Molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that diatom Lhcx proteins share a common ancestor with green algal Lhcsrs, suggesting acquisition via horizontal gene transfer. Knockout of the Lhcx1 gene in the diatom Chaetoceros gracilis almost eliminated non‑photochemical quenching and revealed that Lhcx1 mediates quenching in detached antenna complexes, while also influencing PSII quantum yield and carbon fixation under high‑light conditions. These findings elucidate the evolutionary origin and mechanistic role of Lhcx‑mediated photoprotection in diatoms.

The study employed computational approaches to characterize the SUMOylation (ULP) machinery in Asian rice (Oryza sativa), analyzing phylogenetic relationships, transcriptional patterns, and protein structures across the reference genome, a population panel, and wild relatives. Findings reveal an expansion of ULP genes in cultivated rice, suggesting selection pressure during breeding and implicating specific ULPs in biotic and abiotic stress responses, providing resources for rice improvement.

The study investigates how the pleiotropic maize genes GRASSY TILLERS1 (GT1) and RAMOSA3 (RA3) are differentially regulated to suppress axillary meristems and floral organs, using a newly developed high-throughput quantitative phenotyping method for grass flowers. Distinct environmental mechanisms were found to control each suppression process, and upstream regulatory pathways of GT1 and RA3 have diverged, illustrating how ancient developmental genes can be redeployed to increase genetic pleiotropy during evolution.

The study reveals that the maize catalytic trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase RA3 interacts with the non‑catalytic TPS ZmTPS1, and together with the catalytic TPS ZmTPS14 they form a protein complex that enhances enzymatic activity. Genetic analyses show that mutations in ZmTPS1 and its paralog ZmTPS12 exacerbate ra3 branching phenotypes, while loss of the catalytic TPSs ZmTPS11 and ZmTPS14 causes embryonic lethality, indicating essential and regulatory roles for both catalytic and non‑catalytic TPS/TPP proteins in plant development.

The study examined how soil phosphorus and nitrogen availability influence wheat root-associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities and the expression of mycorrhizal nutrient transporters. Field sampling across two years combined with controlled pot experiments showed that P and N jointly affect AMF colonisation, community composition (with Funneliformis dominance under high P), and regulation of phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate transporters. Integrating metabarcoding and RT‑qPCR provides a framework to assess AMF contributions to crop nutrition.

Researchers isolated a fungal pathogen from a naturally infected Rumex crispus leaf in Japan and identified it as Teratoramularia rumicicola using morphological traits and phylogenetic analysis of ITS and LSU rDNA sequences. Host range tests showed the isolate (TR4) caused disease and reduced biomass in three Rumex species but was harmless to five tested forage crops, indicating its potential as a selective bioherbicide for pasture systems.

Using CRISPR‑Cas9‑generated Zmcry mutants, the study shows that maize cryptochromes redundantly mediate blue‑light signaling, suppress mesocotyl elongation, and enhance UV‑B stress tolerance by upregulating genes for phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and fatty‑acid pathways. Blue light also promotes epidermal wax accumulation, and ZmCRY1 directly interacts with GLOSSY2 in a light‑dependent manner to drive C32 aldehyde synthesis, linking cryptochrome activity to wax biosynthesis and UV‑B resistance.

The study compared aphid resistance and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) transmission among three wheat varieties (G1, RGT Wolverine, RGT Illustrious). G1 emits the repellent 2‑tridecanone, restricts aphid phloem access, and shows reduced BYDV transmission, whereas RGT Wolverine limits systemic viral infection despite high transmission efficiency. The authors suggest breeding the two resistance mechanisms together for improved protection.

Large-scale bioinformatics identified a new class of transmembrane phosphotransfer proteins (TM‑HPt) across 61 plant species, showing conserved HPt motifs and potential activity in multistep phosphorelay signaling. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred via Bayesian DNA analysis, expression was validated by transcriptomics, and molecular modeling suggested possible membrane-associated structural arrangements.

The study identifies a novel C-terminal FR motif in Lotus japonicus NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) that expands DNA‑binding specificity by stabilizing the RWP‑RK dimer, and shows that loss of this motif impairs nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Comparative analysis reveals that Arabidopsis NLP2 also possesses a NIN‑type FR, and phylogenetic data suggest the motif originated in early gymnosperms, indicating it predates the evolution of root nodule symbiosis.