Plants Recognize Siblings – Research published in Biology Letters (June 12) suggests that plants (Sea rocket) in the same pot compete aggressively for resources – unless they are siblings. How can plants tell who’s who? Scientists believe plants detect the identity of their pot-mates through root interactions.

On The Defense: Conserved Features Of Plant Innate Immunity – Scientists have worked out the function of a subset of plant genes that provide plants with basic level of immunity from disease and pathogens. Interestingly, analogous genes are also found to participate in the immune system of animals – illustrating a surprising level of commonality between plants and animals. Published in the June 15 edition of Genes and Development.

News Briefs:

Genetically Modified Plants
For Combating Cholera, Rice is Nice

Climate Change
Turning Plants into Plastic—And Replacing Oil in the Process

Agriculture
Potato wart eyed as risk to potato production
Improving Plants’ Abilities To Cope With Saline Conditions
Invention May Allow Thirsty Crops To Signal Farmers

Ecology
The kapok connection — Study explains rainforest similarities