Functional Plant Biology最新文献

DELLA proteins can participate in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids. It has been shown that trypsin can induce flavonoid synthesis, thereby enhancing the storage quality of Hylocereus undatus (H. undatus ) fruit. However, whether trypsin induces flavonoid biosynthesis and improves fruit quality during storage by regulating the phenylpropanoid synthesis pathway through DELLA remains to be further elucidated. To investigate the molecular mechanism of trypsin-induced flavonoid synthesis in H. undatus , we conducted transcriptomic analysis and verified it through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Analysis of transcription factors showed that the top five genes with the largest expression differences regulated by trypsin all belonged to the GRAS family. Further protein network interaction analysis identified HuGAI1 as a hub protein in the GRAS family. Trypsin treatment was able to extend the shelf life of fruit. However, after the expression of HuGAI1 was silenced, the storage quality of the fruit declined. GO and KEGG analysis after HuGAI1 silencing revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly concentrated in metabolic pathways such as phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and flavonol biosynthesis. Trypsin can upregulate the expression of HuGAI1 . And HuGAI1 , by participating in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, regulates the biosynthesis of flavonoids and flavonols, leading to an increase in antioxidant flavonoid content and, consequently, enhancing fruit storage.

The ratios of red light (R)/blue light (B) and R/far-red light (Fr) stay relatively constant, which is the unique properties of sunlight. It may be a new way to optimise plant development in artificial lighting conditions. We assayed the potential effects of white light (W), 50% R 50% B (RB), and the unique properties of sunlight (N, R/Fr=1.4, R/Fr=1.1) under 500μmol m-2 s-1 on soybean (Glycine max ) plant growth. Our results showed that total leaf dry weight under N rapidly increased compared with the W and RB treatments from 30days to 60days. Soybean plants under N treatment had higher Rubisco activity and chlorophyll content than the W treatment at 50days. Stem and petiole dry weight under N treatment grew by 454.3% from 30 days to 60days. Compared with W and RB treatments, lignin content in the stems was also 26.9% and 34.5% higher at 50days under N treatment, respectively. N treatment caused 22.9% and 26.2% higher cellulose content than the W and RB treatments at 50days, respectively. N treatment led to 10.5% higher 13 C assimilation than the RB treatment in stems. The spectral combination of sunlight enhanced soybean plant growth and stem strength in artificial light environment.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a bioactive molecule that plays a crucial role in modifying the metabolic systems of plants and activating plant defence systems against environmental stresses such as drought. In this study, we investigated the impacts of exogenously supplemented sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, on drought tolerance and physio-biochemical mechanisms mediated by NO that influence nutrient contents and growth of gazania (Gazania rigens ). In a lath house, plants at the four-leaf stage were treated with a foliar spray of SNP (100μM) under two watering conditions: (1) 50% field capacity (drought stress);and (2) 100% field capacity (normal-watering). Results revealed that water deficiency significantly reduced gaseous exchange, chlorophyll pigments, water relations, NO, and proline contents. However, supplementation with NO increased proline levels and antioxidant enzyme activities, leading to improved photosynthesis, water relations, and drought tolerance by reducing lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide levels. Furthermore, enhanced NO levels from SNP treatment promoted the accumulation of essential nutrients resulting in improved growth and biomass in gazania plants. Our results indicated that SNP supplementation increased gaseous exchange (21-53%), chlorophyll pigments (30-70%), water status (12-31%), antioxidant enzyme activities (19-52%), nutrient uptake (22-36%), and flower yield (49%), potentially mitigating the negative effects of water deficiency in gazanias under drought stress. These findings suggest that foliar application of NO donors like SNP could be a practical and eco-friendly strategy to improve drought resilience and productivity of ornamental plants, especially in water-limited urban landscaping and nursery production systems.

Sugarcane holds considerable commercial significance due to its role as the primary source of sugar and its potential as a global biofuel resource. Fungal pathogens and insect pests present significant challenges to the cultivation of this crop, leading to substantial reductions in crop yield and sugar recovery. In response to pathogen infection, plants initiate their defense mechanisms, which involve the upregulation of pathogenesis-related proteins such as chitinase, glucanase, and chitosanase. SUGARWINs refer to a group of PR-4 proteins that are associated with the defense mechanisms of sugarcane against phytopathogens. Their gene expression is induced in response to wounds caused by Diatraea saccharalis larvae and diseases caused by fungal pathogens such Colletothricum falcatum and Fusarium verticillioides . We report the finding of some other proteins that interact with SUGARWINs and may also have a role in the defense against fungal diseases. The sugarcane cDNA library was screened against SUGARWIN1 and SUGARWIN2 proteins to find possible interactors. A strong interaction of both SUGARWIN1 and SUGARWIN2 was observed with oxygen evolving enhancer protein 1 and synaptotagmin 1. These interactions were further validated by BiFC (biomolecular fluorescence complementation) assay. For further molecular characterization, subcellular localization studies of SUGARWINs and interactor proteins were conducted by translational fusion with green fluorescent protein.

Zanthoxylum armatum has edible and medicinal value but its prickles make harvesting difficult. The bHLH gene family is vital in regulating physiological and developmental processes. One hundred and ninety-five ZabHLH genes from its genome were grouped into 11 subgroups and 23 subfamilies. Members of the bHLH IIIf subfamily play an important role in trichome development, and ZabHLH22 , ZabHLH110 , ZabHLH161 , and ZabHLH194 , which belong to this subfamily, were selected as candidate genes. Chromosomal localization analysis showed that 165 of 195 ZabHLHs were unevenly distributed on 31 chromosomes, and 30 ZabHLHs were localized to unanchored scaffolds. The expansion of ZabHLHs mainly includes dispersed replication and whole-genome duplication or segmental replication. Fourty-seven cis -acting elements were predicted in the promoters of ZabHLHs , with hormone-responsive elements being the most abundant. Expression profiles of four candidate genes were analyzed in two Z. armatum cultivars. Trichome development is regulated by hormones such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and auxin. The qRT-PCR results indicate that four candidate genes respond to the stress induced by these three hormones. We predict that ZabHLH110 , ZabHLH161 , and ZabHLH194 are most likely involved in prickle development. The results are helpful to further explore the potential roles and mechanisms of ZabHLHs in the development of Z. armatum prickles.

Trehalose is a naturally occurring and non-toxic disaccharide, and has been recognised for its role in mitigating abiotic stress in various plant species. However, its potential to enhance drought resistance in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ) remains unexplored. This study evaluated the effects of exogenous trehalose application on sugar beet seedlings subjected to drought stress. Trehalose solutions at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30mM were applied foliarly during the stress period. Drought stress markedly reduced key growth and physiological parameters, including dry and fresh biomass, leaf relative water content, root area, leaf area, plant height, chlorophyll content, and root activity, while increasing oxidative stress markers such as superoxide anion and malondialdehyde levels. Among the treatments, 20mM trehalose notably alleviated these adverse effects by improving physiological and biochemical traits. Specifically, it enhanced net photosynthetic rate (Pn), antioxidant enzyme activity, and regulated osmolyte accumulation. These findings suggest that trehalose application can effectively improve sugar beet resilience to drought, offering a promising approach for optimizing sugar beet cultivation in water-limited environments.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa ) has gained renewed scientific and agricultural interest worldwide as a multi-use, high-value crop, with products spanning textile, clothing, medicinal, food, and construction industries. Cannabis exhibits broad genetic diversity and high phenotypic plasticity, with strong genotype × environment interactions, resulting in varied aboveground growth habits from tall and thin to short and bushy. Here, we compared the growth and response to water deficit over time in seedlings of two tall, thin French dual-purpose industrial hemp genotypes, Felina 32 and Ferimon 12, and one short, bushy Chinese dual-purpose genotype, Han NE, using state-of-the-art non-destructive phenotyping and automated gravimetric watering systems. Despite the different growth habits, growth patterns were remarkably similar. Water deficit consistently reduced shoot and root dry weight, plant height, number of leaf pairs, CO2 assimilation, and stomatal conductance in all three genotypes. Han NE showed potential for greater water use efficiency, possibly linked to the shorter bushy growth habit, but further research is needed to evaluate varying growth habits within different environments and over the entire plant lifecycle. This study provides valuable insights into diverse hemp genotypes to inform field-based agronomic decisions and targeted breeding programs.

Bletilla striata is a ground cover plant that thrives in cool, humid environments. It has potential horticultural and ecological applications that can benefit from optimising outdoor cultivation techniques by understanding its light requirements and adaptive mechanisms. This study examined the impact of different shading levels on the growth and photosynthetic responses of B. striata . The results showed moderate shading improved growth, increased chlorophyll content, and reduced oxidative stress. Seasonal variation in water availability also influenced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly during periods of reduced water supply. Moreover, moderate shading enhanced photosynthetic performance by increasing the electron transport rate (ETR), photochemical quenching (qP), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), effectively mitigating photoinhibition. In summary, moderate shading enhances the growth and stress tolerance of B. striata , establishing a scientific foundation for improving cultivation practices in horticultural and ecological contexts.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes form the first line of plant protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in cells. In this study, we recognised 14 AvSOD genes in the hexaploid oat (Avena sativa) genome, including nine AvCSDs, three AvFSDs, and two AvMSDs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AvSOD genes from oat and different other monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species were clustered into two different groups based on the metallic binding domain. The predicted 3D protein structures revealed comparable conserved AvSOD protein configuration within groups. Interestingly, different hormonal and light-responsive cis-elements were identified in the promoters of AvSOD genes. Gene ontology annotation results validate the AvSODs role such as response to contrasting stress stimuli (ozone, light intensity, UV-B, metallic stress…), metal-ion binding activities, cellular oxidant detoxification activity, and different other cellular components. Expression profiling by real time quantitative PCR showed that 12 genes (AvCSD1, AvCSD2, AvCSD3, AvCSD4, AvCSD5, AvCSD6, AvCSD7, AvFSD1, AvFSD2, AvFSD3, AvMSD1, and AvMSD2) were strongly upregulated in response to different hormones (abscisic acid and salicylic acid) and/or abiotic stress (salinity, cold, and drought) treatments. Our data provides more knowledge of SOD genes in plants and information for advanced functional analyses of this antioxidant gene family in oat.