Population genomics identifies genetic signatures of carrot domestication and improvement and uncovers the origin of high-carotenoid orange carrots

Nature Plants, Published online: 28 September 2023; doi:10.1038/s41477-023-01526-6

This study demonstrates that orange carrot was selected during the Renaissance period, probably in western Europe, through the selection of three recessive genes that increased the provitamin A carotenoid (α- and β-carotene) content.

Single-nucleus transcriptomes reveal spatiotemporal symbiotic perception and early response in <i>Medicago</i>

Nature Plants, Published online: 25 September 2023; doi:10.1038/s41477-023-01524-8

Single-nucleus transcriptomes uncover cell type-specific gene reprogramming in response to nod factors in Medicago, including a defence response at 30 min, which largely returned to normal at 6 h. The results reveal that MtFER interacts with LYK3 and regulates rhizobial symbiosis.

FER meets the Nod factor pathway

Nature Plants, Published online: 25 September 2023; doi:10.1038/s41477-023-01531-9

Single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis of Medicago roots reveals dynamic cell-specific responses to the Nod factor — a bacterially secreted chito-lipopolysaccharide with a key role in the root nodule symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia — and identifies the receptor-like kinase FERONIA as a phosphorylation target of the Nod factor receptor LYK3, which together function to control nodule formation and bacterial infection.

Strikingly convergent genome alterations in two independently evolved holoparasites

Nature Plants, Published online: 21 September 2023; doi:10.1038/s41477-023-01518-6

Two independently evolved lineages of holoparasites — Balanophora (Santalales) and Sapria (Malpighiales) — display massively convergent characteristics of genome modifications, including gene loss in major pathways, reduction of multigene families and generally relaxed selection pressure. These findings provide valuable new insights into the fascinating biology of parasitic plants.