Plants

13 pages, 1104 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Phosphorus Fertilization on the Growth, Photosynthesis, Nitrogen Fixation, Mineral Accumulation, Seed Yield, and Seed Quality of a Soybean Low-Phytate Line

by Nisar Ahmad Taliman, Qin Dong, Kohei Echigo, Victor Raboy and Hirofumi Saneoka

Plants 2019, 8(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8050119 - 08 May 2019

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 8128

Abstract

Crop seed phosphorus (P) is primarily stored in the form of phytate, which is generally indigestible by monogastric animals. Low-phytate soybean lines have been developed to solve various problems related to seed phytate. There is little information available on the effects of P [...] Read more.

Crop seed phosphorus (P) is primarily stored in the form of phytate, which is generally indigestible by monogastric animals. Low-phytate soybean lines have been developed to solve various problems related to seed phytate. There is little information available on the effects of P fertilization on productivity, physiological characteristics, and seed yield and quality in low-phytate soybeans. To address this knowledge gap, studies were conducted with a low-phytate line and two normal-phytate cultivars from western Japan when grown under high- and low-P fertilization. The whole plant dry weight, leaf photosynthesis, dinitrogen fixation, and nodule dry weight at the flowering stage were higher in the higher P application level, but were not different between the low-phytate line and normal-phytate cultivars. As expected, seed yield was higher in the higher level of P application for all lines. Notably, it was higher in the low-phytate line as compared with the normal-phytate cultivars at both levels of fertilizer P. The total P concentration in the seeds of the low-phytate line was the same as that of the normal-phytate cultivars, but the phytate P concentration in the low-phytate line was about 50% less than that of the normal-phytate cultivars. As a result the molar ratio of phytic acid to Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu in seed were also significantly lower in the low-phytate line. From these results, it can be concluded that growth after germination, leaf photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, yield and seed quality were not less in the low-phytate soybean line as compared with two unrelated normal-phytate cultivars currently grown in Japan, and that low-phytate soybeans may improve the bioavailability of microelements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytic Acid and Mineral Biofortification Strategies: From Plant Science to Breeding and Biotechnological Approaches)

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12 pages, 2643 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mutation of Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase6 Impairs Plant Growth and Phytic Acid Synthesis in Rice

by Meng Jiang, Yang Liu, Yanhua Liu, Yuanyuan Tan, Jianzhong Huang and Qingyao Shu

Plants 2019, 8(5), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8050114 - 29 Apr 2019

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5075

Abstract

Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase (ITPK) is encoded by six genes in rice (OsITPK1-6). A previous study had shown that nucleotide substitutions of OsITPK6 could significantly lower the phytic acid content in rice grains. In the present study, the possibility of establishing a [...] Read more.

Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase (ITPK) is encoded by six genes in rice (OsITPK1-6). A previous study had shown that nucleotide substitutions of OsITPK6 could significantly lower the phytic acid content in rice grains. In the present study, the possibility of establishing a genome editing-based method for breeding low-phytic acid cultivars in rice was explored, in conjunction with the functional determination of OsITPK6. Four OsITPK6 mutant lines were generated by targeted mutagenesis of the gene’s first exon using the CRISPR/Cas9 method, one (ositpk6_1) with a 6-bp in-frame deletion, and other three with frameshift mutations (ositpk6_2, _3, and _4). The frameshift mutations severely impaired plant growth and reproduction, while the effect of ositpk6_1 was relatively limited. The mutant lines ositpk6_1 and _2 had significantly lower levels (−10.1% and −32.1%) of phytic acid and higher levels (4.12- and 5.18-fold) of inorganic phosphorus compared with the wild-type (WT) line. The line ositpk6_1 also showed less tolerance to osmotic stresses. Our research demonstrates that mutations of OsITPK6, while effectively reducing phytic acid biosynthesis in rice grain, could significantly impair plant growth and reproduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytic Acid and Mineral Biofortification Strategies: From Plant Science to Breeding and Biotechnological Approaches)

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16 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Selenium Biofortification and Beneficial Microorganism Inoculation on Yield, Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Shallot Bulbs

by Nadezhda Golubkina, Svetlana Zamana, Timofei Seredin, Pavel Poluboyarinov, Sergei Sokolov, Helene Baranova, Leonid Krivenkov, Laura Pietrantonio and Gianluca Caruso

Plants 2019, 8(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8040102 - 17 Apr 2019

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 5075

Abstract

Plant biofortification with selenium in interaction with the application of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based formulate, with the goal of enhancing Se bioavailability, is beneficial for the development of the environmentally friendly production of functional food with a high content of this microelement. [...] Read more.

Plant biofortification with selenium in interaction with the application of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based formulate, with the goal of enhancing Se bioavailability, is beneficial for the development of the environmentally friendly production of functional food with a high content of this microelement. Research was carried out in order to assess the effects of an AMF-based formulate and a non-inoculated control in factorial combination with two selenium treatments with an organic (selenocystine) or inorganic form (sodium selenate) and a non-treated control on the yield, quality, antioxidant properties, and elemental composition of shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group). Selenocystine showed the best effect on the growth and yield of mycorrhized plants, whereas sodium selenate was the most effective on the non-inoculated plants. The soluble solids, total sugars, monosaccharides, titratable acidity, and proteins attained higher values upon AMF inoculation. Sodium selenate resulted in higher soluble solids, total sugars and monosaccharide content, and titratable acidity than the non-treated control, and it also resulted in higher monosaccharides when compared to selenocystine; the latter showed higher protein content than the control. Calcium, Na, S, and Cl bulb concentrations were higher in the plants inoculated with the beneficial microorganisms. Calcium and sodium concentrations were higher in the bulbs of plants treated with both the selenium forms than in the control. Selenocystine-treated plants showed enhanced accumulation of sulfur and chlorine compared to the untreated plants. The AMF inoculation increased the bulb selenium content by 530%, and the Se biofortification with selenocystine and sodium selenate increased this value by 36% and 21%, respectively, compared to control plants. The AMF-based formulate led to increases in ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity when compared to the non-inoculated control. The bulb ascorbic acid was increased by fortification with both selenium forms when compared to the non-treated control. The results of our investigation showed that both AMF and selenium application represent environmentally friendly strategies to enhance the overall yield and quality performances of shallot bulbs, as well as their selenium content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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12 pages, 1222 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Blue Light added with Red LEDs Enhance Growth Characteristics, Pigments Content, and Antioxidant Capacity in Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Basil, and Sweet Pepper in a Controlled Environment

by Most Tahera Naznin, Mark Lefsrud, Valerie Gravel and Md Obyedul Kalam Azad

Plants 2019, 8(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8040093 - 08 Apr 2019

Cited by 166 | Viewed by 11739

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the different combinations of red (R) and blue (B) light emitting diode (LEDs’) lighting effects on growth, pigment content, and antioxidant capacity in lettuce, spinach, kale, basil, and pepper in a growth chamber. The growth [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the different combinations of red (R) and blue (B) light emitting diode (LEDs’) lighting effects on growth, pigment content, and antioxidant capacity in lettuce, spinach, kale, basil, and pepper in a growth chamber. The growth chamber was equipped with R and B light percentages based on total light intensity: 83% R + 17% B; 91% R + 9% B; 95% R + 5% B; and control was 100% R. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), photoperiod, temperature, and relative humidity of the growth chamber were maintained at 200 ± 5 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, 16 h, 25/21 ± 2.5 °C, and 65 ± 5%, respectively. It is observed that the plant height of lettuce, kale, and pepper was significantly increased under 100% R light, whereas the plant height of spinach and basil did not show any significant difference. The total leaf number of basil and pepper was significantly increased under the treatment of 95% R + 5% B light, while no significant difference was observed for other plant species in the same treatment. Overall, the fresh and dry mass of the studied plants was increased under 91% R + 9% B and 95% R + 5% B light treatment. The significantly higher flower and fruit numbers of pepper were observed under the 95% R + 5% B treatment. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content of lettuce, spinach, basil, and pepper was significantly increased under the 91% R + 9% B treatment while the chlorophyll content of kale was increased under the 95% R + 5% B light treatment. The total carotenoid content of lettuce and spinach was higher in the 91% R + 9% B treatment whereas the carotenoid content of kale, basil, and pepper was increased under the 83% R + 17% B treatment. The antioxidant capacity of the lettuce, spinach, and kale was increased under the 83% R + 17% B treatment while basil and pepper were increased under the 91% R + 9% B treatment. This result indicates that the addition of B light is essential with R light to enhance growth, pigment content, and antioxidant capacity of the vegetable plant in a controlled environment. Moreover, the percentage of B with R light is plant species dependent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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9 pages, 12531 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cytokinin-Dependent Control of GH3 Group II Family Genes in the Arabidopsis Root

by Emanuela Pierdonati, Simon Josef Unterholzner, Elena Salvi, Noemi Svolacchia, Gaia Bertolotti, Raffaele Dello Ioio, Sabrina Sabatini and Riccardo Di Mambro

Plants 2019, 8(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8040094 - 08 Apr 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4900

Abstract

The Arabidopsis root is a dynamic system where the interaction between different plant hormones controls root meristem activity and, thus, organ growth. In the root, a characteristic graded distribution of the hormone auxin provides positional information, coordinating the proliferating and differentiating cell status. [...] Read more.

The Arabidopsis root is a dynamic system where the interaction between different plant hormones controls root meristem activity and, thus, organ growth. In the root, a characteristic graded distribution of the hormone auxin provides positional information, coordinating the proliferating and differentiating cell status. The hormone cytokinin shapes this gradient by positioning an auxin minimum in the last meristematic cells. This auxin minimum triggers a cell developmental switch necessary to start the differentiation program, thus, regulating the root meristem size. To position the auxin minimum, cytokinin promotes the expression of the IAA-amido synthase group II gene GH3.17, which conjugates auxin with amino acids, in the most external layer of the root, the lateral root cap tissue. Since additional GH3 genes are expressed in the root, we questioned whether cytokinin to position the auxin minimum also operates via different GH3 genes. Here, we show that cytokinin regulates meristem size by activating the expression of GH3.5 and GH3.6 genes, in addition to GH3.17. Thus, cytokinin activity provides a robust control of auxin activity in the entire organ necessary to regulate root growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Development and Organogenesis: From Basic Principles to Applied Research)

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21 pages, 3799 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Post-Translational Modification of Proteins Mediated by Nitro-Fatty Acids in Plants: Nitroalkylation

by Lorena Aranda-Caño, Beatriz Sánchez-Calvo, Juan C. Begara-Morales, Mounira Chaki, Capilla Mata-Pérez, María N. Padilla, Raquel Valderrama and Juan B. Barroso

Plants 2019, 8(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8040082 - 29 Mar 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5730

Abstract

Nitrate fatty acids (NO₂-FAs) are considered reactive lipid species derived from the non-enzymatic oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by nitric oxide (NO) and related species. Nitrate fatty acids are powerful biological electrophiles which can react with biological nucleophiles such as glutathione [...] Read more.

Nitrate fatty acids (NO₂-FAs) are considered reactive lipid species derived from the non-enzymatic oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by nitric oxide (NO) and related species. Nitrate fatty acids are powerful biological electrophiles which can react with biological nucleophiles such as glutathione and certain protein–amino acid residues. The adduction of NO₂-FAs to protein targets generates a reversible post-translational modification called nitroalkylation. In different animal and human systems, NO₂-FAs, such as nitro-oleic acid (NO₂-OA) and conjugated nitro-linoleic acid (NO₂-cLA), have cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory influences in a broad spectrum of pathologies by modulating various intracellular pathways. However, little knowledge on these molecules in the plant kingdom exists. The presence of NO₂-OA and NO₂-cLA in olives and extra-virgin olive oil and nitro-linolenic acid (NO₂-Ln) in Arabidopsis thaliana has recently been detected. Specifically, NO₂-Ln acts as a signaling molecule during seed and plant progression and beneath abiotic stress events. It can also release NO and modulate the expression of genes associated with antioxidant responses. Nevertheless, the repercussions of nitroalkylation on plant proteins are still poorly known. In this review, we demonstrate the existence of endogenous nitroalkylation and its effect on the in vitro activity of the antioxidant protein ascorbate peroxidase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants)

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20 pages, 1640 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Role of Silicon in Mitigation of Heavy Metal Stresses in Crop Plants

by Javaid Akhter Bhat, S. M. Shivaraj, Pritam Singh, Devanna B. Navadagi, Durgesh Kumar Tripathi, Prasanta K. Dash, Amolkumar U. Solanke, Humira Sonah and Rupesh Deshmukh

Plants 2019, 8(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8030071 - 21 Mar 2019

Cited by 270 | Viewed by 15199

Abstract

Over the past few decades, heavy metal contamination in soil and water has increased due to anthropogenic activities. The higher exposure of crop plants to heavy metal stress reduces growth and yield, and affect the sustainability of agricultural production. In this regard, the [...] Read more.

Over the past few decades, heavy metal contamination in soil and water has increased due to anthropogenic activities. The higher exposure of crop plants to heavy metal stress reduces growth and yield, and affect the sustainability of agricultural production. In this regard, the use of silicon (Si) supplementation offers a promising prospect since numerous studies have reported the beneficial role of Si in mitigating stresses imposed by biotic as well as abiotic factors including heavy metal stress. The fundamental mechanisms involved in the Si-mediated heavy metal stress tolerance include reduction of metal ions in soil substrate, co-precipitation of toxic metals, metal-transport related gene regulation, chelation, stimulation of antioxidants, compartmentation of metal ions, and structural alterations in plants. Exogenous application of Si has been well documented to increase heavy metal tolerance in numerous plant species. The beneficial effects of Si are particularly evident in plants able to accumulate high levels of Si. Consequently, to enhance metal tolerance in plants, the inherent genetic potential for Si uptake should be improved. In the present review, we have discussed the potential role and mechanisms involved in the Si-mediated alleviation of metal toxicity as well as different approaches for enhancing Si-derived benefits in crop plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses and Tolerance to Metal/Metalloid Toxicity)

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19 pages, 4640 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Selenium Biofortification Differentially Affects Sulfur Metabolism and Accumulation of Phytochemicals in Two Rocket Species (Eruca Sativa Mill. and Diplotaxis Tenuifolia) Grown in Hydroponics

by Stefano Dall’Acqua, Andrea Ertani, Elizabeth A.H. Pilon-Smits, Marta Fabrega-Prats and Michela Schiavon

Plants 2019, 8(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8030068 - 16 Mar 2019

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5248

Abstract

Biofortification can be exploited to enrich plants in selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient for humans. Selenium as selenate was supplied to two rocket species, Eruca sativa Mill. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), at 0–40 μM in hydroponics and its effects on [...] Read more.

Biofortification can be exploited to enrich plants in selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient for humans. Selenium as selenate was supplied to two rocket species, Eruca sativa Mill. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), at 0–40 μM in hydroponics and its effects on the content and profile of sulphur (S)-compounds and other phytochemicals was evaluated. D. tenuifolia accumulated more total Se and selenocysteine than E. sativa, concentrating up to ~300 mg Se kg⁻¹ dry weight from 10–40 μM Se. To ensure a safe and adequate Se intake, 30 and 4 g fresh leaf material from E. sativa grown with 5 and 10–20 μM Se, respectively or 4 g from D. tenuifolia supplied with 5 μM Se was estimated to be optimal for consumption. Selenium supplementation at or above 10 μM differentially affected S metabolism in the two species in terms of the transcription of genes involved in S assimilation and S-compound accumulation. Also, amino acid content decreased with Se in E. sativa but increased in D. tenuifolia and the amount of phenolics was more reduced in D. tenuifolia. In conclusion, selenate application in hydroponics allowed Se enrichment of rocket. Furthermore, Se at low concentration (5 μM) did not significantly affect accumulation of phytochemicals and plant defence S-metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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18 pages, 2489 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Profiling the Abiotic Stress Responsive microRNA Landscape of Arabidopsis thaliana

by Joseph L. Pegler, Jackson M. J. Oultram, Christopher P. L. Grof and Andrew L. Eamens

Plants 2019, 8(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8030058 - 10 Mar 2019

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 6224

Abstract

It is well established among interdisciplinary researchers that there is an urgent need to address the negative impacts that accompany climate change. One such negative impact is the increased prevalence of unfavorable environmental conditions that significantly contribute to reduced agricultural yield. Plant microRNAs [...] Read more.

It is well established among interdisciplinary researchers that there is an urgent need to address the negative impacts that accompany climate change. One such negative impact is the increased prevalence of unfavorable environmental conditions that significantly contribute to reduced agricultural yield. Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene expression regulators that control development, defense against invading pathogens and adaptation to abiotic stress. Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) can be readily molecularly manipulated, therefore offering an excellent experimental system to alter the profile of abiotic stress responsive miRNA/target gene expression modules to determine whether such modification enables Arabidopsis to express an altered abiotic stress response phenotype. Towards this goal, high throughput sequencing was used to profile the miRNA landscape of Arabidopsis whole seedlings exposed to heat, drought and salt stress, and identified 121, 123 and 118 miRNAs with a greater than 2-fold altered abundance, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was next employed to experimentally validate miRNA abundance fold changes, and to document reciprocal expression trends for the target genes of miRNAs determined abiotic stress responsive. RT-qPCR also demonstrated that each miRNA/target gene expression module determined to be abiotic stress responsive in Arabidopsis whole seedlings was reflective of altered miRNA/target gene abundance in Arabidopsis root and shoot tissues post salt stress exposure. Taken together, the data presented here offers an excellent starting platform to identify the miRNA/target gene expression modules for future molecular manipulation to generate plant lines that display an altered response phenotype to abiotic stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of MicroRNAs in Plants)

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13 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Role of Nitrate Reductase in NO Production in Photosynthetic Eukaryotes

by Manuel Tejada-Jimenez, Angel Llamas, Aurora Galván and Emilio Fernández

Plants 2019, 8(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8030056 - 06 Mar 2019

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 11917

Abstract

Nitric oxide is a gaseous secondary messenger that is critical for proper cell signaling and plant survival when exposed to stress. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in plants, under standard phototrophic oxygenic conditions, has long been a very controversial issue. A few algal strains [...] Read more.

Nitric oxide is a gaseous secondary messenger that is critical for proper cell signaling and plant survival when exposed to stress. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in plants, under standard phototrophic oxygenic conditions, has long been a very controversial issue. A few algal strains contain NO synthase (NOS), which appears to be absent in all other algae and land plants. The experimental data have led to the hypothesis that molybdoenzyme nitrate reductase (NR) is the main enzyme responsible for NO production in most plants. Recently, NR was found to be a necessary partner in a dual system that also includes another molybdoenzyme, which was renamed NO-forming nitrite reductase (NOFNiR). This enzyme produces NO independently of the molybdenum center of NR and depends on the NR electron transport chain from NAD(P)H to heme. Under the circumstances in which NR is not present or active, the existence of another NO-forming system that is similar to the NOS system would account for NO production and NO effects. PII protein, which senses and integrates the signals of the C–N balance in the cell, likely has an important role in organizing cell responses. Here, we critically analyze these topics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants)

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30 pages, 649 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bioactive Profile of Various Salvia officinalis L. Preparations

by Martina Jakovljević, Stela Jokić, Maja Molnar, Midhat Jašić, Jurislav Babić, Huska Jukić and Ines Banjari

Plants 2019, 8(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8030055 - 06 Mar 2019

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 10489

Abstract

Salvia officinalis L., also known as the “Salvation Plant”, has been long used and well-documented in traditional medicine around the globe. Its bioactive compounds, and especially its polyphenol profile, have been extensively researched and reviewed. However, sage’s beneficial effects reach much further, and [...] Read more.

Salvia officinalis L., also known as the “Salvation Plant”, has been long used and well-documented in traditional medicine around the globe. Its bioactive compounds, and especially its polyphenol profile, have been extensively researched and reviewed. However, sage’s beneficial effects reach much further, and nowadays, with a range of new extraction techniques, we are discovering new components with new therapeutic effects, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and various carcinomas. This review describes the bioactive profile of various sage preparations depending on the extraction techniques and extraction parameters, and this review lists the newest research findings on its health effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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14 pages, 2450 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nitric Oxide: Its Generation and Interactions with Other Reactive Signaling Compounds

by John T. Hancock and Steven J. Neill

Plants 2019, 8(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8020041 - 12 Feb 2019

Cited by 77 | Viewed by 5941

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is an immensely important signaling molecule in animals and plants. It is involved in plant reproduction, development, key physiological responses such as stomatal closure, and cell death. One of the controversies of NO metabolism in plants is the identification of [...] Read more.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an immensely important signaling molecule in animals and plants. It is involved in plant reproduction, development, key physiological responses such as stomatal closure, and cell death. One of the controversies of NO metabolism in plants is the identification of enzymatic sources. Although there is little doubt that nitrate reductase (NR) is involved, the identification of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like enzyme remains elusive, and it is becoming increasingly clear that such a protein does not exist in higher plants, even though homologues have been found in algae. Downstream from its production, NO can have several potential actions, but none of these will be in isolation from other reactive signaling molecules which have similar chemistry to NO. Therefore, NO metabolism will take place in an environment containing reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), glutathione, other antioxidants and within a reducing redox state. Direct reactions with NO are likely to produce new signaling molecules such as peroxynitrite and nitrosothiols, and it is probable that chemical competitions will exist which will determine the ultimate end result of signaling responses. How NO is generated in plants cells and how NO fits into this complex cellular environment needs to be understood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants)

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10 pages, 654 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Impact of Nitric Oxide (NO) on the ROS Metabolism of Peroxisomes

by Francisco J. Corpas, Luis A. del Río and José M. Palma

Plants 2019, 8(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8020037 - 10 Feb 2019

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7001

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous free radical endogenously generated in plant cells. Peroxisomes are cell organelles characterized by an active metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are also one of the main cellular sites of NO production in higher plants. In [...] Read more.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous free radical endogenously generated in plant cells. Peroxisomes are cell organelles characterized by an active metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are also one of the main cellular sites of NO production in higher plants. In this mini-review, an updated and comprehensive overview is presented of the evidence available demonstrating that plant peroxisomes have the capacity to generate NO, and how this molecule and its derived products, peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), can modulate the ROS metabolism of peroxisomes, mainly throughout protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs), including S-nitrosation and tyrosine nitration. Several peroxisomal antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR), have been demonstrated to be targets of NO-mediated PTMs. Accordingly, plant peroxisomes can be considered as a good example of the interconnection existing between ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), where NO exerts a regulatory function of ROS metabolism acting upstream of H₂O₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants)

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29 pages, 3741 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Impact of Climate Change on Crops Adaptation and Strategies to Tackle Its Outcome: A Review

by Ali Raza, Ali Razzaq, Sundas Saher Mehmood, Xiling Zou, Xuekun Zhang, Yan Lv and Jinsong Xu

Plants 2019, 8(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8020034 - 30 Jan 2019

Cited by 903 | Viewed by 68301

Abstract

Agriculture and climate change are internally correlated with each other in various aspects, as climate change is the main cause of biotic and abiotic stresses, which have adverse effects on the agriculture of a region. The land and its agriculture are being affected [...] Read more.

Agriculture and climate change are internally correlated with each other in various aspects, as climate change is the main cause of biotic and abiotic stresses, which have adverse effects on the agriculture of a region. The land and its agriculture are being affected by climate changes in different ways, e.g., variations in annual rainfall, average temperature, heat waves, modifications in weeds, pests or microbes, global change of atmospheric CO₂ or ozone level, and fluctuations in sea level. The threat of varying global climate has greatly driven the attention of scientists, as these variations are imparting negative impact on global crop production and compromising food security worldwide. According to some predicted reports, agriculture is considered the most endangered activity adversely affected by climate changes. To date, food security and ecosystem resilience are the most concerning subjects worldwide. Climate-smart agriculture is the only way to lower the negative impact of climate variations on crop adaptation, before it might affect global crop production drastically. In this review paper, we summarize the causes of climate change, stresses produced due to climate change, impacts on crops, modern breeding technologies, and biotechnological strategies to cope with climate change, in order to develop climate resilient crops. Revolutions in genetic engineering techniques can also aid in overcoming food security issues against extreme environmental conditions, by producing transgenic plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants Reacts to the Changing Environment)

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34 pages, 2478 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Tolerance of Iron-Deficient and -Toxic Soil Conditions in Rice

by Anumalla Mahender, B. P. Mallikarjuna Swamy, Annamalai Anandan and Jauhar Ali

Plants 2019, 8(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8020031 - 28 Jan 2019

Cited by 115 | Viewed by 13095

Abstract

Iron (Fe) deficiency and toxicity are the most widely prevalent soil-related micronutrient disorders in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Progress in rice cultivars with improved tolerance has been hampered by a poor understanding of Fe availability in the soil, the transportation mechanism, and [...] Read more.

Iron (Fe) deficiency and toxicity are the most widely prevalent soil-related micronutrient disorders in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Progress in rice cultivars with improved tolerance has been hampered by a poor understanding of Fe availability in the soil, the transportation mechanism, and associated genetic factors for the tolerance of Fe toxicity soil (FTS) or Fe deficiency soil (FDS) conditions. In the past, through conventional breeding approaches, rice varieties were developed especially suitable for low- and high-pH soils, which indirectly helped the varieties to tolerate FTS and FDS conditions. Rice-Fe interactions in the external environment of soil, internal homeostasis, and transportation have been studied extensively in the past few decades. However, the molecular and physiological mechanisms of Fe uptake and transport need to be characterized in response to the tolerance of morpho-physiological traits under Fe-toxic and -deficient soil conditions, and these traits need to be well integrated into breeding programs. A deeper understanding of the several factors that influence Fe absorption, uptake, and transport from soil to root and above-ground organs under FDS and FTS is needed to develop tolerant rice cultivars with improved grain yield. Therefore, the objective of this review paper is to congregate the different phenotypic screening methodologies for prospecting tolerant rice varieties and their responsible genetic traits, and Fe homeostasis related to all the known quantitative trait loci (QTLs), genes, and transporters, which could offer enormous information to rice breeders and biotechnologists to develop rice cultivars tolerant of Fe toxicity or deficiency. The mechanism of Fe regulation and transport from soil to grain needs to be understood in a systematic manner along with the cascade of metabolomics steps that are involved in the development of rice varieties tolerant of FTS and FDS. Therefore, the integration of breeding with advanced genome sequencing and omics technologies allows for the fine-tuning of tolerant genotypes on the basis of molecular genetics, and the further identification of novel genes and transporters that are related to Fe regulation from FTS and FDS conditions is incredibly important to achieve further success in this aspect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)

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19 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Inhibition of Key Citrus Postharvest Fungal Strains by Plant Extracts In Vitro and In Vivo: A Review

by Jinyin Chen, Yuting Shen, Chuying Chen and Chunpeng Wan

Plants 2019, 8(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8020026 - 22 Jan 2019

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 11622

Abstract

Citrus fruits are subjected to a diversity of postharvest diseases caused by various pathogens during picking, packing, storage and transportation. Green and blue molds, caused by Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, respectively, are two major postharvest citrus diseases and cause significant economic [...] Read more.

Citrus fruits are subjected to a diversity of postharvest diseases caused by various pathogens during picking, packing, storage and transportation. Green and blue molds, caused by Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, respectively, are two major postharvest citrus diseases and cause significant economic losses during the commercialization phase. Currently, the control of postharvest citrus diseases relies mainly on the use of synthetic fungicides, which usually result in the resistance against fungal attack, environment pollution and health hazards. In recent years, much attention has been given to the preservation of citrus by naturally isolated edible plant extracts, medicinal plant extracts, Citrus extracts and volatiles, et al. Scientists worldwide devote their time and energy to discover the high effect, low toxicity, safety and inexpensive plant-derived fungicides. The current review will highlight plant-derived fungicides and chemical constituents that aim to inhibit P. digitatum and P. italicum in vitro and in vivo. Coatings enriched with plant extracts could be good alternative methods for Citrus fruits preservation. Problems and prospects of the research and development of plant-derived natural fungicides will also be discussed in this article. Full article

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25 pages, 6393 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Lateral Transport of Organic and Inorganic Solutes

by Emilie Aubry, Sylvie Dinant, Françoise Vilaine, Catherine Bellini and Rozenn Le Hir

Plants 2019, 8(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8010020 - 15 Jan 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 10135

Abstract

Organic (e.g., sugars and amino acids) and inorganic (e.g., K⁺, Na⁺, PO₄²⁻, and SO₄²⁻) solutes are transported long-distance throughout plants. Lateral movement of these compounds between the xylem and the phloem, and vice [...] Read more.

Organic (e.g., sugars and amino acids) and inorganic (e.g., K⁺, Na⁺, PO₄²⁻, and SO₄²⁻) solutes are transported long-distance throughout plants. Lateral movement of these compounds between the xylem and the phloem, and vice versa, has also been reported in several plant species since the 1930s, and is believed to be important in the overall resource allocation. Studies of Arabidopsis thaliana have provided us with a better knowledge of the anatomical framework in which the lateral transport takes place, and have highlighted the role of specialized vascular and perivascular cells as an interface for solute exchanges. Important breakthroughs have also been made, mainly in Arabidopsis, in identifying some of the proteins involved in the cell-to-cell translocation of solutes, most notably a range of plasma membrane transporters that act in different cell types. Finally, in the future, state-of-art imaging techniques should help to better characterize the lateral transport of these compounds on a cellular level. This review brings the lateral transport of sugars and inorganic solutes back into focus and highlights its importance in terms of our overall understanding of plant resource allocation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phloem Development)

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