Plants use non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) to protect themselves from light-induced damage by dissipating excess energy as heat, and genetic studies in crops like maize and sorghum have identified key genes regulating NPQ, offering potential for improving photosynthetic efficiency and yield.
CSI Seminar Aaron Kusmec, Apr 8 at 11 AM CT
The Center for Sorghum Improvement (CSI) is hosting a virtual seminar given by Aaron Kusmec, an Assistant Professor in Crop Quantitative Genetics at Kansas State University’s Department of Agronomy, on Tuesday, April 8 at 11 AM CT. The title of the talk is, “The past is not the future: Lessons from 80 years of maize breeding for adaptation to future climates.”
Functional Diversity of CYP79A Genes in Sorghum: Roles in Metabolism, Defense, and Adaptation
This study explores the functional diversity of sorghum CYP79A genes, revealing their roles in amino acid metabolism, plant defense, growth regulation, and environmental adaptation.
CSI Seminar Haley Butler, Mar 25 at 11 AM CT
The Center for Sorghum Improvement (CSI) is hosting a virtual seminar given by Haley Butler, from the Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit at the USDA-ARS, on Tuesday, March 25 at 11 AM CT.
Optimizing Intrinsic Water-Use Efficiency in Sorghum: Genetic and Hydraulic Strategies for Drought Resilience
Improving iWUE in sorghum involves balancing water conservation and productivity through genetic traits, particularly aquaporin-linked mechanisms, that enhance photosynthesis and hydraulic efficiency under varying water conditions.
Chromatin, Epigenetics & Gene Expression, CSHL July 22 – Aug. 10
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is holding the “Chromatin, Epigenetics & Gene Expression” advanced course from July 22 – August 10, 2025.
Impact of Lsi1 Mutation on Lignin Accumulation and Composition in Sorghum: Implications for Bioenergy Crop Development
Researchers showed that mutating the Lsi1 Si transporter in sorghum increases lignin content in mature plants, suggesting a compensatory response for reduced silica that could be useful in developing bioenergy crops with optimized lignin and lower Si content.
The Health Benefits of Sorghum: A Nutrient-Rich, Sustainable Grain
Sorghum, a resilient and nutrient-dense ancient grain, is gaining recognition for its numerous health benefits and potential as a staple food in modern diets.
CSHL Frontiers and Techniques in Plant Science course, June 26 – July 17, 2025, Applications Due March 15
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is offering their Frontiers and Techniques in Plant Science course from June 26 to July 17, 2025.
Regulatory Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cadmium Stress Response in Sweet Sorghum
Researchers revealed that lncRNAs, particularly lncRNA 15962 and lncRNA 11558, play critical roles in regulating cell wall metabolism and Cd transporter gene expression, respectively, contributing to Cd stress responses in sweet sorghum.