Plant Science News
18th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How a field's history impacts future plant growth
Soil from shrublands can hinder grass growth, but this effect depends on nearby plants. Grassland soil had little impact alone, while shrubland soil slowed growth.
16th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Chestnut extract protects steel from acid damage
Chestnut shells show promise as a “green” corrosion inhibitor for steel, potentially replacing toxic chemicals. Extracts from the shells form a protective barrier, reducing corrosion rates by ~80% in lab tests & meeting national standards.
16th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Gene editing improves soybean oil quality
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to improve an Indian soybean variety, boosting levels of a healthier fat called oleic acid. This reduces the need for processing that creates unhealthy fats and improves oil stability, with plants being free of foreign DNA.
15th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Do more diverse, attractive parks help people recover from stress?
Chinese city stress is rising, but pocket parks can help. Research shows moderate plant variety & well-kept lawns best reduce stress. A park’s beauty also matters, linking landscape design to well-being & supporting ‘Park Prescription’ ideas.
14th February, 2026
| Greg Howard
Radish genes control cadmium absorption and removal from plants
Radish roots accumulate cadmium, a health risk. Research identified genes RsWRKY15 & RsPDR12 controlling Cd uptake. RsWRKY15 activates RsPDR12, which removes Cd from cells & boosts stress response. This network informs breeding for safer crops.
12th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Nearly complete genetic transfer from a wild grass into wheat
Researchers boosted wheat’s genetic diversity by transferring ~98% of genes from a wild relative into new wheat lines. Advanced sequencing pinpointed where these genes integrated into wheat chromosomes, revealing key “hotspots” for gene exchange.
9th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Hemp root growth patterns reveal how plants allocate resources
Hemp’s carbon capture potential is boosted by diverse root systems, a new study reveals. Researchers analyzed 46 varieties, finding root length varied 175%. Traits are reliably inherited, aiding breeding for both high yield & efficient carbon storage.
6th February, 2026
| Greg Howard
Compounds from African mahogany leaves speed up wound healing
African tree Khaya senegalensis leaves show potential for faster wound healing. Research identified compounds β-sitosterol & stigmasterol, which reduce inflammation & boost cell growth in lab tests.
5th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Tea tree oil alters gene activity in roses, revealing potential benefits
Fungal resistance to treatments is rising, threatening crops & health. Research shows Tea Tree Oil (TTO) boosts rose plants’ defenses, activating genes for fat processing, cell wall strengthening & immunity.
4th February, 2026
| Greg Howard
Recovering ancient DNA from grasshoppers helps unlock evolutionary history
New tech lets scientists extract DNA from old grasshopper collections without damaging the specimens. This unlocks evolutionary data previously inaccessible due to DNA degradation.
2nd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How nitrogen levels in soil affect carbon dioxide use in soybean leaves
Soybean photosynthesis & water use improve with more nitrogen, but not just via leaf pores. Research shows nitrogen boosts internal leaf processes, specifically biochemical metabolism for carbon dioxide movement, rather than structural changes.
2nd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Root rot fungus uses RNA interference to adapt and survive
A destructive plant disease agent, P. capsici, uses a complex internal system to control which genes are active, impacting its ability to infect crops like beans & peppers.
1st February, 2026
| Greg Howard
How cadmium and copper affect pumpkin seed development and energy use
Heavy metal soil contamination threatens crops. Research on summer squash shows cadmium is more toxic than copper, severely hindering seedling growth by disrupting energy reserves. Copper’s effects depend on concentration, potentially being beneficial at low levels.
1st February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Boosting health benefits of reishi mushroom through optimized growing conditions
Researchers boosted the growth of the medicinal Reishi mushroom using a liquid fermentation method with potato extract, sucrose, & corn flour.
31st January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
How different chickpea types cope with toxic chromium in the soil
Industrial pollution causes toxic chromium buildup in Pakistani farmland, harming vital crops like chickpeas.
30th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Begomovirus viruses thrive with whiteflies by weakening plant immune responses
Plant viruses harm crops, spreading via insects. New research shows a viral protein, βC1, suppresses plant defenses activated by insect feeding, boosting virus spread. βC1 interferes with key plant defense proteins, creating a more favorable environment for both virus and insect.
28th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Sustainable seed coatings from food waste boost plant growth and reproduction
Agricultural waste like wheat bran, wine pomace, and brewer’s grain can boost wheat growth as a safer alternative to chemical seed coatings.
27th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How plant hormones trigger sex change and new growth in ferns
Ferns switch between male and hermaphrodite forms, a process driven by chemical signals. Research shows the plant hormone auxin is key, triggering new growth centers when a male signal is absent.
24th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Mangrove plant shows promise for potential medicinal applications
Bangladeshi mangrove Rhizophora mucronata shows potential for new medicines. Research found compounds with antioxidant, pain-relieving, glucose-lowering, antimicrobial, & anticancer effects, comparable to existing drugs.
24th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Combining fruit tree varieties for better spring bloom timing
Predicting fruit tree flowering is key for harvests, but data is often scarce. A new study found combining flowering data from different varieties of the same fruit species (almond, apricot, cherry) creates useful models even with limited info, aiding breeding & management.
23rd January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Early Potato Use Reveals Ancient Trade Networks and Domestication Clues
Ancient tools reveal Indigenous peoples intentionally transported Four Corners potatoes (Solanum jamesii) over long distances as early as 10,900 years ago, suggesting early cultivation.
23rd January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Aloe vera carbon dots detect temperature, pH, and iron levels
New research creates bright, sensitive carbon dots from Aloe vera gel, a ‘green’ alternative to traditional methods.
22nd January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Understanding a gene key to leaf development in rapeseed plants
Researchers identified BjA10.LL, a gene controlling leaf lobing in rapeseed, a key oilseed crop. Lobing isn’t due to gene changes, but variations in its regulatory regions. A new DNA marker helps breeders select plants with desired leaf shapes for improved yield.
21st January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
New DNA chip helps track fungal genetics and diversity
New tech rapidly analyzes wheat rust fungus genetics directly from leaves, bypassing slow lab growth. Study of Chinese populations revealed gene flow linked to wind patterns, highlighting interconnected regional outbreaks. Faster tracking aids disease control.
19th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How lime affects the strength and durability of traditional building materials
Repairing old earthen buildings is tough. New research compares different lime types used historically. Powdered lime is reliable for strength, but blocky lime—used often in the past—is trickier. It works best at 15% content; more causes weakening expansion.
17th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Tangerine peel compounds show promise in blocking sugar breakdown enzymes
Tangerine peel may help lower blood sugar by slowing carbohydrate breakdown. Research identified 84 active compounds, mostly plant-based flavonoids, that block a key digestive enzyme.
16th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Blueberry bacteria show surprising diversity, offering clues for better farming
Canadian blueberry growers face economic losses from bacterial blight, caused by several Pseudomonas bacteria. New research identified 2 previously unknown species contributing to the disease, expanding understanding of the pathogens involved.
12th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Tomato gene helps plants withstand heat, improving fruit quality
Tomato plants use a recycling process called autophagy to stay healthy, especially during heat stress. A gene called SlATG8f boosts this process, improving heat tolerance & fruit quality by enhancing cellular cleanup & nutrient reallocation.
12th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Compound S slows tomato fruit growth and seed production
Tomato fruit growth depends on seed development, controlled by gene interactions. Research identified SlWOX9 as a key regulator, influencing fruit size via SlTEL1.
11th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
How pores in sandstone affect fluid flow, revealed by advanced imaging
Water flow through rock layers above coal seams impacts mine safety. New research detailed sandstone pore structure using advanced imaging, revealing coarse sandstone allows fastest, most predictable flow.
10th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Gene discovery sheds light on rice yield and pollen development
Researchers identified a gene, OsSRS3, crucial for rice grain size and shape. Mutants lacking a working copy had oval grains, reduced weight, and lower fertility. OsSRS3 impacts plant hormone signals and cell communication, influencing grain development and yield potential.
10th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Plant compounds from Ardisia villosa show promise in stopping gastric cancer cell growth
Research shows a plant extract from Ardisia villosa halts breast & stomach cancer cell growth, disrupting tumor formation & spread. It interferes with cell division, boosting tumor suppressors & showing promise as a new drug source, especially where treatment access is limited.
9th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How potato psyllids spread bacteria that cause zebra chip disease
A potato disease bacterium, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’, spreads via potato psyllids. New research shows one type, LsoB, is acquired and transmitted faster than LsoA.
9th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Fluorescent tagging reveals hidden genetic traits in red apple varieties
Apple breeding focuses on unique traits like red flesh, but success depends on genetic compatibility. This study refined a faster DNA test to identify S-alleles – genes controlling self-incompatibility – in new hybrids.
8th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Gene delays flowering in tomatoes, impacting pollen production
Researchers identified CaZAT5, a protein in peppers, as a key regulator of flowering and pollen development. It controls gene activity related to cell wall changes needed for pollen release.
7th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
How to boost seed growth and freshness using different priming methods
Seed priming boosts germination speed & seedling strength in carrots/parsnips by encouraging early embryo growth. Hydropriming altered hormone levels but reduced seed lifespan.
6th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene variation in a virus protein affects its ability to evade plant defenses
Plant viruses constantly evolve to overcome plant defenses, causing crop damage. Researchers found a single change in a viral protein (P31) makes Beet necrotic yellow vein virus more harmful.
5th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Bean root bacteria show surprising diversity with potential for improved growth
Ecuadorian bean plants rely on helpful bacteria to convert air nitrogen into plant food. A new study found diverse native bacteria groups, some more effective than common commercial products, adapting to local conditions.
1st January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Sweet potato’s wild relatives reveal genes key to stress response
Researchers studied 91 stress-response genes in a sweet potato relative, identifying potential roles in drought and disease resistance. Several genes showed increased activity under stress, particularly ItfPP2C30 and ItfPP2C77, hinting at key signaling interactions.
31st December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Crepe-myrtle leaf extract: Uncovering Potential medicinal properties of Crepe-myrtle leaf extract.
Research on the plant Lagerstroemia speciosa reveals potential for new disease treatments. Leaf extracts show strong antioxidant & antibacterial effects, even against drug-resistant bacteria.
31st December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Do Grapevine Leaves Adjust to Changing Conditions to Optimize Photosynthesis?
Plants balance water loss & CO2 intake using stored sugars to maintain cell pressure, crucial for growth. Sugars help cells stay firm during daily water fluctuations, especially early in the growing season. However, their role lessens with severe drought.
30th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Computer vision speeds up research on two-spotted spider mite development
New automated system speeds up breeding pest-resistant crops. It uses a robotic microscope & computer vision to count spider mites, a major agricultural pest, more quickly & accurately than manual methods. Publicly available data & models aid research.
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How tree populations vary genetically across eastern Mexico
Mexican cloud forest trees (Ternstroemia sylvatica) show high genetic differences between fragmented areas, despite overall diversity being good. Southern populations are key reservoirs, needing protection to ensure long-term survival.
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New fungus discovered infecting persimmon trees
A root disease affecting grapevines and walnuts, black foot, now impacts persimmon trees in Hungary. Researchers identified the fungus Ilyonectria liriodendri as the cause, confirming it through DNA analysis and lab tests.
31st December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Uncovering the anti-inflammatory potential of amaranth as a functional livestock feed.
Amaranth, a traditional medicinal plant, shows promise as a livestock feed additive. Research identified key compounds in amaranth with anti-inflammatory properties, potentially improving animal health & food production efficiency.
28th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Potato growth is unexpectedly preserved during co-attack by the fall armyworm and a bacterial pathogen.
Potato crops face major threats from fall armyworm insects and bacterial speck disease. New research shows that when both attack together, the insect’s damage is surprisingly reduced, suggesting they may hinder each other.
27th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Fig tree breeding reveals surprising genetic exchange between different habitats
Fig trees can interbreed, blurring species lines. A recent study of two species revealed successful gene flow, creating hybrids found in intermediate habitats. These hybrids show altered seed dispersal, suggesting adaptation.
27th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Deer browsing reshapes forest plant life during recovery after farming
Deer significantly impact forest recovery after events like logging. An 18yr study found they increase seed variety in the soil, altering future plant communities, but hinder tree growth, delaying forest regeneration. These effects on seeds may have lasting impacts.
23rd December, 2025
| Greg Howard
New planter design improves seed spacing and placement for better crop growth
New furrow opener design improves crop breeding by precisely placing seeds. Rotating V-shaped rollers create stable soil grooves, limiting seed drift & spacing inconsistencies. Simulations & tests confirm better uniformity than traditional openers, enhancing trial accuracy.
22nd December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
ASPEN: Tracking gene variations in individual cells using RNA sequencing
New method ASPEN accurately maps gene activity from each parent in individual cells, overcoming noise in data. It revealed incomplete X chromosome silencing & random gene copy use.
19th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New tool reveals detailed map of proteins inside cell power plants
Scientists expanded our understanding of proteins within mitochondria, cells’ powerhouses. A new technique identified ~400 proteins, 50 previously unknown, many working in multiple cell areas. This reveals protein distribution complexity & provides tools for future research.
18th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Fossil plant leaves reveal ancient history of calcium buildup
Researchers found potential evidence of tiny calcium structures, common in modern plant leaves for regulation & defense, in fossils 400M years old.
16th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How soil releases zinc in areas mined for rare earth elements
Rare earth mining relies on acids to extract valuable elements, but this also releases harmful metals like zinc into soil. New research shows magnesium sulfate initially releases more zinc, but aluminum sulfate leads to higher levels remaining in the soil—a longer-term risk.
15th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Better soil and feeding practices boost sugar apple fruit production and flavor
Yunnan sugar-apple yields are declining. Research shows combining 75% soil water capacity, moderate fertilizer (2083 kg/ha), & straw mulch optimizes root health, nutrient levels, & fruit production. This improves soil enzymes & microbial life for better quality & yield.
11th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New insights into an iron age boat: Dating and materials analysis
New analyses of the Hjortspring boat, a well-preserved prehistoric vessel, date its construction to 381-161 BCE. Material studies reveal it was built with pine pitch not local to Denmark, suggesting origins near the Baltic Sea.
11th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene controls flower color in safflower by influencing pigment production
Safflower has been used traditionally to improve blood flow. Research pinpointed CtMYB1, a gene crucial for flavonoid production—compounds linked to heart health benefits.
10th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Plant hormone production is linked to daily rhythms and carbon dioxide levels
Researchers developed a tool to precisely control plant growth hormones, revealing a surprising link between these hormones and the plant’s internal clock.
8th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Understanding the genetic makeup of a wild Solomon’s seal plant
Solomon’s seal plants have long been used in traditional medicine, but identifying species can be difficult. New research mapped the complete genetic code of Polygonatum sinopubescens, revealing its evolutionary relationships and key genes.
5th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Strawberry genes control pigment and sugar production
New research reveals how light boosts strawberry color and sweetness. Scientists identified proteins that directly activate genes for pigment and sugar production when exposed to blue light. This challenges previous understanding of how plants respond to light.
2nd December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How flower traits reveal patterns in a rare iris species
A new study of the Iranian Iris reveals significant variation in flower color, leaf shape, & size within the species. This diversity is key for breeding new varieties & conserving its genetic heritage, identifying plants with desirable traits & unique lineages.
27th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Soil bacteria changes during drought don’t necessarily help plants grow
Drought stresses crops, but plant roots host helpful microbes. Research on sorghum shows Streptomyces bacteria increase during drought, but abundance doesn’t guarantee plant benefit.
26th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Enzyme controls key step in bacterial metabolism and response to nutrients
Bacteria that produce many antibiotics use a surprising self-poisoning system to coordinate development. Sensing a key signal triggers a pathway creating toxic byproducts, but only those bacteria able to cope switch to antibiotic production.
22nd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Boosting mung bean harvests and root growth with natural fertilizers
Mung bean farming often relies on chemical fertilizers, but research shows beneficial bacteria mixtures (biofertilizers) can boost growth & reduce environmental harm.
22nd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New technology helps unlock secrets of plant cell growth and development
New tech lets scientists study plant cells without rigid walls, using tiny droplets as growth chambers. This boosts control & speed, revealing how hormones impact cell growth & survival, aiding plant breeding & genetic engineering.
21st November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How storage affects the quality of a Ziziphora tenuior's essential oils
Antibiotic resistance drives interest in plant-based antimicrobials. A study on Ziziphora tenuior essential oil found storage temperature significantly impacts its chemical composition & potency.
21st November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How tiny ocean plants sink when food is scarce
Tiny ocean plants balance sunlight & nutrients by actively sinking & floating. A new study reveals how they change density & internal composition—storing starch to sink, fats to float—to optimize growth & impact ocean food webs & blooms.
