Boron deficiency in oilseed rape transcriptome resembles a wounding and infection response

Boron deficiency has a devastating effect on oilseed rape and related plants. However, little is known about the underlying genetic mechanisms. A study shows that the response to persistent or short-term acute boron deficiency is similar to that seen in the response to pests and infections. These results lay the foundation for breeding plants that can better cope with boron deficiency and for avoiding related yield losses.