Plant Biology最新文献

Roots are pivotal for plant acclimation to environmental challenges, serving as dynamic interfaces for water and nutrient acquisition, signal integration and stress resilience. In nature and agriculture, plants are rarely exposed to single stresses in isolation; instead, they encounter multifactorial constraints such as drought × salinity, heat × nutrient limitation or sequential flooding and drought. These combinations often produce synergistic, antagonistic or neutral interactions that cannot be inferred from single-stress studies. This review synthesizes methodological advances that enable the study of root responses beyond reductionist paradigms. We first discuss growth and performance assays that quantify root architecture, resource uptake and hydraulic function under combined stresses. We then highlight targeted molecular assays and high-resolution omics technologies that reveal stress-specific biochemical and regulatory signatures. Imaging methodologies, ranging from X-ray tomography and MRI to confocal and synchrotron-based approaches, provide spatiotemporal access to root structural and functional dynamics. Finally, we propose integrative frameworks that merge phenotyping, omics and imaging with computational modelling to disentangle the logic of root acclimation under multifactorial conditions. By bridging methodological layers, this review provides a roadmap for advancing plant stress biology toward predictive and translational frameworks, with direct implications for breeding resilient crops in the context of climate change.

Ex situ seed storage plays a critical role in conserving plant genetic resources threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Orthodox seeds, which comprise the majority of seed-producing plants, tolerate desiccation and freezing, allowing long-term storage. Their survival is attributed to metabolic quiescence and cellular stabilization during drying. In contrast, recalcitrant seeds are highly sensitive to drying and chilling, which limits their storage using conventional seed banking methods. Recent advances focus on overcoming these challenges through embryo excision, in vitro culture and cryopreservation including vitrification, and encapsulation-dehydration, although these techniques are labour-intensive and constrained in scale. Differences in desiccation sensitivity between tissues, such as embryonic axes and cotyledons, highlight the need for comprehensive preservation strategies. In recalcitrant seeds with epicotyl dormancy, the epicotyl elongates, sometimes forming a swollen tuber-like structure, then pauses growth while functioning independently of the seed, at which point it can be excised, dried and stored at about -20 °C or under cryogenic conditions. Integrating physiological, molecular and ecological knowledge is essential for developing innovative, tissue-specific protocols to improve seed longevity and conservation outcomes, thereby enhancing biodiversity preservation and agricultural resilience under rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Hybrid zones are dynamic systems shaped by multidimensional ecological and evolutionary forces. When a hybrid zone is not entirely regulated by the environment or hybrid fitness, tracing the movement of populations and traits can provide further insights into the interplay between selective processes. Hybridization between two diverging plant lineages, Impatiens rosea and Impatiens balsamina, has formed a narrow hybrid zone in the Western Ghats of India that is not entirely environment-dependent nor regulated by hybrid fitness. To understand its maintenance, we studied the genetic structure of the hybrid zone using SNP markers. We assessed the role of inbreeding in maintaining population boundaries and investigated introgression, genetic composition, clinal patterns and the demographic history of the hybrid zone. The demographic analysis confirmed the origin of the hybrid zone in secondary contact. We found lower levels of heterozygosity and higher inbreeding in the hybrid zone than in parental populations. The hybrid zone is composed mainly of F2 or advanced-generation hybrids, suggesting minimal active hybridization, while inbred advanced-generation hybrids dominate the hybrid zone. Hybrids show asymmetric admixture with higher contribution from I. balsamina than I. rosea. Introgression is unidirectional from I. balsamina to I. rosea. I. balsamina is likely invading into I. rosea through a narrowly maintained hybrid zone. The narrow I. rosea-balsamina hybrid zone is a dynamic system that persists through inbreeding amongst hybrids and is regulated by a complex interplay of multiple ecological and evolutionary factors, offering insights into how such zones regulate landscape-level population dynamics.

Wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites (SH) exhibits superior drought tolerance compared with cultivated Ailsa craig (AC). This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying this trait through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, focusing on the regulatory role of SlTAT in coordinating antioxidant and metabolic responses. We employed comparative physiological assays, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of SlTAT, and integrated multi-omics analysis (RNA-seq and LC-MS/MS) to characterize drought response mechanisms in SH versus AC under controlled drought conditions. SlTAT was identified as a critical regulator enriched in amino acid and alkaloid biosynthesis pathways. Silencing SlTAT in AC significantly impaired drought tolerance (P < 0.01), concurrently altering expression of antioxidant and secondary metabolism genes and reducing accumulation of protective metabolites. SlTAT enhances drought tolerance by synchronizing antioxidant defences with metabolic reprogramming in amino acid and alkaloid pathways. These findings provide novel targets for improving crop resilience through secondary metabolite engineering.

The fitness of hybrids in comparison with their parents determines the fate of hybrid zones. Here, we evaluated the fitness of the parental tree species, Dimorphandra exaltata and D. mollis, and their hybrids, identified as D. wilsonii, in a hybrid zone from an ecotonal area between the Cerrado (savanna) and Atlantic Forest. We aimed to answer two principal questions: Do the hybrids express heterosis or hybrid breakdown? Do patterns of seed germination of hybrids suggest local adaptation or intrinsic hybrid incompatibilities? We analysed biometry of fruit and seed traits and germination response to a wide temperature range (12-40 °C) to assess the fitness of F1 and backcross compared to parental species. We identified heterosis in F1 hybrids, since their fruits were almost a third larger, and their seeds heavier than both parental species. The backcross hybrid showed a loss of vigour in fruit traits compared to F1. A much lower number of filled seeds per fruit, with a high ratio of malformed seeds/total seeds per fruit and a lower germination in almost all temperatures was found in the backcross compared to parental species and F1. These results suggest a hybrid breakdown. The heterosis found in the F1 hybrids coupled with the hybrid breakdown in backcross suggests that the maintenance of hybrid zone is dependent on the recurrent crossing between D. exaltata and D. mollis. The rarity of advanced generations of hybrids can be explained at least partially by intrinsic incompatibility, independent of the environment, consistent with intrinsic post-zygotic reproductive isolation.

Seed oil content, a crucial nutritional trait in soybean, has been reshaped by domestication; however, the transcriptomic mechanisms underlying this change remain incompletely understood. Here, we sequenced seed transcriptomes from six soybean accessions - four cultivated (two high-oil, two medium-oil) and two wild (low-oil) - across four developmental stages (S1-S4). To identify transcriptional drivers of oil enhancement during domestication, we integrated differential expression, weighted gene co-expression network, core network, domestication signature and regulator target enrichment analyses across three comparisons: cultivated high-oil versus wild, cultivated medium-oil versus wild and all cultivated versus wild. Differences in oil accumulation were associated with two module classes: cultivated/wild-specific (cultivated-positive, wild-negative) and S1/S4 stage-specific (cultivated S1-positive, wild S4-negative). The cultivated/wild-specific modules were enriched for lipid storage, lipid localization and carbohydrate metabolism. Core network analysis identified two oil biosynthetic pathways - a lipid regulatory axis (BCCP2-SAD-FAD2-OBO/FA9) and a PLIP1-dependent pathway - both coupled to glycolysis (GPT2-GAPDH-PK). The S1/S4 stage-specific modules were enriched for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Their core networks highlighted a GmLEC1a-GmWRI1a/GmWRI1b cascade that coordinates cell wall metabolism, glycolysis, fatty acid synthesis and sterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, the S1/S4 stage-specific modules were enriched for domestication signatures, and the co-expression of oil content and seed-size genes suggests co-domestication of these traits. Thus, soybean domestication enhanced seed oil content by rewiring early (S1) transcriptional networks through a GmLEC1a-GmWRI1b cascade that directs carbon flux into fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol biosynthesis. We prioritized 15 synergistic targets - four transcription factors (GmLEC1a, GmWRI1a, GmWRI1b, ICE1) and 11 metabolic/structural genes (e.g. SAD.3, β-PDH.2, BC, LIL3:1) - for precision breeding to improve seed oil content.

Rice is a critical dietary selenium (Se) source, but its Se biofortification potential is constrained by low soil Se availability in typical agroecosystems. While microbial interventions and Se fertilization are recognized as effective strategies, their integrated effects on Se translocation dynamics from early growth stages to mature grains remain understudied. This study investigates the synergistic potential of Funneliformis mosseae and selenite application during the seedling stage to enhance Se accumulation efficiency and grain biofortification. A pot experiment using typical paddy soil evaluated four treatments: control (CK_Se0), F. mosseae alone (F_Se0), selenite alone (CK_Se0.5), and combined F. mosseae and selenite (F_Se0.5). Plant biomass, Se concentrations in tissues/grains, rhizosphere microbial communities (16S/ITS sequencing) and soil Se fractions were analysed. F_Se0.5 increased shoot/root dry weights by 104.5%/79.4% (P < 0.05) compared to CK_Se0, with 2.5-fold (shoots) and 6.4-fold (roots) Se enrichment. Meanwhile, the content of available selenium in soil (SOL-Se + EX-Se) increased by 78.9% (P < 0.05). Microbiomic analysis showed F_Se0.5 reshaped soil microbial communities, enriching Se-redox functional taxa (e.g. Massilia, Fusicolla). This accelerated the transformation process of bioavailable selenium fractions in the soil, thereby promoting efficient selenium accumulation in mature grains. Additionally, inoculation with F. mosseae played a dominant role in driving changes in the rhizosphere microbial community, with the fungal community shifting from a stochastic to a deterministic process. This study identifies seedling-stage F. mosseae-Selenite synergy as a critical strategy for optimizing Se biofortification. By coordinating microbial community restructuring with plant Se uptake dynamics, our findings provide a sustainable framework for enhancing agricultural Se utilization efficiency.

Parental environmental effects play a crucial role in clonal plants, potentially enabling clonal offspring to pre-adapt to environmental changes. However, few studies have examined whether such parental effects differ between genotypes and whether they enhance both growth and defence. We conducted a two-generation herbivory experiment using six genotypes of the invasive clonal plant Hydrocotyle verticillata and the native generalist herbivore Spodoptera litura in China. We tested how parental herbivory (PH) effects influence offspring survival, growth, and herbivory defence, and whether these parental effects vary among genotypes. Herbivory significantly reduced leaf mass and leaf number of parental plants, while increasing its specific leaf area. PH enhanced offspring survival by 21% and tended to increase offspring leaf mass. However, clonal offspring from herbivory-treated parental plants suffered equally severe defoliation (>95%) as control offspring. While most parental effects were consistent across genotypes, root mass and specific leaf area showed genotype-dependent responses. Notably, genotype G4 exhibited markedly elevated SLA following PH despite having the lowest offspring survival. Our results reveal an asymmetric transgenerational strategy in invasive H. verticillata, that is, PH enhances offspring growth and survival without conferring herbivory defence. This decoupling of growth enhancement from defence induction represents an evolutionary trade-off that may facilitate rapid colonization but leaves invasive populations vulnerable to herbivore pressure. Consequently, while this transgenerational plasticity facilitates range expansion and population establishment in herbivore-free habitats, it may render invasive populations susceptible to regulation by specialist or generalist herbivores during secondary contact.

While mowing imposes mechanical stress on Leymus chinensis, moderate mowing intensity paradoxically enhances its regrowth capacity. We aimed to elucidate how L. chinensis orchestrates its defence response at the molecular level. We conducted integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling to identify key changes in gene expression and metabolite levels. Our focus was on the modulation of flavonoid biosynthesis and phytohormone signalling pathways, which are crucial for stress adaptation. Our analyses revealed significant modulation in flavonoid biosynthesis, which is known for its role in plant defence mechanisms. Additionally, we observed changes in phytohormone signalling pathways that are essential for growth regulation and stress response. Characterization of the Aux/IAA gene family identified LcIAA3 as a key player in the mowing stress response, with its expression consistently upregulated. The modulation of flavonoid biosynthesis and phytohormone signalling pathways under moderate mowing intensity is central to L. chinensis's enhanced regrowth. LcIAA3, which is upregulated post-mowing, is likely involved in these processes and may be a significant factor in the plant's stress response. Further functional validation is necessary to confirm its role. Our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of mowing tolerance and potential breeding targets for improving the resilience of forage crops under moderate mowing conditions.

The paradigm shift in climatic patterns has completely transformed the pest dynamics in jute cultivation. The Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua Walker), formerly deemed sporadic, has presently evolved as a key pest, exacting serious attention. This study aims to identify resistant sources among wild, indigenous, and cultivated genotypes of dark jute. The interrelationship between the biochemical, anatomical, and molecular attributes of the host and larval consumption and growth parameters was studied to unveil the mechanisms underlying its defence response. The results suggested that the larvae exhibited varied food consumption and utilization, which was highly dependent on the host's nutritional and allelochemical attributes. Leaf protein content, trichome type, density, and lignin content influenced the larvae's consumption and growth rate, while allelochemicals like total phenol and antioxidative enzymes significantly deterred these indices. Efficiency of conversion of digested food and conversion of ingested food, as well as the consumption index of the larvae, were some of the most vital parameters that determined the host's resilience. Multivariate analysis classified the genotypes into three major clusters. Gene expression analysis revealed that the upregulation of defence-related genes like peroxidase (Co-POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (Co-PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (Co-CAD), and dirigent proteins (Co-DIR) played a critical role in jute defence against S. obliqua infestation, with significant variations between resistant and susceptible genotypes, while TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (Co-TTGLA1) exhibited complex, genotype-specific expression patterns. The highly resistant wild lines (WCIN179 and WCIN136) and resistant indigenous lines (OIN149 and OIN147) represent valuable genetic resources for jute breeding programmes for mitigating S. obliqua infestation.