BMC Plant Biology最新文献

(S)-(+)-linalool is a non-cyclic oxygenated monoterpene which is very useful and widely used in the cosmetic industries, especially in the production of perfume and cologne. Thus, due to the high commercial value and high demand, the search for new plant sources rich in (S)-(+)-linalool in agricultural systems to develop the business of this compound is of great interest. This investigation focused on the diversity of phenotypic yield and phytochemical traits in Grammosciadium platycarpum populations collected from fourteen geographical regions in Iran. The goal was to identify the essential compounds and select the best populations for domestication, cultivation, and future breeding programs. The highest coefficient of variation was observed in the umbrellas per plant, plant length, internode length, leaf width, number of lateral branches, and essential oil yield (EOY). The shoot dry weight ranged from 27.15 to 41.56 (g/plant) and the fruit dry weight from 9.23 to 20.80 (g/plant) among different populations, which was observed in the QOR population. The fruit of the plant was employed to extract and determine the content plus constituents of the essential oil. The essential oil content (EOC) exhibited a extend from 0.81 to 1.63%. MAQ population indicated the maximum and OSH population revealed the minimum EOC. The highest EOY (0.228 g/plant) was observed in the MAQ population and the lowest (0.083 g/plant) was related to the MAR population. Based on GC-MS and GC analysis, 91.97 to 99.93% of the essential compounds of different populations of G. platycarpum were identified. According to the results, linalool (65.90-81.62%) and limonene (9.73-15.34%) were the main ingredients of the essential oil profile. Rutin, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid were detected as the major phenolic compounds using HPLC. The high diversity observed among different populations of G. platycarpum provides good potential for selecting the best populations and using them in domestication projects, cultivation, and breeding programs.

Background: The two-component system (TCS) serves as a common intracellular signal transduction pathway implicated in various processes of plant development and response to abiotic stress. With regard to the important cereal crop barley, only partial information about the occurrence of TCS signaling elements in the genome and putative functions is available.

Results: In this study, we identified a total of 67 non-redundant TCS genes from all subgroups of the phosphorelay in the latest barley reference genome. Functional annotation and phylogenetic characterization was combined with a comprehensive gene expression analysis of the signaling components. Expression profiles hint at potential functions in vegetative and reproductive organs and tissue types as well as diverse stress responses. Apparently, a distinct subset of TCS genes revealed a stringent grain-specificity not being expressed elsewhere in the plant. By using laser capture microdissection (LCM)-based transcript analysis of barley grain tissues, we refined expression profiles of selected TCS genes and attributed them to individual cell types within the grain. Distinct TCS elements are exclusively expressed in the different maternal and filial cell types, particularly in the endosperm transfer cell (ETC) region. These genes are deemed to be selected in the domestication process of modern cultivars. Moreover, barley plants transformed with a synthetic sensor (TCSn::GFP) showed a high and specific activity in the ETC region of grains monitoring transcriptional output of the signaling system.

Conclusions: The results provide comprehensive insights into the TCS gene family in the temperate cereal crop barley and indicate implications in various agronomic traits. The dataset is valuable for future research in different aspects of plant development and will be indispensable not only for barley, but also for other crops of the Poaceae.

Background: Maize Downy Mildew (MDM) is a devastating disease in the humid sub-tropical/tropical regions of Asia. In this study, the prevalence of MDM during the rainy Kharif seasons of south Karnataka state (India) ranged between 6.8% (2018) and 19.1% (2022). The research evaluated new fungicidal treatments and assessed the genetic tolerance of maize lines to develop robust management strategies that enhance maize productivity and stability.

Results: During the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022, we conducted field trials to evaluate the effectiveness of six different fungicides, both individually and in combination. The most effective approach combined seed treatment with Metalaxyl (4%) and Mancozeb (64%) WP, followed by a foliar spray of Azoxystrobin (18.2%) and Difenoconazole (11.4%) SC. This treatment reduced MDM incidence by 97.6% and increased maize yield up to 85.6 quintals per hectare, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.2. Additionally, screening of 317 maize inbred lines in Kharif 2019 identified 22 lines with stable MDM resistance over nine consecutive Rabi and Kharif seasons, indicating their potential for sustained resistance. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed significant increases in eighteen phenolic compounds and fifteen flavonoid compounds in resistant maize genotypes. Specifically, resistant genotypes exhibited elevated levels of salicylic acid (4.2 to 9.2-fold), p-Coumaric acid (3.7 to 4.8-fold), o-Coumaric acid (4.5 to 7.4-fold), Caffeic acid (2.4 to 3.1-fold), and Ferulic acid (2.3 to 2.8-fold). Flavonoid levels also increased, with Naringenin ranging from 34.4 µg/g in African Tall to 130 µg/g in MAI 224, Catechin from 22.9 µg/g in African Tall to 124.4 µg/g in MAI 10, and Epicatechin from 1.3 µg/g in African Tall to 8.2 µg/g in MAI 10. These heightened levels contribute to a robust chemical defence mechanism against Peronosclerospora sorghi.

Conclusions: This study provides crucial insights into managing MDM through host plant resistance and fungicidal treatments. We identified 22 resistant inbred lines as valuable genetic resources for breeding MDM-resistant maize hybrids. Enhanced levels of specific phenolic and flavonoid compounds in these resistant genotypes suggest a robust chemical defence mechanism, essential for developing resilient crops. Our findings offer practical recommendations for improving maize production and ensuring crop security in MDM-affected regions. Integrating these resistant maize lines and effective fungicidal treatments can significantly advance sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to crop resilience and food security in areas prone to MDM.

Background: Wheat production is increasingly challenged by the devastating damage caused by insect pests. The advent of global warming is further exacerbating this threat. Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor), a dipteran gall midge, is a destructive pest of host wheat (Triticum aestivum) having severe economic consequences. Planting wheat cultivars harboring resistance genes is the most effective and economical Hessian fly management strategy. However, heat stress poses a challenge to this strategy, as elevated temperature often breaks down Hessian fly resistance in wheat. Our prior study identified temperature-independent resistant T. turgidum (durum wheat) accessions that maintained resistance to Hessian fly when challenged with an increased temperature of 30 °C. In this study, we carried out follow-up characterization of these durum lines to highlight molecular components involved during Hessian fly resistance or susceptibility in wheat following heat stress.

Results: Temperature-independent resistant durum lines were greater than 70% resistant to multiple Hessian fly biotypes at the elevated temperature of 30 °C. At the molecular level, these lines showed increased transcripts of Hfr-1, a gene encoding an antinutrient lectin, unlike the heat-triggered susceptible durum wheat. The Hessian fly susceptibility-associated biomarker genes were significantly upregulated in the durum wheat with heat-triggered susceptibility at 30 °C, resembling the gene expression profile observed in susceptible wheat. None of these susceptibility-associated genes were differentially expressed in the temperature-independent resistant wheat. Genes involved in oxidative stress and jasmonic acid pathways did not reveal any specific expression pattern attributed to either heat stress or larval feeding. Neutral red staining revealed limited cell wall permeability in the temperature-independent resistant wheat, unlike the heat-triggered susceptible durum plants that were highly permeable similar to a wheat line susceptible to Hessian fly at 20 °C.

Conclusions: Temperature-independent resistant durum wheat lines provided robust resistance to multiple Hessian fly biotypes at higher temperatures. These lines offer a valuable resource for wheat producers for providing resistance following heat stress.

Background: Polyphyllins are significant medicinal compounds found in Paris species, with different polyphyllins fulfilling distinct medicinal roles. Although some genes involved in polyphyllin synthesis have been identified, further exploration of the genes in the polyphyllin synthesis pathway is necessary due to the extensive genome of Paris species. The content and composition of polyphyllins vary among different Paris species, and the variations in specific polyphyllin levels across these plants make them promising candidates for identifying metabolites and genes associated with the biosynthesis of specific polyphyllins.

Results: In this study, we investigate the global metabolic and transcriptomic profiles of three types of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz, one Paris fargesii Franch, and one Paris forrestii (Takht.) H. Li. The rhizome of P. polyphylla is rich in polyphyllin I and II, while P. forrestii is abundant in polyphyllin III, and P. fargesii contains high levels of polyphyllin VI, VII and H. The three Paris species exhibit distinct metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Through an integrated analysis of metabolic and transcriptomic data, along with a phylogenetic analysis of genes related to polyphyllin synthesis in Paris, we annotated a total of six 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs), 120 cytochrome P450s (CYPs), and 138 UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Phylogenetic tree analysis of the obtained data assisted in refining the candidate gene pool for OSC, CYP, and UGT. Subsequently, we identified 6, 12, and 26 candidate genes for OSC, CYP, and UGT, respectively. Finally, by combining the analyses of metabolic and genetic differences, we identified a total of 17 candidate genes, including 2 CAS, 4 CYP, and 11 UGT.

Conclusions: P. fargesii and P. forrestii are candidate medicinal plants for the development and application of specific polyphyllins. Transcripts from the UGT91 subfamily in Paris may play dual roles, contributing to both the synthesis of polyphyllin II and the catabolism of polyphyllin V and VI. The homologous genes of PpUGT73CE1 may regulate the synthesis of polyphyllin VI in P. fargesii. This study provides new insights into the investigation of biosynthetic pathways in medicinal plants that lack gene clusters.

An experiment was designed to fabricate Polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated zein-zipped herbal molecules infused nano colloids (PZCA-NCs) for extending Vigna mungo seeds storability. PZCA-NCs was synthesized and characterized in Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Particle size analyser, Zeta Potential, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The bio-efficacy of PZCA-NCs on seed storability was tested under accelerated ageing. The sphere-shaped PZCA-NCs possess a 151 nm size with 44.5mV zeta potential at an encapsulation of 73.44% curcumin and 69.0% azadirachtin. The spectra of FTIR, UV -Vis, XRD, and TGA confirmed the functionality, composition, and stability of PZCA-NCs. The dialysis diffusion method was utilised to study the maximum cumulative release of biomolecules 6.1ppm (88.4%) azadirachtin and 64.57ppm (88.2%) curcumin at pH 7.4. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to determine the binding mode of molecules and examine ligand interactions in PZCA-NCs. PZCA-NCs treated seeds at 25 mL/kg enumerated higher germination, vigour index, α-amylase, dehydrogenase, and catalase and peroxidase activity under ageing. Seeds storage pathogen infection was reduced with an increase in the concentration of PZCA-NCs coating. The bioassay results on insect activity evidenced that PZCA-NCs at 15.76 mL/kg killed 50% and 40 mL/kg killed 100% of the storage insect Callosobruchus maculatus. Toxicity study on Macrophomina phaseolina showed that PZCA-NCs at 35 mL resulted in 0.8 cm mycelia growth with 91.11% inhibition zone, while at 45 mL had zero growth of fungal mycelia with 100% inhibition. The study concludes that PZCA-NCs act as an efficient seed invigoration material to extend the vitality of Vigna mungo seeds during ageing.

The increasing temperature is a major threat to plant growth and development. It severely alters various biochemical and physiological processes and ultimately affects the overall crop yield. The membrane-based remorin protein-encoding genes (REM) were previously reported as significantly involved in the regulation of various biotic and abiotic stressors. However, these REM genes were not studied in Cajanus Cajan, the sixth most important legume crop due to its rich protein source and traditional medicinal plant. In this study, 17 REM gene orthologs were identified in C. cajan against A. thaliana REM genes and verified through the presence of conserved REM-related domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that REM genes were divided into six different groups. All the REM genes were unevenly distributed on 11 chromosomes of C. cajan. 3D protein structures and intron-exon organization indicate conserved evolutionary pattern within C. cajan. Various core, hormone-responsive, and stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements were found in promoter regions of REM genes, including TATA-box, CAAT-box, MYB, and G-box. The total estimation of antioxidant enzyme activity revealed the increase in POD and SOD activity, potentially due to a defense mechanism in response to high temperature. RNA sequencing data processing reveals higher expression of CcREM genes in leaf and flower, including CcREM1.1 and CcREM1.2. Furthermore, the differential change in expression was observed in response to high-temperature stress. Among these genes, one upregulated gene (CcREM1.3) and two downregulated genes (CcREM6.1 and CcREM6.5) are potential candidate targets for heat stress response, followed by qRT-PCR validation. Our findings suggest that CcREM1-like and CcREM6-like genes hold significant potential for future climate-smart heat-tolerant breeding of C. cajan.

In light of the detrimental effects of global warming, exacerbated by the intense sunlight and high temperatures prevalent during summer in southern China, on the growth of Melaleuca alternifolia (M. alternifolia) seedlings, this study sets out to examine the impact of various shading treatments on the growth and physiological attributes of M. alternifolia seedlings, with the aim of determining the optimum shading level. The seedling phase is of paramount importance in the growth cycle and regeneration process of M. alternifolia, as both excessive and insufficient light exposure can negatively influence seedling development. Four shading regimes (CK: no shading; C1: 35-45% shading; C2: 45-50% shading; C3: 60-70% shading) were imposed on M. alternifolia seedlings, following which observations were conducted after a 35-day period. The results reveal that the different shading treatments had a significant effect on the growth and physiological indicators of the seedlings, with the moderate shading treatment (C2) proving to be the most advantageous for seedling growth. Under the C2 treatment, an increase in chlorophyll content was observed in the leaves of the seedlings, accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Concurrently, there was a reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, the levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) declined, while the concentrations of auxin (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), and cytokinin (CTK) ascended. Leaf anatomical analysis disclosed that, in comparison to the control group, the thickness of the lower epidermis and palisade tissue in the leaves of the seedlings subjected to the C2 treatment exhibited a significant reduction. Additionally, an increase in the number of spongy tissue cells was noted, along with a marked increase in total leaf thickness. Consequently, cultivating M. alternifolia seedlings under shading conditions ranging from 45 to 50% is deemed more favorable. The findings of this study offer novel insights into the adaptive responses of M. alternifolia seedlings to varying light intensities and provide theoretical guidance for the cultivation and management of M. alternifolia seedlings in the southern regions of China.

Background: The global prevalence of herbal-based health care rapidly promoted requirements for medicinal plant resources. Accurate classification and identification are crucial to assuring the safety of these herbal sources.

Results: Here, we took Dendrobium (Orchidaceae), a famous horticultural and medicinal plant taxon, as the study focus to establish an effective authentication approach for medicinal plants based on new mtDNA barcodes. We first de novo assembled three complete mitogenomes using Illumina and Nanopore data. These three mitogenomes were 635,454 bp-831,745 bp long with multichromosomal structures. Moreover, the three mitogenomes were compared to the other four published Dendrobium mitogenomes. The results revealed great variations of the structure and repeat contents among these mitogenomes, while gene contents and genomic sequences were relatively conserved. The analysis of mutational hotspots showed eight mitochondrial DNA regions with high sequence variability (> 5%) at the interspecific level, which could provide abundant informatic loci for phylogeny, genetic diversity, and identification analyses. We also newly obtained mitochondrial sequences of 45 individuals from 15 Dendrobium species for authentication analysis. These 15 Dendrobium species were successfully identified by the whole mitogenome sequences and the isoform combination (Mt17 + Mt19) respectively.

Conclusions: Our findings revealed that mitochondrial isoforms (chromosomes) could be used as super-barcodes for Dendrobium species authentication. The multi-chromosomal structure of mitogenomes provided new insights into the accurate authentication of medical plants.