Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants最新文献

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), a significant oilseed crop, is highly valued for its rich oil content and the remarkable stability of its oil. Sesame production faces numerous harvest and post-harvest challenges including vulnerability to biotic infections. Phytoplasma infection in sesame leads to significant yield losses. We have generated transcriptome data of healthy and phytoplasma infected sesame plants and identified gene expression pattern of Ca. Phytoplasma during infection. A total of 1298 genes were differentially expressed during infection. Changes were observed in key genes associated with plant hormone signaling, flowering, starch and sucrose synthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and also secondary metabolite pathways. Alteration of 31 Transcription factor families was also observed in response to phytoplasma. Twenty-one flowering and hormone-related Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) were selected for RT-qPCR validation, eleven genes were significantly up-regulated and ten were down-regulated upon infection. The defense and growth phytohormones content measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) corroborated with the transcriptome and RT-qPCR results. Out of 753 genes, only 574 genes of Ca. phytoplasma Onion Yellow were expressed and enriched in categories such as ribosomal genes, secondary metabolites pathway, glycolysis pathway. The expression of a secreted protein PAM486 was highest among all the expressed genes of phytoplasma. All of these data are valuable molecular resources for understanding phytoplasma biology and identifying potential targets for the development of new control strategies. This is the first application of Dual RNA-seq technique to analyze changes in host plant caused by phytoplasma infection.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01628-9.

Early Seedling Vigor (ESV) is a critical trait for direct-seeded rice (DSR), as it promotes rapid seedling establishment and effective weed suppression. Enhancing ESV is therefore essential for developing varieties adapted to DSR conditions. This study aimed to accelerate genetic gain for ESV traits through Marker-Assisted Pedigree Selection (MAPS) by leveraging reported quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Markers associated with ESV and grain size (GS) traits were validated using bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and haplotype analysis. These validated markers were then applied to select progenies carrying different combinations of the targeted QTLs from the F4 to F7 generations derived from a cross between MTU3626 (an ESV donor) and BPT5204 (a medium-slender grain size) variety. Using MAPS, 20 promising lines were identified, with QTL combinations ranging from nine QTLs in line BM3 to three QTLs in lines BM284 and BM410. Notably, the presence of qSV-3-1, qSDW-2, and qVI contributed substantially to improved ESV. MAPS achieved genetic gain enhancements of 45.87% in the F5 generation and 86.47% in the F6 generation compared to phenotypic selection alone. These results highlight that integrating molecular markers into pedigree breeding enables precise selection and significantly improves genetic gain for ESV traits. The identified promising lines could either be advanced for varietal release after rigorous yield evaluation or serve as donor parents in breeding programs targeting DSR adaptation.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01635-w.

Globally agricultural sector, like cereals and especially wheat, are facing a broad range of challenges like as biotic and abiotic stresses. The main purpose of this study was to check the phytotoxic thresholds of PGPR strain, zinc manganese oxide nanocomposites (ZnO/MnO-NCs), and corncob biochar on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under 20 mg L^-1 cadmium (Cd) stress. The ZnO/MnO-NCs were synthesized from leaf extract of Conocarpus erectus L. and characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The phytotoxicity threshold of the biosynthesized ZnO/MnO-NCs, PGPR, and corncob biochar were optimized. Various dosages (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L^-1) of the nanocomposites, biochar (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%), and different PGPR strains (1, 2, 3, 4) were applied through soil drenching in 3 replicates. After six weeks plants were harvested, and marpho-pysio-biochemical parameters were measured. Results showed that optimal growth was achieved with 150 mg L^-1 of nanocomposites, 3% w/w biochar, and PGPR strain Bacillus Flexa. Overall, all the bio stimulants enhance morpho-physio-biochemical parameters in plants and reduce Cd toxicity. However, among the bio-stimulants tested, Bacillus Flexa sp. of PGPR was most effective in lowering Cd accumulation in the roots and shoots, showing a 15.35% and 17.71% increase in root length and 5.28% and 7.02% increase in shoot length compared to nanocomposites and biochar, respectively in the presence of cd stress. It also enhanced chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activities while reducing oxidative stress markers. The soil-drenching application of these bio-stimulants has the efficiency to improve wheat growth, crop yield and reduction in uptake of Cd stress. Applying these bio-stimulants at optimized doses in contaminated soils can offer a sustainable, eco-friendly approach for improving crop yields while reducing cadmium accumulation in food crops.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01625-y.

Abstrast. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala DC.) has attracted much attention due to its ornamental value and nutritional benefits. Its health-promoting properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and antibacterial effects, are mainly attributed to its high content of glucosinolates (GSLs) and antioxidant compounds. However, the patterns of nutrient accumulation in the inner and outer leaves of kale, as well as the factors influencing these patterns, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the distribution of GSLs and antioxidant activities between the inner and outer leaves of two kale varieties and evaluated the expression profiles of genes related to GSL biosynthesis. The results showed that the GSL content and DPPH scavenging activity were significantly higher in the inner leaves of both kale varieties compared to the outer leaves. In contrast, the outer leaves exhibited significantly higher concentrations of chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, total flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Moreover, the expression patterns of genes associated with aliphatic, indolic, and aromatic GSL biosynthesis were consistent with the observed GSL content. Our findings suggested that the distribution of metabolites in kale is predominantly influenced by developmental stage of leaves, which warrants further investigation.

The medicinal plant Plantago major L. is known for its rich secondary metabolite content, which plays a critical role in its therapeutic properties. This study investigates the impact of UV-B radiation on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenes, carotenoids, and lycopene, as well as the expression of key biosynthetic genes (PAL, DAHP synthase, HMGR, COMT, and Epoxidase) in Plantago major. Plants were exposed to UV-B radiation for 1 and 2 h, and metabolite content and gene expression were measured at intervals of 3, 6, 9, and 12 h post-exposure. Results revealed a significant increase in secondary metabolite accumulation under UV-B stress, with phenolic and terpenoid content showing the highest elevation after 12 h of exposure. Gene expression analysis indicated that PAL and HMGR exhibited the most pronounced upregulation, correlating with increased metabolite production. These findings suggest that controlled UV-B exposure can be used to enhance the production of valuable secondary metabolites in Plantago major, potentially benefiting medicinal plant cultivation and pharmaceutical applications.

Oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species and the concomitant antioxidant defenses orchestrate the senescence trajectory in ethylene-insensitive flowers. This investigation delineates the potential of γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in ameliorating oxidative damage and impeding senescence in detached scapes of Hemerocallis fulva, an ethylene-insensitive flower system. The delayed senescence and enhanced scape performance were attributed to the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, which were elevated by 52.83%, 129% and 126.07%, respectively. These elevated antioxidant defenses were associated with a significant 41.88% reduction in hydrogen peroxide levels, thereby alleviating oxidative stress. Elevated oxidative stress in the control group was associated with the upregulation of SAG12 (Senescence-Associated Gene 12) and LOX1 (Lipoxygenase 1) gene expression, alongside the downregulation of DAD1 (Defender Against Death 1), indicative of accelerated senescence. Conversely, treatment with 40 µM GABA significantly modulated the expression of these genes, leading to a 1.5-fold upregulation of DAD1 and marked downregulation of SAG12 and LOX1 by 4-fold and 6.5-fold, respectively, relative to the control. GABA-treated scapes also manifested significantly higher concentrations of proline, phenols, sugars and soluble proteins in floral tissues compared to the control. Furthermore, GABA enhanced membrane integrity and curtailed bacterial proliferation in vase solutions, thereby optimizing solution uptake by the flowers. Our study concluded that GABA delayed flower scape senescence not only by mitigating oxidative stress through the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities but also by modulating senescence-associated gene expression.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01636-9.

Under biotic stress, plant polyamine metabolism undergoes significant changes, including increased biosynthesis and catabolism, which lead to hydrogen peroxide production. However, the roles of polyamine mobilization and transport across membranes remain elusive. Arabidopsis thaliana encodes five Polyamine Uptake Transporters (PUT1-PUT5). In this study, we investigated the role of polyamine transport in Arabidopsis during its interaction with the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Bc). Fungal inoculation induced the expression of all PUT/LAT genes at different times throughout disease progression. To assess their contribution to defense, we challenged five homozygous put mutants (put1-1 to put5-1) with Bc. Notably, put2-1 and put5-1 exhibited increased susceptibility to Bc, which was further exacerbated in the put2-1 put5-1 double mutant. Spermidine supplementation had a reduced effect on enhancing Bc resistance in put mutants, while it increased resistance in the 35S::PUT2 overexpression lines, suggesting that spermidine transport contributes to plant defense. Consistently, spermidine treatment elevated endogenous spermidine levels in WT but had minimal effect on put2-1, put5-1, or the double mutant. In contrast, spermine supplementation raised endogenous spermine levels in all genotypes, even under infection. Under mock conditions, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were elevated in put mutants, while polyamine oxidase activity remained unchanged. These antioxidant enzymes and polyamine oxidase activity were induced upon Bc infection in WT but not in put mutants. Thus, disruptions in polyamine transport may affect their catabolism and the plant antioxidant response. This research emphasizes the importance of PUT-mediated polyamine transport in the plant's defense response to Bc.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01630-1.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cultivated cereal grain crop. The yield and productivity of wheat are profoundly affected by abiotic stresses like drought. The external surface of wheat plants, including the flag leaf, stem, and spikes, features a visible bluish-grey layer of epicuticular wax, commonly referred to as glaucousness. Cuticular wax accumulation in wheat plants under drought stress plays a crucial role in reducing water loss. Present study was carried out to identify marker trait associations (MTAs) associated with glaucousness in wheat. Phenotyping for glaucousness was conducted for three cropping seasons (2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.) represented as Environment first (E1), Environment second (E2), Environment third (E3), and a combined environment (CE). The diverse wheat association panel was genotyped using 13,006 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Multi-locus genome-wide association study was performed through multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM) and Bayesian-information and linkage-disequilibrium iteratively nested keyway (BLINK) models. Using the mrMLM and BLINK models, 31 and 34 significant MTAs, respectively were identified. Multiple MTAs were co-localized with previously reported glaucousness related genes/MTAs/QTLs. Interestingly, significant MTAs on the short arm of chromosome 2B were identified where the wax-related genes W1 and W3, known to regulate glaucousness in wheat, have been previously reported. Candidate gene (CG) analysis, lead to the identification of potential CGs with protein domains associated with drought stress. Collectively, the significant MTAs and CGs identified in the present study hold substantial potential for improving glaucousness in wheat through the application of marker-assisted selection (MAS) approach.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01624-z.

Drought stress substantially threatens global food security. To cope with this, a field-based trial was performed to examine the influence of PGPRs/microbial consortia (Cytobacillus firmus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and kinetin on the maize under full irrigation and 50% drought. The results of biochemical features of bacteria revealed positive for phosphorus, and zinc solubilization with great capacity to battle stress circumstances owing (ACC deaminase, Indole 3 Acetic acid IAA, and siderophore) production. Seeds treated with the PGPRs consortium along, with a kinetin foliar spray, greatly decreased the consequences of stress from drought on maize and improved yield characteristics, macronutrients, antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic content production under 50% drought stress. Osmolytes and secondary metabolites were up-regulated under full irrigation when the PGPRs consortium and kinetin were used. When PGPRs and kinetin were combined, the overproduction of malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ was reduced. Water stress decreased oil, kernel sugar, protein, and moisture content in maize cultivars, but increased seed fiber, starch, and ash. PGPRs and kinetin enhanced seed sugar, oil, moisture, protein, ash, and fiber levels in maize grown under well-irrigated and drought-stress environments. Finally, PGPR (10^-7 cfu/mL) and PGR (Kinetin10^-3 M) can be employed together to boost maize production in drought-prone areas.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01629-8.

Sugars are essential for plant development, with nitrogen (N) availability playing a critical role in their distribution across plant organs, ultimately shaping growth patterns. However, the regulatory mechanisms modulating carbon (C) assimilate allocation and utilization under different N forms are not well understood. This study examined C fixation, utilization, and spatial re-distribution in the roots of hydroponically grown maize seedlings subjected to four N treatments: 1 mM NO₃ ^- (low N; LN), 2 mM NO₃ ^- (medium N; MN), 10 mM NO₃ ^- (high N; HN), and 1 mM NH₄ ⁺ (low ammonium; LA). LN treatment significantly increased soluble sugar, sucrose, and starch contents while promoting greater root biomass at the expense of shoot biomass, leading to a higher root to shoot assimilate allocation. The activities of sugar and starch metabolism enzymes were more tightly regulated under LN, indicating enhanced C utilization and increased competition for assimilates. Key genes involved in sugar (ZmSPS, ZmSuSy, ZmSWEET6, ZmSUC2, ZmSTP2, and ZmAINV1) and starch (ZmAGPASE and ZmSS) metabolism were upregulated under LN, correlating with increased root sucrose and starch accumulation and enhanced enzyme activity. Sucrose and starch accumulated predominantly in the brace and lateral roots. This pattern suggests that excess C accumulation results from inefficient C utilization in sink tissues rather than impaired C assimilation. These findings provide new insights into how LN modulates C partitioning in roots for stress adaptation, highlighting the importance of improving C utilization in sink tissues to mitigate N deficiency and enhance plant growth.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01631-0.