2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

14 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Leaf Surface Extract: Discovering New Diterpenes as Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) Binding Agents

by Valentina Parisi, Giuliana Donadio, Maria Laura Bellone, Soumia Belaabed, Ammar Bader, Angela Bisio, Valeria Iobbi, Erica Gazzillo, Maria Giovanna Chini, Giuseppe Bifulco, Immacolata Faraone and Antonio Vassallo

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2421; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132421 - 22 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1337

Abstract

Premna, a genus consisting of approximately 200 species, predominantly thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. Many of these species have been utilized in ethnopharmacology for diverse medicinal applications. In Saudi Arabia, Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Schauer (Lamiaceae) grows wildly, and its slightly viscid [...] Read more.

Premna, a genus consisting of approximately 200 species, predominantly thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. Many of these species have been utilized in ethnopharmacology for diverse medicinal applications. In Saudi Arabia, Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Schauer (Lamiaceae) grows wildly, and its slightly viscid leaves are attributed to the production of leaf accession. In this study, we aimed to extract the surface accession from fresh leaves using dichloromethane to evaluate the anticancer potential. The plant exudate yielded two previously unknown labdane diterpenes, Premnaresone A and B, in addition to three already described congeners and four known flavonoids. The isolation process was accomplished using a combination of silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, the structures of which were identified by NMR and HRESIMS analyses and a comparison with the literature data of associated compounds. Furthermore, we employed a density functional theory (DFT)/NMR approach to suggest the relative configuration of different compounds. Consequently, we investigated the possibility of developing new chaperone inhibitors by subjecting diterpenes 1–5 to a Surface Plasmon Resonance-screening, based on the knowledge that oridonin, a diterpene, interacts with Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) 1A in cancer cells. Additionally, we studied the anti-proliferative activity of compounds 1–5 on human Jurkat (human T-cell lymphoma) and HeLa (epithelial carcinoma) cell lines, where diterpene 3 exhibited activity in Jurkat cell lines after 48 h, with an IC₅₀ of 15.21 ± 1.0 µM. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed a robust interaction between compound 3 and Hsp70 key residues. Full article

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11 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Bioactivities of Plant-Based By-Products in View of a Potential Reuse and Valorization

by Ilaria Chiocchio, Manuela Mandrone, Massimo Tacchini, Alessandra Guerrini and Ferruccio Poli

Plants 2023, 12(4), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040795 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1565

Abstract

Wastes and by-products of plant origin are of particular interest to develop a circular economy approach, which attempts to turn them into resources. In this work, thirty-seven neglected plant matrices, including agricultural residues, pest plants, and by-products from the herbal and food industry [...] Read more.

Wastes and by-products of plant origin are of particular interest to develop a circular economy approach, which attempts to turn them into resources. In this work, thirty-seven neglected plant matrices, including agricultural residues, pest plants, and by-products from the herbal and food industry were extracted and tested for their in vitro anti-tyrosinase, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity against the phytopathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae ATCC 19310 and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskense ATCC 27822. Antioxidant activity ranged from 0.3 to 5 mg of Tr. eq/mL of plant extract, and extract of Castanea sativa pericarp (Csp), Rosa damascena buds (post-distillation) (Rod), and Prunus amygdalus exocarp and mesocarp (Pam) were the most powerful ones. Csp was also capable of inhibiting tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 16.5 µg/mL), as well as three distillation by-products, namely: Cupressus sempervirens (Css) (IC₅₀ = 95.5 µg/mL), Salvia officinalis (Sco) (IC₅₀ = 87.6 µg/mL), and Helichrysum italicum (Hei) (IC₅₀ = 90.1 µg/mL). Five residues from distillation showed antibacterial activity against C. michiganensis (MICs ranging from 0.125 to 1 mg/mL), namely: Salvia sclarea L. (Sas), Salvia rosmarinus Schleid (Sar), Sco, Hei, and Css. The ¹H NMR fingerprinting of the bioactive matrices was acquired, detecting primary and secondary metabolites (rosmarinic acid, shikimic acid, sclareol, and hydroxycinnamic acids). Full article

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21 pages, 2635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Root and Shoot Growth of a Modern and an Old Tall Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Variety under Dual-Purpose Management

by Roberta Rossi, Giovanni Bitella, Rocco Bochicchio, Rosanna Labella, Francesco Angerame, Marcella Urbano and Mariana Amato

Plants 2023, 12(3), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030588 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1486

Abstract

In dual-purpose cereal systems, the co-production of fodder and grain can increase farm profitability and reduce farming risks. Our work evaluated shoot and root growth in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) under dual-purpose management in a medium-high rainfall area of southern Italy. [...] Read more.

In dual-purpose cereal systems, the co-production of fodder and grain can increase farm profitability and reduce farming risks. Our work evaluated shoot and root growth in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) under dual-purpose management in a medium-high rainfall area of southern Italy. We compared a modern variety (Core) with a tall ancient variety (Saragolle lucana) under traditional (NDP) and dual-purpose (DP) management and tested the hypothesis that clipping plants during the vegetative stage would reduce root growth and dewatering before anthesis, which is advantageous in drought-prone environments. Experiments were conducted in Bella (PZ), Basilicata region, southern Italy (40°42′ N, 15°32′ E) on a clay loam soil in 2021 in a split-plot design on 2 × 2 main plots and 1 × 2 split-plots with 6 replicates. The DP treatment consisted of simulated grazing by clipping plants at 5 cm from the ground 3 months after sowing (at first hollow stem). Forage Biomass was not different at p = 0.05 between varieties, with an average of 0.58 t ha⁻¹ DM. Grain yield was not penalized by clipping (p = 0.05) and did not differ significantly between varieties. SPAD was always lower in the Saragolle variety and lowered by clipping. Defoliation delayed phenology in both cultivars but did not reduce the final number of spikes per square meter. Stomatal conductance was correlated to temperature, did not differ between cultivars, and was not influenced by clipping. Soil water depletion was monitored in modern wheat from the booting stage to the beginning of grain filling. Clipping did not result in a reduction in pre-anthesis water depletion, possibly due to evaporative losses. Root density was markedly reduced by clipping in core variety between 0.20 and 0.60 m and much less in Saragolle. Unclipped Saragolle produced thicker roots and higher root masses compared to clipped plants. Defoliated Saragolle shifted to finer roots, reducing root mass more than length. This may have reduced the metabolic cost of soil exploration, thereby increasing root foraging efficiency. Full article

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26 pages, 1764 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genetic Improvement of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz: Opportunities and Challenges

by Martina Ghidoli, Elena Ponzoni, Fabrizio Araniti, Daniela Miglio and Roberto Pilu

Plants 2023, 12(3), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030570 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

In recent years, a renewed interest in novel crops has been developing due to the environmental issues associated with the sustainability of agricultural practices. In particular, a cover crop, Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is attracting the scientific community’s [...] Read more.

In recent years, a renewed interest in novel crops has been developing due to the environmental issues associated with the sustainability of agricultural practices. In particular, a cover crop, Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is attracting the scientific community’s interest for several desirable features. It is related to the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, and its oil extracted from the seeds can be used either for food and feed, or for industrial uses such as biofuel production. From an agronomic point of view, it can grow in marginal lands with little or no inputs, and is practically resistant to the most important pathogens of Brassicaceae. Although cultivated in the past, particularly in northern Europe and Italy, in the last century, it was abandoned. For this reason, little breeding work has been conducted to improve this plant, also because of the low genetic variability present in this hexaploid species. In this review, we summarize the main works on this crop, focused on genetic improvement with three main objectives: yield, seed oil content and quality, and reduction in glucosinolates content in the seed, which are the main anti-nutritional substances present in camelina. We also report the latest advances in utilising classical plant breeding, transgenic approaches, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing. Full article

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15 pages, 1141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subterranean Clover and Sulla as Valuable and Complementary Sources of Bioactive Compounds for Rainfed Mediterranean Farming Systems

by Maria Giovanna Molinu, Leonardo Sulas, Giuseppe Campesi, Giovanni Antonio Re, Federico Sanna and Giovanna Piluzza

Plants 2023, 12(2), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020417 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1633

Abstract

Mediterranean pasture and forage legumes are important components of sustainable production systems. Subterranean clover and sulla represent key species having proven high agronomic value and traits for production and multiple services. Our research investigated the potential of the abovementioned species as a source [...] Read more.

Mediterranean pasture and forage legumes are important components of sustainable production systems. Subterranean clover and sulla represent key species having proven high agronomic value and traits for production and multiple services. Our research investigated the potential of the abovementioned species as a source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants for contributing to support their full exploitation in the fodder, animal welfare, and nutraceutical sectors. Antioxidant capacity, as well as the content of total phenolic compounds and individual phenolic compounds, was determined in subterranean clover and sulla shoots at the vegetative, flower bud, flowering, and seed ripening phenological stages. The antioxidant capacity and the phenolic content were affected significantly by harvest time. In subterranean clover, 10 individual phenolic compounds were detected, and isoflavones were the most abundant (3.19–18.27 mg·g⁻¹ DM). Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in sulla shoots, and chlorogenic acid (0.76–3.43 mg·g⁻¹ DM) and diosmin (3.64–4.94 mg·g⁻¹ DM) were the most represented compounds at the vegetative and flower bud stage. On the basis of our findings, a complementary utilization of both legume species is suggested; this might ensure the exploitation of all phenolic compounds in view of the potential benefits for animal production and health. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

15 pages, 1388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Involvement of miRNAs in Metabolic Herbicide Resistance to Bispyribac-Sodium in Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.

by Carlo Maria Cusaro, Carolina Grazioli, Enrica Capelli, Anna Maria Picco, Marta Guarise, Enrico Gozio, Pietro Zarpellon and Maura Brusoni

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233359 - 02 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2069

Abstract

Several mechanisms involved in weed herbicide resistance are unknown, particularly those acting at the epigenetic level, such as the capacity of small-non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) to target messenger RNAs of genes involved in herbicide detoxification. The transcription of these sncRNAs is stimulated by epigenetic [...] Read more.

Several mechanisms involved in weed herbicide resistance are unknown, particularly those acting at the epigenetic level, such as the capacity of small-non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) to target messenger RNAs of genes involved in herbicide detoxification. The transcription of these sncRNAs is stimulated by epigenetic factors, thereby affecting gene expression. This study was carried out in order to evaluate, for the first time in Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. (barnyardgrass), the capacity of miRNAs to regulate the expression of genes associated with bispyribac-sodium detoxification. The expression profiles of eight miRNAs with a high degree of complementarity (≥80%) with mRNAs of genes involved in herbicide detoxification (CYP450, GST and eIF4B) were determined by qRT-PCR before and after herbicide spraying. Five of the miRNAs studied (gra-miR7487c, gma-miR396f, gra-miR8759, osa-miR395f, ath-miR847) showed an increased expression after herbicide application in both susceptible and resistant biotypes. All the miRNAs, except gra-miR8759, were more highly expressed in the herbicide-resistant biotypes. In specimens with increased expression of miRNAs, we observed reduced expression of the target genes. The remaining three miRNAs (ata-miR166c-5p, ath-miR396b-5p and osa-miR5538) showed no over-expression after herbicide treatment, and no difference in expression was recorded between susceptible and resistant biotypes. Our results represent a first overview of the capacity of miRNAs to regulate the expression of genes involved in bispyribac-sodium detoxification in the genus Echinochloa. Further research is required to identify novel miRNAs and target genes to develop more focused and sustainable strategies of weed control. Full article

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12 pages, 2297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Bank Conservation and Incipient Seed Development in Orchids Colonizing Mining Wastes: Results of a Field Pilot Experiment

by Antonio De Agostini, Donatella Cogoni, Annalena Cogoni, Andrea Vacca, Giuseppe Fenu and Pierluigi Cortis

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233315 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1592

Abstract

As they represent actual or potential risks to human and environmental safety and health, abandoned mines are a major global problem. The heavy metal-polluted tailings dump of Barraxiutta (Domusnovas, southwestern Sardinia, Italy) is home to a metallicolous population of Epipactis tremolsii (Orchidaceae). A [...] Read more.

As they represent actual or potential risks to human and environmental safety and health, abandoned mines are a major global problem. The heavy metal-polluted tailings dump of Barraxiutta (Domusnovas, southwestern Sardinia, Italy) is home to a metallicolous population of Epipactis tremolsii (Orchidaceae). A reclamation of the abandoned mine area seems to be approaching, and such an intervention may pose a serious risk for the maintenance of the unique orchid population colonizing the mine wastes. In the present work, the seed packet technique was implemented for the first time to observe orchid seed development in mine wastes. This approach allowed us to explore different seed-based conservation options for the metallicolous orchid population and to gain a deeper grasp of population dynamics and ecology. Four different sowing treatments were set up in the tailing dump and in a near unpolluted site (control site). The field phase of the experiment lasted for 10 months, a period in which the experimental seed bank preservation and incipient seed development were observed and statistically approached. Our findings observed no significant seed loss happening during the experiment, demonstrating the suitability of the seed packet technique to also explore seed bank conservation and development in extreme environmental conditions (i.e., polluted mine wastes). This field method will be a useful tool to further explore the more effective translocation and quasi in situ conservation alternatives for the E. tremolsii metallicolous population. Incipient and site-specific seed development (non-mycorrhizal stage) was observed during the experiment. A plant–soil fungus interaction at the seed level was also observed, the nature of which remains to be ascertained in further studies providing a longer duration for the field phases. Full article

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20 pages, 1488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Level Approach as a Powerful Tool to Identify and Characterize Some Italian Autochthonous Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces under a Changing Environment

by Martina Falcione, Melissa Simiele, Alessandra Renella, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Paolo Di Martino and Dalila Trupiano

Plants 2022, 11(20), 2790; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202790 - 21 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1388

Abstract

A prime role in matters of agrobiodiversity is held by landraces, which serve as a repository gene pool able to meet sustainable development goals and to face the ongoing challenges of climate change. However, many landraces are currently endangered due to environmental and [...] Read more.

A prime role in matters of agrobiodiversity is held by landraces, which serve as a repository gene pool able to meet sustainable development goals and to face the ongoing challenges of climate change. However, many landraces are currently endangered due to environmental and socio-economic changes. Thus, effective characterization activities and conservation strategies should be undertaken to prevent their genetic and cultural erosion. In the current study, the morphological, genetic, and biochemical analyses were integrated with stress response-related studies to characterize the diversity of seven Italian autochthonous common bean landraces. The results showed that the morphological descriptors and the neutral molecular markers represent powerful tools to identify and distinguish diversity among landrace populations, but they cannot correlate with the stress tolerance pattern of genetically similar populations. The study also supported the use of proline as a biochemical marker to screen the most salt-sensitive bean landraces. Thus, to fully elucidate the future dynamics of agrobiodiversity and to establish the basis for safeguarding them while promoting their utilization, a multi-level approach should always be included in any local and national program for the characterization/conservation/use of genetic resources. This study should represent the basis for further joint research that effectively contributes to set/achieve Italian priorities towards sustainability in the framework of emerging environmental, societal, and economic challenges. Full article

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16 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathogen Adaptation to American (Rpv3-1) and Eurasian (Rpv29) Grapevine Loci Conferring Resistance to Downy Mildew

by Elena Marone Fassolo, Beatrice Lecchi, Demetrio Marcianò, Giuliana Maddalena and Silvia Laura Toffolatti

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2619; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192619 - 05 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1359

Abstract

Durable resistance is a key objective in genetic improvement for disease resistance in grapevines, which must survive for years in the field in the presence of adaptable pathogen populations. In this study, the adaptation of 72 Northern Italian isolates of Plasmopara viticola, [...] Read more.

Durable resistance is a key objective in genetic improvement for disease resistance in grapevines, which must survive for years in the field in the presence of adaptable pathogen populations. In this study, the adaptation of 72 Northern Italian isolates of Plasmopara viticola, the downy mildew agent, has been investigated into Bianca, possessing Rpv3-1, the most frequently exploited resistance locus for genetic improvement, and Mgaloblishvili, a Vitis vinifera variety possessing the newly discovered Rpv29 locus. Infection parameters (latency period, infection frequency, and disease severity) and oospore production and viability were evaluated and compared to those of Pinot noir, the susceptible reference. The expected levels of disease control were achieved by both resistant cultivars (>90% on Bianca; >25% on Mgaloblishvili), despite the high frequency of isolates able to grow on one (28%) or both (46%) accessions. The disease incidence and severity were limited by both resistant cultivars and the strains able to grow on resistant accessions showed signatures of fitness penalties (reduced virulence, infection frequency, and oospore density). Together, these results indicate an adequate pathogen control but suitable practices must be adopted in the field to prevent the diffusion of the partially adapted P. viticola strains to protect resistance genes from erosion. Full article

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22 pages, 3336 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Valorization of Traditional Italian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Production: Genetic, Nutritional and Sensory Characterization of Locally Grown Varieties in the Trentino Region

by Erica A. Di Pierro, Pietro Franceschi, Isabella Endrizzi, Brian Farneti, Lara Poles, Domenico Masuero, Iuliia Khomenko, Francesco Trenti, Annarita Marrano, Urska Vrhovsek, Flavia Gasperi, Franco Biasioli, Graziano Guella, Luca Bianco and Michela Troggio

Plants 2022, 11(15), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151986 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2759

Abstract

Juglans regia (L.) is cultivated worldwide for its nutrient-rich nuts. In Italy, despite the growing demand, walnut cultivation has gone through a strong decline in recent decades, which led to Italy being among the top five net importing countries. To promote the development [...] Read more.

Juglans regia (L.) is cultivated worldwide for its nutrient-rich nuts. In Italy, despite the growing demand, walnut cultivation has gone through a strong decline in recent decades, which led to Italy being among the top five net importing countries. To promote the development of local high-quality Italian walnut production, we devised a multidisciplinary project to highlight the distinctive traits of three varieties grown in the mountainous region Trentino (northeast of Italy): the heirloom ‘Bleggiana’, a second local accession called local Franquette and the French cultivar ‘Lara’, recently introduced in the local production to increase yield. The genetic characterization confirmed the uniqueness of ‘Bleggiana’ and revealed local Franquette as a newly described autochthonous variety, thus named ‘Blegette’. The metabolic profiles highlighted a valuable nutritional composition of the local varieties, richer in polyphenols and with a lower ω-6/ω-3 ratio than the commercial ‘Lara’. ‘Blegette’ obtained the highest preference scores from consumers for both the visual aspect and tasting; however, the volatile organic compound profiles did not discriminate among the characterized cultivars. The described local varieties represent an interesting reservoir of walnut genetic diversity and quality properties, which deserve future investigation on agronomically useful traits (e.g., local adaptation and water usage) for a high-quality and sustainable production. Full article

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12 pages, 1581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into Carbohydrate Metabolism and Signaling in Grapevine Buds during Dormancy Progression

by Valeria De Rosa, Rachele Falchi, Erica Moret and Giannina Vizzotto

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081027 - 09 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2240

Abstract

Perennial fruit crops enter dormancy to ensure bud tissue survival during winter. However, a faster phenological advancement caused by global warming exposes bud tissue to a higher risk of spring frost damage. Tissue dehydration and soluble sugars accumulation are connected to freezing tolerance, [...] Read more.

Perennial fruit crops enter dormancy to ensure bud tissue survival during winter. However, a faster phenological advancement caused by global warming exposes bud tissue to a higher risk of spring frost damage. Tissue dehydration and soluble sugars accumulation are connected to freezing tolerance, but non-structural carbohydrates also act as metabolic substrates and signaling molecules. A deepened understanding of sugar metabolism in the context of winter freezing resistance is required to gain insight into adaptive possibilities to cope with climate changes. In this study, the soluble sugar content was measured in a cold-tolerant grapevine hybrid throughout the winter season. Moreover, the expression of drought-responsive hexose transporters VvHT1 and VvHT5, raffinose synthase VvRS and grapevine ABA-, Stress- and Ripening protein VvMSA was analyzed. The general increase in sugars in December and January suggests that they can participate in protecting bud tissues against low temperatures. The modulation of VvHT5, VvINV and VvRS appeared consistent with the availability of the different sugar species; challenging results were obtained for VvHT1 and VvMSA, suggesting interesting hypotheses about their role in the sugar–hormone crosstalk. The multifaceted role of sugars on the intricate phenomenon, which is the response of dormant buds to changing temperature, is discussed. Full article

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18 pages, 4112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Delay of Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin Seed Germination Induced by Coumarin Is Mediated by a Lower Ability to Sustain the Energetic Metabolism

by Fabrizio Araniti, Bhakti Prinsi and Luca Espen

Plants 2022, 11(7), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070843 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1871

Abstract

In the present study, the mode of action of coumarin using the germination process as a target was investigated. A dose–response curve, built using a range of concentrations from 0 to 800 µM, allowed us to identify a key concentration (400 µM) inhibiting [...] Read more.

In the present study, the mode of action of coumarin using the germination process as a target was investigated. A dose–response curve, built using a range of concentrations from 0 to 800 µM, allowed us to identify a key concentration (400 µM) inhibiting the germination process, reducing its speed without compromising seed development. Successively, short time-course (0–48 h) experiments were carried out to evaluate the biochemical and metabolic processes involved in coumarin-induced germination delay. The results pointed out that coumarin delayed K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ reabsorption, suggesting a late membrane reorganisation. Similarly, seed respiration was inhibited during the first 24 h but recovered after 48 h. Those results agreed with ATP levels, which followed the same trend. In addition, the untargeted metabolomic analysis allowed to identify, among the pathways significantly impacted by the treatment, amino acids metabolism, the TCA cycle, and the glyoxylate pathway. The results highlighted that coumarin was able to interact with membranes reorganisation, delaying them and reducing the production of ATP, as also supported by pathway analysis and cell respiration. The in vivo ³¹P-NMR analysis supported the hypothesis that the concentration chosen was able to affect plant metabolism, maintaining, on the other hand, its viability, which is extremely important for studying natural compounds’ mode of action. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

16 pages, 1536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A ddRADseq Survey of the Genetic Diversity of Rye (Secale cereale L.) Landraces from the Western Alps Reveals the Progressive Reduction of the Local Gene Pool

by Martino Adamo, Massimo Blandino, Luca Capo, Simone Ravetto Enri, Anna Fusconi, Michele Lonati and Marco Mucciarelli

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2415; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112415 - 09 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2042

Abstract

Rye (Secale cereale L.) has been at the basis of agriculture for centuries in most mountainous and northern areas of Eurasia, because it is more resistant than other cereals to low temperatures and poor soils. Rye deserves to be re-evaluated as a [...] Read more.

Rye (Secale cereale L.) has been at the basis of agriculture for centuries in most mountainous and northern areas of Eurasia, because it is more resistant than other cereals to low temperatures and poor soils. Rye deserves to be re-evaluated as a source of “environmentally resilient” genes in the future as well, and particularly in a perspective to grow cereals able to withstand global warming. According to recent studies, modern rye varieties have a relatively narrow genetic pool, a condition that is worsening in the most recent breeding processes. The preservation of local landraces as unique sources of genetic diversity has therefore become important, in order to preserve the genetic heritage of rye. In this study, genetic diversity of rye landraces collected in a sector of the Italian Alps particularly suited to traditional agriculture was investigated using the ddRADseq technique. A few landraces still managed with family farming turned out to be genetically distant from the commercial varieties currently in use, highlighting that the phenomenon of homogenization of the local genetic pool can be still circumvented. Ex situ conservation of genetically divergent landraces is a valid tool to avoid the dissipation of an as yet unexplored genetic potential. Full article

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