(🧵 7/7)The review provides a synthesis of the authors’ research expertise, in particular the study of sex chromosomes, plant organelles, plant–pathogen interactions, sexual systems, responses to abiotic conditions, pollinator-mediated evolution and speciation.
(🧵 6/7)...and creating collaborative synergies, leading to joint publications. The authors are based in universities and research institutes across the USA, Portugal, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Sweden and Czechia.
(🧵 5/7) Through annual virtual workshops, collaborations and student mobility, launched as a CNRS International Research Network, the Silene community provides a space for exchanging knowledge, developing new research ideas, sharing resources...
Cross experiment between genetic lineages of Silene nutans at Lille University (France). Credit : Fabienne Van Rossum.
🌱 The authors behind the paper 🌱
(🧵 4/7)The authors of this review belong to the Silene researcher community, which brings together researchers working on the Silene genus as a model system with a focus on understanding its evolution and ecology.
Silene gallica in the laboratory. Credit : Jenna Miladin.
(🧵 3/7) They review the major discoveries linked to the genus and outline possible discoveries still to be found.
Experimental collection of Silene vulgaris in Czechia. Credit : Helena Štorchová.
(🧵 2/7) In this Tansley review, Karrenberg et al. detail how well-developed genomic resources and extensive organismal expertise for the large plant genus Silene, have made the genus an outstanding model for evolution and ecology.
Fig. 1 Primary pollinator functional groups in Silene: diurnal pollination (yellow frames), by (a) hummingbirds (Ruby-throated hummingbird on Silene regia); (b) butterflies (Papilio sp. on Silene subciliata
✨ Paper spotlight ✨
(🧵 1/7) Silene, a versatile model system: from sex and genome evolution to ecology and speciation
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
We're pleased to sponsor the 4th Annual Dynamic Vegetation Modeling and Observations Conference: aimesproject.org/dvmoc/
Very happy to see this lab paper out in @newphyt.bsky.social - we identified genomic traits & environmental drivers of ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelium exploration in the soil and on roots.
Thanks to all our co-authors and to @tommansfield.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1111/nph....
Published @newphyt.bsky.social. We identified peptide ligand-induced K63-linked Ub sites of ERECTA, required for endocytosis & signal attenuation for proper stomatal patterning. Congrats, all authors🌱👍 @texasscience.bsky.social @hhmi-science.bsky.social
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Our paper 'What determines transfer of carbon from plants to mycorrhizal fungi?' was one of top 10 most-cited papers published in @newphyt.bsky.social in 2024. Thanks to the research community for considering our ideas and arguments.
Out now in @newphyt.bsky.social with @joannarifkin.bsky.social, @jotlovell.bsky.social, @spicybotrytis.bsky.social & more! Our high-quality pennycress pangenome is a striking example of genome architecture shaping different kinds of genomic variation, including some surprising centromeric movement
So thrilled that “The origin and speciation of orchids” is featured in the high-impact collection of @newphyt.bsky.social (124th anniversary) as the top cited & 2nd most read (34K+ reads, 83 cites) amongst +800 papers!
A global effort of 48 researchers!
🔗 nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1469...
Our @newphyt.bsky.social article made the High-Impact Research Collection: Top 10 Most Read of 2025
Meta-analysis: globally sourced commercial mycorrhizal inoculants often fall short
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The 2026 New Phytologist Editor-in-Chief symposium will celebrate this work, bringing together researchers whose studies draw on collections in all their forms. We warmly invite contributions and participation in this one-day symposium in Tartu, Estonia.
🧵5/5
These collections continue to yield fresh insights, with researchers returning to them in innovative ways to address emerging questions and challenges. New Phytologist is proud to publish many such studies that demonstrate the enduring and evolving value of these resources.
🧵4/5
The collection of data and materials varies between studies, but those working in plant science are fortunate to have access to a variety of collections; from living collections in botanic gardens and arboreta, to collaborative databases, and the historical archives of museums and herbaria.
🧵3/5
At its most basic level, scientific research is underpinned by observation, questioning, and the careful collection of data and materials to inform and test these.
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📢 We're delighted to announce the topic of the 2026 New Phytologist Editor-in-Chief symposium is 'Collections through time: legacy and innovation'.
📅 3 July 2026
📍 Oecologicum, University of Tartu, Estonia
👉 www.newphytologist.org/events/eics-...
🧵1/5
(🧵 7/7) The authors synthesize recent advances in SPCH-mediated gene networks and the regulation of SPCH in Arabidopsis thaliana, highlighting how this single transcription factor establishes and shapes the stomatal stem cell state, with implications for plant adaptation and crop improvement.
(🧵 6/7) ...while itself under multilayered transcriptional and phospho-regulatory controls. These findings position SPCH as a model for understanding how master transcription factors orchestrate lineage progression and integrate intrinsic and environmental cues.
(🧵 5/7) Over the past decade, studies have revealed how the bHLH transcription factor coordinates a broad transcriptional network controlling cell-cell signaling, asymmetric division, cell-cycle progression, and environmental pathways...
🌱 Abstract 🌱
(🧵 4/7) SPEECHLESS (SPCH) is the earliest master regulator of the stomatal lineage, and in dicots, defines a transient, self-renewing stem cell state crucial for guard cell formation and environmental plasticity.
(🧵 3/7) In this Tansley review, Yang, Zhou & Lau and explain how SPCH directs stem-like cells and helps plants adjust stomatal development in response to environmental conditions, with implications for improving crop resilience.
(🧵 2/7) Plants breathe through tiny pores on their leaves called stomata. A key protein named SPEECHLESS (SPCH) acts as the master switch that starts and controls the formation of these pores.
Fig. 1 Select SPEECHLESS (SPCH)-driven transcriptional network that defines the stomatal self-renewing cell state.
✨ Paper spotlight ✨
(🧵 1/7) Silent master: SPEECHLESS the driver of stomatal stem cell fate and integrator of intrinsic and environmental cues
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Location of the ‘WaldLab Forest Experimental Site’ in Zurich (top left corner) and a conceptual diagram of the performed measurements (left). Scheme of the extended soil–plant hydraulic model used in this study (right).
The interplay between hydraulic capacitance and stomatal regulation strategy affects soil-plant hydraulics and transpiration
Stefano Martinetti, Andrea Carminati, Peter Molnar and Marius G. Floriancic
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#PlantScience
Select SPEECHLESS (SPCH)-driven transcriptional network that defines the stomatal self-renewing cell state.
Silent master: SPEECHLESS the driver of stomatal stem cell fate and integrator of intrinsic and environmental cues
#TansleyReview by Xin Yang, Zimin Zhou and On Sun Lau
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Very happy to share our new paper in @newphyt.bsky.social, in collaboration with our colleagues at the University of Florida!
We dissected the genetic control of strawberry aroma, identifying new key players in γ-lactone biosynthesis in both the cultivated and the wild species
Check out this paper by Shelley Sianta, myself, undergrad Amal Suri, @ybrandva, and Dave Moeller! Despite the notable absence of ANY early-generation hybrids in our dataset of 410 plants from selfing and outcrossing #clarkia sister taxa, we found substantial admixture. 1/4