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Biologists Untangle Growth and Defense in Maize, Define Key Antibiotic Pathways

Researchers identify six genes responsible for the production of plant antibiotics known for critical disease resistance

In order to meet the demands of growing human populations, agricultural production must double within the next 30 years. Yet the health of today’s crops and the promise of their yield face a rising slate of threats—from pests to chaotic weather events—leading to an urgent need to identify effective, natural plant defense strategies.