The plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) plays a vital role in plant development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. There are two characterized pathways for SA biosynthesis in plants, catalysed by phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and isochorismate synthase (ICS), respectively. Pathogen-induced rapid accumulation of SA in Arabidopsis thaliana (hereafter ‘Arabidopsis’) leaves is primarily dependent

Pummelo (Citrus maxima) is a fundamental species of Citrus which contributes to most of the cultivated citrus, including sweet orange, lemon and etc. The fruit neck is a structural feature of pummelo, and a long fruit neck reduces the edible rate of the fruit. In this study, we assembled a telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gap-free reference genome for the typical short fruit neck cultivar, ‘Pingshan’ pummelo

SummaryThe plant stress response mechanism is activated by biotic and abiotic stresses, but its continuous activation typically affects growth. The role of ferritin in regulating biomass accumulation has been extensively characterized in diverse plant species; however, the underlying mechanisms through which it contributes to salt stress tolerance and Fusarium resistance remain poorly understood. Here

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a major root crop in the world. As an asexual crop, sweet potato breeding and basic research face a number of challenges due to the highly heterozygous genome. Doubled haploid (DH) breeding is one of the most efficient means of improving crop germplasm. However, there is no reliable haploid induction system for sweet potato. BABY BOOM (BBM) encodes an AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE

The limited cytosolic delivery of DNA and protein-based therapeutics due to endosomal entrapment reduces drug efficacy, increasing treatment costs and possible side effects in human and veterinary medicine as a consequence of higher administered dosages. Plant-derived triterpenoid saponins, specifically those with endosomal escape-enhancing (EEE) properties, have shown promise in overcoming this limitation

As a prominent external feature of watermelon, the stripe pattern exhibits remarkable phenotypic diversity, directly impacting commercial value through consumer preference. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying this important agronomic trait in watermelon remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that the total chlorophyll content in dark green stripes (DGS) was significantly

With the rapid advancement of sequencing and genome assembly technologies, thousands of plant genomes have been sequenced, assembled and annotated (Marks et al., 2021; Xie et al., 2024), providing a rich and invaluable resource for comparative genomic and evolutionary studies in plants. However, these genomes are often dispersed across various databases, creating barriers to efficient data access,

SummaryBrassinosteroids (BRs) are a crucial class of plant hormones and regulate many important agronomic traits in crops. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), BIR3 interacts with the BR receptor BRI1 and coreceptor BAK1 to negatively regulate BR signalling. In contrast, OsBIR3 interacts with OsBRI1 and OsBAK1 to positively regulate BR signalling in rice (Oryza sativa). However, our understanding

SummaryLate blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most serious disease of potatoes. Here we present the effectiveness of the host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) technology against an amino acid biosynthesis gene of the pathogen to increase the resistance against the plant‐infecting oomycete in the field. A RNAi hairpin construct directed against the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene of Phytophthora

SummaryVertical farming offers the advantage of providing a stable environment for plant cultivation, shielding them from adverse conditions such as climate change. For fruit‐harvesting plants like tomato, vertical farming necessitates the optimization of plant growth and architecture. The gibberellin 3‐oxidase (GA3ox) genes encode gibberellin 3‐oxidases responsible for activating GA within the pathway

SummaryCytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) serves as a pivotal tool for exploiting hybrid vigour and studying nuclear‐cytoplasmic interactions. Despite its long‐standing use in cotton breeding, the underlying mechanisms of the CMS‐D2 system remain elusive. Our study unravelled the role of the mitochondrial chimeric gene orf610a in reducing fertility in cotton through its interaction with ATP synthase

SummaryStem lodging resistance plays a critical role in maintaining soybean yield stability, yet the molecular mechanisms governing stem development and lodging tolerance remain poorly understood. Here, we report the characterization of lodging‐related mutant 3 (lrm3), a weak‐stemmed soybean line exhibiting increased lodging susceptibility. Molecular cloning revealed that LRM3 encodes a U‐box E3 ubiquitin

SummaryGlycosylation is an important aspect for many biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines against parasitic helminths. Plants, especially Nicotiana benthamiana, have proven to be excellent production hosts for biopharmaceuticals with tailor‐made glycosylation. If desired, galactosylation can be introduced on biopharmaceuticals through co‐expression of the appropriate glycosyltransferase. However

SummaryThe growth of different grafted guava was different as affected by grafting on different rootstock varieties, which also influenced the damage degree of Spodoptera litura larvae. The co‐regulation of the pest gut by rhizosphere microorganisms and root exudates may contribute to this differential damage. In this study, the microorganisms of soil, plants, S. litura larvae and root exudates of

SummaryChloroplast development is fundamental to photosynthesis and plant growth but is sensitive to environmental stress. Chloroplast development and division require genome stability and DNA repair, but the underlying mechanisms have been unclear. Using a forward genetic approach, we identified the striped‐leaf mutant k48 in the rice (Oryza sativa L. japonica) cultivar KY131 background. k48 displayed

Modifying target genes through genome editing technology has promising agricultural applications (Wang and Doudna, 2023). Typical genome editing employs site-directed nucleases (SDNs), such as clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9), to generate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at specific sites in the genome, leading to DNA mutations caused by errors

SummaryPlant viruses often suppress jasmonic acid (JA)‐mediated defences through disturbing JA signalling or biosynthesis pathways to benefit their own infection. Few studies have examined how the precursors of JA biosynthesis are regulated by viral infection. In this study, we demonstrate that rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infection inhibits the production of α‐linolenic acid (C18:3), a

SummaryPopcorn, one of the world's most popular snack foods, represents the most ancient type of maize domesticated by humans. However, the genetic basis underlying popcorn evolution and kernel‐popping traits remains largely unknown. In this study, we assembled a high‐quality genome sequence of the popcorn landrace Strawberry Popcorn (SP) and conducted extensive population genomic analyses. The SP

Floral organ development in angiosperms is tightly regulated by conserved pathways, including the ABCE model and CLV-WUS signalling, which coordinate meristem activity and organ identity (Litt and Kramer, 2010; Schoof et al., 2000). However, the mechanisms underlying species-specific floral architecture, particularly in monocots like rice (Oryza sativa), remain poorly understood. Although key regulators

SummaryAntifungal proteins (AFPs) derived from filamentous fungi show great potential against economically significant fungi that cause plant diseases and consequently threat food safety and security. This study focuses on the Penicillium expansum PeAfpA and Penicillium digitatum PdAfpB proteins and their activity against several phytopathogens. The AFPs were synthesized through a highly productive

SummaryTipburn is a common physiological disorder in leafy vegetables, significantly impairing crop growth and commercial value. It is widely recognized that Ca2+ deficiency is a key factor triggering tipburn; however, the functions and regulatory mechanisms of genes conferring resistance remain largely unexplored. Through transcriptomic analysis of Chinese cabbage under normal (medium calcium, MCa)

SummaryPomegranate is an important perennial fruit tree distributed worldwide. Reference genomes with gaps and limit gene identification controlling important agronomic traits hinder its functional genomics and genetic improvements. Here, we reported a telomere‐to‐telomere (T2T) gap‐free genome assembly of the distinctive cultivar ‘Moshiliu’. The Moshiliu reference genome was assembled into eight chromosomes

SummaryThe urgent need to replace petroleum‐derived materials with sustainable alternatives drives innovation at the nexus of plant biotechnology and materials science. Here, we engineered Populus alba × P. glandulosa ‘84 K’ through CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated knockout of PagGLR2.8, a glutamate receptor gene regulating vascular development, to investigate its role in fibre biosynthesis and composite performance

Citrus cultivation plays a pivotal role in global agriculture and food security. With intensifying international market competition and increasing environmental challenges, citrus crops have become particularly urgent (Mukhametzyanov et al., 2024). Traditional breeding and genetic transformation are two main strategies for improvement, with the latter gaining more attention due to its ability to introduce

SummaryCottonseed is a valuable source of edible oil and protein, but its utilization is limited by high gossypol content. In this study, we engineered cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to biosynthesize astaxanthin through both single‐gene (CrBKT) and multi‐gene (CrBKT, ZmPSY1, PaCrtI, HpCrtZ) expression strategies. Transgenic cotton plants exhibited significant astaxanthin accumulation across multiple tissues

SummaryCold stress severely limits tea plant (Camellia sinensis) productivity, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying cold adaptation remain elusive. Here, we identified a cold‐inducible glycosyltransferase, CsUGT71A60, through integrative genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and proteomic profiling. Natural variation in CsUGT71A60 was strongly associated with cold tolerance, as evidenced by linkage

SummaryGrain chalkiness leads to the deterioration of grain appearance quality, which affects grain processing quality and the market value of rice. Gibberellin plays a crucial role in seed germination and plant growth, but its mechanism on endosperm starch synthesis and rice grain chalkiness formation remains largely elusive. Here, we identified a grain white belly (chalkiness in the belly area of

The potential for gene flow between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and non-GMO relatives poses a significant challenge to the development and regulatory approval of GMO crops (Wedger et al., 2024), for example, the spread of herbicide resistance transgenes from crops such as rice or sorghum to cross-pollinating weedy species. Addressing this concern, we developed Engineered Genetic Incompatibility

SummaryCarotenoids are essential natural pigments that not only determine the commercial value of horticultural crops through colouration but also serve as vital antioxidants and provitamin A precursors in the human diet. Our previous research has demonstrated that blue light induces carotenoid biosynthesis in mango fruit. However, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding how blue light regulates

SummaryVerticillium dahliae is among the most destructive plant pathogens, posing a significant threat to global cotton production. Cotton plants have developed sophisticated immune networks to inhibit V. dahliae colonization. Ingeniously, V. dahliae employs numerous virulent effectors to surmount plant immune responses. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of V. dahliae‐derived effectors remain elusive

FD, a conserved bZIP transcription factor, is well known for its role in promoting flowering. Here, we uncover that a short coding sequence of the Chrysanthemum morifolium FD gene, CmFDa, represses flowering. Interestingly, we identified CmFDa as a novel epiallele stringently regulated by DNA methylation in chrysanthemum for the first time. Epigenetic editing of the CmFDa promoter using the CRISPR-dCas9-TET1cd

SummaryBig data, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, holds the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy of genome‐wide predictions. Motivated by the success reported for wheat hybrids, we extended the scope to inbred lines by integrating phenotypic and genotypic data from four commercial wheat breeding programs. Acting as an academic data trustee, we merged these data with

SummaryThe receptor‐like kinase FERONIA (FER) is a prominent member of the Catharanthus roseus RLK1 (CrRLK1L) family, functioning as a modulator of immune receptor kinase complex formation in response to rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs). Typically, FER recognizes mature extracellular RALFs to combat bacterial and fungal infections. However, any role of the FER‐RALF signalling cascade in plant viral

SummarySoybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) are a major source of plant‐based protein for human nutrition and livestock feed. Enhancing the protein content of soybean seeds is vital for meeting growing dietary needs and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In this study, we first performed QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) mapping analysis and constructed a Soybean Seed Protein Content Co‐expression

SummaryDendrobium devonianum, a species of the Orchidaceae family, is notable for its unique floral characteristics, which include two yellow spots and purple tips on its labellum, as well as fringed edges. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying flower pattern formation in D. devonianum remain poorly understood, hindering advancements in its breeding process. Here, a chromosome‐scale genome of

Genome editing has significantly advanced in recent years, with numerous attempts to integrate it into crop breeding (Gao, 2021). Many useful agronomic traits result from subtle changes in gene expression patterns conferred by natural variations (Olsen and Wendel, 2013). Therefore, the modification of regulatory sequences through genome editing presents a potential strategy to develop practical breeding

SummaryNatural genetic variation can be used to improve important crop agronomic traits, and understanding the genetic basis of natural variation in fruit shape can help breeders develop pepper varieties that meet market demand. In this study, we identified a QTL controlling fruit length–width ratio by conventional genetic mapping, encoding a previously uncharacterized gene CaIQD1. Reduced CaIQD1 expression

Plants have emerged as powerful biofactories for producing proteins of interest. Compared to mammalian-based expression system, plant biofactories offer unique advantages in terms of higher scalability, lower production costs, reduced risk of contamination by human pathogens and faster expression rate (Chung et al., 2022; Eidenberger et al., 2023). Over the past three decades, plant-based expression

Dinoflagellates are a taxonomically diverse and ecologically significant group of phytoplankton. They are also infamous for their involvement in harmful algal blooms, which have significant ecological and economic impacts. In recent years, substantial advances have been made in the analysis of dinoflagellate genomes, including sequencing, assembly and gene annotation, alongside the accumulation of

SummaryThe mechanism regulating fruit textural changes has not been fully elucidated. Transcription factor FcERF100 showed rapid transcription repression during drastic texture loss in fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit ripening. Transient overexpression of FcERF100 delayed fig fruit softening and significantly decreased the transcript abundance of a key cell wall‐modifying pectate lyase gene, FcPL7. Yeast

Sialylated N-glycans are widely distributed in vertebrates and represent the dominant glycoform of many human plasma proteins (Miura et al., 2015). Although knowledge of the diverse effects of this glycan formation is rapidly increasing, full understanding of its biological significance remains elusive (Lewis et al., 2022). A major reason for this is the difficulty in controlling sialylation in production

Targeted insertion of large DNA fragments holds great promise in crop breeding but is extremely challenging in plants. Prime editing (PE) can efficiently install small genomic insertion through replacement but faces challenges in mediating insertion of >100 bp. To enable larger insertion, a paired PE strategy termed GRAND editing was developed in human cells. In plants, genomic insertions of up to

SummaryCarotenoid‐rich orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is an important staple diet and source of nutrition in developing countries, including Africa and Asia. However, the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis remains to be better understood. A natural allelic variation closely linked to carotenoid biosynthesis was identified in the promoter region of the IbbHLH25 gene that encodes a basic helix–loop–helix

SummaryAgroinfiltration, a method utilizing agrobacteria to transfer DNA into plant cells, is widely used for transient gene expression in plants. Besides the commonly used Agrobacterium strains, Rhizobium rhizogenes can also introduce foreign DNA into host plants for gene expression. While many R. rhizogenes strains have been known for inducing hairy root symptoms, their use for transient expression

SummaryThe establishment of Nicotiana benthamiana as a robust biofactory is complicated by issues such as product toxicity and proteolytic degradation of target proteins/introduced enzymes. Here we investigate whether biomolecular condensates can be used to address these problems. We engineered biomolecular condensates in N. benthamiana leaves using transient expression of synthetic modular scaffolds

SummaryDoubled haploid (DH) technology, based on haploid induction (HI), is a crucial tool in enhancing crop‐breeding efficiency and has been successfully applied in various plant species. While many HI‐related genes have been identified using diverse strategies, the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying HI remain incompletely understood. In this study, we present a novel system for inducing

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a globally significant crop, valued for its contribution to the production of sugar and bioenergy. Despite its economic and industrial importance, sugarcane is highly vulnerable to smut disease caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, a major fungal pathogen that substantially reduces yield and quality (Wu et al., 2024). The complexity of the sugarcane genome, characterized

SummaryRice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops. Starch is the main substance of rice endosperm and largely determines the grain quality and yield. Starch biosynthesis in endosperm is very complex, requiring a series of enzymes which are also regulated by many transcription factors (TFs). But until now, the large‐scale regulatory network for rice endosperm starch biosynthesis

SummaryThe production of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines can be achieved by transient expression of the spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in agroinfiltrated leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. Relying on bacterial vector Agrobacterium tumefaciens, this process is favoured by co‐expression of viral silencing suppressor P19. Upon expression, the S protein enters the

SummaryHeat stress is a major factor limiting crop yield, a challenge intensified by climate change. Initial findings indicate that BES1/BZR1 may use heat shock to regulate plant thermal adaptability independently of BIN2‐mediated brassinosteroid signalling, although the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we identified TaBZR2, a wheat gene whose expression showed a strong positive

SummarySince 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the virus causing COVID‐19, has been spreading and mutating globally despite the expedited approval of many commercial vaccines. Therefore, developing safe, effective and affordable vaccines remains essential to meet the global demand, particularly in developing countries. Transgenic plants have emerged as a promising

SummaryChanges in skin colour, as a visual cue for fruit ripeness, are important physiological markers in many crops including tomato, banana and grape. In kiwifruit, the skin remains brown during ripening, but de‐greening of the pericarp occurs to reveal accumulated carotenoids and anthocyanins in gold‐ and red‐fleshed cultivars. In this study, analysis of the inner and outer pericarp of Actinidia

SummaryThe bioengineering of photorespiration has emerged as a key target for improving photosynthesis and crop yield. In our previous study, two photorespiratory bypasses, GOC and GCGT, were successfully established in rice, and the transgenic plants exhibited increased photosynthesis and yield. However, reduced seed‐setting rates were observed in both GOC and GCGT rice. To overcome this bottleneck

SummaryProfiling of open chromatin is essential for understanding regulatory mechanisms that govern DNA‐templated events. However, methodology‐dependent detection of open chromatin sites (OCSs) has been reported in both humans and plants. Therefore, there is a pressing need for any reliable orthogonal methodologies to broaden the identification of open chromatin across the genome, particularly in plants

SummaryImproving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice is a requirement for future sustainable agricultural production. However, key factors and regulatory networks involved in NUE remain unclear. Here, QTL analysis, fine‐mapping and functional validation demonstrated that qCR4 encodes a putative high‐affinity nitrate transporter‐activating protein 2.2 (OsNAR2.2). Located in the endoplasmic reticulum

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) are the two most important crops in the Triticeae tribe that diverged approximately 11.6 million years ago. Both crops are severely threatened by notorious fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. The pathogens causing powdery mildew disease on cereal crops are Blumeria graminis (syn. Erysiphe graminis), which have evolved and existed as distinct

SummarySapindus is an important forest tree genus with utility in biodiesel, biomedicine, biochemistry and forestry. Similar to many perennial crop plants, its breeding is hampered by long generation times and lack of genetic resources. To understand the genome evolution underlying the important bioeconomic traits, we carried out a common garden experiment with 100 Sapindus core germplasm individuals