Despite some degree of functional divergence between the regulation of flowering and germination by autonomous-pathway genes, the autonomous pathway is highly functionally conserved across life stages.

Higher parasite fitness correlated with lower host fitness, supporting the view that these associations are antagonistic.

Comparative ontogeny elucidates subtle changes in developmental rate, known as heterochrony, that discretely alter morphology between species. Vasconcelos et al. show how these trends explain evolution of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) megadiversity in contrast to its apparent flower uniformity. Selected steps of the floral ontogeny were described and compared between 21 species; trait data were contrasted for […]

Homologous organs produced by individual plants are not identical, and within-plant phenotypic variance often exceeds variance between plants. Alonso et al. hypothesised that epigenetic mosaicism, caused by subindividual heterogeneity in DNA methylation levels, may account for within-plant variation in seed size and seed production in the evergreen Mediterranean shrub Lavandula latifolia (Lamiaceae). They found that […]

Plant roots can alter the decomposition rate of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the rhizosphere (root-soil interface) by either stimulating or suppressing the activity of microbes and enzymes. Wang and Tang used a 13C natural abundance approach to examine the effect of nitrogen form on wheat and white lupin rhizosphere pH and associated changes in […]

Rainforests in the Southwest Pacific can be highly diverse, even on a global scale, displaying higher species richness than African rainforests.

Pathogens often secrete molecules that mimic those present in the plant host. Recent studies indicate that some of these molecules mimic plant hormones required for development and immunity. Ronald and Joe review the literature on microbial molecules produced by plant pathogens that functionally mimic molecules present in the plant host. They include examples from nematodes, […]

A comprehensive understanding of the systems behind vertical transport of water in tall trees is crucial when predicting the susceptibility of these long-lived organisms to drought. Pfautsch et al. use detailed physiological and wood anatomical analyses of 20m tall Eucalyptus grandis (Myrtaceae) trees to unveil that – contrary to widespread assumptions – the widest xylem […]

Possessing holocentric chromosomes may confer an advantage in clastogenic conditions and environments.

The rise of angiosperms should be studied as part of the global increase in biodiversity.

In experimental studies, rainfall-stimulated Triodia pungens masting precipitated a large but transitory spike in soil seedbank size and burning populations 6 months after this event triggered mass recruitment.

The overall results suggest that near-complete hybrid seed failure can evolve fairly rapidly and without apparent divergence in reproductive phenology/biology.