Tag

Plant Species

All articles tagged with #plant species

science-and-environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Underground Tree and Orchid Among Top New Plant Discoveries in 2023"

Scientists at the Royal Botanical Garden Kew have named several new plant species, including two types of underground trees, a unique underground palm, an orchid found atop a volcano, fungi from Antarctica, and a potentially carnivorous plant from Mozambique. With an estimated 100,000 plant species yet to be identified, researchers are racing against time to document and protect these species from extinction due to habitat destruction. Indigenous knowledge and exploration of diverse environments are crucial for discovering new species, which could hold potential benefits for medicine and other applications.

via The Guardian|

#endangered-species #fungi #new-discoveries

science2 years ago•2 min saved

"Long-Lost 'Zombie Seeds' Unearthed After 144 Years, Unveiling Astonishing Plant"

Seeds buried by botanist William Beal in 1879 have been germinating after being dug up 144 years later, surprising researchers at Michigan State University (MSU). The experiment aimed to study seed longevity and help farmers deal with persistent weeds. Genetic testing revealed that the germinated seeds were of the moth mullein and common mullein species, contrary to Beal's original description. The experiment, now the longest-running of its kind, will continue until 2100. The findings contribute to our understanding of seed viability and have implications for rare species conservation and ecosystem restoration.

via ScienceAlert|

#botany #genetic-testing #long-term-experiment

science-and-technology2 years ago•8 min saved

Efficient non-transgenic editing of perennial plants using co-editing strategy

Researchers have developed a co-editing strategy for transgene-free genome editing in vegetatively propagated and perennial plant species in the T0 generation. By utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology and transient expression of DNA or RNA, the researchers achieved efficient and precise genome editing in various plant species, including wheat, maize, rice, citrus, tomato, potato, and apple. This approach offers a promising method for generating genetically stable and transgene-free edited plants, with potential applications in agriculture and crop improvement.

via Nature.com|

#co-editing-strategy #crisprcas9 #genome-editing

environment2 years ago•4 min saved

Arizona's Heat Wave Threatens Iconic Saguaro Cacti and Economy

The recent heat wave and long-term drought in Arizona's Sonoran desert are taking a toll on the region's ecology, with concerns rising over the survival of plants adapted to hot, dry summers. The Tumamoc globeberry, a rare desert vine, has seen its populations dwindle over the past two decades, and ecologists are observing signs of dieback and mortality in iconic desert plants like saguaro cacti. The heat wave, coupled with a megadrought spanning two decades, is pushing these plants beyond their limits. While there is no evidence of a mass die-off, the stress on desert plants is significant, and the lack of monsoon rainfall exacerbates the situation. Efforts are being made to conserve endangered plant species and raise awareness about the importance of desert biodiversity.

via NBC News|

#arizona #desert-ecology #drought

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

Plant ecologist suggests achieving zero plant extinction.

Plant ecologist Richard T. Corlett suggests an approach for preventing all future land plant extinctions across the globe which includes training more plant experts, building an online "metaherbarium," and creating "microreserves." An estimated 21%–48% of vascular plant species could go extinct, primarily due to changes in land use and unsustainable harvesting practices. Corlett argues that preventing plant extinctions is achievable and requires collaboration and dedication at the individual, national, and global levels.

via Phys.org|

#biodiversity #conservation-efforts #environment