Plant physiology

How Different Are Japanese and Global Soybeans? Surprising Insights from Genomic Analysis and the Latest Findings in Soybean Breeding.

A new Nature Genetics study reveals major genomic differences between Japanese and global soybean varieties. Discover how structural variants in key genes like PDH1 and GmFT2b affect pod shattering, flowering time, and seed size—reshaping the path to next-generation crop breeding.

2025.03.15

Research

The Crisis of Crop Diversity Due to Climate Change – What is the Future of Agriculture in Low-Latitude Regions?

Climate change is endangering crop diversity and agricultural livelihoods in low-latitude regions. This article explores the risks, including food insecurity and genetic erosion, and outlines essential adaptation strategies.

2025.03.08

Research

Look for the gene that produces the “prop root,” a special root that supports the grass plant!

Prop roots, found in crops like maize and rice, play a critical role in anchoring plants and enhancing nutrient uptake. Recent studies have identified key genes that regulate their formation, offering new possibilities for developing lodging-resistant and drought-tolerant crops. Learn how this discovery could transform sustainable agriculture.

2025.01.02

Research

A Plant-like Protein in Humans with Similar Structure and Function!

A surprising discovery: the human lysosomal protein LYCHOS closely resembles plant PIN transporters, both in structure and function. Could this indicate an evolutionary connection between humans and plants? This article unpacks a groundbreaking Nature study revealing molecular similarities across kingdoms.

2024.11.01

Research

Creating New Pesticides by Combining Molecules in Plants!

A novel plant-based pesticide combines antimicrobial peptides with functional domains to sustainably combat pathogens and pests. Learn how it works.

2024.10.29

Research

Just Before a New Variety. Mixed Cultivation Utilizing Strengths Accelerates Agricultural Development Speed.

New research shows how intercropping existing varieties can improve pest resistance—no need for new breeds. A sustainable path to smarter agriculture.

2024.10.27

Research

A fine line between poison and medicine. The growth-promoting effect of the substance “fusicoccin,” which has been regarded as a poison for plants.

Originally known as a deadly toxin produced by plant pathogens, fusicoccin shows surprising potential to enhance plant growth under controlled conditions. Discover how it works, its impact on stomatal function, and its prospects as a new biostimulant.

2024.10.10

Research

In Search of Non-Shattering Soybeans: The Ongoing Exploration of Soybean Shattering Genes

Pod shattering is a major cause of yield loss in soybean farming. Recent research has identified the roles of Pdh1 and Sh1 genes in enhancing pod strength and reducing seed loss. This article explains the mechanisms behind shatter resistance and its potential in crop breeding.

2024.09.01

Research

Nanotechnology Transforming Agriculture (2024)

What role can nanoparticles play in modern agriculture? Based on a review from Nature, this article explores their impact on fertilizer and pesticide efficiency, plant interaction, environmental implications, and future agricultural innovation.

2024.08.30

Review

What is “Resistance” in Plants?

Plant resistance isn’t one-size-fits-all. A recent study reveals that maize varieties resistant to spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) remain vulnerable to a specialist mite (Oligonychus pratensis). This article explores the role of the antibiotic DIMBOA, the arms race of pest adaptation, and why maintaining a diverse resistance gene library is key for future crop breeding.

2024.08.27

研究