For centuries, herbarium collections have provided critical data about plant species and their abundance. However, with the development of digital apps such as iNaturalist that allow citizen scientists to enter data about where plants are found, questions arise about whether herbarium collections are…

In most STEM disciplines there is a racial disparity between practitioners and the broader population. This disparity is often greater in plant sciences than in biomedical-related disciplines. Here, Hubbard and colleagues take a close look at the demographics of plant scientists in the UK and provide…

Review: Molecular concepts to explain heterosis in crops Heterosis, the phenomenon where hybrid plants outperform their genetically distinct parents, is a cornerstone of modern agriculture. This review by Hochholdinger and Yu explores the molecular mechanisms behind heterosis. The review traces the…

Numerous studies have highlighted the critical importance of plasma membrane heterogeneities in regulating cell functions, leading to a proliferation of overlapping and contradictory terminologies. Here, Jaillais and others in the field propose a new system of nomenclature. It really is a must-read for…

Auxin signaling influences plant growth and development by controlling gene expression, often through binding of transcription factors from the Auxin Response Factor (ARF) family to ARF elements (AuxRE) present in the promoters of auxin-responsive genes. However, given that auxin signaling produces many…

ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) is a transcription factor that regulates about one-third of Arabidopsis genes, affecting growth and development of seedlings through light and hormone signaling. UBIQUITIN-SPECIFIC PROTEASE (UBP14) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that removes ubiquitin from substrate proteins.…

The study by Bertran Garcia de Olalla et al. investigated the role of the APETALA2 (AP2) transcription factor in Arabidopsis, particularly its influence on the shoot apical meristem (SAM) during the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. AP2 is essential for the rapid increase in SAM height…

From an ancient Greek cure-all to a modern treatment for mild depression, Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) is a fascinating weed. Its leaves and flowers produce hyperforin, a metabolite derived from the isoprenoid pathway, which acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Despite partial genome and…