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Scientists have identified a key gene that regulates sugar metabolism and dramatically improves tomato fruit quality and resilience after harvest. The gene, known as SlVI, encodes a vacuolar invertase that plays a critical role in converting sucrose into glucose and fructose during fruit ripening. By knocking out SlVI, researchers achieved higher fruit sucrose levels, enhanced firmness, increased resistance to fungal infections, and an extended shelf life. These findings not only reveal new insights into sugar's dual role as both an energy source and signaling molecule but also open avenues for developing tastier and more durable fruits, addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food storage.

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Some plants produce oils with properties that are particularly good for biofuels, but not all of these plants are suitable for being grown on a large scale. To solve this dilemma, scientists modified the seeds of camelina and pennycress to produce the same type of oil made by the burning bush plant. The result is plants that produce nearly pure, high-quality oil with improved biofuel properties.

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New UF blackberry varieties could provide a boon for farmers looking to rebound after the decline of Florida citrus and who see an opportunity to meet the growing demand for blackberries, which have soared in popularity in recent years.

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With more than 181.5 billion tons of wood produced globally each year, a new method could revolutionize how we build sustainably. By infusing red oak with ferrihydrite using a simple, low-cost process, researchers strengthened the wood at the cellular level without adding weight or altering flexibility 鈥� offering a durable, eco-friendly alternative to steel and concrete.

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Building off previous research, a team publishing in ACS Food Science & Technology describes successfully using plant-based ingredients to mimic calamari that matches the real seafood鈥檚 characteristic softness and elasticity.

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A new study examines the symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi in plant roots and bacterial communities in the soil.

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As Earth Day is marked on April 22, a collaborative effort between Israeli researchers is driving the development of environmentally-friendly pesticides that promise to reduce the harmful impact of traditional chemical alternatives. The ongoing research is focused on combating plant pathogens, particularly those responsible for widespread crop diseases, through innovative, sustainable approaches.

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Ahead of Earth Day, the University at Albany announced funding for a new student-run tree nursery that will help boost climate resilience and urban forestry in the region.

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A new study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor opens new avenues for combatting soybean cyst nematodes, the most damaging pest for U.S. soybean crops.

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A recent study shows that low-oxygen storage significantly enhances the health-promoting compounds in broccoli rabe, such as 纬-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and lactic acid (LA). These metabolites, known for their stress-relief and dietary benefits, are produced in higher quantities due to metabolic shifts induced by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

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In a new development, researchers have successfully created an efficient two-line system for hybrid seed production in Brassica napus (rapeseed) using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing combined with the RUBY visual reporter. By targeting the BnaMS1 and BnaMS2 genes, they directly generated male-sterile lines from elite breeding materials, overcoming the traditional hurdles of propagation and sorting.

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A new study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden has uncovered a surprising layer of diversity in tropical forests.

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UdeM scientists use a combination of experimental data and modelling to reveal how physical forces help plants to generate their complex 3D shapes.

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Scientists from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have compared several methods for plant diversity reconstruction using pollen data. By analyzing modern pollen distributions across China, the team calculated angiosperm diversity using five key ecological indices and鈥攆or the first time鈥攁pplied an image similarity algorithm (SSIM) to validate their findings.

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Lilies might be beautiful, but for cats, they pose a significant threat that can be deadly. A veterinarian with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is urging cat owners to be extra cautious and understand the risks associated with these common household and garden plants, especially with Easter and the spring planting season.

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If you鈥檝e noticed fewer butterflies fluttering around your garden lately, you鈥檙e not alone. Many insect populations are in decline, and butterflies are no exception. According to Virginia Tech entomologists, they face a variety of challenges, such as habitat destruction, improper use or overuse of pesticides, and climate change.

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As a trusted partner, Iowa State University is helping Iowa farmers 鈥� including AJ and Kellie Blair, fourth-generation farmers near Dayton, Iowa 鈥� cultivate their future success through collaborative research.

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Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a first-ever method of detecting ribonucleic acid, or RNA, inside plant cells using a technique that results in a visible fluorescent signal.

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At Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Josh Kover finds himself adapting 鈥� much like how plants can adapt to their environment.聽 Kover鈥檚 evolution took a dramatic turn four years ago. Shiftless during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maplewood, N.J., resident recognized a need in his community for a quiet and sustainable landscaping service while everyone was working from home.

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A recent study showcases the power of CRISPR gene editing to significantly boost the production of resveratrol, a plant-derived compound with numerous health benefits. Researchers successfully targeted a key gene in grape cells, redirecting the plant鈥檚 metabolic pathways to prioritize resveratrol production. As a result, engineered grape cells produced over four times more resveratrol than normal, providing a potential solution to the challenges of sourcing this valuable molecule. This innovative method could revolutionize the availability of resveratrol for use in supplements, medicines, and functional foods, and could also serve as a model for increasing the production of other beneficial plant compounds.