The study characterizes a radiation‑induced root‑suppressed (Rs) mutant in tomato that displays dwarfism and pleiotropic defects in leaves, flowers, and fruits. Metabolite profiling and rescue with H2S donors implicate disrupted sulfur metabolism, and whole‑genome sequencing identifies promoter mutations in two root‑meristem‑specific sulfotransferase genes as likely contributors to the root phenotype.

The study identifies members of the REMORIN protein family as inhibitors of plasma membrane H⁺‑ATPases, leading to extracellular pH alkalinization that modulates cell surface processes such as steroid hormone signaling and coordinates root developmental transitions in Arabidopsis thaliana. This inhibition represents an ancient mechanism predating root evolution, suggesting that extracellular pH patterning has shaped plant morphogenesis.

A comprehensive multi‑environment trial of 437 maize testcross hybrids derived from 38 MLN‑tolerant lines and 29 testers identified additive genetic effects as the primary driver of grain yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. Strong general combining ability and specific combining ability patterns were uncovered, with top hybrids delivering up to 5.75 t ha⁻¹ under MLN pressure while maintaining high performance under optimum and drought conditions. The study provides a framework for selecting elite parents and exploiting both additive and non‑additive effects to develop resilient maize hybrids for sub‑Saharan Africa.

The authors compiled and standardized published data on Rubisco dark inhibition for 157 flowering plant species, categorizing them into four inhibition levels and analyzing phylogenetic trends. Their meta‑analysis reveals a complex, uneven distribution of inhibition across taxa, suggesting underlying chloroplast microenvironment drivers and providing a new resource for future photosynthesis improvement efforts.

The study identified two wheat genes tightly linked to the triple pistil (TP) phenotype and created functional co‑dominant markers for early selection. CRISPR‑Cas9 editing of one gene converted TP florets to single‑grain florets, while field evaluation showed TP wheat increases grains per spike without reducing grain weight, highlighting its breeding value.

The study evaluated the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) applied at tillering, stem elongation, and flag leaf emergence on two Soft White Common Spring Wheat varieties (Louise and Diva) under low and high nitrogen levels using a split‑plot field design over two seasons. PGR treatments generally increased stem diameter and reduced height, improving stem strength and reducing lodging, while grain yield responses were variable but positive for certain PGR combinations. The results suggest that 168 kg N ha⁻¹ provides adequate productivity, though long‑term studies are recommended.

The study profiled root transcriptomes of Arabidopsis wild type and etr1 gain-of-function (etr1-3) and loss-of-function (etr1-7) mutants under ethylene or ACC treatment, identifying 4,522 ethylene‑responsive transcripts, including 553 that depend on ETR1 activity. ETR1‑dependent genes encompassed ethylene biosynthesis enzymes (ACO2, ACO3) and transcription factors, whose expression was further examined in an ein3eil1 background, revealing that both ETR1 and EIN3/EIL1 pathways regulate parts of the network controlling root hair proliferation and lateral root formation.

The study measured how plant mass relates to growth rate across 195 European winter wheat cultivars under greenhouse conditions, revealing genetic variation in allometric scaling linked to leaf allocation and development speed. A genetic association with the Photoperiod response-1 (Ppd-1) gene connected greenhouse allometry to genotype‑by‑environment interactions affecting grain yield in field trials, highlighting the agronomic relevance of growth allometry.

The study examined over six decades of USDA Hard Red Spring Wheat Uniform Regional Nursery data to quantify genetic gains in key agronomic traits. It found a modest positive genetic gain of 0.61% per year for grain yield, with stable grain protein levels despite a negative yield‑protein correlation, and highlighted varying gains among breeding programs, especially a ~1% per annum increase in Minnesota's public program.

The study investigated how Arabidopsis thaliana SR protein kinases (AtSRPKs) regulate alternative RNA splicing by using chemical inhibitors of SRPK activity. Inhibition with SPHINX31 and SRPIN340 caused reduced root growth and loss of root hairs, accompanied by widespread changes in splicing and phosphorylation of genes linked to root development and other cellular processes. Multi‑omics analysis (transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics) revealed that AtSRPKs modulate diverse splicing factors and affect the splicing landscape of numerous pathways.