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The resistance of crops against diseases is constrained by the number of resistance genes. Recent studies revealed that the lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) function as novel pattern recognition receptors or trigger chloroplast ROS burst. Some LecRLK alleles confer resistance to multiple fungal diseases, demonstrating LecRLKs are emerging as immune hubs.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small, gaseous reactive species that plays key roles in plant development and responses to environmental stimuli. In mammals, NO is produced via both nitrate/nitrite reduction and the oxidation of l-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In plants, while the reductive pathway was identified early on, a NOS-like equivalent remained elusive for decades. In this opinion article, we describe recent discoveries that suggest a modular oxidative pathway, in which peroxidases may play a key role. Together with earlier observations, this model supports a broader conceptual framework for oxidative NO production in plants, moving beyond the expectation of animal-like homologs. This serves as a reminder that plants often solve biochemical challenges in innovative ways.

Artificial small RNAs (art-sRNAs) mediate highly specific RNAi in plants, but their broader use has been constrained by long precursor architectures and dependence on transgenic delivery. Recent work shows that accurate and efficient art-sRNA biogenesis can be achieved using precursors of minimal size rather than full-length endogenous scaffolds, without compromising silencing efficacy. We discuss how minimal art-sRNA precursors represent a versatile platform for precision RNAi and, critically, unlock RNA viruses as stable, programmable platforms for the production of highly specific art-sRNAs. In other words, minimal art-sRNA precursors transform RNA viruses from generators of heterogeneous small RNA populations into nontransgenic, programmable vectors that deliver defined art-sRNAs for precision gene silencing and antiviral protection.

As sessile organisms, plants must constantly survey their surroundings and make appropriate responses in their metabolism or development. Numerous receptors and kinases, as well as phytocytokines that play key roles in signal transduction for a multitude of cues, have been revealed in the past 2 decades. However, the mechanisms coordinating these responses remain poorly understood. Recently, the conserved plant metacaspase family emerged as a versatile switch that plays multiple roles, from early signal perception to downstream propagation, by proteolysis of propeptides or other signaling proteins to mediate their conversion to activated forms. In addition, evidence for proteolysis-independent functions of plant metacaspases has also emerged. In this feature review, we summarize advances in plant metacaspase functions and consider approaches to unravel their complex impacts.

Many plant species exhibit chemical polymorphisms in the composition of specialized metabolites belonging to certain chemical families. This has led to the classification of chemotypes, that is, groups of plants that can be distinguished by their chemical profiles of metabolites within a single chemical family. We present existing definitions and approaches for classifying chemotypes and describe the factors that determine them. We argue that it should always be stated explicitly on which organ the chemotype specification is based on, because chemical profiles can differ among organs. Moreover, the chemical family must be stated explicitly, as plants may be grouped differently when other metabolites are taken into account. We argue that gaining more knowledge about chemotypes is highly relevant to both basic and applied science.

Bud dormancy is a key overwintering adaptation in extratropical trees. We introduce the concept of endodormancy intensity, a previously unrecognised experimentally derived trait that quantifies the degree to which dormancy inhibits bud burst. This metric provides a useful framework for both physiological and ecological studies of bud dormancy.

A recent study by Wang et al. found that Xanthomonas exploits host carbohydrates through the conserved effector AvrBs2, which catalyzes UDP-α- D-galactose into xanthosan. Exclusively consumed by the pathogen via XanT and XanP, this ‘nutrition niche’ enables efficient carbon acquisition and virulence, offering new anti-xanthosan strategies for sustainable disease control.

Plant awareness disparity is the human tendency to overlook plants, with negative consequences for education, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability. Philosophy, as a way of life, can promote plant awareness by re-examining how humans perceive and value plant life. I propose four complementary modes of perception, based on hierarchy, similarity, relation, and otherness, each revealing how cultural assumptions shape human attention and ethical attitudes toward plants. Drawing on phenomenology, Indigenous worldviews, Eastern thought, ecofeminism, everyday aesthetics, and vegetal ontology traditions, I integrate philosophical thought with the emerging construct of plant awareness. Practicing seeing plants differently through philosophy can retrain human perception toward them and nurture humility, gratitude, and responsibility. Such reflection on the plant–human bond reinforces the dialogue between science, education, and the humanities, and strengthens the ethical foundations of sustainability.

Plants employ mobile RNAs as systemic signals to coordinate growth, development, and environmental responses across tissues. Recent techniques have identified diverse RNAs that move cell-to-cell and long-distance, potentially via plasmodesmata, extracellular vesicles, and the phloem. Members of these RNAs have been shown to regulate numerous key processes such as leaf polarity, tuberization, and flowering time. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms governing RNA mobility, including sequence motifs, RNA-binding proteins, and epitranscriptomic modifications, and highlight their applications, such as mobile clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated protein 9 for transgene-free breeding and RNA-based nanocarriers for sustainable pest management. Taken together, we summarize recent insights into the mechanisms and functions of mobile RNAs and progress in agricultural applications of them, offering innovative strategies for sustainable crop improvement and protection in the future.

Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), a trehalose synthesis intermediate and sugar phosphate, serves as a signaling molecule coordinating sucrose status with plant growth and development. Beyond its metabolic role, the T6P pathway integrates exogenous and other endogenous cues to regulate key developmental transitions, including embryogenesis, seed maturation and filling, shoot branching, vegetative and reproductive phase transitions, and tuber and lateral root formation. Dynamic spatiotemporal expression patterns of T6P-pathway genes correlate with developmental stages, though their specific contributions to the initiation and progression of these transitions remain under investigation. Here, we provide recent insights and future perspectives on the T6P pathway, emphasizing its role in orchestrating diverse plant developmental programs across model and crop species and highlighting emerging mechanistic insights into its functions.