Cannelle Armengaud, Virginia Protto, Arthur Poitout, Gabriel Krouk, Sandrine Ruffel
{"title":"Decoupling developmental and physiological adaptations: a strategy to unleash nutrient use efficiency in plants?","authors":"Cannelle Armengaud, Virginia Protto, Arthur Poitout, Gabriel Krouk, Sandrine Ruffel","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.08.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2026.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plants respond to spatially and temporally variable soil nutrients through root architectural plasticity, regulation of uptake and assimilation per root unit, and plant-soil-microbiome interactions. Although often viewed as complementary, these responses can also behave as compensatory strategies. Under non-optimal nutrient distributions, plants may invest either in greater root proliferation or in higher uptake capacity per root unit. We propose that this development-transport relationship should be understood as an optimization problem, rather than an additive response. Comparable morphology-physiology trade-offs occur in other resource-acquiring organs, including the gut and the lungs. Tuning or partially uncoupling these constraints could redefine crop ideotypes as dynamic combinations of root architecture, physiological elasticity, and controlled rhizosphere outsourcing, opening new routes to improve nutritional efficiencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Decoding dialog: the auxin-calcium signaling crosstalk in plants.","authors":"Milan Župunski, Guido Grossmann, Jiři Friml","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.08.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2026.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Auxin and calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) are central plant signals that coordinate growth, development, and responses to environmental cues. Typically studied as largely parallel pathways, they are now increasingly recognized as interconnected networks whose activities converge at multiple regulatory levels. Recent advances in live imaging, biosensors, optogenetics, and structural approaches have revealed that auxin can rapidly trigger Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx from the apoplast via TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE1 (TIR1)/AUXIN-SIGNALING F-BOX (AFB)-dependent signaling mechanisms and Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels, presumably involving cyclic nucleotides produced by TIR1/AFB auxin receptors. Conversely, Ca<sup>2+</sup> signals arising from mechanosensing, wounding, and environmental stress can modulate auxin transport, signaling, and transcriptional outputs. Together, these discoveries highlight a dynamic, reciprocal signaling axis where Ca<sup>2+</sup> acts both downstream and upstream of auxin to shape growth, development, tropisms, and regeneration.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Painting new pathways: Castilleja enters the genomic era.","authors":"Marco Bürger, Gabriela Trejo-Tapia","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.08.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2026.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Castilleja (Orobanchaceae), commonly known as Indian paintbrush, is a genus of approximately 200 hemiparasitic species found primarily across the Americas. Long studied for its taxonomic complexity, vibrant floral displays, and ecological interactions with host plants, Castilleja has recently emerged as a versatile research system spanning parasitic biology, specialized metabolism, conservation genetics, and pharmacology. The availability of whole-genome sequencing is transforming the field, revealing expanded gene families involved in host recognition, enabling genomic species delimitation of cryptic taxa, and providing frameworks for mapping biosynthetic pathways of bioactive compounds, including iridoid glycosides and phenylethanoid glycosides. This review synthesizes advances across these disciplines and highlights how genomics serves as an integrative force connecting taxonomy, ecology, phytochemistry, and parasitic biology in this genus.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Plant SciencePub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-07-14DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2026.06.015
Tsubasa Shoji
{"title":"What counts in plant science?","authors":"Tsubasa Shoji","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.06.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.06.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant science relies on collaborative, infrastructure-rich, and long-term research, yet evaluation remains dominated by simplified citation-based metrics. This mismatch shapes research culture and incentives. More responsible assessment should combine quantitative indicators with contribution-aware, context-sensitive approaches that better reflect how plant science is conducted.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":"1129-1131"},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148449622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Plant SciencePub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.013
Yingpeng Xie, Libo Shan, Ping He
{"title":"Cell surface receptors integrate plant immunity, stress adaptation, and nutrient acquisition.","authors":"Yingpeng Xie, Libo Shan, Ping He","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plants thrive in complex and often hostile environments by continuously sensing and responding to a wide array of biotic and abiotic challenges. Central to this surveillance system are cell surface receptors, including receptor kinases and receptor proteins. Recent advances have revealed how these receptors not only recognize pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns but also perceive endogenous peptides and environmental signals. Importantly, emerging evidence highlights extensive crosstalk between immune and abiotic stress signaling, with shared components and co-regulatory mechanisms shaping an integrated response. In this review, we synthesize recent discoveries on the diverse roles of cell surface receptors in detecting external and internal signals, coordinating defense and stress tolerance, and balancing these processes with nutrient acquisition.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":"1187-1204"},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147864457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Plant SciencePub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-04-06DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2026.03.005
Roman Pavela, Filippo Maggi, Eleonora Spinozzi
{"title":"Pest behavioural disruption by plant metabolites: a crop protection challenge.","authors":"Roman Pavela, Filippo Maggi, Eleonora Spinozzi","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant secondary (specialized) metabolites play a pivotal role in disrupting pest behaviour, offering a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pesticides. These compounds can interfere with insect feeding, oviposition, and host selection, thereby reducing crop damage and pest populations. Recent advances highlight the ecological selectivity and rapid biodegradation of these metabolites, making them attractive for sustainable crop protection. Innovative formulation techniques are enhancing their persistence and efficacy, yet challenges remain in understanding synergistic effects, nontarget impacts, and practical implementation. Harnessing the full potential of plant metabolites for pest behavioural disruption requires integrated research and development, paving the way for their broader adoption in integrated pest management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":"1219-1230"},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147628667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Plant SciencePub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2026.03.010
Yingying Gao, Joost van den Heuvel, Xingtan Zhang, Joost J B Keurentjes
{"title":"Deflecting the parasitic paradigm: new insights into mutualistic transposons in plant genomes.","authors":"Yingying Gao, Joost van den Heuvel, Xingtan Zhang, Joost J B Keurentjes","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.03.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.03.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inherited transposable elements (TEs) embedded in genomes have an incomparable potential for large-effect mutagenesis. Notwithstanding that transposable elements can be destructive when mobile, it is undeniable that some beneficial effects arise as well. From a population-level perspective, de novo genetic variation arising from TE transposition endows species with increased potential to colonize and thrive in extremely diverse environments. With an emphasis on plant genomes, this review provides an overview of recent insights into functional transpositions and the mechanisms behind them. We will discuss the underappreciated application prospects of mobile elements as prominent endogenous mutagens through recent evidence of transposition-induced phenotypic variation. These novel findings suggest a shift away from the view of TEs as solely parasitic entities and advocate for a more mutualistic role.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":"1205-1218"},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147692420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Plant SciencePub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-05-12DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.027
Yajie Zhao, Jingwei Wei, Jian Wu
{"title":"Plasmodesmata act as decoders of temperature fluctuations.","authors":"Yajie Zhao, Jingwei Wei, Jian Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A recent study by Pandey et al. shows that during variable cold with intermittent warming, plasmodesmata act as tissue-level gates for robust bud dormancy release. By controlling callose deposition, plasmodesmata restrict intercellular communication, preventing premature dormancy release, suggesting a bet-hedging strategy that could enhance survival under climate warming.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":"1132-1134"},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147933639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Women in plant science around the world.","authors":"Marilia Almeida-Trapp, Katie Field, Saijaliisa Kangasjärvi, Keiko Yonekura-Sakakibara","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":"1123-1128"},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148498062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Plant SciencePub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-04-30DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.009
Mingzhuo Li, Aditi Dey Poonam, Qingshang Wei
{"title":"Microneedle-assisted molecular delivery in plants.","authors":"Mingzhuo Li, Aditi Dey Poonam, Qingshang Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tplants.2026.04.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traditional agricultural delivery methods, such as foliar spray and soil application, suffer from low uptake efficiency, environmental contamination, and short-term effects, whereas nanoparticle-mediated delivery platforms face issues of stability, cytotoxicity, and regulatory concerns. Recently, microneedle (MN) technology has emerged as a promising alternative for precise, minimally invasive delivery of agrochemicals and biomolecules. In this opinion article, we explore the evolution of MN-based delivery systems in agriculture. We discuss the structure-function relationships of MNs (solid, hollow, dissolving, and coated MNs) and highlight their applications in nutrient delivery, pathogen control, and genome editing for plants. We conclude with challenges and future directions for integrating MNs into precision agriculture to improve crop productivity, sustainability, and genetic manipulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":"1151-1163"},"PeriodicalIF":21.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}