on the cover: global warming is one of the stresses that have great impacts on plant reproductive development. in this issue of jgg, fu et al. (pp.477-492) desctribe the protectiveroles of bhlho10/089/091 transcription factors in maintaining fertility upon high temperature. the fujian tulou represents the anther, in the center of which are pollen grains. the fiery red outside the fujian tulou represnets high temperature.nezha, a protection deity in chinese folk religion, symbolizes the multiple function of bhlho10/089/091 in anthers. the res armillary sash around nezha's shoulder and the universe ring in his hand represent bhlhs' function on regulating anther transcriptional networks upon both normal and high temperature. the blue protective cover around the fujian tulou that stimulated by the fire-tipped spear in his hand represents the protective role of bhlh upon heat stress.