Physiologia plantarum最新文献

The use of Moringa oleifera Lam. extracts (ME) as natural biostimulants has been increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to stimulate plant growth and improve nutrient utilization. In this study, alcoholic (ME_EtOH), hydroalcoholic (ME_H2O/EtOH), and aqueous (ME_H2O) leaf extracts were compared in terms of their physicochemical and nutritional properties, as determined by elemental analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The foliar bioactivity of these extracts was also evaluated in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The alcoholic extract showed a higher proportion of non-polar compounds and the highest C/N ratio (42:1), whereas the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were richer in polar metabolites and essential minerals. Foliar application revealed distinct physiological responses in rice. The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited the strongest effects, significantly enhancing photosynthetic performance (a 16.8% increase in the chlorophyll a fluorescence performance index), upregulating nitrogen-assimilation genes, and increasing root and shoot biomass (≈approximately 29% higher root fresh weight) and fine-root formation (+25%). The aqueous extract induced slower but sustained improvements, resulting in moderate gains in photosynthetic efficiency and biomass accumulation, while the alcoholic extract showed more limited effects. All extracts increased leaf N, P, and K contents, indicating that growth promotion was driven mainly by physiological stimulation rather than direct nutrient supply. Overall, the results demonstrate that the extraction solvent strongly influences extract composition and bioactivity, with the hydroalcoholic formulation showing the greatest potential to enhance growth, photosynthetic metabolism, and nutrient-use efficiency in rice under greenhouse conditions, warranting further field validation.

Climate change poses a serious threat to global agriculture, biodiversity, and food security, underscoring the need to develop crops with enhanced resilience to abiotic stresses. Methodological advancements in transcriptomics and metabolomics have revolutionized the assessment of crop stress resilience, providing comprehensive and high-resolution insights into plant responses at the molecular and biochemical levels. Transcriptomics enables detailed profiling of gene expression patterns and regulatory networks activated under stress conditions, whereas metabolomics offers comprehensive profiling of metabolites involved in stress adaptation, signaling, and cellular homeostasis. Recent innovations in high-throughput sequencing, long-read transcriptomics, and advanced mass spectrometry techniques have expanded analytical sensitivity, specificity, and throughput. This review critically examines the latest methodological developments in transcriptomics and metabolomics, emphasizing their synergistic potential in decoding plant stress resilience. In addition, we discuss key challenges in cross-omics data integration, including computational complexity, standardization, and environmental variability, and highlight emerging solutions such as spatial omics, AI-assisted analytics, and high-throughput phenotyping. By utilizing these cutting-edge methodologies, researchers can enhance predictive modeling, accelerate stress-resilient crop breeding programs, and contribute to the development of climate-smart agriculture, ultimately supporting global food security. With advanced technologies, researchers can better understand complex regulatory networks, identify resilience-associated biomarkers, and accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops. Climate-resilient crops can be developed by understanding complex regulatory networks and identifying resilience-associated biomarkers. Ultimately, integrative omics approaches will play a crucial role in supporting sustainable agriculture and global food security. Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics with AI-based analytics offers new precision tools for evaluating crop stress.

This study explores the molecular mechanisms underlying cold stress tolerance in the contrasting strawberry cultivars Queen Elisa (highly cold tolerant) and Camarosa (cold sensitive). Various physiological parameters were measured in these cultivars under cold stress and non-stress conditions. RNA-Seq was used to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways involved in the plant response to cold stress. Biochemical data revealed that the cold-tolerant cultivar under cold stress had higher levels of soluble carbohydrates and proline compared to the cold-sensitive cultivar. Gene expression data demonstrated that cold-tolerance and cold-sensitive cultivars under cold stress modulated genes mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, hormone signaling, and secondary metabolism. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment data showed that cofactor biosynthesis, hormone signaling, and MAPK signaling were the most significantly enriched pathways in both cultivars. The transcription factors NAC, C2H2, ERF, MYB, WRKY, bHLH, DREB, CONSTANS-like, MADS, CCCH, and HY5, and several other key genes have been identified as closely associated with plant tolerance to cold stress. In particular, both contrasting cultivars respond similarly to cold stress, but the cold-tolerant cultivar exhibited a broader modulation of stress-related transcription factors and hormone signaling pathways, which were interpreted as a stronger molecular and biochemical response compared to the cold-sensitive cultivar. Furthermore, several key genes are suggested to be associated with plant tolerance and are proposed as potential targets for the development of biotechnological tools based on transgenesis and genome editing in strawberries. Therefore, this research provides new insights into the genetic and molecular basis of strawberry tolerance to cold stress.

Intensive tea cultivation faces challenges in fertilizer dependency and soil health. Intercropping with forage legumes offers a sustainable solution, enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability. This study employed rhizosphere metabolomics to investigate chemical communication between tea plants and forage legumes under different intercropping systems, focusing on the below-ground environment. We aimed to identify key differentially abundant rhizosphere metabolites and assess their contribution to soil nutrient dynamics and tea plant resilience. Four planting methods were used: tea monoculture (MT), intercropping without partitions (IT), with plastic partitions (PPIT), and with net partitions (NPIT). Metabolites were analyzed using chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed unique metabolic profiles in full-barrier intercropping (PPIT), with increased differentially abundant metabolites, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, and fatty acids (p < 0.05). Forage legume roots exhibited significantly higher secretion levels of coumestrol, a bioactive flavonoid linked to plant-microbe interactions and soil nutrient dynamics. These findings highlight the benefits of intercropping, demonstrating metabolic changes linked to improved soil health and stress tolerance. The upregulation of coumestrol suggests enhanced nitrogen availability. This research provides novel insights into rhizosphere intercropping, promoting sustainable tea production, reducing fertilizer use, and mitigating soil-related biotic and abiotic stress. Increased metabolite diversity reflects intricate interactions governing tea plant health.

Salt stress constrains plant distribution and productivity, posing challenges to agriculture and ecosystems. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forages in the world. Seed germination, epigenetic physiology, transcriptome, metabolome, and the common regulatory mechanism of transcriptome and metabolome were investigated in Xizang's first independently bred alfalfa, ZangMu 1 (ZM1, highly salt-resistant type) and ZangMu 2 (ZM2, salt-sensitive type), under the treatments of 0, 100, and 200 mmol L^-1 NaCl. The results showed that the salt tolerance of ZM1 was significantly better than that of ZM2. Additionally, the seed germination and physiological indices of both varieties exhibited a trend of low promotion and high inhibition. The joint transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was the core pathway in response to salt stress, and ZM1 enhanced stress tolerance by significantly upregulating more differential genes and metabolites. The levels of five key antioxidant metabolites (naringenin (NAR), apigenin (API), dihydroquercetin (DHQ), galangin (GAL), and epigallocatechin (EGC)) were significantly changed under salt stress, indicating that the free radical scavenging system of the plant was regulated. The expression levels of the core genes (CHI1, FL3H, CYP9B16, CYP75A1, FLS, and LAR) showed a synergistic regulation pattern with the salt tolerance metabolites, and the results of qRT-PCR validation were highly consistent with the transcriptome data. This study systematically analysed the flavonoid metabolic network of salt tolerance in Xizang alfalfa, providing molecular targets and a theoretical basis for the selection and breeding of salt-tolerant varieties.

Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum), rich in saponins, possesses extremely high medicinal value. However, inconsistent saponin levels in naturally grown P. sibiricum hinder its quality control assessments and industrial progress. In this study, we applied salicylic acid (SA) to P. sibiricum and measured the content changes of 11 saponins. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the molecular mechanism of saponin biosynthesis. Key saponin biosynthesis genes were identified and subsequently characterized through phylogenetic and structural analyses. The results showed that saponin contents changed significantly after SA treatment. We characterized six key gene families: SQLEs (squalene epoxidases, EC: 1.14.14.17), DXSs (1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthases, EC: 2.2.1.7), FDPSs (farnesyl diphosphate synthases, EC: 2.5.1.1/2.5.1.10), CYP710As (cytochrome P450, family 710, subfamily A; sterol 22-desaturase, EC: 1.14.19.41), HMGCSs (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthases, EC: 2.3.3.10), and SMT1s (sterol methyltransferase 1s, EC: 2.1.1.41), whose phylogenetic analysis revealed the unique evolutionary position of saponin biosynthesis genes. Furthermore, structural prediction and molecular docking revealed functional adaptations of SQLEs. In summary, our findings decipher the molecular mechanisms of SA-induced saponin biosynthesis in P. sibiricum, which can boost its medicinal value.

Grafting has been fundamental in viticulture since the phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century; nevertheless, the functional consequences of vascular connection on the graft union remain poorly understood. The effects of grafting on Vitis vinifera cv. Tempranillo (Te) were evaluated using two complementary approaches: (1) cambial alignment, comparing completely aligned (CA) versus partially aligned (PA) unions; and (2) grafting and scion-rootstock interaction, comparing heterografts (Te/110R and Te/RG8), homografts (Te/Te), and ungrafted Te cuttings. These approaches were tested through three experiments: a vineyard trial and two pot trials under well-watered (WW), moderate water stress (MWS), and recovery (R) regimes. In the vineyard, CA plants exhibited greater vegetative growth and gas exchange, particularly on 110R, whereas the vigorous RG8 rootstock mitigated the effects of misalignment. Under MWS conditions, CA adopted a drought-avoidant strategy with earlier stomatal closure and higher root allocation, whereas PA maintained higher stomatal conductance, recovered photosynthesis faster after rewatering, and prioritised shoot and rootstock growth, especially on RG8. Finally, grafted plants were more sensitive to water stress than ungrafted plants, while homografts accumulated the greatest biomass and root investment, suggesting more efficient vascular connectivity compared with heterografts. Our study highlights that cambial alignment, grafting, and partner interactions influence plant development and physiological performance; however, long-term studies are needed to clarify how vascular connectivity at the graft union affects transport processes, stress responses, and ultimately vine longevity under different scion-rootstock combinations.

Trichomes are key morphological features that significantly influence the taste and quality of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. L. pekinensis), while also enhancing its resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, genetic analysis of a segregating F₂ population derived from the trichome leaf Chinese cabbage line '12d1' and the glabrous leaf pakchoi line 'AB515' indicated that the glabrous leaf trait is controlled by a single recessive gene. Through bulked segregant analysis (BSA) sequencing, fine mapping, and candidate gene sequence analysis, we identified BrGL1 as the causal gene for trichome formation in Chinese cabbage. Sequence alignment further revealed that a 5-bp deletion in the third exon of the BrGL1 gene in 'AB515' resulted in a premature termination of BrGL1. Transcriptome profiling further demonstrates impaired trichome development in 'AB515'. BrGL1 was localized to the nucleus and exhibited self-activation activity. Yeast one hybrid and dual-luciferase assays indicated that BrGL1 directly binds to the BrTTG2 promoter and activates its expression. These findings provide valuable resources for elucidating the molecular mechanism of leaf trichome formation in Chinese cabbage and for genetic improvement.

Aluminum (Al) is a major environmental pollutant that disrupts plant metabolism, inhibits growth, and reduces crop productivity. Beneficial metal-tolerant rhizobacteria can help plants mitigate Al stress. This study evaluated the potential of metal-tolerant rhizobacteria to enhance Al tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.). Pseudomonas azotoformans PSZ-1 (Accession no. PV605389.1) and Achromobacter sp. PSZ-5 (Accession no. PV639388.1) tolerated 120 and 100 μM Al, respectively, produced PGP substances, and effectively biosorbed Al³⁺ ions. Aluminum, particularly at 80 μM, had phytotoxic effects on maize, reducing growth and photosynthetic traits while elevating ROS, oxidative stress, and metal uptake. Inoculation with PSZ-1 and PSZ-5 alleviated Al-induced toxicity, enhancing maize performance under metal stress. Both strains significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved root biomass (30.7%, 35.7%), carotenoids (23.4%, 29.8%), chlorophyll fluorescence (27.2%, 29.4%), photosynthetic rate (24.8%, 33%), and stomatal conductance (29.7%, 35.4%) in 20 μM Al³⁺-stressed maize over uninoculated controls. ROS (H₂O₂, superoxide) and oxidative stress markers (EL, MDA) were significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.001) in bacterial-primed maize. Bacterial inoculation reduced Al accumulation in roots and shoot tissues of maize. At 40 μM Al, PSZ-5 significantly upregulated the activities of APX, CT, and POD by 30.1%, 26.8%, and 22.6%, while PSZ-1 maximally enhanced SOD and GR by 37.8% and 25.6% in roots, respectively. Multivariate analyses confirmed the strong parameter associations among treatments. Overall, applied PGPR strains showed promise for bioremediation of Al-contaminated soils and improving maize growth and tolerance. Future work should validate their performance under field conditions and explore molecular mechanisms and microbial consortia development.

The fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)] is an invasive pest of maize, posing significant threats to crop productivity. While herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) play a central role in indirect plant defenses, the contribution of hydrocarbon-based volatile organic compounds to S. frugiperda resistance remains underexplored. This study investigated the VOC profiles of maize seedlings infested by S. frugiperda compared to uninfested controls, and evaluated the bioactivity of selected synthetic VOCs on larval feeding performance. GC-MS analysis revealed qualitative and quantitative shifts in the maize volatilome following herbivory, with 11 VOCs-including mesitylene, cyclohexane, hexadecane, and eicosane-uniquely induced in infested plants. Hydrocarbon compounds dominated the altered profiles, suggesting their potential defensive function. To validate their bioactivity, nine synthetic hydrocarbons were applied to semi-synthetic diets, and their effects on larval development, feeding, and nutritional indices were assessed. Among them, eicosane and cyclohexane exhibited the strongest suppressive effects, significantly reducing larval weight gain, food intake, frass production, relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR), and approximate digestibility (AD). Octane and pentatriacontane showed moderate inhibitory effects, while tetracosane and henicosane were largely ineffective. The results demonstrate that specific hydrocarbon-based VOCs not only correlate with herbivore attack but also directly impair pest growth and digestion. This study underscores the functional importance of herbivory-induced hydrocarbons in maize defense and identifies promising VOCs for development as biocompatible agents in sustainable pest management strategies.