I thought I’d ask for some help this week, but I tried writing a couple of paragraphs and failed. The migraines left me with an idea, and playing around with computer code it almost works, but explaining it just looks mad.
The upside this week is that the migraines seem to have lifted, so I can actually get the work that I want to get done, done.
This week, Carlos has interviewed the first PhD student in his series of posts, and next week he’ll be looking into Hawaiian flora. I’m enjoying these.
I had hoped for something slightly more coherent for the introduction, but it’s well past 10 pm and I have an early start tomorrow, so I’ll stop waiting for inspiration to strike. There will be another email of the papers you’re sharing on Mastodon, Bluesky, and Twitter. Until next time, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
Saving Space for Lapwings Between Crops and Wetlands
Saving lapwings means managing Italian farm landscapes for sparse vegetation.
Plant Cells Look Bigger Under the Microscope, But Not the Way You’d Expect
A new technique inflates plant cells, turning ordinary microscopes into super-powered tools.
Lucy Sauereßig: Climbing Oaks for the Whole Picture
Botany One interviews Lucy Sauereßig, a PhD student working on the intricate interactions between oaks and their microbiome.
Less Can Be More For Modelling Invasive Species
A new study reveals that sometimes adding more data to a model reduces its predictive power.
A company in England has created a banana that stays fresh 12 hours after it’s peeled
“60% of exported bananas go to waste before reaching the consumer.”
Project aims to digitize 2.3 million plants at California Academy of Sciences
There is quite the photo shoot happening right now in Golden Gate Park, but instead of models, the muse of choice is a collection of leaves, branches, and dried flowers.
Avocados Were Domesticated 7,500 Years Ago, According To Fossil EvidenceThe ancient peoples of Latin America did us all a tremendous favor by saving avocados from extinction and gradually making them tastier over thousands of years of domestication.
When is a lichen not a lichen?
A newly discovered organism called “phyllosymbium” challenges our traditional understanding of lichens by having the cyanobacterium on the outside enveloping the fungus, the reverse of conventional lichen structure.
Pioneering plant microbiome research: Julia Vorholt receives 2025 Novonesis Biotechnology Prize
Professor Julia Vorholt’s work has changed how we think about plant health. Her innovative research on plant microbiomes holds the potential to transform agriculture. For her achievements, the microbiologist is receiving the Novonesis Biotechnology Prize.
Loss of trees in Storm Éowyn is ‘like losing a cathedral’
The scale of the devastation of Storm Éowyn is coming to light with Forest Service Northern Ireland describing it as “unprecedented”.
How do you know spring is near in Minnesota? This stinky plant blooms – and kicks out heat
The inside of a skunk cabbage bloom can be more than 30 degrees warmer than the air surrounding it.
World garden dreamt up during nine-month captivity
Botanist Tom Hart Dyke’s life changed forever on 16 March 2000 when he was kidnapped by Colombian guerrillas while hunting for orchids.
After developers gentrified her old neighborhood, cherished plant shop owner starts fresh
The Plant Chica recently reopened in Leimert Park Village after new development forced them to be evicted from their West Adams storefront.
A cacti-smuggling case with a prickly end: the novel way courts are making poachers pay
Two Italian cacti smugglers have been fined for illegally trading plants from Chile – and for the cost of restoring the environment. Conservationists hope more cases will follow.
The BiPS Summer Studentship aims to encourage students to consider a career in plant sciences by providing funding to support paid summer placements for Black undergraduate students.
These Studentships will address the lack of Black and Black heritage researchers in the UK plant science community.
The minimal cell-cycle control system in Marchantia as a framework for understanding plant cell proliferation (FREE)
The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha possess a streamlined set of core cell cycle genes with minimal redundancy during vegetative development. Using single-cell RNA-seq and fluorescent reporters, Romani et al found a precise, phase-specific pattern of expression for cell cycle genes. They demonstrated in vivo that only three cyclins are active, one at a given phase, without redundancy.
Variation in wood density across South American tropical forests (FREE)
Sullivan et al assemble an extensive dataset of variation in wood density across the most forested and tree-diverse continent, examine how it relates to spatial and environmental variables, and use these relationships to predict spatial variation in wood density over tropical and sub-tropical South America.
Environmental drivers of spatial variation in tropical forest canopy height: Insights from NASA’s GEDI spaceborne LiDAR ($)
In this study, measurements from NASA’s Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation spaceborne LiDAR mission are used to understanding global-scale patterns of tropical forest canopy height. The study shows that elevation, dry season length, and solar radiation are key drivers in determining tropical forest canopy height both locally and regionally. These findings are relevant to understanding tropical forest responses to climate variability and change and for forest carbon management and conservation strategies.
Potential for large losses of carbon from non-native conifer plantations on deep peat over decadal timescales (FREE)
Peatland drainage is a large source of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. While conversion to agriculture is widely acknowledged to lead to “irrecoverable” carbon (C) losses, in contrast the C impacts of peatland forestry are poorly understood, especially in intensively managed plantations. Losses of C from peat oxidation are highly variable and can be compensated for by gains of C in trees, depending on the lifecycle of the timber and timescale considered. Sloan et al used ITRAX scanning to enable rapid detection of the Hekla 4 cryptotephra layer as a reliable chronological marker above which peat properties and C stocks could be compared between open and afforested blanket bog cores in the Flow Country of Northern Scotland.
Flowers that cool themselves: Thermal ecology of summer-blooming thistles in hot Mediterranean environments ($)
Flower exposure to high temperature reduces the production, viability, and performance of pollen, ovules, and seeds, which in turn impairs individual fecundity and risks the survival of populations. Autonomous floral cooling could alleviate the effects of flower exposure to harmful temperatures, yet investigations on thermal ecology of flowers in hot environments are needed to evaluate the reality, magnitude, and ecological significance of thermoregulatory cooling. Herrera reports a study on the thermal ecology of the flower heads (=capitula) of 15 species of summer-blooming Asteraceae, tribe Cardueae, from hot-dry habitats in the southern Iberian Peninsula.
Elevated CO2 alters soybean physiology and defense responses, and has disparate effects on susceptibility to diverse microbial pathogens (FREE)
Increasing atmospheric CO2 levels have a variety of effects that can influence plant responses to microbial pathogens. However, these responses are varied, and it is challenging to predict how elevated CO2 (eCO2) will affect a particular plant–pathogen interaction. Bredow et al investigated how eCO2 may influence disease development and responses to diverse pathogens in the major oilseed crop, soybean.
Plants breathing under pressure: mechanistic insights into soil compaction-induced physiological, molecular and biochemical responses in plants ($)
This review highlights the molecular, biochemical and physiological responses of plants under soil compaction and presents suitable strategies for optimizing soil compaction for sustainable and intelligent plant production.
Unlocking the potential of genome editing in agriculture with tissue culture-free techniques (FREE)
Innovative tissue culture-free genome editing technologies are accelerating crop improvement by overcoming traditional limitations, though challenges remain before these promising methods can be widely applied in agriculture.
Minimum leaf conductance during drought: unravelling its variability and impact on plant survival (FREE)
Burlett et al measured water loss of detached leaves continuously during dehydration in nine woody angiosperm species. They computed minimum leaf conductance (gmin) at different water potential thresholds along a sequence of physiological function losses, spanning from turgor loss point to hydraulic failure. A mechanistic model evaluated the impact of different gmin estimations on the time to hydraulic failure (THF).
Emergence of isochorismate-based salicylic acid biosynthesis within Brassicales (FREE)
The Brassicales plant order evolved a unique salicylic acid defense pathway through three key adaptations that occurred over time: enhanced isochorismate synthase activity, specialized transport function after gene duplication, and development of a specific enzyme for the final conversion step.
Note: These are posts that have been advertised around the web. They are not posts that I personally offer , nor can I arrange the visa for you to work internationally.
Using biosensors to discover how ABA controls stomatal dynamics and water loss in plants, PhD, Sheffield
When and why ABA accumulates has been the source of much debate. The recently developed ABACUS2 FRET biosensors allow us to visualise ABA accumulations in response to stress and answer these questions. This project will map the dynamic leaf ABA accumulations at low humidity in the model plant Arabidopsis and two major global crops, wheat and rice – providing us with a crucial map of stress responses under dehydration.
Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term), Cambridge
This Postdoctoral Research Associate post reports directly to Professor David Edwards (University of Cambridge), with direct input from co-investigator Professor Casey Ryan (University of Edinburgh). It will tackle two main Objectives: (1) Quantify how restoration has impacted biodiversity and carbon storage across space and time; and (2) Identify the environmental and socio-economic drivers of restoration outcomes and effectiveness. In tackling these two objectives, this project will deliver a step change in our understanding of the likely consequences of continental-scale restoration, increasing the prospect of achieving its ecological and societal potential and meeting global climate and development goals.
Post-doc (M/F) in Microbial Ecology, Plant-Microorganism Interactions, Optimizing Soil Functioning in the Cities of the Future, Toulouse
The postdoctoral fellow will be involved in the OPTISOIL project funded by the ANR. They will work on identifying the effects of the addition of biochar and nitrogen-fixing plants on microbial communities (bacteria, fungi and protists). An in situ experiment was set up at the end of 2024 on a technosol in the Paris region. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for microbial monitoring on this experiment. Microcosm experiments may also be set up to test specific questions related to the project.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Osnabrück
The Department of Plant Physiology of the School of Biology/Chemistry at the University of Osnabrück is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to commence work at the earliest possible date. This is a temporary, two-year position. You will work on a third-party funded project in the field of synthetic biology on the topic of bioluminescence in plants and the establishment of plant tissue and cell culture (non-model systems), cloning of DNA constructs (GoldenGate cloning), creation and selection of transgenic plants (non-model systems).
Research Associate / Postdoctoral Researcher – Data Integration and Omics Data Analysis, Jülich
If you`re passionate about contributing to the establishment of a crucial segment in the data relationship life cycle for plant science, we invite you to join the Omics-/Database-based Bioinformatics research area of the IBG-4 at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences at Forschungszentrum Jülich. This research area, led by Prof. Dr. Usadel, specializes in data integration, classical bioinformatics, data science, and machine learning. The research group “Sequence-based Bioinformatics” is dedicated to analyzing plant multi-omics data to assess their potential use in breeding strategies.
Research Assistant – Experimental Plant Ecology Group, Griefswald
The Experimental Plant Ecology working group at the University of Greifswald’s Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology works on various topics of peatland research and wet land use. We combine basic with applied research and practical relevance. Our strength lies in the breadth and integration of research with the implementation of rewetting and peatland restoration.
The aims of the MoorPower research project are to comprehensively investigate the technical, ecological and socio-economic effects and legal issues of the combination of peatland rewetting and photovoltaics (peatland PV) for the first time and to derive recommendations for the specific implementation of peatland PV in Germany.
Professor in Soil Hydrology Sciences for Healthier Soils and a Sustainable Agriculture, Leuven
The Science, Engineering and Technology Group and the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven, invite applications for a part-time (10 %) academic position at its Department of Biosystems Campus Geel. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with an independent research record to perform academic teaching and build a research program in the Department’s Division of Crop Biotechnics, in the domain of soil sciences and with a focus on water usage and management. This academic position is complementary to another part-time position of the Department of Biosystems focusing on plant nutrition and fertilizers at Campus Arenberg.
Doctoral Researcher, Photosynthesis, Turku
We are looking for a candidate to undertake a PhD project on the regulatory mechanisms of membrane potential in photosynthetic cells. Photosynthesis is enabled by an electrochemical membrane potential, or proton motive force, which is generated by electron transport reactions in thylakoid membranes. The main focus of the project is on carrying out a fundamental research project with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms of how photosynthetic bacteria regulate the proton motive force across their thylakoid membranes. We are also interested in answering how this allows cyanobacteria to survive in changing environments, and in applying this knowledge to optimising solar-powered sustainable biotechnologies.
Associate Professor in Plant Molecular Physiology, Stockholm
Stockholm University is looking for someone to research, teaching and supervision for the field of experimental molecular studies on the physiology of eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms.
ERC-funded PhD position, Prague
The aim of this thesis is to clarify the role the cytoplasmic auxin signaling pathway in the morphogenesis of above-ground Arabidopsis body and to dissect which of the known auxin receptors control rapid auxin responses in the above-ground tissues. Methodologically, the project will involve advanced live cell imaging approaches, benefiting from the specialized microscopy available in the IEB. Specifically, the focus will be on the development of shoot apical meristem, hypocotyls and the patterning of leaf epidermal cells. The auxin signaling cascade in the above-ground body will be analyzed using protein-discovery and -omics approaches.
PhD student in experimental plant biology, Gdansk
You will perform PhD studies in plant molecular and cell biology. You will work in the field of plant endomembrane system and use Arabidopsis thaliana as model. You will investigate the molecular machinery of clathrin-mediated trafficking (recommended reading: Adamowski et al. 2018, The Plant Cell; Adamowski et al. 2024, Cell Reports) as well as selected regulators of ARF small GTPases.
Assistant Professor in Ornamental Horticulture, Guelph
The successful candidate will design and teach undergraduate courses in floriculture and nursery crop production and will serve as the program coordinator for a course-based master’s program in Plant Agriculture. They will supervise MSc and PhD students in their thesis research and contribute to classroom instruction at the graduate level. The chosen candidate will develop and lead a comprehensive, externally funded research program in any area of ornamental horticulture (e.g., nursery, greenhouse or other controlled environment production, plant nutrition, physiology, breeding) according to their expertise and interest.
Postdoctoral Scholar/ Del Castillo Lab, California
The Del Castillo Lab (Greenhouse and Nursery Pathology lab) at UC Davis, focuses on research developing and improving sustainable solutions for disease control through studies of fungal and oomycete pathogens affecting greenhouse and nursery grown crops (ornamentals and vegetable transplants). We are seeking qualified applicants to work on the following areas of research: Molecular detection of oomycete plant pathogens from water samples (qPCR, RPA). / Evaluate effect of best management practices on fungal and oomycete community composition. / Characterization of fungal and oomycete populations associated to greenhouse and
nursery California crops: i.e. pathogenicity, disease etiology, population structure. / Disease diagnostics of greenhouse and nursery grown crops.
Visiting Associate Research Scientist (Yang Lab), Illinois
Lead field and laboratory research activities to investigate drivers of spatial and temporal variation in soil nitrous oxide emissions in agricultural fields; supervise technician and undergraduate research assistants assisting with research activities; prepare manuscripts and conference presentations to disseminate research findings.
Plant SynBio Project Manager, Melbourne
Join a groundbreaking initiative in plant synthetic biology. La Trobe University is seeking an experienced Plant SynBio Project Manager to lead the Plant Synthetic Biology (Plant SynBio) node within the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture & Food (LISAF). This position is part of a national initiative funded by BioPlatforms Australia (BPA) under the NCRIS scheme, aimed at advancing plant-based gene editing, transgenesis, and biomanufacturing.
Plant SynBio Tissue Culture Officer, Melbourne
La Trobe University is seeking a Tissue Culture Officer to support the groundbreaking Plant SynBio Australia initiative. This national research infrastructure program, funded by BioPlatforms Australia (BPA), is dedicated to advancing plant-based gene editing, transgenesis, and biomanufacturing through synthetic biology. As part of the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture & Food (LISAF), this role will contribute to developing new techniques for in vitro plant growth, tissue culture, gene editing, and genetic transformation.
Research Fellow in Plant Biochemistry, Melbourne
This is an exciting opportunity for a recent PhD graduate with experience in biochemistry or molecular biology to establish a career in crop science. The successful applicant will join a collaborative team at Australia’s top University to play a lead role in an innovative approach to translate fundamental biological discoveries to improve grain quality in wheat.
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