Employment opportunity and February Global Plant Council E-Bulletin

In Nature Plants: Ancient flowering plant was beautiful, but probably poisonous
Researchers have announced the discovery of the first-ever fossil specimens of an “asterid” – a family of flowering plants that gave us everything from the potato to tomatoes, tobacco, petunias and our morning cup of coffee.

In New Phytologist: Study documents drought’s impact on redwood forest ferns
A comprehensive study of water relations in native ferns, conducted during one of the worst droughts in California’s recent history, shows that extreme conditions have tested the limits of drought tolerance in these plants.

High resolution insights into how roots grow
Researchers in Frankfurt have used a high-tech optical microscope and computer simulation analysis to conclude that, in Arabidopsis, root shape is determined by a combination of genetic predisposition and the self-organization of cells.

A new role for vitamin B6 in plants
Researchers from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, have discovered an unexpected role for the micronutrient vitamin B6, in relation to nitrogen metabolism.

Finding the best seeds to meet Africa’s needs
A new coordinated soybean variety evaluation program is underway that will give African growers more and better seed options.

International Conference on Pulses for Health, Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture in Drylands
13–15 April 2016. Rabat, Morocco.

New reports, and an archive of useful documents from the last few years, are available on our website. Head to the Resources page and click ‘Reports’.

Spotted a funding opportunity we’ve missed? Please tell us about it by emailing lisa@globalplantcouncil.org

Plant Artificial Chromosome Technology
Could artificial chromosome technology transform plant genetic engineering? Find out more about this emerging technology. 
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Please contact Ruth Bastow (ruth@globalplantcouncil.org) to find out how your organization can join the Global Plant Council.