Ketocarotenoids, including astaxanthin, are red lipophilic pigments derived from the oxygenation of β-carotene ionone rings. These carotenoids have exceptional antioxidant capacity and high commercial value as natural pigments, especially for aquaculture feedstocks to confer red flesh colour to salmon and shrimp. Ketocarotenoid biosynthetic pathways occur only in selected bacterial, algal, fungal and

Hard-end, superficial scald and cork spot are prevalent physiological disorders in pear fruit, characterized by an increase in lignin deposition, which impairs the fruit quality and reduces farmer income. Although calcium deficiency is known to exacerbate symptoms of these lignin-related disorders, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory

Theanine is a non-protein free amino acid accumulated in tea plant leaves and makes a major contribution to the unique umami and sweet taste and a multitude of human health benefits of tea. However, its biosynthesis and transcriptional regulation in tea plant leaves remain to be fully understood. Here, we report that an R2R3-MYB CsMYB213 and a bHLH CsbHLH35 co-regulated two key theanine biosynthesis

SummaryIn maize (Zea mays L.), leaves are essential for photosynthesis and transpiration and leaf yellowing is regulated by carotenoid metabolism, hormonal signalling and environmental factors. However, the molecular mechanisms linking drought stress and leaf yellowing remain poorly understood. ZmNCED3, a key regulator of carotenoid degradation and drought stress responses, plays a critical role in

SummaryPlants diseases cause substantial crop yield loss and threaten food security. Enhancing plant genetic resistance is a major strategy to mitigate the impact of plant diseases on agricultural production. The leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like protein RXEG1 recognizes the glycoside hydrolase 12 (GH12) protein XEG1 secreted by Phytophthora sojae to mount immune responses in Nicotiana benthamiana

Plant cell cultures are a promising platform for large-scale production of many natural products used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries (Ozyigit et al., 2023). However, despite a few isolated success stories, the use of plant cultures in industrial processes is still limited. Although yields of certain metabolites can be increased significantly by biotic elicitation (Laezza et al

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a valuable source of protein essential for both human and animal nutrition, is one of the most important grain legumes worldwide (http://www.fao.org/faostat/). It also has a longstanding history as a genetic model, notably used by Gregor Mendel to establish foundational genetics principles. Current research tools for pea include a full genome sequence and TILLING mutant collections

SummaryPlant architecture influences the microenvironment throughout the canopy layer. Plants with a more erect leaf architecture allow for an increase in planting densities and allow more light to reach lower canopy leaves. This is predicted to increase crop carbon assimilation. Frictional resistance to wind reduces air movement in the lower canopy, resulting in higher humidity. By increasing the

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are a unique fruit vegetable table combination, widely consumed for their rich bioactive compounds, including phenolic antioxidants and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) (George et al., 2004). Serotonin has potential therapeutic applications for metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity (Jia et al., 2024; Oh et al., 2015). Tryptophan decarboxylase

Molecular breeding is a valuable approach for enhancing the yield and quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.), with genome editing technology being a powerful tool for achieving varieties with desirable traits (Gao, 2021; Xue et al., 2023). Gene editing involves knocking out genes that negatively regulate agronomic traits and has proven promising in improving plant architecture, grain size, and other key

SummaryThe efforts of engineering plant ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) with the goal of improving plant photosynthetic efficiency and crop yield have existed for long. However, the directed evolution of plant Rubisco has not been widely explored because its biogenesis in a heterologous host such as Escherichia coli remains challenging. Recent breakthroughs in developing the

SummaryPlants inevitably encounter a diverse array of constantly changing environmental stresses, and drought stands out as one of the most severe threats to plants. Abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) work synergistically to increase plant drought tolerance, but their interplay during drought response remains elusive. Here, we uncovered that ABA induced the degradation of a negative transcription

SummaryPummelo (Citrus maxima) is a fundamental species of Citrus which contributes to most of the cultivated citrus, including sweet orange, lemon and etc. The fruit neck is a structural feature of pummelo, and a long fruit neck reduces the edible rate of the fruit. In this study, we assembled a telomere‐to‐telomere (T2T) gap‐free reference genome for the typical short fruit neck cultivar, ‘Pingshan’

SummaryThe limited cytosolic delivery of DNA and protein‐based therapeutics due to endosomal entrapment reduces drug efficacy, increasing treatment costs and possible side effects in human and veterinary medicine as a consequence of higher administered dosages. Plant‐derived triterpenoid saponins, specifically those with endosomal escape‐enhancing (EEE) properties, have shown promise in overcoming

SummaryAs a prominent external feature of watermelon, the stripe pattern exhibits remarkable phenotypic diversity, directly impacting commercial value through consumer preference. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying this important agronomic trait in watermelon remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that the total chlorophyll content in dark green stripes (DGS) was

With the rapid advancement of sequencing and genome assembly technologies, thousands of plant genomes have been sequenced, assembled and annotated (Marks et al., 2021; Xie et al., 2024), providing a rich and invaluable resource for comparative genomic and evolutionary studies in plants. However, these genomes are often dispersed across various databases, creating barriers to efficient data access,

SummaryFD, a conserved bZIP transcription factor, is well known for its role in promoting flowering. Here, we uncover that a short coding sequence of the Chrysanthemum morifolium FD gene, CmFDa, represses flowering. Interestingly, we identified CmFDa as a novel epiallele stringently regulated by DNA methylation in chrysanthemum for the first time. Epigenetic editing of the CmFDa promoter using the

Cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.), a cereal of worldwide importance, belongs to the Aveneae family of cereals, distinguishing it from wheat, rye, barley and rice. This distinction explains its unique characteristics, such as high β-glucan and oil content, distinctive fatty acid composition and gluten-free nature, making it suitable for both human consumption and animal feed. Since the 1870s, oat-breeding

SummaryModern wheat cultivation requires seed to germinate rapidly and uniformly with weak dormancy. However, such varieties tend to undergo pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) if the harvest overlaps with the rainy season, causing substantial yield losses. Knowledge regarding the mechanisms of seed dormancy in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is limited, with only a few causal genes of the many PHS quantitative

SummaryWith changes in complex environments, plants, especially their leaves, are constantly adapting. Aquatic plants face more diverse and harsh survival situations. However, their adaptive mechanisms are largely unknown. Euryale ferox is a floating leaf aquatic plant characterized by large and rapidly expanding leaves that serve as a model for studying the environmental adaptability of aquatic plants

SummaryFood crops, as the cornerstone of human nutrition, not only provide essential macronutrients but also encompass a rich spectrum of bioactive compounds that promote health. Of particular significance are underutilized minor crops, which contain unique beneficial components with proven nutraceutical properties. These valuable bioactive components can be effectively concentrated into plant‐derived

SummaryCold and saline–alkali stress are typical abiotic stresses on forage in middle and high latitudes, and they frequently occur simultaneously, decreasing the yield and quality of forage. Ascorbic acid plays an essential role in reactive oxygen species metabolism in response to abiotic stress. However, the molecular mechanisms of ascorbic acid biosynthesis induced by combined cold and saline–alkali

SummaryNitrogen (N) is critical for crop growth, and enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for achieving high grain yields and quality in crop production. In this study, we identified two transcription factors OsRF2b and OsbZIP61, which localize in the nucleus and function as negative regulators of NUE and grain yield in rice. OsRF2b responds to nitrogen supplies, and overexpression

SummaryConstitutive expression of hypersensitive cell‐death‐inducing effectors secreted by pathogens has proved to be difficult in plants. Herein, xylem‐specific promoters (PVND7 or PVND2) were utilized to express three cell‐death‐inducing proteins (FocSIX1A, FocSIX6 or TvSm1) of fungal origin in banana plants. The regenerated plants were not only healthy but also showed improved resistance to fungal

Mangifera persiciforma, a member of the Mangifera genus, is the same family as mangos (Mangifera indica) often referred to as the ‘king of fruits’. It is primarily distributed across the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China (Wu et al., 2021), in which they thrive in barren regions with karst landforms, indicating they possess exceptional environmental adaptability

Determining protein localization at nanometre resolution with electron microscopy (EM) is crucial for understanding protein functions and cellular processes. The APEX2 tag, an engineered ascorbate peroxidase, was developed to image mammal proteins with EM (Martell et al., 2012). Derived from the plant ascorbate peroxidase APX1, APEX2 catalyses H2O2-dependent polymerization of DAB into dense precipitates

SummaryTo establish systemic infection, plant viruses must replicate, and conduct intra‐ and intercellular movement and long‐distance movement, all of which require the participation of host factors. Tobamoviruses move in the form of movement protein (MP)–viral RNA complex and utilize endocytosis for intracellular movement. However, how tobamoviral MPs hijack host factors to reach the plasma membrane

SummaryNon‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in plant responses to environmental stress, orchestrating complex networks that finetune gene expression under both abiotic and biotic challenges. To elucidate this intricate ncRNA crosstalk, this review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of key regulatory ncRNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs),

Frozen foods have emerged as staples in household shopping baskets. However, these foods often endure a series of temperature shifts during storage, transportation and freeze–thaw cycles, leading to quality degradation manifested by moisture loss, surface cracking and hardening. This deterioration could be alleviated by the addition of starches with robust freeze–thaw stability (Kowalski et al., 2017)

SummaryStomata are epidermal pores that control the exchange of gaseous CO2 and H2O between plants and their environment. Modulating stomatal density can alter this exchange and thus presents a viable target for engineering improved crop productivity and climate resilience. Here, we show that stomatal density in Arabidopsis thaliana can be decreased by the expression of a water‐forming NAD(P)H oxidase

SummaryThe aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) has emerged as a formidable pest, devastating sorghum plants and highlighting the need for sustainable management strategies. Graphene oxide (GO), as a novel material, has garnered attention for its use in crop cultivation and management, but its effects on biotic stresses remain elusive. Here, we used 10 mg/L GO to spray aphid‐stressed sorghum seedlings four

SummaryRoots act as the plants' primary determinants of the uptake of water and nutrients, while the root structure largely depends on the repeated formation of new lateral roots (LR). Lateral root primordium (LRP) formation defines the organization and function of LRs. Therefore, lateral root formation is quite related to proper LRP morphogenesis to a great extent. Here, we identified the Arabidopsis

The plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) plays a vital role in plant development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. There are two characterized pathways for SA biosynthesis in plants, catalysed by phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and isochorismate synthase (ICS), respectively. Pathogen-induced rapid accumulation of SA in Arabidopsis thaliana (hereafter ‘Arabidopsis’) leaves is primarily dependent

SummaryThe plant stress response mechanism is activated by biotic and abiotic stresses, but its continuous activation typically affects growth. The role of ferritin in regulating biomass accumulation has been extensively characterized in diverse plant species; however, the underlying mechanisms through which it contributes to salt stress tolerance and Fusarium resistance remain poorly understood. Here

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a major root crop in the world. As an asexual crop, sweet potato breeding and basic research face a number of challenges due to the highly heterozygous genome. Doubled haploid (DH) breeding is one of the most efficient means of improving crop germplasm. However, there is no reliable haploid induction system for sweet potato. BABY BOOM (BBM) encodes an AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE

SummaryBrassinosteroids (BRs) are a crucial class of plant hormones and regulate many important agronomic traits in crops. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), BIR3 interacts with the BR receptor BRI1 and coreceptor BAK1 to negatively regulate BR signalling. In contrast, OsBIR3 interacts with OsBRI1 and OsBAK1 to positively regulate BR signalling in rice (Oryza sativa). However, our understanding

SummaryLate blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most serious disease of potatoes. Here we present the effectiveness of the host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) technology against an amino acid biosynthesis gene of the pathogen to increase the resistance against the plant‐infecting oomycete in the field. A RNAi hairpin construct directed against the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene of Phytophthora

SummaryVertical farming offers the advantage of providing a stable environment for plant cultivation, shielding them from adverse conditions such as climate change. For fruit‐harvesting plants like tomato, vertical farming necessitates the optimization of plant growth and architecture. The gibberellin 3‐oxidase (GA3ox) genes encode gibberellin 3‐oxidases responsible for activating GA within the pathway

SummaryCytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) serves as a pivotal tool for exploiting hybrid vigour and studying nuclear‐cytoplasmic interactions. Despite its long‐standing use in cotton breeding, the underlying mechanisms of the CMS‐D2 system remain elusive. Our study unravelled the role of the mitochondrial chimeric gene orf610a in reducing fertility in cotton through its interaction with ATP synthase

SummaryStem lodging resistance plays a critical role in maintaining soybean yield stability, yet the molecular mechanisms governing stem development and lodging tolerance remain poorly understood. Here, we report the characterization of lodging‐related mutant 3 (lrm3), a weak‐stemmed soybean line exhibiting increased lodging susceptibility. Molecular cloning revealed that LRM3 encodes a U‐box E3 ubiquitin

SummaryGlycosylation is an important aspect for many biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines against parasitic helminths. Plants, especially Nicotiana benthamiana, have proven to be excellent production hosts for biopharmaceuticals with tailor‐made glycosylation. If desired, galactosylation can be introduced on biopharmaceuticals through co‐expression of the appropriate glycosyltransferase. However

SummaryThe growth of different grafted guava was different as affected by grafting on different rootstock varieties, which also influenced the damage degree of Spodoptera litura larvae. The co‐regulation of the pest gut by rhizosphere microorganisms and root exudates may contribute to this differential damage. In this study, the microorganisms of soil, plants, S. litura larvae and root exudates of

SummaryChloroplast development is fundamental to photosynthesis and plant growth but is sensitive to environmental stress. Chloroplast development and division require genome stability and DNA repair, but the underlying mechanisms have been unclear. Using a forward genetic approach, we identified the striped‐leaf mutant k48 in the rice (Oryza sativa L. japonica) cultivar KY131 background. k48 displayed

Modifying target genes through genome editing technology has promising agricultural applications (Wang and Doudna, 2023). Typical genome editing employs site-directed nucleases (SDNs), such as clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9), to generate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at specific sites in the genome, leading to DNA mutations caused by errors

SummaryPlant viruses often suppress jasmonic acid (JA)‐mediated defences through disturbing JA signalling or biosynthesis pathways to benefit their own infection. Few studies have examined how the precursors of JA biosynthesis are regulated by viral infection. In this study, we demonstrate that rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infection inhibits the production of α‐linolenic acid (C18:3), a

SummaryPopcorn, one of the world's most popular snack foods, represents the most ancient type of maize domesticated by humans. However, the genetic basis underlying popcorn evolution and kernel‐popping traits remains largely unknown. In this study, we assembled a high‐quality genome sequence of the popcorn landrace Strawberry Popcorn (SP) and conducted extensive population genomic analyses. The SP

Floral organ development in angiosperms is tightly regulated by conserved pathways, including the ABCE model and CLV-WUS signalling, which coordinate meristem activity and organ identity (Litt and Kramer, 2010; Schoof et al., 2000). However, the mechanisms underlying species-specific floral architecture, particularly in monocots like rice (Oryza sativa), remain poorly understood. Although key regulators

SummaryAntifungal proteins (AFPs) derived from filamentous fungi show great potential against economically significant fungi that cause plant diseases and consequently threat food safety and security. This study focuses on the Penicillium expansum PeAfpA and Penicillium digitatum PdAfpB proteins and their activity against several phytopathogens. The AFPs were synthesized through a highly productive

SummaryTipburn is a common physiological disorder in leafy vegetables, significantly impairing crop growth and commercial value. It is widely recognized that Ca2+ deficiency is a key factor triggering tipburn; however, the functions and regulatory mechanisms of genes conferring resistance remain largely unexplored. Through transcriptomic analysis of Chinese cabbage under normal (medium calcium, MCa)

SummaryPomegranate is an important perennial fruit tree distributed worldwide. Reference genomes with gaps and limit gene identification controlling important agronomic traits hinder its functional genomics and genetic improvements. Here, we reported a telomere‐to‐telomere (T2T) gap‐free genome assembly of the distinctive cultivar ‘Moshiliu’. The Moshiliu reference genome was assembled into eight chromosomes

SummaryThe urgent need to replace petroleum‐derived materials with sustainable alternatives drives innovation at the nexus of plant biotechnology and materials science. Here, we engineered Populus alba × P. glandulosa ‘84 K’ through CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated knockout of PagGLR2.8, a glutamate receptor gene regulating vascular development, to investigate its role in fibre biosynthesis and composite performance

Citrus cultivation plays a pivotal role in global agriculture and food security. With intensifying international market competition and increasing environmental challenges, citrus crops have become particularly urgent (Mukhametzyanov et al., 2024). Traditional breeding and genetic transformation are two main strategies for improvement, with the latter gaining more attention due to its ability to introduce

SummaryCottonseed is a valuable source of edible oil and protein, but its utilization is limited by high gossypol content. In this study, we engineered cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to biosynthesize astaxanthin through both single‐gene (CrBKT) and multi‐gene (CrBKT, ZmPSY1, PaCrtI, HpCrtZ) expression strategies. Transgenic cotton plants exhibited significant astaxanthin accumulation across multiple tissues

SummaryCold stress severely limits tea plant (Camellia sinensis) productivity, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying cold adaptation remain elusive. Here, we identified a cold‐inducible glycosyltransferase, CsUGT71A60, through integrative genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and proteomic profiling. Natural variation in CsUGT71A60 was strongly associated with cold tolerance, as evidenced by linkage

SummaryGrain chalkiness leads to the deterioration of grain appearance quality, which affects grain processing quality and the market value of rice. Gibberellin plays a crucial role in seed germination and plant growth, but its mechanism on endosperm starch synthesis and rice grain chalkiness formation remains largely elusive. Here, we identified a grain white belly (chalkiness in the belly area of

The potential for gene flow between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and non-GMO relatives poses a significant challenge to the development and regulatory approval of GMO crops (Wedger et al., 2024), for example, the spread of herbicide resistance transgenes from crops such as rice or sorghum to cross-pollinating weedy species. Addressing this concern, we developed Engineered Genetic Incompatibility