Pub Date : 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100590
Edith Le Cadre , Mathieu Emily
Structural Equation Modeling is used in ecological studies to confirm pre-assumed multivariate causal relationships. However, the rhizosphere is a complex environment, and knowledge is not sufficiently consistent to propose unambiguous causal relationships to be tested. Using a Latent Variable Structural Equation Modeling framework, that aims to build and explore different causality patterns in rhizosphere environments, we designed an exploratory approach to detect causality patterns that are worth being investigated a posteriori and contribute to rhizosphere knowledge and applications. Grounded in statistical methods, exploration of the “causal space” is applicable to prioritize rhizosphere causality patterns that worth to be tested. Application of our framework to field studies is discussed. The term causal space is debated as a pioneer concept for causal inference in the rhizosphere.
{"title":"When rhizosphere complexity is too important for constraining into a single causality pattern: A causal inference methodology","authors":"Edith Le Cadre , Mathieu Emily","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Structural Equation Modeling is used in ecological studies to confirm pre-assumed multivariate causal relationships. However, the rhizosphere is a complex environment, and knowledge is not sufficiently consistent to propose unambiguous causal relationships to be tested. Using a Latent Variable Structural Equation Modeling framework, that aims to build and explore different causality patterns in rhizosphere environments, we designed an exploratory approach to detect causality patterns that are worth being investigated <em>a posteriori</em> and contribute to rhizosphere knowledge and applications. Grounded in statistical methods, exploration of the “causal space” is applicable to prioritize rhizosphere causality patterns that worth to be tested. Application of our framework to field studies is discussed. The term causal space is debated as a pioneer concept for causal inference in the rhizosphere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100590"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100585
Andres Echeverria , Aitziber Calleja-Satrustegui , Ha Duc Chu , Santiago Signorelli , Javier Buezo , Weiqiang Li , Yasuko Watanabe , Yukiko Uehara-Yamaguchi , Komaki Inoue , Kanatani Asaka , Minami Shimizu , Yusuke Kouzai , Lam-Son Phan Tran , Keiichi Mochida , Esther M. Gonzalez
Medicago truncatula (Mt) is a relatively drought-tolerant model legume widely cultivated in Australia. Unlike previous studies that focus on specific plant components, this work reanalyses the metabolite pattern along with transcriptome data to understand the integrated response of the entire plant system to water deficit stress. Physiological and transcriptomic analyses of the leaves, taproots, and fibrous roots were performed in response to moderate and severe drought conditions. Our findings revealed that plants prioritize water supply to aboveground organs, leading to a significant decline in the root system water content during active growth. At the whole plant level, a coordinated upregulation involving LEA proteins, proline, and ABA metabolism was observed. Furthermore, carbohydrate metabolism, essential for sustaining tissue growth, was significantly altered by drought stress. Despite the well-established link between water deficit and reduced photosynthesis, which compromises carbon availability within the plant, the activation of a complete set of sucrose- and starch-degrading and -synthesising enzymes was detected. These enzymes act in concert with hexose and sucrose transporters to remobilise carbon throughout the plant system. In addition to enhanced carbon remobilisation, a notable root-specific downregulation of ethylene synthesis was observed, shedding light on the mechanism regulating plant growth under drought stress. In conclusion, our findings reveal a strong organ-specific and coordinated molecular response across progressive drought stress levels.
{"title":"Comprehensive transcriptome analysis reveals coordinated multi-organ carbon metabolism responses in Medicago truncatula under water deficit stress","authors":"Andres Echeverria , Aitziber Calleja-Satrustegui , Ha Duc Chu , Santiago Signorelli , Javier Buezo , Weiqiang Li , Yasuko Watanabe , Yukiko Uehara-Yamaguchi , Komaki Inoue , Kanatani Asaka , Minami Shimizu , Yusuke Kouzai , Lam-Son Phan Tran , Keiichi Mochida , Esther M. Gonzalez","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Medicago truncatula</em> (<em>Mt</em>) is a relatively drought-tolerant model legume widely cultivated in Australia. Unlike previous studies that focus on specific plant components, this work reanalyses the metabolite pattern along with transcriptome data to understand the integrated response of the entire plant system to water deficit stress. Physiological and transcriptomic analyses of the leaves, taproots, and fibrous roots were performed in response to moderate and severe drought conditions. Our findings revealed that plants prioritize water supply to aboveground organs, leading to a significant decline in the root system water content during active growth. At the whole plant level, a coordinated upregulation involving LEA proteins, proline, and ABA metabolism was observed. Furthermore, carbohydrate metabolism, essential for sustaining tissue growth, was significantly altered by drought stress. Despite the well-established link between water deficit and reduced photosynthesis, which compromises carbon availability within the plant, the activation of a complete set of sucrose- and starch-degrading and -synthesising enzymes was detected. These enzymes act in concert with hexose and sucrose transporters to remobilise carbon throughout the plant system. In addition to enhanced carbon remobilisation, a notable root-specific downregulation of ethylene synthesis was observed, shedding light on the mechanism regulating plant growth under drought stress. In conclusion, our findings reveal a strong organ-specific and coordinated molecular response across progressive drought stress levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100585"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100577
Mohammad Shahid , Zaryab Shafi
Phytoalexins are inducible secondary metabolites that play a pivotal role in the plant’s innate immunity. They function as antimicrobial agents and signal molecules in response to pathogen attack. Structurally diverse groups—such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids enable plants to mount broad-spectrum defences. Although natural phytoalexins are central and evolutionarily conserved components of plant defense, their rapid turnover, spatial restriction, and susceptibility to pathogen detoxification can sometimes limit duration or spectrum of protection, particularly under high disease pressure. Therefore, in addition to enhancing their biosynthesis and stability, targeted structural modifications enabled by molecular engineering may further optimize their activity and strengthen durable resistance in crops. Molecular engineering approaches, including transcription factor engineering, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing, and epigenetic regulation, offer powerful tools to enhance phytoalexin biosynthesis and functionality. Emerging strategies aim to develop specialized phytoalexins with improved stability, potency, and a broader range of action. When integrated with modern breeding and biotechnological platforms, these molecular innovations can enhance crops resilience. Despite challenges such as metabolic trade-offs, and potential growth–defense imbalances, engineered phytoalexins represent a promising avenue for next-generation plant defense. This review summarizes recent developments, challenges, and prospects of phytoalexins as designer defenses in the molecular engineering era.
{"title":"Redefining phytoalexins as engineered defenses for plant disease resistance","authors":"Mohammad Shahid , Zaryab Shafi","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100577","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100577","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phytoalexins are inducible secondary metabolites that play a pivotal role in the plant’s innate immunity. They function as antimicrobial agents and signal molecules in response to pathogen attack. Structurally diverse groups—such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids enable plants to mount broad-spectrum defences. Although natural phytoalexins are central and evolutionarily conserved components of plant defense, their rapid turnover, spatial restriction, and susceptibility to pathogen detoxification can sometimes limit duration or spectrum of protection, particularly under high disease pressure. Therefore, in addition to enhancing their biosynthesis and stability, targeted structural modifications enabled by molecular engineering may further optimize their activity and strengthen durable resistance in crops. Molecular engineering approaches, including transcription factor engineering, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing, and epigenetic regulation, offer powerful tools to enhance phytoalexin biosynthesis and functionality. Emerging strategies aim to develop specialized phytoalexins with improved stability, potency, and a broader range of action. When integrated with modern breeding and biotechnological platforms, these molecular innovations can enhance crops resilience. Despite challenges such as metabolic trade-offs, and potential growth–defense imbalances, engineered phytoalexins represent a promising avenue for next-generation plant defense. This review summarizes recent developments, challenges, and prospects of phytoalexins as designer defenses in the molecular engineering era.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100577"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The association of plants and microorganisms is a major determinant that influences plant health, uptake of nutrients, and resilience to climate change. The technological advancements in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have enabled understanding of these symbiotic interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. The identification of molecular mechanisms that underlie the mutualistic association between plants and different kinds of beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, endophytes, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has revealed major signaling pathways such as the common symbiosis signaling pathway, hormone crosstalk, and microbe-associated molecular patterns. Recent studies have demonstrated that the Common Symbiosis Signaling Pathway (CSSP) is conserved among diverse plant species, and assumes an important role in plant symbiotic interactions. Microbial consortia, notwithstanding their broad potential, are strongly dependent on the context, and their results vary according to factors such as microbial competition, host genotype, and soil heterogeneity, which in turn explain the inconsistencies that have been observed in the field. The partnerships between plants and microbes could lead to exciting transformations for agriculture that’s both sustainable and resilient to climate challenges.
{"title":"Plant-microbial symbiosis: Molecular insights and applications in sustainable agriculture","authors":"Gopal Wasudeo Narkhede , G. Harish Kumar , Manchikatla Arun Kumar , Penna Suprasanna","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The association of plants and microorganisms is a major determinant that influences plant health, uptake of nutrients, and resilience to climate change. The technological advancements in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have enabled understanding of these symbiotic interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. The identification of molecular mechanisms that underlie the mutualistic association between plants and different kinds of beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, endophytes, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has revealed major signaling pathways such as the common symbiosis signaling pathway, hormone crosstalk, and microbe-associated molecular patterns. Recent studies have demonstrated that the Common Symbiosis Signaling Pathway (CSSP) is conserved among diverse plant species, and assumes an important role in plant symbiotic interactions. Microbial consortia, notwithstanding their broad potential, are strongly dependent on the context, and their results vary according to factors such as microbial competition, host genotype, and soil heterogeneity, which in turn explain the inconsistencies that have been observed in the field. The partnerships between plants and microbes could lead to exciting transformations for agriculture that’s both sustainable and resilient to climate challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100587"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100582
Nisar Ali , Abdul Bais , Jatinder S. Sangha , Richard D. Cuthbert , Yuefeng Ruan
Accurate estimation of the harvest index (HI), the ratio of grain yield to total aboveground biomass (AGB), is crucial for evaluating crop productivity and resource-use efficiency in wheat breeding programs. While traditional HI measurement methods use destructive field sampling, which is labour-intensive and impractical for large-scale breeding trials, recent advances in UAV-based remote sensing now offer non-destructive alternatives capable of delivering high-throughput, plot-level HI estimation. In this study, we present a high-throughput phenotyping framework that combines UAV-based multispectral imaging and ensemble machine learning to estimate HI under field environments. Multispectral data were collected at two key growth stages, anthesis and maturity, using a DJI M300 RTK drone equipped with a RedEdge-P sensor. Vegetation indices (VIs), including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge index (NDRE), and green NDVI (G-NDVI), were extracted using data from sensors and ground truth monitoring and used as predictors to estimate grain yield and AGB for calculating HI. An ensemble learning model, based on a stacking architecture comprising five regressors and a ridge regression meta-learner, was employed to enhance prediction accuracy. Results showed strong correlations between UAV-derived and ground-truth VIs (R2> 0.94, RMSE < 0.023). The ensemble model demonstrated high accuracy and strong generalization for HI estimation across both experimental sites and growing seasons. At the anthesis stage, the NDVI-based ensemble model achieved the best performance. For the Indian Head site, it yielded a testing R2 of 0.87, RMSE of 4.18 g/p, and NRMSE of 2.73 %, based on a training R2 of 0.83. At the Swift Current site, the model produced a testing R2 of 0.84, RMSE of 8.67 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.67 %. Similarly, at the maturity stage, the NDRE-based ensemble model was the top performer. It recorded a testing R2 of 0.86, RMSE of 7.10 g/p, and NRMSE of 4.64 % at Indian Head, and a testing R2 of 0.83 with an RMSE of 8.06 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.27 % at Swift Current. Across all indices and stages, the ensemble model consistently outperformed individual models, achieving high testing R2 values and low RMSE, which confirms its robustness and predictive power on unseen data. The proposed UAV machine learning framework demonstrates a reliable and non-destructive approach for field-level HI estimation, thereby improving germplasm selection efficiency for yield improvement. It offers a valuable tool for accelerating trait-based wheat breeding and precision agriculture applications.
{"title":"High-throughput UAV phenotyping for plot-level harvest index estimation in wheat fields","authors":"Nisar Ali , Abdul Bais , Jatinder S. Sangha , Richard D. Cuthbert , Yuefeng Ruan","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate estimation of the harvest index (HI), the ratio of grain yield to total aboveground biomass (AGB), is crucial for evaluating crop productivity and resource-use efficiency in wheat breeding programs. While traditional HI measurement methods use destructive field sampling, which is labour-intensive and impractical for large-scale breeding trials, recent advances in UAV-based remote sensing now offer non-destructive alternatives capable of delivering high-throughput, plot-level HI estimation. In this study, we present a high-throughput phenotyping framework that combines UAV-based multispectral imaging and ensemble machine learning to estimate HI under field environments. Multispectral data were collected at two key growth stages, anthesis and maturity, using a DJI M300 RTK drone equipped with a RedEdge-P sensor. Vegetation indices (VIs), including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge index (NDRE), and green NDVI (G-NDVI), were extracted using data from sensors and ground truth monitoring and used as predictors to estimate grain yield and AGB for calculating HI. An ensemble learning model, based on a stacking architecture comprising five regressors and a ridge regression meta-learner, was employed to enhance prediction accuracy. Results showed strong correlations between UAV-derived and ground-truth VIs (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup> <em>></em> 0<em>.</em>94<em>,</em> RMSE <em><</em> 0<em>.</em>023). The ensemble model demonstrated high accuracy and strong generalization for HI estimation across both experimental sites and growing seasons. At the anthesis stage, the NDVI-based ensemble model achieved the best performance. For the Indian Head site, it yielded a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.87, RMSE of 4.18 g/p, and NRMSE of 2.73 %, based on a training <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.83. At the Swift Current site, the model produced a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.84, RMSE of 8.67 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.67 %. Similarly, at the maturity stage, the NDRE-based ensemble model was the top performer. It recorded a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.86, RMSE of 7.10 g/p, and NRMSE of 4.64 % at Indian Head, and a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.83 with an RMSE of 8.06 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.27 % at Swift Current. Across all indices and stages, the ensemble model consistently outperformed individual models, achieving high testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> values and low RMSE, which confirms its robustness and predictive power on unseen data. The proposed UAV machine learning framework demonstrates a reliable and non-destructive approach for field-level HI estimation, thereby improving germplasm selection efficiency for yield improvement. It offers a valuable tool for accelerating trait-based wheat breeding and precision agriculture applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100582"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100580
Qiang Ma, Jin Jia, Bo Tian, Peng Zhang, Lei Jian, Yutao Shao
To devise an efficient and low-toxicity strategy for aphid control, this study assessed the impacts of five spray treatments on sorghum exposed to 48-hour aphid stress. The treatments included lanthanum (La) alone, dimethoate (LG1) alone, La+LG2, La+LG3, and La+LG4. Among them, the La+LG2 treatment exhibited the most superior performance. La+LG2 significantly enhanced plant growth, as evidenced by increases in plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight. It also reduced cell membrane damage, as indicated by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and relative electrical conductivity. In terms of photosynthesis, La+LG2 elevated the P-phase fluorescence intensity of the OJIP curve, improved the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), optimized the energy distribution within photosystem II (increasing electron transport flux per reaction center, ETO/RC, and trapped energy flux per reaction center, TRO/RC, while decreasing absorbed energy flux per reaction center, ABS/RC, and dissipated energy flux per reaction center, DIO/RC), and promoted pigment synthesis. Additionally, La+LG2 alleviated oxidative damage by activating enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). It also optimized the ascorbic acid-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintain redox homeostasis. Meanwhile, at the molecular level, La+LG2 constructed a dual-regulatory network to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and maintain the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This was accomplished via the synergistic activation of photosynthesis-related genes and the differential regulation of respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) family genes. Overall, La+LG2 achieved an efficacy comparable to that of high-dose LG1 but with reduced chemical input. This reveals a multi-targeted stress regulation mechanism and provides theoretical support for the synergistic pest control strategy combining rare earth elements and low-toxicity agents, as well as for agricultural efforts to reduce pesticide use.
{"title":"Synergy of La and low-dose LG2 for alleviating aphid stress in sorghum: A novel strategy for reduced chemical input","authors":"Qiang Ma, Jin Jia, Bo Tian, Peng Zhang, Lei Jian, Yutao Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To devise an efficient and low-toxicity strategy for aphid control, this study assessed the impacts of five spray treatments on sorghum exposed to 48-hour aphid stress. The treatments included lanthanum (La) alone, dimethoate (LG1) alone, La+LG2, La+LG3, and La+LG4. Among them, the La+LG2 treatment exhibited the most superior performance. La+LG2 significantly enhanced plant growth, as evidenced by increases in plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight. It also reduced cell membrane damage, as indicated by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and relative electrical conductivity. In terms of photosynthesis, La+LG2 elevated the P-phase fluorescence intensity of the OJIP curve, improved the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), optimized the energy distribution within photosystem II (increasing electron transport flux per reaction center, ETO/RC, and trapped energy flux per reaction center, TRO/RC, while decreasing absorbed energy flux per reaction center, ABS/RC, and dissipated energy flux per reaction center, DIO/RC), and promoted pigment synthesis. Additionally, La+LG2 alleviated oxidative damage by activating enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). It also optimized the ascorbic acid-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintain redox homeostasis. Meanwhile, at the molecular level, La+LG2 constructed a dual-regulatory network to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and maintain the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This was accomplished via the synergistic activation of photosynthesis-related genes and the differential regulation of respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) family genes. Overall, La+LG2 achieved an efficacy comparable to that of high-dose LG1 but with reduced chemical input. This reveals a multi-targeted stress regulation mechanism and provides theoretical support for the synergistic pest control strategy combining rare earth elements and low-toxicity agents, as well as for agricultural efforts to reduce pesticide use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100580"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100584
Nipapan Kanjana , Penghui Guo , Zetian Deng , Muhammad Afaq Ahmed , Ismail Shah , Lisheng Zhang
Root-feeding herbivores impose substantial constraints on plant performance, yet the chemical signals coordinating belowground defence remain poorly resolved. Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs)—highly diffusible metabolites produced by rhizosphere and endophytic microbes—have emerged as pivotal regulators of plant immunity and development. Recent evidence shows that specific mVOCs modulate jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene, auxin, and ROS-associated pathways, thereby reprogramming root architecture and priming defence responses during herbivore attack. Despite these advances, major mechanistic gaps persist, including how plants perceive mVOCs, how soil physicochemical conditions shape their diffusion and bioactivity, and how mVOCs integrate with plant-derived volatiles and metabolites to coordinate systemic signalling. Moreover, the roles of mVOCs in mediating multitrophic interactions—particularly their influence on root herbivore behaviour, microbial recruitment, and defence hormone crosstalk—remain largely unexplored. This review synthesizes current advances in mVOC biology and proposes conceptual frameworks linking microbial volatilomes to plant hormonal networks and belowground herbivore defence. A deeper understanding of these hidden chemical dialogues will inform strategies for enhancing crop resilience and developing sustainable root pest management.
{"title":"Microbial volatile organic compounds reshape plant hormonal networks and root herbivore defense","authors":"Nipapan Kanjana , Penghui Guo , Zetian Deng , Muhammad Afaq Ahmed , Ismail Shah , Lisheng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Root-feeding herbivores impose substantial constraints on plant performance, yet the chemical signals coordinating belowground defence remain poorly resolved. Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs)—highly diffusible metabolites produced by rhizosphere and endophytic microbes—have emerged as pivotal regulators of plant immunity and development. Recent evidence shows that specific mVOCs modulate jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene, auxin, and ROS-associated pathways, thereby reprogramming root architecture and priming defence responses during herbivore attack. Despite these advances, major mechanistic gaps persist, including how plants perceive mVOCs, how soil physicochemical conditions shape their diffusion and bioactivity, and how mVOCs integrate with plant-derived volatiles and metabolites to coordinate systemic signalling. Moreover, the roles of mVOCs in mediating multitrophic interactions—particularly their influence on root herbivore behaviour, microbial recruitment, and defence hormone crosstalk—remain largely unexplored. This review synthesizes current advances in mVOC biology and proposes conceptual frameworks linking microbial volatilomes to plant hormonal networks and belowground herbivore defence. A deeper understanding of these hidden chemical dialogues will inform strategies for enhancing crop resilience and developing sustainable root pest management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100584"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100578
Sandra Bretones, Teresa Barragán-Lozano, Salvador Núñez-Escánez, Rafael Lozano, Fernando J. Yuste-Lisbona
Nicotiana benthamiana is a model plant species widely used in molecular biology and biotechnology; however, it has historically lacked a detailed morphological framework for floral development. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of N. benthamiana flower ontogeny, defining 14 floral stages from floral meristem initiation to anthesis. Using stereo- and scanning electron microscopy, we document the acropetal sequence of floral organ initiation and differentiation across four concentric whorls. Each stage is marked by distinct morphological features, starting with the domed floral meristem (Stage 1). Sepal primordia emerge first (Stage 2), followed by petal and stamen primordia (Stages 4 and 5), and two carpel primordia appear by Stage 6 to initiate gynoecium development. Through mid-development (Stages 6–8), petals and stamens expand within an enclosing calyx, while carpels remain unfused. By Stage 9, carpel fusion forms a single ovary with a differentiating stigma. Subsequent stages feature rapid elongation of petals and stamens, and partial calyx separation (Stages 11–12), allowing emergence of the corolla tube and style. Anthesis occurs at Stage 14, when the corolla lobes fully spread, exposing the mature reproductive organs. In parallel, we describe the coordinated development of male and female gametophytes, and further characterize post-anthesis fruit development, from fruit set through capsule maturation and dehiscence, thus completing the full reproductive cycle. This ontogenetic framework serves as a foundational reference for genetic and comparative development studies on flower organogenesis, reinforcing N. benthamiana as a versatile model system for Solanaceae research and a valuable tool for translational crop improvement.
{"title":"Floral ontogeny and development of the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana","authors":"Sandra Bretones, Teresa Barragán-Lozano, Salvador Núñez-Escánez, Rafael Lozano, Fernando J. Yuste-Lisbona","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100578","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100578","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em> is a model plant species widely used in molecular biology and biotechnology; however, it has historically lacked a detailed morphological framework for floral development. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of <em>N. benthamiana</em> flower ontogeny, defining 14 floral stages from floral meristem initiation to anthesis. Using stereo- and scanning electron microscopy, we document the acropetal sequence of floral organ initiation and differentiation across four concentric whorls. Each stage is marked by distinct morphological features, starting with the domed floral meristem (Stage 1). Sepal primordia emerge first (Stage 2), followed by petal and stamen primordia (Stages 4 and 5), and two carpel primordia appear by Stage 6 to initiate gynoecium development. Through mid-development (Stages 6–8), petals and stamens expand within an enclosing calyx, while carpels remain unfused. By Stage 9, carpel fusion forms a single ovary with a differentiating stigma. Subsequent stages feature rapid elongation of petals and stamens, and partial calyx separation (Stages 11–12), allowing emergence of the corolla tube and style. Anthesis occurs at Stage 14, when the corolla lobes fully spread, exposing the mature reproductive organs. In parallel, we describe the coordinated development of male and female gametophytes, and further characterize post-anthesis fruit development, from fruit set through capsule maturation and dehiscence, thus completing the full reproductive cycle. This ontogenetic framework serves as a foundational reference for genetic and comparative development studies on flower organogenesis, reinforcing <em>N. benthamiana</em> as a versatile model system for Solanaceae research and a valuable tool for translational crop improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100578"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100583
Muriel Wulfhorst , Katharina Sielemann , Nicola Schmidt , Prisca Viehöver , Aaron Kolbecher , Frank Johannes , Vinicius Vilperte , Britta Schulz , Tony Heitkam , Daniela Holtgräwe
Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, influence phenotypic plasticity and affect numerous plant traits. Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns differ among cell types, species, and developmental stages. Still, it remains poorly understood in non-model plants. Thus, the potential of epigenetic breeding approaches targeting DNA methylation in crop plants is not fully realised. This study focuses on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris) and comprises the first long read-based reference DNA methylome for this species, generated using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. The detection of 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) in the three sequence contexts (CG, CHG, and CHH) was performed with DeepSignal-plant. The 5mCartograph tool was developed to provide a detailed overview of 5mC methylation probabilities: A genome-wide 5mC reference methylome was established for the genotype KWS2320, including gene- and repeat-specific analyses and the identification of 2088 gene body methylated (gbM) genes, while 10,839 genes remained unmethylated. Genome-wide analysis re-detected more than 99 % of the 204.8 Mio reference cytosines, based on ONT read sets of at least 17.5 × mapped genome coverage. Of these cytosines, 14.5 % were classified as ‘highly methylated’ in young sugar beet leaves. Methylation levels followed typical plant patterns, being highest in CG (89.8 %), followed by CHG (62.8 %) and CHH (10.1 %) context. This detailed methylome provides a robust foundation for future studies - such as epi-pangenome generation - and supports potential breeding applications in crop improvement.
{"title":"Towards epigenetics in sugar beet – the ONT based reference 5mC methylome of Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris","authors":"Muriel Wulfhorst , Katharina Sielemann , Nicola Schmidt , Prisca Viehöver , Aaron Kolbecher , Frank Johannes , Vinicius Vilperte , Britta Schulz , Tony Heitkam , Daniela Holtgräwe","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, influence phenotypic plasticity and affect numerous plant traits. Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns differ among cell types, species, and developmental stages. Still, it remains poorly understood in non-model plants. Thus, the potential of epigenetic breeding approaches targeting DNA methylation in crop plants is not fully realised. This study focuses on sugar beet (<em>Beta vulgaris</em> L. ssp. <em>vulgaris</em>) and comprises the first long read-based reference DNA methylome for this species, generated using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. The detection of 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) in the three sequence contexts (CG, CHG, and CHH) was performed with DeepSignal-plant. The 5mCartograph tool was developed to provide a detailed overview of 5mC methylation probabilities: A genome-wide 5mC reference methylome was established for the genotype KWS2320, including gene- and repeat-specific analyses and the identification of 2088 gene body methylated (gbM) genes, while 10,839 genes remained unmethylated. Genome-wide analysis re-detected more than 99 % of the 204.8 Mio reference cytosines, based on ONT read sets of at least 17.5 × mapped genome coverage. Of these cytosines, 14.5 % were classified as ‘highly methylated’ in young sugar beet leaves. Methylation levels followed typical plant patterns, being highest in CG (89.8 %), followed by CHG (62.8 %) and CHH (10.1 %) context. This detailed methylome provides a robust foundation for future studies - such as epi-pangenome generation - and supports potential breeding applications in crop improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100583"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100586
Diego Fernando Nieto-Giraldo , Javier Torres-Osorio , José Mauricio Rodas Rodríguez
Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins that play essential roles in maintaining water and solute homeostasis across all domains of life. In plants, more than 30 AQP isoforms are commonly expressed, each displaying distinct spatial and temporal patterns depending on cell type, membrane localization, and developmental stage. This systematic review traces the historical development of plant AQP research, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms regulating their activity, including structural and conformational modifications as well as transcriptomic regulation, which modulates AQP abundance and function in response to environmental and physiological cues. The review highlights the physiological roles of AQPs and their contribution to adaptation under diverse physiological stresses, drawing on evidence from 229 publications spanning 1992–2025. Following the PRISMA protocol and through bibliometric analysis, current knowledge is synthesized regarding cell-specific AQP functions, subfamily-specific modulation, and interactions with hormonal signaling pathways. Emerging evidence for AQPs as cation channels is also discussed, alongside the insights provided by transcriptomic studies into AQP regulation under stress conditions. By integrating historical context with an updated critical synthesis, this review underscores the complexity and versatility of plant AQPs and the multilayered regulatory networks that govern their activity, while identifying persistent knowledge gaps and avenues for future research.
{"title":"Systematic Review of Plant AQPs: Molecular mechanisms, intracellular trafficking, and emerging roles in stress adaptation","authors":"Diego Fernando Nieto-Giraldo , Javier Torres-Osorio , José Mauricio Rodas Rodríguez","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins that play essential roles in maintaining water and solute homeostasis across all domains of life. In plants, more than 30 AQP isoforms are commonly expressed, each displaying distinct spatial and temporal patterns depending on cell type, membrane localization, and developmental stage. This systematic review traces the historical development of plant AQP research, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms regulating their activity, including structural and conformational modifications as well as transcriptomic regulation, which modulates AQP abundance and function in response to environmental and physiological cues. The review highlights the physiological roles of AQPs and their contribution to adaptation under diverse physiological stresses, drawing on evidence from 229 publications spanning 1992–2025. Following the PRISMA protocol and through bibliometric analysis, current knowledge is synthesized regarding cell-specific AQP functions, subfamily-specific modulation, and interactions with hormonal signaling pathways. Emerging evidence for AQPs as cation channels is also discussed, alongside the insights provided by transcriptomic studies into AQP regulation under stress conditions. By integrating historical context with an updated critical synthesis, this review underscores the complexity and versatility of plant AQPs and the multilayered regulatory networks that govern their activity, while identifying persistent knowledge gaps and avenues for future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100586"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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