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Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition
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Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 7952

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jie Luo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: nitrogen use efficiency; transcriptome; woody plant; abiotic stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wentao Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Interests: mycorrhizal symbiosis; forest tree stress biology; mycorrhizal fungal fruiting body cultivation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Perennial woody plants are usually faced with multifactorial adverse conditions during their long lifespan, which impairs their growth and productivity. To cope with these adverse conditions, trees deploy morphological, physiological, and molecular responses to adapt to the environmental constraints. By using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic approaches, many hub genes involved in stress responses were identified. In recent years, with the advantages of transgenic technology in woody plants, many candidate genes participating in stress responses were functionally characterized and showed great potential for tree improvement under different stresses. On the other hand, cultivation strategies (including beneficial microorganism investigation, beneficial microorganism inoculation, mixed forest, etc.) also play crucial roles in tree improvement under abiotic and biotic stress.

This Special Issue focuses on the strategies for tree improvement under stress conditions; all original research findings and perspectives relative to tree improvement in coping with environmental constraints are welcomed.

Dr. Jie Luo
Dr. Wentao Hu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • forest tree
  • bioinformation
  • gene expression
  • cultivation strategy
  • transgenic technology
  • beneficial microorganism
  • stress

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 14684 KiB  
Article
Full-Length Transcriptome Assembly of Platycladus orientalis Root Integrated with RNA-Seq to Identify Genes in Response to Root Pruning
by Hao Dou, Huijuan Sun, Xi Feng, Tiantian Wang, Yilin Wang, Jin’e Quan and Xitian Yang
Forests 2024, 15(7), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15071232 - 15 Jul 2024
Viewed by 789
Abstract
Platycladus orientalis (P. orientalis) is a common tree used for vegetation restoration in northern China, and its large area propagation helps to improve site conditions. However, under harsh conditions such as poor land, the survival rate of P. orientalis is very [...] Read more.
Platycladus orientalis (P. orientalis) is a common tree used for vegetation restoration in northern China, and its large area propagation helps to improve site conditions. However, under harsh conditions such as poor land, the survival rate of P. orientalis is very low. Numerous studies have shown that root pruning can promote the formation of lateral roots in seedlings, enhancing the roots’ capacity to absorb soil nutrients and water, and thereby improving the survival rate of seedlings. In this study, a one-third root pruning treatment was applied to P. orientalis seedlings, and the whole transcriptome of seedlings subjected to both control (CK) and root pruning treatments was sequenced to analyze their gene expression profiles. This study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of lateral root development in response to root pruning damage at the molecular level. Using nine cells, 15.28 Gb of clean data were obtained, which yielded 101,688 high-quality full-length transcript sequences and 22,955 low-quality full-length transcript sequences after clustering. Redundancy was then removed using CD-HIT, and Illumina RNA-seq sequencing produced 139.26 Gb of clean data. A total of 2025 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at three time points following root pruning treatment. Enrichment analysis revealed that the peroxidase gene family plays a significant role in lateral root proliferation. Furthermore, the expression levels of the peroxidase gene family were notably upregulated in comparison to the control group. Pathway enrichment analysis identified 22 relevant genes, which appeared to be highly associated with root growth and resilience to stress. Through examining the expression patterns and correlations of these genes, five central genes emerged as key players. The findings of this research suggest that the peroxidase gene family plays a crucial role in the stress response and root development of P. orientalis, providing reference and guidance for root development in other plant species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 4886 KiB  
Article
Identification of Catalpa bungei Aquaporin Gene Family Related to Low Temperature Stress
by Tianyi Li, Jing Zhang, Hongtao Zhang, Shance Niu, Ji Qian, Zhaoyang Chen, Tianyi Ma, Yu Meng and Bao Di
Forests 2024, 15(6), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15061063 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 802
Abstract
Low temperatures pose a significant threat to plant growth and development. Studies have shown that aquaporins (AQPs), as the main functional proteins on the cell membrane regulating water ingress and egress, play a vital role in maintaining dynamic water balance when plants face [...] Read more.
Low temperatures pose a significant threat to plant growth and development. Studies have shown that aquaporins (AQPs), as the main functional proteins on the cell membrane regulating water ingress and egress, play a vital role in maintaining dynamic water balance when plants face cold stress. Catalpa bungei, an important timber and ornamental tree species, has its cultivation range significantly limited by its poor cold tolerance. However, no study has been found aiming to identify its aquaporin gene family. This study aims to fill this gap using two C. bungei cultivars with differing cold tolerance as experimental material: “Qiuza 1”, which is less cold-tolerant, and “Qiuza 2”, which is more cold-tolerant. The plants were subjected to low-temperature stress at 4 °C for 24 h. Using high-throughput molecular sequencing technology, a transcriptome sequencing of the leaves was performed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 h of cold stress. Fifteen candidate aquaporin genes in C. bungei (CbAQP) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CbAQP gene family is divided into five subfamilies: 5 PIPs, 4 TIPs, 3 NIPs, 2 SIPs, and 1 XIP. By analyzing AQPs related to cold stress in other plants and the expression patterns of CbAQP genes, 12 CbAQP genes related to cold stress were identified. The genes that responded positively include CbPIP2;5, CbPIP1;2, CbTIP4;1, and CbNIP2;1. The results provide a foundation for further analysis of the biological functions of candidate CbAQP genes related to cold tolerance and offer theoretical support for improving seedling quality, cold-resistant genetic breeding, and expanding its distribution range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 3870 KiB  
Article
Effects of the Cultivation Substrate pH and Ammonium-to-Nitrate Nitrogen Ratio on the C:N:P Stoichiometry in Leaves of Cunninghamia lanceolata and Schima superba
by Cong Cheng, Jiaxiang Yu, Lidong Wang, Haiyan Liang, Yanru Wang and Xiaoli Yan
Forests 2024, 15(6), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15060958 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 643
Abstract
We aimed to clarify the nutrient allocation strategies of Cunninghamia lanceolata (CL) and Schima superba (SS) and their differences in N uptake and utilization under acidic stress and heterogeneous allocation of N. One-year-old seedlings of CL and SS were cultured in sands with [...] Read more.
We aimed to clarify the nutrient allocation strategies of Cunninghamia lanceolata (CL) and Schima superba (SS) and their differences in N uptake and utilization under acidic stress and heterogeneous allocation of N. One-year-old seedlings of CL and SS were cultured in sands with three pH levels (pH rate 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5) and five different N form ratios (NH4+-N to NO3−-N ratios 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10) in the greenhouse. The C, N, and P contents and C:N:P stoichiometry in leaves, total biomass, and NH4+-N and NO3−-N contents in the cultivation substrate were analyzed after 160 days. At the pH rate of 4.5, the N contents of CL and SS significantly decreased. However, the N contents of SS increased at the pH rate of 5.5. At the pH rate of 5.5, the N content of CL and SS increased under the cultivation substrate, with ratios of 10:0 and 7:3, and 3:7 and 0:10, respectively. The N content of CL was significantly positively correlated with its P content. The C:P ratios of CL and SS were significantly positively correlated with their C:N ratios and N:P ratios. Under the same treatment, the differences in C:N:P stoichiometry were more significant between CL and SS at the pH rate of 5.5. The NH4+-N content of the cultivation substrate in CL and SS was higher than the NO3−-N content. At the ratio of 7:3, the C:N stoichiometric ratio of CL and C:N:P stoichiometric ratio of SS were negatively correlated with total biomass. At the pH rate of 5.5, cultivation environments with high NH4+-N and NO3−-N amount respectively increased the N content of CL and SS. The CL is susceptible to N limitation, and SS is susceptible to N and P limitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 12786 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression of the AP2/ERF Gene Family in Morus notabilis
by Hao Dou, Tiantian Wang, Xin Zhou, Xi Feng, Wu Tang, Jin’e Quan and Huitao Bi
Forests 2024, 15(4), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040697 - 13 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1399
Abstract
The AP2/ERF gene family, referring to an exclusive class of transcription factors unique to plants, is involved in various biological processes, including plant growth and responses to environmental stresses like high salt and drought. In this study, the AP2/ERF gene in M. notabilis [...] Read more.
The AP2/ERF gene family, referring to an exclusive class of transcription factors unique to plants, is involved in various biological processes, including plant growth and responses to environmental stresses like high salt and drought. In this study, the AP2/ERF gene in M. notabilis was comprehensively identified and bioinformatically analyzed based on the genomic data of M. notabilis. 106 members in the MnAP2/ERF gene family were identified in the M. notabilis genome and were categorized into five subfamilies: ERF, AP2, DREB, RAV, and Soloist, with the ERF subfamily representing 80.19% of the total. The MnAP2/ERF gene family was observed to be distributed on six chromosomes of M. notabilis. Members in the MnAP2/ERF gene family exhibited obvious differences in amino acid number, molecular weight, isoelectric point, and other properties. Approximately 68.87% of the MnAP2/ERF proteins were acidic, all exhibiting hydrophilic characteristics. Differences in conserved sequences and arrangement of AP2 domains were observed among distinct subfamilies, with genes in the same subfamily sharing similar conserved domain compositions. There were 47 genes without untranslated regions and 44 genes with two untranslated regions. The upstream functions of promoters were concentrated on light reactions and plant hormones. Evolutionarily, significant structural differences were identified, and 28 MnAP2/ERF gene family proteins could interact with each other. Moreover, 35 family genes were involved in 22 fragment repeat events, and 55 MnAP2/ERF and 84 AtAP2/ERF genes showed collinearity. The expression of the MnAP2/ERF gene family was significantly different in different parts, indicating that these gene family members were involved in different physiological activities. These results established a theoretical foundation for investigating the functional and evolutionary aspects of AP2/ERF gene family genes in M. notabilis, as well as exploring the root morphogenesis of M. notabilis. Additionally, this study contributes to a basis for the improvement of cultivar stress resistance of M. notabilis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 5509 KiB  
Article
In Situ Rainwater Harvesting System Slows Forest Decline through Increasing Soil Water Content, Fine-Root Traits, and Plant Hydraulic Conductivity
by Changkun Ma, Wanyu Yang, Beibei Zhou, Quanjiu Wang and Mingan Shao
Forests 2024, 15(3), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030571 - 21 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1102
Abstract
Large-scale vegetation restoration campaigns have been implemented on the Chinese Loess Plateau, which have resulted in higher soil moisture deficits in this region. This, in turn, has hampered the healthy growth of planted trees, leading to a decline and, in severe cases, mortality [...] Read more.
Large-scale vegetation restoration campaigns have been implemented on the Chinese Loess Plateau, which have resulted in higher soil moisture deficits in this region. This, in turn, has hampered the healthy growth of planted trees, leading to a decline and, in severe cases, mortality of trees. Therefore, the rational regulation and utilization of rainwater, the primary water source in this region, may alleviate drought stress, ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the impact of in situ rainwater collection and infiltration systems (IRCISs) on soil water, fine-root distribution, xylem vascular, and hydraulic conductivity characteristics in declining Robinia pseudoacacia forests. The results demonstrated that the application of an IRCIS can effectively increase plant available moisture content (0–5.0 m) of declining Robinia pseudoacacia forests. In particular, IRCIS treatment significantly increased xylem conduit diameter and plant hydraulic conductivity while substantially reducing the percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity in both roots and branches. Furthermore, IRCIS treatment significantly reduced the root biomass and distribution depth of Robinia pseudoacacia during both wet and dry years. This implies that IRCISs are beneficial for plant growth and survival. The findings of this study are significant for devising strategic methodologies for the planning and management of rainwater resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 3434 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Xylem Anatomy and Hydraulic Properties in Black Locust Trees at Two Growth Stages in Semiarid China
by Changkun Ma, Xi Zhang, Qian Yao, Beibei Zhou, Quanjiu Wang and Mingan Shao
Forests 2024, 15(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15010116 - 7 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1124
Abstract
Tree species transitioning between different developmental phases requires homeostatic adjustments in order to maintain the integrity of the tree hydraulic system. Hence, adjustments related to hydraulic traits (e.g., xylem conduit diameter) are of key functional significance. However, critical information on the differences between [...] Read more.
Tree species transitioning between different developmental phases requires homeostatic adjustments in order to maintain the integrity of the tree hydraulic system. Hence, adjustments related to hydraulic traits (e.g., xylem conduit diameter) are of key functional significance. However, critical information on the differences between different developmental stages is rare. Using sapwood samples from 36 black locust trees with different growth stages (actively growing and declining stages) and a soil water gradient along a hillslope, xylem conduits at stem apexes and breast height (1.3 m above ground) stems were measured. The results showed marked differences in vascular traits between actively growing and declining trees. In contrast to actively growing trees, declining trees exhibited a reduction in conduit diameters accompanied by increased frequency with a positively skewed distribution and a subsequent decline in cumulative theoretical hydraulic conductivity. Across all sampled trees, the hydraulically weighted mean conduit diameter tapered acropetally from breast height to the stem apex. The extent of conduit tapering in actively growing trees (0.244, 95% CI 0.201–0.287) aligned with predictions from the hydraulic optimality model. Conversely, trees in a declining status displayed significantly reduced conduit tapering (0.175, 95% CI 0.146–0.198), indicating an elevation in hydraulic resistance with increasing tree height. Variations in hydraulic properties predominantly resulted from differences in tree height rather than variations in stem diameter or soil water content. The correlation between conduit diameter and soil water content in both actively growing and declining trees stemmed indirectly from variations in tree height rather than presenting a direct response to drought stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 4345 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiling of YUCCA Gene Family in Developmental and Environmental Stress Conditions in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
by Liping Zhang, Shan Jin, Peixian Bai, Shibei Ge, Peng Yan, Zhengzhen Li, Lan Zhang, Wenyan Han, Jianming Zeng and Xin Li
Forests 2023, 14(11), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14112185 - 2 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1325
Abstract
The tea plant is a perennial leaf-used economical crop and cultivated all over the world. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) plays key roles in plant development and environmental stress. YUCCA (YUC) flavin monooxygenases are the rate-limiting enzymes of the TAA/YUC pathway, which is the most [...] Read more.
The tea plant is a perennial leaf-used economical crop and cultivated all over the world. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) plays key roles in plant development and environmental stress. YUCCA (YUC) flavin monooxygenases are the rate-limiting enzymes of the TAA/YUC pathway, which is the most important IAA biosynthetic pathway in plants. The YUC gene family in tea plants has not been systematically studied so far. A total of 17 CsYUC members were identified from a tea plant genome database and phylogenetically classified into three subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CsYUC gene family is evolutionarily conserved. The physical and chemical properties, gene structures, and conserved domains were analyzed. The expression profiles of CsYUCs were analyzed on the basis of open available RNA-seq data, as well as by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR assays. Combined with previous studies, it can be concluded that YUC10 may play key roles in seed development. The results also showed that CsYUC2.1 may play important roles in the coordinated regulation of the growth of leaf buds and flower buds induced by pruning. Low temperature markedly induced the expression of CsYUC2.2, -11.8, and -11.9. Furthermore, CsYUC genes that might play key roles in the specific development stages and involve enhancing the resistance to drought and NaCl stress were screened, respectively. This study could provide a research basis for deeply studying the gene functions of the CsYUC family in the tea plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions — 2nd Edition)
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