BEL1-like homeodomain transcription factor SAWTOOTH1 (MdSAW1) in Malus domestica enhances the tolerance of transgenic apple and Arabidopsis to zinc excess stress.

Summary: Apple orchards are facing a big problem: too much zinc in the soil is poisoning the trees. Scientists have found a special gene in apples called MdSAW1. When they put this extra gene into apple plants and a test plant called Arabidopsis, it acted like a shield. It helped the plants survive and grow healthy even when there was way too much zinc in their water. This exciting discovery could help farmers grow safe, healthy apples even in polluted soil!