A genome-wide survey identified 217 EXO70 genes across five kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) species, classifying them into three subfamilies and nine clades and revealing lineage‑specific expansions, especially in EXO70C, EXO70E, and EXO70H. Functional assays demonstrated that kiwifruit EXO70B1 interacts with the immune hub protein RIN4_1, suggesting a conserved EXO70‑RIN4 module in plant immunity. The study provides a foundational resource for exploring EXO70‑mediated disease resistance in kiwifruit.
The study demonstrates that limonene, a natural essential‑oil component, strongly inhibits Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of potato dry rot, by impairing colony growth, hyphal morphology, spore viability, membrane integrity, and transcription/translation processes, as well as disrupting ion homeostasis. Combined treatments reveal additive effects with mancozeb and synergistic effects with hymexazol, highlighting limonene's potential as an eco‑friendly bio‑fungicide for potato disease management.
The study reveals that the energy sensor SnRK1 modulates Arabidopsis defense by repressing SA‑dependent gene expression and bacterial resistance, with its activity enhanced under high humidity. SnRK1 interacts with TGA transcription factors to attenuate PR1 expression, linking cellular energy status to immune regulation.
The study characterizes the single-copy S-nitrosoglutathione reductase 1 (MpGSNOR1) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, showing that loss-of-function mutants generated via CRISPR/Cas9 exhibit marked morphological defects and compromised SNO homeostasis and immune responses. These findings indicate that GSNOR-mediated regulation of S‑nitrosylation is an ancient mechanism linking development and immunity in early land plants.
Regenerative agriculture effects on biomass, drought resilience and 14C-photosynthate allocation in wheat drilled into ley compared to disc or ploughed arable soil
Authors: Austen, N., Short, E., Tille, S., Johnson, I., Summers, R., Cameron, D. D., Leake, J. R.
Regenerative agriculture using a grass-clover ley increased wheat yields and macroaggregate stability despite reduced root biomass, but did not enhance soil carbon sequestration as measured by 14C retention. Drought further decreased photosynthate allocation to roots, especially in ley soils, while genotype effects on yield were minimal.
NUDIX Hydrolases Target Specific Inositol Pyrophosphates and Regulate Phosphate Homeostasis and Bacterial Pathogen Susceptibility in Arabidopsis
Authors: Schneider, R., Lami, K., Prucker, I., Stolze, S. C., Strauss, A., Schmidt, J. M., Bartsch, S. M., Langenbach, K., Lange, E., Ritter, K., Furkert, D., Faiss, N., Kumar, S., Hasan, M. S., Makris, A., Krusenbaum, L., Wege, S., Belay, Y. Z., Kriescher, S., The, J., Harings, M., Grundler, F., Ried-Lasi, M. K., Schoof, H., Gaugler, P., Kamleitner, M., Fiedler, D., Nakagami, H., Giehl, R. F., Lahaye, T., Bhattacharjee, S., Jessen, H. J., Gaugler, V., Schaaf, G.
The study identified two subclades of Arabidopsis NUDIX hydrolases that selectively hydrolyze distinct inositol pyrophosphate isomers, with subclade I targeting 4-InsP7 and subclade II targeting 3-InsP7 in a Mg2+-dependent manner. Loss-of-function mutants of subclade II NUDTs displayed disrupted phosphate and iron homeostasis, elevated 1/3-InsP7 levels, and increased resistance to Pseudomonas syringae, revealing roles in nutrient signaling and plant immunity, while cross-kingdom analyses showed conserved PP-InsP‑metabolizing activities.
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.
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.
The study used single‑cell transcriptomics to compare Arabidopsis thaliana leaf cell responses during pattern‑triggered and effector‑triggered immunity, revealing that core defense modules are broadly shared but differ in timing, intensity, and cell‑type specific receptor dynamics. Distinct mesophyll subpopulations showed divergent resilience patterns, and gene regulatory network analysis identified WRKY‑regulated and salicylic‑acid biosynthesis modules, with the cue1-6 mutant confirming robustness of core immune responses while exposing cryptic sucrose‑responsive pathways.
Gain and loss of gene function shaped the nickel hyperaccumulation trait in Noccaea caerulescens
Authors: Belloeil, C., Garcia de la Torre, V. S., Contreras Aguilera, R., Kupper, H., Lopez-Roques, C., Iampetro, C., Vandecasteele, C., Klopp, C., Launay-Avon, A., Leemhuis, W., Yamjabok, J., van den Heuvel, J., Aarts, M. G. M., Quintela Sabaris, C., Thomine, S., MERLOT, S.
The study presents a high-quality genome assembly for the nickel hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens and uses it as a reference for comparative transcriptomic analyses across different N. caerulescens accessions and the non‑accumulating relative Microthlaspi perfoliatum. It identifies a limited set of metal transporters (NcHMA3, NcHMA4, NcIREG2, and NcIRT1) whose elevated expression correlates with hyperaccumulation, and demonstrates that frameshift mutations in NcIRT1 can abolish the trait, indicating an ancient, transporter‑driven origin of nickel hyperaccumulation.