Although plant growth through aggregation of number and size of tissues and organs seems straightforward, the cellular basis of fruit growth is still unresolved. We argue that (1) the positive correlation between cell number and fruit size does not imply a causal relationship, and (2) fruit growth is regulated by a global protein through cell autonomous and noncell autonomous mechanisms. We propose that fruit size can be manipulated via genes regulating cell division or cell expansion.

The energetic aspects of water secretion into root xylem vessels by cotransport with salts were analysed by assuming water transport to be ‘energetically uphill’ and associated with a free energy gain of water. This paper shows that despite considerable energy costs, root respiration and H⁺-ATPase activity could drive secondary active water transport. This may contribute to the generation of root pressure, embolism repair and water ascent in trees.

Wollemi pine, formerly widespread in Australia, has been reduced by past climate change to a remnant population and this rare species may be pushed to extinction by future climate change. We examined the impact of rising [CO₂] and temperature on clonally propagated seedlings, and observed positive impacts on growth and physiology in elevated [CO₂] that were generally negated by elevated temperature. The remnant wild population of Wollemi pine is susceptible to warming, which may be the most significant environmental factor determining success in a future climate.

Flower scent plays a crucial role in pollinator attraction and is affected by environmental conditions such as temperature. We tested whether optimum temperatures for floral emissions are adapted to the temperature range during the flowering period and found that species flowering in cold seasons have lower optimum temperatures than those flowering in warm seasons. The results suggest that the flower physiology of different species is adapted to optimise emissions during their flowering period.

Remote sensing technologies have the potential to help scientists, breeders and decision makers to assess the extent to which crops are affected by drought. This paper evaluates some benefits of high spatial resolution for thermal imaging applications in field conditions. The study indicates that careful selection of information-rich areas in canopy images captures temperature differences that are filtered out in lower resolution configurations.

Jatropha curcas emerges as potential energy source but the effects of NaCl stress on germination and seed reserves are poorly known. Salt stress delays protein and lipid mobilisation and promotes ultrastructural changes in endosperm cells. Seed germination of J. curcas is inhibited through increase the Na⁺ and Cl^– accumulation in the embryo axes and endosperm of seeds.

Poor synthesis of starch in the grains on the basal part of rice panicle of modern rice cultivars underscores their potential for high grain yield. The study identified genetic expression of starch synthesising enzymes, particularly sucrose synthase, poor in the in the inferior type grains. Harnessing high yield in these rice cultivars need genetic manipulation of the enzyme for improved grain filling.

Over extraction of groundwater is a serious problem globally because it negatively impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation. This paper compares the hydraulic architecture of Eucalyptus woodlands across a naturally occurring gradient of depth-to-groundwater and shows that significant variation in hydraulic traits occurs in response to differences in depth-to-groundwater. This is the first such study in a mesic environment and shows even in high rainfall zones extraction of groundwater require careful control.

Increasing gene expression for the fructokinase that phosphorylates fructose in cotton improves seed cotton and fibre yield through positive effects on seed number per boll, boll number, leaf number and area, and stem diameter. We hypothesise that some processes associated with cotton development are constrained by fructose inhibition of the sucrose synthase required for sucrose metabolism in growing cells. Improving fructokinase activity may improve fibre yield through its indirect effects on photosynthetic capacity.

Global warming has posed a major threat to cotton fibre development. This work shows that elevated temperature had negative impacts on sucrose metabolism and on cellulose synthesis in cotton fibre during fibre secondary wall development. Our results suggest that the cellulose content in cotton fibre is positively correlated with temperatures above 15°C but under 30°C.