Core Viewpoint - The establishment of May 30 as "International Potato Day" by the United Nations highlights the significance of potatoes in ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and improving livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers [1][1][1] Group 1: Importance of Potatoes - Potatoes are recognized as one of the most important staple foods globally, serving as a stabilizer for food security and a crucial pillar for sustainable agricultural development [1][1] - The theme for this year's International Potato Day, "Shaping History, Enriching the Future," emphasizes the role of potatoes in global food security, nutrition improvement, and enhancing the well-being of communities [1][1] Group 2: Contributions of China - China, as one of the largest potato producers, has made significant achievements through disease-resistant variety research and green planting technology innovations, enhancing productivity across the entire value chain [1][1][1] - The event featured over 200 representatives from various sectors discussing topics related to potato and food security, sustainable development of the Chinese potato industry, and the development of the sweet potato industry [1][1] Group 3: Initiatives and Activities - The event launched the "Blooming Potato Light to Support Rural Revitalization" initiative, aimed at promoting the contribution of the potato industry to rural revitalization [1][1] - The International Potato Center's Asia-Pacific Center organized an open day event, allowing attendees to visit its breeding resource center, modern greenhouses, and laboratories to learn about potato research innovations [1][1]

Core Insights - The research reveals that leguminous plants possess a "signal recognition system" that allows them to distinguish between beneficial rhizobia and harmful pathogens [1] - The study highlights the role of the receptor-like kinase proteins MtLICK1/2 in facilitating the symbiotic relationship with rhizobia while also preventing immune responses against them [2] Group 1 - Leguminous plants secrete a signaling molecule called "nodulation factor" when rhizobia approach, which is recognized by receptor proteins on the plant's surface [1] - The MtLICK1/2 proteins play a crucial role in signal transduction, enabling the formation of root nodules for rhizobia to enter and fix nitrogen [1] - The symbiotic relationship between leguminous plants and rhizobia is efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilizers, which is significant for sustainable agriculture [1] Group 2 - MtLICK1/2 proteins act as "guards" that help plants both welcome beneficial rhizobia and suppress immune responses to avoid mistakenly attacking them [2] - This dual functionality of MtLICK1/2 is essential for the interaction between plants and microorganisms, ensuring a balance between cooperation and defense [2]