Im not good with plants but I loved all kind of plants

We’re so excited to share what we’ve been working on—our upcoming Soil Science and Plant Nutrition course! 🌍 Get ready for a comprehensive journey into the world beneath your feet. We’re jam-packing this course with interactive resources and hands-on activities designed to guide you through identifying, testing, and improving your soil. 🧪 Expect: - Interactive Soil Identification Activities: From texture tests to pH analysis, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to understand your soil like a pro. - Expert Resources: You’ll have access to top-notch guides and tools, helping you manage soil health for optimal plant growth. - Real-World Applications: Whether you’re gardening, farming, or just curious about sustainability, our course is built to equip you with practical, sustainable soil practices. Stay tuned! You’ll be learning how to improve soil health, boost plant nutrition, and discover the vital role soil plays in ecosystems. 🌿 *Sneak Peak* Soil Texture Triangle Preview: One of the many tools you’ll master in the course is the Soil Texture Triangle! You’ll learn how to use this essential tool to classify your soil’s texture based on sand, silt, and clay content—helping you understand water retention, nutrient availability, and more. #SoilScience #ComingSoon #SoilHealth #Gardening

On September 19, 2024, researchers at UC Riverside made a significant breakthrough in plant immunity. They discovered how plants block viruses from being passed on to their seeds—a finding that could reshape agriculture and even have implications for human health. 🌍🌾 The Problem: Plant viruses are a serious threat. These tiny pathogens can hide in seeds, spreading across fields and farms, causing stunted growth and crop losses. This process, called vertical transmission, has left scientists wondering: how do infected plants manage to produce seeds that are largely virus-free? 🌱 The Breakthrough: UC Riverside researchers found that plants use RNA interference (RNAi) to stop viruses from infecting their seeds. In this process, plants produce small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules that bind to viral RNA, preventing it from replicating. 🔬✨ They identified two genes responsible for this immune response during seed development. When these genes were deleted, up to 40% of seeds became infected—a tenfold increase! This shows just how critical RNAi is in protecting plant progeny from viral infections. 🌿 Why This Matters: This discovery could lead to virus-resistant crops, reducing the need for pesticides and improving global food security. 🌾 But the research doesn’t stop with plants. Since RNA interference is a universal process, it may also help prevent viruses from being passed from mother to child in humans, such as with Zika virus. 👶 What’s Next?: As researchers explore ways to enhance this immune pathway, the future holds exciting possibilities for healthier crops and innovative disease prevention strategies. 🌱🌍 For the full details, check out the study in Cell Host & Microbe and the UCR article https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/abstract/S1931-3128(24)00316-000316-0) Keep an eye out for our *upcoming* Scientific Discovery folder in the Classroom tab for more information on the latest plant discoveries!

🌱 Hello Plant Science Friends! 🌿 I’m excited to dive into this incredible community of plant lovers, scientists, and enthusiasts! My name is Jade, and I’m passionate about sustainability, plant genetics, and supporting local food systems. I’ve been hands-on in gardening and foraging for years and am currently studying biological and environmental science to deepen my understanding. In my little urban garden in #zone6b, I focus on growing native plants to support local pollinators and restore biodiversity. 🌍 I’d love to hear from all of you: 1. What’s your favorite native plant to grow, and why? 🌻 2. How are you using plant science in your daily life—whether in research, gardening, or something totally unique? 🌿 🌟 Let’s grow this community! 🌟 If you know someone who’s passionate about plants, sustainability, or any area of plant science, invite them to join us! Whether they’re experienced researchers, budding plant enthusiasts, or garden hobbyists, everyone brings value here. Let’s keep sharing, learning, and collaborating to strengthen this community and create a network that supports our collective goals for a healthier planet. Looking forward to learning and growing together (pun intended)! 😊 #PlantScience #NativePlants #SoilHealth #Sustainability #Composting #FarmHer