Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants最新文献

The innate ability for desiccation tolerance in Selaginella repanda was determined by evaluating the physiological and biochemical modifications that occur during water loss and gain, in different stages namely, hydrated (H), desiccation (D), and rehydrated stages (R). Herbarium JCB and rbcl gene barcoding were used for its identification. In the desiccated stage, relative water content (RWC) was 8.3% which regained to 96.8% in R stage. Leaf water potential decreased to -3.8MPa in D stage. Scanning electron microscopic images shows significant modification of stomata and cell in D and R stages. Scanning electron microscopic images shows significant modification of stomata and cell in D and R stages. Total chlorophyll (0.9-fold) and carotenoids (0.7-fold) concentrations were found to be reduced during D stage, when compared to H stage. Concentration of anthocyanin (1.14-fold), proline (2.9-fold) and lipid peroxidation (1.9-fold) were found to be significantly high in D stage. Carbon dioxide exchange rate (- 0.6 µ mol m^-2 s^-1) was negative during D stage. Also, activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (1.7-fold), catalase (2.57-fold) and peroxidase (5.5-fold) were found to be significantly increased in D stage. Sucrose concentration (4.7-fold) also increased during desiccation. The quantity of starch (0.5-fold) was lower in the D stage. In R stage, all biochemical parameters tested above were significantly similar to that in the H stage. S. repanda exhibits constitutive and inducible repair mechanism towards desiccation and can therefore serve as model to study desiccation in Selaginella species.

Sesquiterpenoids are one of the secondary metabolites in agarwood which, is a profitable traditional Chinese medicine and spice. Agarwood is derived from the injured Aquilaria sinensis. Chi-Nan germplasm is a new chemotype of A. sinensis that exhibits a higher capacity of agarwood production and the diversity of sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis. To examine the mechanism of sesquiterpene generation from Chi-Nan germplasm, a 1812 bp-length sesquiterpene synthase 15 (AsSS15) gene encoding 603 amino acids was obtained from the wounded branches. AsSS15 showed significant expression levels in the stem and root that the major tissues of agarwood production, indicating that it was involved in agarwood formation. AsSS15 expression was higher in wounded branches of Chi-Nan germplasms than that in ordinary germplasms of A. sinensis. The AsSS15 recombinant protein was successfully expressed, and catalyzed farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) substrates to generate nerolidol in vitro. These findings demonstrated that AsSS15 significantly induces the expression of gene related to sesquiterpene biosynthesis in Chi-Nan germplasm. This study first elucidates potential mechanisms of sesquiterpene generation from Chi-Nan germplasms, which adds to the theory of sesquiterpene accumulation in A. sinensis and serves as a foundation for future research into the biosynthesis and application of Chi-Nan germplasm.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01640-z.

The massive proliferation of Ulva lactuca in the Nador lagoon has become a major environmental concern due to its accumulation, stranding, and decomposition along the coast, leading to ecological disturbances and social discomfort. Yet, seaweed extracts are increasingly recognized for their ability to stimulate plant growth and enhance resilience to both abiotic and biotic stresses, owing to their rich and diverse content of bioactive compounds. In a sustainable valorization approach aimed at mitigating the ecological impact of this invasive species, Ulva lactuca was investigated as a promising natural biostimulant, tested experimentally on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under salt stress conditions. Controlled trials were conducted using common bean plants exposed to two levels of salt stress (moderate: 34.2 mM NaCl; high: 68.4 mM NaCl), with or without treatment with Ulva lactuca extract (ULE) applied at three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 6%). Results showed that ULE significantly enhanced plant growth under both non-stress and saline conditions, particularly at 1% and 3%. This positive effect was associated with improved morphological traits, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and carbon-nitrogen metabolism, along with increased accumulation of key osmolytes. Additionally, ULE treatments reduced lipid peroxidation and suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These findings highlight the potential of Ulva lactuca extract as an effective, eco-friendly biostimulant capable of alleviating salt stress in crops, especially in regions facing salinized irrigation water challenges. At the same time, this work offers an innovative and sustainable strategy to valorize an overabundant marine resource while addressing environmental concerns.

Begomoviruses pose a major threat to mungbean and other economically important crops worldwide, causing severe yield losses. Among them, begomovirus vignaradiataindiaense is a major causative agent of yellow mosaic disease (YMD) in mungbean. Topical application of dsRNA has emerged as an innovative, non-transgenic approach for plant virus control by triggering RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated degradation of homologous viral RNAs. In this study, we explored the potential of dsRNA to confer resistance against begomovirus vignaradiataindiaense in YMD-susceptible mungbean plant. We designed hairpin RNA (hpRNA) constructs targeting key viral open reading frames (ORFs)-TR-1 (AC4/AC1), TR-2 (AC2/AC3/AC1), and a stacked TR-1 + 2 (AC4/AC1 + AC2/AC3/AC1)- and evaluated their efficacy through transient expression assays. Notably, only the hpTR-1 + 2 construct, which simultaneously targets multiple essential viral genes, conferred complete (100%) resistance and effectively restricted systemic virus movement. Building on this finding, we assessed the efficacy of in vivo produced hpRNA (hpTR-1 + 2) applied as a topical spray. The ability of hpRNA to trigger RNAi was confirmed by detecting 21 to 24 nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in both locally treated and newly emerging leaves up to 12 days after application. Mungbean plants sprayed with hpTR-1 + 2 either on the day of infection or two days prior exhibited complete resistance to YMD. Furthermore, hpRNA treatment on plants already infected (two or four days post-infection) significantly reduced disease severity, demonstrating the theraeputic potential. Overall, our results demonstrate that the hpTR-1 + 2 multi-targeting strategy effectively controls YMD in mungbean and position topical dsRNA application as a sustainable, non-transgenic approach for plant disease management.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01651-w.

Cysteine (Cys) has the potential to mitigate heavy metal stress. However, the molecular mechanisms of the ameliorative role of Cys in Cd stress are still unknown. This study aimed to reveal beneficial roles of Cys (250 µM) in mitigating Cd stress (75 µM) in maize seedlings. The results demonstrated that Cys alleviated the inhibitory effects of Cd stress on seedling growth by reducing Cd accumulation in the shoot by 19.5%, enhancing chlorophyll content by 39.4%, and decreasing MDA levels by 35.9% compared to Cd treatment alone. By using transcriptome analysis, 2422 (953 up-regulated and 1469 down-regulated) and 2577 (1540 up-regulated and 1037 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined in Cd and Cys+Cd treatments compared to control, respectively. In addition, 543 DEGs (520 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated) were determined in Cys+Cd treatment compared to Cd. Comparing the groups (CK_vs_Cd, CK_vs_Cys+Cd, and Cd_vs_Cys+Cd) by Venn diagram, 115 common DEGs were detected. GO and KEGG analyses showed that Cys+Cd treatment improved Cd tolerance by regulating the expression of genes in different pathways, like photosynthesis, membrane transport, antioxidant enzyme system, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The expression levels of membrane transporters (ABC, PIP1-2, HMA, ZIP, etc.), photosynthesis (Lhcb, psa, psb, petM, PSBO, etc.), antioxidant enzyme system (CAT, GST, PER, etc.), secondary metabolite biosynthesis (PAL, 4CLL, etc.), and transcription factors (C2C2-CO-like, C2C2-GATA, C2H2, GRAS, NAC) genes were up-regulated by Cys+Cd compared to Cd. The up-regulation of these genes in different metabolic pathways by Cys+Cd treatment may suggest that Cys ameliorates Cd stress-induced metabolic inhibition. These results revealed physio-biochemical and molecular mechanisms of Cys-induced maize tolerance to Cd stress.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01648-5.

Around seventy-five viruses have been reported to infect stone fruits which heavily reduce its yield and fruit quality, resulting in major economic losses. Viruses are very contagious and have devastating consequences on the host plants. In most of the stone fruit cultivars the viral infection is mostly symptomless and has the capability to infect a wide range of hosts. The most critical part of controlling these stone fruit viruses is proper diagnosis. Traditional approaches are regarded insufficient for identifying plant viruses due to less precision, and accuracy. To close the existing gap, researchers created specific, sensitive, and effective molecular techniques as a diagnostic tool for plant virus detection, which have the potential to improve disease management decision-making by overcoming several limitations of traditional methods. Due to the high risk of continuous spread of these viruses and for routine diagnosis to avoid further infection, management strategies must be incorporated. With the development of molecular techniques for viral disease identification and characterization, it became attainable to gain an enhanced and detailed understanding of their prevalence and genomic organization. This is an updated review on the viruses of stone fruits, their modes of transmission, genome organization, detection, and diagnosis.

The rising mortality rate of neurodegenerative diseases has created an urgent need for the development of novel drugs. Advancing nanotechnology hinges on discovering innovative methods to create progressive drugs against neurodegenerative diseases. One innovative method includes green synthesis techniques which gain prominence as a sustainable and eco-friendly method for producing metal nanoparticles. The primary emphasis of this study lies in crafting a pioneering dual carrier system that employs both phytocompounds and silver nanoparticles. This innovative approach introduces three Functionalized Dual Carrier Systems (FDCS): F-CSAgNPs (Functionalized-celery seed silver nanoparticles), F-GSAgNPs (Functionalized-grape skin & seed silver nanoparticles) and F-SPAgNPs (Functionalized-sweet potato silver nanoparticles). The formulation of FDCS begins with the preparation of extracts and a precursor solution. A certain volume of extract combines with an equal or different volume of silver nitrate solution in an autoclave chamber. The synthesis is carried out using a hydrothermal technique. The resulting nanoparticle-suspended colloidal dispersions exhibit fluorescence. The formation of FDCS is verified through various characterization techniques. The particle size of FDCS ranges from 10 nm to 25 nm with a zeta potential varying from - 35 mV to + 35 mV. The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) values at 350 nm, 305 nm and 310 nm confirm the presence of FDCS with a blue shift. Identification of functional groups such as C= O, N-H and C =C confirms the presence of specific phytocompounds. F-SPAgNPs exhibit a highly crystalline structure as observed in the SAED pattern distinguishing them from F-CSAgNPs and F-GSAgNPs. The average size (d) of these FDCS ranges from 4 nm to 11 nm. FDCS shows resistance to both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria along with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For this research, Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos serve as an in vivo model to analyze the toxicity profile of FDCS. Furthermore, to assess its biocompatibility and environmental sustainability, the FDCS is evaluated for its effect on seed germination and seedling growth using mung bean (Vigna radiata). This evaluation underscores the potential of FDCS to act as a bio-inducer, promoting plant growth in green applications. Additionally, computational studies play a pivotal role in drug development by predicting Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties. Tools such as SWISS ADME and STRING analyze the ADMET properties of the phytocompounds and enhance the understanding of their pharmacokinetic behavior.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01647-6.

Exogenous use of micro-nutrients-chelated amino acids is gaining interest not only to increase the availability and mobility of the chelated nutrients but also for induction of abiotic stress tolerance in plants for better growth and yield. In present experiment comparative role of Zn-Glutamate (Zn-Glu) and ZnSO₄ as foliar spray was assessed for the water stress tolerance induction in six newly developed high yielding wheat genotypes. Different treatments were no spray, water spray, 1% glutamate (Glu), 0.5% Zn as s ZnSO₄ and 0.5% Zn as Zn-Glu in split-split plot design. Deficit irrigation significantly adversely impacted the growth and yield of all wheat genotypes but was genotype specific. The decrease was associated with bad performance in different physio-biochemical mechanisms including membrane lipid peroxidation and biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments and metabolites accumulation. Foliar applied ZnSO₄ or Zn-Glu significantly reduced the adverse effects of reduced water supply on growth and yield performance of all wheat cultivars, but the extent of amelioration was genotype specific. Comparatively more amelioration was recorded in plants supplied with Zn-Glu as foliar spray than other foliar treatments. The better growth and yield performance due to Zn-Glu seems due to its better role in maintaining the better leaf chlorophyll, reduced lipid peroxidation in term of less LRMP through improved antioxidant defense mechanism, better osmotic adjustments by accumulating more metabolites. The better water stress tolerance was also found associated with increased accumulation of different essential amino acids in Zn-Glu applied plants positively correlated with leaf Glu content that increased more when applied as foliar spray.

Plant viruses are a global agricultural threat and can result in large financial losses. The globalization of agriculture and its international trading are the major causes of viruses and their vectors expanding to new environmental niches. Conventional methods are not effective in managing virus infection. To mitigate the virus spread, one of the cutting-edge biotechnological approaches, CRISPR/Cas is a robust tool. CRISPR/Cas is a powerful genome editing technology, and provides a highly specific viral genome targeting. Additionally, nanotechnology is a cutting-edge method for mitigating plant viruses. Nanoparticles in biosensors aid in the early identification of plant viruses, hence preventing the spread of disease in the future. Moreover, nanoparticles can also be used as a flexible delivery system. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of dsRNA ensures minimal off-target while maintaining biosafety. This review explores the genome editing approach and nanotechnological strategies for ensuring sustainable agriculture practices for virus disease management, focusing on biosafety, efficacy, and practical applicability. It also aims to provide a clear insight into the limitations and strengths of each approach.

Pathogen and insect-mediated crop damage significantly reduces crop production. In addition to environmental concerns, many pests and pathogens have developed resistance to conventional chemical pesticides, underscoring the urgent need for novel pest control methods that minimize crop losses without impairing the environment. One promising approach is the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a key component of RNA interference (RNAi), which has proven effective in controlling a broad range of pathogens and insect pests across various crop species. dsRNA has gained attention for its ability to precisely target the genes involved in vital functions such as growth, development, and reproduction of the targeted pests. Silencing these genes through exogenous dsRNA application results in increased mortality among the insect pests and reduced the pathogenicity, making the approach as an ideal and eco-friendly pest control strategy. This approach can be integrated with other environmentally friendly pest management strategies to further mitigate crop damage. Chemical pesticides have several limitations, including environmental pollution, the development of pest resistance, harmful effects on beneficial insects and microbes, and biosecurity risks due to their persistence in the food chain and adverse impacts on human health. In contrast, dsRNA-based pesticides offer promising solutions to address many of these issues. However, their effectiveness is influenced by various factors, highlighting the need for further research to optimize dsRNA production, scalability, stability, and delivery methods to achieve maximum pest control efficacy. This review summarizes the current understanding of dsRNA biosynthesis through various strategies, and their production and delivery systems for its inclusion in sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management strategy.