Herbivory insects manage to influence the stomata opening of the plant they feed on. Most do this to keep the stomata closed so they minimise the release of volatile organic compounds. These scent molecules are after all responsible for attracting the enemies; predatory insects. But the tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta) does the opposite. It forces the stomata open and uses the released benzaldehyde as a cue that it is best to lay its eggs on an uninfested plant a new study found.
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Calling sign
Orchids even before they germinate they are dependent on their symbiotic fungal partner. Their seeds lack the stored energy that seeds of other species have. Now Chinese researchers show that orchid seeds are not waiting for their fungus to arrive but actively entice them with signalling molecules doubling as carbon source.
Subtle nudges
Most of us know penicillin as an antibiotic. It is made by the soil dwelling Penicillin rubens fungus. Now this fungus has many brothers and sisters, some of which like to nestle themselves between the cells of roots. For the plant this is positive as colonized plants grow more roots. Now a new study by Spanish a Czech researchers shows that Penicillin melinii enhances root growth with subtle nudges.
Handiness in flowers
Twist to the left, twist to the right. Mirror image flowers place their male and female organs on opposite side of the flower midline, preventing self-fertilization. But to ensure pollination, it helps if half of the flowers of a species are oriented the opposite way. Now a group of international researchers report that how South African butterfly lily (Wachendorfia paniculata) ensures this is remarkable similar to how sex in humans is decided.
Plant en Zo 