The clock may be ticking, but is it setting the rhythm?
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe root system architecture of dicot plants relies on lateral root spacing. Lateral roots are primed via auxin maxima in the main root that mark prebranch sites where lateral roots may later develop. A big debate in plant science is what drives this periodic auxin signaling that primes lateral rooting.…
When timing shapes root architecture
Plant Science Research WeeklyHow does a plant determine the angle at which a new lateral root should grow? A recent study by Farkas et al. reveals that the answer may depend not only on how plants perceive gravity, but when they perceive it. Lateral roots initially emerge almost perpendicular to the primary root before developing…
Altering root system architecture in barley without impacting above-ground traits
Plant Science Research WeeklyRoots are important for acquiring water and nutrients from the soil; however root system architecture is poorly understood in cereal crops. Here Aldiss et al. used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate barley mutants in the auxin transporter PIN-FORMED2 (PIN2). Seedlings were grown in chambers and after four days…
Unveiling distinct responses of maize primary and seminal roots under drought stress
Plant Science Research WeeklyCan you imagine going a day without a sip of water? Neither can plants. Water is essential for supporting diverse physiological processes in plants, including photosynthesis, nutrient transport, temperature regulation, and maintenance of cell turgidity. However, with global increase in temperature and…