S. Al-Babili

Chromosome-scale pearl millet genomes reveal a CARLACTONOIC ACID METHYL TRANSFERASE as key determinant of strigolactone pattern and Striga susceptibility

The paper identifies a CLAMT1 gene responsible for strigolactone production and Striga susceptibility in pearl millet by comparing genome assemblies of susceptible and resistant lines.

Zaxinone Synthase overexpression modulates rice physiology and metabolism, improving growth and productivity under normal and low phosphate supply

This study shows that overexpressing Zaxinone Synthase in rice increases zaxinone levels, enhances growth, and improves phosphate uptake, leading to higher grain yield.

Abscisic acid inhibits germination of Striga seeds and is released by them as a rhizospheric signal providing competitive advantage and supporting host infestation

This study shows that abscisic acid (ABA) inhibits Striga seed germination but is released by germinated seeds as a rhizospheric signal to enhance competitive advantage and host infestation.

β-ionone regulates Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptome and increases its resistance against Botrytis cinerea

This study shows that β-ionone reprograms Arabidopsis transcriptome and enhances resistance to Botrytis cinerea through hormone modulation and stress response activation.

Disruption of the rice 4-DEOXYOROBANCHOL HYDROXYLASE unravels specific functions of canonical strigolactones

This study identifies the role of OsMAX1-1400 in rice by showing its specific contribution to canonical strigolactone biosynthesis and its impact on plant architecture and rhizospheric interactions.

Integration of Apocarotenoid Profile and Expression Pattern of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases during Mycorrhization in Rice

The paper profiles apocarotenoids and CCD gene expression in rice during AM symbiosis and phosphate conditions, identifying novel markers.

ZAXINONE SYNTHASE 2 regulates growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in rice

This study identifies OsZAS2 as a zaxinone-forming enzyme in rice that regulates growth, development, and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.

Nitrogen competition is the general mechanism underlying cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses

The paper identifies nitrogen competition as the mechanism controlling cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses, showing glucose limits symbiont nitrogen availability while ammonium promotes growth.

The Arabidopsis D27like1 is a novel Isomerase that Contributes to SL Biosynthesis and Negatively Impacts ABA Level

This paper identifies AtD27-like1 as a cis/cis-{beta}-carotene isomerase that contributes to strigolactone biosynthesis and negatively affects ABA levels in Arabidopsis.

Canonical Strigolactones Are Not the Tillering-Inhibitory Hormone but Rhizospheric Signals in Rice

This study shows canonical strigolactones in rice are not responsible for shoot branching inhibition but act as rhizospheric signals to influence Striga germination and mycorrhizal colonization.

Manipulation of carotenoid metabolism stimulates biomass and stress tolerance in tomato

This study shows that modifying carotenoid metabolism in tomato improves biomass, stress tolerance, and yield while enhancing nutritional value and shelf life.

Anchorene is an endogenous diapocarotenoid required for anchor root formation in Arabidopsis

The paper identifies anchorene, a carotenoid-derived dialdehyde, as an endogenous signal required for anchor root formation in Arabidopsis, showing it modulates auxin homeostasis.

Engineering Plant Architecture via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Alteration of Strigolactone Biosynthesis

This study uses CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt CCD7 in rice, altering strigolactone biosynthesis and resulting in increased tillering and a dwarf phenotype.

The genome sequence of the wild tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium provides insights into salinity tolerance

This study reports the genome of Solanum pimpinellifolium and identifies genes related to salinity tolerance, showing higher copy numbers of inositol-related genes in this species.