Maize has a long history of genetic and genomic tool development and is considered one of the most accessible higher plant systems. With a fully sequenced genome, a suite of cytogenetic tools, methods for both forward and reverse genetics, and characterized phenotype markers, maize is amenable to studying questions beyond plant biology. Major discoveries in the areas of transposons, imprinting, and chromosome biology came from work in maize.

The insufficient supply of photosynthates source of grains is considered to be one of the causes of chalkiness, a key factor in determining rice quality. In China, Zhaoqing University's Yonghai Liu studied the enzyme L-galactono-1, 4-lactone dehydrogenase (L-GalLDH, EC1.3.2.3), the catalyst for the final step in the synthesis of ascorbic acid (Asc) and its effect on grain chalkiness.

Heterotic groups are of fundamental importance in hybrid crop breeding. This study investigated hybrid yield, yield heterosis and combining ability within and among groups based on genetic distance derived from single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. The main objectives of the study were to (1) evaluate the magnitude of yield heterosis among marker-based groups,

Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrihizi Syd. & P. Syd., is a serious disease in major soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production countries worldwide and causes yield losses up to 75 %. Defining the exact chromosomal position of ASR resistance genes is critical for improving the effectiveness of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for resistance and for cloning these genes.

We studied the resident (16S rDNA) and the active (16S rRNA) members of soil archaeal and bacterial communities during rice plant development by sampling three growth stages (vegetative, reproductive and maturity) under field conditions. Additionally, the microbial community was investigated in two non-flooded fields (unplanted, cultivated with upland maize) in order to monitor the reaction of the microbial communities to non-flooded, dry conditions.

The majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Upon UPEC infection, exfoliation of host bladder epithelial (urothelial) cells leads to sloughing of bacteria-laden cells into the urine for expulsion. However, it can also facilitate bacterial dissemination into deeper tissues. Thus, the balance and timing of exfoliation are important in determining disease outcomes. Here, we investigate host–pathogen dynamics in human urothelial cells in vitro and in murine model of acute cystitis

The multicellular green alga Volvox carteri is an attractive model to study aspects of multicellularity. However, analyses of these aspects require many molecular tools for genetic engineering and so far, there is only a limited number available for Volvox. In this study, Arvin Hallmann of the University of Bielefield in Germany discovered two new tools for Volvox. First, he discovered that the promoter of the V. carteri nitrate reductase gene (nitA) is a powerful switch for transgene expression. Strong expression can be triggered by changing the nitrogen source from ammonium to nitrate.

Land plants continuously contact beneficial, commensal, and pathogenic microbes in soil via their roots. There is limited knowledge as to how the totality of root-associated microbes (i.e., the microbiome) is shaped by various factors or its pattern of acquisition in the root. Using rice as a model, we show that there exist three different root niches hosting different microbial communities of eubacteria and methanogenic archaea. These microbial communities are affected by geographical location, soil source, host genotype, and cultivation practice.

Key message  A tropical RIL maize population was subjected to phenotypic and genotypic analysis for maize weevil resistance during four seasons, and three main genomic areas were detected as main QTLs. Abstract  The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) (MW) is a common and important pest of stored maize (Zea mays) worldwide, especially in tropical areas.

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) acts as a mobile floral activator that is synthesized in leaf and transported to shoot apex. A Rice FT-like protein, Heading date 3a (Hd3a), requires interaction with 14-3-3 proteins and transcription factor FD to induce flowering. We confirm that Hd3a and its interactors, as well as their transcriptional target,