去世两年后，上海交大教授论文登上Nature

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the global issue of soil compaction exacerbated by modern agricultural practices, highlighting the need for crop varieties with enhanced root penetration capabilities to ensure food security [3][4]. Group 1: Soil Compaction and Its Impact - Soil compaction, intensified by the use of large agricultural machinery and excessive fertilizer, leads to a significant reduction in crop yields, with potential losses reaching up to 75% due to drought stress combined with soil compaction [3]. - Compacted soil has high particle density and low porosity, severely hindering root growth and development [3]. Group 2: Research Findings - A research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and other institutions published a study in Nature, revealing how plants adapt to compacted soil by modulating ethylene levels to regulate cell wall mechanics, promoting root thickening and penetration [4][11]. - The study identifies a key regulatory pathway involving ethylene, OsARF1, and cellulose synthase, which is crucial for root adaptation to soil compaction [10][11]. Group 3: Implications for Crop Development - The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant adaptation to adverse conditions, paving the way for future crop designs that can better withstand soil compaction through precise manipulation of cell wall properties [11].