PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET

SummaryO_LIThis study combines satellite mapping, field surveillance, farmer surveys, and disease modelling to assess BBTV dynamics across Benin. It provides the first national-scale map of banana cultivation in Benin and identifies high-risk areas for targeted intervention. C_LIO_LIThe study highlights the dominance of informal networks for exchange of planting material ([~]80% of farmers), limited farmer awareness of BBTV ([~]60% unaware), and low recognition of symptoms or transmission routes, all of which contribute to the spread and persistence of disease. C_LIO_LIAlthough women represented only a quarter of respondents, they demonstrated comparable levels of market orientation and access to planting materials and land. The findings call for spatially targeted, socially informed BBTV management strategies that integrate clean planting material systems, farmer education, and accessible control methods. C_LIO_LIBBTV was detected in 140 out of 747 fields surveyed, with the highest prevalence in the humid southern regions. No cases were found in the northern Sudanian zone, reflecting known agroecological patterns of disease distribution. C_LIO_LIModelling of three control strategies - decapitation, uprooting, and injection - revealed injection as most effective nationally (70% reduction in disease incidence), while uprooting was most effective in vulnerable communities with high disease pressure. C_LIO_LIThe study reveals an interconnected system in which socioeconomic vulnerability, informal seed networks, limited disease awareness, and spatial clustering of banana cultivation collectively drive BBTV dynamics in Benin, highlighting the need for epidemiologically effective, socially informed, and spatially targeted interventions. C_LI Societal Impact StatementBanana and plantain are critical for food security and income generation in West Africa, particularly for smallholder farmers in countries such as Benin. However, banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) poses a major threat to sustainable production. This study integrates high-resolution remote sensing, field epidemiology, mathematical modelling, and socioeconomic analysis to improve understanding of the spread of BBTV and to evaluate the effectiveness of different disease control strategies. Our findings reveal that BBTV risk is highest in southern Benin, where socioeconomic vulnerability is also greatest. Low disease awareness, limited adoption of effective control methods and informal exchange of planting material exacerbate this risk. By identifying priority areas and strategies tailored to local social, economic, and agroecological contexts, this research offers a roadmap for designing targeted, sustainable BBTV management programs. These insights can support smallholder resilience, reduce disease burden, and safeguard banana-based livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa.

Understanding crop genetic diversity is essential for conservation and breeding, yet farmer-maintained germplasm remains largely underrepresented in genomic studies. Theobroma cacao L. has a complex domestication history and extensive global diversity, and cacao currently cultivated in Central America, particularly in Costa Rica, has been understudied compared to South American and Mexican cultivars despite cultural and historical importance. In this study, we investigate the genetic diversity of cacao from farmer-managed systems across Costa Rica to search for Criollo germplasm and identify and characterize any unique local genetic groups. Ninety-four trees were sampled from 17 farms across four regions of the country and sequenced using whole genome resequencing. Farmer materials were analyzed alongside 166 previously characterized reference accessions representing major cacao genetic groups. Population structure analyses, phylogenetic reconstruction, and network approaches revealed that Costa Rican cacao encompasses multiple known genetic groups, including Criollo-derived lineages, while also harboring locally distinct diversity not fully represented in current global reference collections. Analyses revealed close kinship between many accessions with no clear geographic patterns corresponding to the observed population differentiation, reflecting the effects of farmers in creating dominant patterns of gene flow through seed-saving, clonal propagation, and sharing genotypes among farms. Heterozygosity levels varied substantially among individuals, consistent with a mixture of highly inbred Criollo trees and more heterozygous, admixed genotypes. We find that farmer-managed cacao systems are reservoirs of genetic diversity, including possibly rare or historically important lineages, underscoring the value of these farming systems for effective conservation and management of genomic resources for cacao resilience and improvement.

O_LIClimate change is reshaping agriculture through both gradual shifts and increasingly unpredictable extremes. Plants cope using developmental plasticity and bet-hedging, but it is unclear how these biological strategies align with the ways farmers perceive and respond to climate risks. This study investigates: (1) whether farmers understand climate change as incremental trends or recurrent shocks, (2) how their adaptations parallel plant plasticity and bet-hedging, and (3) under which climate scenarios these adaptations best support yield stability. C_LIO_LIWe combined qualitative research and modelling by conducting fifty semi-structured interviews with farmers, agricultural associations and public administrators across three climatically distinct Italian regions, and by developing an agent-based stochastic simulation that represents farmer-like plasticity (delayed sowing) and bet-hedging (staggered sowing) under drought and flood scenarios. C_LIO_LIFarmers described climate change as both gradual transformation and intensifying volatility. Their adaptive responses - adjusting calendars, switching crops and diversifying production - closely aligned with plant strategies, though articulated in practical rather than scientific terms. Simulation results showed that plasticity enhanced yields under systematic shifts in conditions, whereas bet-hedging reduced losses in highly variable climates characterised by frequent transitions between extremes. C_LIO_LITogether, the qualitative and modelling findings demonstrate that plant and farmer adaptation logics converge in complementary ways. Plasticity supports performance under gradual change, while bet-hedging buffers unpredictability. These insights highlight the potential for co-designed tools that link plant traits, farmer decision-making and ecological risk, strengthening climate-resilient agricultural planning and improving communication between farmers, breeders and plant scientists. C_LI Societal Impact StatementClimate change is transforming agriculture through both gradual shifts and increasingly unpredictable extremes, challenging farmers ability to protect crops and livelihoods. This study brings together farmer experiences and plant adaptation strategies to explore how people and plants respond to similar climate pressures. By showing that farmers practices mirror plant plasticity and bet-hedging, our findings highlight opportunities to design climate-resilient agriculture that aligns biological traits with real-world decision-making. This work can inform plant breeders, extension services and policymakers seeking to support farmers through clearer communication, better risk-management tools and more adaptable crop varieties, ultimately strengthening resilience in food systems.

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are wild plant species genetically related to cultivated crops and represent vital reservoirs of genetic diversity for food security and agricultural resilience. Zimbabwe, with its five floristic regions, hosts substantial plant biodiversity, yet a comprehensive national inventory of its CWRs has been lacking. This study presents a desk-based assessment to develop a national checklist of Zimbabwean CWRs, applying a conceptual framework that evaluates edible CWRs in terms of taxonomic composition, use categories, biogeographic status, extinction risk, breeding potential, and vernacular nomenclature. An integrated approach combining floristic, ecological, and ethnobotanical data was employed to contextualize their utility in food systems and conservation. Findings reveal that Zimbabwe harbors over 2,700 CWR taxa across more than 100 plant families and nearly 400 genera, related to approximately 260 cultivated crops. Documented uses span food, fodder, medicine, ornamental, and industrial applications, with edible uses comprising nearly 40% of taxa with recorded utility. Edible CWRs span 53 families, predominantly Orchidaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae, and serve diverse dietary roles including vegetables, fruits, spices, herbs, cereals, oils, and beverages. Around 90% CWR are native, and one-third are regionally endemic, with the Eastern Highlands region identified as a biodiversity hotspot. Despite their significance, only 30% of edible CWRs have been assessed for extinction risk, and just 0.2% have documented confirmed or potential traits for crop improvement. Vernacular names were recorded in six local languages for 26% of edible taxa, highlighting significant cultural knowledge and integration into local food systems. This study underscores the underutilized potential of edible CWRs in plant breeding and conservation planning. Their diversity, cultural embeddedness, and adaptive traits present significant opportunities for enhancing food security and advancing sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond. Strategic conservation and utilization of these genetic resources are urgently needed.

Farmer field schools (FFSs) are transformative, participatory approaches to adult agricultural education that effectively promote farmers learning and capacity building and empower farming communities with practical knowledge. Here, we present a case study of FFS in the Katete district, Eastern province of Zambia, focused on good pigeon pea agronomic practices and the value chain. Three FFSs were established, focusing on a variety of trials, bio-pesticides, and a pigeon pea-specific rhizobial inoculant. Extreme weather conditions, an underdeveloped pigeon pea seed value chain, and a poor seed system hindered the implementation of the FFSs. To strengthen the pigeon pea seed value chain, a seed dehuller is now available to farmers. Our results highlight the importance of the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the FFSs. Pigeon pea FFSs will support crop and food diversification, improve soil fertility and sustainable agriculture, and may increase household income.

The European Union and United Kingdom are in the process of establishing new regulation regarding the use of new genomic techniques in crop and animal breeding. As part of this process, consultations have been launched to understand the views of stakeholders and the wider public towards the use of new genomic techniques in plant and animal breeding. The responsible research and innovation framework emphasises the importance of dialogue between technology developers and stakeholders, including the public, but what are the opinions of stakeholders towards the regulation of NGTs in Europe and do they view these consultations as opportunities to engage with technology governance? We conducted semi-structured interviews with experts from a range of agri-food stakeholder groups in the European Union and United Kingdom to understand current attitudes towards new biotechnology regulation, how they viewed the process of consultation in both places and what influence they felt they had in shaping regulations. We found that the discussion is similar in both EU and UK, with predictable and fixed opinions determined by attitudes towards the perceived risks associated with direct mutagenesis. Both UK and EU consultations were considered to have the same weaknesses and stakeholders discussed a desire for more dialogic forms of engagement. We highlight several options for new forms of involvement in biotechnology regulation by exploring relevant responsible research and innovation literature.

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) continues to threaten smallholder livelihoods and food security across sub-Saharan Africa. While clean-seed programmes are widely promoted, their long-term effectiveness is often compromised by rapid reinfection in endemic landscapes. We developed an integrated framework combining spatially explicit, stochastic epidemiological modelling with additional cost-benefit analysis and use of socio-behavioural data to evaluate strategies for stabilising production. Our results demonstrate that frequent monthly inspections and accurate symptom detection are essential for disease suppression. Crucially, the economic analysis reveals that prioritizing diagnostic competence as an economic asset is necessary: improving detection efficiency can more than double farmer net revenue under realistic market conditions. Socio-behavioural findings further confirm that a farmers ability to correctly recognise symptoms is the strongest predictor of roguing adoption, far outweighing demographic characteristics. These results provide quantifiable guidance for disease management and highlight that the sustainability of clean-seed interventions hinges on shifting policy from simple seed replacement to investing in farmer diagnostic capacity. Strengthening this local surveillance capability transforms informal seed systems into resilient, durable tools for safeguarding household nutrition and regional food security.

O_LIDutch elm disease has devastated the treescapes of Europe and North America, causing large elm trees to become largely absent in many areas. Several decades of work are now coming to fruition with the availability of potentially resistant cultivars for restoration. C_LIO_LIHere, using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from whole genome sequences of over 200 trees, we investigate the genomic diversity of elm trees growing historically in Britain and Europe, and that of some new cultivars; including widespread native European and British elms; exotic elm species with natural resistance; and the often-complex hybrids between these and native elms available from the various breeding programmes and living collections. We also sequenced a variety of disease-resistant selections from Spain of interest for planting in Britain. C_LIO_LIWhile confirming many specimen labels and multi-generational crossing records, our results also revealed unexpected misidentifications and origins of some samples. This included past hybridisation in some resistant selections thought to be pure species. We find that within our samples, field elm (Ulmus minor) is more genetically diverse C_LIO_LIthan Wych elm (U. glabra). We show that over ten British elm morphological forms sometimes assigned species epithets fall within the genetic range of U. minor. C_LIO_LIWith their often-exotic parentage, many of the elm cultivars introduced into Britain post-epidemic inevitably represent a considerable increase in nucleotide diversity over the still numerically large, native U. minor and U. glabra populations. Currently, the cultivars are being planted mainly as ornamentals. Their long term arboricultural, adaptive and landscape suitability compared to native elms remains to be demonstrated. C_LI

Seed germination is highly temperature sensitive. Climate change factors such as increasing temperatures are likely to have a harmful effect on agriculture, particularly after crop sowing. Better utilisation of indigenous, arid-resilient crops like fonio (Digitaria exilis) are a commonly proposed solution to improving food security. This study develops knowledge of fonio germination requirements and how these correspond to future climate conditions across West Africa. We use a combined approach; integrating seed germination experiments under a range of temperatures, and niche suitability modelling to investigate how cultivation of fonio will be impacted by climate change. We find that from 37 seed accessions collected across Guinea, Togo, Mali, and Burkina Faso, the ceiling temperature for germination is around 42{degrees}C, with an optimum temperature of 30-35{degrees}C - also noted from phenotypic observations. Drought trials show successful germination to beyond -1MPa. There is no obvious difference in response by accessions originating from either hotter or cooler climates. By comparing these temperature thresholds with future climate predictions, alongside a suitability modelling approach, we predict an average decline of 10% in the suitable area for fonio cultivation, especially affecting Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Newly suitable area is predicted to increase in Guinea, Ghana, Cote dIvoire, and Nigeria by around 5%. These findings provide valuable insight for developing future dryland agriculture policies and prioritisation of resilient crops.

Citizen science is an increasingly common approach for collecting large amounts of data across extensive spatial and temporal scales in ecology and environmental sciences. To facilitate participation, the majority of citizen science projects are based on opportunistic smartphone-based tasks that can be completed in just a few minutes. We reviewed 639 citizen science projects and coordinated distributed experiments, assessing the level of engagement expected from participants, and found that citizens can also perform highly engaging tasks, including conducting experiments, similar to those expected from collaborating scientists. We coined the term "next-generation citizen science" for experiments conducted by citizens with specialized knowledge and addressed the benefits and risks of such projects using the example of MyGardenOfTrees. This unprecedented continent-wide transplant experiment involves over 300 forester-citizens who dedicate their time and expertise to testing different seed origins in their forests over a five-year period, and co-develop a prediction tool with researchers for selecting suitable species and provenances for assisted migration. We used marketing analysis of recruitment data to identify strategies for participant recruitment and retention across the multi-cultural landscape of Europe, thereby expanding the boundaries of citizen science beyond its traditional use. Furthermore, we present the development of the experimental design and protocols aimed at optimizing logistical feasibility, scientific rigor, and social acceptance. Our findings highlight the untapped potential of such experimental citizen science approaches to increase the scale of ecological experiments and ultimately obtain generalizable findings, thereby overcoming context dependence.

Climate change impacts agriculture in complex and regionally specific ways. In temperate regions such as southern Sweden, it presents both opportunities, such as longer growing seasons, and challenges, including increased drought and heat stress. This study examined how Swedish agriculture is adapting to climate change, using the extreme 2018 drought and heatwave as a critical case to explore both immediate responses and longer-term preparedness in crop production systems. We compared scientific and local knowledge through a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed literature from northern Europe, a workshop with project scientists, and a participatory workshop with farmers. The study aimed to identify gaps between scientific and local understandings of climate change adaptation, particularly in how extreme events influence decision-making and preparedness. Using a transdisciplinary, problem-feeding approach, we compared how farmers and scientists conceptualise crisis response and long-term adaptation, employing influence diagrams to visualise their understandings. Our review found that much scientific work focuses on short-term coping strategies, such as feed substitution or altered irrigation, while longer-term adaptation remains underexplored. In contrast, farmers emphasized context specific actions grounded in their farm operations, highlighting socio-economic and administrative constraints, whereas scientists tended to propose generalisable technology-oriented strategies. These differences underscore the importance of integrating both experiential and scientific knowledge to co-develop more effective adaptation responses. The study lays the foundation for a targeted, large-scale survey to explore farmer motivations, perceptions of risk and opportunity, and adaptive capacities across diverse contexts. Our findings highlight the need to move beyond reactive measures and investigate anticipatory strategies that foster and enable adaptive capacity. Here we demonstrate that supporting long-term adaptation in agriculture will require inclusive, evidence-based approaches that incorporate perspectives from farmers, advisors, scientists, and public authorities alike.

Since it was first introduced to Europe in 711 CE and planted in the Americas in 1506, a single type of cane dominated sugar production for 1100 years, until it was finally ousted by Tahitian cane c. 1790. This cane became known as Creolea[A][Z] and is present in the ancestry of many sugarcane hybrids, even today. Whether there was only a single variety of Creole cane or multiple varieties has been a matter of debate for decades. Creole cane remains relevant today, as a Creole cane from Jamaica is the currently chosen lecotype for Saccharum officinarum. In this study we identify 18 historical images of Creole cane, many not previously published. We employ image analyses to characterize the internodes and demonstrate evidence for only a single type of Creole in the new world. Chloroplasts and 45s ribosomal RNA sequences from the cultivar BH10/12 (known to have a Creole female parent) were determined that Java ribbon cane is the historical New World sugarcane known as Creole. We demonstrate that Creole cane is an hybrid and not a single species. Thus S. officinarum has no type specimen. We also sequence a ribbon cane (also known as Guinguam) that appeared in the Caribbean between 1790 and 1810 and demonstrate that this cane was a Sinense type from Java that links back to the work of Rumphinus (1660s).

A core aim of ex situ conservation is to represent wild genetic diversity in managed living collections. For the climate-threatened tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) flora of northeast Australia, an ex situ metacollection of plants and seeds has been established by the Tropical Mountain Plant Science (TroMPS) project. In this study we used reduced-representation sequencing (DArTseq) of wild, herbarium, and ex situ material alongside provenance information for ten species, to pursue two central aims: to characterise landscape-scale genetic structure across species' ranges, and to evaluate how well the assembled metacollections represent that wild diversity. Analyses revealed consistent patterns of genetic differentiation among mountain top populations across multiple species, reflecting the isolating influence of lowland gaps between upland habitats, with the degree of differentiation varying among species. These results provide the first genetic baseline for Australian TMCF flora and reinforce the importance of treating individual mountain top populations as distinct units for conservation management. Additionally, the project provided valuable insights into the logistical challenges of coordinated multi-institutional collecting, informing strategies for metacollection design more broadly. Evaluation of the metacollection revealed both strengths and gaps in representation across species, providing an evidence base to refine the current holdings and guide future targeted collecting to strengthen their long-term conservation value.

BACKGROUNDMonitoring resistance to Plant Protection Products (PPPs) is crucial for understanding the evolution of resistances in bioagressors, thereby allowing scientists to design sound bioagressor management strategies. Globally, resistance monitoring is implemented by a wide range of actors that fall into three distinct categories: academic, governmental, and private. The purpose of this study was to investigate worldwide diversity in PPP resistance monitoring systems, and to shed light on their different facets. RESULTSA large survey involving 162 experts from 48 countries made it possible to identify and analyze 250 resistance monitoring systems. Through an in-depth analysis, the features of the different monitoring systems were identified. The main factor differentiating monitoring systems was essentially the capabilities (funding, manpower, technology, etc.) of the actors involved in each system. In most countries, and especially in those with a high Human Development Index, academic, governmental, and private monitoring systems coexist. Overall, systems focus far more on monitoring established resistances than on the detection of emerging resistances. Governmental and private resistance monitoring systems generally have considerable capacities to generate data, whereas academic resistance monitoring systems are more specialized. Governmental actors federate and enroll a wider variety of stakeholders. CONCLUSIONThe results show functional complementarities between the coexisting actors in countries where they coexist. We suggest PPP resistance monitoring might be enhanced if the different actors focus more on detecting emerging resistances (and associated benefits) and increase collaborative and collective efforts and transparency.

This study developed and applied a methodology and framework to analyse decision-making and identify communication needs related to Populus spp. cultivation on agricultural land in southern Sweden, where adoption remains limited despite significant biomass potential. By comparing farmers willingness and actual cultivation decisions, and linking these to expectations on economic, agronomic, and environmental outcomes, we moved beyond attitudes to analyse choices. We used Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) to predict cultivation decisions and willingness to cultivate using Net Value of Expected Impact (NVEI) as a predictor. Integrating decision-making with willingness revealed drivers of adoption and barriers persisting despite positive attitudes. NVEI scores strongly predicted both willingness and cultivation decisions, with regional contrasts evident. In the Forested region, farmers anticipated greater economic and agronomic benefits but had lower expectations for biodiversity, suggesting a knowledge gap and a need for communication providing comparative evidence on biodiversity benefits. In the Lowland region, higher expectations for environmental benefits highlight the need for tailored information on biodiversity, landscape value, and ecological connectivity. Low scores for workload and management ease across all groups indicate uncertainty about practical aspects, supporting the need for targeted communication. Overall, regionally tailored, evidence-based guidelines can support informed decision-making.

(1) BackgroundSaffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is the source of saffron, the most expensive spice in the world. It evolved about 3000 years ago as a sterile triploid clone in Greece. Since then, saffron has spread across the globe, where regionally distinct practices of saffron cultivation have developed. Despite differences in morpho-physiological traits, genetic variability is low, if present at all. Here, we aim to resolve chromosomal and sequence-associated variability across saffron crocus cultivars from the crops main cultivation areas in Africa, Asia and Europe. (2) MethodsWe used genome-wide DNA polymorphisms obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 33 saffron and 14 closely related Crocus accessions, which we place into a phylogenetic context. For karyotyping, we compare nine saffron accessions by multi-color fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) with repetitive DNA probes. (3) Key resultsPhylogenetic analyses confirmed the single origin and clonal nature of all saffron accessions. We detected slight DNA differences among saffron crocus genotypes, which were minor compared with those in wild C. cartwrightianus populations. Still, the Iranian saffron accessions form a genetically very narrow group that differs from the other proveniences in population genetic analyses. However, chromosomes of some saffron accessions display variable FISH signals, likely resulting from gains and losses of tandemly repeated DNA. (4) Main conclusionsBased on the high genetic identity and small karyotypic differences, we confirm the clonal origin of the saffron accessions. Nevertheless, as we detected small and regional chromosomal variability, we conclude that at least four somaclonal saffron lineages emerged after saffrons origin. Societal Impact StatementFor millennia, many cultures developed cultivation practices and regional crop varieties. A notable case is saffron, the worlds most expensive spice that is harvested from stigmas of saffron crocus. This flower crop arose 3000 years ago in a singular genome triplication event and since then spread clonally across the globe. By identifying genetic and chromosomal variability in clonal saffron accessions, we highlight regional diversity, support the preservation of traditional knowledge, and underscore the risk of relying on only one clonal lineage. This informs strategies for saffron cultivation, linking cultural heritage with modern genomics to address biodiversity, evolution, and food security.

Enset (Ensete ventricosum, Musaceae) is an important economic crop from Ethiopia which accounts for 20% of the staple diet in Ethiopia today. However, its evolutionary history and spread is poorly understood. Archaeology could provide evidence of past use and contribute to our understanding of its early history, but so far, this has not transpired. Cultivated enset is clonally reproduced and seed production rarely occurs, therefore, looking for seed remains is futile and instead archaeobotanical research should focus on microfossils such as phytoliths. Phytoliths have been shown to be diagnostic for the presence of banana (Musa) and are expected to be similarly useful for identifying enset, but we need a better understanding of phytolith production and variability, and the extent to which this may be used to track domestication. The current study provides a fundamental baseline for the identification of Ensete phytoliths through the examination of phytoliths from leaves and other plant parts based on their size and shape. We consider the differentiation of phytoliths across a single plant, based on location in the leaf, the age of the leaf, and different organs of the plant. We also compare phytoliths in the Musaceae Family, and between the enset cultivar and wild samples. HIGHLIGHTSWe provide the first identification baseline to differentiate wild from domesticated enset by looking at variation across an individual enset plant and comparing these results to phytoliths from wild plants.

AimEffective implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and Global Strategy for Plant Conservation depends on accurate species distribution data. Current vascular plant distribution data, while crucial for understanding terrestrial ecosystems, is often sparse and biased and requires significant expansion. This study developed a scalable approach to prioritize areas for plant occurrence data acquisition, adaptable to national priorities and providing a framework for botanical institutions to coordinate efforts and allocate resources. LocationGlobal. MethodsUsing a Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis, we prioritized areas based on: (a) ecosystem service value; (b) floristic value threatened by climate or land-use change; and (c) uncertainty in species richness estimates, stratified by biome and region. Regional prioritization maps for Africa & Madagascar; East, South and Southeast Asia; Siberia and the Russian Far East; South America; and North & Central America were reviewed by botanical experts for validation. Scalability was assessed by comparing regional and global analyses. ResultsData-driven priority maps, divided into tree-dominated and grassland/deforested areas, largely received expert support. High similarity between global and regional maps demonstrated scalability. Main conclusionsOur approach provides a framework for supporting national implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Variables and their weights can be tailored to national or local needs. The methods flexibility and adaptability extend to other taxonomic groups and objectives, such as protected area selection By prioritizing data acquisition, whether field-based or digital, this research promotes the efficient use of resources. A key advantage of this approach is its capacity to systematically translate expert opinion into explicit and quantitative criteria, which in turn facilitates clear communication with policymakers and funders.

Grains of domesticated grasses (Poaceae) have long been a global food source and constitute the bulk of calories in the human diet. Recent efforts to establish more sustainable agricultural systems have focused in part on the development of herbaceous, perennial crops. Perennial plants have extensive root systems that stabilize soil and absorb water and nutrients at greater rates than their annual counterparts; consequently, perennial grasses are important potential candidates for grain domestication. While most contemporary grass domesticates consumed by humans are annual plants, there are over 7,000 perennial grass species that remain largely unexplored for domestication purposes. Documenting ethnobotanical uses of wild perennial grasses could aid in the evaluation of candidate species for de novo crop development. The objectives of this study are 1) to provide an ethnobotanical survey of the grass genus Elymus; and 2) to investigate floret size variation in species used by people. Elymus includes approximately 150 perennial species distributed in temperate and subtropical regions, of which at least 21 taxa have recorded nutritional, medicinal, and/or material uses. Elymus species used for food by humans warrant pre-breeding and future analyses to assess potential utility in perennial agricultural systems.

- In many taxa the expected number of species is still uncertain, hampering conservation, especially in the diverse tropical regions of Earth. Here we use the plant family Bromeliaceae as a model to explore the history and future of species discovery from the Neotropics global biodiversity hotspot. - We use a newly curated complete list of described species together with species geographic distributions and information on taxonomic authors to explore patterns of past species description. Furthermore, we use logistic models to estimate the expected number of species in the family, the subfamilies, the largest genera and the relationship with geographic range. - In the past species discovery was dominated by researchers from Europe (mid-18th to mid-20th century), then researchers from the USA (mid to end of 20 century) and finally researchers from Latin America (21st century). The average number of species described per year increased from 0.6 between 1750 and 1800 to 33.8 between 2001 and 2025. Furthermore, description shifted from widespread species to species with smaller ranges, mostly from Brazil and the Andes from Bolivia to Mexico. We project the expected number of Bromeliaceae species at 6,658 to 7,498, leaving the current number of described species only at 55 to 49%. - Our results illustrate changes in the history of species description in the last centuries, confirm the progression from large range to smaller range species as the taxonomic treatment of the groups progressed, and illustrates Brazil, Mexico and the Andean region as hotspots for future species description.