Pakistan's `50 Million Olive Tree Tsunami' targets ~10 million acres of olive expansion by grafting commercial cultivars onto wild Olea ferruginea rootstocks, but physiological/ecological impacts are unknown. This 2023--2025 field study sampled 450 trees across three Balochistan sites (wild: \( n = 150 \); Arbequina, Coratina, Picual: \( n = 100 \) each) with \( n = 1{,}240 \) leaf measurements. Wild leaves were 56--63% smaller (\( 9.8 \) vs. \( 22.4 \)--\( 26.8 \, \text{cm}^2 \); \( P < 0.001 \); \( \eta^2 = 0.926 \)), but had 83--118% higher stomatal density (\( 285 \) vs. \( 131 \)--\( 156 \, \text{mm}^{-2} \); \( \eta^2 = 0.934 \)) and 36--40% smaller stomata. This strategy reduced trans... More >

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) act as transcriptional regulators that mediate the defense responses against heat stress. Castanea dentata plays a major role in sustaining forest and landscape ecosystems and also exhibits medicinal properties. In this study, we identified 23 CadenHSFs genes from the genome of C. dentata. In silico approaches were employed to analyze gene structure, conserved domains, chromosomal locations, motif organization, comparative evolutionary analyses, synteny analyses, subcellular localization, and cis-regulatory element analysis. Cis-regulatory element analysis revealed that the promoters of CadenHSFs genes are associated with stress responses, light signal... More >

Drought stress is one of the most devastating abiotic stresses threatening global food security. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 5 (MKK5) are independently recognized as central regulators of plant stress adaptation; however, the molecular intersection of their signaling axes remains poorly characterized. This review proposes and examines a coherent molecular framework wherein melatonin, perceived via the phytomelatonin receptor PMTR1/CAND2, may converge on MKK5-containing MPK3/6 signaling modules as part of a broader MKK4/5/7/9 MAPK response network to orchestrate an integrated drought stress response. Key convergence points include the A... More >

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a vital enzyme in plant carbon metabolism, catalyzing the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to oxaloacetate (OAA), a key intermediate in numerous biosynthetic pathways. PEPC family members are usually classified into PTPC and BTPC subfamilies, and PTPC subfamily is characterized by a conserved N-terminal serine phosphorylation site, while BTPC lacks this site. In this study, we identified 10 Salix matsudana PEPC genes (SmPEPCs), which were classified into two subfamilies, PTPC and BTPC, based on phylogenetic tree. Our findings highlighted significant gene duplication events that contributed to the expansion of the SmPEPC gene family, shedding l... More >

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) serve as biochemical factories producing valuable secondary metabolites, yet their potential is limited by low yields, tissue-specific accumulation, and co-production of toxic compounds. Traditional improvement methods have achieved only incremental gains, highlighting the need for precision metabolic engineering. CRISPR/Cas genome editing has revolutionized this field by enabling targeted modifications from gene knockouts to single-nucleotide changes. This review examines core strategies in applying genome editing to engineer MAP metabolic pathways, including gene disruption, transcriptional modulation, and multiplex editing to redirect flux, eliminate c... More >

The mix of AI and CRISPR gene editing is changing how we upgrade grain crops, which feed much of the world. In this inaugural perspective, we propose a transformative framework to close the gap between computational prediction and field performance. Rather than presenting new data, we call for a paradigm shift toward explainable AI, digital twins, federated learning, and breeder-centric platforms. We argue that only through integrated, transparent, and collaborative systems can we realize the full promise of precision breeding for global food security. Still, translating computational predictions into successful crop performance in the field often fails or exhibits rapid performance decline.... More >

Plant biotechnology has been transformed by CRISPR-Cas genome editing, which has improved crops with previously unheard-of accuracy and efficiency. Base editing, prime editing, and enhanced delivery systems are the most recent CRISPR applications for plant genome editing. Advances like CRISPR-Act3.0 and HDR-mediated precise insertions have expanded plant genetic engineering tools. We discuss successful applications in rice, wheat, maize, and woody species that have resulted in improvements in disease resistance, stress tolerance, and yield. Despite delivery efficiency and off-target effects, CRISPR technology suggests sustainable global agriculture and climate adaptation. More >