Madison Reporter

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have made a significant discovery regarding plant photoreceptors, which could potentially lead to more resilient crop varieties. This research, published in the journal Current Biology, provides new insights into how seedlings detect light and adapt their growth strategies accordingly.

Photoreceptors are known to assist seedlings in determining when they have reached sufficient sunlight, signaling them to cease stem elongation and initiate photosynthesis. However, the specific locations where these photoreceptors operate within the seedling were previously unknown. "For the first time, we realized that the effect of these photoreceptors is not everywhere along the stem and that different photoreceptors control different regions of the stem," stated Edgar Spalding, professor emeritus of botany at UW–Madison.

The study involved Spalding and his team, including doctoral student Julian Bustamante and data scientist Nathan Miller. They employed genetic manipulation and advanced photography techniques to isolate photoreceptor effects on tiny sprouting seedlings. Using machine learning and high-throughput computing resources, they identified where each photoreceptor influences stem growth.

This discovery has practical implications for agriculture. The early development stage of a plant, known as stand establishment, is crucial for crop success. Understanding how photoreceptors contribute during this phase is valuable to both farmers and researchers.

A particular focus was on cryptochrome-1 (cry1), a photoreceptor that not only controls upper stem elongation but also aids in returning plants to sunlight if they become covered again after emerging from soil. This capability allows seedlings to conserve energy and maintain reserve stem length for reemergence if necessary.

The findings suggest potential for genetic modification to enhance cry1's role in seeds, providing crops with additional resilience by ensuring backup elongation capacity if buried again. Spalding expressed hope that this research will direct future efforts towards developing more resilient plants with higher yields.