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Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress
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Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 4961

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Georgios Koubouris

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hellenic Agricultural Organization ELGO-DIMITRA, Olive Cultivation Lab, Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture, 73134 Chania, Greece
Interests: climate change; agricultural sustainability; circular economy; soil, water and biodiversity conservation; remote sensing; plant breeding; ecosystem services; olive growing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giora Ben-Ari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Volcani Center, Institute of Plant Sciences, ARO, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
Interests: olive pollination; biochemical and anatomical characterization of the olive abscission zone in fruits and leaves; olive breeding program; the effects of climate change on olive productivity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

At present, the agricultural industry is undergoing a marked transformation in adjusting to today’s economic and climatic demands. Global climate change is identified as a major threat to the survival of natural ecosystems. Climate change is a dynamic, multifaceted system of alterations in environmental conditions that affect abiotic and biotic components of the world. It results in alterations in environmental conditions such as heat waves, rainfall intensity, CO2 concentration and temperature that lead to a rise in new pests, weeds and
pathogens. As such, climate change has affected plant physiology. Abiotic stresses are often interrelated in causing morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular changes that adversely affect plant growth and productivity, ultimately leading to a reduced yield. The sexual reproductive phase in plants has been proven to be vulnerable to the negative effects of abiotic stress.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together the latest advances in various aspects of the effects of climate change on crop yield and quality. We welcome original research papers, perspectives, opinions, reviews, modeling approaches and methods that will be of interest to all those involved in adapting agriculture to the challenges of the modern world and the current and future environmental conditions.

Dr. Georgios Koubouris
Dr. Giora Ben-Ari
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • climate change
  • stress
  • plant physiology
  • resilience
  • plant phenotyping
  • drought
  • water
  • soil
  • biodiversity
  • ecosystem
  • ecology

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 12169 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Melon Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) Gene Family in Response to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses
by Dekun Yang, Hongli Chen, Yu Zhang, Yan Wang, Yongqi Zhai, Gang Xu, Qiangqiang Ding, Mingxia Wang, Qi-an Zhang, Xiaomin Lu and Congsheng Yan
Plants 2024, 13(20), 2939; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202939 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 786
Abstract
Through the integration of genomic information, transcriptome sequencing data, and bioinformatics methods, we conducted a comprehensive identification of the ALDH gene family in melon. We explored the impact of this gene family on melon growth, development, and their expression patterns in various tissues [...] Read more.
Through the integration of genomic information, transcriptome sequencing data, and bioinformatics methods, we conducted a comprehensive identification of the ALDH gene family in melon. We explored the impact of this gene family on melon growth, development, and their expression patterns in various tissues and under different stress conditions. Our study discovered a total of 17 ALDH genes spread across chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, and 12 in the melon genome. Through a phylogenetic analysis, these genes were classified into 10 distinct subfamilies. Notably, genes within the same subfamily exhibited consistent gene structures and conserved motifs. Our study discovered a pair of fragmental duplications within the melon ALDH gene. Furthermore, there was a noticeable collinearity relationship between the melon’s ALDH gene and that of Arabidopsis (12 times), and rice (3 times). Transcriptome data reanalysis revealed that some ALDH genes consistently expressed highly across all tissues and developmental stages, while others were tissue- or stage-specific. We analyzed the ALDH gene’s expression patterns under six stress types, namely salt, cold, waterlogged, powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, and gummy stem blight. The results showed differential expression of CmALDH2C4 and CmALDH11A3 under all stress conditions, signifying their crucial roles in melon growth and stress response. RT-qPCR (quantitative reverse transcription PCR) analysis further corroborated these findings. This study paves the way for future genetic improvements in melon molecular breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress)
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17 pages, 4491 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Water Stress Regimes in Avocado Plants during the Early Development Stage
by Tatiana Rondon, Manuel Guzmán-Hernández, Maria C. Torres-Madronero, Maria Casamitjana, Lucas Cano, July Galeano and Manuel Goez
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2660; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182660 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 837
Abstract
The avocado cv. Hass requires a suitable rootstock for optimal development under water stress. This study evaluated the performance of two avocado rootstocks (ANRR88 and ANGI52) grafted onto cv. Hass under four water stress conditions, 50% and 25% deficit, and 50% and 25% [...] Read more.
The avocado cv. Hass requires a suitable rootstock for optimal development under water stress. This study evaluated the performance of two avocado rootstocks (ANRR88 and ANGI52) grafted onto cv. Hass under four water stress conditions, 50% and 25% deficit, and 50% and 25% excess during the nursery stage. Plant height, leaf area (LA), dry matter (DM), and Carbon (OC) content in the roots, stems, and leaves were measured. Root traits were evaluated using digital imaging, and three vegetation indices (NDVI, CIRE, and MTCI) were used to quantify stress. The results showed that genotype significantly influenced the response to water stress. ANRR88 exhibited adaptation to moderate to high water deficits. ANGI52 adapted better to both water deficit and excess, and showed greater root exploration. LA and DM reductions of up to 60% were observed in ANRR88, suggesting a higher sensitivity to extreme changes in water availability. More than 90% of the total OC accumulation was observed in the stem and roots. The NDVI and the MTCI quantified the presence and levels of stress applied, and the 720 nm band provided high precision and speed for detecting stress. These insights are crucial for selecting rootstocks that ensure optimal performance under varying water availability, enhancing productivity and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress)
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17 pages, 10495 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Maize DnaJ Family Genes in Response to Salt, Heat, and Cold at the Seedling Stage
by Gang Li, Ziqiang Chen, Xinrui Guo, Dagang Tian, Chenchen Li, Min Lin, Changquan Hu and Jingwan Yan
Plants 2024, 13(17), 2488; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172488 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 612
Abstract
DnaJ proteins, also known as HSP40s, play a key role in plant growth and development, and response to environmental stress. However, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the DnaJ gene family in maize. Here, we identify 91 ZmDnaJ genes from maize, which [...] Read more.
DnaJ proteins, also known as HSP40s, play a key role in plant growth and development, and response to environmental stress. However, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the DnaJ gene family in maize. Here, we identify 91 ZmDnaJ genes from maize, which are likely distributed in the chloroplast, nucleus, and cytoplasm. Our analysis revealed that ZmDnaJs were classified into three types, with conserved protein motifs and gene structures within the same type, particularly among members of the same subfamily. Gene duplication events have likely contributed to the expansion of the ZmDnaJ family in maize. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements in ZmDnaJ promoters suggested involvement in stress responses, growth and development, and phytohormone sensitivity in maize. Specifically, four cis-acting regulatory elements associated with stress responses and phytohormone regulation indicated a role in adaptation. RNA-seq analysis showed constitutive expression of most ZmDnaJ genes, some specifically in pollen and endosperm. More importantly, certain genes also responded to salt, heat, and cold stresses, indicating potential interaction between stress regulatory networks. Furthermore, early responses to heat stress varied among five inbred lines, with upregulation of almost tested ZmDnaJ genes in B73 and B104 after 6 h, and fewer genes upregulated in QB1314, MD108, and Zheng58. After 72 h, most ZmDnaJ genes in the heat-sensitive inbred lines (B73 and B104) returned to normal levels, while many genes, including ZmDnaJ55, 79, 88, 90, and 91, remained upregulated in the heat-tolerant inbred lines (QB1314, MD108, and Zheng58) suggesting a synergistic function for prolonged protection against heat stress. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the ZmDnaJ family in maize and demonstrates a correlation between heat stress tolerance and the regulation of gene expression within this family. These offer a theoretical basis for future functional validation of these genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress)
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15 pages, 8770 KiB  
Article
Overexpression of a ‘Paulownia fortunei’ MYB Factor Gene, PfMYB44, Increases Salt and Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
by Guijie Luo, Weijia Cai, Hao Wang, Wei Liu, Xu Liu, Shizheng Shi and Lei Wang
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2264; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162264 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 822
Abstract
Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl is a Paulownia Sieb.et tree of the family Scrophulariaceae. It has become an important short-to-medium-term fast-growing multi-purpose tree species in China due to its rapid growth, strong adaptability, and excellent material properties. MYB transcription factors in plants have numerous [...] Read more.
Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl is a Paulownia Sieb.et tree of the family Scrophulariaceae. It has become an important short-to-medium-term fast-growing multi-purpose tree species in China due to its rapid growth, strong adaptability, and excellent material properties. MYB transcription factors in plants have numerous and diverse functions, playing important roles in various aspects such as plant stress response. To investigate the function of MYB transcription factors in Paulownia fortunei, this study used PCR technology to clone the PfMYB44 gene from Paulownia fortunei. The homology of PfMYB44 and SiMYB44 (Sesamum indicum) was the highest. Expression analysis results showed that PfMYB44 was expressed in the root, stem, young leaf, and mature leaf of Paulownia fortunei, with the highest content in the root. Cold, drought, hot, salt, and ABA treatments could increase the expression level of PfMYB44. Overexpression-PfMYB44 plants were constructed, and physiological and molecular analysis showed that PfMYB44 could positively regulate salt and drought stresses. Under drought stress, the expression levels of AtP5CS, AtCAT1, AtNCED3 and AtSnRK2.4 in transgenic lines were significantly induced. Salt stress induced the expression of AtNHX1, AtSOS1, AtSOS2 and AtSOS3 genes, and the relative expression levels of these genes in transgenic Arabidopsis were higher. In conclusion, the functional study of PfMYB44 laid a certain foundation for the study of Paulownia stress resistance, and was helpful to the study of its stress resistance mechanism and the cultivation of new stress resistance varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress)
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17 pages, 6001 KiB  
Article
Overexpression of Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis Gene OsNCED3 Enhances Survival Rate and Tolerance to Alkaline Stress in Rice Seedlings
by Zhonghui Feng, Yang Xu, Zhiming Xie, Yaqiong Yang, Guanru Lu, Yangyang Jin, Mingming Wang, Miao Liu, Haoyu Yang, Weiqiang Li and Zhengwei Liang
Plants 2024, 13(12), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121713 - 20 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336
Abstract
Alkaline stress with high pH levels could significantly influence plant growth and survival. The enzyme 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) serves as a critical bottleneck in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), making it essential for regulating stress tolerance. Here, we show that OsNCED3-overexpressing [...] Read more.
Alkaline stress with high pH levels could significantly influence plant growth and survival. The enzyme 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) serves as a critical bottleneck in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), making it essential for regulating stress tolerance. Here, we show that OsNCED3-overexpressing rice lines have increased ABA content by up to 50.90% and improved transcription levels of numerous genes involved in stress responses that significantly enhance seedling survival rates. Overexpression of OsNCED3 increased the dry weight contents of the total chlorophyll, proline, soluble sugar, starch, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes of rice seedlings, while reducing the contents of O2·−, H2O2, and malondialdehyde under hydroponic alkaline stress conditions simulated by 10, 15, and 20 mmol L−1 of Na2CO3. Additionally, the OsNCED3-overexpressing rice lines exhibited a notable increase in the expression of OsNCED3; ABA response-related genes OsSalT and OsWsi18; ion homeostasis-related genes OsAKT1, OsHKT1;5, OsSOS1, and OsNHX5; and ROS scavenging-related genes OsCu/Zn-SOD, OsFe-SOD, OsPOX1, OsCATA, OsCATB, and OsAPX1 in rice seedling leaves. The results of these findings suggest that overexpression of OsNCED3 upregulates endogenous ABA levels and the expression of stress response genes, which represents an innovative molecular approach for enhancing the alkaline tolerance of rice seedlings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Morpho-physiochemical and transcriptome analysis reveal the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by drought stress in Dracocephalum moldavica L.
Authors: Ge Xiao-min; Li Sha-sha; Bai Guo-qing; Chen Chen*
Affiliation: Shaanxi Engineering Research Centre for Conservation and Utilization of Botanical Resources, Xi’an Botanical Garden of Shaanxi Province, Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province, No. 17 Cuihua South Road, Xi’an 710061, China
Abstract: Dracocephalum moldavica is a traditional folk medicine, which has the effects of purging liver fire, clearing stomach heat and hemostasis. Drought stress seriously reduce the photosynthetic activity of D. moldavica, and the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance remain elusive. In this study, we conducted comparative transcriptome and physiological analyses of D. moldavica subjected to drought treatment at the seedling stage for 24 h and 48 h. 15% PEG treatment induced ROS generation and membrane lipid peroxidation in D. moldavica seedlings. The RNA-seq transcriptome analysis was extracted from the leaves and roots of D. moldavica seedlings that we identified 3690 DEGs from comparing CK versus PEG of leaves and 145 DEGs in roots. In leaves, 1558 genes of 3690 DEGs were upregulated, and in roots, 89 genes of 145 DEGs were upregulated. Moreover, the numbers of upregulated and downregulated genes were more in leaves than in roots of drought imposition. The upregulated DEGs were predominantly associated with the cytoskeleton, cell wall modification, transport, osmotic regulation, drought avoidance, ROS scavengers, defense, and transcriptional factors. Furthermore, we selected DEGs which were related to ROS for quantitative real-time PCR analysis. A high significant correlation between RNA-seq and qRT-PCR data was observed, which confirmed the authenticity of the DEGs in this study. Our findings will contribute to the understanding of the abiotic stress resilience mechanism in D. moldavica and provide new insights to improve D. moldavica drought tolerance in the future.

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