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Volume 10
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Plants, Volume 10, Issue 7 (July 2021) – 227 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The incredible success of crop breeding in the last century greatly contributed to the Green Revolution, which significantly increased yields and ensured food security. New challenges, such as rapid climate change and the accumulation of pollutants, require much faster responses and more effective solutions that cannot be achieved in full expectation through traditional breeding. Further prospects for increasing the efficiency of agriculture are associated with the inclusion of high-throughput techniques and new tools for genome editing in the breeding strategy. This article provides an overview of the current state of the research in these areas and proposes an integrated approach that combines a wide range of the modern techniques and omics technologies to improve crop breeding and food security strategies. View this paper
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10 pages, 3232 KiB  
Communication
High-Throughput Sequencing Indicates a Novel Marafivirus in Grapevine Showing Vein-Clearing Symptoms
by Xudong Fan, Zunping Zhang, Chen Li, Fang Ren, Guojun Hu, Baodong Zhang and Yafeng Dong
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071487 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2669
Abstract
A putative new marafivirus was identified in a ‘Jumeigui’ grapevine exhibitting obvious vein-clearing symptoms by high-throughput sequencing, which tentatively named grapevine-associated marafivirus (GaMV). The nearly complete genomic sequence of GaMV was amplified by reverse transcription PCR, and the terminal sequences were determined using [...] Read more.
A putative new marafivirus was identified in a ‘Jumeigui’ grapevine exhibitting obvious vein-clearing symptoms by high-throughput sequencing, which tentatively named grapevine-associated marafivirus (GaMV). The nearly complete genomic sequence of GaMV was amplified by reverse transcription PCR, and the terminal sequences were determined using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. The nearly complete genome of GaMV is 6346 bp long, excluding the poly(A) tail, and shows 51.2–62.3% nucleotide identity with other members of the genera Marafivirus, Maculavirus and Tymovirus in the family Tymoviridae. Additionally, it includes five functional domains homologous to those found in members of these genera. A phylogenetic analysis showed that GaMV clustered with other species-related marafiviruses. These data support GaMV being a representative member of a novel species in the genus Marafivirus. Furthermore, GaMV was graft-transmissible and 26 of 516 (5.04%) grapevine samples from five provinces in China tested positive by reverse transcription PCR. The coat protein of GaMV isolates shared 91.7–100% and 96.7–100% identities at the nt and aa levels, respectively. The coat protein-based phylogenetic trees revealed three well-defined clusters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Findings in Plant Virology toward Guiding Rational Control Strategies)
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19 pages, 9531 KiB  
Article
Typification and Taxonomic Remarks on Names of Iris (Iridaceae) Associated with the Turkish Flora
by Eugeny V. Boltenkov, Adil Güner and Alexander A. Kuznetsov
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071486 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3164
Abstract
In view of the forthcoming review of Turkish irises for Resimli Türkiye Florası (The Illustrated Flora of Turkey), nineteen names are typified or nomenclatural remarks are provided in the present report. Lectotypes are designated for Iris aschersonii, I. attica, [...] Read more.
In view of the forthcoming review of Turkish irises for Resimli Türkiye Florası (The Illustrated Flora of Turkey), nineteen names are typified or nomenclatural remarks are provided in the present report. Lectotypes are designated for Iris aschersonii, I. attica, I. bornmuelleri, I. purpureobractea (a taxonomic synonym of I. junonia), I. reticulata var. cyanea, I. reticulata var. sophenensis, I. suaveolens and I. taochia. The second-step lectotypification is made for I. histrio. Neotypes are designated for the names I. histrioides, I. junonia, I. masiae and I. reticulata var. histrioides; epitype, for the name I. reticulata var. sophenensis. For the previously typified names, I. bakeriana, I. musulmanica and I. reticulata, lectotypes are given. The lectotypes for I. histrio var. aintabensis, I. schachtii, and Xiphion danfordiae and the authorship for I. histrioides, are corrected. Images are provided for eight specimens selected as types that are not available online. Notes on distribution in Turkey are provided for all the accepted taxa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nomenclature)
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38 pages, 1682 KiB  
Review
Anything New under the Sun? An Update on Modulation of Bioactive Compounds by Different Wavelengths in Agricultural Plants
by Marco Santin, Annamaria Ranieri and Antonella Castagna
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071485 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4209
Abstract
Plants continuously rely on light as an energy source and as the driver of many processes in their lifetimes. The ability to perceive different light radiations involves several photoreceptors, which in turn activate complex signalling cascades that ultimately lead to a rearrangement in [...] Read more.
Plants continuously rely on light as an energy source and as the driver of many processes in their lifetimes. The ability to perceive different light radiations involves several photoreceptors, which in turn activate complex signalling cascades that ultimately lead to a rearrangement in plant metabolism as an adaptation strategy towards specific light conditions. This review, after a brief summary of the structure and mode of action of the different photoreceptors, introduces the main classes of secondary metabolites and specifically focuses on the influence played by the different wavelengths on the content of these compounds in agricultural plants, because of their recognised roles as nutraceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Multifaceted Responses of Plants to Visible and Ultraviolet Radiation)
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14 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Wheat Germplasm for Resistance to Leaf Rust (Puccinia triticina) and Identification of the Sources of Lr Resistance Genes Using Molecular Markers
by Alma Kokhmetova, Shynbolat Rsaliyev, Makpal Atishova, Madina Kumarbayeva, Angelina Malysheva, Zhenis Keishilov, Danna Zhanuzak and Ardak Bolatbekova
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071484 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3501
Abstract
Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina (Ptr), is a significant disease of spring wheat spread in Kazakhstan. The development of resistant cultivars importantly requires the effective use of leaf rust resistance genes. This study aims to: (i) determine variation in Ptr [...] Read more.
Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina (Ptr), is a significant disease of spring wheat spread in Kazakhstan. The development of resistant cultivars importantly requires the effective use of leaf rust resistance genes. This study aims to: (i) determine variation in Ptr population using races from the East Kazakhstan, Akmola, and Almaty regions of Kazakhstan; (ii) examine resistance during seedling and adult plant stages; and (iii) identify the sources of Lr resistance genes among the spring wheat collection using molecular markers. Analysis of a mixed population of Ptr identified 25 distinct pathotypes. Analysis of these pathotypes using 16 Thatcher lines that are near-isogenic for leaf rust resistance genes (Lr) showed different virulence patterns, ranging from least virulent “CJF/B” and “JCL/G” to highly virulent “TKT/Q”. Most of the pathotypes were avirulent to Lr9, Lr19, Lr24, and Lr25 and virulent to Lr1, Lr2a, Lr3ka, Lr11, and Lr30. The Ptr population in Kazakhstan is diverse, as indicated by the range of virulence observed in five different races analyzed in this study. The number of genotypes showed high levels of seedling resistance to each of the five Ptr races, thus confirming genotypic diversity. Two genotypes, Stepnaya 62 and Omskaya 37, were highly resistant to almost all five tested Ptr pathotypes. Stepnaya 62, Omskaya 37, Avangard, Kazakhstanskaya rannespelaya, and Kazakhstanskaya 25 were identified as the most stable genotypes for seedling resistance. However, most of the varieties from Kazakhstan were susceptible in the seedling stage. Molecular screening of these genotypes showed contrasting differences in the genes frequencies. Among the 30 entries, 22 carried leaf rust resistance gene Lr1, and two had Lr9 and Lr68. Lr10 and Lr28 were found in three and four cultivars, respectively. Lr19 was detected in Omskaya 37. Two single cultivars separately carried Lr26 and Lr34, while Lr37 was not detected in any genotypes within this study. Field evaluation demonstrated that the most frequent Lr1 gene is ineffective. Kazakhstanskaya 19 and Omskaya 37 had the highest number of resistance genes: three and four Lr genes, respectively. Two gene combinations (Lr1, Lr68) were detected in Erythrospermum 35 and Astana. The result obtained may assist breeders in incorporating effective Lr genes into new cultivars and developing cultivars resistant to leaf rust. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding of Crop Disease-Resistant Cultivars)
12 pages, 2268 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Mutants That Exhibit Strong Positive Phototaxis
by Jun Morishita, Ryutaro Tokutsu, Jun Minagawa, Toru Hisabori and Ken-ichi Wakabayashi
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071483 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4959
Abstract
The most motile phototrophic organisms exhibit photo-induced behavioral responses (photobehavior) to inhabit better light conditions for photosynthesis. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an excellent model organism to study photobehavior. Several years ago, we found that C. reinhardtii cells reverse their phototactic [...] Read more.
The most motile phototrophic organisms exhibit photo-induced behavioral responses (photobehavior) to inhabit better light conditions for photosynthesis. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an excellent model organism to study photobehavior. Several years ago, we found that C. reinhardtii cells reverse their phototactic signs (i.e., positive and negative phototaxis) depending on the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated in the cell. However, its molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we isolated seven mutants showing positive phototaxis, even after the induction of negative phototaxis (ap1~7: always positive) to understand the ROS-dependent regulatory mechanism for the phototactic sign. We found no common feature in the mutants regarding their growth, high-light tolerance, and photosynthetic phenotypes. Interestingly, five of them grew faster than the wild type. These data suggest that the ROS-dependent regulation of the phototactic sign is not a single pathway and is affected by various cellular factors. Additionally, the isolation and analyses of mutants with defects in phototactic-sign regulation may provide clues for their application to the efficient cultivation of algae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of the Acclimation Response in Microalgae)
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16 pages, 3347 KiB  
Article
Root Foraging Precision of Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel Subjected to Contrasting Light Spectra
by Chunxia He, Jun Gao, Yan Zhao and Jing Liu
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071482 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2414
Abstract
Root foraging behavior in heterogeneous patterns of soil nutrients is not well understood for undergrowth in alpine forests, where light spectra may generate an interactive effect on root foraging precision. A dwarf alpine species, Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel., was cultured in pots where [...] Read more.
Root foraging behavior in heterogeneous patterns of soil nutrients is not well understood for undergrowth in alpine forests, where light spectra may generate an interactive effect on root foraging precision. A dwarf alpine species, Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel., was cultured in pots where nitrogen (N)–phosphorus (P)–potassium (K) nutritional granules (N–P2O5–K2O, 14–13–13) were added to both halves of an inner space at a rate of 67.5 mg N (homogeneous) or 135 mg N to a random half (heterogeneous). Potted seedlings were subjected to either a green-and-blue light spectrum with a red-to-green light ratio of 4.24 (15.3% red, 64.9% green, and 19.8% blue) or a red-light enriched spectrum (69.4% red, 30.2% green, and 0.4% blue) both at irradiations of 200.43 µmol m−2 s−1. The root foraging precision was assessed by the difference in the fine root morphology or weight between the two halves. The foraging precision was assessed by both fine root length and surface area and was promoted in seedlings subjected to the heterogeneous pattern in the red-light enriched spectrum. Seedlings subjected to the green-and-blue light spectrum showed lower shoot growth, biomass, and root morphology but had higher shoot and root N and P concentrations. The heterogenous pattern resulted in greater seedling growth and fine root morphology as well as N and P concentrations compared to the homogeneous pattern. We conclude that P. pumila has a strong ability to forage nutrients in heterogenous soil nutrients, which can be further promoted by a spectrum with higher red-light proportions. Full article
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11 pages, 3169 KiB  
Article
Efficient CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Targeted Mutagenesis in Spring and Winter Wheat Varieties
by Florian Hahn, Laura Sanjurjo Loures, Caroline A. Sparks, Kostya Kanyuka and Vladimir Nekrasov
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071481 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3942
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas technology has recently become the molecular tool of choice for gene function studies in plants as well as crop improvement. Wheat is a globally important staple crop with a well annotated genome and there is plenty of scope for improving its agriculturally [...] Read more.
CRISPR/Cas technology has recently become the molecular tool of choice for gene function studies in plants as well as crop improvement. Wheat is a globally important staple crop with a well annotated genome and there is plenty of scope for improving its agriculturally important traits using genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas. As part of this study we targeted three different genes in hexaploid wheat Triticum aestivum: TaBAK1-2 in the spring cultivar Cadenza as well as Ta-eIF4E and Ta-eIF(iso)4E in winter cultivars Cezanne, Goncourt and Prevert. Primary transgenic lines carrying CRISPR/Cas-induced indels were successfully generated for all targeted genes. While BAK1 is an important regulator of plant immunity and development, Ta-eIF4E and Ta-eIF(iso)4E act as susceptibility (S) factors required for plant viruses from the Potyviridae family to complete their life cycle. We anticipate the resultant homozygous tabak1-2 mutant lines will facilitate studies on the involvement of BAK1 in immune responses in wheat, while ta-eif4e and ta-eif(iso)4e mutant lines have the potential to become a source of resistance to wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSMV) and wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV), both of which are important pathogens of wheat. As winter wheat varieties are generally less amenable to genetic transformation, the successful experimental methodology for transformation and genome editing in winter wheat presented in this study will be of interest to the research community working with this crop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wheat Crop Improvement (by Transgenic and Conventional Breeding Methods))
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12 pages, 1941 KiB  
Article
Effect of Three Types of Ion Beam Irradiation on Gerbera (Gerbera hybrida) In Vitro Shoots with Mutagenesis Efficiency
by Tomoya Hosoguchi, Yuna Uchiyama, Hinata Komazawa, Masaki Yahata, Takashi Shimokawa and Akiyoshi Tominaga
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071480 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4719
Abstract
Gerbera in vitro shoots were irradiated using three types of ion beams with different line energy transfers (LETs) to investigate the effective LET and absorbed doses for mutagenesis. Furthermore, genomic mutation analyses were conducted on the obtained mutants. Survival rate analysis showed a [...] Read more.
Gerbera in vitro shoots were irradiated using three types of ion beams with different line energy transfers (LETs) to investigate the effective LET and absorbed doses for mutagenesis. Furthermore, genomic mutation analyses were conducted on the obtained mutants. Survival rate analysis showed a lower lethal dose 50% (LD50) with ion beams with higher LETs. Trait/morphological mutations exhibited changes in the color and shape of petals and male sterility. Irradiation conditions with the highest growth change and trait/morphological mutation rates in each ion were C irradiation at 10 Gy, Ar irradiation at 5 Gy, and Fe irradiation at 5 Gy, with a range of absorbed dose of around LD50 to about 10 Gy lower. The highest trait/morphological mutation rate was 14.1% with Ar irradiation at 5 Gy, which was one of the criteria for ion beam irradiation of gerbera in vitro shoots. Furthermore, the genomic mutation in the flower color, petal shape, and male sterile mutants were confirmed by genotype analysis using Genotyping by Random Amplicon Sequencing-Direct technology. This is the first study to report the efficient production of gerbera mutants that could be analyzed. Our findings may lead to more efficient gerbera mutant production and analysis technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Plant Breeding)
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11 pages, 4004 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts from the Humiria balsamifera (Aubl)
by Edelson de J. S. Dias, Antônio J. Cantanhede Filho, Fernando J. C. Carneiro, Cláudia Q. da Rocha, Luís Cláudio N. da Silva, Joice C. B. Santos, Thayná F. Barros and Deivid M. Santos
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071479 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3251
Abstract
Humiria balsamifera (Aubl), commonly known as “mirim”, is a plant of the Humiriaceae family, which consists of 39 species divided between eight genera: Duckesia, Endopleura, Humiria, Humiriastrum, Hylocara, Sacoglottis, Schistostemon, and Vantenea. This study aimed to characterize H. balsamifera extracts by LC-MS/MS [...] Read more.
Humiria balsamifera (Aubl), commonly known as “mirim”, is a plant of the Humiriaceae family, which consists of 39 species divided between eight genera: Duckesia, Endopleura, Humiria, Humiriastrum, Hylocara, Sacoglottis, Schistostemon, and Vantenea. This study aimed to characterize H. balsamifera extracts by LC-MS/MS and evaluate their antimicrobial potential through in vitro and in vivo assays. The leaves and stem bark of H. balsamifera were collected and dried at room temperature and then ground in a knife mill. The extracts were prepared with organic solvents in order to increase the polarity index (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). The antimicrobial effects of these extracts were evaluated against the following bacterial strains: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. The best activity was observed in the ethyl acetate (EALE = 780 µg/mL), methanol (MLE = 780 µg/mL), and hexane (HLE = 1560 µg/mL) leaf extracts against S. aureus. Considering the results for both antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, the EALE extract was chosen to proceed to the infection assays, which used Tenebrio molitor larvae. The EALE treatment was able to extend the average lifespan of the larvae (6.5 days) in comparison to S. aureus-infected larvae (1 day). Next, the samples were characterized by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, allowing the identification of 11 substances, including seven flavonoids, substances whose antimicrobial activity is already well-reported in the literature. The number of bioactive compounds found in the chemical composition of H. balsamifera emphasizes its significance in both traditional medicine and scientific research that studies new treatments based on substances from the Brazilian flora. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological and Toxicological Study of Medicinal Plants)
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18 pages, 3181 KiB  
Article
ROS-Scavenging Enzymes as an Antioxidant Response to High Concentration of Anthracene in the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L
by Nahuel Spinedi, Romina Storb, Elisabet Aranda, Facundo Romani, Maya Svriz, Santiago A. Varela, Javier E. Moreno, Sebastian Fracchia, Juan Cabrera, Ramón Alberto Batista-García, Inés Ponce de León and J. Martín Scervino
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071478 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4000
Abstract
Marchantia polymorpha L. responds to environmental changes using a myriad set of physiological responses, some unique to the lineage related to the lack of a vascular- and root-system. This study investigates the physiological response of M. polymorpha to high doses of anthracene analysing [...] Read more.
Marchantia polymorpha L. responds to environmental changes using a myriad set of physiological responses, some unique to the lineage related to the lack of a vascular- and root-system. This study investigates the physiological response of M. polymorpha to high doses of anthracene analysing the antioxidant enzymes and their relationship with the photosynthetic processes, as well as their transcriptomic response. We found an anthracene dose-dependent response reducing plant biomass and associated to an alteration of the ultrastructure of a 23.6% of chloroplasts. Despite a reduction in total thallus-chlorophyll of 31.6% of Chl a and 38.4% of Chl b, this was not accompanied by a significant change in the net photosynthesis rate and maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm). However, we found an increase in the activity of main ROS-detoxifying enzymes of 34.09% of peroxidase and 692% of ascorbate peroxidase, supported at transcriptional level with the upregulation of ROS-related detoxifying responses. Finally, we found that M. polymorpha tolerated anthracene-stress under the lowest concentration used and can suffer physiological alterations under higher concentrations tested related to the accumulation of anthracene within plant tissues. Our results show that M. polymorpha under PAH stress condition activated two complementary physiological responses including the activation of antioxidant mechanisms and the accumulation of the pollutant within plant tissues to mitigate the damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Mechanism in Plants)
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26 pages, 738 KiB  
Review
Plant Invasion Research in Russia: Basic Projects and Scientific Fields
by Yulia K. Vinogradova, Valeriy K. Tokhtar, Alexander A. Notov, Sergey R. Mayorov and Elena S. Danilova
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071477 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3769
Abstract
This paper represents a review of comprehensive research into invasion biology done by Russian scholars for four decades. Invasion biology is a relatively new field of research focused on the study of alien plants, their behavior in new habitats and risks they pose [...] Read more.
This paper represents a review of comprehensive research into invasion biology done by Russian scholars for four decades. Invasion biology is a relatively new field of research focused on the study of alien plants, their behavior in new habitats and risks they pose to indigenous species. It is shown that over 40 years, single finds of alien plant species have transformed into a check-list of invasive species in Russia. The most significant invasion pathways were identified, and the rate of microevolutional changes in plant species in their secondary distribution range was determined. Since the most active alien species disperse without regard to national borders, international cooperation is crucial in joint studies of invasive species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology of Invasive Plants)
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14 pages, 1545 KiB  
Article
Evolutionary Implications of a Peroxidase with High Affinity for Cinnamyl Alcohols from Physcomitrium patens, a Non-Vascular Plant
by Teresa Martínez-Cortés, Federico Pomar and Esther Novo-Uzal
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071476 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2640
Abstract
Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens is a bryophyte highly tolerant to different stresses, allowing survival when water supply is a limiting factor. This moss lacks a true vascular system, but it has evolved a primitive water-conducting system that contains lignin-like polyphenols. By means of a [...] Read more.
Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens is a bryophyte highly tolerant to different stresses, allowing survival when water supply is a limiting factor. This moss lacks a true vascular system, but it has evolved a primitive water-conducting system that contains lignin-like polyphenols. By means of a three-step protocol, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, adsorption chromatography on phenyl Sepharose and cationic exchange chromatography on SP Sepharose, we were able to purify and further characterize a novel class III peroxidase, PpaPrx19, upregulated upon salt and H2O2 treatments. This peroxidase, of a strongly basic nature, shows surprising homology to angiosperm peroxidases related to lignification, despite the lack of true lignins in P. patens cell walls. Moreover, PpaPrx19 shows catalytic and kinetic properties typical of angiosperm peroxidases involved in oxidation of monolignols, being able to efficiently use hydroxycinnamyl alcohols as substrates. Our results pinpoint the presence in P. patens of peroxidases that fulfill the requirements to be involved in the last step of lignin biosynthesis, predating the appearance of true lignin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell Wall Plasticity under Stress Situations)
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14 pages, 4786 KiB  
Article
The Cell Division Cycle of Euglena gracilis Indicates That the Level of Circadian Plasticity to the External Light Regime Changes in Prolonged-Stationary Cultures
by Shota Kato and Hong Gil Nam
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071475 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3306
Abstract
In unicellular photosynthetic organisms, circadian rhythm is tightly linked to gating of cell cycle progression, and is entrained by light signal. As several organisms obtain a fitness advantage when the external light/dark cycle matches their endogenous period, and aging alters circadian rhythms, senescence [...] Read more.
In unicellular photosynthetic organisms, circadian rhythm is tightly linked to gating of cell cycle progression, and is entrained by light signal. As several organisms obtain a fitness advantage when the external light/dark cycle matches their endogenous period, and aging alters circadian rhythms, senescence phenotypes of the microalga Euglena gracilis of different culture ages were characterized with respect to the cell division cycle. We report here the effects of prolonged-stationary-phase conditions on the cell division cycles of E. gracilis under non-24-h light/dark cycles (T-cycles). Under T-cycles, cells established from 1-month-old and 2-month-old cultures produced lower cell concentrations after cultivation in the fresh medium than cells from 1-week-old culture. This decrease was not due to higher concentrations of dead cells in the populations, suggesting that cells of different culture ages differ in their capacity for cell division. Cells from 1-week-old cultures had a shorter circadian period of their cell division cycle under shortened T-cycles than aged cells. When algae were transferred to free-running conditions after entrainment to shortened T-cycles, the young cells showed the peak growth rate at a time corresponding to the first subjective night, but the aged cells did not. This suggests that circadian rhythms are more plastic in younger E. gracilis cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of the Acclimation Response in Microalgae)
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13 pages, 2318 KiB  
Article
Effects of the Simulated Enhancement of Precipitation on the Phenology of Nitraria tangutorum under Extremely Dry and Wet Years
by Fang Bao, Zhiming Xin, Jiazhu Li, Minghu Liu, Yanli Cao, Qi Lu, Ying Gao and Bo Wu
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071474 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2324
Abstract
Plant phenology is the most sensitive biological indicator that responds to climate change. Many climate models predict that extreme precipitation events will occur frequently in the arid areas of northwest China in the future, with an increase in the quantity and unpredictability of [...] Read more.
Plant phenology is the most sensitive biological indicator that responds to climate change. Many climate models predict that extreme precipitation events will occur frequently in the arid areas of northwest China in the future, with an increase in the quantity and unpredictability of rain. Future changes in precipitation will inevitably have a profound impact on plant phenology in arid areas. A recent study has shown that after the simulated enhancement of precipitation, the end time of the leaf unfolding period of Nitraria tangutorum advanced, and the end time of leaf senescence was delayed. Under extreme climatic conditions, such as extremely dry or wet years, it is unclear whether the influence of the simulated enhancement of precipitation on the phenology of N. tangutorum remains stable. To solve this problem, this study systematically analyzed the effects of the simulated enhancement of precipitation on the start, end and duration of four phenological events of N. tangutorum, including leaf budding, leaf unfolding, leaf senescence and leaf fall under extremely dry and wet conditions. The aim of this study was to clarify the similarities and differences of the effects of the simulated enhancement of precipitation on the start, end and duration of each phenological period of N. tangutorum in an extremely dry and an extremely wet year to reveal the regulatory effect of extremely dry and excessive amounts of precipitation on the phenology of N. tangutorum. (1) After the simulated enhancement of precipitation, the start and end times of the spring phenology (leaf budding and leaf unfolding) of N. tangutorum advanced during an extremely dry and an extremely wet year, but the duration of phenology was shortened during an extremely wet year and prolonged during an extremely drought-stricken year. The amplitude of variation increased with the increase in simulated precipitation. (2) After the simulated enhancement of precipitation, the start and end times of the phenology (leaf senescence and leaf fall) of N. tangutorum during the autumn advanced in an extremely wet year but was delayed during an extremely dry year, and the duration of phenology was prolonged in both extremely dry and wet years. The amplitude of variation increased with the increase in simulated precipitation. (3) The regulation mechanism of extremely dry or wet years on the spring phenology of N. tangutorum lay in the different degree of influence on the start and end times of leaf budding and leaf unfolding. However, the regulation mechanism of extremely dry or wet years on the autumn phenology of N. tangutorum lay in different reasons. Water stress caused by excessive water forced N. tangutorum to start its leaf senescence early during an extremely wet year. In contrast, the alleviation of drought stress after watering during the senescence of N. tangutorum caused a delay in the autumn phenology during an extremely dry year. Full article
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14 pages, 3406 KiB  
Article
Metabolomics Reveals the Allelopathic Potential of the Invasive Plant Eupatorium adenophorum
by Xunzhi Zhu, Yangmin Yi, Ling Huang, Chi Zhang and Hua Shao
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071473 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3758
Abstract
Phytotoxic chemicals produced by alien invasive plants exert inhibitory effects on native species to facilitate their invasiveness. The allelopathic process of invaders has been hypothesized as the “Novel Weapon Hypothesis”. However, this hypothesis has been controversial for decades due to lack of molecular [...] Read more.
Phytotoxic chemicals produced by alien invasive plants exert inhibitory effects on native species to facilitate their invasiveness. The allelopathic process of invaders has been hypothesized as the “Novel Weapon Hypothesis”. However, this hypothesis has been controversial for decades due to lack of molecular evidence, and the underlying mechanism of allelopathy still remains ambiguous. Herein, we explore the allelopathic mechanisms of Eupatorium adenophorum, a world-widely spread noxious weed, by the methods of laboratory bioassay and metabolomics analyses in the recipient plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. The bioassay revealed significant phytotoxicity of E. adenophorum extracts. A total of 234 metabolites in A. thaliana were detected by Gas Chromatographic−Mass Spectrometric analysis. There were 48, 99 and 94 impacted metabolites in A. thaliana treated by 50, 25 and 12.5% aqueous extracts compared to control. When mapping all the impacted metabolites to the biological pathways in the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database, we found mineral absorption, ABC transporters, amino acid biosynthesis, metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites were mainly impacted. Synthesized with partial least-squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) results of metabolic profiles in A. thaliana, we found that citrate cycle was suppressed, metabolism of amino acids was disordered and phosphate absorption was inhibited. Subsequent investigation demonstrated that the phosphorus content in A. thaliana tissues exposed in allelopathic extracts was much lower, indicating inhibition of phosphate uptake. Our study revealed by metabolomics approaches that E. adenophorum is an allelopathic species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Plant Allelopathic Interactions)
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19 pages, 380 KiB  
Review
An Overview of Abiotic Stress in Cereal Crops: Negative Impacts, Regulation, Biotechnology and Integrated Omics
by Rajendran Jeyasri, Pandiyan Muthuramalingam, Lakkakula Satish, Shunmugiah Karutha Pandian, Jen-Tsung Chen, Sunny Ahmar, Xiukang Wang, Freddy Mora-Poblete and Manikandan Ramesh
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071472 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5907
Abstract
Abiotic stresses (AbS), such as drought, salinity, and thermal stresses, could highly affect the growth and development of plants. For decades, researchers have attempted to unravel the mechanisms of AbS for enhancing the corresponding tolerance of plants, especially for crop production in agriculture. [...] Read more.
Abiotic stresses (AbS), such as drought, salinity, and thermal stresses, could highly affect the growth and development of plants. For decades, researchers have attempted to unravel the mechanisms of AbS for enhancing the corresponding tolerance of plants, especially for crop production in agriculture. In the present communication, we summarized the significant factors (atmosphere, soil and water) of AbS, their regulations, and integrated omics in the most important cereal crops in the world, especially rice, wheat, sorghum, and maize. It has been suggested that using systems biology and advanced sequencing approaches in genomics could help solve the AbS response in cereals. An emphasis was given to holistic approaches such as, bioinformatics and functional omics, gene mining and agronomic traits, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and transcription factors (TFs) family with respect to AbS. In addition, the development of omics studies has improved to address the identification of AbS responsive genes and it enables the interaction between signaling pathways, molecular insights, novel traits and their significance in cereal crops. This review compares AbS mechanisms to omics and bioinformatics resources to provide a comprehensive view of the mechanisms. Moreover, further studies are needed to obtain the information from the integrated omics databases to understand the AbS mechanisms for the development of large spectrum AbS-tolerant crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress Signaling and Responses in Plants)
12 pages, 2841 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Rear Edge Populations of Sorbus aucuparia (Rosaceae) in the Hyrcanian Forest
by Hamed Yousefzadeh, Shahla Raeisi, Omid Esmailzadeh, Gholamali Jalali, Malek Nasiri, Łukasz Walas and Gregor Kozlowski
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071471 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3242
Abstract
Sorbus aucuparia (Rosaceae) is a small tree species widely distributed in Eurasia. The Hyrcanian forest is the southernmost distribution limit of this species. Severe habitat degradation and inadequate human interventions have endangered the long-term survival of this species in this region, and it [...] Read more.
Sorbus aucuparia (Rosaceae) is a small tree species widely distributed in Eurasia. The Hyrcanian forest is the southernmost distribution limit of this species. Severe habitat degradation and inadequate human interventions have endangered the long-term survival of this species in this region, and it is necessary to develop and apply appropriate management methods to prevent the loss of its genetic diversity. In this study, we used 10 SSR markers in order to evaluate the genetic diversity of this taxon. Leaf samples were collected from five known populations of S. aucuparia throughout its distribution area in the Hyrcanian forest. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.61 (ASH) to 0.73, and according to the M-ratio, all populations showed a significant reduction in effective population size, indicating a genetic bottleneck. Global FST was not statistically significant and attained the same values with and without excluding null alleles (ENA) correction (FST = 0.12). Bayesian analysis performed with STRUCTURE defined two genetic clusters among the five known populations, while the results of discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) identified three distinct groups. The average proportion of migrants was 22. In general, the gene flow was asymmetrical, with the biggest differences between immigration and emigration in Barzekoh and Asbehriseh. The Mantel test showed that there was no significant correlation between genetic distance (FST) and geographic distance in S. aucuparia. The best pathway for theoretical gene flow is located across the coast of the Caspian Sea and significant spatial autocorrelation was observed in only one population. In order to reduce the extinction risk of very small and scattered populations of S. aucuparia in the Hyrcanian forest, it is very important to establish and/or enhance the connectivity through habitat restoration or genetic exchange. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity and Conservation of Woody Species)
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10 pages, 1481 KiB  
Article
A Non-Invasive Approach in the Assessment of Stress Phenomena and Impairment Values in Pea Seeds Caused by Pea Weevil
by Sándor Keszthelyi, Dániel Fajtai, Zsolt Pónya, Katalin Somfalvi-Tóth and Tamás Donkó
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071470 - 18 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2178
Abstract
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important leguminous plant worldwide, in which pests trigger significant damage every year. One of the most important pest is pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum, L) which causes covert damage in crops. In the present study, [...] Read more.
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important leguminous plant worldwide, in which pests trigger significant damage every year. One of the most important pest is pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum, L) which causes covert damage in crops. In the present study, our aim was to obtain precise information pertaining to the extent and the nature of damage in pea caused by B. pisorum by means of non-invasive imaging methods. The infested pea samples were analysed by an infrared thermometer and a bioluminescence plant imaging system as well as a computer tomograph under laboratory conditions. The calculated weight of organic matter destroyed by the developing larvae was 36.46%. The changing of RGB (red, blue, green) codes obtained through thermal imaging and the CPS (counts per second) values originating from bioluminescence imaging in infested samples were statistically verifiable. According to our CT assay, the damage caused by B. pisorum changed the tissue density, volume and shape of the pea seeds by the end of the development of the pest. The results of thermal and bioluminescence imaging contribute to a better understanding of the internal chemical processes and the CT analysis helps to understand the alteration trends of the inner structure of seeds caused by this pest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress Alleviation in Plants: From Molecular to Ecophysiological Aspects)
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17 pages, 3041 KiB  
Article
Different Sensitivity Levels of the Photosynthetic Apparatus in Zea mays L. and Sorghum bicolor L. under Salt Stress
by Martin A. Stefanov, Georgi D. Rashkov, Ekaterina K. Yotsova, Preslava B. Borisova, Anelia G. Dobrikova and Emilia L. Apostolova
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071469 - 17 Jul 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3350
Abstract
The impacts of different NaCl concentrations (0–250 mM) on the photosynthesis of new hybrid lines of maize (Zea mays L. Kerala) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Shamal) were investigated. Salt-induced changes in the functions of photosynthetic apparatus were assessed using chlorophyll [...] Read more.
The impacts of different NaCl concentrations (0–250 mM) on the photosynthesis of new hybrid lines of maize (Zea mays L. Kerala) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Shamal) were investigated. Salt-induced changes in the functions of photosynthetic apparatus were assessed using chlorophyll a fluorescence (PAM and OJIP test) and P700 photooxidation. Greater differences between the studied species in response to salinization were observed at 150 mM and 200 mM NaCl. The data revealed the stronger influence of maize in comparison to sorghum on the amount of closed PSII centers (1-qp) and their efficiency (Φexc), as well as on the effective quantum yield of the photochemical energy conversion of PSII (ΦPSII). Changes in the effective antenna size of PSII (ABS/RC), the electron flux per active reaction center (REo/RC) and the electron transport flux further QA (ETo/RC) were also registered. These changes in primary PSII photochemistry influenced the electron transport rate (ETR) and photosynthetic rate (parameter RFd), with the impacts being stronger in maize than sorghum. Moreover, the lowering of the electron transport rate from QA to the PSI end electron acceptors (REo/RC) and the probability of their reduction (φRo) altered the PSI photochemical activity, which influenced photooxidation of P700 and its decay kinetics. The pigment content and stress markers of oxidative damage were also determined. The data revealed a better salt tolerance of sorghum than maize, associated with the structural alterations in the photosynthetic membranes and the stimulation of the cyclic electron flow around PSI at higher NaCl concentrations. The relationships between the decreased pigment content, increased levels of stress markers and different inhibition levels of the function of both photosystems are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Responses to Abiotic Stress)
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22 pages, 17084 KiB  
Review
Euphorbia characias: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
by Antonella Fais, Giovanna Lucia Delogu, Sonia Floris, Benedetta Era, Rosaria Medda and Francesca Pintus
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071468 - 17 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4389
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarize all the compounds identified and characterized from Euphorbia characias, along with the biological activities reported for this plant. Euphorbia is one of the greatest genera in the spurge family of Euphorbiaceae and includes different [...] Read more.
The aim of this review is to summarize all the compounds identified and characterized from Euphorbia characias, along with the biological activities reported for this plant. Euphorbia is one of the greatest genera in the spurge family of Euphorbiaceae and includes different kinds of plants characterized by the presence of milky latex. Among them, the species Euphorbia characias L. is an evergreen perennial shrub widely distributed in Mediterranean countries. E. characias latex and extracts from different parts of the plant have been extensively studied, leading to the identification of several chemical components such as terpenoids, sterol hydrocarbons, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, cerebrosides and phenolic and carboxylic acids. The biological properties range between antioxidant activities, antimicrobial, antiviral and pesticidal activities, wound-healing properties, anti-aging and hypoglycemic properties and inhibitory activities toward target enzymes related to different diseases, such as cholinesterases and xanthine oxidase. The information available in this review allows us to consider the plant E. characias as a potential source of compounds for biomedical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Bioactive Substances in Plant Extracts)
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16 pages, 996 KiB  
Review
Genetic and Molecular Control of Somatic Embryogenesis
by Camille Salaün, Loïc Lepiniec and Bertrand Dubreucq
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071467 - 17 Jul 2021
Cited by 58 | Viewed by 9992
Abstract
Somatic embryogenesis is a method of asexual reproduction that can occur naturally in various plant species and is widely used for clonal propagation, transformation and regeneration of different crops. Somatic embryogenesis shares some developmental and physiological similarities with zygotic embryogenesis as it involves [...] Read more.
Somatic embryogenesis is a method of asexual reproduction that can occur naturally in various plant species and is widely used for clonal propagation, transformation and regeneration of different crops. Somatic embryogenesis shares some developmental and physiological similarities with zygotic embryogenesis as it involves common actors of hormonal, transcriptional, developmental and epigenetic controls. Here, we provide an overview of the main signaling pathways involved in the induction and regulation of somatic embryogenesis with a focus on the master regulators of seed development, LEAFY COTYLEDON 1 and 2, ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 and FUSCA 3 transcription factors whose precise role during both zygotic and somatic embryogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Plant Somatic Embryogenesis: Genetic and Epigenetic View)
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20 pages, 2628 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Characterization of Pseudomonas chlororaphis Strain ST9; Rhizomicrobiota and in Planta Studies
by Iris Bertani, Elisa Zampieri, Cristina Bez, Andrea Volante, Vittorio Venturi and Stefano Monaco
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071466 - 17 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3970
Abstract
The development of biotechnologies based on beneficial microorganisms for improving soil fertility and crop yields could help to address many current agriculture challenges, such as food security, climate change, pest control, soil depletion while decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Plant [...] Read more.
The development of biotechnologies based on beneficial microorganisms for improving soil fertility and crop yields could help to address many current agriculture challenges, such as food security, climate change, pest control, soil depletion while decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Plant growth-promoting (PGP) microbes can be used as probiotics in order to increase plant tolerance/resistance to abiotic/biotic stresses and in this context strains belonging to the Pseudomonas chlororaphis group have shown to have potential as PGP candidates. In this study a new P. chlororaphis isolate is reported and tested for (i) in vitro PGP features, (ii) whole-genome sequence analysis, and (iii) its effects on the rhizosphere microbiota composition, plant growth, and different plant genes expression levels in greenhouse experiments. Results showed that P. chlororaphis ST9 is an efficient rice root colonizer which integrates into the plant resident-microbiota and affects the expression of several plant genes. The potential use of this P. chlororaphis strain as a plant probiotic is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria)
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21 pages, 51566 KiB  
Article
Identification and Expression Analysis of the Genes Involved in the Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides Pathway of Phaseolus vulgaris and Glycine max
by Ramon de Koning, Raphaël Kiekens, Mary Esther Muyoka Toili and Geert Angenon
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071465 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4743
Abstract
Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) play an important role in plants but are also considered to be antinutritional factors. A profound understanding of the galactinol and RFO biosynthetic gene families and the expression patterns of the individual genes is a prerequisite for the sustainable [...] Read more.
Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) play an important role in plants but are also considered to be antinutritional factors. A profound understanding of the galactinol and RFO biosynthetic gene families and the expression patterns of the individual genes is a prerequisite for the sustainable reduction of the RFO content in the seeds, without compromising normal plant development and functioning. In this paper, an overview of the annotation and genetic structure of all galactinol- and RFO biosynthesis genes is given for soybean and common bean. In common bean, three galactinol synthase genes, two raffinose synthase genes and one stachyose synthase gene were identified for the first time. To discover the expression patterns of these genes in different tissues, two expression atlases have been created through re-analysis of publicly available RNA-seq data. De novo expression analysis through an RNA-seq study during seed development of three varieties of common bean gave more insight into the expression patterns of these genes during the seed development. The results of the expression analysis suggest that different classes of galactinol- and RFO synthase genes have tissue-specific expression patterns in soybean and common bean. With the obtained knowledge, important galactinol- and RFO synthase genes that specifically play a key role in the accumulation of RFOs in the seeds are identified. These candidate genes may play a pivotal role in reducing the RFO content in the seeds of important legumes which could improve the nutritional quality of these beans and would solve the discomforts associated with their consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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9 pages, 1490 KiB  
Article
Field Efficacy of Steinernema sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) on the Colorado Potato Beetle Overwintering Generation
by Maja Čačija, Renata Bažok, Majda Kolenc, Tena Bujas, Zrinka Drmić and Martina Kadoić Balaško
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071464 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2358
Abstract
Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an economic pest of potato that has developed resistance to all classes of chemical insecticides, thus requiring alternative control measures. As a potential solution, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have proven effective in suppressing this pest, but their efficacy against [...] Read more.
Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an economic pest of potato that has developed resistance to all classes of chemical insecticides, thus requiring alternative control measures. As a potential solution, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have proven effective in suppressing this pest, but their efficacy against overwintering generations of CPB in Croatia has not been sufficiently researched. The aim of this two-year (2018–2019) field study was to determine the efficacy of Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae applied to overwintering CPB adults. EPNs were applied at three doses (7.5 mil./10 m2, 5.0 mil./10 m2 (the recommended dose) and 2.5 mil./10 m2) by watering the soil where the adults were overwintering. The first-year results were satisfactory for both EPNs: the efficacy of S. feltiae ranged from 79.03% to 100.00%, while the efficacy of S. carpocapsae ranged from 77.32% to 96.22%. In the second year, the highest efficacy (69.57%) was obtained using the recommended dose of S. feltiae. Although the results are not consistent across the two years of our study and suggest further research, they indicate that EPNs have great potential in controlling overwintering CPB generations to reduce first generation abundance and damage, and also to prevent the spread of new generations to surrounding potato growing areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weaponizing Plants: Biocontrol and Biosecurity in Plant Protection)
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17 pages, 2071 KiB  
Review
Influence of Climate Change on Chestnut Trees: A Review
by Teresa R. Freitas, João A. Santos, Ana P. Silva and Hélder Fraga
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071463 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6670 | Correction
Abstract
The chestnut tree (Castanea spp.) is an important resource worldwide. It is cultivated due to the high value of its fruits and wood. The evolution between Castanea biodiversity and humans has resulted in the spread of chestnut genetic diversity. In 2019, the [...] Read more.
The chestnut tree (Castanea spp.) is an important resource worldwide. It is cultivated due to the high value of its fruits and wood. The evolution between Castanea biodiversity and humans has resulted in the spread of chestnut genetic diversity. In 2019, the chestnut tree area worldwide was approximately 596 × 103 ha for fruit production (Southern Europe, Southwestern United States of America, and Asia). In Europe 311 × 103 t were produced. Five genetic poles can be identified: three in Greece, the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula, and the rest of the Mediterranean. Over the years, there have been some productivity changes, in part associated with climate change. Climate is considered one of the main drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem change. In the future, new challenges associated with climate change are expected, which could threaten this crop. It is essential to identify the impacts of climate change on chestnut trees, improving the current understanding of climate-tree interconnections. To deal with these projected changes adaptation strategies must be planned. This manuscript demonstrates the impacts of climate change on chestnut cultivation, reviewing the most recent studies on the subject. Furthermore, an analysis of possible adaptation strategies against the potentially negative impacts was studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Resources and Diversity of Castanea Species)
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22 pages, 3772 KiB  
Article
Seed Cryopreservation, Germination, and Micropropagation of Eastern Turkeybeard, Xerophyllum asphodeloides (L.) Nutt.: A Threatened Species from the Southeastern United States
by Michelle Issac, Princy Kuriakose, Stacie Leung, Alex B. Costa, Shannon Johnson, Kylie Bucalo, Jonathan M. Stober, Ron O. Determann, Will L. Rogers, Jenifer M. Cruse-Sanders and Gerald S. Pullman
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071462 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2929
Abstract
Xerophyllum asphodeloides (Xerophyllaceae), known as eastern turkeybeard, is an herbaceous perennial found in eastern North America. Due to decline and destruction of its habitat, several states rank X. asphodeloides as “Imperiled” to “Critically Imperiled”. Protocols for seed cryopreservation, in vitro germination, sustainable shoot [...] Read more.
Xerophyllum asphodeloides (Xerophyllaceae), known as eastern turkeybeard, is an herbaceous perennial found in eastern North America. Due to decline and destruction of its habitat, several states rank X. asphodeloides as “Imperiled” to “Critically Imperiled”. Protocols for seed cryopreservation, in vitro germination, sustainable shoot micropropagation, shoot establishment in soil, and seed germination are presented. Seeds from two tested sources were viable after 20 months of cryopreservation. Germination of isolated embryos in vitro was necessary to overcome strong seed dormancy. Shoot multiplication and elongation occurred on ½ MS medium without PGRs. Shoots rooted in vitro without PGRs or with 0.5 mg/L NAA or after NAA rooting powder treatment and placement in potting mix. When planted in wet, peaty soil mixes, shoots grew for two months and then declined. When planted in a drier planting mix containing aged bark, most plants continued growth. In the field, plant survival was 73% after three growing seasons. Safeguarding this species both ex situ and in situ is possible and offers a successful approach to conservation. Whole seeds germinated after double dormancy was overcome by incubation under warm moist conditions for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks cold at 4 °C and then warm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cryopreservation)
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13 pages, 2122 KiB  
Article
Exploiting the Potential in Water Cleanup from Metals and Nutrients of Desmodesmus sp. and Ampelodesmos mauritanicus
by Roberto Braglia, Lorenza Rugnini, Sara Malizia, Francesco Scuderi, Enrico Luigi Redi, Antonella Canini and Laura Bruno
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071461 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2301
Abstract
Increasing levels of freshwater contaminants, mainly due to anthropogenic activities, have resulted in a great deal of interest in finding new eco-friendly, cost-effective and efficient methods for remediating polluted waters. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of using a [...] Read more.
Increasing levels of freshwater contaminants, mainly due to anthropogenic activities, have resulted in a great deal of interest in finding new eco-friendly, cost-effective and efficient methods for remediating polluted waters. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of using a green microalga Desmodesmus sp., a cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. and a hemicryptophyte Ampelodesmos mauritanicus to bioremediate a water polluted with an excess of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and heavy metals (copper and nickel). We immediately determined that Nostoc sp. was sensitive to metal toxicity, and thus Desmodesmus sp. was chosen for sequential tests with A. mauritanicus. First, A. mauritanicus plants were grown in the ‘polluted’ culture medium for seven days and were, then, substituted by Desmodesmus sp. for a further seven days (14 days in total). Heavy metals were shown to negatively affect both the growth rates and nutrient removal capacity. The sequential approach resulted in high metal removal rates in the single metal solutions up to 74% for Cu and 85% for Ni, while, in the bi-metal solutions, the removal rates were lower and showed a bias for Cu uptake. Single species controls showed better outcomes; however, further studies are necessary to investigate the behavior of new species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyanobacteria and Microalgae Biotechnologies)
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17 pages, 3135 KiB  
Article
Novel Metrics to Characterize In Vitro Pollen Tube Growth Performance of Apple Cultivars
by Stefan Roeder, Sara Serra and Stefano Musacchi
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071460 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3294
Abstract
In vitro germination assays are frequently used in screening trials to evaluate the pollen viability of pollinizers. To be effective, screening trials must have defined threshold criteria, from which individuals can then be assessed. However, despite decades of research on pollen viability, no [...] Read more.
In vitro germination assays are frequently used in screening trials to evaluate the pollen viability of pollinizers. To be effective, screening trials must have defined threshold criteria, from which individuals can then be assessed. However, despite decades of research on pollen viability, no established threshold is available to categorize apple cultivars based on their in vitro pollen tube lengths. This study aimed to identify and characterize the subgroups of cultivars based on their pollen tube growth performance. In vitro pollen tube lengths of 41 individuals were determined by incubating samples on artificial germination media at 15 and 25 °C. A six-number summary statistic was calculated, and hierarchical clustering on principal component (HCPC) analysis was used to determine and characterize subgroups. Furthermore, a decision tree model was used to predict class membership for future datasets. HCPC analysis partitioned the 41 individuals into three subgroups with different performances. The decision tree quickly predicted the cluster membership based on the second quartile at 15 °C and the third quartile at 25 °C. The thresholds from the decision tree can be used to characterize new observations. The use of the methods will be demonstrated using a case study with 29 apple accessions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)
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20 pages, 2379 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Maize Productivity and N Use Efficiency in a No-Tillage Irrigated Farming System: Effect of Cropping Sequence and Fertilization Management
by Heba S. A. Salama, Ali I. Nawar, Hassan E. Khalil and Ahmed M. Shaalan
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071459 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4362
Abstract
The sequence of the preceding crops in a no-tillage farming system, could interact with the integrated use of mineral and organic nitrogen (N) sources in a way that improves the growth and productivity of the terminal maize crop, meanwhile, enhancing its N use [...] Read more.
The sequence of the preceding crops in a no-tillage farming system, could interact with the integrated use of mineral and organic nitrogen (N) sources in a way that improves the growth and productivity of the terminal maize crop, meanwhile, enhancing its N use efficiency (NUE). In the current study, six legume-cereal crop sequences, including faba bean, soybean, Egyptian clover, wheat, and maize were evaluated along two experimental rotations that ended up by planting the terminal maize crop. In addition, the effects of applying variable mineral nitrogen (MN) rates with and without the incorporation of farmyard manure (FYM) on the productive performance of maize and its NUE were tested. The field experiments were conducted in a no-tillage irrigated farming system in Northern Egypt, a location that is characterized by its arid, Mediterranean climate. Results revealed that increasing the legume component in the evaluated crop sequences, up to 75%, resulted in improved maize ear leaf area, 1000-grain weight, and harvest index, thus, a higher final grain yield, with the inclusion of Egyptian clover was slightly better than faba bean. Comparing the crop sequences with 50% legume contribution uncovered the positive effects of soybean preceding crop on the terminal maize crop. Substituting 25% of the applied MN with FYM resulted in similar maize yields to the application of the equivalent 100% MN rates. The fertilizer treatments significantly interacted with the crop sequences in determining the maize grain yield, where the highest legume crop contribution in the crop sequence (75%) equalized the effects of the different fertilizer treatments on maize grain yield. The integrated use of FYM with MN in maize fertilization improved the NUE compared to the application of MN alone. Comparing fertilization treatments with similar MN content, with and without FYM, revealed that the difference in NUE was attributed to the additional amount of FYM. In similar conditions to the current study, it is recommended to grow faba bean two years before maize, while Egyptian clover could be grown directly preceding maize growth, with frequent inclusion of soybean in the sequence, this could be combined with the application of an average of 200 kg MN ha−1 in addition to FYM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Physiology and Nitrogen Use Efficiency)
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16 pages, 709 KiB  
Review
Meeting at the DNA: Specifying Cytokinin Responses through Transcription Factor Complex Formation
by Jan Erik Leuendorf and Thomas Schmülling
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071458 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3041
Abstract
Cytokinin is a plant hormone regulating numerous biological processes. Its diverse functions are realized through the expression control of specific target genes. The transcription of the immediate early cytokinin target genes is regulated by type-B response regulator proteins (RRBs), which are transcription factors [...] Read more.
Cytokinin is a plant hormone regulating numerous biological processes. Its diverse functions are realized through the expression control of specific target genes. The transcription of the immediate early cytokinin target genes is regulated by type-B response regulator proteins (RRBs), which are transcription factors (TFs) of the Myb family. RRB activity is controlled by phosphorylation and protein degradation. Here, we focus on another step of regulation, the interaction of RRBs among each other or with other TFs to form active or repressive TF complexes. Several examples in Arabidopsis thaliana illustrate that RRBs form homodimers or complexes with other TFs to specify the cytokinin response. This increases the variability of the output response and provides opportunities of crosstalk between the cytokinin signaling pathway and other cellular signaling pathways. We propose that a targeted approach is required to uncover the full extent and impact of RRB interaction with other TFs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Plant Two-Component System)
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