Have we entered a 'post-model' era in plant biology?

Authors

Robert Hasterok, Natalia Borowska-Zuchowska, Bozena Kolano, Hina Shimomai, Zujun Yin, Kai Wang, Luis A J Mur

Published in

Trends in plant science. Sep 17, 2026. Epub Sep 17, 2026.

Abstract

Models such as arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) have underpinned genomic and physiological research in plant science. Advances in genome sequencing, pangenomics, and genome editing have prompted claims of a 'post-model' era, with model-crops and crops such as rice and bread wheat combining agricultural relevance with experimental tractability. We argue that the 'simplicity-to-complexity' approach remains valid, although model systems have evolved. Arabidopsis remains indispensable for interpreting multi-omics data, testing developmental hypotheses, and generating mechanistic insights difficult to obtain in crops. Linking these strengths to model-crops adds translational value by bridging discovery and breeding, while niche models such as Brachypodium distachyon and legumes address grass cell wall biology and nitrogen fixation. Future progress depends on diverse species with complementary strengths across fundamental and applied plant biology.

PMID:
42754436
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 18 Sep 2026.

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