| Agriculture

Researchers discover new plant tissue after 160 years

Unprecedented identification paves the way for increased productivity in agricultural crops

10.04.2025 | 15:17 (UTC -3)

Cultivar Magazine

Callose deposition decreases from A to C but increases from D to E. (A–C) Wild-type ovules 1 day after pollination (DAP) (A), 2 DAP (B), and 3 DAP (C). (D–F) Genetically modified ovules 1 DAP (D), 2 DAP (E), and 3 DAP (F) - Image: Ryushiro Kasahara

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have identified plant tissue that is essential for seed formation. According to the scientists, this is the first plant tissue discovered in 160 years. The study was published in the journal Current Biology. The discovery has already demonstrated practical applications, allowing for increased productivity in crops such as rice.

The new fabric, named by scientists as "Kasahara Gateway" after researcher Ryushiro Kasahara, was found by accident.

During an investigation into the deposition of callose, a substance associated with fertilization, Kasahara observed unexpected signs in areas opposite to the usual site of fertilization in plants.

"Nobody was looking where I was. I was surprised, especially because we noticed that the signal was especially strong when fertilization failed," the researcher said.

The newly discovered tissue acts as a kind of "gate", controlling the flow of nutrients to the developing seeds. In a closed state, callose blocks the transport of nutrients, preventing the development of unfertilized seeds.

After successful fertilization, this gate opens by degradation of callose, allowing nutrients to be directed exclusively to viable seeds.

Scientists identified the AtBG_ppap gene as responsible for this callose degradation. When genetically engineered to overexpress this gene, the "gate" remained permanently open, increasing the flow of nutrients and, consequently, the size of the seeds. Experiments carried out with rice showed seeds that were 9% larger; other species achieved up to 16,5% increase.

The discovery of this mechanism could be significant for plant genetic improvement, offering a new strategy to increase agricultural productivity.

Furthermore, the results expand our understanding of the evolution of flowering plants (angiosperms), explaining how they optimize resources by avoiding wasting nutrients on unviable seeds.

More information can be found at doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.033