Metal homeostasis is essential to normal plant growth and development. The balance is potentially impacted during plant-pathogen interactions as the host and pathogen compete for the same nutrients.

Food production needs to increase significantly and water loss from plants may hold one key, especially relevant in a time of climate change.

Pathogens and pests as diverse as bacteria, oomycetes, fungi, nematodes and aphids are sophisticated manipulators of their hosts.

C4 photosynthesis, a carbon concentrating mechanism, evolved as an adaptation to improve photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in terrestrial plants under conditions of low CO2, increased temperatures and varying rainfall patterns.

Devastating fungal diseases threaten global food security and plant and animal populations, highlighting the need for rapid and accurate identification of fungal pathogens.

Wheat is an important food supplier contributing to about one-fifth of worldwide daily caloric and protein needs.