The plant vascular system, a cornerstone of terrestrial adaptation, enables the long-distance transport of water, nutrients, and signaling molecules and provides mechanical support. Its anatomy also underpins stress resilience; yet, how environmental cues regulate vascular development remains poorly understood. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying vascular plasticity in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, including temperature, light, drought, salinity, mechanical forces, nutrient deficiencies, and pathogens. We highlight conserved and species-specific pathways and discuss unresolved questions, such as how plants integrate multiple stressors to optimize vascular development. Finally, we propose applying single-cell omics and genome editing to decode these adaptive strategies with potential implications for crop resilience and sustainable biomass production.

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position –AI/ML for Cell Biology

David Stern, Ph.D., brings groundbreaking research on insect–plant interactions for next-generation pest control to the Institute.