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Hybridizing tropical and hardy water lilies holds great potential for creating new varieties with both cold tolerance and vibrant colors. However, prefertilization barriers between different subgenera have severely limited breeding success. A new study uncovers that the NpCIPK6鈥揘pSnRK1鈥揘pNCED2 molecular module in water lily stigmas interferes with abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation that blocks incompatible pollen germination. By elucidating this cellular signaling pathway, the research provides crucial insights into overcoming reproductive barriers in water lilies and offers a conceptual framework that could enhance breeding efficiency and expand the genetic diversity of ornamental aquatic plants.

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Researchers have uncovered how the gene ClGDPD1 strengthens Eureka lemon's defense against citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV). By facilitating the accumulation of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), ClGDPD1 triggers systemic immune responses that significantly reduce viral load and disease symptoms.

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Researchers have identified a critical amino acid transporter, SlAAP6, that enhances tomato growth and salt tolerance by mediating the uptake and distribution of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Overexpressing SlAAP6 elevated BCAA levels, boosted plant biomass, and improved stress resistance, while knockout mutants exhibited stunted growth and heightened salt sensitivity.

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Early fruit ripening is a valuable trait for grape cultivation, but the underlying epigenetic mechanisms have remained elusive. A new study uncovers how CHH site hypermethylation influences the early ripening phenotype of 'Fengzao', a bud mutant of the popular 'Kyoho' grape. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, researchers demonstrated that higher promoter methylation, particularly at the JOX1 gene, plays a critical role in accelerating ripening. These findings offer fresh insights into the epigenetic regulation of berry development and could inform strategies to control fruit ripening in viticulture.

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Fruit firmness plays a critical role in apple quality, influencing both shelf life and consumer preference. Scientists have now identified a natural genetic variation in the MdNAC5 gene that governs differences in apple firmness and ripening speed. By resequencing hundreds of apple hybrids, researchers mapped a key genetic locus and pinpointed a single A-to-T mutation that affects fruit texture. Functional experiments showed that different MdNAC5 variants distinctly regulate ethylene biosynthesis, a central pathway in fruit softening. This discovery offers new insights into the genetic control of apple ripening and opens up potential strategies for breeding apples with optimized firmness and storage properties.

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Scientists have identified a key gene that regulates sugar metabolism and dramatically improves tomato fruit quality and resilience after harvest. The gene, known as SlVI, encodes a vacuolar invertase that plays a critical role in converting sucrose into glucose and fructose during fruit ripening. By knocking out SlVI, researchers achieved higher fruit sucrose levels, enhanced firmness, increased resistance to fungal infections, and an extended shelf life. These findings not only reveal new insights into sugar's dual role as both an energy source and signaling molecule but also open avenues for developing tastier and more durable fruits, addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food storage.

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Some plants produce oils with properties that are particularly good for biofuels, but not all of these plants are suitable for being grown on a large scale. To solve this dilemma, scientists modified the seeds of camelina and pennycress to produce the same type of oil made by the burning bush plant. The result is plants that produce nearly pure, high-quality oil with improved biofuel properties.

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New UF blackberry varieties could provide a boon for farmers looking to rebound after the decline of Florida citrus and who see an opportunity to meet the growing demand for blackberries, which have soared in popularity in recent years.

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With more than 181.5 billion tons of wood produced globally each year, a new method could revolutionize how we build sustainably. By infusing red oak with ferrihydrite using a simple, low-cost process, researchers strengthened the wood at the cellular level without adding weight or altering flexibility 鈥� offering a durable, eco-friendly alternative to steel and concrete.

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Building off previous research, a team publishing in ACS Food Science & Technology describes successfully using plant-based ingredients to mimic calamari that matches the real seafood鈥檚 characteristic softness and elasticity.

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A new study examines the symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi in plant roots and bacterial communities in the soil.

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As Earth Day is marked on April 22, a collaborative effort between Israeli researchers is driving the development of environmentally-friendly pesticides that promise to reduce the harmful impact of traditional chemical alternatives. The ongoing research is focused on combating plant pathogens, particularly those responsible for widespread crop diseases, through innovative, sustainable approaches.

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Ahead of Earth Day, the University at Albany announced funding for a new student-run tree nursery that will help boost climate resilience and urban forestry in the region.

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A new study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor opens new avenues for combatting soybean cyst nematodes, the most damaging pest for U.S. soybean crops.

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A recent study shows that low-oxygen storage significantly enhances the health-promoting compounds in broccoli rabe, such as 纬-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and lactic acid (LA). These metabolites, known for their stress-relief and dietary benefits, are produced in higher quantities due to metabolic shifts induced by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

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In a new development, researchers have successfully created an efficient two-line system for hybrid seed production in Brassica napus (rapeseed) using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing combined with the RUBY visual reporter. By targeting the BnaMS1 and BnaMS2 genes, they directly generated male-sterile lines from elite breeding materials, overcoming the traditional hurdles of propagation and sorting.

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A new study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden has uncovered a surprising layer of diversity in tropical forests.

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UdeM scientists use a combination of experimental data and modelling to reveal how physical forces help plants to generate their complex 3D shapes.

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Scientists from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have compared several methods for plant diversity reconstruction using pollen data. By analyzing modern pollen distributions across China, the team calculated angiosperm diversity using five key ecological indices and鈥攆or the first time鈥攁pplied an image similarity algorithm (SSIM) to validate their findings.

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Lilies might be beautiful, but for cats, they pose a significant threat that can be deadly. A veterinarian with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is urging cat owners to be extra cautious and understand the risks associated with these common household and garden plants, especially with Easter and the spring planting season.