Plants

19 pages, 3736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Divergent Metabolic Changes in Rhizomes of Lowland and Upland Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) from Early Season through Dormancy Onset

by Nathan A. Palmer, Gautam Sarath, Michael J. Bowman, Aaron J. Saathoff, Serge J. Edmé, Robert B. Mitchell, Christian M. Tobias, Soundararajan Madhavan, Erin D. Scully and Scott E. Sattler

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081732 - 21 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1134

Abstract

High-biomass-yielding southerly adapted switchgrasses (Panicum virgatum L.) frequently suffer from unpredictable winter hardiness at more northerly sites arising from damage to rhizomes that prevent effective spring regrowth. Previously, changes occurring over the growing season in rhizomes sampled from a cold-adapted tetraploid upland [...] Read more.

High-biomass-yielding southerly adapted switchgrasses (Panicum virgatum L.) frequently suffer from unpredictable winter hardiness at more northerly sites arising from damage to rhizomes that prevent effective spring regrowth. Previously, changes occurring over the growing season in rhizomes sampled from a cold-adapted tetraploid upland cultivar, Summer, demonstrated a role for abscisic acid (ABA), starch accumulation, and transcriptional reprogramming as drivers of dormancy onset and potential keys to rhizome health during winter dormancy. Here, rhizome metabolism of a high-yielding southerly adapted tetraploid switchgrass cultivar, Kanlow—which is a significant source of genetics for yield improvement—was studied over a growing season at a northern site. Metabolite levels and transcript abundances were combined to develop physiological profiles accompanying greening through the onset of dormancy in Kanlow rhizomes. Next, comparisons of the data to rhizome metabolism occurring in the adapted upland cultivar Summer were performed. These data revealed both similarities as well as numerous differences in rhizome metabolism that were indicative of physiological adaptations unique to each cultivar. Similarities included elevated ABA levels and accumulation of starch in rhizomes during dormancy onset. Notable differences were observed in the accumulation of specific metabolites, the expression of genes encoding transcription factors, and several enzymes linked to primary metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Synthetic Biology and Plant Transcriptome)

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21 pages, 12509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of the R2R3-MYB Gene Family in Six Ipomoea Species and the Identification of Anthocyanin-Related Members in Sweet Potatoes

by Maoxing Li, Yuanping Zhou, Kaifeng Li and Huachun Guo

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081731 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1545

Abstract

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are one of the important tuberous root crops cultivated worldwide, and thier storage roots are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins. R2R3-MYB is a large gene family involved in various biological processes, including anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, few [...] Read more.

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are one of the important tuberous root crops cultivated worldwide, and thier storage roots are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins. R2R3-MYB is a large gene family involved in various biological processes, including anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, few reports about the R2R3-MYB gene family of sweet potatoes have been released to date. In the present study, a total of 695 typical R2R3-MYB genes were identified in six Ipomoea species, including 131 R2R3-MYB genes in sweet potatoes. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis divided these genes into 36 clades, referring to the classification of 126 R2R3-MYB proteins of Arabidopsis. Clade C25(S12) has no members in six Ipomoea species, whereas four clades (i.e., clade C21, C26, C30, and C36), including 102 members, had no members in Arabidopsis, and they were identified as Ipomoea-specific clades. The identified R2R3-MYB genes were unevenly distributed on all chromosomes in six Ipomoea species genomes, and the collinearity analysis among hexaploid I. batatas and another five diploid Ipomoea species suggested that the sweet potato genome might have undergone a larger chromosome rearrangement during the evolution process. Further analyses of gene duplication events showed that whole-genome duplication, transposed duplication, and dispersed duplication events were the primary forces driving the R2R3-MYB gene family expansion of Ipomoea plants, and these duplicated genes experienced strong purifying selection because of their Ka/Ks ratio, which is less than 1. Additionally, the genomic sequence length of 131 IbR2R3-MYBs varied from 923 bp to ~12.9 kb with a mean of ~2.6 kb, and most of them had more than three exons. The Motif 1, 2, 3, and 4 formed typical R2 and R3 domains and were identified in all IbR2R3-MYB proteins. Finally, based on multiple RNA-seq datasets, two IbR2R3-MYB genes (IbMYB1/g17138.t1 and IbMYB113/g17108.t1) were relatively highly expressed in pigmented leaves and tuberous root flesh and skin, respectively; thus, they were identified to regulate tissue-specific anthocyanin accumulation in sweet potato. This study provides a basis for the evolution and function of the R2R3-MYB gene family in sweet potatoes and five other Ipomoea species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Molecular Breeding, and Biotechnology for Tuber Crop Improvement)

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19 pages, 3630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Cost Hyperspectral Imaging to Detect Drought Stress in High-Throughput Phenotyping

by Andrea Genangeli, Giovanni Avola, Marco Bindi, Claudio Cantini, Francesco Cellini, Stefania Grillo, Angelo Petrozza, Ezio Riggi, Alessandra Ruggiero, Stephan Summerer, Anna Tedeschi and Beniamino Gioli

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081730 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1611

Abstract

Recent developments in low-cost imaging hyperspectral cameras have opened up new possibilities for high-throughput phenotyping (HTP), allowing for high-resolution spectral data to be obtained in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. This study presents, for the first time, the integration of a low-cost [...] Read more.

Recent developments in low-cost imaging hyperspectral cameras have opened up new possibilities for high-throughput phenotyping (HTP), allowing for high-resolution spectral data to be obtained in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. This study presents, for the first time, the integration of a low-cost hyperspectral camera Senop HSC-2 into an HTP platform to evaluate the drought stress resistance and physiological response of four tomato genotypes (770P, 990P, Red Setter and Torremaggiore) during two cycles of well-watered and deficit irrigation. Over 120 gigabytes of hyperspectral data were collected, and an innovative segmentation method able to reduce the hyperspectral dataset by 85.5% was developed and applied. A hyperspectral index (H-index) based on the red-edge slope was selected, and its ability to discriminate stress conditions was compared with three optical indices (OIs) obtained by the HTP platform. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) applied to the OIs and H-index revealed the better capacity of the H-index to describe the dynamic of drought stress trend compared to OIs, especially in the first stress and recovery phases. Selected OIs were instead capable of describing structural changes during plant growth. Finally, the OIs and H-index results have revealed a higher susceptibility to drought stress in 770P and 990P than Red Setter and Torremaggiore genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Genome to Phenome: A Bridge to Accelerate Adaptation of Crops to Abiotic Stress)

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25 pages, 2270 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plants and Small Molecules: An Up-and-Coming Synergy

by A. Lepri, C. Longo, A. Messore, H. Kazmi, V. N. Madia, R. Di Santo, R. Costi and P. Vittorioso

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081729 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1443

Abstract

The emergence of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system has led to a rapid and wide improvement in molecular genetics techniques for studying gene function and regulation. However, there are still several drawbacks that cannot be easily solved with molecular genetic approaches, such [...] Read more.

The emergence of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system has led to a rapid and wide improvement in molecular genetics techniques for studying gene function and regulation. However, there are still several drawbacks that cannot be easily solved with molecular genetic approaches, such as the study of unfriendly species, which are of increasing agronomic interest but are not easily transformed, thus are not prone to many molecular techniques. Chemical genetics represents a methodology able to fill this gap. Chemical genetics lies between chemistry and biology and relies on small molecules to phenocopy genetic mutations addressing specific targets. Advances in recent decades have greatly improved both target specificity and activity, expanding the application of this approach to any biological process. As for classical genetics, chemical genetics also proceeds with a forward or reverse approach depending on the nature of the study. In this review, we addressed this topic in the study of plant photomorphogenesis, stress responses and epigenetic processes. We have dealt with some cases of repurposing compounds whose activity has been previously proven in human cells and, conversely, studies where plants have been a tool for the characterization of small molecules. In addition, we delved into the chemical synthesis and improvement of some of the compounds described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant Development and Morphogenesis)

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52 pages, 13789 KiB

Open AccessReview

Halophytic Clonal Plant Species: Important Functional Aspects for Existence in Heterogeneous Saline Habitats

by Gederts Ievinsh

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081728 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1819

Abstract

Plant modularity-related traits are important ecological determinants of vegetation composition, dynamics, and resilience. While simple changes in plant biomass resulting from salt treatments are usually considered a sufficient indicator for resistance vs. susceptibility to salinity, plants with a clonal growth pattern show complex [...] Read more.

Plant modularity-related traits are important ecological determinants of vegetation composition, dynamics, and resilience. While simple changes in plant biomass resulting from salt treatments are usually considered a sufficient indicator for resistance vs. susceptibility to salinity, plants with a clonal growth pattern show complex responses to changes in environmental conditions. Due to physiological integration, clonal plants often have adaptive advantages in highly heterogeneous or disturbed habitats. Although halophytes native to various heterogeneous habitats have been extensively studied, no special attention has been paid to the peculiarities of salt tolerance mechanisms of clonal halophytes. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to identify probable and possible halophytic plant species belonging to different types of clonal growth and to analyze available scientific information on responses to salinity in these species. Examples, including halophytes with different types of clonal growth, will be analyzed, such as based on differences in the degree of physiological integration, ramet persistence, rate of clonal expansion, salinity-induced clonality, etc. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical Determinants of Halophyte Adaptive Strategies)

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13 pages, 3342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eucalyptus globulus Leaf Aqueous Extract Differentially Inhibits the Growth of Three Bacterial Tomato Pathogens

by Mafalda Pinto, Cristiano Soares, Tatiana Andreani, Fernanda Fidalgo and Fernando Tavares

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081727 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1670

Abstract

As available tools for crop disease management are scarce, new, effective, and eco-friendly solutions are needed. So, this study aimed at assessing the antibacterial activity of a dried leaf Eucalyptus globulus Labill. aqueous extract (DLE) against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), [...] Read more.

As available tools for crop disease management are scarce, new, effective, and eco-friendly solutions are needed. So, this study aimed at assessing the antibacterial activity of a dried leaf Eucalyptus globulus Labill. aqueous extract (DLE) against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xeu), and Clavibacter michiganensis michiganensis (Cmm). For this, the inhibitory activity of different concentrations of DLE (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, and 250 g L⁻¹) was monitored against the type strains of Pst, Xeu, and Cmm through the obtention of their growth curves. After 48 h, results showed that the pathogen growth was strongly inhibited by DLE, with Xeu the most susceptible species (15 g L⁻¹ MIC and IC₅₀), followed by Pst (30 g L⁻¹ MIC and IC₅₀), and Cmm (45 and 35 g L⁻¹ MIC and IC₅₀, respectively). Additionally, using the resazurin assay, it was possible to verify that DLE considerably impaired cell viability by more than 86%, 85%, and 69% after Pst, Xeu, and Cmm were incubated with DLE concentrations equal to or higher than their MIC, respectively. However, only the treatment with DLE at 120 g L⁻¹ did not induce any hypersensitive response in all pathogens when treated bacterial suspensions were infiltrated onto tobacco leaves. Overall, DLE can represent a great strategy for the prophylactic treatment of tomato-associated bacterial diseases or reduce the application of environmentally toxic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocontrol Tools and Resources for Plant Protection)

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15 pages, 2632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Sesquiterpene Glycosides from the Flowers of Aster koraiensis and Their Inhibition Activities on EGF- and TPA-Induced Cell Transformation

by Young-Hye Seo, Ji-Young Kim, Seung-Mok Ryu, Sun-Young Hwang, Mee-Hyun Lee, Nahyun Kim, Hojun Son, A-Yeong Lee, Hyo-Seon Kim, Byeong-Cheol Moon, Dae-Sik Jang and Jun Lee

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081726 - 20 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1152

Abstract

In total, four new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene glycosides, askoseosides A–D (1–4), and 18 known compounds (5–22) were isolated from the flowers of Aster koraiensis via chromatographic techniques. Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were identified by [...] Read more.

In total, four new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene glycosides, askoseosides A–D (1–4), and 18 known compounds (5–22) were isolated from the flowers of Aster koraiensis via chromatographic techniques. Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic/spectrometric methods, including NMR and HRESIMS, and the absolute configuration of the new compounds (1 and 2) was performed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) studies. Further, the anticancer activities of the isolated compounds (1–22) were evaluated using the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced as well as the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced cell transformation assay. Among the 22 compounds, compounds 4, 9, 11, 13–15, 17, 18, and 22 significantly inhibited both EGF- and TPA-induced colony growth. In particular, askoseoside D (4, EGF: 57.8%; TPA: 67.1%), apigenin (9, EGF: 88.6%; TPA: 80.2%), apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (14, EGF: 79.2%; TPA: 70.7%), and 1-(3′,4′-dihydroxycinnamoyl) cyclopentane-2,3-diol (22, EGF: 60.0%; TPA: 72.1%) showed higher potent activities. Full article

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15 pages, 23191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Monitoring of Nutrition Inputs and Fertility Evaluation during a Decade in the Main Peach-Producing Areas of Shandong Province, China

by Tingting Li, Binbin Zhang, Anqi Du, Sankui Yang, Kexin Huang, Futian Peng and Yuansong Xiao

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1725; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081725 - 20 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1088

Abstract

The main peach-producing area in Shandong is an important peach fruit-producing area in China. Understanding the nutritional properties of the soil in peach orchards helps us to understand the evolution of soil properties and adjust management methods in a timely manner. This study [...] Read more.

The main peach-producing area in Shandong is an important peach fruit-producing area in China. Understanding the nutritional properties of the soil in peach orchards helps us to understand the evolution of soil properties and adjust management methods in a timely manner. This study focuses on 52 peach orchards in the main peach-producing area in Shandong as the research object. The spatiotemporal changes in soil traits and their influential factors were studied in depth, and the changes in soil fertility were effectively evaluated. The results showed that the input of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from organic fertilizer in 2021 was significantly higher than that in 2011, while the input of fertilizer in 2011 was significantly higher than that in 2021. Compared with traditional parks, both organic fertilizer inputs and chemical fertilizer inputs in demonstration parks showed a significant downwards trend. There was no significant change in pH values between 2011 and 2021. In 2021, the soil organic matter (SOM) contents of the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm layers were 24.17 g·kg⁻¹ and 23.38 g·kg⁻¹, respectively, an increase of 29.3% and 78.47% over the values measured in 2011. Compared with 2011, the content of soil alkaloid nitrogen (AN) decreased significantly in 2021, and the contents of available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) in the soil increased significantly. According to the calculation results of the comprehensive fertility index (IFI) value, we found that in 2021, compared with 2011, the quality of soil fertility improved, most of which was at the medium and high levels. The research results show that the fertilizer-saving and synergistic approach in peach orchards in China significantly improved the soil nutrition. In the future, research on suitable comprehensive technologies should be strengthened in the management of peach orchards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Field Crops)

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22 pages, 6940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Seed Priming with Endophytic Bacillus subtilis on Some Physio-Biochemical Parameters of Two Wheat Varieties Exposed to Drought after Selective Herbicide Application

by Oksana Lastochkina, Albina Yakupova, Irina Avtushenko, Artem Lastochkin and Ruslan Yuldashev

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081724 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

Wheat plants are frequently exposed to combined herbicide and drought stress (HDS) which induces complex responses negatively, affects productivity, and is becoming more exacerbated with current climate change. In this work, we studied the influence of seed priming with endophytic bacteria Bacillus subtilis [...] Read more.

Wheat plants are frequently exposed to combined herbicide and drought stress (HDS) which induces complex responses negatively, affects productivity, and is becoming more exacerbated with current climate change. In this work, we studied the influence of seed priming with endophytic bacteria Bacillus subtilis (strains 104 and 26D) on growth and tolerance of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (E70—drought tolerant; SY—drought susceptible) exposed to soil drought after application of selective herbicide Sekator^® Turbo in pot experiments under controlled conditions; 17-day-old plants sprayed with herbicide and after 3 days were subjected to soil drought by stopping irrigating the plants for 7 days with subsequent resumption of normal irrigation (recovery). Additionally, the growth of tested strains (104, 26D) in the presence of different concentrations of herbicide Sekator^® Turbo and drought (PEG-6000) were evaluated. It was established that both strains are herbicide and drought tolerant and capable to improve seed germination and early seedlings’ growth under different herbicide and drought stress degrees. The results of pot experiments showed that HDS exposure declined growth (plant length, biomass), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b), leaf area, and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and proline accumulation in plants, demonstrating higher damaging effects for SY variety. Strains 104 and 26D mitigated (in different levels) such negative impacts of HDS on growth of both varieties by increasing length of roots and shoots, biomass, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b), and leaf area, reducing stress-caused LPO (i.e., malondialdehyde), and regulating proline biosynthesis, as well as contributing to a faster recovery of growth, photosynthetic pigments, and redox-status of plants in post-stress period in comparison with non-primed plants. These ultimately manifested in forming a better grain yield of both varieties primed with 104, 26D, and exposed to HDS. Thus, both strains 104 and 26D (which are herbicide and drought tolerant) may be used as seed priming agents to improve wheat HDS tolerance and grain yield; however, strain 104 more effectively protected plants of E70, while strain 26D—plants of SY. Further research should be focused on understanding the mechanisms that determine the strain and variety-specificity of endophytic symbiosis and the role of bacteria in the modulation of physiological states of primed plants under stress conditions, including HDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Wheat to Abiotic Stress)

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16 pages, 1435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Potency of Amaranth Leaf Extract: An In Vitro Study

by Agnieszka Jamiołkowska, Barbara Skwaryło-Bednarz, Radosław Kowalski, Ismet Yildirim and Elżbieta Patkowska

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081723 - 20 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1567

Abstract

Plant diseases are a serious problem for agricultural crops, the food industry and human health. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to find natural products that could reduce the growth of plant pathogens and improve food quality. At present, there is [...] Read more.

Plant diseases are a serious problem for agricultural crops, the food industry and human health. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to find natural products that could reduce the growth of plant pathogens and improve food quality. At present, there is an increased interest in plants as a source of biological active compounds that can protect crops from diseases. Important sources of these phytochemicals are lesser-known pseudocereals such as amaranth. The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of four amaranth species (A. cruentus, A. hypochondriacus × hybridus, A. retroflexus and A. hybridus). The antifungal potency of amaranth extracts was analyzed against selected strains of fungi. The results suggested that the antimicrobial properties of the tested extracts varied depending on the amaranth species and the fungal strain. The studied extracts inhibited the growth of Fusarium equiseti, Rhizoctonia solani, Trichoderma harzianum and Alternaria alternata. A lower inhibitory effect of the extracts was recorded against F. solani, while no inhibitory effect was observed against F. oxysporum and Colletotrichum coccodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weaponizing Plants: Biocontrol and Biosecurity in Plant Protection)

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25 pages, 1806 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Lack of Standardization and Pharmacological Effect Limits the Potential Clinical Usefulness of Phytosterols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

by Mădălina-Georgiana Buț, George Jîtcă, Silvia Imre, Camil Eugen Vari, Bianca Eugenia Ősz, Carmen-Maria Jîtcă and Amelia Tero-Vescan

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081722 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1727

Abstract

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) markedly increases with age. Phytotherapeutic approaches have been developed over time owing to the adverse side effects of conventional medications such as 5-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Therefore, dietary supplements (DS) containing active compounds that [...] Read more.

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) markedly increases with age. Phytotherapeutic approaches have been developed over time owing to the adverse side effects of conventional medications such as 5-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Therefore, dietary supplements (DS) containing active compounds that benefit BPH are widely available. Phytosterols (PSs) are well recognized for their role in maintaining blood cholesterol levels; however, their potential in BPH treatment remains unexplored. This review aims to provide a general overview of the available data regarding the clinical evidence and a good understanding of the detailed pharmacological roles of PSs-induced activities at a molecular level in BPH. Furthermore, we will explore the authenticity of PSs content in DS used by patients with BPH compared to the current legislation and appropriate analytical methods for tracking DS containing PSs. The results showed that PSs might be a useful pharmacological treatment option for men with mild to moderate BPH, but the lack of standardized extracts linked with the regulation of DS containing PSs and experimental evidence to elucidate the mechanisms of action limit the use of PSs in BPH. Moreover, the results suggest multiple research directions in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)

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24 pages, 22214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment the Impacts of Sea-Level Changes on Mangroves of Ceará-Mirim Estuary, Northeastern Brazil, during the Holocene and Anthropocene

by Sérgio. P. D. Q. Nunes, Marlon C. França, Marcelo C. L. Cohen, Luiz C. R. Pessenda, Erika S. F. Rodrigues, Evandro A. S. Magalhães and Fernando A. B. Silva

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081721 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1306

Abstract

Predictions of the effects of modern Relative Sea-Level (RSL) rise on mangroves should be based on decadal-millennial mangrove dynamics and the particularities of each depositional environment under past RSL changes. This work identified inland and seaward mangrove migrations along the Ceará-Mirim estuary (Rio [...] Read more.

Predictions of the effects of modern Relative Sea-Level (RSL) rise on mangroves should be based on decadal-millennial mangrove dynamics and the particularities of each depositional environment under past RSL changes. This work identified inland and seaward mangrove migrations along the Ceará-Mirim estuary (Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil) during the mid–late Holocene and Anthropocene based on sedimentary features, palynological, and geochemical (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, C/N) data integrated with spatial-temporal analysis based on satellite images. The data indicated three phases for the mangrove development: (1°) mangrove expansion on tidal flats with estuarine organic matter between >4420 and ~2870 cal yrs BP, under the influence of the mid-Holocene sea-level highstand; (2°) mangrove contraction with an increased contribution of C₃ terrestrial plants between ~2870 and ~84 cal yrs BP due to an RSL fall, and (3°) mangrove expansion onto the highest tidal flats since ~84 cal yr BP due to a relative sea-level rise. However, significant mangrove areas were converted to fish farming before 1984 CE. Spatial-temporal analysis also indicated a mangrove expansion since 1984 CE due to mangrove recolonization of shrimp farming areas previously deforested for pisciculture. This work mainly evidenced a trend of mangrove expansion due to RSL rise preceding the effects of anthropogenic emissions of CO₂ in the atmosphere and the resilience of these forests in the face of anthropogenic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mangrove Plant Communities: Ecology, Evolution and Biogeography)

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17 pages, 2978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Efficacy and Mechanism of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Essential Oil against Shewanella putrefaciens

by Chi Zhang, Yao Xie, Weiqiang Qiu, Jun Mei and Jing Xie

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1720; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081720 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1993

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has unique medicinal value and can be used to treat colds and cold-related diseases. The chemical composition and antibacterial activity of ginger essential oil (GEO) against Shewanella putrefaciens were determined in the present study. Zingiberene, α-curcumene, and zingerone [...] Read more.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has unique medicinal value and can be used to treat colds and cold-related diseases. The chemical composition and antibacterial activity of ginger essential oil (GEO) against Shewanella putrefaciens were determined in the present study. Zingiberene, α-curcumene, and zingerone were the main active compounds of GEO. GEO displayed significant antibacterial activity against S. putrefaciens, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 2.0 and 4.0 μL/mL, respectively. Changes in intracellular ATP content, nucleic acid and protein structure, exopolysaccharides (EPS) content, and extracellular protease production indicated that GEO disrupted the membrane integrity of S. putrescens. At the same time, changes in biofilm metabolic activity content and the growth curve of biofilm showed that GEO could destroy the biofilm. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations confirmed that GEO destroyed the cell membrane and lead to the leakage of the constituents. The above results indicate that GEO entered the cells via contact with bacterial membranes, and then inhibited the growth of S. putrefaciens and its biofilms by increasing membrane permeability and inhibiting various virulence factors such as EPS. The findings showed that GEO could destroy the structure of cell membrane and biofilm of tested S. putrefaciens, indicating its potential as a natural food preservative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valuable Sources of Bioactive Natural Products from Plants)

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19 pages, 4907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Analysis of miRNAome and Transcriptome Identify Regulators of Elm Seed Aging

by Tiantian Ye, Xu Huang, Tianxiao Ma, Ying Li, Xiaofeng Wang, Hai Lu and Hua Xue

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081719 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1347

Abstract

After maturity, seed vigor irreversibly decreases. Understanding the underlying mechanism is important to germplasm preservation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in plants. However, little is known about how miRNAs regulate seed aging. Here, elm (Ulmus pumila L.) seeds of three aging [...] Read more.

After maturity, seed vigor irreversibly decreases. Understanding the underlying mechanism is important to germplasm preservation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in plants. However, little is known about how miRNAs regulate seed aging. Here, elm (Ulmus pumila L.) seeds of three aging stages were subjected to a multi-omics analysis including transcriptome, small RNAome and degradome, to find regulators of seed aging. In the small RNAome, 119 miRNAs were identified, including 111 conservative miRNAs and eight novel miRNAs specific to elm seeds, named upu-miRn1-8. A total of 4900 differentially expressed genes, 22 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 528 miRNA-target pairs were identified during seed ageing. The target genes were mainly involved in the processing of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and spliceosome. The expression of several DEGs and miRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR. The degradome data showed the exact degradation sites of upu-miR399a on ABCG25, and upu-miR414a on GIF1, etc. The dual-luciferase assay verified the negative regulation of upu-miR399a on ABCG25 and upu-miR414a on GIF1 in tobacco leaves. This study outlined the regulation network of mRNA, miRNA and miRNA-target genes during seed aging, which is helpful in integrating the regulation mechanisms of seed vigor at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seed Aging Mechanism)

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23 pages, 1225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Heavy Metal Accumulation on Some Physiological Parameters in Silphium perfoliatum L. Plants Grown in Hydroponic Systems

by Radu Liviu Sumalan, Vlad Nescu, Adina Berbecea, Renata Maria Sumalan, Manuela Crisan, Petru Negrea and Sorin Ciulca

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081718 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2277

Abstract

Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), resulting from anthropogenic activities, are elements with high persistence in nature, being able to accumulate in soils, water, and plants with significant impact to human and animal health. This study investigates [...] Read more.

Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), resulting from anthropogenic activities, are elements with high persistence in nature, being able to accumulate in soils, water, and plants with significant impact to human and animal health. This study investigates the phytoremediation capacity of Silphium perfoliatum L. as a specific heavy metal hyperaccumulator and the effects of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb on some physiological and biochemical indices by growing plants under floating hydroponic systems in nutrient solutions under the presence of heavy metals. One-year-old plants of S. perfoliatum grown for 20 days in Hoagland solution with the addition of (ppm) Cu-400, Zn-1200, Cd-20, Pb-400, and Cu+Zn+Cd+Pb (400/1200/20/400) were investigated with respect to the control. The level of phytoremediation, manifested by the ability of heavy metal absorption and accumulation, was assessed. In addition, the impact of stress on the proline content, photosynthetic pigments, and enzymatic activity, as being key components of metabolism, was determined. The obtained results revealed a good absorption and selective accumulation capacity of S. perfoliatum plants for the studied heavy metals. Therefore, Cu and Zn mainly accumulate in the stems, Cd in the roots and stems, while Pb mainly accumulates in the roots. The proline tended to increase under stress conditions, depending on the pollutant and its concentration, with higher values in leaves and stems under the associated stress of the four metals and individually for Pb and Cd. In addition, the enzymatic activity recorded different values depending on the plant organ, its type, and the metal concentration on its substrate. The obtained results indicate a strong correlation between the metal type, concentration, and the mechanisms of absorption/accumulation of S. perfoliatum species, as well as the specific reactions of metabolic response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytomonitoring and Phytoremediation of Environmental Pollutants)

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16 pages, 3369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maintenance of Methyl-Esterified Pectin Level in Pollen Mother-Cell Stages Is Required for Microspore Development

by Kazuya Hasegawa, Ai Ichikawa, Haruki Takeuchi, Atsuko Nakamura and Hiroaki Iwai

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081717 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

Pectin modification and degradation are vital for plant development, although the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. Furthermore, reports on the function of pectin in early pollen development are limited. We generated OsPME-FOX rice lines with little methyl-esterified pectin even in [...] Read more.

Pectin modification and degradation are vital for plant development, although the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. Furthermore, reports on the function of pectin in early pollen development are limited. We generated OsPME-FOX rice lines with little methyl-esterified pectin even in the early-pollen mother-cell stage due to overexpression of the gene encoding pectin-methylesterase. Overexpression of OsPME1 in rice increased the activity of PME, which decreased the degree of pectin methyl esterification in the cell wall. OsPME1-FOX grew normally and showed abnormal phenotypes in anther and pollen development, especially in terms of the pollen mother-cell stage. In addition, we examined modifications of cell-wall polysaccharides at the cellular level using antibodies against polysaccharides. Immunohistochemical staining using LM19 and LM20 showed that methyl-esterified pectin distribution and the pectin contents in pollen mother-cell wall decreased in OsPME1-FOX compared with the wild type. Thus, the maintenance of methyl-esterified pectin plays a role in degrading and maintaining the pollen mother-cell wall during microspore development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Plant Sexual Reproduction: From Sporogenesis to Fertilization)

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22 pages, 1724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sideritis scardica Extracts Demonstrate Neuroprotective Activity against Aβ_25–35 Toxicity

by Antonis Ververis, Kristia Ioannou, Sotiris Kyriakou, Niki Violaki, Mihalis I. Panayiotidis, Michael Plioukas and Kyproula Christodoulou

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081716 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative condition, primarily affecting seniors. Despite the significant time and money spent over the past few decades, no therapy has been developed yet. In recent years, the research has focused on ameliorating the cytotoxic amyloid beta [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative condition, primarily affecting seniors. Despite the significant time and money spent over the past few decades, no therapy has been developed yet. In recent years, the research has focused on ameliorating the cytotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide aggregates and the increased elevated oxidative stress, two interconnected main AD hallmarks. Medicinal plants constitute a large pool for identifying bioactive compounds or mixtures with a therapeutic effect. Sideritis scardica (SS) has been previously characterized as neuroprotective toward AD. We investigated this ability of SS by generating eight distinct solvent fractions, which were chemically characterized and assessed for their antioxidant and neuroprotective potential. The majority of the fractions were rich in phenolics and flavonoids, and all except one showed significant antioxidant activity. Additionally, four SS extracts partly rescued the viability in Aβ_25–35-treated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, with the initial aqueous extract being the most potent and demonstrating similar activity in retinoic-acid-differentiated cells as well. These extracts were rich in neuroprotective substances, such as apigenin, myricetin-3-galactoside, and ellagic acid. Our findings indicate that specific SS mixtures can benefit the pharmaceutical industry to develop herbal drugs and functional food products that may alleviate AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plant Extracts)

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17 pages, 5488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antimicrobial Potential and Aquaculture Wastewater Treatment Ability of Penaeidins 3a Transgenic Duckweed

by Lin Yang, Ximeng Luo, Jinge Sun, Xu Ma, Qiuting Ren, Yaya Wang, Wenqiao Wang, Yuman He, Qingqing Li, Bing Han, Yiqi Yu and Jinsheng Sun

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081715 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1375

Abstract

With the development of aquaculture, wastewater treatment and diseases have been paid more and more attention. The question of how to improve the immunity of aquatic species, as well as treat aquaculture wastewater, has become an urgent problem. In this study, duckweed with [...] Read more.

With the development of aquaculture, wastewater treatment and diseases have been paid more and more attention. The question of how to improve the immunity of aquatic species, as well as treat aquaculture wastewater, has become an urgent problem. In this study, duckweed with a high protein content (37.4%) (Lemna turionifera 5511) has been employed as a feedstock for aquatic wastewater treatment and the production of antimicrobial peptides. Penaeidins 3a (Pen3a), from Litopenaeus vannamei, were expressed under the control of CaMV-35S promoter in duckweed. Bacteriostatic testing using the Pen3a duckweed extract showed its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Transcriptome analysis of wild type (WT) duckweed and Pen3a duckweed showed different results, and the protein metabolic process was the most up-regulated by differential expression genes (DEGs). In Pen3a transgenic duckweed, the expression of sphingolipid metabolism and phagocytosis process-related genes have been significantly up-regulated. Quantitative proteomics suggested a remarkable difference in protein enrichment in the metabolic pathway. Pen3a duckweed decreased the bacterial number, and effectively inhibited the growth of Nitrospirae. Additionally, Pen3a duckweed displayed better growth in the lake. The study showed the nutritional and antibacterial value of duckweed as an animal feed ingredient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptides in Plants)

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24 pages, 3133 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Studying Parameters Affecting Accumulation of Chilling Units Required for Olive Winter Flower Induction

by Chaim Engelen, Tahel Wechsler, Ortal Bakhshian, Ilan Smoly, Idan Flaks, Tamar Friedlander, Giora Ben-Ari and Alon Samach

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081714 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1612

Abstract

With global warming, mean winter temperatures are predicted to increase. Therefore, understanding how warmer winters will affect the levels of olive flower induction is essential for predicting the future sustainability of olive oil production under different climactic scenarios. Here, we studied the effect [...] Read more.

With global warming, mean winter temperatures are predicted to increase. Therefore, understanding how warmer winters will affect the levels of olive flower induction is essential for predicting the future sustainability of olive oil production under different climactic scenarios. Here, we studied the effect of fruit load, forced drought in winter, and different winter temperature regimes on olive flower induction using several cultivars. We show the necessity of studying trees with no previous fruit load as well as provide evidence that soil water content during winter does not significantly affect the expression of an FT-encoding gene in leaves and the subsequent rate of flower induction. We collected yearly flowering data for 5 cultivars for 9 to 11 winters, altogether 48 data sets. Analyzing hourly temperatures from these winters, we made initial attempts to provide an efficient method to calculate accumulated chill units that are then correlated with the level of flower induction in olives. While the new models tested here appear to predict the positive contribution of cold temperatures, they lack in accurately predicting the reduction in cold units caused by warm temperatures occurring during winter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Olive Oil Yield and Quality)

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20 pages, 4834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasticity in the Morphology of Growing Bamboo: A Bayesian Analysis of Exogenous Treatment Effects on Plant Height, Internode Length, and Internode Numbers

by Chongyang Wu, Yucong Bai, Zhihua Cao, Junlei Xu, Yali Xie, Huifang Zheng, Jutang Jiang, Changhong Mu, Wenlong Cheng, Hui Fang and Jian Gao

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081713 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2266

Abstract

Sucrose (Suc) and gibberellin (GA) can promote the elongation of certain internodes in bamboo. However, there is a lack of field studies to support these findings and no evidence concerning how Suc and GA promote the plant height of bamboo by regulating the [...] Read more.

Sucrose (Suc) and gibberellin (GA) can promote the elongation of certain internodes in bamboo. However, there is a lack of field studies to support these findings and no evidence concerning how Suc and GA promote the plant height of bamboo by regulating the internode elongation and number. We investigated the plant height, the length of each internode, and the total number of internodes of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) under exogenous Suc, GA, and control group (CTRL) treatments in the field and analyzed how Suc and GA affected the height of Moso bamboo by promoting the internode length and number. The lengths of the 10th–50th internodes were significantly increased under the exogenous Suc and GA treatments, and the number of internodes was significantly increased by the exogenous Suc treatment. The increased effect of Suc and GA exogenous treatment on the proportion of longer internodes showed a weakening trend near the plant height of 15–16 m compared with the CTRL, suggesting that these exogenous treatments may be more effective in regions where bamboo growth is suboptimal. This study demonstrated that both the exogenous Suc and GA treatments could promote internode elongation of Moso bamboo in the field. The exogenous GA treatment had a stronger effect on internode elongation, and the exogenous Suc treatment had a stronger effect on increasing the internode numbers. The increase in plant height by the exogenous Suc and GA treatments was promoted by the co-elongation of most internodes or the increase in the proportion of longer internodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Morphology and Function, Geometric Morphometrics, and Modelling: Decoding the Mathematical Secrets of Plants)

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16 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unlocking the Secret to Higher Crop Yield: The Potential for Histone Modifications

by Weiwei Fang, Carlo Fasano and Giorgio Perrella

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081712 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1489

Abstract

Histone modifications are epigenetic mechanisms, termed relative to genetics, and they refer to the induction of heritable changes without altering the DNA sequence. It is widely known that DNA sequences precisely modulate plant phenotypes to adapt them to the changing environment; however, epigenetic [...] Read more.

Histone modifications are epigenetic mechanisms, termed relative to genetics, and they refer to the induction of heritable changes without altering the DNA sequence. It is widely known that DNA sequences precisely modulate plant phenotypes to adapt them to the changing environment; however, epigenetic mechanisms also greatly contribute to plant growth and development by altering chromatin status. An increasing number of recent studies have elucidated epigenetic regulations on improving plant growth and adaptation, thus making contributions to the final yield. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying crop flowering efficiency, fruit quality, and adaptation to environmental stimuli, especially to abiotic stress, to ensure crop improvement. In particular, we highlight the major discoveries in rice and tomato, which are two of the most globally consumed crops. We also describe and discuss the applications of epigenetic approaches in crop breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetics and Genome Evolution in Plants)

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12 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Two Seeding Rates on Nitrogen Yield and Nitrogen Fixation of Winter and Spring Faba Bean

by Reinhard W. Neugschwandtner, Alexander Bernhuber, Stefan Kammlander, Helmut Wagentristl, Agnieszka Klimek-Kopyra, Tomáš Lošák, Jaroslav Bernas, Lukas J. Koppensteiner, Kuanysh K. Zholamanov, Mohammad Ghorbani and Hans-Peter Kaul

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081711 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1000

Abstract

Faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor) is an important grain legume and is widely used as food and feed. It is traditionally used as a spring crop in Central European cropping systems. There is increasing interest in winter faba bean due [...] Read more.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor) is an important grain legume and is widely used as food and feed. It is traditionally used as a spring crop in Central European cropping systems. There is increasing interest in winter faba bean due to a higher yield potential, but limited knowledge of nitrogen (N) yields and nitrogen fixation (N_FIX) exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare N concentrations, N yield of plant fractions, soil mineral N (SMN) and SMN sparing in the soil after harvest, N_FIX and N balance of two winter faba bean varieties (Diva and Hiverna) to those of a spring faba bean (Alexia) using two seeding rates (25 versus 50 germinable seeds m⁻²) in a two-year field experiment under Pannonian climate conditions in eastern Austria. The winter faba bean varieties had higher N yields and N_FIX, not only due to higher biomass yields, but also due to higher N concentrations and a higher percentage of N derived from atmosphere in the biomass. Conversely, the soil mineral N after harvest was lower compared to the spring faba bean. All treatments had a negative N balance due to higher grain N yield than N_FIX. Winter faba beans left higher amounts of biologically-fixed N in residues for the subsequent crop, whereas spring faba bean left more SMN. Winter faba bean varieties obtained good results with both seeding rates, whereas the grain yield and the grain N yield of Alexia tended to higher with the higher seeding rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding and Cultivation Management of Legumes)

19 pages, 2540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Genetic Structure and Diversity of Cryptic Species of the Plant Genus Macrocarpaea (Gentianaceae) from the Tropical Andes

by Julien C. Vieu, Darina Koubínová and Jason R. Grant

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081710 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1062

Abstract

The Pleistocene climatic oscillations (PCO) that provoked several cycles of glacial–interglacial periods are thought to have profoundly affected species distribution, richness and diversity around the world. While the effect of the PCO on population dynamics at temperate latitudes is well known, considerable questions [...] Read more.

The Pleistocene climatic oscillations (PCO) that provoked several cycles of glacial–interglacial periods are thought to have profoundly affected species distribution, richness and diversity around the world. While the effect of the PCO on population dynamics at temperate latitudes is well known, considerable questions remain about its impact on the biodiversity of neotropical mountains. Here, we use amplified fragment length polymorphism molecular markers (AFLPs) to investigate the phylogeography and genetic structure of 13 plant species belonging to the gentian genus Macrocarpaea (Gentianaceae) in the tropical Andes. These woody herbs, shrubs or small trees show complex and potentially reticulated relationships, including cryptic species. We show that populations of M. xerantifulva in the dry system of the Rio Marañón in northern Peru have lower levels of genetic diversity compared to other sampled species. We suggest that this is due to a recent demographic bottleneck resulting from the contraction of the montane wet forests into refugia because of the expansion of the dry system into the valley during the glacial cycles of the PCO. This may imply that the ecosystems of different valleys of the Andes might have responded differently to the PCO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Molecular Evolution and Population Ecology)

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11 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Self-Compatibility Factors on Interspecific Compatibility in Solanum Section Petota

by William L. Behling and David S. Douches

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081709 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 983

Abstract

The relationships of interspecific compatibility and incompatibility in Solanum section Petota are complex. Inquiry into these relationships in tomato and its wild relatives has elucidated the pleiotropic and redundant function of S-RNase and HT which tandemly and independently mediate both interspecific and intraspecific [...] Read more.

The relationships of interspecific compatibility and incompatibility in Solanum section Petota are complex. Inquiry into these relationships in tomato and its wild relatives has elucidated the pleiotropic and redundant function of S-RNase and HT which tandemly and independently mediate both interspecific and intraspecific pollen rejection. Our findings presented here are consistent with previous work conducted in Solanum section Lycopersicon showing that S-RNase plays a central role in interspecific pollen rejection. Statistical analyses also demonstrated that HT-B alone is not a significant factor in these pollinations; demonstrating the overlap in gene function between HT-A and HT-B, as HT-A, was present and functional in all genotypes used. We were not able to replicate the general absence of prezygotic stylar barriers observable in S. verrucosum, which has been attributed to the lack of S-RNase, indicating that other non-S-RNase factors play a significant role. We also demonstrated that Sli played no significant role in these interspecific pollinations, directly conflicting with previous research. It is possible that S. chacoense as a pollen donor is better able to bypass stylar barriers in 1EBN species such as S. pinnatisectum. Consequently, S. chacoense may be a valuable resource in accessing these 1EBN species regardless of Sli status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diploid F1 Hybrid Breeding in Potato)

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17 pages, 6417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Overrides the Influence of Microsite Conditions on Radial Growth of the Tall Multi-Stemmed Shrub Alnus alnobetula at Treeline

by Walter Oberhuber, Anna-Lena Dobler, Tamara Heinzle, Francesca Scandurra, Andreas Gruber and Gerhard Wieser

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1708; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081708 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 883

Abstract

Green alder (Alnus alnobetula), a tall multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, is widespread at high elevations in the Central European Alps. Its growth form frequently leads to asymmetric radial growth and anomalous growth ring patterns, making development of representative ring-width series a challenge. [...] Read more.

Green alder (Alnus alnobetula), a tall multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, is widespread at high elevations in the Central European Alps. Its growth form frequently leads to asymmetric radial growth and anomalous growth ring patterns, making development of representative ring-width series a challenge. In order to assess the variability among radii of one shoot, among shoots belonging to one stock and among stocks, 60 stem discs were sampled at treeline on Mt. Patscherkofel (Tyrol, Austria). Annual increments were measured along 188 radii and analyzed in terms of their variability by applying dendrochronological techniques. Results revealed a high agreement in ring-width variation among radii of one shoot, among shoots of one stock and largely among stocks from different sites, confirming the pronounced limitation of radial stem growth by climate forcing at the alpine treeline. In contrast to this, a high variability in both absolute growth rates and long-term growth trends was found, which we attribute to different microsite conditions and disturbances. These factors also override climate control of radial growth under growth-limiting environmental conditions. Based on our findings we provide recommendations for the number of samples needed to carry out inter- and intra-annual studies of radial growth in this multi-stemmed clonal shrub. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arctic and Alpine Plants: Ecology, Adaptations and Conservation Biology)

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14 pages, 1716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Compounds of Potato Breeding Genotypes and Commercial Cultivars with Yellow, Light Yellow, and White Flesh in Iran

by Somayeh Bahadori, Mousa Torabi Giglou, Behrooz Esmaielpour, Bahram Dehdar, Asghar Estaji, Christophe Hano, Gholamreza Gohari, Marzia Vergine and Federico Vita

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081707 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1556

Abstract

Potatoes are a staple food with high antioxidant properties that can positively affect population health. The beneficial effects of potatoes have been attributed to tuber quality. However, the tuber quality related researches at genetic levels are very few. Sexual hybridization is a powerful [...] Read more.

Potatoes are a staple food with high antioxidant properties that can positively affect population health. The beneficial effects of potatoes have been attributed to tuber quality. However, the tuber quality related researches at genetic levels are very few. Sexual hybridization is a powerful strategy for producing new and valuable genotypes with high quality. In this study, 42 breeding potato genotypes in Iran were selected based on appearance characteristics such as shape, size, color, eyes of tubers, and tuber yield and marketability. The tubers were evaluated for their nutritional value and properties, viz. phenolic content, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, sugars, proteins, and antioxidant activity. Potato tubers with white flesh and colored skin had significantly higher levels of ascorbic acid and total sugar. The result showed that higher phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, protein concentration, and antioxidant activity were noted in yellow-fleshed. Burren (yellow-fleshed) tubers had more antioxidant capacity in comparison to genotypes and cultivars, which did not differ significantly with genotypes 58, 68, 67 (light yellow), 26, 22, and 12 (white). The highest correlation coefficients in antioxidant compounds were related to total phenol content and FRAP, suggesting that phenolics might be crucial predictors of antioxidant activities. The concentration of antioxidant compounds in the breeding genotypes was higher than in some commercial cultivars, and higher antioxidant compounds content and activity were detected in yellow-fleshed cultivars. Based on current results, understanding the relationship between antioxidant compounds and the antioxidant activity of potatoes could be very helpful in potato breeding projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Plants—Health Care, Food Production and Green Agriculture)

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11 pages, 2677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Method for Fractionation and Characterization of Polyphenols and Tannins from Grapevine Leaf Tissue

by Stephan Sommer, Marnelle Salie, Esteban Garcia, Anthony Reyes, Steven C. Ebersole, Rachel P. Naegele and Sonet Van Zyl

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081706 - 20 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

Plants accumulate different types of phenolic material in their tissue as a response to biotic as well as abiotic stress. Monomeric polyphenols and smaller oligomers can serve as protection against ultraviolet radiation or prevent oxidative tissue damage, while larger molecules such as tannins [...] Read more.

Plants accumulate different types of phenolic material in their tissue as a response to biotic as well as abiotic stress. Monomeric polyphenols and smaller oligomers can serve as protection against ultraviolet radiation or prevent oxidative tissue damage, while larger molecules such as tannins can be the plant’s reaction to an infection or physical damage. Therefore, characterization, profiling, and quantification of diverse phenolics can provide valuable information about the plant and the stress status at any given time. A method was developed that allows the extraction of polyphenols and tannins from leaf tissue, followed by fractionation and quantification. Extraction was performed with liquid nitrogen and 30% acetate-buffered ethanol. The method was tested with four cultivars under varying extraction conditions (solvent strength and temperature) and showed great improvements of the chromatography that would otherwise be impacted by tannins. The separation of tannins from smaller polyphenols was achieved by bovine serum albumin precipitation and resuspension in a urea-triethanolamine buffer. Tannins were reacted with ferric chloride and analyzed spectrophotometrically. Monomeric non-protein-precipitable polyphenols were then analyzed via HPLC-DAD from the supernatant of the precipitation sample. This way, a more complete spectrum of compounds can be analyzed from the same plant tissue extract. With the fractionation suggested here, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavan-3-ols can be separated and quantified with good accuracy and precision. Possible applications include the assessment of plant stress and response monitoring using the total concentrations of polyphenols and tannins, as well as the ratios between those compound classes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)

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12 pages, 4711 KiB

Open AccessReview

Structural Characteristics of Reaction Tissue in Plants

by Litong Liu, Yu Luan, Changhua Fang, Jinbo Hu, Shanshan Chang and Benhua Fei

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081705 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1453

Abstract

To maintain or adjust posture under the challenges of gravity and increased self-weight, or the effects of light, snow, and slope, plants have the ability to develop a special type of tissue called reaction tissue. The formation of reaction tissue is a result [...] Read more.

To maintain or adjust posture under the challenges of gravity and increased self-weight, or the effects of light, snow, and slope, plants have the ability to develop a special type of tissue called reaction tissue. The formation of reaction tissue is a result of plant evolution and adaptation. The identification and study of plant reaction tissue are of great significance for understanding the systematics and evolution of plants, the processing and utilization of plant-based materials, and the exploration of new biomimetic materials and biological templates. Trees’ reaction tissues have been studied for many years, and recently, many new findings regarding these tissues have been reported. However, reaction tissue requires further detailed exploration, particularly due to their complex and diverse nature. Moreover, the reaction tissues in gymnosperms, vines, herbs, etc., which display unique biomechanical behavior, have also garnered the attention of research. After summarizing the existing literature, this paper provides an outline of the reaction tissues in woody plants and non-woody plants, and lays emphasis on alternations in the cell wall structure of the xylem in softwood and hardwood. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for the further exploration and study of reaction tissues with great diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Plant Resistance to Stress)

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15 pages, 3771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Salt Tolerance–Related Protein (STRP) Is a Positive Regulator of the Response to Salt Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

by Anna Fiorillo, Michela Manai, Sabina Visconti and Lorenzo Camoni

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081704 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1577

Abstract

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress limiting plant survival and crop productivity. Plant adaptation to salt stress involves complex responses, including changes in gene expression, regulation of hormone signaling, and production of stress-responsive proteins. The Salt Tolerance–Related Protein (STRP) has been recently [...] Read more.

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress limiting plant survival and crop productivity. Plant adaptation to salt stress involves complex responses, including changes in gene expression, regulation of hormone signaling, and production of stress-responsive proteins. The Salt Tolerance–Related Protein (STRP) has been recently characterized as a Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA)–like, intrinsically disordered protein involved in plant responses to cold stress. In addition, STRP has been proposed as a mediator of salt stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana, but its role has still to be fully clarified. Here, we investigated the role of STRP in salt stress responses in A. thaliana. The protein rapidly accumulates under salt stress due to a reduction of proteasome–mediated degradation. Physiological and biochemical responses of the strp mutant and STRP–overexpressing (STRP OE) plants demonstrate that salt stress impairs seed germination and seedling development more markedly in the strp mutant than in A. thaliana wild type (wt). At the same time, the inhibitory effect is significantly reduced in STRP OE plants. Moreover, the strp mutant has a lower ability to counteract oxidative stress, cannot accumulate the osmocompatible solute proline, and does not increase abscisic acid (ABA) levels in response to salinity stress. Accordingly, the opposite effect was observed in STRP OE plants. Overall, obtained results suggest that STRP performs its protective functions by reducing the oxidative burst induced by salt stress, and plays a role in the osmotic adjustment mechanisms required to preserve cellular homeostasis. These findings propose STRP as a critical component of the response mechanisms to saline stress in A. thaliana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Salinity Stress Tolerance in Plants)

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22 pages, 2909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aspergillus welwitschiae BK Isolate Ameliorates the Physicochemical Characteristics and Mineral Profile of Maize under Salt Stress

by Humaira Gul, Raid Ali, Mamoona Rauf, Muhammad Hamayun, Muhammad Arif, Sumera Afzal Khan, Zahida Parveen, Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei and In-Jung Lee

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081703 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

Abiotic stressors are global limiting constraints for plant growth and development. The most severe abiotic factor for plant growth suppression is salt. Among many field crops, maize is more vulnerable to salt, which inhibits the growth and development of plants and results in [...] Read more.

Abiotic stressors are global limiting constraints for plant growth and development. The most severe abiotic factor for plant growth suppression is salt. Among many field crops, maize is more vulnerable to salt, which inhibits the growth and development of plants and results in low productivity or even crop loss under extreme salinity. Consequently, comprehending the effects of salt stress on maize crop improvement, while retaining high productivity and applying mitigation strategies, is essential for achieving the long-term objective of sustainable food security. This study aimed to exploit the endophytic fungal microbe; Aspergillus welwitschiae BK isolate for the growth promotion of maize under severe salinity stress. Current findings showed that salt stress (200 mM) negatively affected chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and endogenous IAA, with enhanced values of chlorophyll a/b ratio, carotenoids, total protein, total sugars, total lipids, secondary metabolites (phenol, flavonoids, tannins), antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase), proline content, and lipid peroxidation in maize plants. However, BK inoculation reversed the negative impact of salt stress by rebalancing the chlorophyll a/b ratio, carotenoids, total protein, total sugars, total lipids, secondary metabolites (phenol, flavonoids, tannins), antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase), and proline content to optimal levels suitable for growth promotion and ameliorating salt stress in maize plants. Furthermore, maize plants inoculated with BK under salt stress had lower Na⁺, Cl⁻ concentrations, lower Na^+/K⁺ and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios, and higher N, P, Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Mg²⁺ content than non-inoculated plants. The BK isolate improved the salt tolerance by modulating physiochemical attributes, and the root-to-shoot translocation of ions and mineral elements, thereby rebalancing the Na⁺/K⁺, Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio of maize plants under salt stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions)

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Plants, Volume 12, Issue 8 (April-2 2023) – 153 articles

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