Development of the plant shoot is dependent on the shoot apical meristem. Interactions between KNOX homeodomain transcription factors and the myb domain transcription factor AS1 (ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1) regulate both meristem function as well as leaf patterning. This review summarizes these interactions.

The expression of acrotony (i.e., the increasing size of comparable lateral shoots toward the apex of the main shoot) was similar among first-order shoots borne along previous-year leaders of young Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P. and Picea rubens Sarg. trees. The position and nature (i.e., whether cones, second-order shoots or non-flushed buds) of lateral axes borne alo...

Basal shoots produced by Arbutus unedo L. after cutting at ground level vary in size and growth rate, and are classified accordingly as dominant or suppressed. The suppressed shoots eventually cease growth and die. In this study, we investigated the role of light and water in the competition among shoots of A. unedo. Dominant and suppressed shoots of A. unedo showed similar leaf water potential...

By the end of this year, when Germany crowns the 'word of the year', one of the strongest contenders to replace last year's 'Finanzkrise' (financial crisis) has to be the almost unpronounceable 'Abwrackprämie' or scrappage fee. Introduced with effect from 27 January under the original name of 'Umweltprämie' (environment reward) with a strictly limited budget, this scheme pays out 2,500 Euros to...

Local auxin concentration maxima promote organ initiation in the plant shoot meristem, but how auxin peaks are formed has remained unclear. A new study proposes a cellular Matthew effect, where auxin is pumped into those cells that have higher concentrations.

The higher-plant shoot meristem is a dynamic structure whose maintenance depends on the coordination of two antagonistic processes, organ initiation and self-renewal of the stem cell population. In Arabidopsis shoot and floral meristems, the WUSCHEL (WUS) gene is required for stem cell identity, whereas the CLAVATA1, 2, and 3 (CLV) genes promote organ initiation. Our analysis of the interaction...

Insect herbivory can negatively or positively affect plant performance. We examined how a stem gall midge Rabdophaga rigidae affects the survival, growth, and bud production of current year shoots of the willow Salix eriocarpa. In mid-May, the gall midge initiates stem galls on the apical regions of shoots. The following spring, galled shoots had thicker basal diameters and more lateral shoots ...

An efficient protocol was achieved for rapid propagation of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. through axillary bud proliferation and ex vitro rooting. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA; 8.87 microM) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 2.46 microM) was optimal for axillary bud proliferation, which developed a mean of 8.3 shoots/node. Excision and culture of node segm...

In Larix, reproductive buds most often occur terminally on short shoots, but they can also differentiate in lateral positions on long shoots. The phenology of long and short shoots differs considerably, with short shoots breaking bud and expanding about 5 weeks before the start of long shoot extension. Foliar sprays of GA(4/7) were applied to 160 branches on 10 greenhouse-grown Larix laricina (...

As I write, am aware of the birds’ excitable chatter outside window as they flutter about, absorbed in collection materials for nest building. Their mesmerising song, vibrant colours their feathers, and very process busyness anticipation spring both soothes makes me feel fleetingly connected much at peace. It provides an anchor link with down-to-earth natural cycles which brings it a sense hope...