GPC Dec e-bulletin, the 4th International Conference on Plant Vascular Biology‏ and new job opportunities.

In Nature Plants: Theory of ‘smart’ plants may explain the evolution of global ecosystems
A new theory presented by Princeton University (USA) researchers suggests that the ecosystems of the world have their various forms because of plant “decisions” that made them that way. 

In New Phytologist: How fresh is your maple syrup?
Sugar maple trees can store carbon from the atmosphere for several years in non-structural reserves as a buffer against disturbances such as droughts, hurricane damage, or attacks by insects. A new study shows that trees draw on this reserve when springtime sap begins to flow.

Scientists create first map of the wheat epigenome
Scientists at the University of Liverpool (UK) have carried out the first ever genome-wide survey of heritable molecular changes that regulate gene activity in wheat, in what could become a new tool to improve crop breeding technologies.

Launch of the Latin American Plant Phenotyping Network (LatPPN)
A new network for Latin America to facilitate training of breeders and development of scientists on several aspects of phenotyping and pre-breeding methodologies, scientific exchange of young/senior researchers and students, and international access to resources and research facilities.

2016 named International Year of Pulses
The UN declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). And, no, they don’t mean the pulse you take to measure your heartbeat.

Lots of new reports, and an archive of useful documents from the last few years, are available on our website. Head to the Resources page and click ‘Reports’.

Spotted a funding opportunity we’ve missed? Please tell us about it by emailing lisa@globalplantcouncil.org

Now That’s What I Call Plant Science 2015
In the first of two 2015 round-up posts, New Media Fellow Amelia Frizell-Armitage reveals the Top 5 Most Influential Plant Science Stories of 2015, as voted for by GPC followers. 
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2015 Plant Science Round-up
In Sarah’s round-up post, she takes a look at some of the plant science breakthroughs of 2015.
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