We review metabolic adaptations of plant tissues to severe reductions in energy-production (‘energy-crises’) that occur in various situations, including O₂-deprivation during flood-events. We conclude that most major differences between tissues intolerant and tolerant to an energy-crisis are associated with only a few gene-proteins. These concern efficient energy production and energy-efficient-transporters, necessary to retain membrane integrity, essential to life.

Increasing global demand for high quality, plant-based proteins has driven a strong interest in the sorting and processing of seed storage proteins. This review summarises recent primary research findings regarding vacuolar trafficking and seed protein biology, in the context of established and novel paradigms. We also highlight several key gaps in the scientific understanding of these processes.

The developing aerenchyma of Typha angustifolia is accompanied by calcium oxalate crystals (CaOx). The degradation of CaOx crystals causes high levels of H₂O₂, which is considered a key signalling molecule that triggers programmed cell death (PCD). It suggested that CaOx degradation is involved in the regulation of the PCD process of aerenchyma in T. angustifolia leaves.

Whether plants can induce mass flow of nutrient-rich soil water via increased transpiration might influence their competitive strength. We tested the response of C₄ grasses to low nutrient availability at the roots but found no physiological indication of active mass flow induction. This can mean a competitive disadvantage of water-efficient C₄ plants to C₃ plants under high atmospheric CO₂.

The defence capacity of metal-rich foliage in two rainforest tree species was examined via a field study. Plant–insect interactions associated with tree metallophytes remain poorly understood. Although there was no direct evidence here of metal defence, the study found indirect effects, and evidence of adaptation by a galling insect that exploits foliar metal. This field study revealed complex ecological relationships undetectable by controlled experiments.

This research demonstrated the different growth dynamics in adventitious and lateral roots of barley in response to low-P stress and detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for them. Lateral roots play a role in P uptake in barley. The new QTL region Cl⁻2H had great potential for future genetic improvement of barley lateral root growth and may offer valuable clues for fine mapping in barley.

To survive, saplings of tree species in the understorey of tropical cloud forests must acclimate to sudden and gradual changes in the light environment. In an acclimation experiment, we found that species showed different strategies in leaf photosynthetic responses combining gas exchange, photoinhibition and other properties. Knowing these strategies could explain saplings’ distribution along the light gradient and produce insights into species’ requirements for forest management or restoration plans.