All Soil & Plant Science articles
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NewsSugar-mimicking molecule central to virulence of a common crop disease, study finds
A strain of Pseudomonas syringae manipulates plants by producing a substance called glycosyrin to suppress the immune response. New research shows that glycosyrin does this by mimicking galactose, acting like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
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NewsNew giant virus isolated in Jyväskylä for the first time in Finland
For the first time in Finland, researchers have isolated a giant virus, which was named Jyvaskylavirus. The discovery shows that giant viruses are more common in northern regions than researchers have thought.
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NewsNew study confirms copper-based fungicides as a reliable solution for aerial stem rot in potatoes
A new study confirms that confirmed that copper fungicide treatments consistently slow disease spread and improve yields in potato crops threatened by aerial stem rot (ASR), a bacterial disease primarily caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum.
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NewsA new tool for parsing the ‘metabolic dialogue’ between microorganisms
Scientists have developed an innovative system – called MetaFlowTrain – that allows the study of metabolic exchange and interactions within microbial communities under different environmental conditions.
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NewsScientists decode citrus greening resistance and develop AI-assisted treatment
Researchers have identified the first mechanism of citrus resistance to citrus greening disease, or huanglongbing (HLB), and also used AI to develop antimicrobial peptides that offer a promising therapeutic approach to combat the disease.
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NewsResearchers uncover role of fungal circadian clock in pathogenicity
A new study reveals that the circadian clock plays a pivotal role in regulating Fusarium oxysporum’s response to zinc starvation—a core plant defense strategy—as well as in controlling secondary metabolism, thereby enhancing its virulence.
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NewsResearchers reveal why young plants may be more vulnerable to disease
A new study on baby plants shows that fighting disease at a young age often comes at a steep cost to growth and future evolutionary fitness—or their ability to reproduce.
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NewsHidden signals in water reveal disease early in tomato plants
Researchers have developed an innovative method for the early detection of Fusarium wilt in tomato plants by monitoring subtle changes in the plants’ water use.
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NewsUrbanization reshapes soil microbes: Bacteria adapt, fungi resist
A groundbreaking study reveals that urban environments favor bacterial generalists, which adapt to diverse conditions, whereas fungi maintain specialized ecological roles. Despite these divergent responses, the functional overlap between bacteria and fungi ensures ecosystem resilience.
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NewsNew discovery boosts wheat’s fight against devastating disease
A new study reports a previously unknown molecular event that initiates the immune response to a major wheat disease. The findings provide strategies to engineer wheat that has stronger immunity against infection.
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NewsInter-trophic networks reveal the central role of methanogens in deposited estuarine soils
A new study focused on exploring the distribution patterns, driving factors and microbial interaction patterns of methane-metabolizing microorganisms along the sedimentation gradient in the Yellow River estuary.
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NewsSoil carbon-degrading enzyme activities more sensitive to warming in alpine meadow than swamp meadow
A new study demonstrates that the activities of soil extracellular enzymes are significantly altered in the alpine meadow, but not significantly in the swamp meadow, which coincided with the soil organic carbon content of these grasslands.
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NewsDistinct patterns of soil bacterial and fungal communities in the treeline ecotone
A study was carried out to understand the biodiversity of the microbial communities in the treeline ecotone that might affect alpine ecosystems and other potential ecological effects in response to climate change.
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NewsBiochar and microbe synergy: a path to climate-smart farming
Researchers conducted a global analysis to obtain a full picture of the environmental and agricultural benefits of biochar, which is shown to be beneficial to soil health and microbes.
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NewsBreakthrough as researchers discover new class of antibiotics
Researchers have identified a strong candidate to challenge even some of the most drug-resistant bacteria on the planet: a new molecule called lariocidin.
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NewsNature’s warriors: How rice plants detect and defend against viral invaders
A groundbreaking study uncovers a molecular mechanism by which rice cells perceive viral infections and initiate antiviral response, which significantly contributes to understanding of virus-host interactions for further disease resistance breeding.
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NewsGatekeeping barriers manage communications between plants and bacteria
For over a century, the Casparian strip has been known as the root’s doorman, controlling what enters the plant. But a new study reveals it has a second job: regulating the delicate metabolic trade between plants and bacteria.
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NewsEfficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris
A team of researchers in India assessed the efficacy and safety of a topical formulation combining Kalonji and Sirka for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. The formulation was compared with a 5% benzoyl peroxide.
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NewsJapanese plant Daphne pseudomezereum yields anti-HIV daphnane diterpenoids
Scientists have discovered for the first time that Daphne pseudomezereum (commonly known as Onishibari) contains a substance inhibiting replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
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NewsGuardians of the vineyard: Canines and chemistry work to combat powdery mildew
Researchers are now analyzing volatile chemicals emanating from grape leaves infected by a fungus called powdery mildew with the goal of improving training for vineyard canines that use their noses to detect infected vines.