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Throughout their lifetimes, plants must coordinate the regulation of various facets of growth and development. Previous evidence has suggested that the Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3‐MYB, AtMYB61, might function as a coordinate regulator of multiple aspects of plant resource allocation.

Using a combination of cell biology, transcriptome analysis and biochemistry, in conjunction with gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function genetics, the role of AtMYB61 in conditioning resource allocation throughout the plant life cycle was explored.

In keeping with its role as a regulator of resource allocation, AtMYB61 is expressed in sink tissues, notably xylem, roots and developing seeds. Loss of AtMYB61 function decreases xylem formation, induces qualitative changes in xylem cell structure and decreases lateral root formation; in contrast, gain of AtMYB61 function has the opposite effect on these traits. AtMYB61 coordinates a …