire genome. However, challenges such as lack of informative molecular markers and selection of appropriate and efficient GS model(s) have confined most GS-based breeding efforts to the realm of laboratory simulations (Wang et al., 2023). Compared to the conventional

SummaryLiquid crystal monomers (LCMs), the integral components in the manufacture of digital displays, have engendered environmental concerns due to extensive utilization and intensive emission. Despite their prevalence and ecotoxicity, the LCM impacts on plant growth and agricultural yield remain inadequately understood. In this study, we investigated the specific response mechanisms of tobacco, a

SummaryTransposable elements (TEs) are significant drivers of genome evolution, yet their recent dynamics and impacts within and among species, as well as the roles of host genes and non‐coding RNAs in the transposition process, remain elusive. With advancements in large‐scale pan‐genome sequencing and the development of open data sharing, large‐scale comparative genomics studies have become feasible

SummarySuperoxide dismutase (SOD) plays an important role to respond in the defence against damage when tomato leaves are under different types of adversity stresses. This work employed microhyperspectral imaging (MHSI) and visible near‐infrared (Vis–NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technologies to predict tomato leaf SOD activity. The macroscopic model of SOD activity in tomato leaves was constructed

Germplasm resources with rich genetic diversities are indispensable, but often fail short to need the demand for crop breeding (Snowdon et al., 2015). Genomic introgression in hybrids of closely related species is considered to be an important source for genetic diversity enhancement, which is mainly through homoeologous exchanges (HEs) among homoeologous chromosomes (Zhou et al., 2021). However, the

SummaryHere, we evaluated the role of ethylene in regulating the NaHCO3 stress tolerance of grapevines and clarified the mechanism by which VvERF1B regulates the response to NaHCO3 stress. The exogenous application of ACC and VvACS3 overexpression in grapevines and grape calli revealed that ethylene increased NaHCO3 stress tolerance, and this was accompanied by increased plasma membrane H+‐ATPase (PMA)

Verticillium wilt (VW), caused by Verticillium species, is one of the most severe soil-borne plant diseases globally and has been ranked as one of the world's top quarantine concerns. Over 400 plant species including crops are severely affected by VW which results in significantly reduction of yield and quality, causing a substantial economic loss of billions of dollars worldwide. Controlling key pathogens

SummaryApple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is one of the most economically valuable fruit crops globally and a key dietary source for various nutrients. However, the levels of ascorbic acid (AsA) and anthocyanin, essential micronutrients for human health, are extremely low in the pulp of commonly cultivated apple varieties. In the present study, the second‐generation hybrid strain of Xinjiang red‐fleshed

Sugarcane smut disease, caused by the basidiomycetous fungus Sporisorium scitamineum, is one of the major threats to the sugarcane industry. The potential method to control smut disease in sugarcane is the cultivation of resistant sugarcane varieties (Bhuiyan et al., 2021). However, development of smut-resistant sugarcane still faces big challenges due to the allopolyploid nature and complex genetic

Grain proteins constitute the second most storage substance in rice, of which glutelin accounts for 60%–80% of total protein and is easy to be absorbed by humans (Kumamaru et al., 1988). However, for patients with kidney disease and diabetes, excessive glutelin intake is not conducive to recovery. The lgc-1 mutant is the earliest discovered low-glutelin material, and Lgc-1 regulates glutelin content

SummaryWith advances in long‐read sequencing and assembly techniques, haplotype‐resolved (phased) genome assemblies are becoming more common, also in the field of plant genomics. Computational tools to effectively explore these phased genomes, particularly for polyploid genomes, are currently limited. Here we describe a new strategy adopting a pangenome approach. To analyse both intra‐ and intergenomic

SummaryThe husk leaf of maize (Zea mays) encases the ear as a modified leaf and plays pivotal roles in protecting the ear from pathogen infection, translocating nutrition for grains and warranting grain yield. However, the natural genetic basis for variation in husk leaf width remains largely unexplored. Here, we performed a genome‐wide association study for maize husk leaf width and identified a 3‐bp

Continuous directed evolution (CDE) improves the characteristics of a target enzyme by hypermutating the enzyme gene in vivo, coupling enzyme activity to growth of a microbial platform, and selecting for growth rate (Molina et al., 2022). Directed evolution can be interfaced with genome editing to expand the gene pool available for plant breeding; this powerful combination (DE–GE) has been neatly termed

SummaryEnhanced grain yield and quality traits are everlasting breeding goals. It is therefore of great significance to uncover more genetic resources associated with these two important agronomic traits. Plant MYB family transcription factors play important regulatory roles in diverse biological processes. However, studies on genetic functions of MYB in rice yield and quality are rarely to be reported

SummaryEpithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) fused to IgG, IgA and IgM Fc domains was expressed to create IgG, IgA and IgM‐like structures as anti‐cancer vaccines in Nicotiana tabacum. High‐mannose glycan structures were generated by adding a C‐terminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention motif (KDEL) to the Fc domain (FcK) to produce EpCAM‐Fc and EpCAM‐FcK proteins in transgenic plants via A

SummaryExploring the new elements to re‐design the expression cassette is crucial in synthetic biology. Viruses are one of the most important sources for exploring gene expression elements. In this study, we found that the DNA sequence of the SBG51 deltasatellite from the Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) greatly enhanced the gene expression when flanked downstream of the terminator. The SBG51 sequence

As 2024 draws to a close, it once again provides an opportunity to recognize and thank everyone who has contributed to the continued success of Plant Biotechnology Journal, a combined effort from the Editors, the reviewers and the Wiley team. I deeply appreciate the diligence and hard work everyone puts into helping authors elevate and improve their manuscripts, ultimately providing useful additions

SummaryIt is well known that the overall quality of japonica/geng rice is superior to that of indica/xian rice varieties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the quality disparities between these two subspecies of rice are still largely unknown. In this study, we have pinpointed a gene homologous to SLR1, termed LCG1, exhibiting significant expression during early caryopsis development and

Weed species have increasingly emerged with resistance against previously effective herbicides, such as glyphosate and inhibitors of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) and acetolactate synthase (ALS) (Heap, 2024). Owing to its novel mode of action, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibitors are effective in controlling herbicide-resistant weeds and recently attracted much attention.

SummaryCelery (Apium graveolens L.) is an important vegetable crop in the Apiaceae family. It comprises three botanical varieties: common celery with solid and succulent petioles, celeriac or root celery with enlarged and fleshy hypocotyls and smallage or leaf celery with slender, leafy and usually hollow petioles. Here we present a chromosome‐level genome assembly of a celeriac cultivar and a comprehensive

SummaryBeneficial microorganisms (BMs) promote plant growth and enhance stress resistance. This review summarizes how BMs induce growth promotion by improving nutrient uptake, producing growth‐promoting hormones and stimulating root development. How BMs enhance disease resistance and help protect plants from abiotic stresses has also been explored. Growth‐defense trade‐offs are known to affect the

SummaryTomato fruit ripening is a complex developmental process that is important for fruit quality and shelf life. Many factors, including ethylene and several key transcription factors, have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of tomato fruit ripening. However, our understanding of the regulation of tomato fruit ripening is still limited. Here, we describe mut26, an EMS‐induced tomato

SummaryOver‐application of potassium (K) fertilizer in fields has a negative impact on the environment. Developing rice varieties with high KUE will reduce fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. However, the genetic basis of KUE in a more diverse and inclusive population remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that the transcription factor OsNAC25 enhances K+ uptake and confers high KUE under low

SummaryWheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) is one of the most important food crops in the world. CRISPR/Cas12i3, which belongs to the type V‐I Cas system, has attracted extensive attention recently due to its smaller protein size and its less‐restricted canonical ‘TTN’ protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). However, due to its relatively lower editing efficacy in plants and the hexaploidy

SummaryTiller is an important factor in determining rice yield. Currently, researches mainly focus on the outgrowth of low‐order tiller (LOT), while the regulation mechanism of high‐order tiller (HOT) outgrowth has remained unknown. In this study, we detected one OsNL1 mutant, nl1, exhibiting HOT numbers increase, and found that OsNL1 interacts with OsTOPLESS2, which was mediated by the core motif

Flavonoids play critical roles in plant adaptation to environmental changes and are valuable medicinal resources (Chagas et al., 2022). Flavonoids are predominantly found in glycosylated forms, which exhibit increased structural complexity, solubility and stability. However, the aglycone forms of flavonoids exhibit greater antioxidant capacity and bioavailability (Xie et al., 2022). Enhancing the content

SummaryChicoric acid, a phenolic compound derived from plants, exhibits a range of pharmacological activities. Light significantly influences the chicoric acid biosynthesis in Taraxacum mongolicum; however, the transcriptional regulatory network governing this process remains unclear. A combined analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome revealed that blue light markedly enhances chicoric acid accumulation

SummaryOstrinia furnacalis (O. furnacalis) is a commonly occurring agricultural pest that can severely impact corn yield and quality. Therefore, establishing and implementing effective control methods against O. furnacalis are of great significance. Chemical insecticides remain the most effective means to mitigate the damage caused by O. furnacalis. With the increasing resistance of O. furnacalis to

The REDUCED HEIGHT (RHT) dwarfing alleles Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b were essential in the ‘Green Revolution’. The RHT1 gene encodes a DELLA protein, which participates in the gibberellin (GA) growth-stimulating pathway (Peng et al., 1999), and truncations of this protein are responsible for the GA-insensitive semi-dwarf Rht1b alleles (Van De Velde et al., 2021). The growth-repressing effect of Rht1b alleles

SummaryThe interaction dynamics of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, such as recognition, pairing, synapsis, recombination, and segregation are vital for species fertility and genetic diversity within populations. Meiotic crossover (CO), a prominent feature of meiosis, ensures the faithful segregation of homologous chromosomes and enriches genetic diversity within a population. Nevertheless, visually

SummaryThe molecular mechanisms underpinning the formation of the large, ellipsoidal starch granules of potato tuber are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate the distinct effects of PROTEIN TARGETING TO STARCH2b (PTST2b) and MYOSIN RESEMBLING CHLOROPLAST PROTEIN (MRC) on tuber starch granule morphology. A gene duplication event in the Solanaceae resulted in two PTST2 paralogs (PTST2a and PTST2b)

SummaryBacteria within the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex cause devastating diseases in numerous crops, causing important losses in food production and industrial supply. Despite extensive efforts to enhance plant tolerance to disease caused by Ralstonia, efficient and sustainable approaches are still missing. Before, we found that Ralstonia promotes the production of gamma‐aminobutyric acid

SummarySoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an exceptionally rich in isoflavones, and these compounds attach to oestrogen receptors in the human body, lessening the risk of breast cancer and effectively alleviating menopausal syndrome symptoms. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate soybean isoflavone accumulation is crucial for enhancing the production of these compounds. In this study,

SummaryPigments, as coloured secondary metabolites, endow the world with a rich palette of colours. They primarily originate from plants and microorganisms and play crucial roles in their survival and adaptation processes. In this article, we categorize pigments based on their chemical structure into flavonoids, carotenoids, pyrroles, quinones, azaphilones, melanins, betalains, flavins, and others

SummarySalinity significantly inhibits plant growth and development. While the recretohalophyte Limonium bicolor can reduce its ion content by secreting salt, the metabolic pathways it employs to adapt to high salt stress remain unclear. This study aims to unravel this enigma through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of L. bicolor under salt stress conditions. The results showed that

Aphids are sap-sucking insects of the order Hemiptera and are considered major agricultural pests owing to their direct feeding damage and transmission of plant viruses (Yu et al., 2016). The rapid development of insecticide-resistant pest biotypes and strong dispersal capacity cause significant economic losses in a wide range of plant hosts (Yu et al., 2016; Powell et al., 2006). Plants expressing

Viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens that manipulate the cells they invade to create an environment conducive to their multiplication and spread. In plants, virus-caused diseases result in severe yield losses. At any given time during infection, only a fraction of cells supports active viral replication, frequently in a tissue-specific manner. It logically follows that, if entire organs (e

Trees account for approximately 90% of the Earth's biomass and provide humans with various necessities for survival, such as clean air and water, wood, fibre and fuel (Petit and Hampe, 2006; Tuskan et al., 2006). Compared with annual plants, trees have many significant features, such as perennial growth, large size, secondary growth from a vascular cambium and dormancy (Douglas, 2017). Trees should

SummarySheath blight (ShB), caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is a highly destructive disease in many crops worldwide and no major resistance genes are available. Here, we identified a sbr1 (sheath blight resistance 1) rice mutant, which shows enhanced ShB resistance and maintains wildtype agronomic traits including yield, but carries an undesired stay‐green phenotype. Through map‐based cloning and transgenic

SummaryShoot apical meristem (SAM) is the origin of aerial structure formation in the plant life cycle. However, the mechanisms underlying the maize SAM development are still obscure. Here, approximately 12 700 cells were captured from the 5‐day‐old shoot apex of maize using a high‐throughput single‐cell transcriptome sequencing. According to the gene expression patterns, we partitioned the cells into

SummaryRibulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is required for photosynthetic carbon assimilation, as it catalyses the conversion of inorganic carbon into organic carbon. Despite its importance, RuBisCO is inefficient; it has a low catalytic rate and poor substrate specificity. Improving the catalytic performance of RuBisCO is one of the key routes for enhancing plant photosynthesis

SummaryWheat stripe rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), threatens global wheat production, and therefore discovering genes involved in stripe rust susceptibility is essential for balancing yield with disease resistance in sustainable breeding strategies. Although TaGW2 is well known to negatively regulate wheat kernel size and weight, its role in stress response