 The abstract Argonaut protein, AGO, is a key component of RNA silencing, which is an important process for controlling gene expression in many organisms. In this study, researchers identified two agocin rice anthers, AGO-1B and AGO-1D, which are involved in transporting small RNAs derived from long non-coding RNAs, LNCRNAs. These LNCRNAs are then used to control anther development. Additionally, researchers found that AGO-1B and AGO-1D are localized in different parts of the anther, suggesting that they may have distinct functions. This study provides insight into how RNA silencing can be used to control plant reproduction. This article was authored by Hinako Tomotsu, Koji Koizumi, Alejandro Villabriones, and others.