The study examined how DNA methylation influences cold stress priming in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing that primed plants exhibit distinct gene expression and methylation patterns compared to non-primed plants. DNA methylation mutants, especially met1 lacking CG methylation, showed altered cold memory and misregulation of the CBF gene cluster, indicating that methylation ensures transcriptional precision during stress recall.

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 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 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.