Salicylic acid reduces ELF3 phase separation and suppresses thermomorphogenic growth in Arabidopsis.

Salicylic acid (SA), a long-characterized defense hormone, is increasingly recognized for its roles in plant growth and development. However, its involvement in mediating plant growth responses to environmental cues remains less understood. Here, we show that SA negatively affects thermomorphogenic growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Chromatic covalent organic frameworks enabling in-vivo chemical tomography.

Covalent organic frameworks designed as chromatic sensors offer opportunities to probe biological interfaces, particularly when combined with biocompatible matrices. Particularly compelling is the prospect of chemical tomography - or the 3D spatial mapping of chemical detail within the complex environment of living systems. Herein, we demonstrate a chromic Covalent Organic Framework (COF) integrated within silk fibroin (SF) microneedles that probe plant vasculature, sense the alkalization of vascular fluid as a biomarker for drought stress, and provide a 3D in-vivo mapping of chemical gradients using smartphone technology.

Decoding early stress signaling waves in living plants using nanosensor multiplexing.

Increased exposure to environmental stresses due to climate change have adversely affected plant growth and productivity. Upon stress, plants activate a signaling cascade, involving multiple molecules like HO and plant hormones such as salicylic acid (SA) leading to resistance or stress adaptation. However, the temporal ordering and composition of the resulting cascade remains largely unknown.

A non-canonical gene regulates peltate glandular trichome development in spearmint.

Phytohormone auxin controls various aspects of plant growth and development. The typical auxin signalling involves the degradation of canonical Aux/IAA proteins upon auxin perception releasing the auxin response factors (ARF) to activate auxin-regulated gene expression. Extensive research has been pursued in deciphering the role of canonical Aux/IAAs, however, the function of non-canonical genes remains elusive.