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Volume 10
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Plants, Volume 10, Issue 6 (June 2021) – 228 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Plant diseases are globally causing substantial losses in staple crop production, in turn, reducing food amount and quality. Crop diseases also compromise food safety due to the presence of pesticides and/or toxins. Nowadays, biotechnology represents our best resource for both crop yield protection and science-based increased agricultural sustainability. Over the last few decades, the diffusion of new, fast and efficient technologies has enabled a broad spectrum of options for understanding plant molecular mechanisms and breeding. Resistance may be implemented in cereals by combining basic research-derived knowledge with fast and precise genetic engineering techniques. Priming and/or boosting the immune system in crops represent a sustainable, rapid and effective way to limit global harvest losses and to prevent food contamination. View this paper.
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13 pages, 2384 KiB  
Article
Genomic Damage Induced in Nicotiana tabacum L. Plants by Colloidal Solution with Silver and Gold Nanoparticles
by Petra Lovecká, Anna Macůrková, Kamil Záruba, Tomáš Hubáček, Jakub Siegel and Olga Valentová
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061260 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2653
Abstract
Tobacco seedlings (Nicotiana tabacum L cv. Wisconsin 38) were treated for 24 h with colloidal solution of silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs) of different size or cultivated for 8 weeks on soil polluted with these NPs. DNA damage in leaf [...] Read more.
Tobacco seedlings (Nicotiana tabacum L cv. Wisconsin 38) were treated for 24 h with colloidal solution of silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs) of different size or cultivated for 8 weeks on soil polluted with these NPs. DNA damage in leaf and roots nuclei was evaluated by the comet assay. AgNPs of the size 22–25 nm at concentrations higher than 50 mg·L−1 significantly increased the tail moments (TM) values in leaf nuclei compared to the negative control. Ag nanoparticles of smaller size 12–15 nm caused a slight increase in tail moment without significant difference from the negative control. The opposite effect of AgNPs was observed on roots. The increasing tail moment was registered for smaller NPs. Similar results were observed for AuNPs at a concentration of 100 mg·L−1. DNA damaging effects after growing tobacco plants for 8 weeks in soil polluted with AgNPs and AuNPs of different size and concentrations were observed. While lower concentrations of both types of particles had no effect on the integrity of DNA, concentration of 30 mg·kg−1 of AgNPs caused significant DNA damage in leaves of tobacco plants. AuNPs had no effect even at the highest concentration. The content of Ag was determined by ICP–MS in above-ground part of plants (leaves) after 8 weeks of growth in soil with 30 mg·kg−1. AgNPs and was 2.720 ± 0.408 µg·g−1. Long term effect is much less harmful probably due to the plant restoration capability. Full article
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14 pages, 2353 KiB  
Article
Biomolecular Evaluation of Lavandula stoechas L. for Nootropic Activity
by Aamir Mushtaq, Rukhsana Anwar, Umar Farooq Gohar, Mobasher Ahmad, Romina Alina Marc (Vlaic), Crina Carmen Mureşan, Marius Irimie and Elena Bobescu
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061259 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3076
Abstract
Lavandula Stoechas L. is widely known for its pharmacological properties. This study was performed to identify its biomolecules, which are responsible for enhancement of memory. L. stoechas aqueous extract was first purified by liquid column chromatography. The purified fractions were analyzed for in [...] Read more.
Lavandula Stoechas L. is widely known for its pharmacological properties. This study was performed to identify its biomolecules, which are responsible for enhancement of memory. L. stoechas aqueous extract was first purified by liquid column chromatography. The purified fractions were analyzed for in vitro anti-cholinesterase activity. The fraction that produced the best anti-cholinesterase activity was named an active fraction of L. stoechas (AfL.s). This was then subjected to GC–MS for identifications of biomolecules present in it. GC–MS indicated the presence of phenethylamine and α-tocopherol in AfL.s. Different doses of AfL.s were orally administered (for seven days) to scopolamine-induced hyper-amnesic albino mice and then behavioral studies were performed on mice for two days. After that, animals were sacrificed and their brains were isolated to perform the biochemical assay. Results of behavioral studies indicated that AfL.s improved the inflexion ratio in mice, which indicated improvement in retention behavior. Similarly, AfL.s significantly (p < 0.001) reduced acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde contents of mice brain, but on the other hand, it improved the level of choline acetyltransferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. It was found that that high doses of AfL.s (≥400 mg/Kg/p.o.) produced hyper-activity, hyperstimulation, ataxia, seizures, and ultimate death in mice. Its LD50 was calculated as 325 mg/Kg/p.o. The study concludes that α-tocopherol and phenethylamine (a primary amine) present in L. stoechas enhance memory in animal models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spicy and Aromatic Plants)
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10 pages, 1514 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Inducible Transgenic EDS1 and PAD4 in Arabidopsis Confer an Enhanced Disease Resistance at Elevated Temperature
by Junchen Leng, Weishan Tu, Yanbing Hou and Haitao Cui
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061258 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3321
Abstract
Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors greatly affecting plant disease development. High temperature favors outbreaks of many plant diseases, which threaten food security and turn to be a big issue along with climate change and global warming. Here, we found [...] Read more.
Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors greatly affecting plant disease development. High temperature favors outbreaks of many plant diseases, which threaten food security and turn to be a big issue along with climate change and global warming. Here, we found that concurrent constitutive expression of the key immune regulators EDS1 and PAD4 in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced resistance to virulent bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato at elevated temperature; however, autoimmunity-related growth retardation was also observed on these plants at a normal temperature. To balance this growth-defense trade-off, we generated transgenic plants dual expressing EDS1 and PAD4 genes under the control of a thermo-sensitive promoter from the HSP70 gene, whose expression is highly induced at an elevated temperature. Unlike constitutive overexpression lines, the proHSP70-EP transgenic lines exhibited enhanced resistance to bacterial pathogens at an elevated temperature without growth defects at normal condition. Thus, this study provides a potential strategy for genetic manipulation of plants to deal with the simultaneous abiotic and biotic stresses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Molecular Physiology of Abiotic Stress)
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13 pages, 5236 KiB  
Article
Coffee Disease Visualization and Classification
by Milkisa Yebasse, Birhanu Shimelis, Henok Warku, Jaepil Ko and Kyung Joo Cheoi
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061257 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7267
Abstract
Deep learning architectures are widely used in state-of-the-art image classification tasks. Deep learning has enhanced the ability to automatically detect and classify plant diseases. However, in practice, disease classification problems are treated as black-box methods. Thus, it is difficult to trust the model [...] Read more.
Deep learning architectures are widely used in state-of-the-art image classification tasks. Deep learning has enhanced the ability to automatically detect and classify plant diseases. However, in practice, disease classification problems are treated as black-box methods. Thus, it is difficult to trust the model that it truly identifies the region of the disease in the image; it may simply use unrelated surroundings for classification. Visualization techniques can help determine important areas for the model by highlighting the region responsible for the classification. In this study, we present a methodology for visualizing coffee diseases using different visualization approaches. Our goal is to visualize aspects of a coffee disease to obtain insight into what the model “sees” as it learns to classify healthy and non-healthy images. In addition, visualization helped us identify misclassifications and led us to propose a guided approach for coffee disease classification. The guided approach achieved a classification accuracy of 98% compared to the 77% of naïve approach on the Robusta coffee leaf image dataset. The visualization methods considered in this study were Grad-CAM, Grad-CAM++, and Score-CAM. We also provided a visual comparison of the visualization methods. Full article
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11 pages, 1663 KiB  
Article
Differential Detection of the Tobamoviruses Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) and Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Using CRISPR-Cas12a
by Dan Mark Alon, Hagit Hak, Menachem Bornstein, Gur Pines and Ziv Spiegelman
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061256 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 8199
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas12a-based detection is a novel approach for the efficient, sequence-specific identification of viruses. Here we adopt the use of CRISPR/Cas12a to identify the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a new and emerging tobamovirus which is causing substantial damage to the global tomato [...] Read more.
CRISPR/Cas12a-based detection is a novel approach for the efficient, sequence-specific identification of viruses. Here we adopt the use of CRISPR/Cas12a to identify the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a new and emerging tobamovirus which is causing substantial damage to the global tomato industry. Specific CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) were designed to detect either ToBRFV or the closely related tomato mosaic virus (ToMV). This technology enabled the differential detection of ToBRFV and ToMV. Sensitivity assays revealed that viruses can be detected from 15–30 ng of RT-PCR product, and that specific detection could be achieved from a mix of ToMV and ToBRFV. In addition, we show that this method can enable the identification of ToBRFV in samples collected from commercial greenhouses. These results demonstrate a new method for species-specific detection of tobamoviruses. A future combination of this approach with isothermal amplification could provide a platform for efficient and user-friendly ways to distinguish between closely related strains and resistance-breaking pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tobamoviruses and Interacting Viruses in Modern Agriculture)
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12 pages, 3000 KiB  
Article
Development of an Aus-Derived Nested Association Mapping (Aus-NAM) Population in Rice
by Justine K. Kitony, Hidehiko Sunohara, Mikako Tasaki, Jun-Ichi Mori, Akihisa Shimazu, Vincent P. Reyes, Hideshi Yasui, Yoshiyuki Yamagata, Atsushi Yoshimura, Masanori Yamasaki, Shunsaku Nishiuchi and Kazuyuki Doi
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061255 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4531
Abstract
A genetic resource for studying genetic architecture of agronomic traits and environmental adaptation is essential for crop improvements. Here, we report the development of a rice nested association mapping population (aus-NAM) using 7 aus varieties as diversity donors and T65 as [...] Read more.
A genetic resource for studying genetic architecture of agronomic traits and environmental adaptation is essential for crop improvements. Here, we report the development of a rice nested association mapping population (aus-NAM) using 7 aus varieties as diversity donors and T65 as the common parent. Aus-NAM showed broad phenotypic variations. To test whether aus-NAM was useful for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, known flowering genes (Ehd1, Hd1, and Ghd7) in rice were characterized using single-family QTL mapping, joint QTL mapping, and the methods based on genome-wide association study (GWAS). Ehd1 was detected in all the seven families and all the methods. On the other hand, Hd1 and Ghd7 were detected in some families, and joint QTL mapping and GWAS-based methods resulted in weaker and uncertain peaks. Overall, the high allelic variations in aus-NAM provide a valuable genetic resource for the rice community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Resources and Crop Improvement)
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21 pages, 3246 KiB  
Article
Arabidopsis EGY1 Is Critical for Chloroplast Development in Leaf Epidermal Guard Cells
by Alvin Sanjaya, Ryohsuke Muramatsu, Shiho Sato, Mao Suzuki, Shun Sasaki, Hiroki Ishikawa, Yuki Fujii, Makoto Asano, Ryuuichi D. Itoh, Kengo Kanamaru, Sumie Ohbu, Tomoko Abe, Yusuke Kazama and Makoto T. Fujiwara
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061254 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4535
Abstract
In Arabidopsis thaliana, the Ethylene-dependent Gravitropism-deficient and Yellow-green 1 (EGY1) gene encodes a thylakoid membrane-localized protease involved in chloroplast development in leaf mesophyll cells. Recently, EGY1 was also found to be crucial for the maintenance of grana in mesophyll chloroplasts. [...] Read more.
In Arabidopsis thaliana, the Ethylene-dependent Gravitropism-deficient and Yellow-green 1 (EGY1) gene encodes a thylakoid membrane-localized protease involved in chloroplast development in leaf mesophyll cells. Recently, EGY1 was also found to be crucial for the maintenance of grana in mesophyll chloroplasts. To further explore the function of EGY1 in leaf tissues, we examined the phenotype of chloroplasts in the leaf epidermal guard cells and pavement cells of two 40Ar17+ irradiation-derived mutants, Ar50-33-pg1 and egy1-4. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that fully expanded leaves of both egy1 mutants showed severe chlorophyll deficiency in both epidermal cell types. Guard cells in the egy1 mutant exhibited permanent defects in chloroplast formation during leaf expansion. Labeling of plastids with CaMV35S or Protodermal Factor1 (PDF1) promoter-driven stroma-targeted fluorescent proteins revealed that egy1 guard cells contained the normal number of plastids, but with moderately reduced size, compared with wild-type guard cells. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed that the development of thylakoids was impaired in the plastids of egy1 mutant guard mother cells, guard cells, and pavement cells. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that EGY1 is involved in chloroplast formation in the leaf epidermis and is particularly critical for chloroplast differentiation in guard cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology of Plastids)
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11 pages, 970 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Rootstock and High-Density Planting on Apple cv. Auksis Fruit Quality
by Kristina Laužikė, Nobertas Uselis and Giedrė Samuolienė
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061253 - 20 Jun 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4223
Abstract
Global demand for food is increasing each year, but the area of land suitable for farming is limited. Thus, there is a need to grow not only larger quantities of food but also higher quality food products in the same area. This study [...] Read more.
Global demand for food is increasing each year, but the area of land suitable for farming is limited. Thus, there is a need to grow not only larger quantities of food but also higher quality food products in the same area. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of rootstock and high-density orchards on cv. Auksis fruit quality. Two rootstocks were selected for this experiment, P 22 super dwarfing and P 60 dwarfing. Apple trees cv. Auksis were planted in the year 2001 in single rows spaced 1.00 m, 0.75 m, and 0.50 m, apart with 3 m between rows. High-density planting and rootstock combination was found to have no significant effect on sugar accumulation and most of the elements in apple fruits. However, super dwarfing P 22 rootstock accumulated significantly higher (up to 45%) content of organic acids and up to 33%–44% lower DPPH free radical scavering activity compared to P 60 dwarfing rootstock. After summarizing the obtained results, apples which accumulated the most antioxidants (according to the activity of phenolic compounds, DPPH• and ABTS•), magnesium, and potassium were collected from cv. Auksis apple trees which was grafted on super dwarfing P 22 rootstock and planted at 3 × 0.75 m distances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Conference of CYSENI 2021)
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17 pages, 4009 KiB  
Article
Effects of Nocturnal UV-B Irradiation on Growth, Flowering, and Phytochemical Concentration in Leaves of Greenhouse-Grown Red Perilla
by Hideo Yoshida, Tatsuru Nishikawa, Shoko Hikosaka and Eiji Goto
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061252 - 20 Jun 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2765
Abstract
In Japan, red perilla leaves are used in the food and coloring industries, as well as in crude medicine. Perilla leaves contain a high concentration of phytochemicals such as perillaldehyde (PA) and rosmarinic acid (RA). The effects of UV-B radiation intensity (0.05–0.2 W [...] Read more.
In Japan, red perilla leaves are used in the food and coloring industries, as well as in crude medicine. Perilla leaves contain a high concentration of phytochemicals such as perillaldehyde (PA) and rosmarinic acid (RA). The effects of UV-B radiation intensity (0.05–0.2 W m−2, UV-BBE: 0.041–0.083 W m−2), duration (3 or 6 h), and irradiation method (continuous or intermittent) for artificial nocturnal lighting using UV-B fluorescent lamps were evaluated on growth, flowering, and leaf phytochemical concentration in greenhouse-grown perilla. Under continuous UV-B irradiation at 0.1 W m−2 for 3 or 6 h, leaf color changed from red to green and leaf fresh weight decreased, compared with the control treatment. No leaf color change was observed under the 3-h treatment with UV-B radiation at 0.05 W m−2, wherein leaf fresh weight was similar to that of the control. Furthermore, RA concentration under continuous UV-B irradiation at 0.05 W m−2 for 3 h increased two-fold compared to that under control treatment, while PA concentration was not affected by UV-B irradiation. Thus, our data showed that continuous UV-B irradiation at 0.05 W m−2 for 3 h could effectively produce RA-rich perilla leaves without reducing in phenotypic quality or productivity. However, a 6-h intermittent illumination inhibited flowering without altering phytochemical concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Multifaceted Responses of Plants to Visible and Ultraviolet Radiation)
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13 pages, 1481 KiB  
Article
Protocorm-Supporting Fungi Are Retained in Roots of Mature Tipularia discolor Orchids as Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity Increases
by Melissa McCormick, Robert Burnett and Dennis Whigham
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061251 - 20 Jun 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3190
Abstract
Mycorrhizal fungi are critical to understanding the distribution patterns of many plants, but they are especially important for orchids. Some orchids may change the mycorrhizal fungi they use through their lives, either in response to changes in abiotic or biotic conditions, or as [...] Read more.
Mycorrhizal fungi are critical to understanding the distribution patterns of many plants, but they are especially important for orchids. Some orchids may change the mycorrhizal fungi they use through their lives, either in response to changes in abiotic or biotic conditions, or as a result of ontogenetic changes that alter the orchid’s need for fungal nutrition. The temperate terrestrial orchid Tipularia discolor germinates only on decomposing wood, but often persists well after the wood has completely decomposed and has been incorporated into the soil. We used PCR and Sanger sequencing to ask: (1) Do mature T. discolor retain protocorm fungi or are protocorm and adult mycorrhizal fungi mutually exclusive? (2) Are protocorm fungi limited to areas with decomposing wood? (3) Does the abundance of protocorm fungi in the substrate differ between decomposing wood and bare soil? We found that T. discolor retained protocorm fungi into maturity, regardless of whether they were growing in persistent decomposing wood or soil. Protocorm fungi were not restricted to decomposing wood but were more common and abundant in it. We conclude that the mycorrhizal fungi associated with T. discolor change during the ontogeny of individuals. These results highlight the importance of assessing protocorm fungi, in addition to mycorrhizal fungi associating with adult orchids, to understand the conditions needed for orchid germination, growth, and reproduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orchid Distribution, Evolutionary Ecology, and Population Dynamics)
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17 pages, 1915 KiB  
Review
Diverse Biosynthetic Pathways and Protective Functions against Environmental Stress of Antioxidants in Microalgae
by Shun Tamaki, Keiichi Mochida and Kengo Suzuki
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061250 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6816
Abstract
Eukaryotic microalgae have been classified into several biological divisions and have evolutionarily acquired diverse morphologies, metabolisms, and life cycles. They are naturally exposed to environmental stresses that cause oxidative damage due to reactive oxygen species accumulation. To cope with environmental stresses, microalgae contain [...] Read more.
Eukaryotic microalgae have been classified into several biological divisions and have evolutionarily acquired diverse morphologies, metabolisms, and life cycles. They are naturally exposed to environmental stresses that cause oxidative damage due to reactive oxygen species accumulation. To cope with environmental stresses, microalgae contain various antioxidants, including carotenoids, ascorbate (AsA), and glutathione (GSH). Carotenoids are hydrophobic pigments required for light harvesting, photoprotection, and phototaxis. AsA constitutes the AsA-GSH cycle together with GSH and is responsible for photooxidative stress defense. GSH contributes not only to ROS scavenging, but also to heavy metal detoxification and thiol-based redox regulation. The evolutionary diversity of microalgae influences the composition and biosynthetic pathways of these antioxidants. For example, α-carotene and its derivatives are specific to Chlorophyta, whereas diadinoxanthin and fucoxanthin are found in Heterokontophyta, Haptophyta, and Dinophyta. It has been suggested that AsA is biosynthesized via the plant pathway in Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta and via the Euglena pathway in Euglenophyta, Heterokontophyta, and Haptophyta. The GSH biosynthetic pathway is conserved in all biological kingdoms; however, Euglenophyta are able to synthesize an additional thiol antioxidant, trypanothione, using GSH as the substrate. In the present study, we reviewed and discussed the diversity of microalgal antioxidants, including recent findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of the Acclimation Response in Microalgae)
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10 pages, 991 KiB  
Communication
Hydroscapes: A Useful Metric for Distinguishing Iso-/Anisohydric Behavior in Almond Cultivars
by Carolina Álvarez-Maldini, Manuel Acevedo and Manuel Pinto
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061249 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3114
Abstract
As a consequence of climate change, water scarcity has increased the use of the iso-/anisohydric concept with the aim of identifying anisohydric or drought-tolerant genotypes. Recently, Meinzer and colleagues developed a metric for discriminating between iso- and anisohydric behavior called the hydroscape, which [...] Read more.
As a consequence of climate change, water scarcity has increased the use of the iso-/anisohydric concept with the aim of identifying anisohydric or drought-tolerant genotypes. Recently, Meinzer and colleagues developed a metric for discriminating between iso- and anisohydric behavior called the hydroscape, which describes a range in which stomata control leaf water potential (Ψ) with decreasing water availability, and it is linked to several water-regulation and drought-tolerance traits. Thus, our objective was to test the usefulness of the hydroscape in discriminating between iso- and anisohydric Prunus dulcis cultivars, a species that is widely cultivated in Mediterranean central Chile due to its ability to withstand water stress. Through a pot desiccation experiment, we determined that the hydroscape was able to discriminate between two contrasting Prunus cultivars; the more anisohydric cultivar had a hydroscape 4.5 times greater than that of the other cultivar, and the hydroscape correlated with other metrics of plant water-use strategies, such as the maximum range of daily Ψ variation and the Ψ at stomatal closure. Moreover, the photosynthesis rates were also differently affected between cultivars. The more isohydric cultivar, which had a smaller hydroscape, displayed a steeper photosynthesis reduction at progressively lower midday Ψ. This methodology could be further used to identify drought-tolerant anisohydric Prunus cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Physiology and Environmental Stresses)
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11 pages, 2932 KiB  
Article
Downregulation of Polyamine and Diamine Oxidases in Silicon-Treated Cucumber
by Anita Szegő, Iman Mirmazloum, Zsolt Pónya, Oyuntogtokh Bat-Erdene, Mohammad Omran, Erzsébet Kiss-Bába, Márta Gyöngyik and István Papp
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061248 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2903
Abstract
Silicon (Si) is a ubiquitous element in soil with well-known beneficial effects under certain conditions, in several plant species, if supplied in available form for uptake. It may alleviate damage in various stress situations and may also promote growth when no obvious stressors [...] Read more.
Silicon (Si) is a ubiquitous element in soil with well-known beneficial effects under certain conditions, in several plant species, if supplied in available form for uptake. It may alleviate damage in various stress situations and may also promote growth when no obvious stressors are applied. Effects of Si are often linked to mitigation of oxidative stress, in particular to the induction of antioxidant defense mechanisms. In the work presented, the impact of silicon provision on pro-oxidant systems was investigated in cucumber. Plants of the F1 cultivar hybrid ‘Joker’ were grown under in vitro conditions in the absence of any applied external stressor. Silicon provision decreased H2O2 content and lowered lipid peroxidation in the leaves of the treated plants. This was paralleled by declining polyamine oxidase (PAO) and diamine oxidase (DAO) activities. Several PAO as well as lipoxygenase (LOX) genes were coordinately downregulated in Si-treated plants. Unlike in similar systems studied earlier, the Si effect was not associated with an increased transcript level of gene coding for antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest an inhibitory effect of Si provision on pro-oxidant amine oxidases, which may decrease the level of reactive oxygen species by retarding their production. This extends the molecular mechanisms linked to silicon effects onto redox balance in plants. Full article
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25 pages, 3652 KiB  
Review
Xylem Parenchyma—Role and Relevance in Wood Functioning in Trees
by Aleksandra Słupianek, Alicja Dolzblasz and Katarzyna Sokołowska
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061247 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 15319
Abstract
Woody plants are characterised by a highly complex vascular system, wherein the secondary xylem (wood) is responsible for the axial transport of water and various substances. Previous studies have focused on the dead conductive elements in this heterogeneous tissue. However, the living xylem [...] Read more.
Woody plants are characterised by a highly complex vascular system, wherein the secondary xylem (wood) is responsible for the axial transport of water and various substances. Previous studies have focused on the dead conductive elements in this heterogeneous tissue. However, the living xylem parenchyma cells, which constitute a significant functional fraction of the wood tissue, have been strongly neglected in studies on tree biology. Although there has recently been increased research interest in xylem parenchyma cells, the mechanisms that operate in these cells are poorly understood. Therefore, the present review focuses on selected roles of xylem parenchyma and its relevance in wood functioning. In addition, to elucidate the importance of xylem parenchyma, we have compiled evidence supporting the hypothesis on the significance of parenchyma cells in tree functioning and identified the key unaddressed questions in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Anatomy and Biochemistry)
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13 pages, 22127 KiB  
Article
Genetic Variability of Mineral Content in Different Grain Structures of Bean Cultivars from Mesoamerican and Andean Gene Pools
by Douglas Mariani Zeffa, Alison Fernando Nogueira, Juliana Sawada Buratto, Raquel Barboza Reis de Oliveira, José dos Santos Neto and Vânia Moda-Cirino
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061246 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2413
Abstract
Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are an important source of proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients in the diets of millions of people in Latin America and Africa. Studies related to genetic variability in the accumulation and distribution of nutrients are valuable for biofortification programs, [...] Read more.
Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are an important source of proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients in the diets of millions of people in Latin America and Africa. Studies related to genetic variability in the accumulation and distribution of nutrients are valuable for biofortification programs, as there is evidence that the seed coat and embryo differ in the bioavailability of essential nutrients. In this study, we sought to evaluate the genetic variability of total mineral content in the grain and its constituent parts (seed coat, cotyledon, and embryonic axis) of bean genotypes from Mesoamerican and Andean centers of origin. Grain samples of 10 bean cultivars were analyzed for the content of proteins and minerals (Mg, Ca, K, P, Mn, S, Cu, B, Fe, and Zn) in the whole grains and seed coat, cotyledons, and embryonic axis tissues. Genetic variability was observed among the cultivars for protein content and all evaluated minerals. Moreover, differential accumulation of minerals was observed in the seed coat, cotyledons, and embryonic axis. Except for Ca, which accumulated predominantly in the seed coat, higher percentages of minerals were detected in the cotyledons. Furthermore, 100-grain mass values showed negative correlations with the contents of Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Fe, and Mn in whole grains or in the different grain tissues. In general, the Mesoamerican cultivars showed a higher concentration of minerals in the grains, whereas Andean cultivars showed higher concentrations of protein. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Genetic, Molecular, and Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Nutrition)
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15 pages, 3119 KiB  
Article
Baicalein 5,6-Dimethyl Ether Prevents Memory Deficits in the Scopolamine Zebrafish Model by Regulating Cholinergic and Antioxidant Systems
by Ion Brinza, Iriny M. Ayoub, Omayma A. Eldahshan and Lucian Hritcu
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061245 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3746
Abstract
Baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether, a bioactive flavonoid isolated for the first time from Alnus rugosa, was explored for its capability to relieve memory deficits and decrease oxidative stress. We examined the neuropharmacological effects of baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether on scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish (Danio [...] Read more.
Baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether, a bioactive flavonoid isolated for the first time from Alnus rugosa, was explored for its capability to relieve memory deficits and decrease oxidative stress. We examined the neuropharmacological effects of baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether on scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) anxiety, amnesia, and brain oxidative stress and attempted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Anxiety-like behavior, exploratory behavior, and memory performance were measured using novel tank-diving test (NTT), Y-maze, and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. For 10 days, baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether (1, 3, and 5 µg/L) was administered through immersion, whereas Sco (100 μM) was delivered 30 min before behavioral tests. Treatment with baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether reduced anxiety and memory impairment, and increased exploratory behavior in specific tests, along with significant protection from neuronal oxidative stress in the brain tissue of Sco-treated zebrafish. Antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities of baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether in the Sco-induced zebrafish were further confirmed using in vivo assays. In Sco-treated zebrafish, baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether regulated cholinergic function by inhibiting AChE activity. Baicalein 5,6-dimethyl ether may be a promising candidate compound for treating anxiety and amnesia by restoring cholinergic activity and reducing brain oxidative stress, according to our findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts)
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17 pages, 3241 KiB  
Article
The Effect of the Cultivar and Harvest Term on the Yield and Nutritional Value of Rhubarb Juice
by Ivana Mezeyová, Ján Mezey and Alena Andrejiová
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061244 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2505
Abstract
Since scientific interest in rhubarb from a culinary point of view is a relatively new issue, the aim of this study was to test five edible cultivars of Rheum rhabarbarum L. (‘Poncho’, ‘Canadian Red’, ‘Valentine’, ‘Red Champagne’, and ‘Victoria’) from a specific culinary [...] Read more.
Since scientific interest in rhubarb from a culinary point of view is a relatively new issue, the aim of this study was to test five edible cultivars of Rheum rhabarbarum L. (‘Poncho’, ‘Canadian Red’, ‘Valentine’, ‘Red Champagne’, and ‘Victoria’) from a specific culinary perspective, i.e., processing into juice. Total yields (t/ha) were established in six harvests during a two-year field experiment. For juice production and subsequent laboratory analysis, rhubarb petioles from two different harvest terms were used (i.e., harvest term A (HTA) and harvest term B (HTB)). Analyses of total sugar, glucose, fructose, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity, malic acid, and pH level were determined by FT-IR spectrophotometer. Total yields of petioles varied between 28.77 t/ha (‘Canadian Red’) and 45.58 t/ha (‘Red Champagne’) at a density of 11,000 pl/ha. ‘Red Champagne’ significantly (p < 0.05) reached the highest juice yield potential (85%) and the highest values of glucose (9.97 g/L), total soluble solids (4.37 g/L), and total sugars (54.96 g/L). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Evaluation of Plant-Derived Foods)
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18 pages, 471 KiB  
Article
Towards a Joint International Database: Alignment of SSR Marker Data for European Collections of Cherry Germplasm
by Matthew Ordidge, Suzanne Litthauer, Edward Venison, Marine Blouin-Delmas, Felicidad Fernandez-Fernandez, Monika Höfer, Christina Kägi, Markus Kellerhals, Annalisa Marchese, Stephanie Mariette, Hilde Nybom and Daniela Giovannini
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061243 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4563
Abstract
The objective of our study was the alignment of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker data across germplasm collections of cherry within Europe. Through the European Cooperative program for Plant Genetic Resources ECPGR, a number of European germplasm collections had previously been [...] Read more.
The objective of our study was the alignment of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker data across germplasm collections of cherry within Europe. Through the European Cooperative program for Plant Genetic Resources ECPGR, a number of European germplasm collections had previously been analysed using standard sets of SSR loci. However, until now these datasets remained unaligned. We used a combination of standard reference genotypes and ad-hoc selections to compile a central dataset representing as many alleles as possible from national datasets produced in France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland. Through the comparison of alleles called in data from replicated samples we were able to create a series of alignment factors, supported across 448 different allele calls, that allowed us to align a dataset of 2241 SSR profiles from six countries. The proportion of allele comparisons that were either in agreement with the alignment factor or confounded by null alleles ranged from 67% to 100% and this was further improved by the inclusion of a series of allele-specific adjustments. The aligned dataset allowed us to identify groups of previously unknown matching accessions and to identify and resolve a number of errors in the prior datasets. The combined and aligned dataset represents a significant step forward in the co-ordinated management of field collections of cherry in Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Genetic Resources and Breeding of Clonally Propagated Crops)
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16 pages, 1138 KiB  
Article
Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid Improves Water Stress Tolerance in Conocarpus erectus L. and Populus deltoides L. Saplings: Evidence from Morphological, Physiological, and Biochemical Changes
by Zikria Zafar, Fahad Rasheed, Rana Muhammad Atif, Muhammad Asif Javed, Muhammad Maqsood and Oliver Gailing
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061242 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2946
Abstract
Reforestation efforts are being challenged as water stress is hampering the sapling growth and survival in arid to semiarid regions. A controlled experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on water stress tolerance of Conocarpus erectus [...] Read more.
Reforestation efforts are being challenged as water stress is hampering the sapling growth and survival in arid to semiarid regions. A controlled experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on water stress tolerance of Conocarpus erectus and Populus deltoides. Saplings were watered at 90%, 60%, and 30% of field capacity (FC), and half of the saplings under 60% and 30% FC were sprayed with 1.0 mM SA. Results indicated that dry weight production decreased significantly in Populus deltoides under both water deficit conditions, and leaf gas exchange parameters decreased significantly in both the species under both soil water deficit conditions. Foliar application of SA resulted in a significant increase in leaf gas exchange parameters, and compatible solutes, thereby increasing the dry weight production in both of the species under soil water deficit. Oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions) increased under soil water deficit and decreased after the foliar application of SA and was parallel to the increased antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase). Therefore, it can be concluded that foliar application of 1.0 mM SA can significantly improve the water stress tolerance in both species, however, positive impacts of SA application were higher in Conocarpus erectus due to improved photosynthetic capacity and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. Full article
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14 pages, 2626 KiB  
Article
Regulation of Botrytis cinerea Infection and Gene Expression in Cut Roses by Using Nano Silver and Salicylic Acid
by Suong Tuyet Thi Ha, Yong-Tae Kim, Yong Ho Jeon, Hyong Woo Choi and Byung-Chun In
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061241 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3844
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) is one of the necrotrophic pathogens resulting in the heaviest commercial losses in cut rose flowers, and the severity of gray mold disease partly depends on the presence of ethylene during the storage and transport. The effectiveness [...] Read more.
Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) is one of the necrotrophic pathogens resulting in the heaviest commercial losses in cut rose flowers, and the severity of gray mold disease partly depends on the presence of ethylene during the storage and transport. The effectiveness of nano silver (NS) and salicylic acid (SA) was assessed as a novel control agent in protecting the cut rose flowers against B. cinerea infection and ethylene damages. The efficacy of NS and SA was compared with an inoculated control (CON). A non-treated control (NT) was also used to evaluate the natural infection process. The results indicated that pretreatment with 20 mg L−1 NS significantly reduced B. cinerea growth in rose petals during vase periods. NS effectively suppressed the mRNA levels of ethylene biosynthesis genes (RhACS2, RhACS4, and RhACO1) and the reduction in expression levels of ethylene receptor genes (RhETR1, RhETR2, and RhETR5) and the downstream regulator RhCTR2 in rose petals after B. cinerea inoculation. NS application also decreased the expression of the B. cinerea snod-prot-like 1 (Bcspl1) gene which acts as the virulence factor in cut roses. In NS flowers, the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) value was higher and the leaf temperature was lower on day 1, suggesting that these factors can be used for detecting B. cinerea infection and water stress in cut rose flowers. Furthermore, NS improved water relations and extended the vase life of cut rose flowers by 3.3 d, compared with that of NT flowers. In contrast, SA had no inhibitive effects on both B. cinerea growth and ethylene response in cut roses. The findings from the present study highlight NS as a promising new candidate for preventing B. cinerea infection and ethylene damages and for improving the postharvest quality of cut roses exported overseas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell Signalling under Stress)
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18 pages, 4467 KiB  
Article
Cleaning the Medicago Microarray Database to Improve Gene Function Analysis
by Francesca Marzorati, Chu Wang, Giulio Pavesi, Luca Mizzi and Piero Morandini
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061240 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3305
Abstract
Transcriptomics studies have been facilitated by the development of microarray and RNA-Seq technologies, with thousands of expression datasets available for many species. However, the quality of data can be highly variable, making the combined analysis of different datasets difficult and unreliable. Most of [...] Read more.
Transcriptomics studies have been facilitated by the development of microarray and RNA-Seq technologies, with thousands of expression datasets available for many species. However, the quality of data can be highly variable, making the combined analysis of different datasets difficult and unreliable. Most of the microarray data for Medicago truncatula, the barrel medic, have been stored and made publicly accessible on the web database Medicago truncatula Gene Expression atlas (MtGEA). The aim of this work is to ameliorate the quality of the MtGEA database through a general method based on logical and statistical relationships among parameters and conditions. The initial 716 columns available in the dataset were reduced to 607 by evaluating the quality of data through the sum of the expression levels over the entire transcriptome probes and Pearson correlation among hybridizations. The reduced dataset shows great improvements in the consistency of the data, with a reduction in both false positives and false negatives resulting from Pearson correlation and GO enrichment analysis among genes. The approach we used is of general validity and our intent is to extend the analysis to other plant microarray databases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Analysis of Medicago Spp.)
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11 pages, 2455 KiB  
Article
Identification of Gene Associated with Sweetness in Corn (Zea mays L.) by Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and Development of a Functional SNP Marker for Predicting Sweet Corn
by Vinitchan Ruanjaichon, Kanogporn Khammona, Burin Thunnom, Khundej Suriharn, Chalong Kerdsri, Wanchana Aesomnuk, Arweewut Yongsuwan, Naraporn Chaomueang, Paradee Thammapichai, Siwaret Arikit, Samart Wanchana and Theerayut Toojinda
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061239 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5522
Abstract
Sweetness is an economically important eating quality trait for sweet-corn breeding. To investigate the genetic control of the sweetness trait, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in an association panel consisting of 250 sweet corn and waxy corn inbred and recombinant inbred [...] Read more.
Sweetness is an economically important eating quality trait for sweet-corn breeding. To investigate the genetic control of the sweetness trait, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in an association panel consisting of 250 sweet corn and waxy corn inbred and recombinant inbred lines (RILs), together with the genotypes obtained from the high-density 600K maize genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. GWAS results identified 12 significantly associated SNPs on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, and 7. The most associated SNP, AX_91849634, was found on chromosome 3 with a highly significant p-value of ≤1.53 × 10−14. The candidate gene identified within the linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this marker was shrunken2 (Zm00001d044129; sh2), which encodes ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), a 60 kDa subunit enzyme that affects starch metabolism in the maize endosperm. Several SNP markers specific to variants in sh2 were developed and validated. According to the validation in a set of 81 inbred, RIL, and popular corn varieties, marker Sh2_rs844805326, which was developed on the basis of the SNP at the position 154 of exon 1, was highly efficient in classifying sh2-based sweet corn from other types of corn. This functional marker is extremely useful for marker-assisted breeding in sh2-sweet corn improvement and marketable seed production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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56 pages, 2374 KiB  
Review
Innovative Delivery Systems Loaded with Plant Bioactive Ingredients: Formulation Approaches and Applications
by Anastasia Kyriakoudi, Eleni Spanidi, Ioannis Mourtzinos and Konstantinos Gardikis
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061238 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 7510
Abstract
Plants constitute a rich source of diverse classes of valuable phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids) with proven biological activity (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, etc.). However, factors such as low stability, poor solubility and bioavailability limit their food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications. [...] Read more.
Plants constitute a rich source of diverse classes of valuable phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids) with proven biological activity (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, etc.). However, factors such as low stability, poor solubility and bioavailability limit their food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications. In this regard, a wide range of delivery systems have been developed to increase the stability of plant-derived bioactive compounds upon processing, storage or under gastrointestinal digestion conditions, to enhance their solubility, to mask undesirable flavors as well as to efficiently deliver them to the target tissues where they can exert their biological activity and promote human health. In the present review, the latest advances regarding the design of innovative delivery systems for pure plant bioactive compounds, extracts or essential oils, in order to overcome the above-mentioned challenges, are presented. Moreover, a broad spectrum of applications along with future trends are critically discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnological or Innovative Formulation Approaches for Efficient Delivery of Plant Ingredients)
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14 pages, 328 KiB  
Article
Advanced Characterization of Hemp Flour (Cannabis sativa L.) from Dacia Secuieni and Zenit Varieties, Compared to Wheat Flour
by Iulian-Eugen Rusu, Romina Alina Marc (Vlaic), Crina Carmen Mureşan, Andruţa Elena Mureşan, Miuţa Rafila Filip, Bogdan-Mihai Onica, Kádár Balázs Csaba, Ersilia Alexa, Lidia Szanto and Sevastiţa Muste
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061237 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3586
Abstract
The advanced characterization of flour from hemp seeds (edible fruits of Cannabis sativa L.) from the Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties, compared to wheat flour, was studied in this research. The aim was to present the characterization of 2 varieties, out of the [...] Read more.
The advanced characterization of flour from hemp seeds (edible fruits of Cannabis sativa L.) from the Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties, compared to wheat flour, was studied in this research. The aim was to present the characterization of 2 varieties, out of the 70 accepted in Europe, for human consumption. The varieties selected from hemp meet the THC level requirement (0.3 or 0.2% of the dry weight of the reproductive part of the female flowering plant) in seeds. Hemp flour was obtained by grinding. The flour samples were evaluated for physicochemical parameters (moisture, crude protein, lipids, ash, crude fiber), the content of micro and macro elements, fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. The total proteins in hemp flour are found in larger quantities by over 35% compared to wheat flour, and the lipids reach the threshold of 28%. The amount of mineral substances exceeds 3% in hemp flour, and the fibers exceed 26%, compared to 0.61% for wheat flour. The predominant mineral substances were K, Ca, Mg, p, Fe, and Mn. The predominant fatty acids were the unsaturated ones, predominantly being linoleic acid, followed by oleic and gamma-linoleic acid. In the case of amino acids, the highest amount is found in glutamic acid for hemp flours. As for carbohydrates, sucrose is found in the largest amount, followed by glucose and fructose. In conclusion, hemp flours have superior non-traditional characteristics to wheat flour, being a potential raw material for fortifying food or using them as such, having beneficial effects of consumption on the proper functioning of the human body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Plants)
17 pages, 3037 KiB  
Article
Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) in Response to Light of Different Wavelengths and Carbon Dioxide Enrichment
by Vun Yee Thien, Kenneth Francis Rodrigues, Christopher Lok Yung Voo, Clemente Michael Vui Ling Wong and Wilson Thau Lym Yong
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061236 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3449
Abstract
Rhodophyta (red algae) comprises over 6000 species, however, there have only been a few comparative transcriptomic studies due to their under-representation in genomic databases. Kappaphycus alvarezii, a Gigartinales algae, is a valuable source of carrageenan and is extensively cultivated in many countries. [...] Read more.
Rhodophyta (red algae) comprises over 6000 species, however, there have only been a few comparative transcriptomic studies due to their under-representation in genomic databases. Kappaphycus alvarezii, a Gigartinales algae, is a valuable source of carrageenan and is extensively cultivated in many countries. The majority of seaweed farming in Southeast Asia is done in intertidal zones under varying light (i.e., spectra and irradiance) and carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions, which affects the rate of photosynthesis. This study conducted transcriptome profiling to investigate the photosynthetic mechanisms in K. alvarezii exposed to different wavelengths of light (i.e., blue, green, and red light, in comparison to white light) and CO2 availability. We analyzed the responses of photosynthetic protein complexes to light and observed that light of different wavelengths regulates a similar set of photosynthetic apparatuses. Under CO2 enrichment, genes encoding C3 and C4 enzymes were found to be actively transcribed, suggesting the likely shift in the carbon metabolism pathway or the involvement of these genes in adaptive physiological processes. This study contributes to the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in red algae and has implications for the culture and commercial production of these economically valuable macroalgae. Full article
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22 pages, 4320 KiB  
Article
Identification of the Group III WRKY Subfamily and the Functional Analysis of GhWRKY53 in Gossypium hirsutum L.
by Dongjie Yang, Yuanyuan Liu, Hailiang Cheng, Qiaolian Wang, Limin Lv, Youping Zhang, Guoli Song and Dongyun Zuo
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061235 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3065
Abstract
WRKY transcription factors had multiple functions in plant secondary metabolism, leaf senescence, fruit ripening, adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress, and plant growth and development. However, knowledge of the group III WRKY subfamily in fiber development in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) [...] Read more.
WRKY transcription factors had multiple functions in plant secondary metabolism, leaf senescence, fruit ripening, adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress, and plant growth and development. However, knowledge of the group III WRKY subfamily in fiber development in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is largely absent. Previous studies have shown that there were 21 putative group III WRKY members in G. hirsutum L. These putative amino acid sequences from the III WRKY group were phylogenetically clustered into three clades. Multiple alignment, conservative motif analysis, and gene structure analysis showed that the members clustered together in the phylogenetic tree had similar motifs and gene structures. Expression pattern analysis revealed that variation in the expression levels of these genes in different tissues and fiber development stages. To better understand the functions of putative group III WRKY genes in G. hirsutum L., we selected the cotton fiber initiation-related gene GhWRKY53 for cloning and functional identification. The subcellular localization experiment of GhWRKY53 in Nicotiana tabacum leaves showed that it was located in the nucleus. The heterologous expression of GhWRKY53 in Arabidopsis thaliana could significantly increase the density of trichomes. Twelve proteins that interacted with GhWRKY53 were screened from the cotton fiber cDNA library by yeast two-hybrid experiment. This study findings lay a foundation for further research on the role of the GhWRKY53 during cotton fiber development and provide a new insight for further studying putative group III WRKY genes in G. hirsutum L. Our research results also provide vital information for the genetic mechanism of high-quality cotton fiber formation and essential genetic resources for cotton fiber quality improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Exploration and Application of Useful Agricultural Genes)
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16 pages, 3952 KiB  
Article
The Anti-Inflammatory and the Antinociceptive Effects of Mixed Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Extract
by Jing-Hui Feng, Hyun-Yong Kim, Su-Min Sim, Guang-Lei Zuo, Jeon-Sub Jung, Seung-Hwan Hwang, Youn-Gil Kwak, Min-Jung Kim, Jeong-Hun Jo, Sung-Chan Kim, Soon-Sung Lim and Hong-Won Suh
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061234 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3813
Abstract
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. Previously, we reported that the mixture extract (ME) from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (AP) and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) could ameliorate gout arthritis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate [...] Read more.
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. Previously, we reported that the mixture extract (ME) from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (AP) and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) could ameliorate gout arthritis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of ME and characterize the mechanism. We compared the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of a positive control, Perna canaliculus powder (PC). The results showed that one-off and one-week treatment of ME reduced the pain threshold in a dose-dependent manner (from 10 to 100 mg/kg) in the mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) model. ME also reduced the plasma TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, ME inhibited the release of NO, PGE2, LTB4, and IL-6, increased the phosphorylation of PPAR-γ protein, and downregulated TNF-α and MAPKs proteins expression in a concentration-dependent (from 1 to 100 µg/mL) manner. Furthermore, ME ameliorated the progression of ear edema in mice. In most of the experiments, ME-induced effects were almost equal to, or were higher than, PC-induced effects. Conclusions: The data presented here suggest that ME shows anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, indicating ME may be a potential therapeutic for arthritis treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts)
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15 pages, 2111 KiB  
Article
Fractionation and Distribution of Rare Earth Elements in Marine Sediment and Bioavailability in Avicennia marina in Central Red Sea Mangrove Ecosystems
by Abdullahi Bala Alhassan and Mohammed Othman Aljahdali
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061233 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2970
Abstract
Rare earth element fractionation and distribution in the coastal ecosystem have been of significant concern and are recognized worldwide as emerging micro-pollutants. However, unlike other metals such as trace elements, little is known about their uptake by aquatic plants such as the mangrove [...] Read more.
Rare earth element fractionation and distribution in the coastal ecosystem have been of significant concern and are recognized worldwide as emerging micro-pollutants. However, unlike other metals such as trace elements, little is known about their uptake by aquatic plants such as the mangrove Avicennia marina, especially in the central Red Sea. We investigated the fractionation of rare earth elements in six mangrove ecosystems in the central Red Sea and bioavailability in mangrove A. marina. The concentrations of rare earth elements, sediment grain sizes, multi-elemental ratios, geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) vary significantly (p < 0.05) across the six mangrove ecosystems. Higher concentrations of rare earth elements were recorded at Al Lith (LT) (101.53 mg/kg) and South Jeddah (SJ) (73.38 mg/kg) mangrove ecosystems. However, multi-elemental ratio R(M/L) reveals positive values. In contrast, multi-elemental ratio R(H/M) reveals negative values corresponding to fractionation patterns enriched with medium rare earth elements and heavy rare earth elements depletion across the six mangrove ecosystems. BCF values for rare earth elements were <1, but Lutetium (0.32) had the highest BCF among the rare earth elements, suggesting an efficient accumulation of Lutetium than any other rare earth elements. The scale of Igeo revealed strong contamination (4 ≤ Igeo ≥ 5) of sediment with Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodynium, Samarium, Godolinium, Holmium, Erbium, Ytterbium, and moderate contamination with Thulium, Terbium, and Dysprosium (1 ≤ Igeo ≤ 3). Principal component analysis showed that clay silt sediment grain size influences rare earth element concentrations in the central Red Sea. Our results provide new evidence for rare earth element fractionation and accumulation in sediment and the potential use of mangrove A. marina for rare earth element monitoring in mangrove ecosystems in the central Red Sea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Plants to Absorb Xenobiotics)
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13 pages, 3638 KiB  
Article
Induction of Polyploidy and Metabolic Profiling in the Medicinal Herb Wedelia chinensis
by Yung-Ting Tsai, Po-Yen Chen and Kin-Ying To
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061232 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3764
Abstract
Wedelia chinensis, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, is a procumbent, perennial herb. It has medicinal anti-inflammatory properties and has been traditionally used as folk medicine in East and South Asia for treating fever, cough and phlegm. In Taiwan, W. chinensis is [...] Read more.
Wedelia chinensis, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, is a procumbent, perennial herb. It has medicinal anti-inflammatory properties and has been traditionally used as folk medicine in East and South Asia for treating fever, cough and phlegm. In Taiwan, W. chinensis is a common ingredient of herbal tea. Previous studies showed that the plant leaves contain four major bioactive compounds, wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone, luteolin and apigenin, that have potent antihepatoxic activity, and are thus used as major ingredients in phytopharmaceutical formulations. In this study, we set up optimal conditions for induction of ploidy in W. chinensis. Ploidy can be an effective method of increasing plant biomass and improving medicinal and ornamental characteristics. By using flow cytometry and chicken erythrocyte nuclei as a reference, the DNA content (2C) or genome size of W. chinensis was determined to be 4.80 picograms (pg) in this study for the first time. Subsequently, we developed the successful induction of five triploid and three tetraploid plants by using shoot explants treated with different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 g/L) of colchicine. No apparent morphological changes were observed between these polyploid plants and the diploid wild-type (WT) plant, except that larger stomata in leaves were found in all polyploid plants as compared to diploid WT. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify the four index compounds (wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone, luteolin, apigenin) in these polyploid plants, and fluctuating patterns were detected. This is the first report regarding polyploidy in the herbal plant W. chinensis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Regeneration and Organ Formation)
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10 pages, 1834 KiB  
Communication
A Natural Botanical Product, Resveratrol, Effectively Suppresses Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Infection In Vitro
by Shih-Chao Lin, Xiang Zhang, Caitlin W. Lehman, Han-Chi Pan, Ya Wen and Shiow-Yi Chen
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061231 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2380
Abstract
Numerous natural phytochemicals such as resveratrol are acknowledged as potent botanical agents in regulating immune responses. However, it is less understood whether such immunomodulatory phytochemicals are appropriate for use as direct treatments in veterinary viral diseases. In the present study, we investigated the [...] Read more.
Numerous natural phytochemicals such as resveratrol are acknowledged as potent botanical agents in regulating immune responses. However, it is less understood whether such immunomodulatory phytochemicals are appropriate for use as direct treatments in veterinary viral diseases. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of resveratrol in suppressing vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection. Outbreaks of VSV can cause massive economic loss in poultry and livestock husbandry farming, and VSV treatment is in need of therapeutic development. We utilized a recombinant VSV that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) to measure viral replication in cells treated with resveratrol. Our findings revealed that resveratrol treatment affords a protective effect, shown by increased viability and reduced viral replication, as indicated by a reduction in fluorescent signals. Additionally, we found that resveratrol inhibition of VSV infection occurs via suppression of the caspase cascade. Structural analysis also indicated that resveratrol potentially interacts with the active sites of caspase-3 and -7, facilitating antiviral activity. The potential effect of resveratrol on reducing VSV infection in vitro suggests that resveratrol should be further investigated as a potential veterinary therapeutic or prophylactic agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Bioactive Substances in Plant Extracts)
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