Plants

13 pages, 1941 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Expression Methods to Validate Gene Functions in Strawberry (F. × ananassa)

by Yoon Jeong Jang, Hyeondae Han and Seonghee Lee

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3290; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233290 - 22 Nov 2024

Understanding gene function is important for crop improvement and breeding efforts, especially in a genetically complex polyploid plant species such as the octoploid strawberry. Agrobacterium-mediated transient assays are a widely used tool for investigating gene functions and offer a reliable alternative to [...] Read more.

Understanding gene function is important for crop improvement and breeding efforts, especially in a genetically complex polyploid plant species such as the octoploid strawberry. Agrobacterium-mediated transient assays are a widely used tool for investigating gene functions and offer a reliable alternative to stable transformation. However, variability in tissue-specific responses and inconsistent applicability of Agrobacterium-mediated transient assay across diverse plant species can be challenging. In this study, we provide a method utilizing Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression to examine the function of genes in octoploid strawberry. Our approach encompasses leaf, root, and fruit tissues, providing a comprehensive strategy for validating gene functions in strawberries. Through meticulous optimization and validation in planta, this method offers valuable insights into gene function in strawberry functional genomics and genetics research. By addressing tissue-specific variability, our methodology serves as a valuable technical resource that could facilitate advancements in identifying gene functions in octoploid strawberry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)

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23 pages, 1499 KiB

Open AccessReview

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Assisted Phytoremediation: A Promising Strategy for Cadmium-Contaminated Soils

by Shaopeng Zhao, Lei Yan, Muhammad Kamran, Shanshan Liu and Muhammad Riaz

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233289 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been shown to play a major role in regulating the accumulation, transport, and toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in plant tissues. This review aims to highlight the current understanding of the mechanisms by which AMF alleviate Cd toxicity in [...] Read more.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been shown to play a major role in regulating the accumulation, transport, and toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in plant tissues. This review aims to highlight the current understanding of the mechanisms by which AMF alleviate Cd toxicity in plants. Cd accumulation in agricultural soils has become an increasing global concern due to industrial activities and the use of phosphatic fertilizers. Cd toxicity disrupts various physiological processes in plants, adversely affecting growth, photosynthesis, oxidative stress responses, and secondary metabolism. AMF alleviate Cd stress in plants through multiple mechanisms, including reduced Cd transport into plant roots, improved plant nutritional status, modulation of organic acid and protein exudation, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and maintenance of ion homeostasis. AMF colonization also influences Cd speciation, bioavailability, and compartmentalization within plant tissues. The expression of metal transporter genes, as well as the synthesis of phytochelatins and metallothioneins, are modulated by AMF during Cd stress. However, the efficacy of AMF in mitigating Cd toxicity depends on several factors, such as soil properties, plant species, AMF taxa, and experimental duration. Further knowledge of the intricate plant–AMF–Cd interactions is crucial for optimizing AMF-assisted phytoremediation strategies and developing Cd-tolerant and high-yielding crop varieties for cultivation in contaminated soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)

17 pages, 5102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Image-Based Phenotyping for QTL Identification of Tiller Angle in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

by Yoon-Hee Jang, Song Lim Kim, Jeongho Baek, Hongseok Lee, Chaewon Lee, Inchan Choi, Nyunhee Kim, Tae-Ho Kim, Ye-Ji Lee, Hyeonso Ji and Kyung-Hwan Kim

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3288; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233288 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Rice tiller angle is a key agronomic trait that regulates plant architecture and plays a critical role in determining rice yield. Given that tiller angle is regulated by multiple genes, it is important to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with tiller angle. [...] Read more.

Rice tiller angle is a key agronomic trait that regulates plant architecture and plays a critical role in determining rice yield. Given that tiller angle is regulated by multiple genes, it is important to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with tiller angle. Recently, with the advancement of imaging technology for plant phenotyping, it has become possible to quickly and accurately measure agronomic traits of breeding populations. In this study, we extracted tiller angle and various image-based parameters from Red-Green-Blue (RGB) images of a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Milyang23 (Indica) and Giho (Japonica). Correlations among the obtained data were analyzed, and through dynamic QTL mapping, five major QTLs (qTA1, qTA1-1, qTA2, qTA2-1, and qTA9) related to tiller angle were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, and 9. Among them, 26 candidate genes related to auxin signaling and plant growth, including the TAC1 (Tiller Angle Control 1) gene, were identified in qTA9 (RM257-STS09048). These results demonstrate the potential of image-based phenotyping to overcome the limitations of traditional manual measurements in crop structure research. Furthermore, the identification of key QTLs and candidate genes related to tiller angle provides valuable genetic insights for the development of high-yielding varieties through crop morphology control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)

19 pages, 3815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Traits and Germination of Invasive Plant Solanum rostratum (Solanaceae) in the Arid Zone of Northern China Indicate Invasion Patterns

by Hailun Yu, Runxia Zhang, Wenda Huang, Wei Liu, Jin Zhan, Ruixiong Wang, Xueyong Zhao and Qi Feng

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233287 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

The ability of seeds to germinate under a wide range of environmental conditions is an important characteristic of invasive alien plant species. Solanum rostratum Dunal, has been widely distributed in the Northeast and Northwest of China and is causing huge damage to the [...] Read more.

The ability of seeds to germinate under a wide range of environmental conditions is an important characteristic of invasive alien plant species. Solanum rostratum Dunal, has been widely distributed in the Northeast and Northwest of China and is causing huge damage to the local agricultural production. Studies on seed germination and response among populations to environmental stress may assist in revealing the adaptability of invasive plants and how they cope with climate change. In this study, we collected seeds from five invasive plant populations of S. rostratum, with intervals of over 3000 km between them, distributed in different habitats and climate zones. We measured the differences in seed traits between populations and studied the trends in germination responses of S. rostratum seeds under diverse abiotic stress conditions. The weight and size of S. rostratum seeds distributed in Northeast China were significantly greater than those distributed in Northwest China; for the response of S. rostratum seed germination to environmental factors, seeds from arid and extremely arid areas of Northwest China had greater tolerance to high temperatures and osmotic stress, while seeds from semi-arid areas of Northeast China were more sensitive to low temperatures and high salt stress. Overall, the germination of S. rostratum seeds responded differently to various environmental stress factors, reflecting the ability of S. rostratum to occupy germination sites under low resource competition. Given the rapid changes in the global climate, our findings provide new insights into the seed adaptation strategies of alien plants during the invasion process and the mechanisms involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Management and Conservation: Exploring the Dynamics of Alien and Native Plant Species)

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12 pages, 1757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Specific Impacts of Allelopathy and Resource Competition from Artemisia frigida on the Growth of Three Plant Species in Northern China

by Qing Wang, Mengqiao Kong, Junwen Wang, Bin Gao and Xiaoyan Ping

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3286; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233286 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Plant interference is a key factor influencing plant coexistence and species composition. The two primary forms of plant interference—allelopathy and resource competition—are often difficult to separate. This study conducted an outdoor pot experiment to quantify the distinct contributions of resource competition and allelopathy [...] Read more.

Plant interference is a key factor influencing plant coexistence and species composition. The two primary forms of plant interference—allelopathy and resource competition—are often difficult to separate. This study conducted an outdoor pot experiment to quantify the distinct contributions of resource competition and allelopathy of Artemisia frigida on seedling growth of three species: Leymus chinensis, Cleistogenes squarrosa, and Potentilla acaulis. The index of relative neighbor effect (RNE) was used to quantify the overall effect of plant interference, while the inhibition rates (IRs) of resource competition and allelopathy were utilized to determine the specific contributions of allelopathy and resource competition from A. frigida on the growth of target plant species. The interference effect of A. frigida was found to be species-specific. The allelopathic effect of A. frigida played a major role in inhibiting the belowground biomass of L. chinensis (23.97%) and C. squarrosa (58.27%), while allelopathy and resource competition from A. frigida promoted the belowground biomass (45.12%) and aboveground biomass (46.63%) of P. acaulis, respectively. The combined effect of allelopathy and resource competition from A. frigida significantly affected the aboveground biomass of C. squarrosa and P. acaulis, as well as the belowground biomass of L. chinensis and C. squarrosa. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the patterns and mechanisms of plant species composition and its relationship with grazing intensity in this grassland ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Chemical Ecology)

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14 pages, 2480 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress and Hotspots Analysis of Apoplastic Barriers in the Roots of Plants Based on Bibliometrics from 2003 to 2023

by Chongyuan Qin, Ruoqi Li, Zhuoran Tan, Jingnan Zhang, Yuyang Sun, Jinji Han, Xiaoxia Deng, Fei Wang, Qingjie Yang, Jinghong Wang and Jixiang Lin

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3285; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233285 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

The apoplastic barriers, composed of Casparian strip (CS) and suberin lamellae (SL), are integral to the regulation of water and plant nutrient uptake in plants, as well as their resilience to abiotic stresses. This study systematically examines the research developments and emerging trends [...] Read more.

The apoplastic barriers, composed of Casparian strip (CS) and suberin lamellae (SL), are integral to the regulation of water and plant nutrient uptake in plants, as well as their resilience to abiotic stresses. This study systematically examines the research developments and emerging trends in this field from 2003 to 2023, utilizing bibliometric tools such as Web of Science, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer to analyze a dataset of 642 publications. This paper reviews the cooperation of different countries, institutions, and scholars in apoplastic barriers research based on cooperative network analysis. In the field, China has the highest number of publications, the University of Bolton has the highest number of publications, and Niko Geldner is the author with the maximum number of publications. Notably, 27 publications were identified as highly cited, with their research primarily focusing on (1) genes, proteins, enzymes, and hormones regulating the formation of apoplastic barriers; (2) the influence of adversity stress on apoplastic barriers; (3) the chemical components of apoplastic barriers; (4) the evaluations of research progress on apoplastic barriers. Combined with the keyword co-occurrence network diagram, it is proposed that future research directions in this field should be as follows: (1) physiological functions of apoplastic barriers in plant root; (2) differences in the formation of apoplastic barriers with different root systems; (3) methods to promote apoplastic barriers formation; and (4) application of molecular biology techniques. The present study provides a further understanding of the trends in apoplastic barriers, and the data analyzed can be used as a guide for future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Physiology and Stress Adaptation of Crops)

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20 pages, 3128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Straw Returning Methods Affects Macro-Aggregate Content and Organic Matter Content in Black Soils: Meta-Analysis and Comprehensive Validation

by Kangmeng Liu, Yu Hu, Yumei Li, Lei Wang, Liang Jin, Lianfeng Cai, Xiaoxiao Wu, Zhenguo Yang, Yan Li and Dan Wei

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3284; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233284 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Straw returning into the soil is a crucial method for boosting soil carbon levels. To research the influence of straw return practices on soil aggregates and organic matter content within the farmlands of the Northeast Black Soil Region, the objective was to clarify [...] Read more.

Straw returning into the soil is a crucial method for boosting soil carbon levels. To research the influence of straw return practices on soil aggregates and organic matter content within the farmlands of the Northeast Black Soil Region, the objective was to clarify the varying impacts of these practices on soil carbon enhancement. In this study, 89 pertinent papers were acquired through a rigorous literature compilation. Meta-analysis and the linear regression method were employed to analyze the influence of field return methods, their duration on soil water-stable aggregates, and their organic matter content. Furthermore, the study delved into the trends in the variation of aggregates and organic matter in relation to mean annual temperature and precipitation. Our results showed that the straw-returning method has been discovered to predominantly bolster soil organic matter by altering the proportions of macro-aggregate content. Specifically, straw incorporation has led to a notable enhancement in the content of macro-aggregates (57.14%) and micro-aggregates (20.29%), in addition to augmenting the content of macro-, small, and micro-aggregate organic matter by 13.22%, 16.43%, and 15.08%, respectively. The most significant increase in large agglomerates was witnessed in straw return over a period of more than 5 years (115.17%), as well as shallow mixing return (87.32%). Meanwhile, the highest increase in the organic matter content of large agglomerates was recorded in straw return over 5 years (12.60%) and deep mixing return (8.72%). In the field validation experiment, a period of seven years of straw return significantly boosted the macro-aggregate content across various soil layers, ranging from 11.78% to 116.21%. Furthermore, among the various climatic factors, the primary determinants of disparities in study outcomes were the average annual temperature and average annual precipitation. Specifically, lower precipitation and higher temperatures were conducive to the enhancement of macro-aggregate formation and organic matter content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water and Nitrogen Management in the Soil–Crop System (3rd Edition))

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22 pages, 1716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Assembly Mechanisms of Populus euphratica in Northwest China and Their Relationship with Environmental Factors

by Lijun Zhu, Jie Wang, Houji Liu, Juntuan Zhai and Zhijun Li

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3283; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233283 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Populus euphratica is a key community-building species in the desert riparian forests of Northwest China, exhibiting exceptional resistance to stress and playing a vital role in soil and water conservation as well as maintaining ecological balance in arid regions. To investigate the ecological [...] Read more.

Populus euphratica is a key community-building species in the desert riparian forests of Northwest China, exhibiting exceptional resistance to stress and playing a vital role in soil and water conservation as well as maintaining ecological balance in arid regions. To investigate the ecological processes underlying the composition of P. euphratica communities and to identify their community construction mechanisms, this study analyses the species diversity and phylogenetic diversity of 58 P. euphratica communities, exploring their assembly processes and key influencing factors. This research aims to elucidate the relationship between community structure from the perspective of species evolution and analyse the construction mechanisms of P. euphratica communities across different clusters in arid environments. The results show that the species diversity of P. euphratica clusters in Northwest China is relatively low, and a significant correlation is noted with phylogenetic diversity (PD). The Shannon–Wiener and Margalef indices exhibit similar trends, whereas Simpson’s index show the opposite trends. Pielou’s index range from 0.7 to 0.85. Notably, the PD and species diversity of the P. euphratica–Haloxylon ammodendron association group (Group 4) is significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to that of the other groups. Additionally, net relatedness index (NRI) and nearest taxon index (NTI) peaked in the P. euphratica–H. ammodendron association group (Group 4) and the Populus pruinosa–Tamarix ramosissima–Phragmites australis association group (Group 1) (p < 0.05). A Pearson correlation analysis indicated that PD was significantly positively correlated with Margalef’s index, Shannon–Wiener’s index, and Pielou’s index, but was significantly negatively correlated with Simpson’s index, while also being associated with environmental factors. Key factors influencing the diversity of P. euphratica communities in Northwest China include total phosphorus, pH, soil moisture content, total potassium, the mean temperature of the coldest quarter, precipitation of the wettest month, and precipitation seasonality. Soil factors primarily affected the Pielou and Simpson indices of species diversity, whereas climatic factors mainly influenced the Margalef and Shannon–Wiener indices. PD and structure were mainly influenced by climatic factors. The combined effects of soil and climatic factors play a crucial role in sustaining the diversity and ecological adaptation of these plant communities. In summary, P. euphratica communities may exhibit a significant ecological niche conservation in response to environmental changes, and competitive exclusion might be the primary process shaping community structure. Climatic factors were shown to be important regulators of community diversity and phylogenetic structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

15 pages, 9493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AtAUEs, a Small Family of ABA Up-Regulated EAR Motif-Containing Proteins Regulate ABA Responses in Arabidopsis

by Wei Wang, Xutong Wang, Xiaoyu Liu, Yating Wang, Yingying Li, Saddam Hussain, Xiaoxiao Jing, Siyu Chen and Shucai Wang

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3282; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233282 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

The abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway is crucial for regulating downstream ABA-responsive genes, which influence plant responses to ABA and abiotic stresses. However, many ABA-responsive genes remain poorly characterized. This study reports on the identification and characterization of ABA up-regulated EAR motif-containing proteins [...] Read more.

The abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway is crucial for regulating downstream ABA-responsive genes, which influence plant responses to ABA and abiotic stresses. However, many ABA-responsive genes remain poorly characterized. This study reports on the identification and characterization of ABA up-regulated EAR motif-containing proteins (AtAUEs), a novel family of EAR motif-containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. From a previous transcriptome dataset, AtAUEs were identified as a family of unknown-function ABA-response genes with only five members, and the up-regulation of AtAUEs by ABA was further confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT PCR). All AtAUEs contain at least one LxLxL EAR motif and can repress reporter gene expression in Arabidopsis protoplasts. We generated CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited ataue1, ataue2 and ataue3 single, ataue1 ataue2 (ataue12) double, and ataue1 ataue2 ataue3 (ataue123) triple mutants, as well as transgenic plants overexpressing AtAUE1, and examined their ABA sensitivity. We found that the single and double mutants displayed wild-type responses to ABA treatment, while the ataue123 triple mutants showed increased sensitivity in seed germination and cotyledon greening assays but decreased sensitivity to ABA treatment in root elongation assays. Conversely, the 35S:AtAUE1 showed decreased sensitivity in seed germination and cotyledon greening assays but increased sensitivity to ABA treatment in root elongation assays. The qRT PCR results show that the expression level of ABI5 was increased in the ataue123 mutants and decreased in the 35S:AtAUE1 plants. These findings suggest that AtAUEs function redundantly to regulate ABA responses in Arabidopsis, likely by modulating the expression of key regulatory genes in ABA-signaling pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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16 pages, 980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Dissection of Selection on microRNA Target Genes Involved in Rice Flower Development

by Fen Zhang, Li-Zhen Ling and Li-Zhi Gao

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3281; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233281 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Although genome-wide studies have identified a number of candidate regions evolving under selection in domesticated animals and cultivated plants, few attempts have been made, from the point of a definite biological process, to assess sequence variation and characterize the regimes of the selection [...] Read more.

Although genome-wide studies have identified a number of candidate regions evolving under selection in domesticated animals and cultivated plants, few attempts have been made, from the point of a definite biological process, to assess sequence variation and characterize the regimes of the selection on miRNA-associated motifs. Here, we performed a genome-wide dissection of nucleotide variation and selection of miRNA targets associated with rice flower development. By sampling and resequencing 26 miRNA targets for globally diverse representative populations of Asian cultivated rice and wild relatives, we found that purifying selection has reduced genetic variation at the conserved miRNA binding sites on the whole, and highly conserved miRNA binding sequences were maintained in the studied rice populations. Conversely, non-neutral evolution of positive and/or artificial selection accelerates the elevated variations at nonconserved binding sites in a population-specific behavior which may have contributed to flower development-related phenotypic variation. Taken together, our results elucidate that miRNA targets involved in flower development are under distinctive selection regimes during rice evolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Development and Morphogenesis)

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22 pages, 3073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Rhizobacteria Strains on Plant Growth Promotion in Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

by Eduardo Hernández-Amador, David Tomás Montesdeoca-Flores, Néstor Abreu-Acosta and Juan Cristo Luis-Jorge

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3280; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233280 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Numerous factors, such as soil fertility, climatic conditions, human activity, pests, and diseases, limit agricultural yields. Pesticides and fertilizers have become indispensable tools to satisfy the global food demand. However, its adverse environmental effects have led to the search for more sustainable and [...] Read more.

Numerous factors, such as soil fertility, climatic conditions, human activity, pests, and diseases, limit agricultural yields. Pesticides and fertilizers have become indispensable tools to satisfy the global food demand. However, its adverse environmental effects have led to the search for more sustainable and ethical techniques. Biofertilizers and biopesticides based on plant- growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are efficient and ecological treatments that promote plant growth and protection against pathogens and abiotic stresses. In this study, twelve rhizobacterial strains with plant-growth-promoting attributes were selected to evaluate their plant-growth-promoting effect on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. var Robin). Soil inoculation with these strains resulted in a significant increase in shoot length, up to 50% when compared with control plants. Regarding fresh biomass, rhizobacterial treatments significantly improved seedlings’ fresh aerial weight with a maximum increase of 77%. Root biomass also demonstrated a substantial improvement, yielding 62.26% greater fresh root weight compared to the control. Finally, dry root weights exhibited the most remarkable enhancements, with values between 49 and 124%, when compared to the control plants. Concerning the nutritional status, the strains inoculation increased the macronutrients and micronutrients content in the aerial and root parts of the plants. All these findings suggest that rhizobacteria from different ecosystems and agriculture soils of the Canary Islands could be used as fertilizer inoculants to increase crop yield and promote more sustainable practices in modern agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Improvement for Climate Resilience and Global Food Security)

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18 pages, 9678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Callus and Cell Suspension Cultures of Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Cultivated in the Presence of Different Concentrations of 2,4-D and BAP in a Nutrient Medium

by Dmitry A. Rybin, Alina A. Sukhova, Andrey A. Syomin, Tatiana A. Zdobnova, Ekaterina V. Berezina and Anna A. Brilkina

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3279; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233279 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

In this work, cultures of callus and suspension cells originating from leaves of sterile highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants were obtained and characterized. For their active growth and production of phenolic compounds, a combination of 2,4-D at a concentration of 0.34–2.25 [...] Read more.

In this work, cultures of callus and suspension cells originating from leaves of sterile highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants were obtained and characterized. For their active growth and production of phenolic compounds, a combination of 2,4-D at a concentration of 0.34–2.25 µM and BAP at a concentration of 0.45–2.25 µM is effective. An increase in the phytohormone concentration leads to a slowdown in culture formation and reduces their ability to synthesize phenolic compounds. When cultivating V. corymbosum suspension cells over a year (12 passages), they not only retain the ability to synthesize phenolic compounds but also enhance it. By the 12th passage, the content of TSPC in suspension cells reaches 150 mg/g DW, the content of flavonoids reaches 100 mg/g DW, the content of flavans reaches 40 mg/g DW, and the content of proanthocyanidins reaches 30 mg/g DW. The high content of phenolic compounds may be due to the high expression of genes in flavonoid biosynthesis enzymes. V. corymbosum suspension cells accumulate a high level of phenolic compounds during a passage. The ability of V. corymbosum callus and cell suspension cultures in the presence of low concentrations of phytohormones to grow and accumulate biologically active phenolic compounds determines their high economic significance and prospects for organizing a biotechnological method for obtaining phenolic compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Plant Tissue Culture: New Insights into Plant Improvement Research Using Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Modification Techniques―2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Tandem Mass Spectral Library for the Detection of Triterpenoids in Plant Metabolome Based on Reference Standards

by Bibi Zareena, Syed Usama Y. Jeelani, Adeeba Khadim, Arslan Ali, Jalal Uddin, Satyajit D. Sarker, Matthias Rainer, Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Muhammad Ramzan and Syed Ghulam Musharraf

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3278; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233278 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Plant triterpenoids represent a diverse group of secondary metabolites and are thought to be valuable for therapeutic applications. For drug development, lead optimization, better knowledge of biological pathways, and high-throughput detection of secondary metabolites in plant extracts are crucial. This paper describes a [...] Read more.

Plant triterpenoids represent a diverse group of secondary metabolites and are thought to be valuable for therapeutic applications. For drug development, lead optimization, better knowledge of biological pathways, and high-throughput detection of secondary metabolites in plant extracts are crucial. This paper describes a qualitative method for the rapid and accurate identification of various triterpenoids in plant extracts using the LC-HR-ESI-MS/MS tool in combination with the data-dependent acquisition (DD) approach. A total of 44 isolated, purified, and characterized triterpenoids were analyzed. HR-MS spectra and tandem mass spectra (MS/MS) of each compound were recorded in the positive ionization mode in two different sets of collisional energies, i.e., (25–62.5 eV), and fixed collisional energies (10, 20, 30, and 40 eV). As a result, three triterpenoids were identified in all plant extracts using the retention time, high-resolution mass spectra, and/or MS/MS spectra. The developed method will be helpful with other plant extracts/botanicals, as well as in the search for new triterpenoids in the kingdom Plantae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights into Functional and Medicinal Value of Natural Products from Plants)

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20 pages, 1506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oil Composition and Anti-Cholinesterase Properties of Cryptomeria japonica Foliage Harvested in São Miguel Island (Azores) in Two Different Seasons

by Tânia Rodrigues, Ana Lima, Tanner Wortham, Filipe Arruda, Alexandre Janeiro, José Baptista and Elisabete Lima

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3277; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233277 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

The Azorean Cryptomeria japonica forest operations and wood industry generate considerable foliage biomass residues that are used for local essential oil (EO) production. However, research on seasonal variation of C. japonica EO remains scarce. In this study, the EOs from fresh Azorean C. [...] Read more.

The Azorean Cryptomeria japonica forest operations and wood industry generate considerable foliage biomass residues that are used for local essential oil (EO) production. However, research on seasonal variation of C. japonica EO remains scarce. In this study, the EOs from fresh Azorean C. japonica foliage (Az–CJF) collected in autumn (Aut) and spring (Spr) were obtained via hydrodistillation and investigated for their physical properties, yield, chemical composition, and bioactivities. Both EOs presented a strong odor, a yellowish color, a density around 0.9 g·mL⁻¹, and similar yields (approximately 1% v/w, dry matter). Nevertheless, the GC–MS analyses showed a decrease in monoterpene hydrocarbons (MH) and an increase in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (OS) contents in Spr–EO compared with Aut–EO (16% vs. 35% for MH and 45% vs. 31% for OS, respectively). In addition, the predominant components were kaur-16-ene (23%) for Spr–EO and phyllocladene (19%) for Aut–EO, revealing that both EOs were rich in diterpene hydrocarbons (29% vs. 26%). Concerning its toxicity against brine shrimp, a low mortality (0–38%) was observed at a concentration range of 100–180 μg·mL⁻¹. Regarding the anti-cholinesterase properties, both EOs were inactive against acetylcholinesterase but showed anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity superior to (–)-α-pinene, a major compound of Az–CJF EO (IC₅₀ values: 84, 148, and 648 μg·mL⁻¹ for Spr–EO, Aut–EO, and α-pinene, respectively). Overall, the results indicate the potential benefit of both seasonal EOs in Alzheimer’s disease treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that season strongly influences the Az–CJF EO quantitative composition and thus its bioactivity, aiding in the selection of the most high-quality raw materials for use in Azorean C. japonica EO aromatherapy industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products of Medicinal Plants: Isolation, Purification and Bioactivity Evaluation)

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13 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of One-Step Reverse Transcription-Droplet Digital PCR for Plum Pox Virus Detection and Quantification from Plant Purified RNA and Crude Extract

by Giorgia Bertinelli, Lorenza Tizzani, Marta Luigi, Simona Monticelli and Vincenza Ilardi

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3276; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233276 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Plum pox virus (PPV) is the etiological agent of sharka, the most important viral disease of stone fruit worldwide. In this study, a one-step reverse transcription real-time PCR test (RT-qPCR) was modified and translated as a one-step RT-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) for sensitive, [...] Read more.

Plum pox virus (PPV) is the etiological agent of sharka, the most important viral disease of stone fruit worldwide. In this study, a one-step reverse transcription real-time PCR test (RT-qPCR) was modified and translated as a one-step RT-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) for sensitive, direct, and accurate detection and quantification of PPV. The modified RT-qPCR and RT-ddPCR PPV detection tests were validated using both plant purified total RNA (TRNA) and crude extract as templates. The proposed tests were sensitive, specific, selective, repeatable, and reproducible in detecting PPV from fresh, lyophilized, and in vitro plant samples. RT-ddPCR was more sensitive than RT-qPCR in detecting PPV using purified TRNA while showing the same sensitivity using crude extract. This work highlights the robustness, time-saving, and cost-effective nature of the proposed one-step RT-ddPCR test, offering a potential reduction in resources for PPV detection and quantification even with raw extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant Protection)

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16 pages, 2980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Nucleotide-Binding Domain Leucine-Rich Repeat Gene Regulates Plant Growth and Defense Against Chewing Herbivores

by Chen Qiu, Xiaochen Jin, Yumiao Zhao, Peng Kuai and Yonggen Lou

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3275; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233275 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptor genes (NLRs) play an important role in plant defenses against pathogens, pathogenic nematodes, and piercing–sucking herbivores. However, little is known about their functions in plant defenses against chewing herbivores. Here, we identified a plasma membrane-localized coiled-coil-type NLR [...] Read more.

Plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptor genes (NLRs) play an important role in plant defenses against pathogens, pathogenic nematodes, and piercing–sucking herbivores. However, little is known about their functions in plant defenses against chewing herbivores. Here, we identified a plasma membrane-localized coiled-coil-type NLR protein, OsPik-2-like, whose transcript levels were induced by the infestation of rice leaf folder (LF, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) larvae, and by treatment with mechanical wounding. Knocking out OsPik-2-like in rice increased the LF-induced levels of jasmonic acid (JA) and jasmonoyl–isoleucine (JA-Ile), the activity of trypsin protease inhibitors (TrypPIs), and the basal levels of some flavonoids, which in turn decreased the performance of LF larvae. Moreover, knocking out OsPik-2-like reduced plant growth. These findings demonstrate that OsPik-2-like regulates the symbiosis between rice and LF by balancing plant growth and defense. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Chemical Ecology)

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12 pages, 2010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Nitrogen and Zinc Foliar Application on Yield and Nutrient Accumulation in Rice at Various Growth Stages

by Patcharin Tuiwong, Hui-Kyong Cho, Hatem Rouached and Chanakan Prom-U-Thai

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3274; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233274 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

The rising interest in foliar nutrient spraying as a strategy to boost crop yields has led to investigations of how such application influences nutrient uptake and accumulation, especially in edible plant parts. Despite its importance, the effects of single versus simultaneous nutrient application [...] Read more.

The rising interest in foliar nutrient spraying as a strategy to boost crop yields has led to investigations of how such application influences nutrient uptake and accumulation, especially in edible plant parts. Despite its importance, the effects of single versus simultaneous nutrient application on plant absorption, transport, and accumulation have been underexplored. This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining the physiological and molecular responses of rice to foliar application of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) individually and in combination at different growth stages. We assessed how the treatments affect rice grain yield and nutrient accumulation in relation to the expression of Zn transport-related genes. Foliar application of N+Zn+ at the tillering stage resulted in a 62.01% increase in grain yield compared to the control. Additionally, Zn concentrations in brown rice were increased by 26.04% and 34.20% when N0Zn+ and N+Zn+ treatments, respectively, were applied at panicle initiation. Gene expression analysis revealed that the timing and nutrient combination significantly influenced rice productivity and grain Zn concentration. At the tillering stage, the N+Zn+ treatment elevated the expression of Zn transporters such as OsZIP3, OsZIP4, and OsZIP9 in leaves, thereby enhancing grain yield. At panicle initiation, the nutrient treatments influenced a broad range of genes, including OsZIP4, OsZIP9, OsHAM2, OsDUR3, OsAAP1, OsGS1;1, and OsFd-GOGAT, affecting grain Zn and N accumulation. These insights are crucial for developing targeted nutrient management strategies to optimize rice yield and grain nutritional quality for the benefit of consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)

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15 pages, 2197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Diverse Crop Rotation Sequences on Rice Growth, Yield, and Soil Properties: A Field Study in Gewu Station

by Ruiping Yang, Yu Shen, Xiangyi Kong, Baoming Ge, Xiaoping Sun and Mingchang Cao

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3273; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233273 - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

This long-term field study conducted in Yancheng, China, evaluated the effects of diverse crop rotation sequences on rice growth, yield, and soil properties. Six rotation treatments were implemented from 2016 to 2023 as follows: rice–wheat (control), rice–rape, rice–hairy vetch, rice–barley, rice–faba bean, and [...] Read more.

This long-term field study conducted in Yancheng, China, evaluated the effects of diverse crop rotation sequences on rice growth, yield, and soil properties. Six rotation treatments were implemented from 2016 to 2023 as follows: rice–wheat (control), rice–rape, rice–hairy vetch, rice–barley, rice–faba bean, and rice–winter fallow. Rice growth parameters, yield components, biomass accumulation, and soil properties were measured. Results showed that legume-based rotations, particularly rice–faba bean and rice–hairy vetch, significantly improved rice growth and yield compared to the rice–wheat control. The rice–faba bean rotation increased yield by 19.1% to 8.73 t/ha compared to 7.33 t/ha for the control, while rice–hairy vetch increased yield by 11.9% to 8.20 t/ha. These rotations also demonstrated higher biomass production efficiency, with increases of 33.33% and 25.00%, respectively, in spring crop biomass. Soil nutrients improvements were observed, particularly in available nitrogen, potassium, and electrical conductivity. Legume-based rotations increased the available nitrogen by up to 35.9% compared to the control. The study highlights the potential of diversified crop rotations, especially those incorporating legumes, to enhance rice productivity and soil health in subtropical regions. These findings have important implications for developing sustainable and resilient rice-based cropping systems to address challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in the face of climate change and resource constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Conservation Tillage on Crop Cultivation and Production)

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16 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Distribution in Flowers of Lathyrus odoratus L. by HS-SPME-GC Technique and Enantiomeric Separation Data

by James Calva, Mayerly Parra and Ángel Benítez

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3272; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233272 - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Lathyrus odoratus L., commonly known as sweet pea, is a plant with a distinctive aroma that can develop in various habitats. An analysis of the aromatic profile of the species was conducted using the HS-SPME (solid-phase microextraction headspace) technique. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Lathyrus odoratus L., commonly known as sweet pea, is a plant with a distinctive aroma that can develop in various habitats. An analysis of the aromatic profile of the species was conducted using the HS-SPME (solid-phase microextraction headspace) technique. This study aimed to explore the composition of and variation in the floral scent emissions of L. odorathus. The floral scents from fresh flowers were collected over different months and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry on apolar and polar stationary phase columns. In the apolar column, the majority compounds included linalool (19.27–5.79%), α-trans-bergamotene (29.4–14.21%), and phenyl ethyl alcohol (30.01–1.56%), while on the polar column, the predominant compounds included myrcene (13.25%), (E,E)-α-farnesene (26.33–8.16%), α-trans-bergamotene (42.09–24.82%), and others. This investigation was complemented by enantioselective analysis using a chiral phase based in cyclodextrins, which revealed the presence of (1R)-(+)-α-pinene, (S)-(−)-limonene, (R)-(+)-germacrene D, and (R)-(E)-nerolidol as enantiomerically pure components and linalool as a racemic mixture. Notably, the principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap revealed variations among the chemical compounds collected at different harvest times. This demonstrates that temporal factors indeed impact chemical compound production. Furthermore, research on the aromatic properties of flowers provides a theoretical basis for studying and improving the components of their scent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Analyses of Secondary Metabolites of Aromatic, Medicinal and Food Plants)

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