A new study has identified the first known gene in eggplant that provides resistance to begomoviruses, a group of plant viruses responsible for major crop losses worldwide. The research shows that virus-resistant plants accumulate far less viral DNA than susceptible plants, linked to a gene encoding an exonuclease involved in viral defense. This previously unknown resistance pathway could support the breeding of virus-resistant crops, strengthen food security, and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

With global population growth and rising food demand, agriculture ensures food supply while bringing severe environmental problems. Among these, agricultural non-point source pollution (ANPSP) has become one of the major factors affecting water health and ecological security.

In the vast cotton fields of Xinjiang, plastic film covering technology has been a weapon for increasing yield—it conserves water, raises temperatures, and improves water utilization efficiency, significantly boosting cotton production in arid regions.

A research team led by Hiroshima University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have proposed a neuroendocrine mechanism in bony fish that signals ovulation from the ovaries to the brain, using the medaka fish as a model; the first step to elucidate the neural circuits for facilitation of sexual receptivity in female teleosts. 

To test the viability of food waste as a plant growth medium, researchers grew tomato and watermelon seedlings in pure food waste substrate, pure commercial peat moss-based potting mix and blends of the two with varying ratios to compare seedling germination, growth and nutrient uptake. The pure food waste substrate was made up of food scraps from a commercial partner and wood chips from a tree service company. The study found that while food waste compost might not be viable as a standalone alternative to commercial potting mix, it could be suitable as part of a substrate mix.

Researchers identified Drought Tolerance 5 (OsDT5), a bHLH transcription factor that functions as a negative regulator of drought tolerance throughout the rice growth cycle. They demonstrate that Osmotic Stress/ABA-Activated Protein Kinase 9 (SAPK9)-mediated phosphorylation at Ser27/Ser136 residues modulates OsDT5 activity through accelerating its proteasomal degradation, disrupting its interaction with OsbZIP66, and reducing its binding affinity for OsLEAs promoters.