Plants

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6 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Further Perspectives

by Milan Stanković

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081696 - 18 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1295

Abstract

Published for the first time in 2012, Plants will celebrate its 10th anniversary [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

Research

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14 pages, 3346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Features and Conservation of Urtica rupestris Guss. (Urticaceae): A Narrow Endemic Species of Sicily

by Saverio Sciandrello, Salvatore Cambria, Gianpietro Giusso del Galdo, Pietro Minissale, Marta Puglisi, Gianmarco Tavilla and Valeria Tomaselli

Plants 2023, 12(1), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010164 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2049

Abstract

The conservation actions of endangered plant species require a clear knowledge of their habitats. Urtica rupestris Guss. (Urticaceae) is a rare endemic plant species occurring on shady cliffs in the southern-eastern part of Sicily. In the last century, the extreme anthropogenic alterations of [...] Read more.

The conservation actions of endangered plant species require a clear knowledge of their habitats. Urtica rupestris Guss. (Urticaceae) is a rare endemic plant species occurring on shady cliffs in the southern-eastern part of Sicily. In the last century, the extreme anthropogenic alterations of Hyblaean plateau have caused the continuous and unrestrained fragmentation of natural habitats and consequently the reduction and disappearance of some plant species. A total of 52 vegetation plots, of which 34 are unpublished, were analyzed in order to characterize the floristic composition of the U. rupestris community. All the relevés were classified using classification and ordination methods. The species is mainly linked to shady and wet rock habitats, and only secondarily colonizes the undergrowth shrubs. According to IUCN criteria, we propose a new risk status for this species and the establishment of a new habitat (92/43CEE) for correct long-term conservation. Finally, a new association, Urtico rupestris-Adiantetum capilli-veneris, which falls within the Polysticho setiferi-Phyllitidion scolopendrii alliance (Adiantetea capilli-veneris class), was described. This study can provide useful information for the management and conservation of U. rupestris. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 2766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cucumber mosaic virus Is Unable to Self-Assemble in Tobacco Plants When Transmitted by Seed

by Antonella Vitti, Israel Pagán, Brigida Bochicchio, Angelo De Stradis, Pasquale Piazzolla, Antonio Scopa and Maria Nuzzaci

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3217; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233217 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3073

Abstract

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), which has great impact on agronomic production worldwide, is both aphid and seed transmitted. Although the mechanisms of aphid transmission have been widely studied, those underlying the ability of CMV to survive and remain infectious during the passage from [...] Read more.

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), which has great impact on agronomic production worldwide, is both aphid and seed transmitted. Although the mechanisms of aphid transmission have been widely studied, those underlying the ability of CMV to survive and remain infectious during the passage from one generation to the next through the seeds are still to be clarified. Moreover, the viral determinants of seed transmission rate are poorly understood. Three viral genotypes produced from same RNA 1 and 2 components of CMV-Fny but differing in RNA 3 (the wild type CMV-Fny, a pseudorecombinant CMV-Fny/CMV-S and a chimeric CMV previously obtained by our group, named F, FS and CS, respectively) were propagated in Nicotiana tabacum cv Xanthi plants in order to assess differences in tobacco seed transmission rate and persistence through plant generations in the absence of aphid transmission. Seed-growth tests revealed CMV infection in the embryos, but not in the integuments. Seedlings from seed-growth tests showed the presence of all considered viruses but at different rates: from 4% (F, FS) to 16% (CS). Electron microscopy revealed absence (CS) of viral particles or virions without the typical central hole (F and FS). In agreement, structural characteristics of purified CMV particles, assessed by circular dichroism spectroscopy, showed anomalous spectra of nucleic acids rather than the expected nucleoproteins. These alterations resulted in no seed transmission beyond the first plant generation. Altogether, the results show for the first time that correct virion assembly is needed for seed infection from the mother plant but not to seedling invasion from the seed. We propose that incorrect virion formation, self-assembly and architecture stability might be explained if during the first stages of germination and seedling development some tobacco seed factors target viral regions responsible for protein-RNA interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 6637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cuscuta australis Parasitism-Induced Changes in the Proteome and Photosynthetic Parameters of Arabidopsis thaliana

by Lyuben Zagorchev, Zhaokui Du, Yongbin Shi, Denitsa Teofanova and Junmin Li

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212904 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Cuscuta australis is a widely distributed stem parasitic plant, infecting a variety of host plants. Its parasitism has a negative effect on the hosts, mainly due to the exhaustion of nutrients, thus negatively affecting the growth and development. However, recent studies indicated that [...] Read more.

Cuscuta australis is a widely distributed stem parasitic plant, infecting a variety of host plants. Its parasitism has a negative effect on the hosts, mainly due to the exhaustion of nutrients, thus negatively affecting the growth and development. However, recent studies indicated that the effect of parasitism may extend beyond the simple extraction of organic compounds, water, and minerals. In the present study, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was used as a host for Cuscuta australis, to study the effect of the parasite on the photosynthetic parameters and the proteome after short-term infection. To test this, a highly sensitive portable photosynthesis system and gel-based MS/MS proteomics were employed. It was found that the parasite has a dramatic negative effect on the photosynthetic ability of the host, as well as causing the up-regulation of stress-related proteins. Simultaneously, proteins involved in both decreased permeability and loosening of the cell wall of the host were found to be up-regulated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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11 pages, 2719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The C-Terminal Region of SLIM1 Transcription Factor Is Required for Sulfur Deficiency Response

by Justyna Piotrowska, Yuki Jodoi, Nguyen Ha Trang, Anna Wawrzynska, Hideki Takahashi, Agnieszka Sirko and Akiko Maruyama-Nakashita

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2595; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192595 - 2 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2174

Abstract

Sulfur LIMitation1 (SLIM1) transcription factor coordinates gene expression in plants in response to sulfur deficiency (−S). SLIM1 belongs to the family of plant-specific EIL transcription factors with EIN3 and EIL1, which regulate the ethylene-responsive gene expression. The EIL domains consist of DNA binding [...] Read more.

Sulfur LIMitation1 (SLIM1) transcription factor coordinates gene expression in plants in response to sulfur deficiency (−S). SLIM1 belongs to the family of plant-specific EIL transcription factors with EIN3 and EIL1, which regulate the ethylene-responsive gene expression. The EIL domains consist of DNA binding and dimerization domains highly conserved among EIL family members, while the N- and C-terminal regions are structurally variable and postulated to have regulatory roles in this protein family, such that the EIN3 C-terminal region is essential for its ethylene-responsive activation. In this study, we focused on the roles of the SLIM1 C-terminal region. We examined the transactivation activity of the full-length and the truncated SLIM1 in yeast and Arabidopsis. The full-length SLIM1 and the truncated form of SLIM1 with a deletion of C-terminal 106 amino acids (ΔC105) transactivated the reporter gene expression in yeast when they were fused to the GAL4 DNA binding domain, whereas the deletion of additional 15 amino acids to remove the C-terminal 120 amino acids (ΔC120) eliminated such an activity, identifying the necessity of that 15-amino-acid segment for transactivation. In the Arabidopsis slim1-2 mutant, the transcript levels of SULTR1;2 sulfate transporter and the GFP expression derived from the SULTR1;2 promoter-GFP (P_SULTR1;2-GFP) transgene construct were restored under −S by introducing the full-length SLIM1, but not with the C-terminal truncated forms ΔC105 and ΔC57. Furthermore, the transcript levels of −S-responsive genes were restored concomitantly with an increase in glutathione accumulation in the complementing lines with the full-length SLIM1 but not with ΔC57. The C-terminal 57 amino acids of SLIM1 were also shown to be necessary for transactivation of a −S-inducible gene, SHM7/MSA1, in a transient expression system using the SHM7/MSA1 promoter-GUS as a reporter. These findings suggest that the C-terminal region is essential for the SLIM1 activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 1638 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

β-Cyclocitral Does Not Contribute to Singlet Oxygen-Signalling in Algae, but May Down-Regulate Chlorophyll Synthesis

by Thomas Roach, Theresa Baur and Ilse Kranner

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162155 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Light stress signalling in algae and plants is partially orchestrated by singlet oxygen (¹O₂), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that causes significant damage within the chloroplast, such as lipid peroxidation. In the vicinity of the photosystem II reaction centre, [...] Read more.

Light stress signalling in algae and plants is partially orchestrated by singlet oxygen (¹O₂), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that causes significant damage within the chloroplast, such as lipid peroxidation. In the vicinity of the photosystem II reaction centre, a major source of ¹O₂, are two β-carotene molecules that quench ¹O₂ to ground-state oxygen. ¹O₂ can oxidise β-carotene to release β-cyclocitral, which has emerged as a ¹O₂-mediated stress signal in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We investigated if β-cyclocitral can have similar retrograde signalling properties in the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Using RNA-Seq, we show that genes up-regulated in response to exogenous β-cyclocitral included CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE 8 (CCD8), while down-regulated genes included those associated with porphyrin and chlorophyll anabolism, such as tetrapyrrole-binding protein (GUN4), magnesium chelatases (CHLI1, CHLI2, CHLD, CHLH1), light-dependent protochlorophyllide reductase (POR1), copper target 1 protein (CTH1), and coproporphyrinogen III oxidase (CPX1). Down-regulation of this pathway has also been shown in β-cyclocitral-treated A. thaliana, indicating conservation of this signalling mechanism in plants. However, in contrast to A. thaliana, a very limited overlap in differential gene expression was found in β-cyclocitral-treated and ¹O₂-treated C. reinhardtii. Furthermore, exogenous treatment with β-cyclocitral did not induce tolerance to ¹O₂. We conclude that while β-cyclocitral may down-regulate chlorophyll synthesis, it does not seem to contribute to ¹O₂-mediated high light stress signalling in algae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 5870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Spatial Expression Analysis of Histone Modification Gene Families in the Rubber Dandelion Taraxacum kok-saghyz

by Francesco Panara, Carlo Fasano, Loredana Lopez, Andrea Porceddu, Paolo Facella, Elio Fantini, Loretta Daddiego and Giorgio Perrella

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162077 - 9 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2616

Abstract

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Tks), also known as the Russian dandelion, is a recognized alternative source of natural rubber quite comparable, for quality and use, to the one obtained from the so-called rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. In addition to that, Tks roots [...] Read more.

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Tks), also known as the Russian dandelion, is a recognized alternative source of natural rubber quite comparable, for quality and use, to the one obtained from the so-called rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. In addition to that, Tks roots produce several other compounds, including inulin, whose use in pharmaceutical and dietary products is quite extensive. Histone-modifying genes (HMGs) catalyze a series of post-translational modifications that affect chromatin organization and conformation, which, in turn, regulate many downstream processes, including gene expression. In this study, we present the first analysis of HMGs in Tks. Altogether, we identified 154 putative Tks homologs: 60 HMTs, 34 HDMs, 42 HATs, and 18 HDACs. Interestingly, whilst most of the classes showed similar numbers in other plant species, including M. truncatula and A. thaliana, HATs and HMT-PRMTs were indeed more abundant in Tks. Composition and structure analysis of Tks HMG proteins showed, for some classes, the presence of novel domains, suggesting a divergence from the canonical HMG model. The analysis of publicly available transcriptome datasets, combined with spatial expression of different developmental tissues, allowed us to identify several HMGs with a putative role in metabolite biosynthesis. Overall, our work describes HMG genomic organization and sets the premises for the functional characterization of epigenetic modifications in rubber-producing plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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11 pages, 1443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Xylem Sap Acidification Is Governed by Tree Phenology, Temperature and Elevation of Growing Site

by Manuel Pramsohler, Edith Lichtenberger and Gilbert Neuner

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2058; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152058 - 6 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2011

Abstract

pH of xylem sap (pHx) was determined in three trees (Malus domestica (apple tree), Picea abies and Pinus cembra) in response to seasonal changes. Conifer trees from lowland (600 m) were compared to trees growing at the alpine timberline [...] Read more.

pH of xylem sap (pHx) was determined in three trees (Malus domestica (apple tree), Picea abies and Pinus cembra) in response to seasonal changes. Conifer trees from lowland (600 m) were compared to trees growing at the alpine timberline (1950 m a.s.l.). Xylem sap was extracted with a Scholander pressure bomb and pHx was measured with a pH microsensor. In all species, pHx changed markedly with season. In spring, pHx was acidic; during winter, the pHx was more alkaline. In apple trees, the pHx did not show a significant correlation with temperature but was rather affected by developmental stage. During flushing in spring, xylem sap acidification took place concomitant to the developmental stage “tight cluster”, when foliar development enables a significant transpiration and a consequent movement of water in the xylem. The xylem sap of the two studied conifers showed a significantly larger seasonal alkalinisation (+2.1) than found in apple trees (+1.2) and was significantly more pronounced at the timberline. Xylem sap acidification took place before bud break. pHx had a significant negative correlation with soil temperatures and corresponded to already reported pHx of angiosperms. Overall, pHx appears to be a sensitive stress marker and indicator of activity status in tree xylem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 6590 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Genome-Wide Survey and Expression Analyses of Hexokinase Family in Poplar (Populus trichocarpa)

by Mei Han, Xianglei Xu, Yuan Xiong, Haikun Wei, Kejun Yao, Tingting Huang, Yingle Long and Tao Su

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152025 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2227

Abstract

Hexokinase (HXK) family proteins exert critical roles in catalyzing hexose phosphorylation, sugar sensing, and modulation of plant growth and stress adaptation. Nevertheless, a large amount remains unknown about the molecular profile of HXK enzymes in Populus trichocarpa, a woody model tree species. [...] Read more.

Hexokinase (HXK) family proteins exert critical roles in catalyzing hexose phosphorylation, sugar sensing, and modulation of plant growth and stress adaptation. Nevertheless, a large amount remains unknown about the molecular profile of HXK enzymes in Populus trichocarpa, a woody model tree species. A genome-wide survey of HXK-encoding genes, including phylogenies, genomic structures, exon/intron organization, chromosomal distribution, and conserved features, was conducted, identifying six putative HXK isogenes (PtHXK1-6) in the Populus genome. The evolutionary tree demonstrated that 135 homologous HXKs between 17 plant species were categorized into four major subfamilies (type A, B, C, and D), clustering one plastidic (PtHXK3) and five mitochondrial PtHXKs grouped into type A and B, respectively. The in silico deduction prompted the presence of the conserved sugar-binding core (motif 4), phosphorylation sites (motif 2 and 3), and adenosine-binding domains (motif 7). The transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) and the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays revealed that three isogenes (PtHXK2, 3, and 6) were abundantly expressed in leaves, stems, and roots, while others appeared to be dominantly expressed in the reproductive tissues. Under the stress exposure, PtHXK2 and 6 displayed a significant induction upon the pathogenic fungi (Fusarium solani) infection and marked promotions by glucose feeding in roots. In contrast, the PtHXK3 and 6 are ABA-responsive genes, following a dose-dependent manner. The comprehensive analyses of the genomic patterns and expression profiling provide theoretical clues and lay a foundation for unraveling the physiological and signaling roles underlying the fine-tuned PtHXKs responding to diverse stressors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 1620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Incompatibility in Apricot: Identifying Pollination Requirements to Optimize Fruit Production

by Sara Herrera, Jorge Lora, José I. Hormaza and Javier Rodrigo

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2019; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152019 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2543

Abstract

In recent years, an important renewal of apricot cultivars is taking place worldwide, with the introduction of many new releases. Self-incompatible genotypes tolerant to the sharka disease caused by the plum pox virus (PPV), which can severely reduce fruit production and quality, are [...] Read more.

In recent years, an important renewal of apricot cultivars is taking place worldwide, with the introduction of many new releases. Self-incompatible genotypes tolerant to the sharka disease caused by the plum pox virus (PPV), which can severely reduce fruit production and quality, are being used as parents in most breeding programs. As a result, the self-incompatibility trait present in most of those accessions can be transmitted to the offspring, leading to the release of new self-incompatible cultivars. This situation can considerably affect apricot management, since pollination requirements were traditionally not considered in this crop and information is lacking for many cultivars. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the pollination requirements of a group of new apricot cultivars by molecular identification of the S-alleles through PCR amplification of RNase and SFB regions with different primer combinations. The S-genotype of 66 apricot cultivars is reported, 41 for the first time. Forty-nine cultivars were considered self-compatible and 12 self-incompatible, which were allocated in their corresponding incompatibility groups. Additionally, the available information was reviewed and added to the new results obtained, resulting in a compilation of the pollination requirements of 235 apricot cultivars. This information will allow an efficient selection of parents in apricot breeding programs, the proper design of new orchards, and the identification and solution of production problems associated with a lack of fruit set in established orchards. The diversity at the S-locus observed in the cultivars developed in breeding programs indicates a possible genetic bottleneck due to the use of a reduced number of parents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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15 pages, 3172 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Melatonin in Broccoli Postharvest and Possible Melatonin Ingestion Level

by Antonio Cano, Manuela Giraldo-Acosta, Sara García-Sánchez, Josefa Hernández-Ruiz and Marino B. Arnao

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152000 - 31 Jul 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

The post-harvest stage of broccoli production requires cold storage to obtain enough days of shelf life. It has been proved that melatonin is useful as a post-harvest agent in fruits and vegetables, including broccoli. In this study, the broccoli heads treated with melatonin [...] Read more.

The post-harvest stage of broccoli production requires cold storage to obtain enough days of shelf life. It has been proved that melatonin is useful as a post-harvest agent in fruits and vegetables, including broccoli. In this study, the broccoli heads treated with melatonin have a longer shelf life than the control samples, which was reflected in parameters such as fresh weight, hue angle (expresses color quality), and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Treatments with 100 μM melatonin for 15 or 30 min seem to be the most appropriate, extending the broccoli’s shelf life to almost 42 days, when it is normally around 4 weeks. In addition, a study on the possible impact that melatonin treatments in broccoli could have on melatonin intake in humans is presented. The levels of superficial melatonin, called washing or residual melatonin, are measured, showing the possible incidence in estimated blood melatonin levels. Our results suggest that post-harvest treatments with melatonin do not have to be a handicap from a nutritional point of view, but more research is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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21 pages, 1790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Water Shortage Effects on Potato Tuber Tissues during Growth Using MRI Relaxometry and Biochemical Parameters

by Ghina Hajjar, Stéphane Quellec, Sylvain Challois, Lydia Bousset-Vaslin, Gisèle Joly, Christophe Langrume, Carole Deleu, Laurent Leport and Maja Musse

Plants 2022, 11(15), 1918; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151918 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2297

Abstract

The potato is one of the most cultivated crops worldwide, providing an important source of food. The quality of potato tubers relates to their size and dry matter composition and to the absence of physiological defects. It depends on the spatial and temporal [...] Read more.

The potato is one of the most cultivated crops worldwide, providing an important source of food. The quality of potato tubers relates to their size and dry matter composition and to the absence of physiological defects. It depends on the spatial and temporal coordination of growth and metabolic processes in the major tuber tissues: the cortex, flesh and pith. In the present study, variations in the biochemical traits of each of these tissues were investigated during tuber growth under optimal and water-deficit conditions. MRI relaxometry was used as a non-invasive and quantitative method to access information on cellular water status. The presence of slight but significant variations in organic compound contents quantified in the cortex and flesh revealed a tissue-dependent metabolic pattern. The T₂ and relative I₀ of the bi-exponential relaxation signal allowed a distinction to be made between the pith and the cortex, whereas the flesh could be differentiated from these tissues only through its relative I₀. T₂ values did not vary significantly during tuber development, in accordance with the typical growth pattern of tubers, but were shown to be sensitive to water stress. The interpretation of the multi-exponential transverse relaxation times is discussed and could be further developed via microscopic analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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24 pages, 7108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Losses and Plastome Degradation in the Hemiparasitic Species Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus: Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Relationships among Santalales Members

by Widad AL-Juhani, Noha T. Al Thagafi and Rahmah N. Al-Qthanin

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141869 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

The Plicosepalus genus includes hemiparasitic mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family, and it has several medicinal uses. In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastomes of two species, Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus, and compared them with the plastomes of [...] Read more.

The Plicosepalus genus includes hemiparasitic mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family, and it has several medicinal uses. In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastomes of two species, Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus, and compared them with the plastomes of photosynthetic species (hemiparasites) and nonphotosynthetic species (holoparasites) in the order Santalales. The complete chloroplast genomes of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus are circular molecules with lengths of 120,181 bp and 121,086 bp, respectively, containing 106 and 108 genes and 63 protein-coding genes, including 25 tRNA and 4 rRNA genes for each species. We observed a reduction in the genome size of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus and the loss of certain genes, although this reduction was less than that in the hemiparasite and holoparasitic cp genomes of the Santalales order. Phylogenetic analysis supported the taxonomic state of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus as members of the family Loranthaceae and tribe Lorantheae; however, the taxonomic status of certain tribes of Loranthaceae must be reconsidered and the species that belong to it must be verified. Furthermore, available chloroplast genome data of parasitic plants could help to strengthen efforts in weed management and encourage biotechnology research to improve host resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Constituents, Bioactive Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Properties of Service Tree (Sorbus domestica L.) Fruits

by Manol Ognyanov, Petko Denev, Nadezhda Petkova, Zhana Petkova, Magdalena Stoyanova, Peter Zhelev, Georgi Matev, Desislava Teneva and Yordan Georgiev

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141832 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2424

Abstract

The current study aimed to determine the major and minor nutritional constituents of Sorbus domestica L. fruits. It was revealed that palmitic acid was the most commonly occurring saturated fatty acid, while linoleic acid represented the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. The sterol fraction [...] Read more.

The current study aimed to determine the major and minor nutritional constituents of Sorbus domestica L. fruits. It was revealed that palmitic acid was the most commonly occurring saturated fatty acid, while linoleic acid represented the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. The sterol fraction consisted mainly of β-sitosterol. Small amounts of lipophilic pigments were quantified. Potassium, iron, and boron were the most abundant macro-, micro-, and ultra-trace elements. The amino acid composition analysis suggested that the non-essential amino acids predominated over the essential ones. Soluble sugars (fructose and glucose) represented a large part of the total carbohydrate content, but pectin formed the major part of polysaccharides. Malic acid was the most abundant organic acid whereas quercetin-3-β-glucoside, neochlorogenic, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids were the major phenolic constituents. Fruits exhibited free-radical scavenging and protecting ability against peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. Service tree fruits provided valuable bioactive constituents having a high nutritional value and potential health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 3636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Different Cell Types Affect the Transition from Juvenile to Mature Phase in Citrus Plants Regenerated through Somatic Embryogenesis

by Caterina Catalano, Loredana Abbate, Sergio Fatta Del Bosco, Antonio Motisi, Francesco Carimi, Roberto De Michele, Francesco Mercati, Anna Maria D’Onghia and Angela Carra

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141811 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2075

Abstract

Robust protocols for the regeneration of somatic embryos in vitro are essential for the efficient use of the most modern biotechnologies. Unfortunately, in perennial trees such as Citrus, plants regenerated from juvenile tissues usually exhibit strong, undesirable juvenile characters such as thorny [...] Read more.

Robust protocols for the regeneration of somatic embryos in vitro are essential for the efficient use of the most modern biotechnologies. Unfortunately, in perennial trees such as Citrus, plants regenerated from juvenile tissues usually exhibit strong, undesirable juvenile characters such as thorny habit and delayed flowering and fruit production. In this work, we tested whether the cell types (nucellar and stigma/style) used to regenerate Citrus plants through somatic embryogenesis affected the transition from the juvenile to mature phase. The results show that regenerants from nucellar cells presented persistent juvenile characters, whereas plants originating from stigma/style explants transited to the mature phase more rapidly. Our observations support the hypothesis that the totipotent cells originated from different cell types are not equivalent, possibly by maintaining memory of their previously differentiated state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 2190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis Virulence Factors Are Involved in Resistance to Plant-Derived Antimicrobials during Infection

by Nanami Sakata, Takumi Haraguchi, Shunsuke Masuo, Takako Ishiga and Yasuhiro Ishiga

Plants 2022, 11(13), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131742 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2028

Abstract

Bacteria are exposed to and tolerate diverse and potentially toxic compounds in the natural environment. While efflux transporters are generally thought to involve bacterial antibiotic resistance in vitro, their contributions to plant bacterial virulence have so far been poorly understood. Pseudomonas cannabina pv. [...] Read more.

Bacteria are exposed to and tolerate diverse and potentially toxic compounds in the natural environment. While efflux transporters are generally thought to involve bacterial antibiotic resistance in vitro, their contributions to plant bacterial virulence have so far been poorly understood. Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis (Pcal) is a causal agent of bacterial blight of Brassicaceae. We here demonstrated that NU19, which is mutated in the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) transporter encoded gene, showed reduced virulence on cabbage compared to WT, indicating that the RND transporter contributes to Pcal virulence on cabbage. We also demonstrated that brassinin biosynthesis was induced after Pcal infection. Additionally, the RND transporter was involved in resistance to plant-derived antimicrobials and antibiotics, including the cabbage phytoalexin brassinin. These results suggest that the RND transporter extrudes plant-derived antimicrobials and contributes to Pcal virulence. We also found that the RND transporter contributes to Pcal virulence on Brassicaceae and tomato, but not on oat. These results suggest that the RND transporter contributes to Pcal virulence differentially depending on the host-plant species. Lastly, our expression-profile analysis indicated that the type-three secretion system (TTSS), which is essential for pathogenesis, is also involved in suppressing brassinin biosynthesis. Taken together, our results suggest that several Pcal virulence factors are involved in resistance to plant-derived antimicrobials and bacterial survival during infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 2212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uptake and Presence Evaluation of Nanoparticles in Cicer arietinum L. by Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Techniques

by Feyza Candan, Yuriy Markushin and Gulnihal Ozbay

Plants 2022, 11(12), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11121569 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2396

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the applicability of infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning techniques to evaluate the uptake and distribution of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea). Obtained spectral data revealed that [...] Read more.

The aim of this work was to study the applicability of infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning techniques to evaluate the uptake and distribution of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea). Obtained spectral data revealed that the uptake of AuNPs and CNTs by the C. arietinum seedlings’ root resulted in the accumulation of AuNPs and CNTs at stem and leaf parts, which consequently led to the heterogeneous distribution of nanoparticles. principal component analysis and support vector machine classification were applied to assess its usefulness for evaluating the results obtained using the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method of C. arietinum plant grown at different conditions. Specific wavenumbers that could classify the different nanoparticle constituents of C. arietinum plant extracts according to their ATR-FTIR spectra were identified within three specific regions: 450–503 cm⁻¹, 750–870 cm⁻¹, and 1022–1218 cm⁻¹, based on larger PCA loadings of C. arietinum ATR-FTIR spectra with distinct spectral differences between samples of interest. The current work paves a path to the future fabrication strategies for AuNPs and single-walled CNTs via plant-based routes and highlights the diversity of the applications of these materials in bio-nanotechnology. These results indicate the importance of family-plant selection, choice of methods, and pathways for the efficient biomolecule delivery, drug cargo, and optimal conditions in the wide spectrum of bioapplications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 8299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variation and Genotype by Environment Interaction for Agronomic Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids

by Mohammad Ashraful Alam, Marufur Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, Nasrin Jahan, Mohammad Al-Amin Khan, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Amnah Mohammed Alsuhaibani, Ahmed Gaber and Akbar Hossain

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111522 - 6 Jun 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3749

Abstract

In order to develop high-yielding genotypes of adapted maize, multilocation trials of maize were performed including forty-five maize hybrids exploiting genetic variability, trait associations, and diversity. The experiments were laid out in an RCB design and data were recorded on eight yield and [...] Read more.

In order to develop high-yielding genotypes of adapted maize, multilocation trials of maize were performed including forty-five maize hybrids exploiting genetic variability, trait associations, and diversity. The experiments were laid out in an RCB design and data were recorded on eight yield and yield-contributing traits, viz., days to anthesis (AD), days to silking (SD), anthesis–silking interval (ASI), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), kernels per ear (KPE), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), and grain yield (GY). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant variation present among the different traits under study. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) showed a higher value than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV), indicating the environmental influence on the expression of the traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was found for these traits, indicative of additive gene action. The trait associations showed that genotypic correlation was higher than phenotypic correlation. Based on genetic diversity, the total genotypes were divided into four clusters, and the maximum number of 16 genotypes was found in cluster IV. Among the eight yield and yield-contributing traits, PH, ASI, EH, and TKW were the important traits for variability creation and were mostly responsible for yield. Genotypes G5, G8, G27, G29, and G42 were in the top ranks based on grain yield over locations, while a few others showed region-centric performances; all these genotypes can be recommended upon validation for commercial release. The present findings show the existence of proper genetic variability and divergence among traits, and the identified traits can be used in a maize improvement program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Chemical Investigation and Dose-Response Phytotoxic Effect of Essential Oils from Two Gymnosperm Species (Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Pall. and Larix decidua Mill.)

by Sara Vitalini, Marcello Iriti, Valentina Vaglia and Stefania Garzoli

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1510; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111510 - 4 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2448

Abstract

The chemical composition of the liquid and vapor phases of leaf essential oils (EOs) obtained from two species of Gymnosperms (Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Willd. and Larix decidua Mill.) was investigated using the SPME-GC-MS technique. The results highlighted a composition characterized by [...] Read more.

The chemical composition of the liquid and vapor phases of leaf essential oils (EOs) obtained from two species of Gymnosperms (Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Willd. and Larix decidua Mill.) was investigated using the SPME-GC-MS technique. The results highlighted a composition characterized by 51 identified volatile compounds (34 in J. communis and 39 in L. decidua). In both bloils, monoterpenes prevailed over the sesquiterpenes, albeit with qualitative and quantitative differences. Sabinene (37.5% and 34.5%, respectively) represented the two most abundant components in the liquid and vapor phases of J. communis, and α-pinene (51.0% and 63.3%) was the main constituent in L. decidua. The phytotoxic activity of the two EOs was assessed in pre-emergence conditions using three concentrations in contact (2, 5, 10 µL/mL) and non-contact (2, 20, 50 µL) tests against Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Poaceae) and Sinapis alba L. (Brassicaceae). Treatments were effective in a dose-dependent manner by significantly reducing the germination (up to 100% and 45–60%, respectively, with filter paper and soil as a substrate) and the seedling development (1.3 to 8 times) of both target species. Moreover, an exploratory survey on the residual presence of volatile compounds in the soil at the end of the tests was carried out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

19 pages, 583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Productiveness and Berry Quality of New Wine Grape Genotypes Grown under Drought Conditions in a Semi-Arid Wine-Producing Mediterranean Region

by Diego José Fernández-López, José Ignacio Fernández-Fernández, Celia Martínez-Mora, Juan Antonio Bleda-Sánchez and Leonor Ruiz-García

Plants 2022, 11(10), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101363 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2094

Abstract

One alternative for adapting viticulture to high temperatures and the scarcity of water is the development of new varieties adapted to such conditions. This work describes six new genotypes, derived from “Monastrell” × “Cabernet Sauvignon” (MC16, MC19, MC72, MC80) and “Monastrell” × “Syrah” [...] Read more.

One alternative for adapting viticulture to high temperatures and the scarcity of water is the development of new varieties adapted to such conditions. This work describes six new genotypes, derived from “Monastrell” × “Cabernet Sauvignon” (MC16, MC19, MC72, MC80) and “Monastrell” × “Syrah” (MS104, MS49) crosses, grown under deficit irrigation and rainfed conditions in a semi-arid wine-producing area (Murcia, southeastern Spain). The effect of genotype, year, and irrigation treatment on the phenological, productiveness, morphological, and grape quality data was evaluated. The study material was obtained and selected as part of a breeding program run by the Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarollo Agrario y Medioambiental (IMIDA). The results obtained show that under rainfed conditions, the values for productive variables decreased, while those referring to the phenolic content increased. Notable variation in the parameters evaluated was also seen for the different genotypes studied. The behavior of the genotypes MC80 and MS104 under rainfed conditions was noteworthy. In addition to maintaining very adequate yields, phenolic contents, must pH, and total acidity values, MC80 fell into the best ‘phenolic quality group’ and MS104 returned a low º°Baumé value, ideal for the production of low-alcohol-content wines. These genotypes could favor the development of sustainable quality viticulture in dry and hot areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 1837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis in Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) Involves Increases in the Endogenous Auxin Indole-3-Acetic Acid

by André Caeiro, Sandra Caeiro, Sandra Correia and Jorge Canhoto

Plants 2022, 11(10), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101347 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2549

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a complex biological process regulated by several factors, such as the action of plant growth regulators, namely auxins, of which the most physiologically relevant is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In tamarillo, an optimized system for induction of SE creates, after [...] Read more.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a complex biological process regulated by several factors, such as the action of plant growth regulators, namely auxins, of which the most physiologically relevant is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In tamarillo, an optimized system for induction of SE creates, after an induction process, embryogenic (EC) and non-embryogenic callus (NEC). In this work the endogenous levels of auxin along the induction phase and in the calli samples were investigated using chemical quantifications by colorimetric reactions and HPLC as well as immunohistochemistry approaches. Differential gene expression (IAA 11, IAA 14, IAA 17, TIR 1, and AFB3) analysis during the induction phase was also carried out. The results showed that the endogenous IAA content is considerably higher in embryogenic than in non-embryogenic calli, with a tendency to increase as the dedifferentiation of the original explant (leaf segments) evolves. Furthermore, the degradation rates of IAA seem to be related to these levels, as non-embryogenic tissue presents a higher degradation rate. The immunohistochemical results support the quantifications made, with higher observable labeling on embryogenic tissue that tends to increase along the induction phase. Differential gene expression also suggests a distinct molecular response between EC and NEC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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22 pages, 57509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Systematics of Valerianella Mill. (Caprifoliaceae): Challenging the Taxonomic Value of Genetically Controlled Carpological Traits

by Itziar Arnelas, Ernesto Pérez-Collazos, Josefa López-Martínez, Juan Antonio Devesa and Pilar Catalán

Plants 2022, 11(10), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101276 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

Valerianella (cornsalad) is a taxonomically complex genus formed by 50–65 annual Holarctic species classified into at least four main sections. Carpological traits (sizes and shapes of achenes and calyx teeth) have been used to characterize its sections and species. However, the potential systematic [...] Read more.

Valerianella (cornsalad) is a taxonomically complex genus formed by 50–65 annual Holarctic species classified into at least four main sections. Carpological traits (sizes and shapes of achenes and calyx teeth) have been used to characterize its sections and species. However, the potential systematic value of these traits at different taxonomic ranks (from sections to species (and infraspecific taxa)) has not been tested phylogenetically yet. Here, we have assessed the evolutionary systematic value of Valerianella diagnostic carpological traits at different hierarchical ranks and have demonstrated their ability to separate taxa at the sectional level but not at species level for species of several species pairs. A total of 426 individuals (17 species, 4 sections) of Valerianella were analyzed using AFLP and plastid data. Genetic clusters, phylogenetic trees, and haplotype networks support the taxonomic classification of Valerianella at the four studied sectional levels (V. sects. Valerianella, Cornigerae, Coronatae, Platycoelae) but show admixture for ten taxa from five species pairs (V. locusta—V. carinata, V. coronata—V. pumila, V. multidentata—V. discoidea, V. dentata—V. rimosa, V. eriocarpa—V. microcarpa), which are not reciprocally monophyletic. Dating analyses indicate that the Valerianella sections are relatively old (mid-Miocene), while most species diverged in the Pliocene–Pleistocene. A new section Valerianella sect. Stipitae is described to accommodate the highly divergent and taxonomically distinct V. fusiformis type species. Taxonomic treatments that recognize the sectional ranks and that subsume the separate species of each species pair into single species represent a natural classification for Valerianella. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 3912 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genome-Wide Analyses of MADS-Box Genes in Humulus lupulus L. Reveal Potential Participation in Plant Development, Floral Architecture, and Lupulin Gland Metabolism

by Robert Márquez Gutiérrez, Thales Henrique Cherubino Ribeiro, Raphael Ricon de Oliveira, Vagner Augusto Benedito and Antonio Chalfun-Junior

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091237 - 3 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3532

Abstract

MADS-box transcription factors (TFs) are involved in multiple plant development processes and are most known during the reproductive transition and floral organ development. Very few genes have been characterized in the genome of Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae), an important crop for the pharmaceutical [...] Read more.

MADS-box transcription factors (TFs) are involved in multiple plant development processes and are most known during the reproductive transition and floral organ development. Very few genes have been characterized in the genome of Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae), an important crop for the pharmaceutical and beverage industries. The MADS-box family has not been studied in this species yet. We identified 65 MADS-box genes in the hop genome, of which 29 encode type-II TFs (27 of subgroup MIKC^C and 2 MIKC*) and 36 type-I proteins (26 α, 9 β, and 1 γ). Type-II MADS-box genes evolved more complex architectures than type-I genes. Interestingly, we did not find FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) homologs, a transcription factor that acts as a floral repressor and is negatively regulated by cold. This result provides a molecular explanation for a previous work showing that vernalization is not a requirement for hop flowering, which has implications for its cultivation in the tropics. Analysis of gene ontology and expression profiling revealed genes potentially involved in the development of male and female floral structures based on the differential expression of ABC homeotic genes in each whorl of the flower. We identified a gene exclusively expressed in lupulin glands, suggesting a role in specialized metabolism in these structures. In toto, this work contributes to understanding the evolutionary history of MADS-box genes in hop, and provides perspectives on functional genetic studies, biotechnology, and crop breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 1582 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biological Activities of Some Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Fumaria schleicheri Soy. Will.

by Ramona Păltinean, Irina Ielciu, Daniela Hanganu, Mihaela Niculae, Emoke Pall, Luc Angenot, Monique Tits, Andrei Mocan, Mihai Babotă, Oleg Frumuzachi, Mircea Tămaş, Gianina Crişan and Michel Frederich

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091202 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2606

Abstract

Fumaria schleicheri Soy. Will. is a species belonging to the Papaveraceae family, being widespread in East-Central and Southern Europe. As with numerous other species of the genus, it is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatobiliary and digestive disorders. The aim [...] Read more.

Fumaria schleicheri Soy. Will. is a species belonging to the Papaveraceae family, being widespread in East-Central and Southern Europe. As with numerous other species of the genus, it is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatobiliary and digestive disorders. The aim of the present study consisted of the evaluation of its alkaloid content and the assessment of its in vitro antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase and cytotoxic potential. Total alkaloid content in the composition of the species was quantified by a spectrophotometrical method and they were individually identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD. The antioxidant capacity was investigated by the DPPH and FRAP methods, while the anti-cholinesterase activity was assessed by an adapted Ellman’s method. The in vitro cytotoxic activity was evaluated on BJ human fibroblasts and DLD-1 human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. Results showed the presence of bicuculline, protopine, chelidonine, stylopine and sanguinarine, among which bicuculline, protopine, stylopine and sanguinarine were quantified, while the antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase assays showed valuable potentials. No cytotoxic effect was observed on BJ cell lines and selective cytotoxicity was expressed towards tumoral cells. In this context, F. schleicheri appears as an important medicinal species with significant potential of substitution with the officinal species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 4084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adnate Leaf-Base and the Origin of Ribs in Succulent Stems of Euphorbia L.

by Gustavo Arévalo-Rodrigues, Fernanda Hurbath, Erika Prado, Isabella Galvão, Inês Cordeiro and Diego Demarco

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081076 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3022

Abstract

Stem succulence evolved independently in many plant lineages as an adaptation to arid environments. One of the most interesting cases is the convergence between Cactaceae and Euphorbia, which have anatomical adaptations mostly to increase photosynthetic capability and water storage. Our goal was [...] Read more.

Stem succulence evolved independently in many plant lineages as an adaptation to arid environments. One of the most interesting cases is the convergence between Cactaceae and Euphorbia, which have anatomical adaptations mostly to increase photosynthetic capability and water storage. Our goal was to describe the shoot development in two succulent species of Euphorbia using light microscopy coupled with high-resolution X-ray-computed tomography. Collateral cortical bundles were observed associated with the stem ribs in both species. The analysis of vasculature demonstrated that these bundles are, in fact, leaf traces that run axially along a portion of the internode. That structural pattern is due to an ontogenetic alteration. During shoot development, the leaf-bases remain adnate to the stem near the SAM, forming an axial component. When the internode elongates, the leaf bundles stretch as cortical bundles. The meristematic activity associated with the bundles forms the stem ribs, as leaf veins near the node, and induce rib formation along the entire internode even in the portion where the leaf traces join the stele. In addition, heterochronic shifts are also involved in the evolution of the shoot system in these Euphorbia, being related to early deciduous reduced leaves and the transference of the main photosynthetic function to the stem. This study demonstrates for the first time the influence of leaf developmental shifts and stem rib formation in Euphorbia and sheds new light on the evolution of stem succulence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 3847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Striga hermonthica Suicidal Germination Activity of Potent Strigolactone Analogs: Evaluation from Laboratory Bioassays to Field Trials

by Muhammad Jamil, Jian You Wang, Djibril Yonli, Tsuyoshi Ota, Lamis Berqdar, Hamidou Traore, Ouedraogo Margueritte, Binne Zwanenburg, Tadao Asami and Salim Al-Babili

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081045 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3375

Abstract

The obligate hemiparasite Striga hermonthica is one of the major global biotic threats to agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, causing severe yield losses of cereals. The germination of Striga seeds relies on host-released signaling molecules, mainly strigolactones (SLs). This dependency opens up the possibility [...] Read more.

The obligate hemiparasite Striga hermonthica is one of the major global biotic threats to agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, causing severe yield losses of cereals. The germination of Striga seeds relies on host-released signaling molecules, mainly strigolactones (SLs). This dependency opens up the possibility of deploying SL analogs as “suicidal germination agents” to reduce the accumulated seed bank of Striga in infested soils. Although several synthetic SL analogs have been developed for this purpose, the utility of these compounds in realizing the suicidal germination strategy for combating Striga is still largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of three potent SL analogs (MP3, MP16, and Nijmegen-1) under laboratory, greenhouse, and farmer’s field conditions. All investigated analogs showed around a 50% Striga germination rate, equivalent to a 50% reduction in infestation, which was comparable to the standard SL analog GR24. Importantly, MP16 had the maximum reduction of Striga emergence (97%) in the greenhouse experiment, while Nijmegen-1 appeared to be a promising candidate under field conditions, with a 43% and 60% reduction of Striga emergence in pearl millet and sorghum fields, respectively. These findings confirm that the selected SL analogs appear to make promising candidates as simple suicidal agents both under laboratory and real African field conditions, which may support us to improve suicidal germination technology to deplete the Striga seed bank in African agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 14710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of Experiments-Based Optimization of Flavonoids Extraction from Daphne genkwa Flower Buds and Flavonoids Contents at Different Blooming Stages

by Min-Kyoung Kim, Geonha Park, Yura Ji, Yun-Gyo Lee, Minsik Choi, Seung-Hyeon Go, Miwon Son and Young-Pyo Jang

Plants 2022, 11(7), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070925 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2924

Abstract

The flower buds of Daphne genkwa have been reported as a potent resource associated with anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities, as well as immunoregulation. This paper aimed to establish an optimal extraction method for flavonoids, as active phytochemicals, and to conduct a comparative [...] Read more.

The flower buds of Daphne genkwa have been reported as a potent resource associated with anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities, as well as immunoregulation. This paper aimed to establish an optimal extraction method for flavonoids, as active phytochemicals, and to conduct a comparative analysis by profiling the different blooming stages. Optimized shaking extraction conditions from the design of experiments (DoE), such as minutely mixture design, 2³ full factorial design, and polynomial regression analysis, involved an agitation speed of 150 rpm and temperature of 65 °C for 12 h in 56% (v/v) acetone solvent. After, a comparative analysis was performed on three blooming stages, juvenile bud, mature purple bud, and complete flowering, by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-MS). Most flavonoids increased during bud growth and then decreased when the bud opened for blooming. In particular, apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, genkwanin 5-O-primeveroside, and genkwanin strikingly showcased this pattern. Furthermore, the raw spectrometric dataset was subjected to orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to find significant differences in the flavonoids from the juvenile bud, mature purple bud, and complete flowering. In conclusion, the present study facilitates an understanding of flavonoid change at different blooming stages and provides a momentous reference in the research of D. genkwa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 3200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mycorrhized Wheat Plants and Nitrogen Assimilation in Coexistence and Antagonism with Spontaneous Colonization of Pathogenic and Saprophytic Fungi in a Soil of Low Fertility

by Catello Di Martino, Valentina Torino, Pasqualino Minotti, Laura Pietrantonio, Carmine Del Grosso, Davide Palmieri, Giuseppe Palumbo, Thomas W. Crawford, Jr. and Simona Carfagna

Plants 2022, 11(7), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070924 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2590

Abstract

The aim of the work was to study the biological interference of the spontaneous colonization of pathogenic and saprophytic endophytes on the nitrogen assimilation of mycorrhized wheat plants cultivated in soils deficient in N and P. The nitrogen assimilation efficiency of mycorrhized plants [...] Read more.

The aim of the work was to study the biological interference of the spontaneous colonization of pathogenic and saprophytic endophytes on the nitrogen assimilation of mycorrhized wheat plants cultivated in soils deficient in N and P. The nitrogen assimilation efficiency of mycorrhized plants was determined by measuring the activities of nitrate reductase assimilatory and glutamine synthetase enzymes and free amino acid patterns. Mycorrhizal plants at two different sites showed an assimilative activity of nitrate and ammonium approximately 30% greater than control plants. This activity was associated with significant increases in the amino acids Arg, Glu Gln and Orn in the roots where those amino acids are part of the inorganic nitrogen assimilation of mycorrhizal fungi. The nutrient supply of mycorrhizal fungi at the root guaranteed the increased growth of the plant that was about 40% greater in fresh weight and 25% greater in productive yield than the controls. To better understand the biological interaction between plant and fungus, microbiological screening was carried out to identify colonies of radicular endophytic fungi. Fourteen fungal strains belonging to nine different species were classified. Among pathogenic fungi, the genus Fusarium was present in all the examined roots with different frequencies, depending on the site and the fungal population present in the roots, providing useful clues regarding the principle of spatial conflict and fungal spread within the root system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 1536 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Antioxidants and Phytohormones Act in Coordination to Regulate Sage Response to Long Term Ozone Exposure

by Alessandra Marchica, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Cristina Nali and Elisa Pellegrini

Plants 2022, 11(7), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070904 - 28 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

Antioxidants and phytohormones are hallmarks of abiotic stress responses in plants. Although it is known that they can offer cell protection or accelerate programmed cell death (PCD) depending on the level of stress, the involvement of these metabolites in stress acclimation is still [...] Read more.

Antioxidants and phytohormones are hallmarks of abiotic stress responses in plants. Although it is known that they can offer cell protection or accelerate programmed cell death (PCD) depending on the level of stress, the involvement of these metabolites in stress acclimation is still not fully elucidated. Here, we showed the role of antioxidants and phytohormones in Salvia officinalis tolerance to long-term ozone (O₃) exposure (120 ppb for 36 days, 5 h day⁻¹). Salicylic acid (SA) content was increased under O₃ throughout the whole experiment (+150%, as average compared with control), being required to maintain the cellular redox state and potentiate defense responses. This accumulation was induced before the production of ethylene (ET), suggesting that ET was controlled by SA during O₃ exposure to modulate the magnitude of chlorosis formation and the cell redox balance (by regulating ascorbate and glutathione levels). The synthesis and/or regeneration of these antioxidants did not protect membranes from lipid peroxidation, as demonstrated by the accumulation of malondialdehyde (+23% as average). However, these processes of lipid oxidation did not include the synthesis of the membrane breakdown products, as confirmed by the unchanged values of jasmonic acid, thus indicating that this compound was not involved in the regulation of PCD strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 3981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Morphology in Species from the Silene mollissima Aggregate (Caryophyllaceae) by Comparison with Geometric Models

by José Javier Martín-Gómez, Marco Porceddu, Gianluigi Bacchetta and Emilio Cervantes

Plants 2022, 11(7), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070901 - 28 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3523

Abstract

The description of seed shape by comparison with geometric models allows shape quantification, providing the means for an accurate comparison between different species or populations. Geometric models described for the lateral and dorsal views of the seeds of Silene species are applied to [...] Read more.

The description of seed shape by comparison with geometric models allows shape quantification, providing the means for an accurate comparison between different species or populations. Geometric models described for the lateral and dorsal views of the seeds of Silene species are applied to the quantification of the shape in the seeds belonging to twenty populations of the eleven taxa of S. mollissima aggregate. Cardioid models LM1, LM5 and LM6 adjust differentially to the lateral views of the seeds, while models DM1, DM5 and DM6 are applied to the dorsal views of the seeds. Quantification of the lateral view of seeds with LM5 results in two groups of species of different geographic origin. The seeds more resembling DM5 include S. andryalifolia, S. badaroi, S. gazulensis, S. hifacensis and S. tomentosa, i.e., the taxa with a continental distribution from southern Spain to northern Italy; in contrast, the group of seeds with lower similarity to DM5 includes those from species in northern Africa and the Mediterranean Tyrrhenian islands: S. auricolifolia, S. hicesiae, S. ichnusae, S. mollissima, S. oenotriae and S. velutina. The description of the seed shape based on geometric models contributes to investigating the relationships between related species and constitutes a promising technique for taxonomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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32 pages, 4928 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Comprehensive Phytochemical Analysis of Terpenes, Polyphenols and Cannabinoids, and Micromorphological Characterization of 9 Commercial Varieties of Cannabis sativa L.

by Eugenia Mazzara, Jacopo Torresi, Gelsomina Fico, Alessio Papini, Nicola Kulbaka, Stefano Dall’Acqua, Stefania Sut, Stefania Garzoli, Ahmed M. Mustafa, Loredana Cappellacci, Dennis Fiorini, Filippo Maggi, Claudia Giuliani and Riccardo Petrelli

Plants 2022, 11(7), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070891 - 27 Mar 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7426

Abstract

New hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) strains developed by crossbreeding selected varieties represent a novel research topic worthy of attention and investigation. This study focused on the phytochemical characterization of nine hemp commercial cultivars. Hydrodistillation was performed in order to collect the essential [...] Read more.

New hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) strains developed by crossbreeding selected varieties represent a novel research topic worthy of attention and investigation. This study focused on the phytochemical characterization of nine hemp commercial cultivars. Hydrodistillation was performed in order to collect the essential oils (EO), and also the residual water and deterpenated biomass. The volatile fraction was analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS, and SPME-GC-MS, revealing three main chemotypes. The polyphenolic profile was studied in the residual water and deterpenated biomass by spectrophotometric assays, and HPLC-DAD-MSⁿ and ¹H-NMR analyses. The latter were employed for quali–quantitative determination of cannabinoids in the deterpenated material in comparison with the one not subjected to hydrodistillation. In addition, the glandular and non-glandular indumentum of the nine commercial varieties was studied by means of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in the attempt to find a possible correlation with the phytochemical and morphological traits. The EO and residual water were found to be rich in monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and flavonol glycosides, respectively, while the deterpenated material was found to be a source of neutral cannabinoids. The micromorphological survey allowed us to partly associate the phytochemistry of these varieties with the hair morphotypes. This research sheds light on the valorization of different products from the hydrodistillation of hemp varieties, namely, essential oil, residual water, and deterpenated biomass, which proved to be worthy of exploitation in industrial and health applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 2051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Genes in Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. rosa That Are Host Limiting in Tomato

by Qiurong Fan, Shaheen Bibi, Gary E. Vallad, Erica M. Goss, Jason C. Hurlbert, Matthews L. Paret, Jeffrey B. Jones and Sujan Timilsina

Plants 2022, 11(6), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060796 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2730

Abstract

Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. rosa strain Xer07 causes a leaf spot on a Rosa sp. and is closely related to X. euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria (Xee) and X. perforans (Xp), causal agents of bacterial spot of tomato. However, Xer07 is not [...] Read more.

Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. rosa strain Xer07 causes a leaf spot on a Rosa sp. and is closely related to X. euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria (Xee) and X. perforans (Xp), causal agents of bacterial spot of tomato. However, Xer07 is not pathogenic on tomato and elicits a hypersensitive reaction (HR). We compared the genomes of the three bacterial species to identify the factors that limit Xer07 on tomato. Comparison of pathogenicity associated factors including the type III secretion systems identified two genes, xopA and xer3856, in Xer07 that have lower sequence homology in tomato pathogens. xer3856 is a homolog of genes in X. citri (xac3856) and X. fuscans pv. aurantifolii, both of which have been reported to elicit HRs in tomato. When xer3856 was expressed in X. perforans and infiltrated in tomato leaflets, the transconjugant elicited an HR and significantly reduced bacterial populations compared to the wildtype X. perforans strain. When xer3856 was mutated in Xer07, the mutant strain still triggered an HR in tomato leaflets. The second gene identified codes for type III secreted effector XopA, which contains a harpin domain that is distinct from the xopA homologs in Xee and Xp. The Xer07-xopA, when expressed in X. perforans, did not elicit an HR in tomato leaflets, but significantly reduced bacterial populations. This indicates that xopA and xer3856 genes in combination with an additional factor(s) limit Xer07 in tomato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 2432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conserved and Diverse Transcriptional Reprogramming Triggered by the Establishment of Symbioses in Tomato Roots Forming Arum-Type and Paris-Type Arbuscular Mycorrhizae

by Takaya Tominaga, Luxi Yao, Hikaru Saito and Hironori Kaminaka

Plants 2022, 11(6), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060747 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3518

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi allocate mineral nutrients to their host plants, and the hosts supply carbohydrates and lipids to the fungal symbionts in return. The morphotypes of intraradical hyphae are primarily determined on the plant side into Arum- and Paris-type AMs. [...] Read more.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi allocate mineral nutrients to their host plants, and the hosts supply carbohydrates and lipids to the fungal symbionts in return. The morphotypes of intraradical hyphae are primarily determined on the plant side into Arum- and Paris-type AMs. As an exception, Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) forms both types of AMs depending on the fungal species. Previously, we have shown the existence of diverse regulatory mechanisms in Arum- and Paris-type AM symbioses in response to gibberellin (GA) among different host species. However, due to the design of the study, it remained possible that the use of different plant species influenced the results. Here, we used tomato plants to compare the transcriptional responses during Arum- and Paris-type AM symbioses in a single plant species. The tomato plants inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis or Gigaspora margarita exhibited Arum- and Paris-type AMs, respectively, and demonstrated similar colonization rates and shoot biomass. Comparative transcriptomics showed shared expression patterns of AM-related genes in tomato roots upon each fungal infection. On the contrary, the defense response and GA biosynthetic process was transcriptionally upregulated during Paris-type AM symbiosis. Thus, both shared and different transcriptional reprogramming function in establishing Arum- and Paris-type AM symbioses in tomato plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Profiling of Two Italian Olea europaea (L.) Varieties Subjected to UV-B Stress

by Chiara Piccini, Claudio Cantini, Giampiero Cai, Diana C. G. A. Pinto, Artur M. S. Silva, Marco Romi and Maria Celeste Dias

Plants 2022, 11(5), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050680 - 2 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

The depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer due to natural and/or anthropogenic causes decreases the amount of UV-B radiation filtered, and consequently increases the risk of potential damage to organisms. In the Mediterranean region, high UV-B indices are frequent. Even for species typical [...] Read more.

The depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer due to natural and/or anthropogenic causes decreases the amount of UV-B radiation filtered, and consequently increases the risk of potential damage to organisms. In the Mediterranean region, high UV-B indices are frequent. Even for species typical of this region, such as the olive tree, the progressive increase in UV-B radiation represents a threat. This work aimed to understand how high UV-B radiation modulates the phenolic and lipophilic profile of olive varieties, and identify metabolites that enhance olive stress tolerance. Two Italian olive varieties were subjected to chronic UV-B stress, and leaves were analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography. The results indicated that the most representative phenolic and lipophilic compounds of Giarraffa and Olivastra Seggianese were readjusted in response to UV-B stress. The Giarraffa variety seemed better suited to prolonged UV-B stress, possibly due to the higher availability of flavonoids that could help control oxidative damage, and the accumulation of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives that could provide strong UV-B shield protection. In addition, this variety contained higher levels of fatty acids (e.g., palmitic, α-linolenic, and stearic acids), which can help to maintain membrane integrity and accumulate more sorbitol (which may serve as an osmoprotectant or act a free-radical scavenger), terpenes, and long-chain alkanes, providing higher protection against UV-B stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 1044 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment of the Fertilization Capacity of the Aquaculture Sediment for Wheat Grass as Sustainable Alternative Use

by Marian Burducea, Andrei Lobiuc, Lenuta Dirvariu, Eugen Oprea, Stefan Mihaita Olaru, Gabriel-Ciprian Teliban, Vasile Stoleru, Vlad Andrei Poghirc, Irina Gabriela Cara, Manuela Filip, Mariana Rusu, Valtcho D. Zheljazkov and Cristian-Alin Barbacariu

Plants 2022, 11(5), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050634 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3520

Abstract

Periodic removal of sediment from aquaculture ponds is practiced to maintain their productivity and animal welfare. The recovery of sediment as a plant fertilizer could alleviate the costs of sediment removal. The objective of this study was to test the effects of a [...] Read more.

Periodic removal of sediment from aquaculture ponds is practiced to maintain their productivity and animal welfare. The recovery of sediment as a plant fertilizer could alleviate the costs of sediment removal. The objective of this study was to test the effects of a dried sediment, extracted from an aquaculture pond used for common carp cultivation, on the growth and physiology of potted wheat grass and the quality of the juice obtained from wheat grass. The results showed that sediment application did not produce significant morphological changes, although the values for plant height (16.94–19.22 cm), leaf area (19.67–139.21 mm²), and biomass (3.39–4.26 g/plant) were higher in sediment-grown plants. However, at a physiological level, the effect was negative, decreasing photosynthesis (0.82–1.66 μmol CO₂ m²s⁻¹), fluorescence ΦPSII (0.737–0.782), and chlorophyll content (1.40–1.83 CCI). The juice yield was reduced in the sediment treatments (46–58 g/100 g), while the quality was improved by increasing the content of phenols (2.55–3.39 µg/mL gallic acid equivalent), flavonoids (1.41–1.85 µg/mL quercetin equivalent), and antioxidant activity (47.99–62.7% inhibition of; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The positive results obtained in this study can be attributed to the moderate nutrient content of the sediment and a negligible concentration of heavy metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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23 pages, 3127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Fingerprinting and Molecular Characterization of the Rock Samphire Germplasm Collection from the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia, Northern Greece

by Kalliopi Kadoglidou, Maria Irakli, Anastasia Boutsika, Ifigeneia Mellidou, Nikolas Maninis, Eirini Sarrou, Vasiliki Georgiadou, Nikolaos Tourvas, Nikos Krigas, Theodoros Moysiadis, Katerina Grigoriadou, Eleni Maloupa, Aliki Xanthopoulou and Ioannis Ganopoulos

Plants 2022, 11(4), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040573 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

The traditionally edible aerial parts of rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum L.) could be a valuable functional food or feed ingredient due to their high antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid content, and rich content in secondary metabolites such as phenolics and flavonoids. The first [...] Read more.

The traditionally edible aerial parts of rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum L.) could be a valuable functional food or feed ingredient due to their high antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid content, and rich content in secondary metabolites such as phenolics and flavonoids. The first objective of this study was to evaluate eighteen genotypes derived from different regions of Greece regarding the phytochemical contents of their soluble extracts in total phenolics, total flavonoids, and individual polyphenols as determined by LC-MS analysis, as well as ascorbic acid content and their antioxidant capacity as determined by different assays, including ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. The second objective of the study was the molecular characterization of native Greek C. maritimum genotypes. Great variation among genotypes was observed in terms of the antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid content, and phenolic compounds (total phenolic content and total flavonoid content), as well as in caffeolquinic acids and flavonoids. The principal component analysis highlighted genotypes with a higher potential in antioxidants and polyphenolics. The most promising genotypes were G9 from Kefalonia, followed by G4 from Ikaria, where both clearly exhibited a similar response with high values of evaluated traits. The molecular characterization of genotypes revealed low variability and low to moderate genetic diversity between populations. Our data indicated that the rock samphire germplasm collection from the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia could serve as an important source of documented genetic material and, thus, it is suggested for further investigation to provide insight regarding cultivation and agro-processing aspects, artificial selection, or plant breeding aimed at developing C. maritimum genotypes of high-bioactive value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 4908 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Ecological Networks in Urban Forest Fragments Reveal Species Associations between Native and Invasive Plant Communities

by Sonali Chauhan, Gitanjali Yadav and Suresh Babu

Plants 2022, 11(4), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040541 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4584

Abstract

Forest fragments are characteristic features of many megacities that have survived the urbanisation process and are often represented by unique assemblages of flora and fauna. Such woodlands are representations of nature in the city—often dominated by non-native and invasive species that coexist with [...] Read more.

Forest fragments are characteristic features of many megacities that have survived the urbanisation process and are often represented by unique assemblages of flora and fauna. Such woodlands are representations of nature in the city—often dominated by non-native and invasive species that coexist with resilient native congeners and purposefully introduced flora. These forest fragments also provide significant ecosystem services to urban society and therefore, understanding their compositional patterns is of considerable importance for conservation and management. In this work, we use a complex network approach to investigate species assemblages across six distinct urban forest fragments in the South Delhi Ridge area of the National Capital Territory, India. We generate bipartite ecological networks using conventional vegetation sampling datasets, followed by network partitioning to identify multiple cliques across the six forest fragments. Our results show that urban woodlands primarily form invasive–native associations, and that major invasive species, such as Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara exclude each other while forming cliques. Our findings have implications for the conservation of these urban forests and highlight the importance of using network approaches in vegetation analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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22 pages, 4941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photoactivated TiO₂ Nanocomposite Delays the Postharvest Ripening Phenomenon through Ethylene Metabolism and Related Physiological Changes in Capsicum Fruit

by Arijit Ghosh, Indraneel Saha, Masayuki Fujita, Subhas Chandra Debnath, Alok Kumar Hazra, Malay Kumar Adak and Mirza Hasanuzzaman

Plants 2022, 11(4), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040513 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2532

Abstract

Capsicum is one of the most perishable fruit which undergo rapid loss of commercial value during postharvest storage. In this experiment our aim is to evaluate the effect of photoactivated TiO₂ nano-particle complexed with chitosan or TiO₂-nanocomposite (TiO₂-NC) [...] Read more.

Capsicum is one of the most perishable fruit which undergo rapid loss of commercial value during postharvest storage. In this experiment our aim is to evaluate the effect of photoactivated TiO₂ nano-particle complexed with chitosan or TiO₂-nanocomposite (TiO₂-NC) on extension self-life of Capsicum fruit and its effect on related morphological, physiological and molecular attributes at room temperature (25 °C). Initially, TiO₂-NC coated fruits recorded superior maintenance of total soluble solids accumulation along with retention of firmness, cellular integrity, hydration, color etc. On the extended period of storage, fruit recorded a lower bioaccumulation of TiO₂ in comparison to metallic silver over the control. On the level of gene expression for ethylene biosynthetic and signaling the TiO₂-NC had more regulation, however, discretely to moderate the ripening. Thus, ACC synthase and oxidase recorded a significantly better downregulation as studied from fruit pulp under TiO₂-NC than silver. On the signaling path, the transcripts for CaETR1 and CaETR2 were less abundant in fruit under both the treatment when studied against control for 7 d. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also correlated to retard the oxidative lysis of polyamine oxidation by diamine and polyamine oxidase activity. The gene expression for hydrolytic activity as non-specific esterase had corroborated the development of essential oil constituents with few of those recorded in significant abundance. Therefore, TiO₂-NC would be reliable to induce those metabolites modulating ripening behavior in favor of delayed ripening. From gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis profile of all tested essential oil constituents suggesting positive impact of TiO₂-NC on shelf-life extension of Capsicum fruit. Our results indicated the potentiality of TiO₂-NC in postharvest storage those may connect ethylene signaling and ROS metabolism in suppression of specific ripening attributes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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10 pages, 1385 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Functional Antagonism of WRI1 and TCP20 Modulates GH3.3 Expression to Maintain Auxin Homeostasis in Roots

by Que Kong, Pui Man Low, Audrey R. Q. Lim, Yuzhou Yang, Ling Yuan and Wei Ma

Plants 2022, 11(3), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030454 - 7 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3836

Abstract

Auxin is a well-studied phytohormone, vital for diverse plant developmental processes. The GH3 genes are one of the major auxin responsive genes, whose expression changes lead to modulation of plant development and auxin homeostasis. However, the transcriptional regulation of these GH3 genes remains [...] Read more.

Auxin is a well-studied phytohormone, vital for diverse plant developmental processes. The GH3 genes are one of the major auxin responsive genes, whose expression changes lead to modulation of plant development and auxin homeostasis. However, the transcriptional regulation of these GH3 genes remains largely unknown. WRI1 is an essential transcriptional regulator governing plant fatty acid biosynthesis. Recently, we identified that the expression of GH3.3 is increased in the roots of wri1-1 mutant. Nevertheless, in this study we found that AtWRI1 did not activate or repress the promoter of GH3.3 (proGH3.3) despite of its binding to proGH3.3. Cross-family transcription factor interactions play pivotal roles in plant gene regulatory networks. To explore the molecular mechanism by which WRI1 controls GH3.3 expression, we screened an Arabidopsis transcription factor library and identified TCP20 as a novel AtWRI1-interacting regulator. The interaction between AtWRI1 and TCP20 was further verified by several approaches. Importantly, we found that TCP20 directly regulates GH3.3 expression via binding to TCP binding element. Furthermore, AtWRI1 repressed the TCP20-mediated transactivation of proGH3.3. EMSAs demonstrated that AtWRI1 antagonized TCP20 from binding to proGH3.3. Collectively, we provide new insights that WRI1 attenuates GH3.3 expression through interaction with TCP20, highlighting a new mechanism that contributes to fine-tuning auxin homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 1753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Anti-Inflammatory Response of Lavandula luisieri and Lavandula pedunculata Essential Oils

by Monica Zuzarte, Cátia Sousa, Carlos Cavaleiro, Maria Teresa Cruz and Lígia Salgueiro

Plants 2022, 11(3), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030370 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3392

Abstract

Portuguese lavenders remain undervalued in global markets due to the lack of high-quality end-products and scarcity of scientific-based studies validating their bioactive potential. Moreover, chemical variability is frequent in these species, and can compromise both safety and efficacy. In the present study, the [...] Read more.

Portuguese lavenders remain undervalued in global markets due to the lack of high-quality end-products and scarcity of scientific-based studies validating their bioactive potential. Moreover, chemical variability is frequent in these species, and can compromise both safety and efficacy. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory potential of L. luisieri and L. pedunculata, two highly prevalent species in Portugal, was assessed and correlated with their chemical variability. Representative samples with distinct chemical profiles were selected to assess the anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-stimulated macrophages. L. luisieri essential oil with low quantities of necrodane derivatives was the most potent at inhibiting NO production. Interestingly, the essential oil was more effective than its main compounds (1,8-cineole and fenchone), assessed alone or in combination. Our results also demonstrated a significant effect of the oil on the expression of the inflammatory proteins (iNOS and pro-IL-1β) and on the NF-κB pathway. Overall, this study highlights the impact of chemical variability on oils’ efficacy by showing distinct effects among the chemotypes. We also identify L. luisieri essential oil, with low quantities of necrodane derivatives, as the most promising in the mitigation of the inflammatory response, thus corroborating its traditional uses and paving the way for the development of herbal medicinal products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 25201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The INRAE Centre for Vegetable Germplasm: Geographically and Phenotypically Diverse Collections and Their Use in Genetics and Plant Breeding

by Jérémy Salinier, Véronique Lefebvre, Didier Besombes, Hélène Burck, Mathilde Causse, Marie-Christine Daunay, Catherine Dogimont, Juliette Goussopoulos, Christophe Gros, Brigitte Maisonneuve, Louis McLeod, Fatiha Tobal and Rebecca Stevens

Plants 2022, 11(3), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030347 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5124

Abstract

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE) conserves and distributes five vegetable collections as seeds: the aubergine* (in this article the word aubergine refers to eggplant), pepper, tomato, melon and lettuce collections, together with their wild or cultivated [...] Read more.

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE) conserves and distributes five vegetable collections as seeds: the aubergine* (in this article the word aubergine refers to eggplant), pepper, tomato, melon and lettuce collections, together with their wild or cultivated relatives, are conserved in Avignon, France. Accessions from the collections have geographically diverse origins, are generally well-described and fixed for traits of agronomic or scientific interest and have available passport data. In addition to currently conserving over 10,000 accessions (between 900 and 3000 accessions per crop), the centre maintains scientific collections such as core collections and bi- or multi-parental populations, which have also been genotyped with SNP markers. Each collection has its own merits and highlights, which are discussed in this review: the aubergine collection is a rich source of crop wild relatives of Solanum; the pepper, melon and lettuce collections have been screened for resistance to plant pathogens, including viruses, fungi, oomycetes and insects; and the tomato collection has been at the heart of genome-wide association studies for fruit quality traits and environmental stress tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 1900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

No Evidence for Light-Induced Embolism Repair in Cut Stems of Drought-Resistant Mediterranean Species under Soaking

by Martina Tomasella, Sara Natale, Francesco Petruzzellis, Sara Di Bert, Lorenzo D’Amico, Giuliana Tromba and Andrea Nardini

Plants 2022, 11(3), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030307 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2399

Abstract

(1) Recent studies suggested that stem photosynthesis could favor bark water uptake and embolism recovery when stem segments are soaked in water under light conditions, but evidence for this phenomenon in drought-resistant Mediterranean species with photosynthetic stems is missing. (2) Embolism recovery upon [...] Read more.

(1) Recent studies suggested that stem photosynthesis could favor bark water uptake and embolism recovery when stem segments are soaked in water under light conditions, but evidence for this phenomenon in drought-resistant Mediterranean species with photosynthetic stems is missing. (2) Embolism recovery upon immersion in water for 2 h–4 h under light was assessed (i) via a classical hydraulic method in leafless Fraxinus ornus and Olea europaea branch segments stressed to xylem water potentials (Y_xyl) inducing ca. 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) and (ii) via X-ray micro-CT imaging of the stem segments of drought-stressed potted F. ornus saplings. Hydraulic recovery was also assessed in vivo in intact drought-stressed F. ornus saplings upon soil re-irrigation. (3) Intact F. ornus plants recovered hydraulic function through root water uptake. Conversely, the soaked stem segments of both species did not refill embolized conduits, although Y_xylrecovered to pre-stress levels (between −0.5 MPa and −0.2 MPa). (4) We hypothesize that xylem embolism recovery through bark water uptake, even in light conditions, may not be a common phenomenon in woody plants and/or that wounds caused by cutting short stem segments might inhibit the refilling process upon soaking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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21 pages, 9971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Ingredients Incorporated in the Traditional Mixed-Salad of the Capuchin Monks

by Laura Cornara, Gabriele Ambu, Alex Alberto, Domenico Trombetta and Antonella Smeriglio

Plants 2022, 11(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030301 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3190

Abstract

Recipes on the composition of the “salad of the monks” (Capuchin monks) have been reported in Italy since the 17th century. Different wild edible plants were highly regarded as an important ingredient of this mixed salad. Among these, some species played a key [...] Read more.

Recipes on the composition of the “salad of the monks” (Capuchin monks) have been reported in Italy since the 17th century. Different wild edible plants were highly regarded as an important ingredient of this mixed salad. Among these, some species played a key role for both their taste and nutritional properties: Plantago coronopus L. (PC), Rumex acetosa L., Cichorium intybus L., and Artemisia dracunculus L. In the present study, the micromorphological and phytochemical features as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts of these fresh and blanched leaves, were investigated. The extracts obtained by blanched leaves, according to the traditionally used cooking method, showed the highest content of bioactive compounds (total phenols 1202.31–10,751.88 mg GAE/100 g DW; flavonoids 2921.38–61,141.83 mg QE/100 g DW; flavanols 17.47–685.52 mg CE/100 g DW; proanthocyanidins 2.83–16.33 mg CyE/100 g DW; total chlorophyll 0.84–1.09 mg/g FW; carbohydrates 0.14–1.92 g/100 g FW) and possess the most marked antioxidant (IC₅₀ 0.30–425.20 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ 240.20–970.02 µg/mL). Considering this, our results indicate that increased consumption of the investigated plants, in particular of PC, raw or cooked briefly, could provide a healthy food source in the modern diet by the recovery and enhancement of ancient ingredients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 1573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

D-Tagatose-Based Product Triggers Sweet Immunity and Resistance of Grapevine to Downy Mildew, but Not to Gray Mold Disease

by Nikola Mijailovic, Nicola Richet, Sandra Villaume, Andrea Nesler, Michele Perazzolli, Essaid Aït Barka and Aziz Aziz

Plants 2022, 11(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030296 - 23 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4077

Abstract

The use of natural bio-based compounds becomes an eco-friendly strategy to control plant diseases. Rare sugars would be promising compounds as inducers of plant “sweet immunity”. The present study aimed to investigate the induced resistance of grapevine leaves against Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis [...] Read more.

The use of natural bio-based compounds becomes an eco-friendly strategy to control plant diseases. Rare sugars would be promising compounds as inducers of plant “sweet immunity”. The present study aimed to investigate the induced resistance of grapevine leaves against Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis cinerea by a rare sugar-based product (IFP48) and its active ingredient D-tagatose (TAG), in order to elucidate molecular mechanism involved in defense-related metabolic regulations before and after pathogen challenge. Data showed that spraying leaves with IFP48 and TAG lead to a significant reduction of downy mildew, but not of gray mold disease. The induced protection against P. viticola relies on IFP48’s and to a lesser extent TAG’s ability to potentiate the activation of salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid/ethylene-responsive genes and stilbene phytoalexin accumulation. Most of defense responses remained upregulated in IFP48-treated plants after infection with P. viticola, but inconsistent following challenge with B. cinerea. The beneficial effects of IFP48 were associated with an enhanced accumulation of tagatose inside leaf tissues compared to TAG treatment. Meanwhile, the amounts of sugars, glucose, fructose, maltose, galactose and trehalose remained unchanged or decreased in IFP48-treated leaves after P. viticola infection, although only a few genes involved in sugar transport and metabolism showed transcriptional regulation. This suggests a contribution of sugar homeostasis to the IFP48-induced sweet immune response and priming plants for enhanced resistance to P. viticola, but not to B. cinerea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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20 pages, 3592 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Salinity Tolerance in Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) Using Transcriptome Analyses

by Biswa R. Acharya, Devinder Sandhu, Christian Dueñas, Jorge F. S. Ferreira and Kulbhushan K. Grover

Plants 2022, 11(3), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030291 - 22 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3706

Abstract

Guar is a commercially important legume crop known for guar gum. Guar is tolerant to various abiotic stresses, but the mechanisms involved in its salinity tolerance are not well established. This study aimed to understand molecular mechanisms of salinity tolerance in guar. RNA [...] Read more.

Guar is a commercially important legume crop known for guar gum. Guar is tolerant to various abiotic stresses, but the mechanisms involved in its salinity tolerance are not well established. This study aimed to understand molecular mechanisms of salinity tolerance in guar. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to study the leaf and root transcriptomes of salt-tolerant (Matador) and salt-sensitive (PI 340261) guar genotypes under control and salinity. Our analyses identified a total of 296,114 unigenes assembled from 527 million clean reads. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the gene expression differences were more pronounced between salinity treatments than between genotypes. Differentially expressed genes associated with stress-signaling pathways, transporters, chromatin remodeling, microRNA biogenesis, and translational machinery play critical roles in guar salinity tolerance. Genes associated with several transporter families that were differentially expressed during salinity included ABC, MFS, GPH, and P-ATPase. Furthermore, genes encoding transcription factors/regulators belonging to several families, including SNF2, C₂H₂, bHLH, C3H, and MYB were differentially expressed in response to salinity. This study revealed the importance of various biological pathways during salinity stress and identified several candidate genes that may be used to develop salt-tolerant guar genotypes that might be suitable for cultivation in marginal soils with moderate to high salinity or using degraded water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 3914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Calmodulin Domain Protein Kinase PiCDPK1 Regulates Pollen Tube Growth Polarity through Interaction with RhoGDI

by Nolan Scheible, Gyeong Mee Yoon and Andrew G. McCubbin

Plants 2022, 11(3), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030254 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2408

Abstract

The pollen-specific calcium-dependent protein kinase PiCDPK1 of Petunia inflata has previously been shown to regulate polarity in tip growth in pollen tubes. Here we report the identification of a Rho Guanine Dissociation Inhibitor (PiRhoGDI1) as a PiCDPK1 interacting protein. We demonstrate that PiRhoGDI1 [...] Read more.

The pollen-specific calcium-dependent protein kinase PiCDPK1 of Petunia inflata has previously been shown to regulate polarity in tip growth in pollen tubes. Here we report the identification of a Rho Guanine Dissociation Inhibitor (PiRhoGDI1) as a PiCDPK1 interacting protein. We demonstrate that PiRhoGDI1 and PiCDPK1 interact in a yeast 2-hybrid assay, as well as in an in vitro pull-down assay, and that PiRhoGDI1 is phosphorylated by PiCDPK1 in vitro. We further demonstrate the PiRhoGDI1 is capable of rescuing the loss of growth polarity phenotype caused by over-expressing PiCDPK1 in vivo using stable transgenic plants. We confirmed that PiRhoGDI1 interacts with a pollen-expressed ROP GTPase isoform consistent with the established role of RhoGDIs in negatively regulating GTPases through their membrane removal and locking them in an inactive cytosolic complex. ROP is a central regulator of polarity in tip growth, upstream of Ca²⁺, and PiCDPK1 over-expression has been previously reported to lead to dramatic elevation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ through a positive feedback loop. The discovery that PiCDPK1 impacts ROP regulation via PiRhoGDI1 suggests that PiCDPK1 acts as RhoGDI displacement factor and leads us to propose a model which we hypothesize regulates the rapid recycling of ROP GTPase at the pollen tube tip. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 1156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Addition of Medicinal Plants Increases Antioxidant Activity, Color, and Anthocyanin Stability of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Functional Beverages

by Desislava Teneva, Daniela Pencheva, Ani Petrova, Manol Ognyanov, Yordan Georgiev and Petko Denev

Plants 2022, 11(3), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030243 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3081

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of the addition of medicinal plants, such as lady’s mantle, lavender, rosehip, and meadowsweet, on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and color intensity of ready-to-drink aronia nectar during pasteurization and long-term storage. Pasteurization caused a significant decrease [...] Read more.

The present study investigates the effect of the addition of medicinal plants, such as lady’s mantle, lavender, rosehip, and meadowsweet, on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and color intensity of ready-to-drink aronia nectar during pasteurization and long-term storage. Pasteurization caused a significant decrease in anthocyanin content of aronia nectar, which reduced to 20% of the initial value after four months of storage. Herbs provided different protection to aronia anthocyanins that degraded more slowly during the four-month storage compared to pasteurized control without herbs. The addition of medicinal plants enriched aronia nectar with phenolic compounds and increased its antioxidant activity by up to 52% in meadowsweet-aronia nectar. Moreover, it was accompanied by a color intensity magnification due to co-pigmentation of aronia anthocyanins and herbal phenolics. In contrast to anthocyanins, which constantly degraded during the whole period, color intensity began to stabilize after 30 days, demonstrating that co-pigmentation was progressively established during the time and rosehip provided the best stabilization of aronia nectar color. Current research demonstrates for the first time that medicinal plants such as lady’s mantle, rosehip, and especially meadowsweet can be used to increase antioxidant activity, color, and anthocyanin stability of black chokeberry functional beverages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 1911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Root Morphology, Allometric Relations and Rhizosheath of Ancient and Modern Tetraploid Wheats (Triticum durum Desf.) in Response to Inoculation with Trichoderma harzianum T-22

by Rocco Bochicchio, Rosanna Labella, Antonella Vitti, Maria Nuzzaci, Giuseppina Logozzo and Mariana Amato

Plants 2022, 11(2), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11020159 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

Early root traits and allometrics of wheat are important for competition and use of resources. They are under-utilized in research and un-explored in many ancient wheats. This is especially true for the rhizosheath emerging from root-soil interactions. We investigated root morphology, root/shoot relations [...] Read more.

Early root traits and allometrics of wheat are important for competition and use of resources. They are under-utilized in research and un-explored in many ancient wheats. This is especially true for the rhizosheath emerging from root-soil interactions. We investigated root morphology, root/shoot relations and the amount of rhizosheath of four tetrapoid wheat seedlings (30 days after emergence): the italian landrace Saragolle Lucana and modern varieties Creso, Simeto and Ciclope, and tested the hypothesis that inoculation with Trichoderma harzianum T-22 (T-22) enhances rhizosheath formation and affects wheat varieties differently. Overall growth of non-inoculated plants showed different patterns in wheat varieties, with Saragolle and Ciclope at the two extremes: Saragolle invests in shoot rather than root mass, and in the occupation of space with highest (p < 0.05) shoot height to the uppermost internode (5.02 cm) and length-to-mass shoot (97.8 cm g⁻¹) and root (more than 140 m g⁻¹) ratios. This may be interpreted as maximizing competition for light but also as a compensation for low shoot efficiency due to the lowest (p < 0.05) recorded values of optically-measured chlorophyll content index (22.8). Ciclope invests in biomass with highest shoot (0.06 g) and root (0.04 g) mass and a thicker root system (average diameter 0.34 mm vs. 0.29 in Saragolle) as well as a highest root/shoot ratio (0.95 g g⁻¹ vs. 0.54 in Saragolle). Rhizosheath mass ranged between 22.14 times that of shoot mass in Ciclope and 43.40 in Saragolle (different for p < 0.05). Inoculation with Trichoderma increased the amount of rhizosheath from 9.4% in Ciclope to 36.1% in Simeto and modified root architecture in this variety more than in others. Ours are the first data on roots and seedling shoot traits of Saragolle Lucana and of Trichoderma inoculation effects on rhizosheath. This opens to new unreported interpretations of effects of Trichoderma inoculation on improving plant growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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18 pages, 1684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification and Characterization of the Manoor Valley’s (Lesser Himalaya) Vegetation from the Subtropical-Temperate Ecotonal Forests to the Alpine Pastures along Ecological Variables

by Inayat Ur Rahman, Aftab Afzal, Zafar Iqbal, Mashail Nasser Alzain, Al-Bandari Fahad Al-Arjani, Abdulaziz A. Alqarawi, Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah, Niaz Ali, Shazia Sakhi, Muhammad Azhar Khan, Uzma Khan, Farhana Ijaz, Samina Mumtaz and Eduardo Soares Calixto

Plants 2022, 11(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010087 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2655

Abstract

Plant species are distributed in different types of habitats, forming different communities driven by different sets of environmental variables. Here, we assessed potential plant communities along an altitudinal gradient and their associations with different environmental drivers in the unexplored Manoor Valley (Lesser Himalaya), [...] Read more.

Plant species are distributed in different types of habitats, forming different communities driven by different sets of environmental variables. Here, we assessed potential plant communities along an altitudinal gradient and their associations with different environmental drivers in the unexplored Manoor Valley (Lesser Himalaya), Pakistan. We have implemented various ecological techniques and evaluated phytosociological attributes in three randomly selected 50 m-transects within each stand (a total of 133) during different seasons for four years (2015–2018). This phytosociological exploration reported 354 plant species representing 93 different families. The results revealed that the Therophytic life form class dominated the flora, whereas Nanophyll dominated the leaf size spectra. There were a total of twelve plant communities identified, ranging from the lowest elevations to the alpine meadows and cold deserts. The maximum number of species were found in Cedrus–Pinus–Parrotiopsis community (197 species), in the middle altitudinal ranges (2292–3168 m). Our results showed that at high altitudes, species richness was reduced, whereas an increase in soil nutrients was linked to progression in vegetation indicators. We also found different clusters of species with similar habitats. Our study clearly shows how altitudinal variables can cluster different plant communities according to different microclimates. Studies such as ours are paramount to better understanding how environmental factors influence ecological and evolutionary aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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18 pages, 3631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metamitron, a Photosynthetic Electron Transport Chain Inhibitor, Modulates the Photoprotective Mechanism of Apple Trees

by Yuval Tadmor, Amir Raz, Shira Reikin-Barak, Vivek Ambastha, Eli Shemesh, Yehoram Leshem, Omer Crane, Raphael A. Stern, Martin Goldway, Dan Tchernov and Oded Liran

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2803; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122803 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3598

Abstract

Chemical thinning of apple fruitlets is an important practice as it reduces the natural fruit load and, therefore, increases the size of the final fruit for commercial markets. In apples, one chemical thinner used is Metamitron, which is sold as the commercial product [...] Read more.

Chemical thinning of apple fruitlets is an important practice as it reduces the natural fruit load and, therefore, increases the size of the final fruit for commercial markets. In apples, one chemical thinner used is Metamitron, which is sold as the commercial product Brevis^® (Adama, Ashdod, Israel). This thinner inhibits the electron transfer between Photosystem II and Quinone-b within light reactions of photosynthesis. In this study, we investigated the responses of two apple cultivars—Golden Delicious and Top Red—and photosynthetic light reactions after administration of Brevis^®. The analysis revealed that the presence of the inhibitor affects both cultivars’ energetic status. The kinetics of the photoprotective mechanism’s sub-processes are attenuated in both cultivars, but this seems more severe in the Top Red cultivar. State transitions of the antenna and Photosystem II repair cycle are decreased substantially when the Metamitron concentration is above 0.6% in the Top Red cultivar but not in the Golden Delicious cultivar. These attenuations result from a biased absorbed energy distribution between photochemistry and photoprotection pathways in the two cultivars. We suggest that Metamitron inadvertently interacts with photoprotective mechanism-related enzymes in chloroplasts of apple tree leaves. Specifically, we hypothesize that it may interact with the kinases responsible for the induction of state transitions and the Photosystem II repair cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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15 pages, 4162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Compounds, Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activities of Dry Ethanol Extracts from Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm

by Tsvetelina Andonova, Yordan Muhovski, Hafize Fidan, Iliya Slavov, Albena Stoyanova and Ivanka Dimitrova-Dyulgerova

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122715 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3286

Abstract

Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. is used in traditional medicine and has various established biological activities, however, the species is considered to be a potentially invasive alien tree species for Bulgarian flora. However, there is still much to be studied about the phytochemical and biological [...] Read more.

Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. is used in traditional medicine and has various established biological activities, however, the species is considered to be a potentially invasive alien tree species for Bulgarian flora. However, there is still much to be studied about the phytochemical and biological characteristics of the species. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the ethanol extracts of aerial plant parts, by GC-MS analysis, and to thereby evaluate their in vitro antitumor and antibacterial properties. All three extracts were tested against the HT-29 and PC3 tumor cell lines using the MTT assay. Fifty-six components were identified from leaf, flower, and stem bark extracts, and over 10% were the following constituents: pyrogallol, α-terpinyl acetate, neryl acetate, and α-terpinyl isobutanoate. The oxygenated monoterpenes predominated in the extracts, followed by the oxygenated aliphatics and phenylpropanoids. Significant antiproliferative activity on the HT-29 cell line (IC₅₀–21.44 µg/mL and 23.63 µg/mL, respectively) was found for the flower and leaf extracts. Antibacterial activity was established for the following bacteria strains: Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Bacillus cereus NCTC 10320, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 6027, and Proteus vulgaris ATCC 6380. The stem bark and flower extracts showed better antimicrobial potential. K. paniculata could be considered as a potential source of biologically active substances with antitumor and antibacterial properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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15 pages, 2030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Tunisian Ziziphus lotus Extracts: Evaluation of Drying Effect, Solvent Extraction, and Extracted Plant Parts

by Touka Letaief, Stefania Garzoli, Valentina Laghezza Masci, Jamel Mejri, Manef Abderrabba, Antonio Tiezzi and Elisa Ovidi

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122651 - 2 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2816

Abstract

The Tunisian Ziziphus lotus plant was investigated to determine its phytoconstituents and evaluate its biological activities. In particular, the GC/MS technique was used to describe the chemical composition of Z. lotus active extracts and fractions. Among the obtained extracts, the yields of the [...] Read more.

The Tunisian Ziziphus lotus plant was investigated to determine its phytoconstituents and evaluate its biological activities. In particular, the GC/MS technique was used to describe the chemical composition of Z. lotus active extracts and fractions. Among the obtained extracts, the yields of the dried root methanolic extract (29.80%) and the fruit aqueous extract (48.00%) were the highest ones. The dried root methanolic extract exhibited the highest amount in the total phenolics (186.44 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoids (102.50 ± 3.53 mg QE/g DW), and tannins (60.714 ± 2.2 mg catechin/g DW). The root aqueous extracts revealed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 8.96 ± 0.38 mg/L and 16.46 ± 0.60 mg/L for the ABTS^•⁺ and DPPH• assays, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity was accorded to the methanolic extract of the dried roots with a value of 304.07 ± 1.11 µg AAE/mg. The drying process was found to improve the qualitative and quantitative properties of the Z. lotus extracts. The evaluation of the cytotoxic activity against the SH-SY5Y cell line was carried out using MTT assay. The petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of the dried roots showed relevant cytotoxic activities. The thin layer chromatography and the GC-MS/GC-FID analysis led to the identification of the 13-epimanool as a potent cytotoxic compound. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 1160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Response to Mechanically-Induced Stress: A Case Study on Specialized Metabolites of Leafy Vegetables

by Jana Šic Žlabur, Sanja Radman, Sanja Fabek Uher, Nevena Opačić, Božidar Benko, Ante Galić, Paola Samirić and Sandra Voća

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2650; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122650 - 2 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2627

Abstract

Plants have evolved various adaptive mechanisms to environmental stresses, such as sensory mechanisms to detect mechanical stimuli. This plant adaptation has been successfully used in the production practice of leafy vegetables, called mechanical conditioning, for many years, but there is still a lack [...] Read more.

Plants have evolved various adaptive mechanisms to environmental stresses, such as sensory mechanisms to detect mechanical stimuli. This plant adaptation has been successfully used in the production practice of leafy vegetables, called mechanical conditioning, for many years, but there is still a lack of research on the effects of mechanically-induced stress on the content of specialized metabolites, or phytochemicals with significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the content of specialized metabolites and antioxidant capacity of lettuce and green chicory under the influence of mechanical stimulation by brushing. Mechanically-induced stress had a positive effect on the content of major antioxidants in plant cells, specifically vitamin C, total phenols, and flavonoids. In contrast, no effect of mechanical stimulation was found on the content of pigments, total chlorophylls, and carotenoids. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that induced mechanical stress is a good practice in the cultivation of leafy vegetables, the application of which provides high quality plant material with high nutritional potential and significantly higher content of antioxidants and phytochemicals important for human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 2651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Authentication, Phytochemical Evaluation and Asexual Propagation of Wild-Growing Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae) Genotypes of Northern Greece for Sustainable Exploitation

by Eleni Maloupa, Eleftherios Karapatzak, Ioannis Ganopoulos, Antonis Karydas, Katerina Papanastasi, Dimitris Kyrkas, Paraskevi Yfanti, Nikos Nikisianis, Anthimos Zahariadis, Ioanna S. Kosma, Anastasia V. Badeka, Giorgos Patakioutas, Dimitrios Fotakis and Nikos Krigas

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122634 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3061

Abstract

Dogroses belong to a taxonomically difficult genus and family and represent important phytogenetic resources associated with high ornamental, pharmaceutical-cosmetic and nutritional values, thus suggesting a potentially high exploitation merit. Triggered by these prospects, wild-growing Rosa canina populations of Greece were selected for investigation [...] Read more.

Dogroses belong to a taxonomically difficult genus and family and represent important phytogenetic resources associated with high ornamental, pharmaceutical-cosmetic and nutritional values, thus suggesting a potentially high exploitation merit. Triggered by these prospects, wild-growing Rosa canina populations of Greece were selected for investigation and evaluation of their potential for integrated domestication. We collected ripe rosehips from Greek native wild-growing populations (samples from seven genotypes) for phytochemical analysis (total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content), leaf samples for DNA analysis using the ITS2 sequence (nine genotypes) and fresh soft-wood stem cuttings for propagation trials (seven genotypes). After evaluation of these materials, this study reports for the first-time distinct DNA-fingerprinted genotypes from Greece with interesting phytochemical profiles mainly in terms of Vitamic C content (up to 500.22 ± 0.15 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g of sample) as well as effective asexual propagation protocols for prioritized R. canina genotypes via cuttings. The latter highlights the importance of the levels of external hormone application (2000 ppm of indole-3-butyric acid), the effect of season (highly-effective spring trials) and genotype-specific differences in rooting capacities of the studied genotypes. All inclusive, this study offers new artificially selected material of Greek native R. canina with a consolidated identity and interesting phytochemical profile. These materials are currently under ex-situ conservation for further evaluation and characterization in pilot field studies, thus facilitating its sustainable exploitation for applications in the agro-alimentary, medicinal-cosmetic, and ornamental sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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20 pages, 4424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GIS-Facilitated Seed Germination and Multifaceted Evaluation of the Endangered Abies marocana Trab. (Pinaceae) Enabling Conservation and Sustainable Exploitation

by Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Mohamed El Haissoufi, Elias Pipinis, Stefanos Kostas, Mohamed Libiad, Abdelmajid Khabbach, Fatima Lamchouri, Soumaya Bourgou, Wided Megdiche-Ksouri, Zeineb Ghrabi-Gammar, Vasiliki Aslanidou, Vasileios Greveniotis, Michalia A. Sakellariou, Ioannis Anestis, Georgios Tsoktouridis and Nikos Krigas

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122606 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2925

Abstract

In the frame of the sustainable use of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, and along with numerous studies in Abies spp. due to the innate conservation value of fir forests, this research focused on the Moroccan endemic fir, Abies marocana. The aim was [...] Read more.

In the frame of the sustainable use of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, and along with numerous studies in Abies spp. due to the innate conservation value of fir forests, this research focused on the Moroccan endemic fir, Abies marocana. The aim was triple-fold: to assess its potential and dynamics in economic sectors for sustainable exploitation; to determine the ecological conditions in which the species naturally thrives; and to find the appropriate requirements for its successful seed germination. We sourced multifaceted evaluations for three economic sectors performed in three levels, using 48 attributes and eight criteria from previous studies of our own, and the relevant species-specific assessments are overviewed herein in detail. The species’ ecological profile was constructed using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and open access data (Worldclim). Seed germination trials were performed to examine the effect of cold stratification (non-stratified, one- and two-months stratified seeds), the influence of four temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C), and interactions thereof in relation to germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT). The experiments showed that the interaction of cold stratification and germination temperature has a strong effect on the GP and MGT of A. marocana seeds. A detailed GIS-derived ecological profile of the focal species was created in terms of precipitation and temperature natural regimes, enabling the interpretation of the seed germination results. The multifaceted evaluations reveal an interesting potential of the Moroccan fir in different economic sectors, which is mainly compromised due to extant research gaps, unfavorable conditions, and low stakeholder attraction. The findings of this study fill in extant research gaps, contribute to in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, and can facilitate the sustainable exploitation of this emblematic local endemic plant of northern Morocco. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 3542 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Carboxylation Capacity Can Limit C₃ Photosynthesis at Elevated CO₂ throughout Diurnal Cycles

by James Bunce

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122603 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

The response of carbon fixation in C₃ plants to elevated CO₂ is relatively larger when photosynthesis is limited by carboxylation capacity (V_C) than when limited by electron transport (J). Recent experiments under controlled, steady-state conditions have shown that photosynthesis [...] Read more.

The response of carbon fixation in C₃ plants to elevated CO₂ is relatively larger when photosynthesis is limited by carboxylation capacity (V_C) than when limited by electron transport (J). Recent experiments under controlled, steady-state conditions have shown that photosynthesis at elevated CO₂ may be limited by V_C even at limiting PPFD. These experiments were designed to test whether this also occurs in dynamic field environments. Leaf gas exchange was recorded every 5 min using two identical instruments both attached to the same leaf. The CO₂ concentration in one instrument was controlled at 400 μmol mol⁻¹ and one at 600 μmol mol⁻¹. Leaves were exposed to ambient sunlight outdoors, and cuvette air temperatures tracked ambient outside air temperature. The water content of air in the leaf cuvettes was kept close to that of the ambient air. These measurements were conducted on multiple, mostly clear days for each of three species, Glycine max, Lablab purpureus, and Hemerocallis fulva. The results indicated that in all species, photosynthesis was limited by V_C rather than J at both ambient and elevated CO₂ both at high midday PPFDs and also at limiting PPFDs in the early morning and late afternoon. During brief reductions in PPFD due to midday clouds, photosynthesis became limited by J. The net result of the apparent deactivation of Rubisco at low PPFD was that the relative stimulation of diurnal carbon fixation at elevated CO₂ was larger than would be predicted when assuming limitation of photosynthesis by J at low PPFD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 5384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RWLMod—Potential Model to Study Plant Tolerance in Drought Stress Conditions

by Florin Sala, Mihai Valentin Herbei and Ciprian Rujescu

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2576; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122576 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1781

Abstract

Rationale: Water loss by evaporation is a normal physiological process, in order to regulate plant temperature. Under conditions of thermal and water stress, water loss is accelerated compared to normal conditions, and the response of plants is variable. In extreme cases, it can [...] Read more.

Rationale: Water loss by evaporation is a normal physiological process, in order to regulate plant temperature. Under conditions of thermal and water stress, water loss is accelerated compared to normal conditions, and the response of plants is variable. In extreme cases, it can lead to wilting and death of plants. It was found that the phenomenon of water loss behaved as a pattern in different plant species, given by two functions, logistics (first part of water loss) and hyperbola (second part of water loss) in relation to a moment m, at which the rate of water loss (RWL) has reached its maximum value. Method: We studied the water loss process for a series of plant samples on different plant species (Picea abies L., H. Karst; Juniperus communis L.; Pinus silvestris L.; Thuja occidentalis L.; Lamium purpureum L.; Veronica hederifolia L.), measuring the rate of weight loss (RWL) in controlled conditions. The drying of the samples was done in identical conditions (thermo-balance, 100 °C, standard temperature for drying the plant samples) with the real-time recording of the drying time simultaneously with the water loss rate (RWL) from the plant samples. The exposure time varied, depending on each species sample, and was approximately 1000 s. Results: The experimental data was recorded at intervals of every 10 s, during the entire drying period. RWL values varied from 0.024 to 0.054 g/min at the beginning of the drying process and reached maximum values after 70–100 s, having values between 0.258 g/min and 0.498 g/min. During the drying period, this indicator presented different graphic evolutions, difficult to be described with a single function. The first segment was described by a logistic function, and the second was described by a hyperbola, resulting in a model (RWLMod) which described the real phenomenon. This model and theoretical calculation were used to quantify the water loss in a time interval and, compared with empirical dates, no significant differences were observed, which indicated an increased degree of accuracy regarding the use of this model. Recommendation and novelty of work: The novelty of the work is given by the obtained model (RWLMod), which makes possible the description of RWL over the entire time interval, and ensures a good fit with the real data. It recommends the method and model in studies of plant behaviour under stress in relation to different influencing factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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24 pages, 2894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Some Egyptian Six-Rowed Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

by Azza H. Mohamed, Ahmad A. Omar, Ahmed M. Attya, Mohamed M. A. Elashtokhy, Ehab M. Zayed and Rehab M. Rizk

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112527 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3167

Abstract

Barley production is essential in Egypt. In the present study, 15 different six-rowed Egyptian barley cultivars were studied. To differentiate between the different cultivars under study in terms of morphological characteristics and ISSR, molecular characterization reactions were carried out. Moreover, four cultivars (Giza [...] Read more.

Barley production is essential in Egypt. In the present study, 15 different six-rowed Egyptian barley cultivars were studied. To differentiate between the different cultivars under study in terms of morphological characteristics and ISSR, molecular characterization reactions were carried out. Moreover, four cultivars (Giza 123, Giza 126, Giza 136, and Giza 138) were selected for further studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Computational analysis of the DNA barcoding sequences of the two plastid markers rbcL and matK was executed, and the results were deposited in the NCBI database. The morphological traits showed low statistical significance among the different cultivars under study via the data collected from two seasons, suggesting that the mean field performance of these Egyptian cultivars may be equal under these conditions. The results showed that the phylogenetic tree was divided into four groups, one of which contained the most closely related genotypes in the genetic distance, including Giza 124, Giza 130, Giza 138, Giza 136, and Giza 137, which converge in the indicative uses of farmers. The seed coat of the studied cultivars was “rugose”. The elevation folding of the rugose pattern ranged from 11 ± 1.73 µm (Giza 126) to 14.67 ± 2.43 µm (Giza 123), suggesting variation in seed quality and its uses in feed and the food industry. According to the similarity matrix of ISSR analysis, the highest similarity value (93%) was recorded between Giza 133 and Giza 132, as well as between Giza 2000 and Giza 126. On the other hand, the lowest similarity value (80%) was recorded between Giza 130 and (Giza 133 and Giza 132), indicating that these cultivars were distantly related. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.26 for the primer ISSR UBC 835 to 0.37 for the primers ISSR UBC 814 and ISSR UBC 840. The current study showed that the matK gene is more mutable than the rbcL gene among the tested cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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21 pages, 2481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Genotyping by Sequencing and Whole-Genome Sequencing Methods in Diversity Studies of Olea europaea L.

by James Friel, Aureliano Bombarely, Carmen Dorca Fornell, Francisco Luque and Ana Maria Fernández-Ocaña

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2514; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112514 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4465

Abstract

Olive, Olea europaea L., is a tree of great economic and cultural importance in the Mediterranean basin. Thousands of cultivars have been described, of which around 1200 are conserved in the different olive germplasm banks. The genetic characterisation of these cultivars can be [...] Read more.

Olive, Olea europaea L., is a tree of great economic and cultural importance in the Mediterranean basin. Thousands of cultivars have been described, of which around 1200 are conserved in the different olive germplasm banks. The genetic characterisation of these cultivars can be performed in different ways. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides more information than the reduced representation methods such as genotype by sequencing (GBS), but at a much higher cost. This may change as the cost of sequencing continues to drop, but, currently, genotyping hundreds of cultivars using WGS is not a realistic goal for most research groups. Our aim is to systematically compare both methodologies applied to olive genotyping and summarise any possible recommendations for the geneticists and molecular breeders of the olive scientific community. In this work, we used a selection of 24 cultivars from an olive core collection from the World Olive Germplasm Collection of the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (WOGBC), which represent the most of the cultivars present in cultivated fields over the world. Our results show that both methodologies deliver similar results in the context of phylogenetic analysis and popular population genetic analysis methods such as clustering. Furthermore, WGS and GBS datasets from different experiments can be merged in a single dataset to perform these analytical methodologies with proper filtering. We also tested the influence of the different olive reference genomes in this type of analysis, finding that they have almost no effect when estimating genetic relationships. This work represents the first comparative study between both sequencing techniques in olive. Our results demonstrate that the use of GBS is a perfectly viable option for replacing WGS and reducing research costs when the goal of the experiment is to characterise the genetic relationship between different accessions. Besides this, we show that it is possible to combine variants from GBS and WGS datasets, allowing the reuse of publicly available data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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15 pages, 5049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Area Calculation Models for Vines Based on Foliar Descriptors

by Florin Sala, Alin Dobrei and Mihai Valentin Herbei

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112453 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4194

Abstract

In the case of foliar area studies on vines, with a large number of determinations, a simple, fast, sufficiently accurate and low-cost method is very useful. The typology of leaves on the vine is complex, characterized by several descriptive parameters: median rib; secondary [...] Read more.

In the case of foliar area studies on vines, with a large number of determinations, a simple, fast, sufficiently accurate and low-cost method is very useful. The typology of leaves on the vine is complex, characterized by several descriptive parameters: median rib; secondary venations of the first and second order; angles between the median rib and the secondary venations; sinuses; length and width of the leaf. The present study aimed to evaluate models for calculating the leaf area based on descriptive parameters and KA (KA as the surface constant used to calculate the leaf area) for six vine cultivars, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (CS), ‘Muscat Iantarnîi’ (MI), ‘Muscat Ottonel’ (MO), ‘Chasselas’ (Ch), ‘Victoria’ (Vi) and ‘Muscat Hamburg’ (MH). The determined KA surface constants had subunit values (0.91 to 0.97), except for the cultivars ‘Muscat Iantarnîi’ and ‘Muscat Ottonel’ where the surface constant KA₂ (in relation to the second-order secondary venations) had supraunitary values (1.07 and 1.08, respectively). The determination of the leaf area was possible under different conditions of statistical accuracy (R² = 0.477, p = 0.0119, up to R² = 0.988, p < 0.001) in relation to the variety and parametric descriptors considered. The models obtained from the regression analysis facilitated a more reliable prediction of the leaf area based on the elements on the left side of the leaf, in relation to the median rib, compared to those on the right. The accuracy of the results was checked on the basis of minimum error (ME) and confirmed by parameters R², p and RMSE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 1846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Germination of ACCase-Resistant Biotypes Containing Isoleucine-1781-Leucine Mutation and Susceptible Biotypes of Wild Oat (Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana)

by Fatemeh Benakashani, Jose L. Gonzalez-Andujar and Elias Soltani

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2350; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112350 - 30 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

Herbicide resistance can affect seed germination and the optimal conditions required for seed germination, which in turn may impose a fitness cost in resistant populations. Winter wild oat [Avena sterilis L. ssp. ludoviciana (Durieu) Gillet and Magne] is a serious weed in [...] Read more.

Herbicide resistance can affect seed germination and the optimal conditions required for seed germination, which in turn may impose a fitness cost in resistant populations. Winter wild oat [Avena sterilis L. ssp. ludoviciana (Durieu) Gillet and Magne] is a serious weed in cereal fields. In this study, the molecular basis of resistance to an ACCase herbicide, clodinafop-propargyl, in four A. ludoviciana biotypes was assessed. Germination differences between susceptible (S) and ACCase-resistant biotypes (WR₁, WR₂, WR₃, WR₄) and the effect of Isoleucine-1781-Leucine mutation on germination were also investigated through germination models. The results indicated that WR₁ and WR₄ were very highly resistant (RI > 214.22) to clodinafop-propargyl-contained Isoleucine to Leucine amino acid substitution. However, Isoleucine-1781-Leucine mutation was not detected in other very highly resistant biotypes. Germination studies indicated that resistant biotypes (in particular WR₁ and WR₄) had higher base water potentials than the susceptible one. This shows that resistant biotypes need more soil water to initiate their germination. However, the hydrotime constant for germination was higher in resistant biotypes than in the susceptible one in most cases, showing faster germination in susceptible biotypes. ACCase-resistant biotypes containing the Isoleucine-1781-Leucine mutation had lower seed weight but used more seed reserve to produce seedlings. Hence, integrated management practices such as stale seedbed and implementing it at the right time could be used to take advantage of the differential soil water requirement and relatively late germination characteristics of ACCase-resistant biotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 2020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of SNP Markers for White Immature Fruit Skin Color in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Using QTL-seq and Marker Analyses

by D. S. Kishor, Hemasundar Alavilli, Sang-Choon Lee, Jeong-Gu Kim and Kihwan Song

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112341 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3936

Abstract

Despite various efforts in identifying the genes governing the white immature fruit skin color in cucumber, the genetic basis of the white immature fruit skin color is not well known. In the present study, genetic analysis showed that a recessive gene confers the [...] Read more.

Despite various efforts in identifying the genes governing the white immature fruit skin color in cucumber, the genetic basis of the white immature fruit skin color is not well known. In the present study, genetic analysis showed that a recessive gene confers the white immature fruit skin-color phenotype over the light-green color of a Korean slicer cucumber. High-throughput QTL-seq combined with bulked segregation analysis of two pools with the extreme phenotypes (white and light-green fruit skin color) in an F₂ population identified two significant genomic regions harboring QTLs for white fruit skin color within the genomic region between 34.1 and 41.67 Mb on chromosome 3, and the genomic region between 12.2 and 12.7 Mb on chromosome 5. Further, nonsynonymous SNPs were identified with a significance of p < 0.05 within the QTL regions, resulting in eight homozygous variants within the QTL region on chromosome 3. SNP marker analysis uncovered the novel missense mutations in Chr3CG52930 and Chr3CG53640 genes and showed consistent results with the phenotype of light-green and white fruit skin-colored F₂ plants. These two genes were located 0.5 Mb apart on chromosome 3, which are considered strong candidate genes. Altogether, this study laid a solid foundation for understanding the genetic basis and marker-assisted breeding of immature fruit skin color in cucumber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Growth Regulators INCYDE and TD-K Underperform in Cereal Field Trials

by Matthew J. van Voorthuizen, Jiancheng Song, Ondřej Novák and Paula E. Jameson

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112309 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2524

Abstract

Using plant growth regulators to alter cytokinin homeostasis with the aim of enhancing endogenous cytokinin levels has been proposed as a strategy to increase yields in wheat and barley. The plant growth regulators INCYDE and CPPU inhibit the cytokinin degrading enzyme cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase [...] Read more.

Using plant growth regulators to alter cytokinin homeostasis with the aim of enhancing endogenous cytokinin levels has been proposed as a strategy to increase yields in wheat and barley. The plant growth regulators INCYDE and CPPU inhibit the cytokinin degrading enzyme cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), while TD-K inhibits the process of senescence. We report that the application of these plant growth regulators in wheat and barley field trials failed to enhance yields, or change the components of yields. Analyses of the endogenous cytokinin content showed a high concentration of trans-zeatin (tZ) in both wheat and barley grains at four days after anthesis, and statistically significant, but probably biologically insignificant, increases in cisZ-O-glucoside, along with small decreases in cZ riboside (cZR), dihydro Z (DHZ), and DHZR and DHZOG cytokinins, following INCYDE application to barley at anthesis. We discuss possible reasons for the lack of efficacy of the three plant growth regulators under field conditions and comment on future approaches to manipulating yield in the light of the strong homeostatic mechanisms controlling endogenous cytokinin levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trait Variations and Probability Grading Index System on Leaf-Related Traits of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Germplasm

by Peng Deng, Xiangchen Xie, Feiyu Long, Liang Zhang, Yonghang Li, Zhangxu Zhao, Shiyao Yang, Yiran Wang, Ruishen Fan and Zhouqi Li

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112280 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3290

Abstract

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EUO), an economic tree grown specifically in China, is widely used in various fields. To satisfy the requirements of industrial development, superior varieties need to be selected for different uses. However, there is no unified standard for breeders to reference. [...] Read more.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EUO), an economic tree grown specifically in China, is widely used in various fields. To satisfy the requirements of industrial development, superior varieties need to be selected for different uses. However, there is no unified standard for breeders to reference. In this study, leaf-related traits were classified by a probability grading method. The results indicated there were significant differences between different planting models for the studied traits, and the traits in the Arbor forest model showed more abundant variation. Compared with genotype, the planting model accounted for relatively bigger variance, indicating that the standard should be divided according to planting models. Furthermore, the optimum planting model for different traits would be obtained by analyzing the variation range. Association analyses were conducted among traits to select the crucial evaluation indexes. The indexes were divided into three grades in different planting models. The evaluation system on leaf-related traits of EUO germplasm was established preliminarily, which considered planting models and stability across years for the first time. It can be treated as a reference to identify and evaluate EUO germplasm resources. Additionally, the study served as an example for the classification of quantitative traits in other economically important perennial plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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10 pages, 1777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AIP1, Encoding the Small Subunit of Acetolactate Synthase, Is Partially Responsible for Resistance to Hypoxic Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

by Geunmuk Im and Dongsu Choi

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112251 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2185

Abstract

Flooding is a significant stress to land plants, depriving them of essential oxygen. Plants have evolved diverse strategies with variable success to survive flooding. Similar strategies have been described in organisms from other kingdoms. Several fungal species can successfully survive a low-oxygen environment [...] Read more.

Flooding is a significant stress to land plants, depriving them of essential oxygen. Plants have evolved diverse strategies with variable success to survive flooding. Similar strategies have been described in organisms from other kingdoms. Several fungal species can successfully survive a low-oxygen environment by increasing their branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) contents. BCAAs may act as alternative electron acceptors in the respiratory chain under an oxygen-limited environment. The key and first enzyme for BCAA biosynthesis is acetolactate synthase (ALS). We identified two homologous genes encoding the small subunit of ALS in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We determined that ALS INTERACTING PROTEIN1 (AIP1), which encodes the small subunit of ALS, is strongly expressed in all organs and highly expressed under submergence and low-oxygen stresses. We also showed that the overexpression of AIP1 confers tolerance to low-oxygen stress. These results indicate that ALS may play an essential role under prolonged flooding or oxygen deficiency in Arabidopsis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 3192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar Amendments Improve Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) Growth and Nutrient Uptake under Salt Stress

by Dilfuza Egamberdieva, Hua Ma, Burak Alaylar, Zohreh Zoghi, Aida Kistaubayeva, Stephan Wirth and Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102135 - 8 Oct 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3614

Abstract

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) is a salt and drought tolerant legume suitable for rehabilitating abandoned saline lands, especially in dry arid regions. We hypothesized that soil amended with maize-derived biochar might alleviate salt stress in licorice by improving its growth, nutrient acquisition, [...] Read more.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) is a salt and drought tolerant legume suitable for rehabilitating abandoned saline lands, especially in dry arid regions. We hypothesized that soil amended with maize-derived biochar might alleviate salt stress in licorice by improving its growth, nutrient acquisition, and root system adaptation. Experiments were designed to determine the effect of different biochar concentrations on licorice growth parameters, acquisition of C (carbon), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) and on soil enzyme activities under saline and non-saline soil conditions. Pyrolysis char from maize (600 °C) was used at concentrations of 2% (B2), 4% (B4), and 6% (B6) for pot experiments. After 40 days, biochar improved the shoot and root biomass of licorice by 80 and 41% under saline soil conditions. However, B4 and B6 did not have a significant effect on shoot growth. Furthermore, increased nodule numbers of licorice grown at B4 amendment were observed under both non-saline and saline conditions. The root architectural traits, such as root length, surface area, project area, root volume, and nodulation traits, also significantly increased by biochar application at both B2 and B4. The concentrations of N and K in plant tissue increased under B2 and B4 amendments compared to the plants grown without biochar application. Moreover, the soil under saline conditions amended with biochar showed a positive effect on the activities of soil fluorescein diacetate hydrolase, proteases, and acid phosphomonoesterases. Overall, this study demonstrated the beneficial effects of maize-derived biochar on growth and nutrient uptake of licorice under saline soil conditions by improving nodule formation and root architecture, as well as soil enzyme activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 2631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Salt Tolerance in Soybean by Exogenous Boron: Intrinsic Study of the Ascorbate-Glutathione and Glyoxalase Pathways

by Hesham F. Alharby, Kamrun Nahar, Hassan S. Al-Zahrani, Khalid Rehman Hakeem and Mirza Hasanuzzaman

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2085; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102085 - 1 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2756

Abstract

Boron (B) performs physiological functions in higher plants as an essential micronutrient, but its protective role in salt stress is poorly understood. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is planted widely throughout the world, and salinity has adverse effects on its physiology. Here, the [...] Read more.

Boron (B) performs physiological functions in higher plants as an essential micronutrient, but its protective role in salt stress is poorly understood. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is planted widely throughout the world, and salinity has adverse effects on its physiology. Here, the role of B (1 mM boric acid) in salt stress was studied by subjecting soybean plants to two levels of salt stress: mild (75 mM NaCl) and severe (150 mM NaCl). Exogenous B relieved oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant defense system components, such as ascorbate (AsA) levels, AsA/dehydroascorbate ratios, glutathione (GSH) levels, the GSH and glutathione disulfide ratios, and ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase activities. B also enhanced the methylglyoxal detoxification process by upregulation of the components of the glyoxalase system in salt-stressed plants. Overall, B supplementation enhanced antioxidant defense and glyoxalase system components to alleviate oxidative stress and MG toxicity induced by salt stress. B also improved the physiology of salt-affected soybean plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 3006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tomato Domestication Affects Potential Functional Molecular Pathways of Root-Associated Soil Bacteria

by Lisanne Smulders, Emilio Benítez, Beatriz Moreno, Álvaro López-García, María J. Pozo, Victoria Ferrero, Eduardo de la Peña and Rafael Alcalá Herrera

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1942; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091942 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3510

Abstract

While it has been well evidenced that plant domestication affects the structure of the root-associated microbiome, there is a poor understanding of how domestication-mediated differences between rhizosphere microorganisms functionally affect microbial ecosystem services. In this study, we explore how domestication influenced functional assembly [...] Read more.

While it has been well evidenced that plant domestication affects the structure of the root-associated microbiome, there is a poor understanding of how domestication-mediated differences between rhizosphere microorganisms functionally affect microbial ecosystem services. In this study, we explore how domestication influenced functional assembly patterns of bacterial communities in the root-associated soil of 27 tomato accessions through a transect of evolution, from plant ancestors to landraces to modern cultivars. Based on molecular analysis, functional profiles were predicted and co-occurrence networks were constructed based on the identification of co-presences of functional units in the tomato root-associated microbiome. The results revealed differences in eight metabolic pathway categories and highlighted the influence of the host genotype on the potential functions of soil bacterial communities. In general, wild tomatoes differed from modern cultivars and tomato landraces which showed similar values, although all ancestral functional characteristics have been conserved across time. We also found that certain functional groups tended to be more evolutionarily conserved in bacterial communities associated with tomato landraces than those of modern varieties. We hypothesize that the capacity of soil bacteria to provide ecosystem services is affected by agronomic practices linked to the domestication process, particularly those related to the preservation of soil organic matter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 1324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping for Drought Tolerance in Soybean Recombinant Inbred Line Population

by Sanjeev Kumar Dhungana, Ji-Hee Park, Jae-Hyeon Oh, Beom-Kyu Kang, Jeong-Hyun Seo, Jung-Sook Sung, Hong-Sik Kim, Sang-Ouk Shin, In-Youl Baek and Chan-Sik Jung

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1816; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091816 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2813

Abstract

Improving drought stress tolerance of soybean could be an effective way to minimize the yield reduction in the drought prevailing regions. Identification of drought tolerance-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is useful to facilitate the development of stress-tolerant varieties. This study aimed to identify [...] Read more.

Improving drought stress tolerance of soybean could be an effective way to minimize the yield reduction in the drought prevailing regions. Identification of drought tolerance-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is useful to facilitate the development of stress-tolerant varieties. This study aimed to identify the QTLs for drought tolerance in soybean using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed from the cross between a drought-tolerant ‘PI416937’ and a susceptible ‘Cheonsang’ cultivar. Phenotyping was done with a weighted drought coefficient derived from the vegetative and reproductive traits. The genetic map was constructed using 2648 polymorphic SNP markers that distributed on 20 chromosomes with a mean genetic distance of 1.36 cM between markers. A total of 10 QTLs with 3.52–4.7 logarithm of odds value accounting for up to 12.9% phenotypic variance were identified on seven chromosomes. Five chromosomes—2, 7, 10, 14, and 20—contained one QTL each, and chromosomes 1 and 19 harbored two and three QTLs, respectively. The chromosomal locations of seven QTLs overlapped or located close to the related QTLs and/or potential candidate genes reported earlier. The QTLs and closely linked markers could be utilized in maker-assisted selection to accelerate the breeding for drought tolerance in soybean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 6047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agro-Alimentary Potential of the Neglected and Underutilized Local Endemic Plants of Crete (Greece), Rif-Mediterranean Coast of Morocco and Tunisia: Perspectives and Challenges

by Mohamed Libiad, Abdelmajid Khabbach, Mohamed El Haissoufi, Ioannis Anestis, Fatima Lamchouri, Soumaya Bourgou, Wided Megdiche-Ksouri, Zeineb Ghrabi-Gammar, Vasileios Greveniotis, Ioannis Tsiripidis, Eleftherios Dariotis, Maria A. Tsiafouli and Nikos Krigas

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091770 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4347

Abstract

The neglected and underutilized plants (NUPs) could become alternative food sources in the agro-alimentary sector, enriching human and animal diets, offering the opportunity for sustainable exploitation, resilience to climate change, and production with resistance to pests and diseases. In the Mediterranean countries, these [...] Read more.

The neglected and underutilized plants (NUPs) could become alternative food sources in the agro-alimentary sector, enriching human and animal diets, offering the opportunity for sustainable exploitation, resilience to climate change, and production with resistance to pests and diseases. In the Mediterranean countries, these valuable resources are threatened by climate change, overexploitation, and/or monoculture. In this framework, we evaluated 399 local endemic NUPs of Crete (Greece), the Mediterranean coast, Rif of Morocco, and Tunisia, regarding their agro-alimentary potential, and assessed their feasibility and readiness timescale for sustainable exploitation with own previously published methodology. The methodological scheme was developed by experts in co-creative workshops, using point-scoring of seven attributes to evaluate the potential of the targeted NUPs in the agro-alimentary. Our results showed a diversity of promising local endemic NUPs of different families in the studied regions (Lamiaceae members are prominent), and we outlined the cases of 13 taxa with the highest optimum scores of agro-alimentary potential (>70%). Despite the diversity or the promising potential and current ex-situ conservation efforts to bridge gaps, our study indicated that only a few cases of Cretan local endemic NUPs can be sustainably exploited in the short-term. However, it is argued that many more local endemic NUPs can easily follow sustainable exploitation schemes if specific research gaps are bridged. Since NUPs can help to increased diversification of food production systems by adding new nutritional/beneficial species to human and animal diets, basic and applied research, as well as market and stakeholder attraction, is suggested as prerequisite to unlock the full potential of the focal endemic NUPs in the agro-alimentary sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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32 pages, 6017 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Arabidopsis thaliana Response to Extracellular DNA: Self Versus Nonself Exposure

by Maria Luisa Chiusano, Guido Incerti, Chiara Colantuono, Pasquale Termolino, Emanuela Palomba, Francesco Monticolo, Giovanna Benvenuto, Alessandro Foscari, Alfonso Esposito, Lucia Marti, Giulia de Lorenzo, Isaac Vega-Muñoz, Martin Heil, Fabrizio Carteni, Giuliano Bonanomi and Stefano Mazzoleni

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081744 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6902

Abstract

The inhibitory effect of extracellular DNA (exDNA) on the growth of conspecific individuals was demonstrated in different kingdoms. In plants, the inhibition has been observed on root growth and seed germination, demonstrating its role in plant–soil negative feedback. Several hypotheses have been proposed [...] Read more.

The inhibitory effect of extracellular DNA (exDNA) on the growth of conspecific individuals was demonstrated in different kingdoms. In plants, the inhibition has been observed on root growth and seed germination, demonstrating its role in plant–soil negative feedback. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the early response to exDNA and the inhibitory effect of conspecific exDNA. We here contribute with a whole-plant transcriptome profiling in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to extracellular self- (conspecific) and nonself- (heterologous) DNA. The results highlight that cells distinguish self- from nonself-DNA. Moreover, confocal microscopy analyses reveal that nonself-DNA enters root tissues and cells, while self-DNA remains outside. Specifically, exposure to self-DNA limits cell permeability, affecting chloroplast functioning and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, eventually causing cell cycle arrest, consistently with macroscopic observations of root apex necrosis, increased root hair density and leaf chlorosis. In contrast, nonself-DNA enters the cells triggering the activation of a hypersensitive response and evolving into systemic acquired resistance. Complex and different cascades of events emerge from exposure to extracellular self- or nonself-DNA and are discussed in the context of Damage- and Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMP and PAMP, respectively) responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 4311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systemic View of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Rice to Facilitate Productivity

by Woo-Jong Hong, Xu Jiang, Seok-Hyun Choi, Yu-Jin Kim, Sun-Tae Kim, Jong-Seong Jeon and Ki-Hong Jung

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081690 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3966

Abstract

Carbohydrate metabolism is an important biochemical process related to developmental growth and yield-related traits. Due to global climate change and rapid population growth, increasing rice yield has become vital. To understand whole carbohydrate metabolism pathways and find related clues for enhancing yield, genes [...] Read more.

Carbohydrate metabolism is an important biochemical process related to developmental growth and yield-related traits. Due to global climate change and rapid population growth, increasing rice yield has become vital. To understand whole carbohydrate metabolism pathways and find related clues for enhancing yield, genes in whole carbohydrate metabolism pathways were systemically dissected using meta-transcriptome data. This study identified 866 carbohydrate genes from the MapMan toolkit and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database split into 11 clusters of different anatomical expression profiles. Analysis of functionally characterized carbohydrate genes revealed that source activity and eating quality are the most well-known functions, and they each have a strong correlation with tissue-preferred clusters. To verify the transcriptomic dissection, three pollen-preferred cluster genes were used and found downregulated in the gori mutant. Finally, we summarized carbohydrate metabolism as a conceptual model in gene clusters associated with morphological traits. This systemic analysis not only provided new insights to improve rice yield but also proposed novel tissue-preferred carbohydrate genes for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 13706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Colleters, Extrafloral Nectaries, and Resin Glands Protect Buds and Young Leaves of Ouratea castaneifolia (DC.) Engl. (Ochnaceae)

by Elder A. S. Paiva, Gabriel A. Couy-Melo and Igor Ballego-Campos

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081680 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2743

Abstract

Buds usually possess mechanical or chemical protection and may also have secretory structures. We discovered an intricate secretory system in Ouratea castaneifolia (Ochnaceae) related to the protection of buds and young leaves. We studied this system, focusing on the distribution, morphology, histochemistry, and [...] Read more.

Buds usually possess mechanical or chemical protection and may also have secretory structures. We discovered an intricate secretory system in Ouratea castaneifolia (Ochnaceae) related to the protection of buds and young leaves. We studied this system, focusing on the distribution, morphology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of glands during sprouting. Samples of buds and leaves were processed following the usual procedures for light and electron microscopy. Overlapping bud scales protect dormant buds, and each young leaf is covered with a pair of stipules. Stipules and scales possess a resin gland, while the former also possess an extrafloral nectary. Despite their distinct secretions, these glands are similar and comprise secreting palisade epidermis. Young leaves also possess marginal colleters. All the studied glands shared some structural traits, including palisade secretory epidermis and the absence of stomata. Secretory activity is carried out by epidermal cells. Functionally, the activity of these glands is synchronous with the young and vulnerable stage of vegetative organs. This is the first report of colleters and resin glands for O. castaneifolia. We found evidence that these glands are correlated with protection against herbivores and/or abiotic agents during a developmental stage that precedes the establishment of mechanical defenses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 2285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insights on Euphorbia dendroides L. (Euphorbiaceae): Polyphenol Profile and Biological Properties of Hydroalcoholic Extracts from Aerial Parts

by Antonella Smeriglio, Marcella Denaro, Domenico Trombetta, Salvatore Ragusa and Clara Circosta

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081621 - 6 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2933

Abstract

Euphorbia dendroides L. is a rounded shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean area well-known, since ancient times, for its traditional use. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flower [...] Read more.

Euphorbia dendroides L. is a rounded shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean area well-known, since ancient times, for its traditional use. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flower (FE), leaf (LE), fruit (FrE), and branch (BE) hydroalcoholic extracts. For this purpose, a preliminary phytochemical screening followed by RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis, as well as several in vitro cell-free colorimetric assays, were carried out. Moreover, the toxicity of the extracts was investigated by the brine shrimp lethality assay. All extracts showed a high content of polyphenols, in particular phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid 0.74–13.80 g/100 g) and flavonoids (rutin 0.05–2.76 g/100 g and isovitexin 8.02 in BE). All the extracts showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with, on average, the following order of potency: FE, LE, FrE, and BE. Interestingly, all the extracts investigated did not show any toxicity on Artemia salina. Moreover, the only LD₅₀ found (BE, 8.82 mg/mL) is well above the concentration range, which has been shown the biological properties. Considering this, this study offers the first evidence of the possible use of the polyphenol extracts from the aerial parts of E. dendroides as promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 2789 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Application of the Essential Oils of Thymus vulgaris L. and Crithmum maritimum L. as Biocidal on Two Tholu Bommalu Indian Leather Puppets

by Giulia D’Agostino, Belinda Giambra, Franco Palla, Maurizio Bruno and Natale Badalamenti

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081508 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 3658

Abstract

The chemical profile of the Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae) essential oil (EO) was investigated in order to evaluate its biological properties against microorganisms affecting two Tholu Bommalu, typical Indian leather puppets stored at the International Puppets Museum “Antonio Pasqualino” of Palermo, Italy. A [...] Read more.

The chemical profile of the Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae) essential oil (EO) was investigated in order to evaluate its biological properties against microorganisms affecting two Tholu Bommalu, typical Indian leather puppets stored at the International Puppets Museum “Antonio Pasqualino” of Palermo, Italy. A GC–MS analysis, using both polar and apolar columns, was used to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of the Thymus vulgaris and Crithmum maritimum essential oils in vapor phase to disinfect heritage leather puppets. Pieces of leather artifacts that were affected by different bacterial colonies were exposed to EO under vacuum and static evaporation conditions. The results presented showed that the vaporization of essential oil was an efficient method in the disinfection of natural skins, eradicating microorganism in short times. T. vulgaris EO in the 50% solution showed excellent inhibitory activity against isolated bacteria with both methods, but the obtained results suggest that the vacuum method allowed for faster exposition of the artifacts to the biocide. Furthermore, the biocidal properties of the essential oil of a Sicilian accession of Crithmum maritimum (Apiaceae) aerial parts were compared and investigated. The results of the latter essential oil showed a poor activity against the isolated micro-organisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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20 pages, 4060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Phylogenetic Diversity and Biological Characterization of Diaporthe Species Associated with Leaf Spots of Camellia sinensis in Taiwan

by Hiran A. Ariyawansa, Ichen Tsai, Jian-Yuan Wang, Patchareeya Withee, Medsaii Tanjira, Shiou-Ruei Lin, Nakarin Suwannarach, Jaturong Kumla, Abdallah M. Elgorban and Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071434 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4229

Abstract

Camellia sinensis is one of the major crops grown in Taiwan and has been widely cultivated around the island. Tea leaves are prone to various fungal infections, and leaf spot is considered one of the major diseases in Taiwan tea fields. As part [...] Read more.

Camellia sinensis is one of the major crops grown in Taiwan and has been widely cultivated around the island. Tea leaves are prone to various fungal infections, and leaf spot is considered one of the major diseases in Taiwan tea fields. As part of a survey on fungal species causing leaf spots on tea leaves in Taiwan, 19 fungal strains morphologically similar to the genus Diaporthe were collected. ITS (internal transcribed spacer), tef1-α (translation elongation factor 1-α), tub2 (beta-tubulin), and cal (calmodulin) gene regions were used to construct phylogenetic trees and determine the evolutionary relationships among the collected strains. In total, six Diaporthe species, including one new species, Diaporthe hsinchuensis, were identified as linked with leaf spot of C. sinensis in Taiwan based on both phenotypic characters and phylogeny. These species were further characterized in terms of their pathogenicity, temperature, and pH requirements under laboratory conditions. Diaporthe tulliensis, D. passiflorae, and D. perseae were isolated from C. sinensis for the first time. Furthermore, pathogenicity tests revealed that, with wound inoculation, only D. hongkongensis was pathogenic on tea leaves. This investigation delivers the first assessment of Diaporthe taxa related to leaf spots on tea in Taiwan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 6120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Protein Isolation and Label-Free Quantitative Proteomic Analysis in Four Different Tissues of Korean Ginseng

by Truong Van Nguyen, So-Wun Kim, Cheol-Woo Min, Ravi Gupta, Gi-Hyun Lee, Jeong-Woo Jang, Divya Rathi, Hye-Won Shin, Ju-Young Jung, Ick-Hyun Jo, Woo-Jong Hong, Ki-Hong Jung, Seungill Kim, Yu-Jin Kim and Sun-Tae Kim

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071409 - 9 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4425

Abstract

Korean ginseng is one of the most valuable medicinal plants worldwide. However, our understanding of ginseng proteomics is largely limited due to difficulties in the extraction and resolution of ginseng proteins because of the presence of natural contaminants such as polysaccharides, phenols, and [...] Read more.

Korean ginseng is one of the most valuable medicinal plants worldwide. However, our understanding of ginseng proteomics is largely limited due to difficulties in the extraction and resolution of ginseng proteins because of the presence of natural contaminants such as polysaccharides, phenols, and glycosides. Here, we compared four different protein extraction methods, namely, TCA/acetone, TCA/acetone–MeOH/chloroform, phenol–TCA/acetone, and phenol–MeOH/chloroform methods. The TCA/acetone–MeOH/chloroform method displayed the highest extraction efficiency, and thus it was used for the comparative proteome profiling of leaf, root, shoot, and fruit by a label-free quantitative proteomics approach. This approach led to the identification of 2604 significantly modulated proteins among four tissues. We could pinpoint differential pathways and proteins associated with ginsenoside biosynthesis, including the methylerythritol 4–phosphate (MEP) pathway, the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), and oxidoreductases (CYP450s). The current study reports an efficient and reproducible method for the isolation of proteins from a wide range of ginseng tissues and provides a detailed organ-based proteome map and a more comprehensive view of enzymatic alterations in ginsenoside biosynthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 1660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oils of Four Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) Varieties Grown in North Alabama

by William N. Setzer, Lam Duong, Trang Pham, Ambika Poudel, Cuong Nguyen and Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071397 - 8 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3270

Abstract

Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is a peppermint-flavored aromatic herb of the Lamiaceae and is mainly used for culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental purposes. North Alabama’s climate is conducive to growing mint for essential oils used in culinary, confectionery, and medicinal [...] Read more.

Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is a peppermint-flavored aromatic herb of the Lamiaceae and is mainly used for culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental purposes. North Alabama’s climate is conducive to growing mint for essential oils used in culinary, confectionery, and medicinal purposes. There is, however, a need for varieties of P. virginianum that can be adapted and easily grown for production in North Alabama. Towards this end, four field-grown varieties with three harvesting times (M1H1, M1H2, M1H3; M2H1, M2H2, M2H3; M3H1, M3H2, M3H3, M4H1, M4H2, M4H3) were evaluated for relative differences in essential oil yield and composition. Thirty-day-old greenhouse-grown plants of the four varieties were transplanted on raised beds in the field at the Alabama A & M University Research Station in North Alabama. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications. The study’s objective was to compare the four varieties for essential oil yield and their composition at three harvest times, 135, 155, and 170 days after planting (DAP). Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation with continuous extraction with dichloromethane using a Likens–Nickerson apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques. At the first harvest, the essential oil yield of the four varieties showed that M1H1 had a yield of 1.15%, higher than M2H1, M3H1, and M4H1 with 0.91, 0.76, and 1.03%, respectively. The isomenthone concentrations increased dramatically through the season in M1 (M1H1, M1H2, M1H3) by 19.93, 54.7, and 69.31%, and M3 (M3H1, M3H2, M3H3) by 1.81, 48.02, and 65.83%, respectively. However, it increased only slightly in M2 and M4. The thymol concentration decreased slightly but not significantly in all four varieties; the thymol in M2 and M4 was very high compared with M1 and M3. The study showed that mountain mint offers potential for production in North Alabama. Two varieties, M1 and M3, merit further studies to determine yield stability, essential oil yield, composition, and cultivation development practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 2523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fruit Growth Stage Transitions in Two Mango Cultivars Grown in a Mediterranean Environment

by Alessandro Carella, Giuseppe Gianguzzi, Alessio Scalisi, Vittorio Farina, Paolo Inglese and Riccardo Lo Bianco

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071332 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5809

Abstract

Studying mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit development represents one of the most important aspects for the precise orchard management under non-native environmental conditions. In this work, precision fruit gauges were used to investigate important eco-physiological aspects of fruit growth in two [...] Read more.

Studying mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit development represents one of the most important aspects for the precise orchard management under non-native environmental conditions. In this work, precision fruit gauges were used to investigate important eco-physiological aspects of fruit growth in two mango cultivars, Keitt (late ripening) and Tommy Atkins (early-mid ripening). Fruit absolute growth rate (AGR, mm day⁻¹), daily diameter fluctuation (ΔD, mm), and a development index given by their ratio (AGR/ΔD) were monitored to identify the prevalent mechanism (cell division, cell expansion, ripening) involved in fruit development in three (‘Tommy Atkins’) or four (‘Keitt’) different periods during growth. In ‘Keitt’, cell division prevailed over cell expansion from 58 to 64 days after full bloom (DAFB), while the opposite occurred from 74 to 85 DAFB. Starting at 100 DAFB, internal changes prevailed over fruit growth, indicating the beginning of the ripening stage. In Tommy Atkins (an early ripening cultivar), no significant differences in AGR/ΔD was found among monitoring periods, indicating that both cell division and expansion coexisted at gradually decreasing rates until fruit harvest. To evaluate the effect of microclimate on fruit growth the relationship between vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and ΔD was also studied. In ‘Keitt’, VPD was the main driving force determining fruit diameter fluctuations. In ‘Tommy Atkins’, the lack of relationship between VPD and ΔD suggest a hydric isolation of the fruit due to the disruption of xylem and stomatal flows starting at 65 DAFB. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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8 pages, 1636 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Comparison of Four Systems to Test the Tolerance of ‘Fortune’ Mandarin Tissue Cultured Plants to Alternaria alternata

by Margarita Pérez-Jiménez and Olaya Pérez-Tornero

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071321 - 28 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3932

Abstract

Alternaria brown spot is a severe disease that affects leaves and fruits on susceptible mandarin and mandarin-like cultivars, and is produced by Alternaria alternata. Consequently, there is an urge to obtain new cultivars resistant to A. alternata, and mutation breeding together [...] Read more.

Alternaria brown spot is a severe disease that affects leaves and fruits on susceptible mandarin and mandarin-like cultivars, and is produced by Alternaria alternata. Consequently, there is an urge to obtain new cultivars resistant to A. alternata, and mutation breeding together with tissue culture can help shorten the process. However, a protocol for the in vitro selection of resistant citrus genotypes is lacking. In this study, four methods to evaluate the sensitivity to Alternaria of mandarin ‘Fortune’ explants in in vitro culture were tested. The four tested systems consisted of: (1) the addition of the mycotoxin, produced by A. alternata in ‘Fortune’, to the propagation culture media, (2) the addition of the A. alternata culture filtrate to the propagation culture media, (3) the application of the mycotoxin to the intact shoot leaves, and (4) the application of the mycotoxin to the previously excised and wounded leaves. After analyzing the results, only the addition of the A. alternata culture filtrate to the culture media and the application of the mycotoxin to the wounded leaves produced symptoms of infection. However, the addition of the fungus culture filtrate to the culture media produced results, which might indicate that, in addition to the mycotoxin, many other unknown elements that can affect the plant growth and behavior could be found in the fungus culture filtrate. Therefore, the application of the toxin to the excised and wounded leaves seems to be the most reliable method to analyze sensitivity to Alternaria of ‘Fortune’ explants cultured in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 3225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perennial Rye: Genetics of Perenniality and Limited Fertility

by Paul Gruner and Thomas Miedaner

Plants 2021, 10(6), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061210 - 14 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3241

Abstract

Perenniality, the ability of plants to regrow after seed set, could be introgressed into cultivated rye by crossing with the wild relative and perennial Secale strictum. However, studies in the past showed that Secale cereale × Secale strictum-derived cultivars were also [...] Read more.

Perenniality, the ability of plants to regrow after seed set, could be introgressed into cultivated rye by crossing with the wild relative and perennial Secale strictum. However, studies in the past showed that Secale cereale × Secale strictum-derived cultivars were also characterized by reduced fertility what was related to so called chromosomal multivalents, bulks of chromosomes that paired together in metaphase I of pollen mother cells instead of only two chromosomes (bivalents). Those multivalents could be caused by ancient translocations that occurred between both species. Genetic studies on perennial rye are quite old and especially the advent of molecular markers and genome sequencing paved the way for new insights and more comprehensive studies. After a brief review of the past research, we used a basic QTL mapping approach to analyze the genetic status of perennial rye. We could show that for the trait perennation 0.74 of the genetic variance in our population was explained by additively inherited QTLs on chromosome 2R, 3R, 4R, 5R and 7R. Fertility on the other hand was with 0.64 of explained genetic variance mainly attributed to a locus on chromosome 5R, what was most probably the self-incompatibility locus S5. Additionally, we could trace the Z locus on chromosome 2R by high segregation distortion of markers. Indications for chromosomal co-segregation, like multivalents, could not be found. This study opens new possibilities to use perennial rye as genetic resource and for alternative breeding methods, as well as a valuable resource for comparative studies of perennation across different species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

20 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessReview

Receptor-like Kinases (LRR-RLKs) in Response of Plants to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses

by Aigerim Soltabayeva, Nurbanu Dauletova, Symbat Serik, Margulan Sandybek, John Okoth Omondi, Assylay Kurmanbayeva and Sudhakar Srivastava

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2660; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192660 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5223

Abstract

Plants live under different biotic and abiotic stress conditions, and, to cope with the adversity and severity, plants have well-developed resistance mechanisms. The mechanism starts with perception of the stimuli followed by molecular, biochemical, and physiological adaptive measures. The family of LRR-RLKs (leucine-rich [...] Read more.

Plants live under different biotic and abiotic stress conditions, and, to cope with the adversity and severity, plants have well-developed resistance mechanisms. The mechanism starts with perception of the stimuli followed by molecular, biochemical, and physiological adaptive measures. The family of LRR-RLKs (leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases) is one such group that perceives biotic and abiotic stimuli and also plays important roles in different biological processes of development. This has been mostly studied in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, and to some extent in other plants, such as Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana benthamiana, Brassica napus, Oryza sativa, Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, Brachypodium distachyon, Medicago truncatula, Gossypium barbadense, Phaseolus vulgaris, Solanum tuberosum, and Malus robusta. Most LRR-RLKs tend to form different combinations of LRR-RLKs-complexes (dimer, trimer, and tetramers), and some of them were observed as important receptors in immune responses, cell death, and plant development processes. However, less is known about the function(s) of LRR-RLKs in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Here, we give recent updates about LRR-RLK receptors, specifically focusing on their involvement in biotic and abiotic stresses in the model plant, A. thaliana. Furthermore, the recent studies on LRR-RLKs that are homologous in other plants is also reviewed in relation to their role in triggering stress response processes against biotic and abiotic stimuli and/or in exploring their additional function(s). Furthermore, we present the interactions and combinations among LRR-RLK receptors that have been confirmed through experiments. Moreover, based on GENEINVESTIGATOR microarray database analysis, we predict some potential LRR-RLK genes involved in certain biotic and abiotic stresses whose function and mechanism may be explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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36 pages, 3316 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Management and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for a Sustainable Agriculture

by Ranjith Pathirana and Francesco Carimi

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152038 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6642

Abstract

Despite the dramatic increase in food production thanks to the Green Revolution, hunger is increasing among human populations around the world, affecting one in nine people. The negative environmental and social consequences of industrial monocrop agriculture is becoming evident, particularly in the contexts [...] Read more.

Despite the dramatic increase in food production thanks to the Green Revolution, hunger is increasing among human populations around the world, affecting one in nine people. The negative environmental and social consequences of industrial monocrop agriculture is becoming evident, particularly in the contexts of greenhouse gas emissions and the increased frequency and impact of zoonotic disease emergence, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Human activity has altered 70–75% of the ice-free Earth’s surface, squeezing nature and wildlife into a corner. To prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide, the UN has launched a Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. In this context, this review describes the origin and diversity of cultivated species, the impact of modern agriculture and other human activities on plant genetic resources, and approaches to conserve and use them to increase food diversity and production with specific examples of the use of crop wild relatives for breeding climate-resilient cultivars that require less chemical and mechanical input. The need to better coordinate in situ conservation efforts with increased funding has been highlighted. We emphasise the need to strengthen the genebank infrastructure, enabling the use of modern biotechnological tools to help in genotyping and characterising accessions plus advanced ex situ conservation methods, identifying gaps in collections, developing core collections, and linking data with international databases. Crop and variety diversification and minimising tillage and other field practices through the development and introduction of herbaceous perennial crops is proposed as an alternative regenerative food system for higher carbon sequestration, sustaining economic benefits for growers, whilst also providing social and environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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20 pages, 1739 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diaporthe citri: A Fungal Pathogen Causing Melanose Disease

by Chingchai Chaisiri, Xiangyu Liu, Yang Lin and Chaoxi Luo

Plants 2022, 11(12), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11121600 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5401

Abstract

Citrus melanose is a fungal disease caused by Diaporthe citri F.A. Wolf. It is found in various citrus-growing locations across the world. The host range of D. citri is limited to plants of the Citrus genus. The most economically important hosts are Citrus [...] Read more.

Citrus melanose is a fungal disease caused by Diaporthe citri F.A. Wolf. It is found in various citrus-growing locations across the world. The host range of D. citri is limited to plants of the Citrus genus. The most economically important hosts are Citrus reticulata (mandarin), C. sinensis (sweet orange), C. grandis or C. maxima (pumelo), and C. paradisi (grapefruit). In the life cycle of D. citri throughout the citrus growing season, pycnidia can be seen in abundance on dead branches, especially after rain, with conidia appearing as slimy masses discharged from the dead twigs. Raindrops can transmit conidia to leaves, twigs, and fruits, resulting in disease dispersion throughout small distances. Persistent rains and warm climatic conditions generally favor disease onset and development. The melanose disease causes a decline in fruit quality, which lowers the value of fruits during marketing and exportation. High rainfall areas should avoid planting susceptible varieties. In this article, information about the disease symptoms, history, geographic distribution, epidemiology, impact, and integrated management practices, as well as the pathogen morphology and identification, was reviewed and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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20 pages, 5859 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Plants and Phytoplasmas: When Bacteria Modify Plants

by Assunta Bertaccini

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111425 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6362

Abstract

Plant pathogen presence is very dangerous for agricultural ecosystems and causes huge economic losses. Phytoplasmas are insect-transmitted wall-less bacteria living in plants, only in the phloem tissues and in the emolymph of their insect vectors. They are able to manipulate several metabolic pathways [...] Read more.

Plant pathogen presence is very dangerous for agricultural ecosystems and causes huge economic losses. Phytoplasmas are insect-transmitted wall-less bacteria living in plants, only in the phloem tissues and in the emolymph of their insect vectors. They are able to manipulate several metabolic pathways of their hosts, very often without impairing their life. The molecular diversity described (49 ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ species and about 300 ribosomal subgroups) is only in some cases related to their associated symptomatology. As for the other plant pathogens, it is necessary to verify their identity and recognize the symptoms associated with their presence to appropriately manage the diseases. However, the never-ending mechanism of patho-adaptation and the copresence of other pathogens makes this management difficult. Reducing the huge impact of phytoplasma-associated diseases in all the main crops and wild species is, however, relevant, in order to reduce their effects that are jeopardizing plant biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 2365 KiB

Open AccessReview

Use of Gamma Radiation for the Genetic Improvement of Underutilized Plant Varieties

by María de la Luz Riviello-Flores, Jorge Cadena-Iñiguez, Lucero del Mar Ruiz-Posadas, Ma. de Lourdes Arévalo-Galarza, Israel Castillo-Juárez, Marcos Soto Hernández and Carlos Roman Castillo-Martínez

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091161 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8917

Abstract

Agricultural biodiversity includes many species that have biological variants (natives, ecotypes, races, morphotypes). Their use is restricted to local areas because they do not fulfill the commercial requirements; however, it is well documented that these species are a source of metabolites, proteins, enzymes, [...] Read more.

Agricultural biodiversity includes many species that have biological variants (natives, ecotypes, races, morphotypes). Their use is restricted to local areas because they do not fulfill the commercial requirements; however, it is well documented that these species are a source of metabolites, proteins, enzymes, and genes. Rescuing and harnessing them through traditional genetic breeding is time-consuming and expensive. Inducing mutagenesis may be a short-time option for its genetic improvement. A review of outstanding research was carried out, in order to become familiar with gene breeding using gamma radiation and its relevance to obtain outstanding agronomic characteristics for underutilized species. An approach was made to the global panorama of the application of gamma radiation in different conventional crop species and in vitro cultivated species, in order to obtain secondary metabolites, as well as molecular tools used for mutation screening. The varied effects of gamma radiation are essentially the result of the individual responses and phenotypic plasticity of each organism. However, even implicit chance can be reduced with specific genetic breeding, environmental adaptation, or conservation objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Drought Stress Responses: Coping Strategy and Resistance

by Hanna Bandurska

Plants 2022, 11(7), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070922 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 77 | Viewed by 8063

Abstract

Plants’ resistance to stress factors is a complex trait that is a result of changes at the molecular, metabolic, and physiological levels. The plant resistance strategy means the ability to survive, recover, and reproduce under adverse conditions. Harmful environmental factors affect the state [...] Read more.

Plants’ resistance to stress factors is a complex trait that is a result of changes at the molecular, metabolic, and physiological levels. The plant resistance strategy means the ability to survive, recover, and reproduce under adverse conditions. Harmful environmental factors affect the state of stress in plant tissues, which creates a signal triggering metabolic events responsible for resistance, including avoidance and/or tolerance mechanisms. Unfortunately, the term ‘stress resistance’ is often used in the literature interchangeably with ‘stress tolerance’. This paper highlights the differences between the terms ‘stress tolerance’ and ‘stress resistance’, based on the results of experiments focused on plants’ responses to drought. The ability to avoid or tolerate dehydration is crucial in the resistance to drought at cellular and tissue levels (biological resistance). However, it is not necessarily crucial in crop resistance to drought if we take into account agronomic criteria (agricultural resistance). For the plant user (farmer, grower), resistance to stress means not only the ability to cope with a stress factor, but also the achievement of a stable yield and good quality. Therefore, it is important to recognize both particular plant coping strategies (stress avoidance, stress tolerance) and their influence on the resistance, assessed using well-defined criteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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31 pages, 1230 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Realizing the Potential of Camelina sativa as a Bioenergy Crop for a Changing Global Climate

by Dhurba Neupane, Richard H. Lohaus, Juan K. Q. Solomon and John C. Cushman

Plants 2022, 11(6), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060772 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6529

Abstract

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz. is an annual oilseed crop within the Brassicaceae family. C. sativa has been grown since as early as 4000 BCE. In recent years, C. sativa received increased attention as a climate-resilient oilseed, seed meal, and biofuel (biodiesel and renewable [...] Read more.

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz. is an annual oilseed crop within the Brassicaceae family. C. sativa has been grown since as early as 4000 BCE. In recent years, C. sativa received increased attention as a climate-resilient oilseed, seed meal, and biofuel (biodiesel and renewable or green diesel) crop. This renewed interest is reflected in the rapid rise in the number of peer-reviewed publications (>2300) containing “camelina” from 1997 to 2021. An overview of the origins of this ancient crop and its genetic diversity and its yield potential under hot and dry growing conditions is provided. The major biotic barriers that limit C. sativa production are summarized, including weed control, insect pests, and fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. Ecosystem services provided by C. sativa are also discussed. The profiles of seed oil and fatty acid composition and the many uses of seed meal and oil are discussed, including food, fodder, fuel, industrial, and medical benefits. Lastly, we outline strategies for improving this important and versatile crop to enhance its production globally in the face of a rapidly changing climate using molecular breeding, rhizosphere microbiota, genetic engineering, and genome editing approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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23 pages, 2839 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Impact of Nanomaterials on the Regulation of Gene Expression and Metabolomics of Plants under Salt Stress

by Zainul Abideen, Maria Hanif, Neelma Munir and Brent L. Nielsen

Plants 2022, 11(5), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050691 - 3 Mar 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6356

Abstract

Plant salinity resistance results from a combination of responses at the physiological, molecular, cellular, and metabolic levels. This article focuses on plant stress tolerance mechanisms for controlling ion homeostasis, stress signaling, hormone metabolism, anti-oxidative enzymes, and osmotic balance after nanoparticle applications. Nanoparticles are [...] Read more.

Plant salinity resistance results from a combination of responses at the physiological, molecular, cellular, and metabolic levels. This article focuses on plant stress tolerance mechanisms for controlling ion homeostasis, stress signaling, hormone metabolism, anti-oxidative enzymes, and osmotic balance after nanoparticle applications. Nanoparticles are used as an emerging tool to stimulate specific biochemical reactions related to plant ecophysiological output because of their small size, increased surface area and absorption rate, efficient catalysis of reactions, and adequate reactive sites. Regulated ecophysiological control in saline environments could play a crucial role in plant growth promotion and survival of plants under suboptimal conditions. Plant biologists are seeking to develop a broad profile of genes and proteins that contribute to plant salt resistance. These plant metabolic profiles can be developed due to advancements in genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic techniques. In order to quantify plant stress responses, transmembrane ion transport, sensors and receptors in signaling transduction, and metabolites involved in the energy supply require thorough study. In addition, more research is needed on the plant salinity stress response based on molecular interactions in response to nanoparticle treatment. The application of nanoparticles as an aspect of genetic engineering for the generation of salt-tolerant plants is a promising area of research. This review article addresses the use of nanoparticles in plant breeding and genetic engineering techniques to develop salt-tolerant crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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22 pages, 1233 KiB

Open AccessReview

Revisiting the Domestication Process of African Vigna Species (Fabaceae): Background, Perspectives and Challenges

by Davide Panzeri, Werther Guidi Nissim, Massimo Labra and Fabrizio Grassi

Plants 2022, 11(4), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040532 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4160

Abstract

Legumes are one of the most economically important and biodiverse families in plants recognised as the basis to develop functional foods. Among these, the Vigna genus stands out as a good representative because of its relatively recent African origin as well as its [...] Read more.

Legumes are one of the most economically important and biodiverse families in plants recognised as the basis to develop functional foods. Among these, the Vigna genus stands out as a good representative because of its relatively recent African origin as well as its outstanding potential. Africa is a great biodiversity centre in which a great number of species are spread, but only three of them, Vigna unguiculata, Vigna subterranea and Vigna vexillata, were successfully domesticated. This review aims at analysing and valorising these species by considering the perspective of human activity and what effects it exerts. For each species, we revised the origin history and gave a focus on where, when and how many times domestication occurred. We provided a brief summary of bioactive compounds naturally occurring in these species that are fundamental for human wellbeing. The great number of wild lineages is a key point to improve landraces since the domestication process caused a loss of gene diversity. Their genomes hide a precious gene pool yet mostly unexplored, and genes lost during human activity can be recovered from the wild lineages and reintroduced in cultivated forms through modern technologies. Finally, we describe how all this information is game-changing to the design of future crops by domesticating de novo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 1387 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Breakthroughs in Three Traits Belonging to Seed Life

by Angel J. Matilla

Plants 2022, 11(4), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040490 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3101

Abstract

Based on prior knowledge and with the support of new methodology, solid progress in the understanding of seed life has taken place over the few last years. This update reflects recent advances in three key traits of seed life (i.e., preharvest sprouting, genomic [...] Read more.

Based on prior knowledge and with the support of new methodology, solid progress in the understanding of seed life has taken place over the few last years. This update reflects recent advances in three key traits of seed life (i.e., preharvest sprouting, genomic imprinting, and stored-mRNA). The first breakthrough refers to cloning of the mitogen-activated protein kinase-kinase 3 (MKK3) gene in barley and wheat. MKK3, in cooperation with ABA signaling, controls seed dormancy. This advance has been determinant in producing improved varieties that are resistant to preharvest sprouting. The second advance concerns to uniparental gene expression (i.e., imprinting). Genomic imprinting primarily occurs in the endosperm. Although great advances have taken place in the last decade, there is still a long way to go to complete the puzzle regarding the role of genomic imprinting in seed development. This trait is probably one of the most important epigenetic facets of developing endosperm. An example of imprinting regulation is polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). The mechanism of PRC2 recruitment to target endosperm with specific genes is, at present, robustly studied. Further progress in the knowledge of recruitment of PRC2 epigenetic machinery is considered in this review. The third breakthrough referred to in this update involves stored mRNA. The role of the population of this mRNA in germination is far from known. Its relations to seed aging, processing bodies (P bodies), and RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and how the stored mRNA is targeted to monosomes, are aspects considered here. Perhaps this third trait is the one that will require greater experimental dedication in the future. In order to make progress, herein are included some questions that are needed to be answered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nettle Cultivation Practices—From Open Field to Modern Hydroponics: A Case Study of Specialized Metabolites

by Nevena Opačić, Sanja Radman, Sanja Fabek Uher, Božidar Benko, Sandra Voća and Jana Šic Žlabur

Plants 2022, 11(4), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040483 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6872

Abstract

Conventional agricultural production faces numerous challenges due to the pronounced effects of climate change, particularly global warming, and drought more than ever before in history, with the primary concern being to produce adequate yields and high-quality, nutritious plant material. Likewise, people are increasingly [...] Read more.

Conventional agricultural production faces numerous challenges due to the pronounced effects of climate change, particularly global warming, and drought more than ever before in history, with the primary concern being to produce adequate yields and high-quality, nutritious plant material. Likewise, people are increasingly looking for new sources of food and are becoming aware of the importance of a varied diet and its connection to health. In this sense, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) stands out as a valuable species that is neglected as a food source, as it has a significant content of specialized metabolites, and thus has an extremely high potential for use both nutritionally and pharmacologically, but is still traditionally collected from natural habitats, so it can be of questionable quality and undefined chemical composition. Therefore, sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly shifting to modern hydroponic cultivation methods in greenhouses. The advantage lies in the easier management and control of a number of factors during cultivation (air temperature and relative humidity, balanced and rational fertilization, minimization of nitrate uptake, etc.), ensuring better conditions for the growth and development of nettle according to its needs. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the technology of stinging nettle cultivation in the field and to show the possibilities of cultivation with modern hydroponic techniques to obtain a final product of consistent and uniform quality, high content of specialized metabolites and significant nutritional value. Research on this topic is still sparse but will certainly increase in the future. Therefore, this review provides all the necessary data for such future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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14 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Plant GDSL Esterases/Lipases: Evolutionary, Physiological and Molecular Functions in Plant Development

by Gaodian Shen, Wenli Sun, Zican Chen, Lei Shi, Jun Hong and Jianxin Shi

Plants 2022, 11(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040468 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 6358

Abstract

GDSL esterases/lipases (GELPs), present throughout all living organisms, have been a very attractive research subject in plant science due mainly to constantly emerging properties and functions in plant growth and development under both normal and stressful conditions. This review summarizes the advances in [...] Read more.

GDSL esterases/lipases (GELPs), present throughout all living organisms, have been a very attractive research subject in plant science due mainly to constantly emerging properties and functions in plant growth and development under both normal and stressful conditions. This review summarizes the advances in research on plant GELPs in several model plants and crops, including Arabidopsis, rice, maize and tomato, while focusing on the roles of GELPs in regulating plant development and plant–environment interactions. In addition, the possible regulatory network and mechanisms of GELPs have been discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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18 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessReview

Critical Determinants in ER-Golgi Trafficking of Enzymes Involved in Glycosylation

by Ning Zhang and Olga A. Zabotina

Plants 2022, 11(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030428 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5225

Abstract

All living cells generate structurally complex and compositionally diverse spectra of glycans and glycoconjugates, critical for organismal evolution, development, functioning, defense, and survival. Glycosyltransferases (GTs) catalyze the glycosylation reaction between activated sugar and acceptor substrate to synthesize a wide variety of glycans. GTs [...] Read more.

All living cells generate structurally complex and compositionally diverse spectra of glycans and glycoconjugates, critical for organismal evolution, development, functioning, defense, and survival. Glycosyltransferases (GTs) catalyze the glycosylation reaction between activated sugar and acceptor substrate to synthesize a wide variety of glycans. GTs are distributed among more than 130 gene families and are involved in metabolic processes, signal pathways, cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis, cell development, and growth. Glycosylation mainly takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi, where GTs and glycosidases involved in this process are distributed to different locations of these compartments and sequentially add or cleave various sugars to synthesize the final products of glycosylation. Therefore, delivery of these enzymes to the proper locations, the glycosylation sites, in the cell is essential and involves numerous secretory pathway components. This review presents the current state of knowledge about the mechanisms of protein trafficking between ER and Golgi. It describes what is known about the primary components of protein sorting machinery and trafficking, which are recognition sites on the proteins that are important for their interaction with the critical components of this machinery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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39 pages, 2800 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biotechnological Advances in Pharmacognosy and In Vitro Manipulation of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

by Anees Ahmad, Naseem Ahmad, Mohammad Anis, Mohammad Faisal, Abdulrahman A. Alatar, Eslam M. Abdel-Salam, Ram Pratap Meena and Iyyakkannu Sivanesan

Plants 2022, 11(3), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030247 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5056

Abstract

Trees are vital resources for economic, environmental, and industrial growth, supporting human life directly or indirectly through a wide variety of therapeutic compounds, commodities, and ecological services. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae) is one of the most valuable multipurpose forest trees in India and [...] Read more.

Trees are vital resources for economic, environmental, and industrial growth, supporting human life directly or indirectly through a wide variety of therapeutic compounds, commodities, and ecological services. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae) is one of the most valuable multipurpose forest trees in India and Sri Lanka, as it is cultivated for quality wood as well as pharmaceutically bioactive compounds, especially from the stem bark and heartwood. However, propagation of the tree in natural conditions is difficult due to the low percentage of seed germination coupled with overexploitation of this species for its excellent multipurpose properties. This overexploitation has ultimately led to the inclusion of P. marsupium on the list of endangered plant species. However, recent developments in plant biotechnology may offer a solution to the overuse of such valuable species if such advances are accompanied by technology transfer in the developing world. Specifically, techniques in micropropagation, genetic manipulation, DNA barcoding, drug extraction, delivery, and targeting as well as standardization, are of substantial concern. To date, there are no comprehensive and detailed reviews of P. marsupium in terms of biotechnological research developments, specifically pharmacognosy, pharmacology, tissue culture, authentication of genuine species, and basic gene transfer studies. Thus, the present review attempts to present a comprehensive overview of the biotechnological studies centered on this species and some of the recent novel approaches for its genetic improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 905 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Metal Detoxification in Land Plants: From Bryophytes to Vascular Plants. STATE of the Art and Opportunities

by Elisa Fasani, Mingai Li, Claudio Varotto, Antonella Furini and Giovanni DalCorso

Plants 2022, 11(3), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030237 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3630

Abstract

Potentially toxic elements are a widespread concern due to their increasing diffusion into the environment. To counteract this problem, the relationship between plants and metal(loid)s has been investigated in the last 30 years. In this field, research has mainly dealt with angiosperms, whereas [...] Read more.

Potentially toxic elements are a widespread concern due to their increasing diffusion into the environment. To counteract this problem, the relationship between plants and metal(loid)s has been investigated in the last 30 years. In this field, research has mainly dealt with angiosperms, whereas plant clades that are lower in the evolutive scale have been somewhat overlooked. However, recent studies have revealed the potential of bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnosperms in environmental sciences, either as suitable indicators of habitat health and elemental pollution or as efficient tools for the reclamation of degraded soils and waters. In this review, we summarize recent research on the interaction between plants and potentially toxic elements, considering all land plant clades. The focus is on plant applicability in the identification and restoration of polluted environments, as well as on the characterization of molecular mechanisms with a potential outlet in the engineering of element tolerance and accumulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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32 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Genomic and Meiotic Changes Accompanying Polyploidization

by Francesco Blasio, Pilar Prieto, Mónica Pradillo and Tomás Naranjo

Plants 2022, 11(1), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010125 - 3 Jan 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4964

Abstract

Hybridization and polyploidy have been considered as significant evolutionary forces in adaptation and speciation, especially among plants. Interspecific gene flow generates novel genetic variants adaptable to different environments, but it is also a gene introgression mechanism in crops to increase their agronomical yield. [...] Read more.

Hybridization and polyploidy have been considered as significant evolutionary forces in adaptation and speciation, especially among plants. Interspecific gene flow generates novel genetic variants adaptable to different environments, but it is also a gene introgression mechanism in crops to increase their agronomical yield. An estimate of 9% of interspecific hybridization has been reported although the frequency varies among taxa. Homoploid hybrid speciation is rare compared to allopolyploidy. Chromosome doubling after hybridization is the result of cellular defects produced mainly during meiosis. Unreduced gametes, which are formed at an average frequency of 2.52% across species, are the result of altered spindle organization or orientation, disturbed kinetochore functioning, abnormal cytokinesis, or loss of any meiotic division. Meiotic changes and their genetic basis, leading to the cytological diploidization of allopolyploids, are just beginning to be understood especially in wheat. However, the nature and mode of action of homoeologous recombination suppressor genes are poorly understood in other allopolyploids. The merger of two independent genomes causes a deep modification of their architecture, gene expression, and molecular interactions leading to the phenotype. We provide an overview of genomic changes and transcriptomic modifications that particularly occur at the early stages of allopolyploid formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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26 pages, 2429 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Engineering Considerations to Produce Bioactive Compounds from Plant Cell Suspension Culture in Bioreactors

by Elizabeth Alejandra Motolinía-Alcántara, Carlos Omar Castillo-Araiza, Mario Rodríguez-Monroy, Angélica Román-Guerrero and Francisco Cruz-Sosa

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2762; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122762 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 11191

Abstract

The large-scale production of plant-derived secondary metabolites (PDSM) in bioreactors to meet the increasing demand for bioactive compounds for the treatment and prevention of degenerative diseases is nowadays considered an engineering challenge due to the large number of operational factors that need to [...] Read more.

The large-scale production of plant-derived secondary metabolites (PDSM) in bioreactors to meet the increasing demand for bioactive compounds for the treatment and prevention of degenerative diseases is nowadays considered an engineering challenge due to the large number of operational factors that need to be considered during their design and scale-up. The plant cell suspension culture (CSC) has presented numerous benefits over other technologies, such as the conventional whole-plant extraction, not only for avoiding the overexploitation of plant species, but also for achieving better yields and having excellent scaling-up attributes. The selection of the bioreactor configuration depends on intrinsic cell culture properties and engineering considerations related to the effect of operating conditions on thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena, which together are essential for accomplishing the large-scale production of PDSM. To this end, this review, firstly, provides a comprehensive appraisement of PDSM, essentially those with demonstrated importance and utilization in pharmaceutical industries. Then, special attention is given to PDSM obtained out of CSC. Finally, engineering aspects related to the bioreactor configuration for CSC stating the effect of the operating conditions on kinetics and transport phenomena and, hence, on the cell viability and production of PDSM are presented accordingly. The engineering analysis of the reviewed bioreactor configurations for CSC will pave the way for future research focused on their scaling up, to produce high value-added PDSM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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27 pages, 1194 KiB

Open AccessReview

γ-Aminobutyrate (GABA) Regulated Plant Defense: Mechanisms and Opportunities

by Barry J. Shelp, Morteza Soleimani Aghdam and Edward J. Flaherty

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1939; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091939 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 7403

Abstract

Global climate change and associated adverse abiotic and biotic stress conditions affect plant growth and development, and agricultural sustainability in general. Abiotic and biotic stresses reduce respiration and associated energy generation in mitochondria, resulting in the elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), [...] Read more.

Global climate change and associated adverse abiotic and biotic stress conditions affect plant growth and development, and agricultural sustainability in general. Abiotic and biotic stresses reduce respiration and associated energy generation in mitochondria, resulting in the elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are employed to transmit cellular signaling information in response to the changing conditions. Excessive ROS accumulation can contribute to cell damage and death. Production of the non-protein amino acid γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) is also stimulated, resulting in partial restoration of respiratory processes and energy production. Accumulated GABA can bind directly to the aluminum-activated malate transporter and the guard cell outward rectifying K⁺ channel, thereby improving drought and hypoxia tolerance, respectively. Genetic manipulation of GABA metabolism and receptors, respectively, reveal positive relationships between GABA levels and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance, and between malate efflux from the root and heavy metal tolerance. The application of exogenous GABA is associated with lower ROS levels, enhanced membrane stability, changes in the levels of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants, and crosstalk among phytohormones. Exogenous GABA may be an effective and sustainable tolerance strategy against multiple stresses under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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17 pages, 3910 KiB

Open AccessReview

Seed Geometry in the Vitaceae

by Emilio Cervantes, José Javier Martín-Gómez, Diego Gutiérrez del Pozo and Ángel Tocino

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081695 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4457

Abstract

The Vitaceae Juss., in the basal lineages of Rosids, contains sixteen genera and 950 species, mainly of tropical lianas. The family has been divided in five tribes: Ampelopsideae, Cisseae, Cayratieae, Parthenocisseae and Viteae. Seed shape is variable in this family. Based on new [...] Read more.

The Vitaceae Juss., in the basal lineages of Rosids, contains sixteen genera and 950 species, mainly of tropical lianas. The family has been divided in five tribes: Ampelopsideae, Cisseae, Cayratieae, Parthenocisseae and Viteae. Seed shape is variable in this family. Based on new models derived from equations representing heart and water drop curves, we describe seed shape in species of the Vitaceae. According to their similarity to geometric models, the seeds of the Vitaceae have been classified in ten groups. Three of them correspond to models before described and shared with the Arecaceae (lenses, superellipses and elongated water drops), while in the seven groups remaining, four correspond to general models (waterdrops, heart curves, elongated heart curves and other elongated models) and three adjust to the silhouettes of seeds in particular genera (heart curves of Cayratia and Pseudocayratia, heart curves of the Squared Heart Curve (SqHC) type of Ampelocissus and Ampelopsis and Elongated Superellipse-Heart Curves (ESHCs), frequent in Tetrastigma species and observed also in Cissus species and Rhoicissus rhomboidea). The utilities of the application of geometric models for seed description and shape quantification in this family are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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25 pages, 3456 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytocannabinoids Biosynthesis in Angiosperms, Fungi, and Liverworts and Their Versatile Role

by Yamshi Arif, Priyanka Singh, Andrzej Bajguz and Shamsul Hayat

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071307 - 28 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7193

Abstract

Phytocannabinoids are a structurally diverse class of bioactive naturally occurring compounds found in angiosperms, fungi, and liverworts and produced in several plant organs such as the flower and glandular trichrome of Cannabis sativa, the scales in Rhododendron, and oil bodies of [...] Read more.

Phytocannabinoids are a structurally diverse class of bioactive naturally occurring compounds found in angiosperms, fungi, and liverworts and produced in several plant organs such as the flower and glandular trichrome of Cannabis sativa, the scales in Rhododendron, and oil bodies of liverworts such as Radula species; they show a diverse role in humans and plants. Moreover, phytocannabinoids are prenylated polyketides, i.e., terpenophenolics, which are derived from isoprenoid and fatty acid precursors. Additionally, targeted productions of active phytocannabinoids have beneficial properties via the genes involved and their expression in a heterologous host. Bioactive compounds show a remarkable non-hallucinogenic biological property that is determined by the variable nature of the side chain and prenyl group defined by the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. Phytocannabinoids possess therapeutic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties; thus, they are used in treating several human diseases. This review gives the latest knowledge on their role in the amelioration of abiotic (heat, cold, and radiation) stress in plants. It also aims to provide synthetic and biotechnological approaches based on combinatorial biochemical and protein engineering to synthesize phytocannabinoids with enhanced properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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11 pages, 2944 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceProtocol

Machine Learning-Mediated Development and Optimization of Disinfection Protocol and Scarification Method for Improved In Vitro Germination of Cannabis Seeds

by Marco Pepe, Mohsen Hesami and Andrew Maxwell Phineas Jones

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112397 - 6 Nov 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6565

Abstract

In vitro seed germination is a useful tool for developing a variety of biotechnologies, but cannabis has presented some challenges in uniformity and germination time, presumably due to the disinfection procedure. Disinfection and subsequent growth are influenced by many factors, such as media [...] Read more.

In vitro seed germination is a useful tool for developing a variety of biotechnologies, but cannabis has presented some challenges in uniformity and germination time, presumably due to the disinfection procedure. Disinfection and subsequent growth are influenced by many factors, such as media pH, temperature, as well as the types and levels of contaminants and disinfectants, which contribute independently and dynamically to system complexity and nonlinearity. Hence, artificial intelligence models are well suited to model and optimize this dynamic system. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of different types and concentrations of disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide) and immersion times on contamination frequency using the generalized regression neural network (GRNN), a powerful artificial neural network (ANN). The GRNN model had high prediction performance (R² > 0.91) in both training and testing. Moreover, a genetic algorithm (GA) was subjected to the GRNN to find the optimal type and level of disinfectants and immersion time to determine the best methods for contamination reduction. According to the optimization process, 4.6% sodium hypochlorite along with 0.008% hydrogen peroxide for 16.81 min would result in the best outcomes. The results of a validation experiment demonstrated that this protocol resulted in 0% contamination as predicted, but germination rates were low and sporadic. However, using this sterilization protocol in combination with the scarification of in vitro cannabis seed (seed tip removal) resulted in 0% contamination and 100% seed germination within one week. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Plants—Recent Advances and Perspectives)

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