Sainsbury Laboratory

Plants in the spotlight

Plants in the Spotlight features in-depth articles written by Sainsbury Laboratory plant scientists, exploring their latest discoveries and ideas in plant science research.

These accessible features offer behind-the-scenes insights into the research we are doing to better understand how plants grow, adapt and interact with their environment, and highlights the people and questions driving the research forward.

Plants in the spotlight

In-depth plant science features written by the researchers behind the discoveries.

Close-up of a ripe yellow corn cob still attached to the plant, partially husked to reveal rows of kernels, surrounded by green leaves in a field.

Hiding in plain sight: The missing manual of plant evolution

The power of plant genomes lies not only in genes, but also in ancient DNA switches we are finally uncovering through a “needle in a haystack” search.

Purple turnip in garden bed

How plants decide whether to become a tree or a turnip

One of the least visible parts of a plant is also one of the most economically important – and it has nothing to do with fruit, seeds or leaves.

Close-up of a single English bluebell with its distinctive nodding flower head.

Bluebells: The science behind Britain’s most beloved spring flower

Scientists and horticulturists come together to explore the science behind the iconic British bluebell.

Light microscopy image of a beneficial arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus colonising a barley root (left) and Barley seedlings grown in the laboratory and infected with the root rot fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana resulting in root browning symptoms (right).

How to develop strategies for healthier crops

Sebastian Schornack highlights why prioritising plant health should be at the top of every government’s policy agenda.

Montage featuring pea and broadbean plants, root nodules, and dried lentils and beans.

Secrets of soil-enriching pulses could transform future of sustainable agriculture

Sebastian Schornack discusses why better understanding legumes is important for the future of agriculture.

Bowls of different pulses

Pulses are packed with goodness: Five cool things you should know about them

Each year on February 10, the United Nations commemorates what probably sounds to many like a strange occasion: World Pulses Day.