International Journal of Plant Biology

8 pages, 652 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Characterization of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Germplasm for Kernel Quality Attributes

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Ana Cecília Ribeiro de Castro

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Eulália Romão Barbosa

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Antônia Caricielle Amaro da Cruz

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Vanessa Claudia Vasconcelos Segundo

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Matheus Araújo Pereira

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Antônio Calixto Lima

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Claudio Rogerio B. Torres

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Fernando Antonio Souza de Aragão

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 1092-1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040079 (registering DOI) - 28 Nov 2023

Abstract

Ensuring the quality attributes of cashew kernels is essential for selecting superior genotypes with agro-industrial potential. Therefore, this study characterized cashew nut accessions from the Cashew Germplasm Bank regarding kernel quality standards and identified genotypes with optimal characteristics for the industry. The characterization [...] Read more.

Ensuring the quality attributes of cashew kernels is essential for selecting superior genotypes with agro-industrial potential. Therefore, this study characterized cashew nut accessions from the Cashew Germplasm Bank regarding kernel quality standards and identified genotypes with optimal characteristics for the industry. The characterization included key industrial indicators such as peeling efficiency, average kernel mass, class, type, and industrial yield, evaluated in 47 different accessions. Through multivariate cluster analysis and principal component analysis, the accessions revealed four distinct groups, exposing correlations among various industrial indicators. The analysis revealed a diverse genetic profile within the Cashew Germplasm Bank. A notable finding is that 80.85% of the accessions group together, displaying predominant features—easy peeling, an average mass exceeding 2.5 g, categorized as super large (SLW) and large (LW), and uniformly white-colored kernels. Correlations found include a negative relationship between kernel mass and class and positive associations between class and industrial yield, as well as between industrial yield and peeling efficiency. The study reveals substantial variability in cashew nut germplasm with respect to quality traits, highlighting its invaluable potential for identifying and selecting superior genotypes adapted for agro-industrial purposes. Particularly promising are Group 4 accessions, such as BGC632, BGC589 and BGC127, presenting attributes indicative of high-quality kernels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Genetic Resources: Conservation and Characterization)

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14 pages, 1193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blue Carbon in Mangroves of the Arid Zones of San Ignacio and El Dátil Lagoons, El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, Baja California, Mexico

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Jony R. Torres

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Tannia Frausto-Illescas

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Celeste Ortega-Trasviña

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Ramón H. Barraza-Guardado

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Zulia M. Sanchez-Mejía

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Francisco Choix-Ley

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 1078-1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040078 - 20 Nov 2023

Viewed by 742

Abstract

Estimation of carbon (C) stocks revealed a very high carbon sequestration potential of mangroves, which play a major role in the global C cycle. The C stored in the biomass of live trees can be estimated from above- and below-ground measurements, i.e., tree [...] Read more.

Estimation of carbon (C) stocks revealed a very high carbon sequestration potential of mangroves, which play a major role in the global C cycle. The C stored in the biomass of live trees can be estimated from above- and below-ground measurements, i.e., tree diameter and height, leaf litter, root biomass, necromass, and soil. The allocation of biomass and C in the scrub mangrove forest is influenced by various factors, including low structural development. The objective of this study was to estimate the carbon stock (in relation to biomass) and storage in the soil of the San Ignacio and El Dátil lagoons in an arid region of the north Pacific. Above-ground biomass (AGB) was estimated based on mangrove structure and leaf litter; below-ground biomass (BGB) was measured by extracting root cores (45 cm depth) and soil (1.2 m depth). Biomass values were converted to carbon with allometric equations. We found an inverse relationship between BGB content (roots) and above-ground structural development, with a mean total biomass (AGB + BGB) of 101.7 MgC ha⁻¹. Below-ground carbon content (roots, necromass, and soil) was 2.8 times higher than above-ground carbon content (trees and litter). Control sites (devoid of vegetation) adjacent to the mangrove have recorded low carbon stocks of 7.3 MgC ha⁻¹, which supports the recommendations for conserving and restoring degraded areas. The present study contributes valuable information on carbon related to mangrove biomass and stored in the soil of arid mangrove areas of northwestern Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stress in Plants)

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14 pages, 2133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Scale Gene Editing in Brassica napus

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Andrew Walker

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Javier Narváez-Vásquez

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Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 1064-1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040077 - 19 Nov 2023

Viewed by 286

Abstract

In plants, an increasing number of traits and new characteristics are being developed using gene editing. Simple traits represented by a single gene can be managed through backcross breeding, but this is typically not the case for more complex traits which may result [...] Read more.

In plants, an increasing number of traits and new characteristics are being developed using gene editing. Simple traits represented by a single gene can be managed through backcross breeding, but this is typically not the case for more complex traits which may result from the function of a large number of genes. Here, we demonstrate two case studies of improving oleic oil content and developing pod shatter reduction in Brassica napus by using gene editing tools on an industrial scale. There are four BnaFAD2 genes involved in oleic oil content and eight BnaSHP genes involved in pod shatter tolerance. In order to develop these two traits, we delivered nuclease ribonucleoproteins with Gene Repair OligoNucleotides (GRONs) into protoplasts, with subsequent regeneration into plants on an industrial scale, which encompassed robust tissue culture protocols, efficient gene editing, robotics sampling, and molecular screening, vigorous plant regeneration, growth, and phenotyping. We can produce precise loss-of-function-edited plants with two improved agronomically important complex traits, high oleic oil or pod shatter reduction, in elite canola varieties within 1–3 years, depending on the trait complexity. In the edited plants carrying loss of function of four BnaFAD2 genes, the seed fatty acid oleic acid content reached 89% compared to 61% in the non-edited wildtype control. The plants carrying eight edited BnaSHP genes achieved 51% pod shatter reduction in multiple year field testing in the target environment compared to the wildtype control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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13 pages, 1609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Leaves of Different Rose Varieties

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Shivani Sharma

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Lipakshi Awasthi

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Poonam Kumari

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 1051-1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040076 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 362

Abstract

Rose is a commercially significant floricultural crop that has been used for various industrial as well as decoration purposes. Along with the beautification of rose flowers, their leaves are enriched with different biologically active compounds having various therapeutic uses. The current study was [...] Read more.

Rose is a commercially significant floricultural crop that has been used for various industrial as well as decoration purposes. Along with the beautification of rose flowers, their leaves are enriched with different biologically active compounds having various therapeutic uses. The current study was performed on the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts of rose leaves. In our study, we found there are consequential variations observed in all the parameters, viz., total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total anthocyanin, total phenol, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, among all the varieties. Among the ten varieties, Thelma Barlow revealed the maximum phenolic content (35.19 mg/g FW), flavonoids content (15.97 mg/g FW), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of IC₅₀ value (206.86 ± 0.49 µg/mL), and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) (301.62 ± 2.31 µg/mL). The variety Grand Amore presented the highest values for total chlorophyll (1.41 mg/g FW) and carotenoids (36.29 mg/g FW) content compared to other varieties. Also, a comparative correlation was studied amongst the phytochemicals such as anthocyanin content, total phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Amongst the different rose varieties, Grand Amore and Thelma Barlow contain higher antioxidant potential, owing to their greater phytochemical activity. From our findings, we collectively concluded that fresh rose leaves contain potentially higher phenolic and flavonoid content, i.e., are responsible for higher antioxidant activity, which can be utilized for various pharmacological as well as food industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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17 pages, 2830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant-Specific Insert (PSI)-Mediated Vacuolar Sorting Is Not Disrupted in Arabidopsis Mutant with Abnormal ER Morphology

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Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 1034-1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040075 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 362

Abstract

The endomembrane system in plant cells enables the cell to manage and coordinate a variety of membranous compartments so that they and their contents arrive at the right location. The secretory pathway is an essential part of this complex network and has its [...] Read more.

The endomembrane system in plant cells enables the cell to manage and coordinate a variety of membranous compartments so that they and their contents arrive at the right location. The secretory pathway is an essential part of this complex network and has its gateway at the Endoplasmic Reticulum. Therefore, alterations at the ER can affect how protein trafficking takes place and how cargo leaves this organelle. With this work, we assessed how abnormalities at the Endoplasmic Reticulum would interfere with protein sorting and trafficking. We used an Arabidopsis mutant—leb-2 GFP-h, presenting abnormal ER morphology, and evaluated the expression of aspartic proteinases and genes related to vacuolar transport along with the localization of a specific vacuolar sorting signal—plant-specific insert (PSI). Our results show that alterations in the leb-2 GFP-h mutant did not disrupt the transport of PSI–mCherry to the vacuole but influenced the expression of endogenous aspartic proteinases. Furthermore, the study of key endomembrane genes expression revealed an upregulation of the SNARE proteins AtVAMP722 and AtVAMP723. The leb-2 mutant seems not to interfere with vacuolar routes but may be implicated in secretion events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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17 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tobacco Leaf-Surface Extracts: Antimicrobial Potential against Phytopathogenic Fungi and In Vitro Culture Bacterial Contaminants

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Eduardo Ortega-Delgado

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Marcos Edel Martínez-Montero

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Erinelvis Rodríguez

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Janet Quiñones-Gálvez

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 1017-1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040074 - 13 Nov 2023

Viewed by 390

Abstract

The excessive use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture demands sustainable alternatives to combat crop-affecting microorganisms. Plant-derived secondary metabolites have garnered attention as promising candidates with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of tobacco plants, specifically non-commercial accessions Nic 1015 (“TI 1341”) [...] Read more.

The excessive use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture demands sustainable alternatives to combat crop-affecting microorganisms. Plant-derived secondary metabolites have garnered attention as promising candidates with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of tobacco plants, specifically non-commercial accessions Nic 1015 (“TI 1341”) and BHmN, recognized for their rich bioactive compounds. Our objectives encompassed the extraction of leaf surface compounds and the assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial activity against crop-damaging microorganisms. Ethanol-based extracts, abundant in diterpenes, were meticulously analyzed. Notably, BHmN contained cis-abienol, while both accessions featured α-CBT diol, as confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). TLC-Bioautography and microdilution assays unveiled substantial antifungal activity. The growth inhibition percentages correlated with extract concentrations, highlighting the pivotal role of diterpenes. These extracts exhibited pronounced efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani and Stemphylium solani but displayed relatively weaker activity against Sarocladium oryzae. Notably, Nic 1015 extract demonstrated remarkable antifungal activity at a minimal concentration of 78 µg·mL⁻¹, while cis-abienol and sclareol inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity against common plant culture contaminants, Bacillus licheniformis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In conclusion, the findings underscore the potential of these extracts as effective tools for controlling pathogenic fungi and bacterial contaminants in plant in vitro cultures. Harnessing plant-derived secondary metabolites, especially those from tobacco leaf surface, presents a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to mitigate the detrimental impact of microorganisms on agricultural crops, promising a greener alternative to synthetic chemical products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Effects of Biotic and Abiotic Stressors on Plant Secondary Metabolites)

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19 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Authentication and Phytochemical Evaluation of Indigenous Germplasm of Genus Physalis for Sustainable Utilization

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Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 998-1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040073 - 10 Nov 2023

Viewed by 368

Abstract

Physalis species are used as an indigenous food and medicine in Kenya. However, species identification and an analysis of the health-promoting bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties are lacking. In this study, we report the molecular identification and mineral and phytochemical profiling of wild [...] Read more.

Physalis species are used as an indigenous food and medicine in Kenya. However, species identification and an analysis of the health-promoting bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties are lacking. In this study, we report the molecular identification and mineral and phytochemical profiling of wild Physalis accessions. Leaf samples of 10 Physalis accessions were collected and used for species identification using nuclear ITS2 and plastid rbcL barcodes. Ripe fruits were collected from the same accessions and analyzed for mineral, total phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities. The Physalis species were discriminated based on the ITS2 barcode and identified as Physalis purpurea. The genetic diversity, distance, and polymorphism of the ITS2 region of Physalis accessions were high due to the high rate of singleton and parsimony mutations. No genetic diversity, distance, or polymorphism was observed based on the rbcL barcode. The mineral content was significantly different (p < 0.05) for calcium, zinc, nickel, copper, and lithium among the Physalis accessions. No significant variation (p > 0.05) was found for phenolic acids or flavonoids, but the tannic acid content varied significantly (p < 0.05). DPPH free radical scavenging varied significantly (p < 0.05) among Physalis accessions. In conclusion, nuclear ITS2 was used to successfully identify the Physalis species of all the accessions as Physalis purpurea. The present study confirmed that Physalis purpurea has a significantly high mineral and phytochemical content and antioxidant activity. The findings from this study can be used to facilitate exploitation of Physalis purpurea in genetic breeding, their application in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutritional value as well as conservation and sustainable use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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12 pages, 1685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Chemical Parameters with the Use of Agricultural Gypsum and Effects on the Apple Tree Crop

by

Felipe Marlon Cavazzola Susin

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Wendel Paulo Silvestre

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Carine Cocco

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Taísa Dal Magro

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Gabriel Fernandes Pauletti

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Elaine Damiani Conte

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 986-997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040072 - 26 Oct 2023

Viewed by 540

Abstract

Using agricultural gypsum promotes nutrient descent and generates a less aggressive environment for roots, favoring their development and better use of water and nutrients. However, studies on apple trees are scarce, and there is no official recommendation for gypsum application in the soils [...] Read more.

Using agricultural gypsum promotes nutrient descent and generates a less aggressive environment for roots, favoring their development and better use of water and nutrients. However, studies on apple trees are scarce, and there is no official recommendation for gypsum application in the soils of southern Brazil. This work aimed to evaluate the potential use of agricultural gypsum to increase soil fertility and apple tree productivity. The research was carried out in the municipality of Ipê, RS, in an apple orchard cv. Condessa planted fifteen years ago and with acidity in the soil layer of 20–40 cm. The design of the experiment was consisted of randomized blocks, containing five treatments and four replications, with 80 m² each. The treatments consisted of five doses of agricultural gypsum, applied at the beginning of the productive cycle. The study evaluated soil chemical parameters at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, chlorophyll content, and crop productivity. The results showed an increase in the sulfur content up to the gypsum dose of 6.0 t∙ha⁻¹ and a reduction in the magnesium content in the soil at both evaluated depths. Agricultural gypsum application did not significantly influence the other chemical parameters evaluated. Chlorophyll content in apple leaves was reduced, and there was an increase in productivity with the increase in the dose of agricultural gypsum. Therefore, gypsum can potentially improve soil fertility and increase apple tree productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)

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12 pages, 653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of High Concentrations of Copper Sulfate on In Vitro Adventitious Organogenesis of Cucumis sativus L.

by

Jorge Fonseca Miguel

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 974-985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040071 - 24 Oct 2023

Viewed by 561

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is an essential plant micronutrient. This report is the first to assess the effects of high copper sulfate (CuSO₄) levels on in vitro callus and shoot formation of cucumber. Four-day-old cotyledon explants from the inbred line Wisconsin 2843 and [...] Read more.

Copper (Cu) is an essential plant micronutrient. This report is the first to assess the effects of high copper sulfate (CuSO₄) levels on in vitro callus and shoot formation of cucumber. Four-day-old cotyledon explants from the inbred line Wisconsin 2843 and the commercial cultivars Marketer and Negrito were used. Murashige and Skoog (MS)-derived callus and shoot induction medium containing 0.5 mg L⁻¹ indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 2.5 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) was supplemented with CuSO₄ (0.2–5 mg L⁻¹). The response on callus-derived shoots showed that the optimal concentration of CuSO₄ was 8- to 200-fold greater than in standard MS medium. Shoot frequency (SF) and shoot number (SN) were assessed, and Marketer > Negrito > Wisconsin 2843, where 1, 0.2 and 5 mg L⁻¹ CuSO₄ produced the highest results, respectively. SF and SN increased 6- and 10-fold in Wisconsin 2843 and twice in the other cultivars. All explants formed calluses, and in two of the three cultivars, callus extension was significantly affected by CuSO₄ application. SN showed a strong relationship with CuSO₄ levels and no association with callus extension. The results show that specific CuSO₄ concentrations higher than in standard MS medium increase adventitious cucumber shoot organogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Reproduction)

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15 pages, 3527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Characteristics of Camellia quephongensis and Adaptation Mechanisms in Que Phong District, North-Central Vietnam

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Trang Thanh Thi Nguyen

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Viet Ha Thi Nguyen

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Thanh Mai Thi Nguyen

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Hien Van Bui

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 959-973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040070 - 23 Oct 2023

Viewed by 371

Abstract

Camellia quephongensis Hakoda et Ninh is a yellow-flowered camellia that inhabits the Que Phong District, Nghe An Province, North-Central Vietnam, and its taxon includes approximately 50 species from South China and Vietnam. Researchers have primarily focused on the taxonomy and biochemistry of medicinal [...] Read more.

Camellia quephongensis Hakoda et Ninh is a yellow-flowered camellia that inhabits the Que Phong District, Nghe An Province, North-Central Vietnam, and its taxon includes approximately 50 species from South China and Vietnam. Researchers have primarily focused on the taxonomy and biochemistry of medicinal substances found in camellia flowers and on horticultural studies of their propagation. Consequently, habitat characteristics and adaptation mechanisms still need to be better understood. Thus, this study investigated the habitats of C. quephongensis in terms of landscape and stand composition, analyzed the morphological variabilities and age distribution patterns among different habitat types, and explored its adaptation mechanisms. The results revealed that this species preferentially inhabited forests on vulnerable slopes and stream banks, which were frequently disturbed by slope failure or flooding, while its multi-stemming traits were key factors in recovering from damage and persisting in such habitats. Relatively stable sites with fewer disturbances can be a source habitat, whereas frequently disturbed sites can be a sink habitat for the populations. Regular thinning of the shrub and herb layers in the plantation maintained a stand composition similar to that of natural stands; thus, succession control is recommended to conserve the naturally growing site of this species. The findings of this study will aid in the future conservation and restoration of growing areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology and Biodiversity)

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10 pages, 2100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scytalidium cuboideum Inhibits Shiitake Mycelial Growth and Causes Pink Staining in Shiitake Billets (Quercus griffithii) in Bhutan

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Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 949-958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040069 - 20 Oct 2023

Viewed by 357

Abstract

Pink staining in shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) billets (Quercus griffithii Hook.f. and Thomson ex Miq.) causing the inhibition of shiitake mycelium and a reduction in shiitake production was observed throughout Bhutan in 2017–2018. Completion of Koch’s postulates confirmed the causal [...] Read more.

Pink staining in shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) billets (Quercus griffithii Hook.f. and Thomson ex Miq.) causing the inhibition of shiitake mycelium and a reduction in shiitake production was observed throughout Bhutan in 2017–2018. Completion of Koch’s postulates confirmed the causal agent to be Scytalidium cuboideum, a first record of this disease in shiitake billets in Bhutan. In failed billets, it was observed that there was no growth of shiitake mycelium from the spawn. Trials suggest that S. cuboideum is responsible for the occurrences of poor colonisation by shiitake spawn—even when pink staining is not evident. Warm temperatures favour S. cuboideum, with shiitake able to sometimes overcome low rates of infection when incubated at low temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)

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27 pages, 24939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extending the Capsicum Growing Season under Semi-Arid Climate by Using a Suitable Protected Cropping Structure

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Giao N. Nguyen

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Neil Lantzke

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 922-948; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040068 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 364

Abstract

Carnarvon is a key horticultural district in Western Australia which is located approximately 900 km north of Perth and is characterised by a semi-arid climate. In Carnarvon, capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) is the second most important vegetable crop after tomato, with approximately [...] Read more.

Carnarvon is a key horticultural district in Western Australia which is located approximately 900 km north of Perth and is characterised by a semi-arid climate. In Carnarvon, capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) is the second most important vegetable crop after tomato, with approximately 3700 tonnes of capsicum fruit produced annually with a farm gate value of AUD 13.5 million. High temperatures, excessive sunlight, low air humidity, and strong wind in spring and summer are major impediments to the achievement of high yield and quality of capsicum in this region. Capsicums are usually planted between March (early autumn) and May (late autumn), and the harvest is usually finished by October (spring) of the same year when grown under shade net houses. However, the internal microenvironment in the shade net houses is sub-optimal for the crop in the early and late growing season due to excessive temperatures and low humidity, resulting in a shorter harvest window and lower production. This study was conducted to examine the possibilities to extend the cropping season for capsicum varieties (i.e., Chevello and Chevi) grown under the retractable roof production system (RRPS) and explore an alternative protected cropping structure that is more affordable and suitable to grow vegetable crops under Carnarvon weather conditions. Overall, the results showed that capsicums planted in February (planting 1) performed better than specimens planted later on in the season: planting 1 performed better and yielded the highest marketable fruit yield (102.6 t ha⁻¹) compared to those planted in early April (planting 2, 72.5 t ha⁻¹) and late May (planting 3, 36.1 t ha⁻¹). The RRPS effectively mitigated the adverse weather conditions and provided a more optimised internal microenvironment for vigorous crop establishment in late summer and an extended harvest in late spring, leading to a higher marketable fruit yield per crop. The total soluble solids were cultivar-specific, with the Brix level of Chevello changing with planting time while those of Chevi remained constant. The study identifies the potential for an alternative protected cropping structure, i.e., the modified multi-span polytunnels. The technical feasibility and affordability of the alternative protected cropping structure is also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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12 pages, 2656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Nutritional Effect of Lupinus montanus on Zea mays HS-2 (Intercropping) and Identification of Nodular Bacteria through the Use of Rhizotrons

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Juan Espinosa Gonzalez

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Vicente Espinosa Hernández

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Enrique Ojeda Trejo

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Julián Delgadillo Martínez

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Juan Celestino Molina Moreno

and Francisco Landeros Sánchez

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 910-921; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040067 - 09 Oct 2023

Viewed by 477

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays sp.) is one of the most important basic grains in our diets, and it requires high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus for optimum growth. However, phosphorous transitions in forms inaccessible to plants. The Lupinus genus, and more specifically, Lupinus [...] Read more.

Maize (Zea mays sp.) is one of the most important basic grains in our diets, and it requires high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus for optimum growth. However, phosphorous transitions in forms inaccessible to plants. The Lupinus genus, and more specifically, Lupinus albus, through its root clusters, or proteoid roots, has the ability to solubilize portions of phosphorous when it is found in a limited environment. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of Lupinus montanus under phosphorous stress conditions intercropped with maize, utilizing sandy soils with calcium phosphate bands. Work was conducted in growth chambers using rhizotrons, which allowed the authors to observe the growth and root behavior of both species (Lupinus montanus and maize). The phosphorus analysis in the plant tissue indicated that its concentration in maize was slightly higher in intercropping conditions than in monoculture planting. From this, we concluded that Lupinus montanus is capable of solubilizing portions of phosphorus, making it available for other crops; likewise, we also observed that the proteoid structures did not develop, leaving the study open for other wild species. In conclusion, the use of Lupinus montanus will be as an alternative in favor of more sustainable agricultural methods since it improve soil fertility in phosphorus deficient soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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14 pages, 2962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Associated with Alkaloid Diversity in Javanese Long Pepper (Piper retrofractum) Fruits

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Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 896-909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040066 - 06 Oct 2023

Viewed by 753

Abstract

Alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites that play multifaceted roles in plant physiology, including defense mechanisms and interactions with other organisms. The alkaloids from Piper retrofractum (Javanese long pepper) fruits offer potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their natural origin and [...] Read more.

Alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites that play multifaceted roles in plant physiology, including defense mechanisms and interactions with other organisms. The alkaloids from Piper retrofractum (Javanese long pepper) fruits offer potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their natural origin and insecticide properties. However, information on particular alkaloid biosynthesis pathways is required to enhance individual alkaloid production via metabolic engineering. Here, we perform HPLC profiling to demonstrate that fruit ripening influences the alkaloid diversity in P. retrofractum. De novo transcriptomic profiling of young, green mature, and red ripened fruits revealed that the piperine biosynthesis pathway genes were highly upregulated in the mature fruits. However, an enhanced accumulation of methyl piperate and guineensine in the ripened fruit was observed, entailing ripening-related differential gene expression to synchronize the alkaloid biosyntheses. Gene expression clustering and functional enrichment analysis identified a large group of genes involved in diverse biosynthetic processes explicitly enriched in the ripened fruits. A cohort of genes encoding for “Alkaloid Biosynthesis”, remarkably upregulated in the ripening fruits, indicates they may function directly in alkaloid diversity during a later stage of fruit development. This study provides the basis for metabolic engineering to enhance alkaloid diversity and production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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17 pages, 3131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Absorption Spectra as Predictors of Algal Biomass and Pigment Content of the Cultured Microalgae Amphidinium carterae, Isochrysis galbana, Nephroselmis sp., and Anabaena sp.

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George N. Hotos

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Vlasoula Bekiari

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 879-895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040065 - 26 Sep 2023

Viewed by 947

Abstract

Background: In the search of a rapid and representative method for the approximate calculation of culture density and cell content of useful pigments, the study of absorption spectra of cultures of the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae, the haptophyte Isochrysis galbana, the chlorophyte [...] Read more.

Background: In the search of a rapid and representative method for the approximate calculation of culture density and cell content of useful pigments, the study of absorption spectra of cultures of the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae, the haptophyte Isochrysis galbana, the chlorophyte Nephroselmis sp., and the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. were selected as representative species of different taxa. Methods: The experimental cultures were established in small volumes by the discontinuous method under 20–21 °C, salinity of 30 or 40 ppt, and 2000 or 8000 lux illumination, and the absorbance spectra, density of the culture and concentration of the extracted pigments chlorophyll, total carotenoids, and phycocyanin were recorded during cultivation. Results: Algal density can be predicted sufficiently correctly because the regression equation of the correlation of the OD value of 750 nm from each absorption spectrum and the measured algal biomass was very strong. The same is true for the corresponding correlations between OD 750 nm and the detected pigments. Conclusions: Absorption spectra of microalgal cultures can be a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive method for the growers to obtain the necessary information for predicting the right time to collect an ideal combination of maximum biomass and useful pigments, provided that the interpretation of the spectra is performed according to the method described herein. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microalgae as a Powerful Tool for Biopharming Development)

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Open AccessArticle

Photosynthetic Efficiency in Green Bean Plants through the Application of Omeprazole and Melatonin at Low Doses

by

Carlos Abel Ramírez-Estrada

,

Esteban Sánchez

,

María Antonia Flores-Córdova

,

Sandra Pérez-Álvarez

,

Linda Citlalli Noperi-Mosqueda

and

Celia Chávez-Mendoza

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2023, 14(4), 864-878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14040064 - 26 Sep 2023

Viewed by 559

Abstract

Climate change has prompted agri-food systems to explore new strategies for improving the production of crops in a sustainable manner. This includes green bean, the most important legume in the world for its nutritional value. The use of omeprazole (OMP) and melatonin (MEL) [...] Read more.

Climate change has prompted agri-food systems to explore new strategies for improving the production of crops in a sustainable manner. This includes green bean, the most important legume in the world for its nutritional value. The use of omeprazole (OMP) and melatonin (MEL) has been proposed as innovative strategy for crop improvement when they are applied as biostimulants. However, although their role in the growth of several species has been studied, the results in photosynthetic efficiency parameters are still scarce. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of OMP and MEL on biomass, yield, SPAD values, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), quantum yield of photosystem II (PhiPSII), and electron transport rate (ETR) in bean plants. Treatments were applied separately at doses of 1, 10, and 100 µM, plus a control without application. The results obtained indicate that OMP and MEL were able to increase biomass; yield; SPAD values; and qP, Fv/Fm, and PhiPSII coefficients. Finally, it is concluded that foliar application of OMP and MEL at a dose of 1 and 10 µM can increase photosynthetic efficiency and decrease photoinhibition, which is reflected in higher biomass accumulation and yield in green bean plants cv. Strike. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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Int. J. Plant Biol., Volume 14, Issue 4 (December 2023) – 16 articles

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