Jane Shen-Miller Food Innovation Fellowships Prize

November/December 2019 • Volume 46, Number 6

p. 13 p. 15 p. 17 Leon Kochian ASPB Members Where Are They Receives Receive HHMI Now? International Hanna Gray Jane Shen-Miller Food Innovation Fellowships Prize

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS

President’s Letter

The Transparency Project BY JUDY CALLIS ASPB President, University of California, Davis

he word transparent has multiple mean- ings. For us scientists, we might first Tthink of a solution in a tube or vial being transparent, defined by Merriam-Webster Blake Meyers as “having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies Appointed Next lying beyond are seen clearly” (https://www. merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transpar- Editor of ent). As in, did your chemical dissolve? But the The Plant Cell transparency to which I refer is the second set of definitions in the dictionary: “free from pre- tense or deceit,” “readily understood,” and most relevant for this letter, “characterized by vis- SPB is pleased to announce the ap- ibility or accessibility of information especially pointment of Blake C. Meyers as concerning business practices.” editor-in-chief of The Plant Cell be- A ASPB is an active and multifaceted orga- ginning January 1, 2020. The Plant Cell pub- nization with diverse activities including lishes novel research of particular significance outreach, professional development, publish- in plant biology, especially in the areas of ing, and advocacy, among others. Because of well. In the fall of 2015, the main leadership cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, these various endeavors, understanding how committee, previously called the Executive development, and evolution. The Plant Cell, ASPB works toward achieving its missions Committee, was reorganized into two differ- one of the top primary research journals in can seem challenging, and you may find it ent committees—the Council and the Board plant biology, was established in 1989. This difficult to see how you can contribute to and of Directors (the latter affectionately abbrevi- year marks the journal’s 30th anniversary. benefit from ASPB’s missions. Recent reor- ated “BoD”). continued on page 4 ganization changes may complicate this as continued on page 3 Contents Council members highlighted in blue ASPB Council also serve on the Board of Directors.

President Judy Callis Immediate Past President; Chair Rob Last President-elect Maureen McCann Secretary Wayne Parrott Treasurer; Chair, Board of Trustees Kent Chapman 1 Blake Meyers Appointed Next Editor of The Plant Cell Elected Members Christine Foyer Clint Chapple 1 President’s Letter Laura Wayne Chair, Membership Committee Jose Dinneny 5 ASPB Officers and Committee Members Assume Posts for Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Gustavo MacIntosh Chair, Publications Committee Neil E. Olszewski 2019–2020 Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Laura Wayne Chair, Education Committee Erin Friedman 6 2019–2020 Awards Committees Chair, International Committee Anja Geitman Chair, Science Policy Committee Nathan Springer 6 Plant Biology 2020 Travel Grants Sectional Representatives Mid-Atlantic Section Mike Axtell 7 Nominations Opening Soon for 2020 ASPB Awards! Midwestern Section Gustavo MacIntosh Northeastern Section Carolyn Lee-Parsons Southern Section Ashlee McCaskill 9 Highlights from the Environmental and Ecological Plant Western Section Kulvinder Gill Physiology Section Meeting in San Jose Mexico Section Rubén Rellán Álvarez

Environmental and Ecological 10 Plant Biology 2019 “By the Numbers” Plant Physiology Section Andy VanLoocke Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Section Leeann Thornton 11 Halfway to Establishing the New Primarily Undergraduate Ambassador Alliance Sunil Kumar Institution Section ASPB Staff 12 ASPB/AAAS 2020 Mass Media Science & Engineering Chief executive officer Crispin Taylor, [email protected] Fellows Program Chief financial officer Clara Woodall, [email protected] Executive and governance affairs administrator Sylvia Lee, [email protected] Accounting manager Teressa Leath, [email protected] People Senior staff accountant Jotee Pundu, [email protected] Senior staff accountant Francky Rakotomanana, [email protected] 13 Leon Kochian Receives International Food Innovation Prize Director of meetings and events Jean Rosenberg, [email protected] Conference coordinator Teresa Myers, [email protected] 14 Barry Pogson Awarded Two Australian Science Prizes Senior membership manager Shoshana Kronfeld, [email protected] Community engagement administrator Katie Rogers 15 ASPB Members Receive HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellowships Web systems manager Mark James, [email protected] Legislative and public affairs director vacant Executive coordinator, Plant Science 16 Zachary Lippman Named 2019 MacArthur Fellow Research Network Natalie Henkhaus, [email protected] Education coordinator Winnie Nham, [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, [email protected] Where Are They Now? Publications assistant Diane McCauley, [email protected] Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, [email protected] 17 Jane Shen-Miller Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, [email protected] Managing editor Jennifer Regala, [email protected] Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, [email protected] Science Policy Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, [email protected] Peer review manager, Plant Physiology Ashton Wolf, [email protected] 21 Policy Update Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nan Eckardt, [email protected] Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, [email protected] 24 ASPB Cohosts Capitol Hill Briefing on Innovation in Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, [email protected] Agriculture Peer review manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, [email protected] The ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is also available online. It is published six times annually in odd-numbered months. Its purposes are to keep membership informed of ASPB activities and to reinforce the value of membership. The ASPB News is edited and Tributes produced by ASPB staff from material provided by members and other interested parties. Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered month (for example, April 5 25 Joachim Messing for May/June publication). Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904. © 2019 American Society of Plant Biologists

2 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 President’s Letter

PRESIDENT’S LETTER ASPB Mission Statement three elected members (one elect- to respond to membership and to continued from page 1 • To nurture plant scientists ed from among eligible Council national and international events members and two from the in a timely manner. The evolu- In the coming year, together through leadership and learning opportunities membership at large). For the list tion of high-quality conference with Past President Rob Last, of recently elected BoD members, call services has greatly facilitated President-elect Maureen • To provide venues and plat- forms for communicating see page 5 of this issue. these conversations (remember McCann, the chairs of the The BoD takes action on issues when there were all kinds of tech- standing committees, and the plant science research • To promote scientific quality, brought to it directly by staff, nical problems with conference outstanding ASPB staff, we plan committees, and the Council. calls? I admit they haven’t gone to inform and highlight the innovation, and integrity • To increase awareness of the The BoD’s smaller size facilitates away completely, but . . .). activities of various committees the frequent communication Also, in the spirit of being and people in ASPB who work importance of plant science • To inform, communicate, and with ASPB staff and decision transparent and informing our to advance one or more of our making that need to occur during membership, summaries of missions. In the President’s Letter, positively influence policy related to plant biology in the the course of the year. The BoD Council and BoD meetings will I hope to provide insights on the balances furthering our missions [soon] be posted on our website. hard work our committees engage United States and internationally. with enforcing fiscal responsibil- We will include as much content in throughout the year. Finding ity so that ASPB may be alive and as legally and ethically appropri- In this letter I highlight the more ways to communicate ASPB well through the next 100 years. ate in these summaries, but please nature and activities of the Board activities to you, its members, is a In 2018–2019, under President remember that some conversa- of Directors, which is chaired by major aim for the coming year. Rob Last’s leadership, ASPB estab- tions (regarding personnel, for the president-elect (last year, that In fact, let me start with our lished regular standing meetings example) will have to be redacted. was me!). The seven-member missions. In 2018, the Council for both the Council and the We appreciate feedback on how BoD is the main decision-making articulated the following working BoD; however, both commit- we can do better to inform you, body of the Society for all matters statement on our missions: tees—but the BoD especially— our membership, and we ask not specified for other bodies by have additional email and phone that you remember that this is an our constitution (https://aspb.org/ conversations throughout the ongoing effort.  about/constitution/). The BoD year. This additional communica- consists of the president-elect, tion is needed to discuss and craft president, secretary, treasurer, and new policies and initiatives and

Job Board ASPB History Looking for a job, or Curious about ASPB’s history, especially with our centennial approaching in 2024? Check out our looking to hire? Check early history (https://aspb.org/about/history), out the ASPB job board penned in 1989 by J. B. Hanson, who was on Plantae at https:// professor of plant biology at the University jobs.plantae.org/. You of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. can post jobs or your resume and also get job alerts.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 3 Quick Quiz Let’s Nominate!

he Call for Nominations time and energy to leading the of prior presidents who have for ASPB Council Society. This year, members served ASPB (and who are How many ASPB Tpositions is fast ap- will be nominating and then therefore ineligible to serve proaching. Please keep an eye voting for president-elect again in that capacity) can members were there out for an email message that and secretary-elect. We need be viewed at http://aspb.org/ in 1925? What was the will be sent to members on nominees to consider for about/past-presidents/. annual membership January 3, 2020, and be sure to these positions, so please The Call for Nominations fee in 1925? Answers submit your nominations by participate in the process and will open soon, so please join Wednesday, February 12, 2020. let your voice be heard by your colleagues and nomi- next time . . . ASPB relies on dedicated submitting a nomination at nate!  individuals who commit their http://excom.aspb.org. A list

BLAKE MEYERS and evolutionary analyses of gene a society journal, The Plant Cell the highest level of peer-reviewed continued from page 1 families of interest. is a forum for the publication of science in the field.” Blake is a member of The Among his many awards the best work of members of the “I am pleased that Blake Donald Danforth Plant Science and honors, Blake is an elected community of plant biologists. Meyers has accepted the posi- Center (St. Louis). He is a profes- fellow of ASPB (2017), the The editorial board members are tion of editor-in-chief of The sor at the University of Missouri, winner of ASPB’s Charles Albert outstanding, with their expertise Plant Cell,” said ASPB President Division of Plant Sciences Shull Award (2017), an ISI/ encompassing the full breadth Judy Callis. “I am confident that (Columbia), and an adjunct Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher of work in plant biology. The under his stewardship, TPC will professor at the Department of (recognizing the top 1% most staff at the journal and ASPB, as continue to innovate to best serve Biology, Washington University cited researchers in a subject well as the oversight provided our community in the future in St. Louis. His current research area, 2014–2016 and 2018), an by Society members, is superb. I as the publishing landscape focuses on three major areas. elected fellow of the American have worked with these wonder- evolves. Special thanks to Sabeeha First, his lab analyzes small RNA, Association for the Advancement ful people for many years, and I Merchant for her outstanding DNA methylation, and genomes of Science (2012), and a National look forward to continuing those service as editor-in-chief of TPC of maize, rice, Arabidopsis, and Science Foundation Pre-Doctoral interactions in this new role. The these past five years.” other species. Blake utilizes short- Fellow (1992–1995). value that The Plant Cell offers to ASPB Past President Rob Last read DNA sequencing technolo- Blake said, “It is a profound authors is unmatched in terms of added, “Blake brings a combina- gies for these analyses. Second, honor, for which I am grateful, impact, publicity, and publication tion of experience with the inner his lab creates and then applies to be named editor-in-chief of services. Therefore, it is a tremen- workings of the journal along novel informatics approaches for The Plant Cell, a journal founded dous opportunity for me to serve with fresh ideas on how to keep storing, analyzing, displaying, and 30 years ago that has attained the Society and community in attracting and publishing the then publicly releasing these data. the highest level of impact and this capacity, and to lead the best of plant biology relevant– Third, his lab performs functional scholarship in plant biology. As journal as it continues to publish research.” 

4 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 ASPB Officers and Committee Members Assume Posts for 2019–2020 Listed below are governance committee members for the current year. The year in which each committee member’s term ends is indicated in parentheses.

Board of Directors Jose Dinneny (2023), chair, International Committee Program Committee Maureen McCann (2021), chair, Membership Committee Anja Geitman (2021), chair Wayne Parrott (2021), chair, president-elect Gustavo MacIntosh (2020), chair, Pablo Bolaños-Villegas (2020), secretary Judy Callis (2020), president Minority Affairs Committee; early career representative Maureen McCann (2020), Midwestern Section representative Wayne Parrott (2021), secretary Jurandir Magalhaes (2020) president-elect Kent Chapman (2023), treasurer Neil E. Olszewski (2020), chair, Kranthi Mandadi (2020) Andrew Bent (2020), past secretary Publications Committee Christine Foyer (2021), elected Bijay Singh (2020) Gilles Basset (2020) Erin Friedman (2022), chair, member [elected by ASPB Laura Klasek (2020), early career Education Committee Zuhua He (2021) membership] Rubén Rellán Álvarez (2021) representative Anja Geitman (2021), chair, Clint Chapple (2023), elected Stacey Harmer (2021) International Committee Membership Committee member [elected by ASPB Phil Taylor (2021) membership] Nathan Springer (2020), chair, Jose Dinneny (2023), chair Shinhan Shiu (2022) Laura Wayne (2020), elected mem- Science Policy Committee Rishi Masalia (2020), postdoc ber [elected by ASPB Council] Michael Axtell (2022), Mid- member Publications Committee Atlantic Section representative Crispin Taylor, CEO (nonvoting) Katy McIntyre (2021), graduate Neil E. Olszewski (2020), chair Carolyn Lee-Parsons (2021), student member Craig Schenck (2020), early career Board of Trustees Northeastern Section represen- Clayton LaRue (2023) representative Kent Chapman (2023), chair, tative Erin Sparks (2024) Steve Theg (2021) treasurer Ashlee McCaskill (2020), Kulvinder Gill (2020), ex officio Kathy Osteryoung (2020) Southern Section representative Hong Ma (2022) Gustavo MacIntosh (2020), Pamela J. Hines (2023) Rick Vierstra (2020) Kulvinder Gill (2020), Western ex officio Section representative Lisa Ainsworth (2024) Julia Bailey-Serres (2021) Ashlee McCaskill (2020), ex officio Rubén Rellán Álvarez (2021), Science Policy Committee Constitution and Bylaws Mexico Section representative Leeann Thornton (2020), ex officio Nathan Springer (2020), chair Ken Keegstra (2021), chair Andy VanLoocke (2020), Andy VanLoocke (2020), ex officio Peggy Lemaux (2020) Environmental and Ecological Carolyn Lee-Parsons (2021), Rob Last (2020), immediate past president Bonnie Bartel (2021) Plant Physiology Section repre- ex officio sentative Rubén Rellán Álvarez (2021), Karen Koch (2020) Council Leeann Thornton (2020), ex officio Shandrea Stallworth (2020), early Rob Last (2020), chair, immediate Primarily Undergraduate Michael Axtell (2022), ex officio career representative past president Institution Section representative Jeffrey Chen (2021) Minority Affairs Committee Judy Callis (2021), president Sunil Kumar (2020), chair, Scott Jackson (2022) Gustavo MacIntosh (2020), chair Maureen McCann (2022), Ambassador Alliance Carolyn Lawrence-Dill (2022) president-elect Crispin Taylor, CEO (nonvoting) Asia Hightower (2020), early career representative Rebecca Bart (2023) Wayne Parrott (2021), secretary Thelma Madzima (2020) Tessa Burch-Smith (2023) Kent Chapman (2023), treasurer; Education Committee chair, board of trustees Erin Friedman (2022), chair Cris Argueso (2021) Women in Plant Biology Christine Foyer (2021), elected Ashley Cannon (2020), early career Sona Pandey (2021) Committee member [elected by ASPB representative Terri Long (2022) Laura Wayne (2020), chair membership] Susan Bush (2021) Miguel Vega-Sanchez (2022) Kelly Marie Gillespie (2020) Clint Chapple (2023), elected Estelle Hrabak (2021) Nominating Committee Grace Miller (2020) member [elected by ASPB MariaElena Zavala (2021) membership] Maureen McCann (2022), chair, Katy Murphy (2020), early career Joseph Jez (2022) representative Laura Wayne (2020), elected president-elect member [elected by ASPB Tara Phelps-Durr (2022) Judy Callis (2021), president Eva Farre (2021) Council]; chair, Women in Plant Jonathan Gilkerson (2023) Rob Last (2020), immediate past Li Tian (2021) Biology Committee Valerie Haywood (2023) president Aruna Kilaru (2022)

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 5 2019–2020 Awards Committees Listed below are awards committee members for the current year. The year in which each committee member’s term ends is indicated in parentheses.

Charles Albert Shull Award Early Career Award Fellow of ASPB Award Stephen Hales Prize Kris Niyogi (2021), chair R. Keith Slotkin (2020), chair Eran Pichersky (2020), chair Alex Webb (2020), chair Siobhan Brady (2020), past winner James Schnable (2020), past winner Ed Cahoon (2020) Rick Vierstra (2020), past winner Patricia Bedinger (2020) Hiroshi Maeda (2020) Neelima Sinha (2021) Rebecca Boston (2022) Libo Shan (2022) Lucia Strader (2020) Bonnie Bartel (2022) Alice Cheung (2022) Charles F. Kettering Award Enid MacRobbie Corresponding Lawrence Bogorad Award for Summer Undergraduate Don Ort (2020), chair Membership Award Excellence in Plant Biology Research Fellowship Manajit Hayer-Hartl (2020), past Mondher Bouzayen (2021), chair Research Adán Colón-Carmona (2021), chair winner Alejandra Covarrubias (2020) Maureen Hanson (2020), chair Jon Monroe (2021) Andreas Weber (2020) Wataru Sakamoto (2020) Alice Barkan (2020), past winner Erich Grotewold (2022) Elizabeth (Lisa) Ainsworth (2022) Jian-Kang Zhu (2020) Maria Harrison (2020) Amy Marshall-Colon (2022) Eva-Mari Aro (2024) Charles Reid Barnes Life Jaswinder Singh (2023) Chris Wolverton (2022) Membership Award Excellence in Education Award Robert Rabson Award Tuan-hua David Ho (2022), chair Susan Wick (2020), chair Ken Keegstra (2022), chair Bob Buchanan (2020), past winner Tara Phelps-Durr (2020), past Rebecca Smith (2020), past winner Dean DellaPenna (2020) winner Diane Okamuro (2022) Deborah Delmer (2021) Yan Lu (2021) John Shanklin (2024) Karen Hicks (2022)

Plant Biololgy 2020 Travel Grants ASPB 2020 Sharon Gray Women’s Young Investigator Travel Awards y Travel grant applications for eligible women are now being accepted. y The submission deadline is December 11, 2019. y All applications must be submitted electronically at https://wyita.aspb.org. y Recipients will be notified by late January.

ASPB Plant Biology Travel Grants y Travel grant applications for eligible candidates are being accepted now. y The submission deadline is December 4, 2019. y All applications must be submitted electronically at https://travelgrants.aspb.org. y Recipients will be notified by late January.

ASPB Minority Affairs Committee Recognition Travel Awards y Travel grant applications for eligible candidates are being accepted now. y The submission deadline is January 29, 2020. y All applications must be submitted electronically at https://rta.aspb.org. y Recipients will be notified by late March.

6 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Nominations Opening Soon for 2020 ASPB Awards! The Time to Recognize and Honor Excellence Among Our Fellow Plant Scientists Is Approaching

he 2020 Call for Award Awards to Be Given membership in the Society to an Election of a corresponding mem- Nominations will be sent to in 2020 individual who is at least 60 years ber is to be considered each year TASPB members on January old. Membership is a requirement and held if warranted, provided 3, 2020, and nominations will be Charles Albert Shull Award for the award, and, if appropriate, the election would not increase the due by Wednesday, February 19. This award was initiated in 1971 by every fifth award should be made number of corresponding mem- ASPB encourages you to partici- the Society to honor Dr. Charles A. to an outstanding plant biologist bers beyond 2% of the dues-paying pate in the 2020 awards program Shull, whose personal interest and from outside the United States. membership. ASPB membership is by nominating highly deserving support were largely responsible a requirement for this award. Early Career Award individuals. Please watch for the for the founding and early growth Excellence in Education Call for Nominations in your of the Society. It is a monetary The Society instituted the Early Award email inbox, on our website, and award made annually for outstand- Career Award in 2005 to recognize via social media early in the New ing investigations in the field of outstanding research by scientists This award, initiated in 1988, Year. In the meantime, please plant biology by a member who is at the beginning of their career. recognizes outstanding teaching, visit ASPB’s awards pages (http:// generally under 45 years of age on This award is a monetary award mentoring, and/or educational www.aspb.org/awards-funding/ January 1 of the year of presenta- made annually for exceptionally outreach in plant biology by aspb-awards/) so that you can tion or is fewer than 10 years from creative, independent contributions an individual, whether or not see who among your colleagues the granting of the doctoral degree. by an individual, whether or not a a member of the Society. It is a has received these awards in the Breaks in career will be considered member of the Society, who is gen- monetary award to be made an- past and determine who might be when addressing the age limit of erally not more than seven years nually in recognition of excellence most deserving in the future. this award. The recipient is invited post-PhD on January 1 of the year in teaching, leadership in curricu- All that is required to make a to address the Society at the annual of presentation. Breaks in career lar development, or authorship of nomination for ASPB’s awards is meeting the following year. will be considered when addressing effective teaching materials in the a one- to two-page letter of nomi- the time limit of this award. science of plant biology. Charles F. Kettering Award nation and a detailed CV of the Enid MacRobbie Correspond- Fellow of ASPB Award nominee. However, nomination This award was established by an ing Membership Award committees may opt to go back endowment from the Kettering Established in 2007, the Fellow of to the nominator to ask for addi- Foundation in 1962 to recognize This honor, initially given in 1932 ASPB Award may be granted to tional information if they deem it excellence in the field of photo- and renamed in 2018 to recog- current members in recognition necessary. synthesis. It is a monetary award nize Dr. Enid MacRobbie’s many of direct service to the Society and Nominations should be to be given to an individual, contributions to plant science distinguished and long-term con- submitted electronically as a whether or not a member of the research, provides life member- tributions to plant biology. Areas single PDF via https://awards. Society, in even-numbered years. ship and Society publications to of contribution may include edu- aspb.org beginning January distinguished plant biologists cation, mentoring, outreach, re- Charles Reid Barnes Life from outside the United States in search, and professional and public 3, 2020. The names of the Membership Award 2020 award recipients will be recognition of their contributions service. Examples of relevant announced in mid-April via This award was established in 1925 to ASPB and to plant biology. The Society service include, but are social media and email broad- at the first annual meeting of the honor is conferred by election on not restricted to, service on or on cast to ASPB members, and Society through the generosity the annual ballot. The committee behalf of ASPB committees, ser- the awards themselves will be of Dr. Charles A. Shull. It honors selects no more than three candi- vice on editorial boards of ASPB presented during Plant Biology Dr. Charles Reid Barnes, the first dates, and these are placed on the journals, and active involvement in 2020 in Washington, DC. professor of plant physiology at the ballot for approval of correspond- ASPB meetings. Current members University of Chicago. It is an an- ing membership by majority vote. of ASPB who have contributed to nual award for meritorious work The president notifies success- and been members of the Society in plant biology; it provides a life ful candidates of their election. continued on page 8

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 7 NOMINATIONS influential efforts to bring the advocacy of plant biology through award recipient is given a mon- continued from page 7 techniques of molecular biology creation of funding programs in etary award and a one-year mem- for at least 10 years cumulative to bear on problems in plant biol- the Department of Energy for bership in the Society. research in basic energy sciences. prior to their nomination are eli- ogy; his groundbreaking research Stephen Hales Prize gible for nomination. Recipients of on chloroplast genetics, biogen- The award recognizes postdoc- This award honors the Reverend the Fellow of ASPB honor, which esis, structure, and function; and toral scholars and faculty-level Stephen Hales for his pioneering may be granted to no more than his inspired teaching and men- early career scientists, whether work in plant biology published in 0.2% of the current membership toring. This is a monetary award or not members of the Society, in his 1727 book Vegetable Staticks. each year, receive a certificate of made biennially to a plant scien- academic, government, and cor- It is a monetary award established distinction and a lapel pin. tist, whether or not a member of porate research institutions who in 1927 for an ASPB member who the Society, whose work both illu- have made excellent contributions Lawrence Bogorad Award for has served the science of plant bi- minates the present and suggests in the area of bioenergy research. Excellence in Plant Biology ology in some noteworthy manner. paths to enlighten the future. The award is made biennially to The award is made annually. The Research a researcher who is no more than recipient of the award is invited to This award was instituted by the Robert Rabson Award five years post-PhD on January 1 address the Society on a subject in Society in 2006 to honor Dr. The Robert Rabson Award, first of the year of presentation, with plant biology at the next annual Bogorad’s many contributions given by the Society in 2012, consideration of breaks in career meeting.  to plant biology, including his recognizes Dr. Rabson’s steadfast relative to this time frame. The

Registration and Abstracts Open!

phenome2020.org

Phenome 2020 will feature General Sessions, Poster Sessions, and Technology and Lightning Talks.

8 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Highlights from the Environmental and Ecological Plant Physiology Section Meeting in San Jose BY FRANK G. DOHLEMAN The Climate Corporation

he Environmental and Ecological Plant TPhysiology (EEPP) Section held its fifth annual meeting during Plant Biology 2019 in San Jose, California, on August 5. The mission of the EEPP, the first theme-based section of ASPB, is to advance EEPP disciplinary science and practice, integrate the community, and support and train early career members. The agenda for the meeting included three topic areas: the annual busi- Seth Murray discussing phe- Environmental and Ecological Plant Physiology Section officers and annual ness meeting, lightning talks, and nomic selection for improving meeting speakers, left to right: Seth Murray, speaker; Emily Heaton, secretary/ the keynote address. crops. treasurer; Andy VanLoocke, vice chair; Jennifer Robison, outreach officer; Annual Business Meeting Suxing Liu, speaker; Frank Dohleman, chair; Jessica Waite, speaker; Oded Liran, speaker. During the annual business meeting, attendees discussed membership numbers and identified room broadly agreed that webi- • Oded Liran from the Galilee emerging tools in plant phenomics strategies to recruit new members nars would be valuable; interest Research Institute then pre- and high-throughput field phe- interested in ecophysiology and areas included research presenta- sented on the development of notyping are redefining possibili- to provide added value to cur- tions, methods discussions, and tools for optimal nutrient and ties for decision making in plant rent members. We also discussed career development. There was irrigation management based breeding and agronomy and dis- the upcoming election for the also interest in expanding the on remote sensing of chloro- coveries in plant biology and the section’s outreach officer; the ecophysiology presence at the phyll fluorescence. plant sciences. He also discussed candidates were Courtney Leisner annual Plant Biology meetings, • Jessica Waite from Washington the challenges in turning images and Anna Locke. New committee including concurrent sessions. State University wrapped up into useful data and the need for members began their terms in the lightning talks, discuss- transdisciplinary approaches to October 2019: Andy VanLoocke Lightning Talks ing the role of physiological the plant sciences , requiring engi- became chair, Jennifer Robison Three early career scientists pre- changes associated with heat neers, computer scientists, statisti- became vice chair, and Emily sented lightning talks on their stress acclimation in develop- cians, and others to collaborate Heaton will continue as secretary/ leaf, root, and reproductive phe- ing apple fruit. toward shared goals. treasurer. (See the meeting slides notyping work to better under- The EEPP Executive Committee on the EEPP network on Plantae stand plant mechanisms: Keynote Address thanks all the presenters and the at http://bit.ly/PlantaeEEPP.) • Suxing Liu from the University The meeting wrapped up with ASPB staff for an engaging and We discussed ideas for helping of Georgia led off the lightning Seth Murray from Texas A&M enlightening meeting. The com- members become more engaged talks, discussing how auto- University presenting on the fu- mittee also gratefully acknowl- as an EEPP community, includ- mated 3D root phenotyping in ture of plant phenotyping and use edges the support of the ASPB ing smaller satellite meetings the field may pave the way to of phenomic selection for crop Membership Committee and and webinars. Members in the increased carbon sequestration. improvement. He described how EEPP member dues. 

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 9 Plant Biology 2019 “By the Numbers”

1,454 PB19 Attendees Posters 366 28 Faculty/group leaders, Government 154 post-tenure scientists E-Posters 867 281 84 Physical Posters Graduate students Industry scientists (numbered and unnumbered) 216 100 Post-docs Other 26 223 Research assistants ? Unspecified 202 Talks 23

Social icon Major Symposia Talks Circle 82 Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Undergraduates Brand Guidelines. (including three award winner 2 259 talks from the awards scientific Unique, Tweets symposium) 48 #PlantBio19 179 Primarily undergraduate Concurrent Talks institution attendees (including 29 two-minute lightning talks)

Save the Date! Save the Date! Join 1,500 plant scientists from 50 countries at Plant Biology 2020 in 20 Washington, DC, to learn about the latest trends in plant science, science JULY 25–29 • WASHINGTON, DC policy, and more!

10 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Halfway to Establishing the New Primarily Undergraduate Institution Section BY ANDREAS MADLUNG University of Puget Sound

or as long as I can re- college, I felt I had achieved what faculty at all stages of their career, our ideas to create a mentoring member, I wanted to be a I had worked for so hard during and leveraging of Plantae.org for and networking platform through Fteacher. I wanted to focus my graduate and postdoc years. more efficient communication and Plantae.org. But there is more to my career on working with stu- But soon, I also started to feel information sharing among PUI be done before we can become a dents; designing curricula, lesson the constraints and frustrations plant scientists. full ASPB section. Over the next plans, and lab activities; and pass- that came with being the only Now, 18 months into the 18 months, we will complete work ing on my excitement about living plant geneticist at my institution. three-year probationary phase on a section constitution and things to anyone who might share Although the PUI networking of becoming a recognized ASPB finalize a permanent leadership this interest. While in graduate group gatherings were still a high- section, PUI Section member- structure. school, my research adviser took light for me at ASPB meetings, ship stands at 111 dues-paying There are plenty of opportuni- me to my first ASPB conference. back at my home institution I felt members (from a total of roughly ties to get involved in growing Since then, I have felt that this academically isolated. The feeling 2,900 ASPB members). In August and establishing our new section. conference and this Society are of being part of a large network of we completed another successful We are working on the devel- the places where I can expand my PUI plant biologists that seemed ASPB conference workshop with opment and dissemination of horizon and learn about the latest so vibrant during the annual a panel discussion on publish- plant-centered teaching tools and in plant research, and also where meetings was hard to maintain ing research done at PUIs. The plant growth information and on I can meet plant biologists who once I was back at home. separate PUI career panel drew greenhouse or growth chamber share my passion for teaching. As it turns out, I was never another 70 participants. We had management tips. We are also The primarily undergradu- alone in feeling this way. In 2017, a lively business meeting with seeking to integrate the section ate institution (PUI) networking a group of dedicated scientists excellent ideas and questions with the aims of ASPB in general, group’s annual gathering was from both private and public PUIs about the efforts of our section. coordinate goals with other soci- always on my agenda when I decided to take the networking We discussed both short-term eties that foster undergraduate went to an ASPB conference. group to the next level. A proposal goals and long-term initiatives to research, and work with regional There, I heard about what it was was written to the ASPB Council promote the integration of PUI sections to encourage greater PUI like to work at a small teaching to create a full-fledged PUI plant biologists into the broader faculty participation in broader institution and connected with section with the intent to grow the ASPB community. The section ASPB activities. There is more veteran teachers from PUIs across network of colleagues working at was also successful in procur- on our plates than the PUI steer- the country. The enthusiasm for smaller institutions and, impor- ing an NSF-funded conference ing committee can do. If you are teaching was always palpable at tantly, to work on ways to extend grant that provided travel funds interested in getting involved, these meetings. Attendees were the network’s activities beyond for Plant Biology 2019 to 27 PUI please contact section chair equally eager to exchange tips and the annual meeting. The proposal faculty who otherwise might not Maryann Herman (mherman@ ideas on how to create and main- recommended that the section have been able to attend. sjfc.edu). We appreciate all contri- tain a vigorous research program intensify its efforts to develop The PUI Section is already butions to our effort to expand suitable for undergraduates in workshops for the annual meet- hard at work organizing and support for PUI plant scientists institutions with fewer resources ings including career counseling designing a workshop for Plant through ASPB.  than typical for larger research for students and postdocs inter- Biology 2020 in Washington, DC, universities. ested in a PUI career, the creation applying for conference fund- When I finally landed my own of a PUI database, a program ing to be able to provide travel position at a small liberal arts to provide mentorship for PUI grants, and making progress on

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 11 2019 host sites ASPB/AAAS 2020 The Austin American-Statesman The Dallas Morning News Mass Media Science & Discover magazine Ensia Engineering Fellows Program The Idaho Statesman The Indianapolis Star King5 News Are you interested in science writing? KQED Science The Los Angeles Times The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Do you want to help people understand National Geographic complex scientific issues? National Public Radio (NPR) NOVA Apply for the ASPB/AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows PBS NewsHour Program and learn how to increase public understanding of science and technology. Fellows in the 10-week 2020 summer program will work as The Philadelphia Inquirer reporters in mass media organizations nationwide. Application window The Raleigh News & Observer opened October 1, 2019, and closes January 1, 2020. The San Luis Obispo Tribune Scientific American Visit https://www.aaas.org/programs/mass-media-fellowship for more Smithsonian Magazine details, or email [email protected] for more information. STAT News The St. Louis Post-Dispatch The Times-Picayune Voice of America The Washington Post WIRED People

This article first appeared on the Global Institute for Food Security website on October 8, 2019 (http://bit.ly/LeonKochian) and is adapted here with permission. Leon Kochian Receives International Food Innovation Prize

eon Kochian, Canada scientific researchers, Leon has Excellence Research been elected to the Agricultural LChair at the University of Research Service Hall of Fame Saskatchewan (USask), has won and was included on the Thomson the 2019 Arrell Global Food Reuters 2018 list of the World’s Innovation Award. Adjudicated Most Influential Scientific Minds. by internationally recognized sci- “Leon’s expertise and leader- entists, this award, from the Arrell ship in roots and soil research Food Institute at the University is increasingly valuable in a of Guelph, recognizes global world with a growing popula- research leaders who have made tion threatened by critical issues exceptionally significant contribu- of soil quality and fertility,” said tions to scientific understanding Steven Webb, executive direc- that will improve food security tor and chief executive officer of for the planet. The award carries a GIFS. “This well-deserved award $100,000 cash prize. PHOTO BY DAVE STOBBE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN will help shine more light on the Leon is associate director of important work he does to help the USask Global Institute for people by 2050. With Leon tools; and the latest computer improve crop yields for developed Food Security (GIFS) and a faculty Kochian’s research preeminence technology to digitize desired and developing nations.” member in the USask plant scienc- and leadership, supported by the crop traits (phenotypes) and link As Evan Fraser, director of the es and soil science departments Global Institute for Food Security them to specific genes in a search- Arrell Food Institute, expressed, of the College of Agriculture and and our dynamic food security able database. This innovative “Dr. Kochian is the kind of scien- Bioresources. He is internationally research cluster, we are poised approach enables tailored design tific innovator the world needs recognized for cutting-edge plant to provide transformative and and breeding of root systems for to meet the great challenges of root systems research that aims to sustainable research solutions to specific agroenvironments for the 21st century to insure a safe, improve crop yields (see a video help feed a growing world.” crops including wheat, barley, sustainable and healthy food describing his research at http://bit. Leon joined USask in 2016 lentils, and canola. system for everyone. We hope his ly/KochianFoodPrize). His goal is from Cornell University and “Saskatchewan is attracting leadership in the research space to breed crops with healthier, more USDA. As lead for the roots– global attention in food secu- inspires many others to take on efficient root systems that can grow soil–microbiome research area rity research at its world-class these food security problems.” successfully in less fertile soils. at GIFS, Leon works to improve institutes, helping to solve the During the award ceremony in According to USask Vice crop yields by understanding the challenge of feeding a growing December at the Arrell Food President Research Karen Chad, interactions among roots, the world,” Leon noted. “I appreci- Summit in Toronto, Leon will “This award recognizes the soil they live in, and the microor- ate this award from the Arrell participate in a panel discussing kind of scientific excellence that ganisms in the soil. Leon’s team Food Institute and recognize the strategies to develop food systems is needed more than ever to uses the Canadian Light Source, support and contributions of my to feed the world’s growing popu- overcome the daunting global a national research facility of colleagues to this work.” One lation in a sustainable, healthy, challenge of feeding 9.7 billion USask; state-of-the-art imaging of the world’s most highly cited and equitable way. 

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 13 People

This article is adapted with permission from articles that appeared on the Australian National University newsroom website on August 29, 2019 (http://bit.ly/BarryPogsonSeedsSuccess), and September 12, 2019 (http://bit.ly/PogsonLaureateFellow). Barry Pogson Awarded Two Australian Science Prizes

arry Pogson, head of plant sciences at the Australian BNational University (ANU) Research School of Biology, has won the 2019 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers, awarded by the Australian Museum, and an Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellowship.

Eureka Prize Presented annually, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement, and school science. The Eureka Prize for PHOTO BY LANNON HARLEY, AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers, sponsored by the University of Technology Sydney, ANU deputy vice chancellor significant, sustained leadership many of which will impact food is awarded to an individual who (Research and Innovation) Keith and mentoring role in increasing security. My proposal aims to has helped develop the next gen- Nugent observed that “Research Australia’s research capacity. contribute to providing some eration of Australia’s scientific has the power to transform our Barry was awarded AU$2.9 solutions. But given the scale and researchers. society, our lives and our econ- million to create higher yield- breadth of challenges facing our Barry’s vision is to create omy for the better. [The Eureka ing and more resilient “smart rural communities, we need a strong links among research- Prizes] are a well-earned recogni- plants” for good and bad seasons. nationwide, integrated, large scale ers, industry leaders, and policy tion of this important work, and “We know drought can drasti- mission to produce better crops makers to collectively shape agri- demonstrate the extraordinary cally reduce yield for our crops, and communities.” culture for the benefit of global depth and breadth of research and this threatens food security In congratulating Barry, food security. Using a dynamic taking place day in and day out across the globe,” he said. “I aim acting ANU vice chancellor and sustainable multitiered across the ANU campus.” to produce higher yielding, more Mike Calford noted that “ARC mentoring approach, he has had a resilient wheat and rice, which Laureates are extremely competi- profound impact on the personal Australian Laureate together provide much of human- tive and prestigious. They recog- development, career prospects, Fellowship ity’s dietary energy and protein. nize Australian researchers at the and learning experiences of Australian Laureate Fellowships These smart plants will be able pinnacle of their game, as well students at all tertiary levels. “I are awarded by the ARC to support to switch on a resilience that will as research of the highest qual- believe better leadership across world-class researchers to conduct help chart the future of Australian ity and impact…[that] makes a disciplines and enduring change groundbreaking, internationally agriculture.” major difference to Australia and toward gender equity and diver- competitive basic and applied As Barry noted, “Australia, Australians every day.”  sity require a new generation of research in Australia. Preference indeed the world, faces an empowered leaders,” he said. is given to researchers who play a unprecedented set of challenges,

14 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 People

This announcement first appeared on the Howard Hughes Medical Institute website on September 12, 2019 (http://bit.ly/HHMI-HannaGrayFellows), and is adapted here with permission. ASPB Members Receive HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellowships

evin Cox and Pablo succumb to microbial invaders. Martinez are among Pinpointing where in the plant Kthe 2019 Hanna H. Gray specific genes are active can help Fellows announced by the him determine how plant cells Howard Hughes Medical Institute and microbes communicate. (HHMI). The fellows are all out- Kevin hopes that decoding those standing scientists early in their cellular signals will lead to novel careers, from gender, racial, eth- ways of improving crop yields and nic, and other groups underrep- ultimately to feeding more people. resented in the life sciences. They In nature, form is linked to will have the freedom to follow function. A leaf’s flat surface, for their curiosity and pursue chal- example, is well suited to captur- Kevin Cox, Jr., PhD Pablo Martinez, PhD lenging scientific questions at the ing sunlight for photosynthesis. ©2019 HHMI ©2019 HHMI forefront of their fields. Pablo Martinez (University of Kevin Cox, Jr. (Donald California, Los Angeles, mentored caused by dividing and expanding tion from postdocs to principal Danforth Plant Science Center, by Siobhan Braybrook) is untan- cells. Answering this fundamen- investigators and begin to set up mentored by Blake Meyers), is gling the complex mechanisms tal question will help scientists labs of their own. The Hanna H. seeking a cellular-level view of by which plants take on different understand how crops—and Gray Fellows Program is named the battles between plants and shapes. He’s watching develop- potentially even animals and for Hanna Holborn Gray, former microbes. He’s analyzing gene ing maize leaves up close, hoping bacteria—grow and develop. chair of the HHMI trustees and activity cell by cell to better to reveal how plants respond to HHMI will support these former president of the University understand how plants resist or physical and mechanical strain young scientists as they transi- of Chicago. 

Call for Papers

Call for Papers 2021 Focus Issue on Dynamic Membranes Edited by Teun Munnik, Sébastien Mongrand, Viktor Zársky, and Mike Blatt Submission Deadline: May 4, 2020, Publication Date: January 2021

The Focus Issue on Dynamic Membranes will capture up-to-date views and perspectives on developments at the forefront of membrane research, and it will highlight the most important gaps in understanding that will be the focus for future studies. Invited Updates will provide reviews on areas that continue to add transformative insights pertinent to existing knowledge and on nascent but important areas of future development. We seek submissions of research articles on all aspects that make plant membranes dynamic, including signaling, endocytosis, exocyto- sis, vesicular transport, membrane barriers, protein and lipid binding, and the mechanics of these processes.

For more information go to https://aspb.org/ppfocus/.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 15 People

This article first appeared on the MacArthur Foundation website on September 25, 2019 (https://www.macfound.org/fellows/1042/), and is adapted here with permission.

Zachary Lippman Named 2019 MacArthur Fellow

achary Lippman, Jacob as drought, heat, pathogen resis- Goldfield Professor of tance, and increased yield much ZGenetics at Cold Spring faster than occurs in nature. Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), has Zachary received a BS from received a MacArthur Fellowship, Cornell University in 2000 and a awarded to talented individuals PhD from the Watson School of who have shown extraordinary Biological Sciences at CSHL in originality and dedication in their 2004. He held a Human Frontiers creative pursuits and a marked ca- postdoctoral research fellow- pacity for self-direction. The John ship at the Hebrew University D. and Catherine T. MacArthur of Jerusalem in Israel for three Foundation “supports creative years before starting his own people, effective institutions, and research program at CSHL in influential networks building a 2008. In 2018, he was named a more just, verdant, and peaceful Howard Hughes Medical Institute w or l d .” PHOTO BY JOHN D. & CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION Investigator. His articles have Zachary is investigating the appeared in journals including genetic networks underpinning Cell, Nature Genetics, Nature plant development and growth breeding for qualities that take By making targeted changes Plants, and Genome Research. and creating new breeds of hardi- many generations to produce in a few critical genes, Zachary’s The MacArthur Fellows er, higher yielding crops. A key while maintaining beneficial group has taken major steps Program is intended to encour- element in a plant’s fruit-bearing elements of the original plant. toward domesticating the age people of outstanding talent capacity and robustness is an Zachary identified several genes groundcherry, a previously wild to pursue their own creative, appropriate balance between two that regulate and respond to the species, while retaining the resil- intellectual, and professional competing functions: the produc- tomato’s hormone system govern- ience of this berry-producing inclinations. In keeping with this tion of shoots and leaves (needed ing leaf and flower production, plant to grow in suboptimal purpose, the foundation awards for nutrition) and the produc- and through targeted editing of conditions. Increasing the genetic fellowships directly to individu- tion of inflorescences (flowering these genes using CRISPR, he diversity of our crops and domes- als rather than through institu- branches), which make fruits was able to customize and opti- ticated plants will be critical to tions. Recipients may be writers, and seeds. Using the tomato as a mize the balance of the two for safeguarding food security in scientists, artists, social scientists, model system, Zachary combines different agricultural needs. He the face of growing challenges humanists, teachers, entrepre- traditional plant breeding meth- has also made genetic changes to from climate change, population neurs, or those in other fields, ods with genomic tools to opti- inflorescence branch architecture growth and movement, and water with or without institutional affili- mize the agricultural balance in order to support increased shortages. Zachary’s research, ations. They may use their fellow- of plant inflorescence and leaf flower production, resulting in which is generalizable to many ship to advance their expertise, production. plants that have increased yields. other crops, indicates the possibil- engage in bold new work, or, if He has demonstrated the Zachary has since used these ity of identifying genomic targets, they wish, to change fields or alter ability to create allelic variants methods to create and charac- accelerating quantitative genetic the direction of their careers.  (or mutations) that can side- terize large numbers of de novo variation of those targets, and step the painstaking process of genetic variations in tomatoes. breeding for beneficial traits such

16 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Where Are They Now?

As the years churn on, many esteemed members of ASPB have passed the torch to their younger colleagues and stepped out of the limelight to allow others to bask in its glory. Yet, many continue their good works to the benefit of plant biology and the world. Edited by Rebecca Dickstein, University of North Texas, “Where Are They Now?” is part of the ASPB News suite of columns focused on the personal and scientific life and insights of ASPB members at all stages of their career. This column offers a look into the current activities of influential members of ASPB who continue to make a positive mark on our Society. We hope you all enjoy this addition to your newsletter. Please feel free to submit your own article to “Luminaries,” “Membership Corner,” or “Where Are They Now?” For details, contact José Dinneny at [email protected]. As always, we are open to suggestions for articles or features of interest to readers of the ASPB News.

Jane Shen-Miller Center for the Study of Evolution and the Origin of Life, Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles

hen I was eight years dad’s United Nations test object for a study of weight- old, a story my father colleague and Aunt lessness. The ANL Biomedical Wtold me sent me on my Shen’s agricultural Division was equipped with a one- way to becoming a “farmer.” The economist colleague of-a-kind walk-in spectrograph, story was about my Wellesley- J. Lossing Buck splitting a tungsten light source and Cornell-educated aunt, Shen (husband of Pearl into a rainbow with a linear dis- Liying沈骊英, China’s “Sage of Buck), I went on to persion of 0.1 mµ/mm, enabling Wheat,” who experimented for 10 obtain a PhD in 1959 our study of action spectra of years on wheat breeding and suc- at Michigan State plant growth and phototropism cessfully developed nine stress- University, where my (Elliot and Shen-Miller, 1976; resistant cultivars that increased mentor Fred Teubner Shen-Miller et al., 1968; light de- yield and helped solve China’s introduced me to the terrence of basipetal auxin trans- food problem during World War American Society of port continues to be sorted). II. I was fascinated by the ardu- Plant Physiologists While working as associate ous plant breeding, and proud of (ASPP). program director of the NSF my aunt’s success. Besides, I loved Metabolic Biology Program, I was wheat dumplings! From then Career selected as one of a 10-member on, farming became my passion. My postdoctoral Botanical Society of America Invariably, I would write this no- training was at the delegation to the People’s tion into my school reports on U.S. Atomic Energy Republic of China (Shen-Miller, “My Goal.” Commission’s 1979). This invitation from This interest followed me from Argonne National China’s “Spring Time of Science,” grade school to college. When Laboratory (ANL), brokered by Arthur Galston and applying to schools in the United near Chicago. Under led by Lawrence Bogorad, came States, I declared that horticul- Bureau of Reclamation’s dam chief the guidance of NASA’s very first in 1978, before the normaliza- ture would be my major. I was engineer John Savage, as my Aggie principal investigator, plant physi- tion of diplomacy. The Academia informed by the Utah State College guardian. During my sophomore ologist Solon Gordon, in 1963 Sinica and Beijing Institute of (now University) that they had year, a vegetable crop professor at we selected the short-life-cycle, Botany later presented me a gift of no women horticulture students. Washington State College (now low-chromosome-number, little- seven Asian lotus fruits that were So I entered Colorado A&M University) informed me, “No known weed Arabidopsis (Shen- claimed to have long viability. (now Colorado State University) farmer would listen to a girl coun- Miller and Sharp, 1966), with Fritz and had my dad’s colleague, U.S. ty agent!” On the advice of my Went’s cultivation help, as our first continued on page 18

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 17 Where Are They Now?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? ancient bed germinated at UCLA continued from page 17 and was directly 14C-dated to 1,300 years old (Shen-Miller, Science Without Borders: 2002; Shen-Miller et al., 1995, The Three X-X-X 2002, 2013a). This finding on the A second find from the China Manchurian lotus has occupied visit was my future spouse, fel- my research attention after my low delegate J. William Schopf, retirement until now. a University of California, Los Angeles, professor of geology and Manchurian Lotus paleobiology. Schopf emphasized Nelumbo nucifera (aquatic Asian and convinced me that “nature lotus, Manchurian lotus) is propa- is not compartmentalized,” and gated by underground rhizomes. from him I acquired knowledge Should a population be wiped of his research: Apollo 11 and 12 out by a natural disaster, its fruits, moon rocks, multidisciplinary with viability of hundreds to over Precambrian research, Earth’s a thousand years, can sprout and earliest CO2 biosphere, the give rise to a new crop when con- Great Oxidation Event, geologic ditions again become favorable, a fieldtrips, stromatolites, Earth’s wonderful example of Darwinian earliest microfossils verified by natural selection. The very lakebed Province, on six occasions, each maturation (longevity prepa- geochronology, isotopic fraction- known to Shull for having been time acquiring fruits tilled by ration? Shen-Miller, 2002; ation, Raman spectroscopy, and planted with Manchurian lotus farmers at Xipaozi Village. In Shen-Miller et al., 1995, 2002, secondary ion mass spectrometry. by Buddhist monks was drained 2002, the film production compa- 2013a) This convinced me of the value dry centuries ago by a series of ny Télé Images Nature of Paris • land-to-water adaptation of interdisciplinary science. Rob large earthquakes. The dried bed sponsored one of our trips to the (Huang et al., 2018; Ming et Last’s July/August President’s eventually became farmland, and Xipaozi Village and produced an al., 2013) Letter, “Big Challenges Require the buried lotus fruits sprouted informative video, Des Graines • centuries-long shelf life of Broad Thinking” (http://bit.ly/ (Shen-Miller, 2002; Shen-Miller et d’Éternité, available on YouTube disease- and pest-resistant BroadThinking), wisely promoted al., 1995, 2002, 2013a). (Frapat, 2003). It shows aspects fruits (Shen-Miller, 2002; what I call the Three X-X-X: Sequencing of the draft of the Nelumbo work in China, Shen-Miller et al., 1995, 2002, cross-discipline, cross-conversation, genome of the Manchurian lotus the United States, and Germany 2013a) cross-cutting collaboration. var. China Antique was led by Ray and the work of Japanese bota- • green embryogenesis (Shen- Ming, and a whole genome was nist Ichiro Ohga (cited by Shull, Miller, 2002; Shen-Miller et al., Current Activity elaborated (Huang et al., 2018; 1955), who in the 1920s discov- 1995, 2002, 2013a) Coincidently, the ASPP inaugural Ming et al., 2013). This plant, a ered the dried Manchurian lotus • chloroplast-containing embryo president, big thinker Charles crop of Asia for 4,000 years and a lakebed. tissues (Ushimaru et al., 2003; Zuo et al., 1992) A. Shull (who endowed the basal eudicot extant ~140 million Offer: In Search of • abundant cryptochromes Society’s Charles Reid Barnes years ago (MYA) of the order Collaborators Life Membership Award, which Proteales, has members of the (blue-light receptors; Huang et I received in 2018), was knowl- Banksias/proteas and sycamores We have a collection of old and al., 2018; Ming et al., 2013) edgeable about my fruit gift as tree relatives. It became adapt- new Manchurian lotus fruits we • bHLH transcription factors from China. He called it the ed to aquatic habitats ~70 MYA. wish to share with you (shen- (Huang et al., 2018; Ming et “Manchurian lotus” (Shull, 1955) Its genome, deemed a “universal [email protected]) to help us al., 2013) and compared it to ASPP as sit- survival kit for all biota,” codes shed light on the inner workings • redox (Zhang et al., 2013) and ting in an ancient peat bed, wait- for exceptionally long postharvest of its genetic novelties, including RNA-editing proteins (pen- ing for germination. ASPP had maturation, healthy aging, stress the following: tatricopeptide repeats; Huang become ASPB, which in 2024 will abatement, repair, and longevity. • centuries-long viability (Shen- et al., 2018; Ming et al., 2013) celebrate its centennial! Hooray! We visited the Manchurian Miller, 2002; Shen-Miller et al., • transposon distribution And 40 years later, a quiescent lotus lakebed in northeast China’s 1995, 2002, 2013a) (Huang et al., 2018; Ming et Manchurian lotus from this very Pulandian District, Liaoning • decades-long postharvest seed al., 2013)

18 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Where Are They Now?

• shoot-before-root germination References Ming, R., VanBuren, R., Liu, Y.,… Shen-Miller, J., Mudgett, M. B., (Shen-Miller, 2002; Shen-Miller Barthlott, W., and Neinhuis, C. Shen-Miller, J. (2013). Genome of Schopf, J. W.,… Berger, R. (1995). et al., 1995, 2002, 2013a) (1997). Purity of the sacred lotus, or the long-living sacred lotus (Nelumbo Exceptional seed longevity and • auxin/cytokinin and brassino- escape from contamination in bio- nucifera Gaertn.). Genome Biology 14: robust growth: Ancient sacred lotus from China. American Journal steroid signals (Huang et al., logical surfaces. Planta 202: 1–8. R41. https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2013- 14-5-r41 of Botany 82: 1367–1380. https:// 2018; Ming et al., 2013) Clark, P. A. (2014). Discovering doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1995. • 85oC full germination (Shen- Aboriginal plant use: The journeys Mukherjee, P. K., Mukherjee, D., tb12673.x of an Australian anthropologist. Maji, A. K.,… Heinrich, M. (2009). Miller et al., 2013b; Shen- Shen-Miller, J., Schopf, J. W., Miller and Vu, in preparation) Kenthurst, NSW, Australia: Rosenberg The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)— Publishing. Phytochemical and therapeutic Harbottle, G.,… Liu, G.-h. (2002). • 110oC thermo-stable proteins Long-living lotus: Germination and soil profile. Journal of Pharmacy and (Shen-Miller et al., 2013b; Shen- Elliot, W. M., and Shen-Miller, J. γ-irradiation of centuries-old fruits, and (1976). Similarity in dose responses, Pharmacology 61: 407–422. https:// Miller and Vu, in preparation) cultivation, growth, and phenotypic action spectra and red light responses doi.org/10.1211/jpp/61.04.0001 • applications awaiting isolation abnormalities of offspring. American between phototropism and photoin- Myint, T., San, K. N., and Phyo, Journal of Botany 89: 236–247. https:// and development of medicinal hibition of growth. Photochemistry A. (2018). Lotus fiber value chain in doi.org/10.3732/ajb.89.2.236 constituents (Menéndez- and Photobiology 23: 195–199. https:// Myanmar: A study conducted on be- Perdomo and Facchini, 2018; doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.1976. Shen-Miller, J., and Sharp, R. (1966). half of the Regional Biotrade Project. An improved medium for rapid ini- Mukherjee et al., 2009) tb07241.x Zurich: Helvetas. tiation of Arabidopsis tissue culture • green technology develop- Frapat, L. (Director). (2003). Des Pan, Y., Han, G., Mao, Z.,… Qu, from seed. Bulletin of the Torrey graines d’éternité [Seeds of eter- ment based on the anatomy L. (2011). Structural characteristics Botanical Club 93(1): 68–69. https:// nity] (Episode 5). In É. Gonzalez and chemistry of the whole and physical properties of lotus fibers doi.org/10.2307/2483887 plant, leaf, and/or stem, such (Producer), Super plantes [TV documentary series]. Télé Images obtained from Nelumbo nucifera Shen-Miller, J., and Vu, K. (in prepa- as Lotusan paint (Barthlott and Nature. https://www.youtube.com/ petioles. Carbohydrate Polymers 85: ration). Nelumbo germination at 85oC. Neinhuis, 1997; Space Tango, watch?v=BrDFmoWeiEo 188–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. Shull, C. A. (1955). Address to 2019; Sto Corp., 2019), drink- carbpol.2011.02.013 Huang, L., Yang, M., Li, L.,… Yang, P. the American Society of Plant ing straws (Clark, 2014), and (2018). Whole genome re-sequencing Shen-Miller, J. (1979). The BSA del- Physiologists. Plant Physiology 30(1): lotus fiber textiles (Myint et al., reveals evolutionary patterns of sacred egation trip to the People’s Republic of 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.30.1.1 2018; Pan et al., 2011). lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). Journal of China. BioScience 29: 300–305. Space Tango. (2019). What’s fly- With keen hope, I encourage Integrative Plant Biology 60: 2–15. Shen-Miller, J. (2002). Sacred lo- ing? A look at Space Tango NG-11 https://doi.org/10.1111/jipb.12606 you to adopt this unique plant in tus, the long-living fruits of China payloads—Nano-Lab Unit. https:// Menéndez-Perdomo, I. M., Antique. Seed Science Research 12: spacetango.com/whats-flying-a-look- your own research for the promo- at-space-tango-ng-11-payloads/ tion of the Three X-X-X. and Facchini, P. J. (2018). 131–143. https://doi.org/10.1079/ Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids biosyn- SSR2002112 Sto Corp. (2019). Coatings: StoColor® thesis in sacred lotus. Molecules 23: Lotusan®. https://www.stocorp.com/ Shen-Miller, J., Aung, L. H., Turek, 2899. https://doi.org/10.3390/mol- coatings-us/ ecules23112899 J.,… Czaja, A. (2013a). Centuries-old viable fruit of sacred lotus Nelumbo Ushimaru, T., Hasegawa, T., nucifera Gaertn. var. China Antique. Amano, T.,… Tsuji, H. (2003). Tropical Plant Biology 6(2–3): 53–56. Chloroplasts in seeds and dark-grown Ode to Nelumbo https://doi.org/10.1007/s12042-013- seedlings of lotus. Journal of Plant 9125-1 Physiology 160: 321–324. https://doi. Wondrous flowers, magnificent blooms, org/10.1078/0176-1617-00964 Shen-Miller, J., Cooper, P., and different colors, multiple perfumes! Zhang, J. R.,… Buchanan, B. B. (2013) Gordon, S. A. (1968). Phototropism Implication of Redox on Longevity of You enlighten the spirit, you please the eyes, and photoinhibition of basipetal Sacred Lotus Seeds. Plant Biology-13 you clothe the body, you sustain our lives! transport of auxin in oat coleoptiles. Zuo, B. Y., Li, G. Q., Tang, C. Q.,… You harmonize the Earth, you guard our CLIME! Plant Physiology 44: 491–496. https:// doi.org/10.1104/pp.44.4.491 Kuang, T. Y. (1992). A new devel- On this land you’ve formed a HA’VEN! opmental pathway of chloroplast in Shen-Miller, J., Lindner, P., Xie, P.S. Prescient Princess of embryo emerald, sacred lotus plumules related to phy- Y.,… Loo, J. A. (2013b). Thermal- logeny of plant kingdom. In N. Murata your genial genetics we heartily herald! stable proteins of fruit of long- (Ed.), Research in photosynthesis: living sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera Proceedings of the Ninth International —Paraphrased from Guo Moruo郭沫若 Gaertn. var. China Antique. Tropical Congress on Photosynthesis (Vol. 2, pp. (Shen-Miller, 1979) Plant Biology 6(2–3): 69–84. https:// 219–222). Dordrecht, the Netherlands: doi.org/10.1007/s12042-013-9124-2 Kluwer Academic. 

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 19 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program students filming an episode about a day in the life of a summer intern for ‘Science IRL with Molly Edwards’ (https://youtu.be/rCRqGvAcyNo).

Plant Science Internships for Undergraduates

The Plant Science Research Network curates resources to help undergraduate students find and apply to summer research opportunities. More than 150 undergraduate research intern- ship programs focus on plant science research, including computational biology, crop genetics, ecology, evolution, plant biology, plant pathology, and other research topics. Discover plant science internships at Plantae.org/internships

plantae.org/PSRN

Reimagining the potential of plants for a healthy future Science Policy

Policy Update BY MICHAEL BUSE Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

NIFA Relocation Update on the relocation—the House Senate Appropriations would receive more than $2.3 Employees of the National Institute has prohibited it, and the Senate Committee Moves Bills and billion, a $159 million or 7.3% of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) provided $9.5 million in support. Congress Agrees to Continu- increase from the FY2019 en- and Economic Research Service Sources and Additional Information ing Resolution acted level. The Biological and Environmental Research program (ERS) have begun work in Kansas Congress and the White House • Coverage on this issue from would receive $770 million, a City, with the first report-to-work reached a new budget deal on Federal News Network can be 9.2% increase from FY2019 lev- date occurring on September August 2 that increased discre- found at https://tinyurl.com/ els, and the Advanced Research 30. Although the agencies have tionary funding and cleared y3gckmhb. Projects Agency–Energy would begun to hire new employees in the way for the Senate to move • The recent Washington Post receive $428 million, a $62 mil- Kansas City, staff attrition levels forward with FY2020 appropria- article can be found at https:// lion (16%) increase compared have slowed the release of funds tions. The Senate Appropriations tinyurl.com/yy33b35b. with FY2019. for competitive research grants at Committee advanced several key • An article from Politico on the • The Senate’s Energy and Water NIFA and stalled the release of at appropriations bills in mid-Sep- delayed release of ERS reports report and bill can be found at least 38 publications by ERS. tember, including bills on Energy can be found at https://tinyurl. https://tinyurl.com/y5kvwppr. To mitigate staff losses, USDA and Water Development; Defense; com/y4fe2f9a. • Lewis-Burke’s analysis of the has announced that it will push Agriculture; Labor, Health and bill can be found at https:// back the report dates for many Sen. Durbin Introduces the Human Services, and Education; tinyurl.com/y3w6bog9. employees to December 9, 2019, America Grows Act and Commerce, Justice, and for ERS and March 30, 2020, On September 10, Sen. Dick Science (CJS), among others. Commerce, Justice, Science for NIFA “to better support the Durbin (D-IL) introduced S. NSF would receive $8.32 bil- missions of the agencies.” These Agriculture 2458, the America Grows Act. lion, $242 million or 3% above later report dates delay the time- NIFA would receive $1.48 billion, The bill, inspired by the 21st the FY2019 enacted level, and line over which some employees a 0.9% increase over the FY2019 Century Cures Act, would au- $1.2 billion above the president’s who have chosen to leave the enacted level, of $1.47 billion. thorize a 5% inflation-adjusted FY2019 budget request. Of partic- agency will see their contracts ARS would receive $1.73 billion, annual increase for the next five ular interest to the U.S. plant sci- end, a stopgap measure that is an increase of $45.3 million com- years across the research, educa- ence community, the Senate CJS intended to slow staff attrition. pared with the FY2019 enacted tion, and extension agencies in report provides explicit language This change presents several level, and the proposed closure USDA. Specifically, the bill would on the NSF Rules of Life program: complications for employees who authorize increases to NIFA, of ARS labs would be rejected. “Rules of Life.—One of the have decided not to relocate, in ARS, ERS, and the National Within NIFA, the Agriculture and research gaps in biological terms of both how long they will Agricultural Statistics Service. A Food Research Initiative would knowledge is the inability to continue to work for their agen- large stakeholder consortium, in- receive $425 million, a $10 mil- look at an organism’s genetics cies and how their Voluntary cluding ASPB, signed onto a com- lion increase over the FY2019 and environment and predict Separation Incentive Payments munity support letter endorsing enacted level of $415 million. its observable characteristics. (VSIPs) are distributed. In short, the legislation. • The Senate’s Agriculture re- if employees opt to leave before port and bill can be found at Research in this area will open Sources and Additional Information their revised report dates, their https://tinyurl.com/yyodek7m. new doors to answer funda- VSIPs may not be awarded. • More information on the • Lewis-Burke’s analysis of the mental questions in life scienc- The NIFA and ERS relocation America Grows Act can be bill can be found at https:// es. To that end, the Committee will continue to be a subject of found at https://tinyurl.com/ tinyurl.com/y4cp6g24. supports NSF’s funding for the appropriations debate because y5yx82e7. research in plant genomics the current House and the Senate • The letter of support can be Energy and Water and directs NSF to continue fiscal year (FY) 2020 funding bills found at https://tinyurl.com/ Within the DOE Office of to advance the ongoing plant include competing provisions y6ylvat3. Science, Basic Energy Sciences continued on page 22

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 21 Science Policy

POLICY UPDATE Although a government shut- The Select Committee is RFI, the bioeconomy includes continued from page 21 down was averted for the begin- empowered to consider cross- “infrastructure, innovation, prod- genomics research program, ning of the fiscal year, there is no cutting recommendations involv- ucts, technology, and data derived further its work in crop-based clear path to resolving key issues ing multiple agencies and does from biologically related pro- genomics research, and to main- needed to pass final appropriations not have the jurisdictional limi- cesses and science that drive eco- tain a focus on research related bills, including partisan fights over tations of congressional stand- nomic growth, promote health, to crops of economic impor- funding levels for government ing committees. The RFI, while and increase public benefit.” tance. These activities directly agencies, immigration and abor- making clear that responses are OSTP is interested in feedback address the Rules of Life research tion policies, and funding for the not limited to specified topics, that would inform government question that is a focus of NSF.” border wall. The House and Senate states interest areas including action to support and advance Appropriations Committees were innovation, decarbonization, scientific discovery and techno- Additionally, language includ- set to tackle funding allocations agriculture, non-CO2 greenhouse logical advances and “increase the ed in the CJS report directs NSF for each of the 12 appropria- gases, carbon removal, and resil- impact of a vibrant bioeconomy to “maintain its core research at tions bills in October. Even if the ience and adaptation. Regarding on the nation’s vitality and our levels not less than those provided committees make progress on innovation, the Select Committee citizens’ lives.” To steer this feed- in fiscal year 2017.” funding allocations, Congress may seeks feedback on “specific areas back, the RFI includes four guid- • The Senate’s CJS report and still need to pass additional CRs for federal investment” and the ing questions: bill can be found at https:// past November 21. A full-year CR “scale of federal investment need- 1. What specific actions could tinyurl.com/yxshve29. for all or most federal agencies is ed to achieve results in research, the U.S. government take • Lewis-Burke’s analysis of the also still a possibility. development, and deployment.” to reinforce a values-based bill can be found at https:// This RFI is an opportunity to ecosystem that will guide the tinyurl.com/y4re9hn7. Sources and Additional Information offer strategic feedback to help • The continuing resolution (HR transformation and expansion enable climate efforts. The Select Labor, Health and Human 4378) can be found at https:// of the U.S. bioeconomy, in Services, and Education Committee welcomes comments tinyurl.com/y63nf4nr. both the short and long term? from a variety of stakehold- The Committee’s bill would • FY2020 appropriations bills 2. In what ways can the U.S. ers. Responses to the RFI are provide total funding of $42.08 can be found at https://tinyurl. government partner with due November 22, 2019, and billion to NIH, an increase of $3 com/yxq2qsdq. the private sector, industry, should be submitted by email to billion above the FY2019 level. professional organizations, [email protected]. • The Senate’s Labor, Health House Select Committee on and academia to ensure the gov. Recommendations should be and Human Services, and the Climate Crisis Releases RFI training and continued devel- formatted as both a Word and a Education report and bill can TheHouse Select Committee on opment of a skilled workforce PDF document. be found at https://tinyurl. the Climate Crisis recently re- to support the growth of the com/y3ht3sf6. leased a Request for Information Sources and Additional Information bioeconomy? (RFI) seeking responses to inform • The RFI can be found at Continuing Resolution 3. In what ways can the U.S. the development of policy recom- https://tinyurl.com/yxvag5ep. government partner with the On September 27, President mendations. The Select Committee • More information on the private sector, industry, profes- Trump signed a continuing resolu- is tasked with recommending House Select Committee on sional organizations, and tion (CR) that extended FY2019 “policies, strategies, and innova- the Climate Crisis can be academia to establish a more funding levels for all federal tions to achieve substantial and found at https://tinyurl.com/ robust and efficient bioecon- agencies through November 21. permanent reductions in pollution y2pcrkon. omy infrastructure? Because Congress has not yet and other activities that contribute passed any of the 12 FY2020 ap- to the climate crisis.” The com- OSTP Solicits Stakeholder 4. Across the spectrum, from propriations bills, the CR was mittee will use the RFI responses Input on the Bioeconomy basic discovery to practical necessary to avoid a government as they work to submit legislative In September, the White House application, what data policies, shutdown after the start of the new recommendations to Congress this Office of Science and Technology information-sharing mecha- fiscal year on October 1. Notably, coming March, with a final report Policy (OSTP) released a call for nisms, and safeguards will be the CR included language that to follow in December 2020. The feedback from stakeholders to necessary for a prosperous U.S. would allow USDA to waive the Select Committee will work with better understand vulnerabili- bioeconomy? matching requirement for grants standing congressional commit- ties, funding gaps, and areas to The bioeconomy has become a awarded under the Specialty Crop tees to advance their legislative promote and protect in the U.S. major focus for the Trump admin- Research Initiative. recommendations. bioeconomy. According to the istration. It is one of the new areas

22 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Science Policy

of emphasis in OSTP’s memo community to shape priorities and hosted two town halls as part of virtual meeting. ASPB staff and “Fiscal Year 2021 Administration steer investment. the NSF Directorate for Biological leadership participated in these Research and Development Sources and Additional Information Sciences Reintegrating Biology town halls, and Lewis-Burke will Budget Priorities,” which called on initiative. These town halls con- continue to monitor this initia- • The RFI and submission infor- agencies to prioritize “evidence- vened stakeholders to discuss how tive and provide updates as they mation can be found at https:// based standards and research to NSF should proceed with their emerge. tinyurl.com/y6huydt5. rapidly establish microorganism, vision of building more cross-dis- • The OSTP “Fiscal Year 2021 Sources and Additional Information plant, and animal safety and effi- ciplinary approaches. Following Administration Research and • More information on the cacy for products developed using Development Budget Priorities” these meetings, UCAR will work Reintegrating Biology initia- gene editing, to better accelerate memo can be found at https:// to “create synthesis” from the tive can be found at https:// biotechnology product adoption tinyurl.com/y3ogaopv. community input before hosting tinyurl.com/y3va257b. and socially responsible use.” This four virtual 90-minute “micro- • The list of questions sub- RFI is one of many activities that NSF Holds First Reintegrating labs” on four different themes in mitted by the community will inform the actions taken by Biology Town Halls November and three in-person before the town halls can be agencies under the jurisdiction Throughout September, the “jumpstart meetings” to be held found at https://tinyurl.com/ of OSTP, making this a valuable University Corporation for December 4–6 in Atlanta, Austin, y6h5oxmr.  opportunity for the stakeholder Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and San Diego, as well as one

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ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 23 Science Policy

ASPB Cohosts Capitol Hill Briefing on Innovation in Agriculture BRIDGET KRIEGER Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

n July 16, ASPB cospon- In addition to meeting with Rep. sored a Capitol Hill brief- Davis, John and ASPB represen- Oing entitled “Innovation tatives met with staff from the in Agriculture: What Does Gene Illinois congressional delega- Editing Mean for the Future?” The tion as well as House and Senate briefing, presented in conjunction Agriculture Committee staff. with the bipartisan Congressional As gene editing becomes more Agriculture Research Caucus, also prominent in the agriculture featured speakers from the other sector, ASPB will continue to sponsoring organizations, the participate in ventures that foster American Society of Agronomy, healthy and productive conversa- the Crop Science Society of tion on the promise of gene edit- America, the Soil Science Society ing technology.  of America, the American Seed Trade Association, and the Biotechnology Innovation Rep. Rodney Davis (left) and John Sedbrook discussing pennycress in the Organization. congressman’s DC office. PHOTO BY BRIDGET KRIEGER The purpose of the briefing was to educate and inform congressional staff about gene editing technology and its applications in agriculture. John Sedbrook from Illinois State University represented ASPB and offered a glimpse into his team’s work using gene editing to improve pennycress and make it into a viable cash cover crop. The audience of congressional staff had many questions about the use of gene editing, but the over- all reaction was positive and the speakers were well received. While on Capitol Hill, ASPB arranged for John to meet with Congressional Agriculture Research Caucus cochair Rep. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Illinois state representatives Dan Brady and Bill Brady meeting students work- Rodney Davis (R-IL). Rep. Davis ing to develop pennycress as a winter cover crop in the Midwest. Left to right: Maliheh Esfahanian (PhD stu- was intrigued by John’s work dent), State of Illinois Rep. Dan Brady, Danny Marchiafava (master’s student), Meghan Freund (undergraduate and later visited his Illinois State student), Cameron De la Mora (undergraduate student), Liza Gautham (PhD student), Taylor Suo (master’s University laboratory to see the student), Dalton Williams (master’s student), Matt Maynard (undergraduate student), Congressman Rodney work on pennycress firsthand. Davis, State of Illinois Senate minority leader Bill Brady. PHOTO BY LYNDSIE SCHLINK

24 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Tribute

Joachim Messing 1946–2019 BY THE MESSING LAB Yin Li, Jennifer Ayer, Paul Fourounjian, Jiaqiang Dong, Zhiyong Zhang, Chenxu Liu, and Fan Feng

duckweed, an aquatic monocot eloved and respected important for environmental and mentor, colleague, and bioenergy purposes. Bfriend Joachim (Jo) The seed sown early in Jo’s Messing passed away unexpect- mind to eradicate world hunger edly on September 13, 2019. blossomed in his research. His He was a university distin- work in maize and sorghum guished professor and director contributed to improvement of the Waksman Institute of in nutritional, agronomic, and Microbiology at Rutgers, The bioenergy traits. Most recently, State University of New Jersey, Jo made major contributions to and he held the Selman A. the understanding of maize seed Waksman Chair of Molecular development, notably genetically Genetics. manipulating storage proteins Jo was born in 1946 to a and the regulators coordinating working-class family in postwar the synthesis of storage proteins Germany. The food insecurity he and starch to improve nutritional experienced during his childhood quality and yield. sowed a seed in his mind that grew Jo’s contributions received into the ambition to ensure food worldwide recognition. He was security and end world hunger. the “world’s most cited scientist” of Jo earned an MS in pharmacy the 1980s. He won the 2013 Wolf in 1971, then turned to microbi- Jo is most recognized for cally more efficient strategy is Prize in Agriculture and the 2014 ology. Working on the replication several groundbreaking innova- now known as “shotgun” DNA Promega Biotechnology Research of plasmid DNA, he achieved tions that helped crack the genetic sequencing. These inventions Award. In 2007, he was elected a doctorate at the Ludwig code of humans and plants and directly facilitated the advance- as a member of the German Maximilian University of Munich advanced a revolution in medicine ment of the genomic era of biol- National Academy of Sciences and the Max Planck Institute of and agriculture. He developed ogy, forming the conceptual basis Leopoldina. In 2015, he became Biochemistry in 1975. He came to the M13mp/pUC/JM molecular of next-generation and third- a member of the U.S. National the United States in 1978, landing cloning kits and the blue-white generation DNA sequencing. Academy of Sciences. He was also a position as a research associate screening system that have been With these technologies in a fellow of the American Academy at the University of California, used worldwide for several hand, Jo turned his research of Microbiology (2015), the Davis, just as modern molecular decades, empowering modern focus to plant genomics and crop American Academy of Arts and biology and molecular cloning molecular biology and genetics. genetic engineering. Jo was one of Sciences (2016), and the National were coming into full bloom. Taking advantage of the molecular the organizers of the International Academy of Inventors (2018). After working at the University cloning systems he developed, Rice Genome Sequencing Project In addition to his professional of Minnesota Twin Cities as Jo conceptualized massive paral- and the initiator of the Maize achievements, Jo was gracious assistant professor and then full lel genomic sequencing and Genome Sequencing Project. and giving to the scientific professor of biochemistry from demonstrated it by sequencing He was one of the major orga- community. Instead of patenting 1980 to 1985, Jo moved to Rutgers the double-stranded DNA of the nizers in sequencing the first his work, he offered it for free. “I University as research professor cauliflower mosaic virus with the reference genomes of sorghum, thought it was important to be of the Waksman Institute and collaboration of Bob Shepherd’s a stress-tolerant major cereal generous and make this freely became its director in 1988. team at UC Davis. This dramati- crop for food, feed, and fuel, and continued on page 26

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 46, NUMBER 6 25 JOACHIM MESSING fostered a positive and creative China, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, husband, and gracious gentleman. continued from page 25 environment at his lab. Messing Philippines, Romania, and He is survived by his wife Rita, was also encouraging and inspir- Switzerland. son Simon, daughter-in-law Lisa, available without restrictions so ing, mentoring several genera- Jo’s death is a tremendous loss and grandchildren Daniel, Lukas, biotechnological innovations tions of young scientists, many to the plant biology community. and Henry. He is also survived could move forward,” he said. Jo now established scientists in He will always be remembered as by his sister Angelika, a devoted was enthusiastic about scientific the United States and countries an excellent scientist, inspiring staff, and many colleagues and findings, and that excitement around the world including mentor, great collaborator, loving friends. 

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26 ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Blossomed 1989 THE PLANT CELL IS 30!

This year Plant Biology 2019 celebrated 30 years of The Plant Cell. The anniversary T-shirt was designed by Nan Eckardt, senior features editor of The Plant Cell. It features nine outstanding images from the thousands of beautiful photos published in the journal over the years.

Place your order for the T-shirt and other anniversary items at The Plant Cell Anniversary T-Shirt https://my.aspb.org/store $22

16 Month Academic Calendar $12 Athletic Knee High Socks $11

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Call for Papers

2020 Focus Issue on Parasitic Plants Edited by Harro Bouwmeester, Claude dePamphilis, Neelima Sinha, and Julie D. Scholes

Submission Deadline: April 6, 2020, Publication Date: December 2020 This Focus Issue will showcase Updates and Research Articles in the field of parasitic plants on topics such as the parasitic plant life cycle and lifestyle (and how this compares to other pathogens), germination stimulants/strigolactones and the strigolactone receptor in parasitic plants, haustorium formation, the transfer of information between parasitic plants and their hosts, host manipulation by parasites, and the evolution of plant parasitism.

For more information go to https://aspb.org/ppfocus/.

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