The study shows that silencing of NOR2 rRNA genes in Arabidopsis thaliana depends primarily on CHH-context cytosine methylation, particularly mediated by CMT2 and the chromatin remodeler DDM1, rather than CG or CHG methylation. Comparative promoter analysis revealed a prevalence of CHH sites in plant rDNA promoters, explaining why CHH methylation mutants disrupt NOR2 silencing more strongly, while NOR2 loci are hyper‑methylated and more condensed than NOR4.

The study investigated unexpected leaf spot symptoms in Psa3‑resistant kiwifruit (Actinidia) germplasm, finding that Psa3 was detectable by qPCR and metabarcoding despite poor culturing. Metabarcoding revealed distinct bacterial community shifts in lesions versus healthy tissue, and whole‑genome sequencing identified diverse Pseudomonas spp. that, while not individually more pathogenic, could enhance Psa3 growth, suggesting pathogenic consortia on resistant hosts.