Mutating alfalfa using multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 leads to reduced lignin deposition and improved forage quality.

Alfalfa ( L.) forage quality is adversely affected by lignin deposition in cell walls at advanced maturity stages. Reducing lignin content through RNA interference or antisense approaches has been shown to improve alfalfa forage quality and digestibility.

The peptide GOLVEN10 alters root development and noduletaxis in Medicago truncatula.

The conservation of GOLVEN (GLV)/ROOT MERISTEM GROWTH FACTOR (RGF) peptide encoding genes across plant genomes capable of forming roots or root-like structures underscores their potential significance in the terrestrial adaptation of plants. This study investigates the function and role of GOLVEN peptide-coding genes in Medicago truncatula. Five out of fifteen GLV/RGF genes were notably upregulated during nodule organogenesis and were differentially responsive to nitrogen deficiency and auxin treatment.

JGI Plant Gene Atlas: an updateable transcriptome resource to improve functional gene descriptions across the plant kingdom.

Gene functional descriptions offer a crucial line of evidence for candidate genes underlying trait variation. Conversely, plant responses to environmental cues represent important resources to decipher gene function and subsequently provide molecular targets for plant improvement through gene editing. However, biological roles of large proportions of genes across the plant phylogeny are poorly annotated.

genes have distinct roles in phosphorus homeostasis and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Three -like genes encoding putative ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzymes of were characterized for potential roles in phosphorous (P) homeostasis and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). All three genes, , contain miR399-binding sites characteristic of genes in other plant species. Distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns and responsiveness of gene expression to P- and N-deprivation in roots and shoots indicated potential roles, especially for , in P and N homeostasis.

Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of alfalfa FLOWERING LOCUS Ta1 (MsFTa1) leads to delayed flowering time with improved forage biomass yield and quality.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family that is widely cultivated as a forage crop for its high yield, forage quality and related agricultural and economic benefits. Alfalfa is a photoperiod sensitive long-day (LD) plant that can accomplish its vegetative and reproductive phases in a short period of time.