Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) is a cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase enzyme that catalyzes a key step in phenylpropanoid metabolism in plants. However, there is very limited information on the function of C4H in medicinal plants. In the present study, the C4H gene from the Ferula pseudalliacea genome (named FpC4H) was cloned and characterized. In addition, the expression levels of FpC4H in the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds were investigated via real-time PCR. FpC4H showed the most similarity with C4H proteins from Daucus carota. The results predicted that FpC4H, as well as its orthologs, is an unstable and hydrophilic protein. A high genetic distance was observed between FpC4H and C4H from monocots based on evolutionary analysis. Moreover, a variable region related to the variable function of C4H was detected in conserved domain region of C4H proteins. Protein structure analysis revealed that isoleucine and leucine residues are frequently present in the binding region of FpC4H, and two ion binding regions, cysteine258 and asparagine217, were identified in the 3D structure of FpC4H. Expression analysis revealed that the FpC4H gene is expressed in all organs of F. pseudallicea. A low expression level of FpC4H was recorded in leaves, and a high expression level was observed in flower tissues. Based on the expression profile, FpC4H seems to be linked to a high content of phenolic compounds in flowers.

Mechanical damage of plant tissues leads to the activation of methanol production and its release in the atmosphere. The gaseous methanol or vapors emitted by the damaged plant induce resistance in neighboring intact plants to bacterial pathogens but create favorable conditions for the viral infection spread. Among Nicotiana benthamiana methanol-inducible genes (MIGs) most are associated with plant defense and intercellular transport. Here we characterize NbMIG21 that encodes a 209-aa protein (NbMIG21p) which does not share any homology with annotated proteins. NbMIG21p was demonstrated to contain nucleolus localization signals (NoLS). Co-localization studies with fibrillarin and coilin, nucleolus and Cajal bodies marker proteins, revealed that NbMIG21p is distributed between these subnuclear structures. Our results show that recombinant NbMIG21 possess DNA-binding properties . Similar to gaseous methanol effect an increased NbMIG21 expression leads to the downregulation of the nuclear import of NLS-containing proteins as was demonstrated on the model GFP-NLS protein. Moreover, upregulated NbMIG21 facilitates tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) intercellular transport. We identified NbMIG21 promoter (PrMIG21) and showed that it is methanol-sensitive thus induction of NbMIG21 expression occurs at the level of transcription. Our findings suggest that methanol-activated NbMIG21 might participate in creating favorable conditions for the viral reproduction and spread.

Tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.) are economically important horticultural crops for industrial use. The drink (tea) obtained from them is used all over the world, and its functional activity is determined by the polyphenols content and composition. Its accumulation is regulated by the action of many environmental factors. This paper presents data on the different intensity (50, 75, and 100 µmol·m−2·s−1) and duration of light exposure on tea plant in vitro cultures. Changes in morphophysiological characteristics, accumulation of carbohydrates and polyphenols, including their monomeric (phenylpropanoids, flavanols) and oligomeric (proanthocyanidins) forms, were studied. The malondialdehyde and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b) contents were also analyzed. In the calli grown in light conditions, chloroplasts and anthocyanoplasts formation was noted, which was especially pronounced under the highest illumination intensity. A significant similarity between the growth of callus cultures, the carbohydrates and polyphenols accumulation at 50 and 75 µmol·m−2·s−1 was established. Which wasn’t characteristic of the calli grown at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1. The stress reaction absence in tea callus cultures has been demonstrated, which may be a consequence of the phenolic antioxidants’ accumulation in them. The obtained data evidence that their potential ability to accumulate primary (carbohydrates) and secondary (polyphenols) metabolites depends on the light exposure intensity and duration.

Flax seed is one of the richest plant sources of linolenic acid (LIN) and also contains unsaturated linoleic acid (LIO) and oleic acid (OLE). Stearoyl-ACP desaturases (SAD) and fatty acid desaturases (FAD) play a key role in the synthesis of flax fatty acids (FA). We sequenced flax seed transcriptomes at the 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 day after flowering (DAF) for ten flax varieties with different oil FA compositions grown under three temperature/watering conditions. Expression levels of 25 genes of SAD, FAD2, and FAD3 families were evaluated. FAD3b, FAD3a, FAD2b-2, SAD3-1, SAD2-1, SAD2-2, SAD3-2, FAD2a-1, and FAD2a-2 had the highest expression levels, which changed significantly during seed development. These genes probably play a key role in the FA synthesis in flax seeds. High temperature and insufficient watering shifted the maximum expression levels of the FAD and SAD genes to earlier development stages, while the opposite trend was observed for low temperature and excessive watering. Differences in FAD and SAD expression profiles under different growth conditions could contribute to the FA composition of linseed oil. Stop codons in the FAD3a gene, resulting in reduced LIN content, decreased the level of the FAD3a transcript. Some difference in reaching the maximum expression level during seed development was observed between 1) SAD3-1, SAD3-2, and FAD2b-2 and 2) SAD2-1, SAD2-2, FAD2a-1, FAD2a-2, FAD3a, and FAD3b. These groups possibly contribute somewhat differently to the synthesis of FA at different development stages.

Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranean L. verdc) is a highly nutritious and economically important leguminous crop of African origin that forms symbiotic relationships nitrogen fixing rhizobia, but it has a low yield. Currently, there is paucity of information on effective rhizobium inoculant, (to improve the yield), for BG which are cheaper and safer alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Indigenous rhizobia strains were trapped from 54 farm soils collected at three Nigerian states (Niger, Kaduna and Kano). Six selected rhizobium strains (Bradhyrhizobium spp) were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing, applied as inoculant in field experiment using completely randomized block design and compared with USDA110 strain (Bradhyrhizobim japonicum), urea fertilizer and un-inoculated plants on 2 selected BG varieties (TVSU1248 and TVSU 631). Nutrient utilization and nitrogen fixation in plants were determined at 6 weeks while leaf chlorophyll was determined forth-nightly. Seed yield was determined at maturity. The strains increased the %nitrogen (1.33±0.10 - ≥1.37±0.05), and %phosphorous (0.48±0.02 - ≥0.51±0.02), %nitrogen fixed (21.07±2.38 - ≥61.30±6.13), nodulation (72.50±21.075 - 154.00±23.79) and leaf chlorophyll were ≥49.74±1.47mg/L, ≥51.82±1.86mg/L and ≥49.65±1.56mg/L at 2nd, 4th and 6th week after planting respectively and the yield of BG (from average of 398.6 Kgha-1 to 1454.725 Kgha-1). Seed yield was highest (1869.85±273.68 Kgha-1) in BG variety TVSU1248 using BN5 strain. Indigenous Bambara-symbiotic strains significantly increased the seed yields, and plant nutrient, showing their potential as use for inoculant to improve the yield of Bambara groundnut.

Transitions from seed to seedling represent a critical developmental step in the life cycle of higher plants, dramatically affecting plant ontogenesis and stress tolerance. The release from dormancy to acquiring the germination ability is defined by a balance of phytohormones, with a substantial contribution of abscisic acid (ABA), which inhibits germination. We studied the embryonic axes of Pisum sativum L. before and after radicle protrusion. Our previous work compared RNA sequencing-based transcriptomics in the embryonic axes isolated before and after radicle protrusion. The current study aims to analyze ABA-dependent gene regulation during the transition of embryonic axes from germination to post-germination stage. First, we determined the levels of abscisates (ABA, phaseic acid, dihydrophaseic acid, and neo-phaseic acid) using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Second, we made a detailed annotation of ABA-associated genes using RNA sequencing-based transcriptome profiling. Finally, we analyzed the DNA methylation pattern in the promoters of the PsABI3, PsABI4, and PsABI5 genes. We showed that changes in the abscisate profile are characterized by the accumulation of ABA catabolites, and the ABA-related gene profile is accompanied by the upregulation of genes controlling the seedling development and the downregulation of genes controlling the water deprivation. The expression of ABI3, ABI4 and ABI5, which encode the crucial transcription factors during late maturation, was downregulated by more than 20-fold, and their promoters exhibited a high level of methylation already at the late germination stage. Thus, although ABA remains important, other regulators seems to be involved in the transition from seed to seedling.

Sphingolipids are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and certain prokaryotes, where they serve as vital components of biological membranes and as bioactive molecules. Chloroplasts have complex membrane structures that play crucial roles in photosynthesis, but their specific sphingolipidome remains unreported. In this study, we used high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to analyze the sphingolipidome of purified Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplasts. We detected 92 chloroplast sphingolipids. The chloroplast sphingolipidome differed from total leaf (TL) samples, having a higher content of free long-chain bases and hydroxyceramides, and a greater proportion of complex sphingolipids with 16C fatty acid (FA) forms. Notably, chloroplast glucosylceramides were predominantly the d18:1 h16:0 and t18:1 h16:0 forms, rather than the 24C FA form found in TL and other cellular structures. Comparing the sphingolipidomes of different cellular structures underscores the inhomogeneity of intracellular distribution of sphingolipids. This provides a robust reference for further elucidating the function of sphingolipids in plant cells.

Studies on the domestication, genetic differentiation, and crop evolution of foxtail millet are re-viewed. Several genetic studies were carried out to elucidate the genetic relationships among foxtail millet accessions originating mainly from Eurasia, based on intraspecific hybrid pollen semi-sterility, isozymes, DNA markers, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Most studies suggest that China is the center of diversity of foxtail millet, and landraces were categorized into geographical groups. Furthermore, the evolution of genes was reviewed (i.e., the Waxy gene conferring amylose content in the endosperm, the Si7PPO gene controlling polyphenol oxidase, the HD1 and SiPRR37 genes controlling heading time, the Sh1 and SvLes1 genes involved in grain shattering, and the C gene controlling leaf sheath pigmentation), and the variation and distribu-tion of these genes suggested complex patterns of evolution under human and/or natural selec-tion.

Genetic diversity is very important in crop improvement. This study was carried out to assess the genetic diversity and the number of unique multilocus genotypes (MLGs) in cassava collection in Burkina Faso. To achieve this objective 130 cassava accessions were genotyped using 32 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The results revealed that among these markers, twelve (12) were highly informative, with the PIC values greater than 0.50, twelve (12) were moderately informative, with the PIC values ranged between 0.25 and 0.50, and eight (8) were not very informative, with the PIC values lower than 0.25. A moderate level of genetic diversity was found for the population, indicated by the average expected heterozygosity (0.45) and the observed heterozygosity (0.48). About 83.8% of unique multilocus genotypes were found in the cassava collection indicating that SSR markers seem to be most appropriate for MLGs identification. Population structure analysis based on hierarchical clustering identified two subpopulations and Bayesian approach suggested five clusters. Additionally, DAPC analysis separated the cassava accessions into 13 subpopulations. The comparison of these results and the previous study using SNP, suggest that each type of markers can be used to assessment the genetic structure of cassava grown in Burkina Faso.

This research focuses on exploring the bioactive and antibacterial properties of extracts from the flowers and bark of four Magnolia species (Magnolia champaca, Magnolia denudata, Magnolia grandiflora, and Magnolia officinalis) for possible cosmetic applications. We used ethanol to extract compounds from these plants and conducted various tests including spectrophotometry, HPLC, GC-MS, and microbiological analyses. The extracts, particularly rich in polyphenols (55.18 mg GAE/g), displayed significant antioxidant capabilities, with IC 50 values ranging between 9.99 mg/mL and 23.23 mg/mL. We quantified different compounds: phenolic acids (6.259 to 27.883 mg/g dry weight), aglycone flavonoids (61.224 to 135.788 mg/g dw), glycosidic flavonoids (17.265 to 57.961 mg/g dw), and lignans (150.071 to 374.902 mg/g dw). We identified 76 volatile compounds, predominantly oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, which contribute to the antibacterial effectiveness of the extracts. These extracts showed greater antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria. The diverse chemical compounds and their demonstrated activities suggest these extracts could be valuable in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food industries.

Stretch marks are far from being exclusively appearing on pregnant women and appear whenever the body experience a rapid growth. Into the dermis, collagen fibres are altered associated with a loss of orientation and the elastic network is disrupted leading to a fibrotic organisation. This results to epidermal tearing which produce skin lesions. Centella asiatica is a well-known medicinal plants rich in triterpenic actives molecules and traditionally used to treat wounds and help skin repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate Centella asiatica extract as a natural way to solve stretch marks concern and understand its mechanism of action. We have first evaluated the fibroblast’s proliferation based on scratch assay model and their genes expression by RT-qPCR. At the ex vivo level, elastin fibres were quantified by immunofluorescence. Collagen fibre’s orientation and their occupation of the dermis were analysed after Sirius red staining and specific software analysis. We have proven that Centella asiatica has stimulated fibroblasts proliferation, reduced extracellular matrix degradation and fibrosis. On stretch marked skin explant, Centella asiatica increased the occupation of collagen fibres and elastin production. Based on the mechanisms behind the formation of stretch marks, Centella asiatica restores dermis network by optimising fibres organisation for a visible skin remodelling effect.

The ends of linear chromosomes of most eukaryotes consist of protein-bound DNA arrays called telomeres, which play essential roles in protecting genome integrity. Despite general evolutionary conservation in function, telomeric DNA is known to drastically vary in length and sequence between different eukaryotic lineages. Bryophytes are a group of early diverging land plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. This group of ancient land plants recently emerged as a new model for important discoveries in genomics and evolutionary biology, as well as for understanding plant adaptations to a terrestrial lifestyle. We measured telomere length in different ecotypes of model Bryophyte species, including Physcomitrium patens, Marchantia polymorpha, Ceratodon purpureus, and in Sphagnum isolates. Our data indicate that all analyzed moss and liverwort genotypes have relatively short telomeres. Furthermore, all analyzed ecotypes and isolates of model mosses and liverworts display evidence of substantial natural variation in telomere length. Interestingly, telomere length also differs between male and female strains of the dioecious liverwort M. polymorpha and dioecious moss C. purpureus. Given that Bryophytes are extraordinarily well-adapted to different ecological niches from polar to tropical environments, our data will contribute to understanding the impact of natural telomere length variation on evolutionary adaptations in this ancient land plant lineage.

Flowering in cassava is crucial for generation of botanical seed for breeding. However, most farmer preferred genotypes are poor at flowering, exhibit great disparity in time and amount of flowering or never flower. To elucidate the genetic basis of such a flowering behaviour, 293 diverse cassava accessions were evaluated for flowering traits under two locations and seasons in Uganda. Genotyping by the Diversity Array Technology Pty Ltd. (DArTseq) platform identified 24,040 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed on the 18 cassava chromosomes. Population structure analysis using principal components (PC) and kinships showed clustering, the first five PCs accounted for 49.2% of the observed genetic variation. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimation was averagely 0.32 at a distance of ~2850kb (kilo base pairs). Polymorphism information content (PIC) and minor allele frequency (MAF) were 0.25 and 0.23, respectively. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis uncovered 53 significant marker-trait associations (MTA) with flowering traits involving 27 loci. Two loci, SNPs S5_29309724 and S15_11747301 were associated with all the flowering traits. Using five of the 27 SNPs with Phenotype_Variance_Explained (PVE) ≥ 5%, 37 candidate genes were identified in the peak SNP sites located within 50kb upstream or downstream, most were associated with branching traits. Eight of the genes, orthologous to Arabidopsis and other plant species, had known functional annotations related to flowering, e.g. eukaryotic translation initiation factor and myb family transcription factor. This study identified genomic regions associated with flowering in cassava, the identified SNPs could be useful in marker-assisted selection to overcome hybridization challenges like unsynchronized flowering, and candidate gene validation.

Green synthesis using plant extracts has emerged as an eco-friendly, clean, and viable strategy alternative to chemical and physical approaches. The leaf, stem, and root extracts of Lannea discolor was utilized as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and copper (CuNPs) nanoparticles. The formation of AuNPs and CuNPs confirmed by their color change, was characterised by UV–Vis Spectroscopy (UV- Vis), Scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), coupled with minimum concentration inhibitory (MIC) antibacterial assays. AuNFs, NPs and CuNPs peaked at wavelengths in the ranges of 316, 544 and 564 nm respectively. TEM showed unexpected nanoflowers (30 – 97 nm) in the leaf extracts and spherical NPs (10 -33 nm; 9.3 – 37.5) from stem and root extracts, while spherical CuNPs (20 – 104 nm), were observed from all the extracts. EDX was able to confirm the presence of metal salts and FTIR revealed stable capping agents. AuNPs and NFs from L. discolor extracts showed appreciable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis, when compared to the plant extracts, while none was observed from the CuNPs. These AuNPs and CuNPs are particularly appealing in a variety of applications in the biomedical as well as conductivity manufacturing, due to their shapes and sizes and economical and environmentally friendly production.

Climate change and the increasing frequency of high-temperature events are significant threats to global crop yields. To address this, a comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to heat shock (HS) is essential. Signaling pathways involving calcium (Ca2+), a versatile second messenger in plants, encode information through temporal and spatial variations in ion concentration. Ca2+ is detected by Ca2+-sensing effectors, including channels and binding proteins, which trigger specific cellular responses. At elevated temperatures, the cytosolic concentration of Ca2+ in plant cells increases rapidly, making Ca2+ signals the earliest response to HS. In this review, we discuss the crucial role of Ca2+ signaling in raising plant thermotolerance and we explore its multifaceted contributions to various aspects of the plant HS response.

Transcription is carried out in most eukaryotes by three multimeric complexes (RNA polymerases I, II and III). However, plants contain two additional RNA polymerases (IV and V), which have evolved from RNA polymerase II. RNA polymerases II, IV and V contain both common and specific subunits that may specialize some of their functions. In this study, we conducted a search for the genes that putatively code for the specific subunits of RNA polymerases IV and V, as well as the corresponding of RNA polymerase II in olive. Based on the homology with the genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified 13 genes that putatively code for the specific subunits of polymerases IV and V, and 16 genes that code for the corresponding specific subunits of polymerase II in olive. The transcriptomic analysis by RNA-Seq revealed that the expression of the RNA polymerases IV and V genes was induced during the initial stages of fruit development. Given that RNA polymerases IV and V are involved in the transcription of long non-coding RNAs, we investigated their expression and observed relevant changes in the expression of this type of RNAs. Particularly, the expression of the intergenic and intronic long non-coding RNAs tended to increase in the early steps of fruit development, suggesting their potential role in this process. The positive correlation between the expression of RNA polymerases IV and V subunits and the expression of non-coding RNAs supports the hypothesis that RNA polymerases IV and V may play a role in fruit development throughout the synthesis of this type of RNAs.

Gullele Botanic Garden was established to preserve and safeguard indigenous, rare, endemic and endangered plant species that have economic significance. A study was conducted to identify and map non-native plant species that exist in various land use types, including natural vegetation, plantation, roadside, and garden edges. The research involved placing plots at different distances in each land use type and collecting vegetation data with geo-location information for exotic and invasive species. The data was analyzed using Sorensen's similarity index to measure the similarity between plant communities. Invasive species were identified using ArcGIS, and descriptive statistical methods were employed to analyze the remaining data. The recorded a total of 80 plant species belonging to 70 genera in 44 families in the garden, with Fabaceae and Asteraceae having the most species. Acacia decurrens, Acacia melanoxylon, Cuscuta campestris, Galinsoga parviflora, Nerium oleander, and Cyathula uncinulata are the most prevalent invasive or potentially invasive species among the species that have been documented. These species are spreading quickly and may displace native plant species if not properly managed. The study found that roadside and garden edge land use types had the most diverse exotic plants, with Acacia decurrens, Nerium oleander, Acacia melanoxylon, Agave species, Cyathula uncinulata, and Eucalyptus species being the most dominant exotic species in the garden. The total density of exotic species was 2.36 plants/m2. The study provides valuable information for managing and conserving both native and exotic plant species in the garden.

Plant protein phosphatase 2Cs (PP2Cs) serve as negative regulators of protein kinase cascades activated in different processes and play important roles in plant development and abiotic-stress-mediated signaling pathways. In this study, a genome-wide study was conducted on the CqPP2C gene family. A total of putative 117 CqPP2C genes were identified. Comprehensive analyses of physical and chemical feature, chromosome localization and subcellular localization were conducted. According to phylogenetic analysis, CqPP2Cs were divided into 13 subfamilies. CqPP2Cs in the same subfamily had similar gene structure, conserved motif and all the CqPP2C proteins had the type 2C phosphatase domains. Gene duplication revealed that segmental duplication was the major driving force for CqPP2Cs expansion and all duplicated CqPP2Cs evolved from purifying selection. The expression of CqPP2Cs in various tissues under different abiotic stresses was analyzed using RNA-seq data. The results revealed that CqPP2C genes were involved in regulating development and stress responses of quinoa. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of six CqPP2C genes in subfamily A revealed that they were up-regulated or down-regulated under salt and drought treatments. Furthermore, the results of yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that subfamily A CqPP2Cs interacted not only with subclass III CqSnRK2s, but also with subclass II CqSnRK2s. Subfamily A CqPP2Cs could interact with CqSnRK2s in different combinations and intensities to respond to various biological processes and stresses. Overall, our results will be useful for understanding the functions of CqPP2C in regulating ABA signals and responding to abiotic stress.

In addition to absorbing nitrogen from the soil, legumes have the ability to use atmospheric N2 through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Therefore, legumes have developed mechanisms regulating nodulation in response to the amount of nitrate in the soil; in the presence of high nitrate concentrations, nodulation is inhibited while low nitrate concentrations stimulate nodulation and nitrogen fixation. This allows the legumes to switch from soil nitrogen acquisition to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Recently, a particular interest has been given to the nitrate transporters, such as NPF or NRT2, having a role in the functioning of nodules. Nitrate transporters of the two model plants, Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula, shown to have a positive and/or a negative role in nodule functioning, depending on nitrate concentration, are presented in this review. Also, by exploiting available genomic and transcriptomic data in the literature we have identified the complete PsNPF family in Pisum sativum (69 sequences previously described and 21 new that we have annotated) and putative nitrate transporters candidate for playing a role in nodule functioning in P. sativum.

Irrigation and fertilization are indispensable links in the jujube planting industry in southern Xinjiang, China. However, the water and fertilizer integration effects on jujube growth and fruit quality remain unclear. A two-year water and fertilizer optimization coupling test was conducted to determine the optimal water- and nutrient-supply scheme. The three-factor randomized block experiment included water (W), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). According to the principal component analysis of each index, each treatment’s comprehensive score was obtained. Using yield and economic regression models, the theoretical value and yield value of the optimal economic benefit are inferred. When W, N, and P were applied together, the fruit quality and yield of each treatment significantly differed, and the vitamin C, soluble sugar, and sugar–acid ratio increased significantly with an increase in nitrogen fertilizer. However, the titratable acid decreased. An increase in irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased fruit yield. The comprehensive score was the highest in the N3P3W2 treatment, which improved fruit quality, and the lowest in the N4P3W2 treatment. When the amounts of N, P, and W were 275.56 kg·hm-2, 413.66 kg·hm-2, and 7278.19 m3·hm-2, respectively, the theoretical economic benefit was the best. The N4P3W2 treatment is the optimal treatment.

Fusarium spp. are commonly associated with the root rot complex of soybean (Glycine max). Previous surveys identified six common Fusarium species from Manitoba, including F. oxysporum, F. redolens, F. graminearum, F. solani, F. avenaceum and F. acuminatum. This study aimed to determine their pathogenicity, assess host resistance and evaluate the genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. isolated from Canada. Pathogenicity was tested on two cultivars, ‘Akras’ (moderate resistance) and ‘B150Y1’ (susceptible), under greenhouse conditions. The virulence of the fungal isolates varied, with root rot severities ranging from 1.5 to 3.3 on a 0-4 scale. The six species were used to screen a panel of 20 Canadian soybean cultivars for resistance in a greenhouse. Cluster and principal component analyses were conducted based on the same traits as for the pathogenicity study. Two of the cultivars, ‘P15T46R2’ and ‘B150Y1’, were consistently found to be tolerant to F. oxysporum, F. redolens, F. graminearum and F. solani. To investigate the incidence and prevalence of Fusarium spp. in Canada, fungi were isolated from 106 soybean fields surveyed across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. Two-hundred twenty-one Fusarium isolates were identified, with phylogenetic analyses indicating diversity of the isolates in the major soybean production regions of Canada.

Broomrape (Orobanche cumana), root parasitic weed, negatively affects sunflower, thereby causing severe yield losses and required controls on O. cumana infestation. Brassinosteroids (BRs) plays key roles in plant growth and provides resilience to weed infection. This designed study evaluated the mechanisms by which BRs ameliorates O. cumana infection in sunflower (Helianthus annuus). The pretreatment of sunflower seeds with various concentrations of BRs (1, 10, and 100 nM) were applied with and without O. cumana infestation. Under O. cumana infection, a significant reduction in plant height (38.61%), fresh/dry biomass, photosynthesis and regulation in plant defense (POX, GST), BRs signaling (BAK1, BSK1 to BSK4) and synthesis (BRI1, BR6OX2) associated genes. Moreover, O. cumana elevated the levels of MDA, OH‒, H2O2 and O2•‒ in leaves/roots by 77%/112%, 62%/104%, 57%/98% and 55%/89.4% and caused ultrastructural damages in leaves/roots, suggesting the severe oxidative or cellular damages in sunflower. In response, plants activate activities of SOD and POD enzymes as well as reduced or oxidized glutathione, but unable to stimulate APX and CAT activities. Addition of BRs, especially at 10 nM notably lowered the production of oxidative stress, activated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The downregulation in the reported genes by BRs attributed to the increased resilience of sunflower (via susceptible reaction). In nutshell, the pretreatment of BRs enhanced the sunflower resistance to O. cumana infection by improving the planta growth and biomass, photosynthesis, activating the antioxidant defense system, lowering the oxidative stress, cellular damages and modulating the expression of BR synthesis and signaling genes.

High concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), and sulphate (SO42-) are fre-quently found in saline soils. Crop plants cannot successfully develop and produce because salt stress impairs the uptake of calcium, potassium, and water into plant cells. Different intracellular and extracellular ionic concentration changes by salinity, including those of calcium, potassium, and protons. These cations serve as stress signaling molecules in addition to being essential for ionic homeostasis and nutrition. Maintaining an appropriate K+: Na+ ratio is one crucial plant mechanism for salt tolerance, which is a complicated trait. Another important mechanism is the ability for fast extrusion of Na+ from the cytosol. Calcium is established as a ubiquitous secondary messenger, which transmits various stress signals into metabolic alterations that cause adaptive responses. When plants are under stress, the cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration can rise to 10 times or more from its resting level of 50-100 nanomolar. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are linked to the calcium alterations, and are produced by stress. Depending on the type, frequency and intensity of the stress, the cytosolic calcium signals oscillate, are transient, or persist for a longer period and exhibit specific "signatures". Both the input and efflux of Ca2+ from the cytosol affect the length and amplitude of the signal. According to several reports, under stress calcium alterations can occur not only in the cytoplasm of the cell but also in the cell walls, nucleus and other cell organelles and the calcium waves propagate through the whole plant. Here, we will focus on how wheat and other important crops absorb Na+, K+ and Cl- when plants are under salt stress, as well as how calcium, potassium, and pH cause intracellular signaling and homeostasis. Similar mechanisms in the model plant Arabidopsis will also be considered.

Phosphate (Pi) starvation is a critical factor limiting crop growth, development, and productivity. Rice (Oryza sativa) R2R3-MYB transcription factors function in the transcriptional regulation of plant responses to various abiotic stresses and micronutrient deprivation, but little is known about their roles in Pi starvation signaling and Pi homeostasis. Here we identified the R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene OsMYB58, which shares high sequence similarity with AtMYB58. OsMYB58 expression was induced more strongly by Pi starvation than by other micronutrient deficiencies. Overexpressing OsMYB58 in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice inhibited plant growth and development under Pi-deficiency conditions. In addition, overexpression of OsMYB58 in plants exposed to Pi deficiency strongly affected root development, including seminal root, lateral root, and root hair formation. Overexpressing OsMYB58 strongly decreased the expression of the rice microRNAs, OsmiR399a and OsmiR399j. By contrast, overexpressing OsMYB58 strongly increased the expression of rice PHOSPHATE 2 (OsPHO2), whose expression is repressed by miR399 during Pi starvation signaling. OsMYB58 functions as a transcriptional repressor of the expression of its target genes, as determined by a transcriptional activity assay. These results demonstrate that OsMYB58 negatively regulates OsmiR399-dependent Pi starvation signaling by enhancing OsmiR399s expression.

In searching for compounds with antioxidant and antifungal activity, our study focused on the subshrub species Empetrum rubrum Vahl ex Willd. (Ericaceae), commonly known as Brecillo or Murtilla de Magallanes. We measured the antioxidant activity of its methanolic extract (MEE) obtained from the aerial parts (leaves and stems). The antioxidant activity of MEE was evaluated in vitro by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) cationic radical. Results were expressed in gallic acid and Trolox equivalents for DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The antioxidant activities, for the DPPH and ABTS assays, were also calculated as an inhibitory concentration of extract needed to inhibit 50% of the absorbance (IC50 value). The results of IC50 values measured by the DPPH and ABTS methods were 0.4145 mg mL-1 and 0.1081 mg mL-1, respectively. In relation to the antioxidant activity, the total phenolic content (TPC) in MEE was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the presence of secondary metabolites groups, including phenolic compounds, was determined by using different standardized test procedures. Phenolic compounds contained in leaves, stems, and fruits of E. rubrum were determined qualitatively by means of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis. The antifungal activity of MEE obtained from aerial parts of E. rubrum was tested against Rhizoctonia solani. In vitro, mycelial growth of this fungus was reduced from 90% to 100% in the presence of MEE.

Terrestrial algae are the group of photosynthetic organisms, which can survive in extreme conditions. pH is one of the most important factor, influencing on distribution of algae, both in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The influence of different pH levels on cell volume and other morphological characters of authentic and reference strains of Chlorella vulgaris, Bracteacoccus minor, Pseudoccomyxa simplex, Chlorococcum infusionum, and Vischeria magna were studied. Chlorella vulgaris and Pseudoccomyxa simplex were the most resistant species, retaining its morphology in range of pH 4-11,5. The change of pH towards acidic and alkaline levels caused the increase of volume of Pseudoccomixa simplex and Vischeria magna cells according to polynomial regression model. Volume of Chlorella vulgaris cells increased from low to high pH according to linear regression model. Changes of pH levels did not have a significant impact on volume of Bracteacoccus minor and Chlorococcum infusionum cells. Low and high levels of pH caused thickening of cell walls of Chlorococcum infusionum and increase of oil containing substances in Vischeria magna and Bracteacoccus minor cells. Our study revealed a high resistance of studied species to extreme level of pH, which allow recommend these strains for broader use in biotechnology and natures protection.

The coastal wetlands of the Mediterranean area are among the most vulnerable and threatened environments due to human pressure and activities. Fragmentation is generally considered as one of the most driving factors in habitats loss. In this paper, we investigated the floristic composition, structure, conservation status, and trends of the habitat types sensu 92/43EEC Directive of a coastal wetland area in south-eastern Sicily (“Saline di Priolo” SAC). Based on 128 phytosociological surveys and several plant collections, a total of 304 taxa, 28 plant communities and 16 habitats have been identified. Furthermore, three new plant associations were described, including two in the wetland and one on the rocky coasts. For the classification of plant communities and habitats, a hierarchical clustering was performed by using Euclidean coefficient and beta-flexible algorithm. The life form spectrum of the current flora highlights the dominance of therophytes and hemicryptophytes. The Mediterranean species are largely prevailing with 123 taxa. The cartographic analysis performed with ArcGis 10.3 shows a radical reduction of the wetland habitats in the last 70 years, and a strong alteration of the ecological succession of the psammophilous-hygrophilous vegetation. Moreover, landscape configuration of the coastal vegetation and habitat types was well highlighted by a set of specific landscape metrics. In particular, our outcomes identify three habitats (2110, 2210, and 5220* EU code) with bad conservation status, among which one of priority conservation (Zyziphus arborescent matorral), that requires urgent restoration measures.

This study delves into the impact of contrasting management practices on epiphytic bryolichenic communities, shedding light on their divergent responses to management regimes on Castanea sativa orchards. Lichens and bryophytes were sampled in managed and abandoned plots, in 95 trees, in north and south sides and at two heights in Galicia (NW Spain). The studied groups exhibit opposing reactions to these management practices, bryophytes suffer adverse effects in managed stands, experiencing reduced cover and species richness compared to abandoned orchards, while lichens displayed heightened cover and species diversity. The size of trees, included as a covariate in our analyses, displayed no significant impact on the overall species richness of lichens or bryophytes, although it did influence the cover of specific functional traits. These differing outcomes are linked to alterations in environmental conditions brought by management interventions. Furthermore, the study uncovers divergent responses within the taxonomic and functional composition of epiphytic communities. Different species and functional groups exhibit varying reactions to changing environmental conditions, making predictions a complex endeavor. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the need for management strategies that account for the diverse ecological requirements of different species and functional groups. Since no single management regime will suit all species or functional groups.

Tamarix is native to Eurasia, plus the northern and southern territories of Africa, with some species being introduced into America and Oceania. They are usually found in arid, desertic or subdesertic areas, often on saline or subsaline soils, under Mediterranean, Temperate or Subtropical climates. The genus is renowned by its complex taxonomy, which has usually based on rather variable or unstable characters, which led to contrasting taxonomic treatments. As part of the taxonomic revision of Tamarix undertaken by the authors, nine names (i.e., T. africana, T. bounopoea, T. malenconiana, T. muluyana, T. tenuifolia, T. tingitana, T. trabutii, T. valdesquamigera, and T. weyleri) published from material collected in the southwestern parts of the Mediterranean basin are taxonomically and nomenclaturally discussed after analysing their original and/or type material. Seven intended holotypes are corrected here to lectotypes; one epitype is designated for T. africana to warrant current use of the name; and one isotype, 27 isolectotypes and 11 syntypes are also identified for the studied names. Further, the taxonomic identity of all names and their eventual synonymic placement are accordingly discussed.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), like most legumes, forms mutualistic symbioses with nodule bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The positive effect of inoculation is partially determined by the plant genotype, thus, pea varieties with high and low symbiotic responsivity have been described, but the molecular genetic basis of this trait remains unknown. Here, we compare the symbiotically responsive breeding line ‘Triumph’ of grain pea with its parental cultivars ‘Vendevil’ (a donor of high symbiotic responsivity) and ‘Classic’ (a donor of agriculturally valuable traits) using genome and transcriptome sequencing. We show that ‘Triumph’ inherited one-fourth of its genome from ‘Vendevil’, including the genes related to AM and nodule formation, and reveal that under combined inoculation with nodule bacteria and AM fungi, ‘Triumph’ and ‘Vendevil’, in contrast to ‘Classic’, demonstrate similar up-regulation of the genes related to solute transport, hormonal regulation and flavonoid biosynthesis in their roots. We also identify the gene PsGLP2, whose expression pattern distinguishing ‘Triumph’ and ‘Vendevil’ from ‘Classic’ correlates with difference within the promoter region sequence, making it a promising marker for the symbiotic responsivity trait. The results of the study may be helpful for future molecular breeding programs aimed at creation of symbiotically responsive cultivars of pea.

This review compiles research findings pertaining to Nuclear Distribution C (NudC) genes and their involvement in various cellular processes, including nuclear migration, intracellular transport, nuclear positioning and cell cycle progression. Structural and functional similarities of NudC pro-teins across diverse organisms highlight their evolutionary conserved nature and pivotal roles in upholding cellular functions. Special attention is given to the growing importance of NudC family members in plants, elucidating their contributions to plant growth, development and responses to environmental challenges. Within this framework, we spotlight two Arabidopsis NudC genes, BOB1 and NMig1, for their indispensable roles in embryo and postembryonic development, and involvement in stress responses and tolerance mechanisms. Furthermore, we accentuate the chaperone activity of plant NudC family members, a crucial function in mitigating the adverse effects of stress and bolstering plant resilience in the face of environmental challenges. These insights underscore the promising potential of NudC members as valuable targets for enhancing crop performance, particularly when directed towards optimizing plant morphology and fortifying en-vironmental resistance to enhance overall crop productivity.

Soluble chaperones residing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) play vitally important roles in folding and quality control of newly synthesized proteins that transiently pass through the ER en route to their final destinations. These soluble residents of the ER are themselves endowed with an ER retrieval signal that enables the cell to bring the escaped residents back from the Golgi. Here, by using purified proteins, we showed that Nicotiana tabacum phytaspase, a plant aspartate-specific protease, introduces two breaks at the C-terminus of the N. tabacum ER resident calreticulin-3. These cleavages resulted in removal of either a dipeptide or a hexapeptide from the C-terminus of calreticulin-3 encompassing part or all of the ER retrieval signal. Consistently, expression of the calreticulin-3 derivative mimicking the phytaspase cleavage product in Nicotiana benthamiana cells demonstrated loss of the ER accumulation of the protein. Notably, upon its escape from the ER, calreticulin-3 was further processed by an unknown protease(s) to generate the free N-terminal (N) domain of calreticulin-3, which was ultimately secreted into the apoplast. Our study thus identified a specific proteolytic enzyme capable of precise detachment of the ER retrieval signal from a plant ER resident protein, with implications for the further fate of the escaped resident.

In our article in Genome Biology Ecology six years ago, one complete plastid genome of Belian was assembled for comparative analyses of the plastomes in Lauraceae. However, Ariati et al. (2023) concluded that our sequenced Belian individual could be located in the clade of Myristicaceae instead of that of Lauraceae. Here, we performed re-analyses of additional two Belian plastomes, along with 42 plastomes from plants spanning ten families of the Magnoliids. The plastomes of the three Belian individuals range from 157,535 to 157,577 bp in length. Comparative genomic analysis revealed 170 mutation sites in their plastomes, which include 111 substitutions, 53 indels, and six microinversions. Phylogeny was reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches for 44 magnoliids species indicated that our three Belian individuals are nested among the species in the family Lauraceae rather than Myristicaceae.

Boeremia exigua var. exigua is a recurrent pathogen causing root rot in industrial chicory. Currently, there is no chemical or varietal control for this disease, and thus management strategies need to be developed. This study determined the biocontrol effect of strains of Pseudomonas protegens bacteria with antimicrobial compounds on the fungus B. exigua var. exigua under in vitro, in vivo and field conditions. In addition, root colonization by these bacteria was estimated by molecular analysis. Eighteen isolates of Pseudomonas spp were evaluated and the strains that showed the greatest in vitro inhibition of fungal mycelial growth (mm), Ca10A and ChB7, were selected. Inoculation with the strain ChB7 showed less severity (necrotic area) under in vivo conditions (root trials) compared to the control inoculated with the pathogen (P≤0.05). The molecular analysis revealed that root colonization of plants grown in pots was equal or greater than 70%. Similar levels were observed in the field trials conducted in Selva Negra and Canteras experimental stations (2015-16 season), with values ranging from 85.7 to 70.5% and from 75.0 to 79.5%, respectively. Regarding yield (ton ha-1), values were higher in the treatments inoculated with strains Ca10A and ChB7 (P≤0.05) in both experimental sites, while a lower incidence and severity of root rot were observed in Selva Negra. These results suggest that the Chilean strains of P. protegens are a promising tool for the control of root diseases in industrial chicory.

Analysis of telomere length is an important component of many studies aiming to characterize the role of telomere maintenance mechanisms in cellular lifespan, disease, or in general chromosome protection and DNA replication pathways. Several powerful methods to accurately measure telomere length from Southern blots have been developed, but their utility for large-scale genomic studies has not been previously evaluated. Here we performed comparative analysis of two recently developed programs, TeloTool and WALTER, for extracting mean telomere length values from Southern blots. Using both software packages, we measured telomere length in two extensive experimental datasets for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, consisting of 537 natural accessions and 65 T-DNA mutant lines in the Col-0 reference background. We report that TeloTool substantially overestimates telomere length in comparison to WALTER, especially for values over 4,500 bp. Importantly, TeloTool and WALTER-calculated telomere length values correlate the most in the 2,100-3,500 bp range, suggesting that telomeres in this size interval can be estimated by both programs equally well. We further show that genome-wide association studies using datasets from both telomere length analysis tools can detect the most significant SNP candidates equally well. However, GWAS analysis with the WALTER dataset consistently detects fewer significant SNPs than analysis with the TeloTool dataset, regardless of the GWAS method used. These results imply that telomere length data generated by WALTER may represent a more stringent approach to GWAS and SNP selection for downstream molecular screening of candidate genes. Overall, our work revealed the unanticipated impact of telomere length analysis method on the outcomes of large-scale genomic screens.

Poa crymophila is a perennial, cold-tolerant, native grass species, widely distributed to the Qing-hai-Tibet Plateau. However, the molecular mechanism behind the cold stress tolerance and role of key regulatory genes and pathways of P. crymophila are poorly understood yet. Therefore, the present study investigated the physiological and transcriptome responses of P. crymophila’s roots, stems, and leaves under cold stress to explore the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance. Results of the present study suggested that cold stress significantly changed the physiologic characteristics of roots, stems, and leaves of P. crymophila. In addition, the transcriptome results showed that 4434, 8793, and 14942 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in roots, stems, and leaves, respectively; however, 464 DEGs were commonly identified in these three tissues. The Gene On-tology (GO) results showed that a large numbers of DEGs were significantly enriched in the pho-tosynthetic related categories in leaves. In addition, the “response to stimulus” category was sig-nificantly enriched in roots and stems. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results showed that DEGs involved in “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” were significantly enriched in roots, “photosynthesis” and “circadian rhythm-plant” pathways significantly enriched in stems and leaves, starch and sucrose metabolism, and galactose metabolism were pathways significantly enriched in three tissues. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) identified Hub genes involved in P. crymophila cold response. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the cold tolerance of P. crymophila belowground and aboveground tissues. In addition, specific genes involved in Ca2+ signaling, ROS scavenging system, hormones, circadian clock, photosynthesis, and transcription factors (TFs) were identified in P. crymophila. The identi-fication of key genes may provide valuable resources for further functional genomic and breeding studies.

Coordination of activities between nuclei and organelles in plant cells involves information exchange, in which phytohormones may play an essential role. Therefore, dissection of the mechanisms of hormone-related integration between phytohormones and mitochondria is an important and challenging task. Here, we found that inputs from multiple hormones may cause changes in transcript accumulation of mitochondrial-encoded genes and nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial (mt) proteins. In particular, treatments with exogenous hormones induced changes in GUS expression in the reporter line possessing a 5'-deletion fragment of the RPOTmp promoter. These changes corresponded in part to up- or downregulation of RPOTmp in wild-type plants, which affected the transcription of mt-encoded genes, implying that promoter fragments of the RPOTmp gene are functionally involved in responses to IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid), and ABA (abscisic acid). Hormone-dependent modulations in the expression of mt-encoded genes can also be mediated through mitochondrial transcription termination factors 15, 17, and 18 of the mTERF family and genes for tetratricopeptide repeat proteins that are coexpressed with mTERF genes, in addition to SWIB5 encoding a mitochondrial SWI/SNF (nucleosome remodelling) complex B protein. These genes specifically responded to hormone treatment, displaying both negative and positive regulation in a context-dependent manner. According to bioinformatic resources, their promoter regions possess putative cis-acting elements involved in responses to phytohormones. Alternatively, hormone-related transcriptional activity of these genes may be modulated indirectly, which is especially relevant for brassinosteroids (BS). In general, the results of the study indicate that hormones are essential mediators that are able to cause alterations in the transcript accumulation of mt-related nuclear genes, which in turn trigger the expression of mt genes.

Screening of pollen traits in diploid wild potatoes (Solanum sect. Petota, Solanaceae) is desirable to develop heat-tolerant potato (S. tuberosum) cultivars. To accomplish this goal requires exploring potato genetic resources that are conserved in genebanks. The goal of this study was to assess pollen viability and 2n pollen production of the diploid potato wild relatives under heat stress condition. We assessed pollen viability and size of nine potato accessions conserved at the Embrapa Potato Gene Bank, including S. chacoense (BRA 00167447-2, BRA 00167017-3, BRA 00167023-1, BRA 00167028-0), S. commersonii (BRA00167007-4, BRA00167420-9, BRA00183760-8), and S. malmeanum (BRA 00183755-8), along with a control accession from the cultivated species S. tuberosum (BRA 00167251-8). The plant accessions were cultivated in different growth chambers, simulating both control temperature (ranging from 14 to 27°C) and supraoptimal temperature conditions (ranging from 24 to 34°C). At heat stress, the accessions BRA 00167251-8 did not bloom, and BRA 00167023-1 did not produce pollen. The remaining accessions did not exhibit a significant reduction in pollen viability as the temperature increased. Pollen viability at the control temperature had the lowest value in BRA-00167420-9 (S. commersonii) with 68.5% and the highest in BRA 00183755-8 (S. malmeanum) with 100%. At the supraoptimal temperature the lowest value was in BRA 00167420-9 (S. commersonii) with 54.5% and the highest in BRA 00183755-8 (S. malmeanum). The average of pollen size was 20 μm in all wild potato genotypes, and the increase of temperature did not lead to 2n pollen production. Estimated Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) was lower than Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) for pollen viability. The observed heritability values ranged from 58.82% in BRA00167007-4 to 91.32% in BRA 00183755-8. Our results highlight the genetic variability available in wild potato germplasm concerning pollen viability under heat stress. Furthermore, these first insights offer valuable guidance for ongoing and future endeavors in diploid potato breeding.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an essential legume crop providing healthy and nutritious food for people in low- to middle-income countries, worldwide. Lentil roots support symbiotic interactions with soil rhizobia species fostering nitrogen fixation; however, assemblage and diversity of the complete microbial rhizosphere community and the effect of seed genotype and origin remains largely unexplored. In this study we examined with metagenomic analysis, the effects of seed origin on the rhizosphere’s communities in samples of the famous Greek lentil landrace Eglouvis derived from different local farmers and farming systems including a Gene Bank sample, in comparison to a commercial variety. The landrace exhibited higher rhizosphere microbiome diversity compared to the commercial variety for all indexes. A core microbiome comprised of 158 taxa was present in all samples, while higher number of unique bacterial taxa was recorded in the landrace samples compared to the commercial cultivar. Noteworthy, landrace samples originated from organic farming had more than double unique taxa compared to conventional counterparts. The study revealed higher diversity of N2 fixers and archaea, Crenarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota, in landrace samples and particularly in those derived from organic farming, underpinning the distinct recruiting efficiency of beneficial soil microbes by the landrace.

The methods used to introduce CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas-mediated genome editing into fruit species, as well as the impacts of the application of this technology to activate and knock out of target genes in different fruit trees species including tree development, yield, fruit quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses have been firstly described in this review. The application of this gene editing technology could allow the development of new generations of fruit crops with improved traits by targeting different genetic segments or even could facilitate the introduction of traits in elite cultivars without changing other traits. However, at this moment, the scarcity of efficient regeneration and transformation protocols in some species, the fact that many of those procedures are the genotype-dependent or the convenience of segregating the transgenic parts of the CRISPR system represent the main handicaps limiting the potential of genetic editing techniques for fruit trees. Finally, latest news on the legislation and regulations about the use of plants modified through CRISPR/Cas systems has been also discussed.

Akebia trifoliata is an economically important self-incompatible fruit tree in the family Lardiza-balaceae. Asexual propagation is the main strategy used to maintain excellent agronomic traits. However, the generation of adventitious roots during asexual propagation is very difficult. To study the important role of the WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factor in fruit and adventitious root growth and development, we characterized this transcription factor family in the whole genome of A. trifoliata. A total of 10 AktWOXs were identified, with the fol-lowing characteristics: length (657~11328 bp), exon number (2~5), isoelectric point (5.65~9.03), amino acid number (176~361 AA), and molecular weight (20.500~40.173 kDa). 10 AktWOXs were classified into modern (6), intermediate (2), and ancient clades (2) and that all AktWOXs had undergone strong purifying selection during evolution. The expression profile of AktWOXs dur-ing A. trifoliata fruit development and adventitious root formation indicated that AktWOXs are widely involved in the development of the three fruit tissues, flesh, seeds and rind, and play an important role in the regulation of adventitious root development. Overall, this is the first study to identify and characterize the WOX family in A. trifoliata and will be helpful for further re-search on A. trifoliata fruit development and adventitious root formation.

Thymus is an herbaceous perennials or subshrubs of the Lamiaceae family and is widely distributed worldwide. Essential oils extracted from thymus have attracted much attention owing to their potential biological functions. Here, we evaluated the chemical compositions of eight thyme essential oils (TEOs) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and assessed their antioxidant activity and in potential role in antibacterial and tumor therapy. The results showed that (1) the main components in eight TEOs were monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, and the chemical compositions of TEOs were affected by the specie factor; (2) eight TEOs could be divided into 3 groups (thymol-, geraniol-and nerol acetate-type), and thymol was main type; (3) eight TEOs had some common compounds, such as thymol and p-cymene, which were the main components in seven TEOs; (4) eight TEOs had antioxidant activit, and thymol-type EOs had strong antioxidant activity, while geraniol-type EOs had relatively weak antioxidant activity. In addition, it was found thymol had strong antibacterial activity against the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and antimigratory activity of A549 cell. Overall, our results can provide theoretical basis for further exploring the function of natural products from thyme essential oils.

Land plants have undergone their great diversification and evolution in the past 400 million years. Although appearing complex and hard to grasp, the evolution of plants centers around an invariable core development process, SRC (Sexual Reproductive Cycle). Various modifications have been added sequentially to this core process, and thus creating various novel organs and distinguishing their bearers one from another. Reproductive organs of all land plants, including sporangium, megasporangium, metamegasporangium (= ovule), and various metamegasporangium complexes, are derived from terminal sporangia in the earliest land plants. Throughout the million-year-long evolution, plants sequentially recruit associating accessories to protect their vulnerable core parts (spore and gamete). The occurrence of every single of these novelties is a stair marking land plant reproduction evolution and leads to enhanced offspring development conditioning (ODC).

The increased cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. in North America, represented by high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-containing (high-THC) cannabis genotypes and low THC-containing hemp genotypes, has been impacted by an increasing number of plant pathogens. These include fungi which destroy roots, stems and leaves, in some cases causing a build-up of populations and mycotoxins in the inflorescences that can negatively impact quality. Viroids and viruses have also increased in prevalence and severity and can reduce plant growth and product quality. Rapid diagnosis of the occurrence and spread of these pathogens is critical. Techniques in the area of molecular diagnostics have been applied to study these pathogens in both cannabis and hemp. These include polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies, including RT-PCR, multiplex RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, and ddPCR, as well as whole genome sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics. In this study, examples of how these technologies have enhanced the rapidity and sensitivity of pathogen diagnosis on cannabis and hemp will be illustrated. These molecular tools have also enabled studies on the diversity and origins of specific pathogens, specifically viruses and viroids, and these will be illustrated. Comparative studies on the genomics and metabolomics of healthy and diseased plants are urgently needed to provide insight into their impact on quality and composition of cannabis and hemp-derived products. Management of these pathogens will require monitoring of their spread and survival using the appropriate technologies to allow accurate detection, followed by appropriate implementation of disease control measures.

Cambodian spices Amomum kravanh, Citrus hystrix and Piper nigrum 'Kampot' have long history of seasoning of food products. In this study, essential oils (EOs) and supercritical CO2 extracts from all three species have been analyzed using GC-MS with two columns of different polarity, whereas EO and CO2 extract from P. nigrum fruits and CO2 extract from the peel of C. hystrix have been isolated and analyzed for the first time. The results showed that A. kravanh EO contained mostly eucalyptol (78.8/ 72.6 %), while CO2 extract was rich in oleic acid (29.26 %) and tricosane (14.74 %). C. hystrix EO was rich in β-pinene (29.95/29.45 %), followed by D-limonene (24.54/23.24 %) and sabinene (9.94/10.23 %). β-pinene (30.2/28.9 %), D-limonene (23.99/23.74 %) and sabinene (13.36/19.55 %) were also predominant in the CO2 extracts. β-Caryophyllene was the main constituent of both EO and CO2 extract from P. nigrum 'Kampot' with contents ranging from 37.84 to 55.84 %, followed by 3-carene (from 7.18 to 18.72 %). Such findings suggest that supercritical CO2 can potentially be used for extraction of all three Cambodian spices. Nevertheless, further research determining the most efficient extraction parameters will be needed before its application in the spice processing practice.

Salinity is a significant abiotic stress factor for ornamental plants cultivated in greenhouses, as they are supplied with fertilizers over a long period of time. It causes drastic yield losses in com-mercially important ornamentals such as Gerbera jamesonii, whose cut flowers rank fifth in the global flower trade. In the current study, pretreatment of G. jamesonii plants (white and yellow flowering varieties) with optimum concentrations of thiourea (1.0 mM, 5.0 mM & 10.0 mM) in-duced plant salt-tolerance. Gerberas pretreated with thiourea (5.0 mM), when exposed to NaCl (200mM), showed no signs of plant stress or phenotypic abnormalities, as seen in gerberas ex-posed to NaCl without thiourea pretreatment. Moreover, thiourea application significantly pro-moted plant growth as evidenced by increases in fresh and dry leaf weight, relative water con-tent, total protein content, free proline content, and chlorophyll. A decrease in H2O2 and MDA content and an increase in antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate perox-idase, glutathione reductase, and peroxidase activity indicate minimal cellular damage in gerberas treated with thiourea. Thus, spraying leaves with thiourea (5.0 mM) could help gerbera plants overcome the deleterious effects of salt stress during repeated fertilization in nethouses. In addi-tion to alleviating salt stress, thiourea can also be used as a biofertilizer. This could also be ex-tended to other ornamental species to promote sustainable development of the floriculture indus-try.

Cut flowers of Gerbera jamesonii, renowned globally for their vibrant colors and extended shelf life, play a pivotal role in the flourishing floriculture industry. However, repeated fertigation in nethouses/polyhouses poses a significant challenge leading to production losses. In response to this challenge, we hypothesized that the application of Ascorbic acid (AsA), an antioxidant, in optimal concentrations could alleviate the detrimental effects of salt toxicity and enhance Gerbera production. Our objective was to investigate the impact of exogenous AsA (1.0 mM, 2.0 mM, and 4.0 mM) as a foliar spray, followed by NaCl (200 mM) treatment, across two cultivars of Gerbera: white-flowered (salt sensitive) and yellow flowered (salt tolerant) cultivars. The research employed a comprehensive approach, applying AsA and NaCl treatment to evaluate their effects on chlorophyll, proline, and total soluble protein content, MDA, H2O2, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX, GR, and POD). Following exposure to 2.0 mM AsA, treated plants displayed a notable increase in chlorophyll, Proline, and soluble protein content. Concurrently, MDA and H2O2 levels, indicator of intracellular damage, exhibited a decrement, suggesting AsA's protective role against salt stress. Moreover, enhanced antioxidant Enzyme activities were observed. The application of AsA (2.0 mM) not only induced salt tolerance in Gerbera but also showed potential benefits for its overall growth and development. This study underscores the promising role of AsA in mitigating salt-induced challenges in Gerbera cultivation.

It was of great practical significance to repair the toxicity of salt stress environment to soybean seedlings and maintain the balance between agricultural production and ecological environment in the Yellow River valley of China. ‘Xudou 20’ was used as the experimental material, a large-scale planting variety in the old Yellow River basin. Endophytes 131 and 137 isolated from soybean root nodule were taken as the research objects, and the soybean plants were cultivated by pot culture in intelligent artificial incubator. Salt stress group, bacteria suspension group and control group were set up to study the effects of inoculation treatments on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) of soybean seedlings under different NaCl stress. The results showed that when inoculated with endophyte 131 bacterial suspension and cultured for 14 days, the SOD activity was the highest (14.89 U•g−1•FW) at the salt concentration 50 mmol•L-1. When inoculated with 131 bacterial suspension (2:1) and cultured for 28 days, the SOD activity reached the highest (0.94 ug-1FW) at the salt concentration of 50 mmol•L-1, and the CAT activity amounted to the highest (1910 U•g−1•min−1). The 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the most similar strain of strain 137 was Bacillus cereus, and the most similar strain of strain 131 was Enterobacter ludwigii. Therefore, the activities of SOD and CAT in soybean seedlings inoculated with endophytes 131 and 137 increased at different degrees under salt stress, which could effectively alleviate the damage of salt stress environment to plants, and thus improve the stress resistance of plants.

Basic features of seed dormancy are illustrated. The seed overall regulatory network governs seed metabolism and development, and it is coordinated by plant hormones. A functional model focused on abscisic acid (ABA), the foremost plant hormone in dormancy, is used as a framework to critically discuss the literature. Gibberellins (GAs) have a main role in germination, and the ABA – GAs balance is a typical feature of the seed state: ABA dominates during dormancy and GAs prevail through germination. Thus, the literature converges toward envisaging the development switch between dormancy and germination as represented by the ABA/GAs ratio. The ABA – GAs antagonism is based on mutual inhibition, a feature of the regulatory network architecture that characterizes development trajectories based on a regulatory circuit with a bistable switch. Properties of such kind of regulatory architecture are introduced step by step, and it is shown that seed development – towards either dormancy or germination – is more properly represented by a tristable regulatory circuit, whose intermediate metastable states ultimately take one or the other development trajectory. Although the ABA/GAs ratio can conveniently represent the state of the seed overall regulatory network along the seed development trajectory, specific (unknown) dormancy factors are required to determine the development trajectory. The development landscape is shown to provide a well-suited representation of seed states travelling along developmental trajectories, particularly when the states are envisioned as regulatory circuits. Looking at seed dormancy in terms of regulatory circuits and development landscapes offers a valuable perspective to improve our understanding of this biological phenomenon.

Gibberella ear rot (GER) caused by Fusarium graminearum (teleomorph Gibberella zeae) is one of the most destructive diseases in maize that severely reduces grain yield and contaminates several potential mycotoxins. However, few efforts had been devoted to dissect the genetic basis of maize GER resistance. In the present study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted in a maize association panel consisting of 303 diverse inbred lines. The phenotypes of GER severity were evaluated using kernel bioassay across multiple time points in the laboratory. Then, three models including fixed and random model circulating probability unification model (FarmCPU), general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM), were conducted simultaneously in GWAS to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with GER resistance. A total of four individual significant association SNPs with the phenotypic variation explained (PVE) ranging from 3.51 to 6.42% were obtained. Interestingly, the peak SNP (PUT-163a-71443302-3341) with the greatest PVE value, was co-localized in all models. Subsequently, 12 putative genes were captured from the peak SNP that several of these genes were directly or indirectly involved in disease resistance. Overall, these findings contribute to understand the complex plant-pathogen interactions in maize GER resistance. The regions and genes identified herein provide a list of candidate targets for further investigation, in addition to the kernel bioassay that can be used for evaluating and selecting elite germplasm resources with GER resistance in maize.

The continuous growth of roots depends on their ability to maintain a balanced ratio between cell production and cell differentiation at the tip. This process was reported to be regulated by the hormonal balance of cytokinin and auxin. However, other important regulators, such as plant folates, have also been reported to play a regulatory role. In this study, we investigated the impact of the folate precursor PABA on root development. Using pharmacological, genetic, and imaging approaches, we show that the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana roots is repressed by either supplementing the growth medium with PABA or overexpressing the PABA synthesis gene GAT-ADCS. This is associated with a smaller root meristem size, which consists of fewer cells. Conversely, reducing the levels of free root endogenous PABA results in longer roots with extended meristems and increased cell numbers. We provide evidence that PABA represses Arabidopsis root growth in a folate-independent manner and likely acts through two mechanisms: (i) the G2/M transition of cell division in the root apical meristem and (ii) promoting premature cell differentiation in the transition zone. These data collectively suggest that PABA plays a role in Arabidopsis root growth at the point where cell division and cell differentiation intersect.

Lots of efforts are made to optimize spectrum quality used for indoor farming to maximize artificial light utilization and reduce water loss. For such an improvement, green (G) light supplementation to a red-blue (RB) background was successfully employed in our previous studies to restrict both non-photochemical thermal dissipation (NPQ) and stomatal conductance (gs). At the same time, however, the downregulation of NPQ and gs influences the leaf temperature (Tleaf) in opposite ways. Thus, to elucidate which factor plays a more prominent role in Tleaf regulation and whether such response is temporal or permanent we investigated the correlation between NPQ or gs and the subsequent Tleaf. To this end, we analysed tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Malinowy Ozarowski) grown solely under monochromatic LED lamps (435, 520, or 662 nm; 80 µmol m–2 s–1) or under mixed RGB spectrum (1:1:1; 180 µmol m–2 s–1), and simultaneously measured the gs and Tleaf with an infrared gas analyser and thermocouple or employed infrared thermal camera (FLIR) during thermal imaging analyses. Results documented that growth light quality significantly modified the Tleaf, and such response is not temporal. Furthermore, we found that plants' actual adaxial leaf surface temperature is more closely related to NPQ amplitude, while the temperature of the abaxial surface corresponds to gs.

Few Sclerophyllous plants from the central coast of Chile have been systematically studied. This work describes the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Baccharis concava Pers. (sin. B. macraei), a shrub found in the first line and nearby the pacific coast between latitudes 29-38⁰S. B. concava has been traditionally used by indigenous inhabitants of today central Chile for their anthelmintic properties, wound healing properties and as a diuretic. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of B. concava were prepared from leaves and small branches. The qualitative phytochemical characterization indicated presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic and tannins compounds. The antimicrobial activity of this extract was assessed in a panel of microorganisms including Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and pathogenic yeasts. The extract displayed important antimicrobial effects against Gram positive, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans, but not against Gram negative, for which an intact Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is apparently the determinant of resistant to B. concava extracts. The hydroalcoholic extract was then fractionated through a sephadex LH-20/methanol-ethyl acetate column. Followed, the fractions were pooled according to a similar composition that was visualized by TLC/UV analysis. Fractions obtained by this criterion were assessed for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The fraction presenting the most antimicrobial activity was HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyzed obtaining a composition rich in structures derived from caffeoylquinic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid and quercetin, among others. In conclusion, the extracts of B. concava show a strong antimicrobial activity probably due to their composition rich in metabolites derived from caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin, that in turn could be responsible for helping with wound healing, as reported from its ancient cultural use. In addition, the development of antimicrobial therapies based in the molecules found in B. concava could help to combat infection caused by pathogenic yeasts and Gram-positive bacteria, without affecting the Gram-negative microbiota.

The exogenous application of phenolic compounds is increasingly recognized as a valuable strategy for promoting growth and mitigating the adverse effects of abiotic stress. However, the biostimulant effect under optimal conditions have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we investigated the impact of foliar application of flavonoids, specifically Crop Bio Life (CBL), on tomato plants grown under controlled conditions. Our study focused on determining growth parameters, such as cell size, and assessing the concentration of hormones. Principal component analysis (PCA) from all physiological variables were determined. Additionally, we utilized high-throughput mRNA sequencing technology and bioinformatic methodologies to robustly analyze the transcriptomes of tomato leaves regulated by flavonoids. The findings revealed that CBL primarily influenced cells enlargement, leading to increased growth. Furthermore, CBL-treated plants exhibited higher concentrations of the hormone zeatin but lower concentrations of IAA. Moreover, RNAseq analysis indicated that CBL-treated plants required increased mineral transport and water uptake, as evidenced by gene expression patterns. Genes related to pathways such as fatty acid degradation, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and ABC transporters showed regulatory mechanisms governing internal flavonoid biosynthesis, transport, and tissue concentration, ultimately resulting in higher flavonoid concentrations in tomato leaves.

This review article deals with the pathways of cellular and global molybdate distribution in plants, especially with a full overview for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In its oxidized state as bioavailable molybdate, molybdenum can be absorbed from the environment. Especially in higher plants, molybdenum is indispensable as part of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco), which is responsible for functionality as a prosthetic group in a variety of essential enzymes like nitrate reductase and sulfite oxidase. Therefore, plants need mechanisms for molybdate import and transport within the organism, which is accomplished via high-affinity molybdate transporter (MOT) localized in different cells and membranes. Two different MOT-families were identified. Especially legumes like Glycine max or Medicago truncatula have an increased numbers of MOT1-family members for supplying their symbionts with molybdate for nitrogenase activity. In Arabidopsis thaliana especially, the complete way of molybdate through the plant is traceable. Not only the uptake from soil by MOT1.1 and its distribution to leaves, flowers and seeds by MOT2-family members was identified, but also inside the cell the transport trough the cytoplasm and the vacuolar storage mechanisms depending on glutathione were described. Finally, supplying the Moco biosynthesis complex by MOT1.2 and MOT2.1 was demonstrated.

In the present study, the physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of three medicinal plants - thyme, cotton thistle and hawthorn fruit from the Western Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria were investigated. In the first stage, the physicochemical characteristics (moisture, ash, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamin C) of the three herbs were determined. In the second stage, four types of extracts (aqueous, oil, methanolic and ethanolic) from them were prepared and the total phenolic content, presence of phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids), antioxidant activity and their antimicrobial properties were determined. Thyme was characterized by the highest ash, proteins and vitamin C contents. The hawthorn fruit was characterized by the highest moisture and carbohydrate contents. The 70% ethanolic extracts of the three herbs exhibited the highest levels of phenolics and consequently a pronounced antioxidant activity, compared to the other three types of extracts. The flavonoid quercetin-3-ß-glucoside was in highest concentration in the thyme and hawthorn fruit, while myricetin dominated in the cotton thistle. The phenolic acid content analysis showed a prevalence of rosmaric acid in thyme, whereas chlorogenic acid was detected in highest concentration in hawthorn fruit and cotton thistle. High antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts was observed.

The Sakha people have a long history of use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine and healing practices. This article explores the use and naming practices found with 10 plants that grow in far northeastern Russia, in the Arctic and Subarctic zones of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). A field survey of 2500 participants was used to identify the most widely used medicinal plants, their names, and uses. Findings were double-checked with published resources. A small set of criteria are used in naming practices. These practices are based on the plant’s appearance, its habit, or in some way are related to their use, indexing the disease, or the diseased organ, or the result of healing. We find robust knowledge and practice of traditional medicine across the Sakha population, and deep knowledge of plants among Sakha herbalists, healers and shamans.

The broad bean plant contains L-DOPA, a compound that is essential for patients with Parkin-son’s disease. However, little has been reported on other broad bean compounds that have bene-ficial effects on health. The objective was to evaluate plants of four Mexican broad bean varieties to determine the content and yield of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and L-DOPA, as well as to analyze the flavonoid profile and antioxidant (AA) and anti-inflammatory (AANTI) activity in vitro. Broad bean seeds were sown in the field and plants were harvested 20 days after emergence. The analyses were performed with visible UV spectrophotometry and HPLC. The variety José María produced the highest yield of TPC (9.30 g m-2), TF (8.08 g m-2) and L-DOPA (5.64 g m-2) per unit of area. The highest yields per plant were obtained with the Rojita variety: TPC (0.25 g plant-1), TF (0.21 g plant-1) and L-DOPA (0.17 g plant-1). This variety also had the highest antioxidant (CI50= 87.68 µg mL-¹) and anti-inflammatory (CI50= 74.40 mg mL-1) activi-ty, which was attributed to the L-DOPA compounds and to rutin and isoorientins, respectively. The flavonoid profile revealed the presence of rutin and isoorientins, which had not been previ-ously detected in the broad bean plant.

Trichoderma spp. are widely used in plant disease control as biocontrol agents. Inducing plant disease resistance is an important biocontrol mechanism of Trichoderma. It is of great significance to explore the factors involved in the surface recognition and interaction of Trichoderma with plants. Hydrophobin is a small molecular protein rich in cysteine in higher filamentous fungi and has been found to participate in the morphogenesis and interaction of fungi with other organisms. In this study, the type II hydrophobic protein-coding gene Thfb6 from T. harzianum TH33 was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The purified recombinant protein Thfb6 induced a hypersensitive response in tobacco leaves, a burst of reactive oxygen species, and an accumulation of callose, phenolic substances, and lignin in tobacco, indicating that Thfb6 can induce an early defense reaction in tobacco. Thfb6 also enhanced the systemic resistance of tobacco against tobacco mosaic virus. The rate of lesion number reduction by treatment with Thfb6 could be up to 36.02%. Thfb6 increased the activity of tobacco defense-related enzymes, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase, which were all more than three times the control after 3–5 days post treatment of Thfb6. The transcription of resistance-related genes, including the PAL gene, non-expresser of pathogenesis-related gene1 (NPR1), and basic pathogenesis-related gene 1 (PR1-b), were upregulated after Thfb6 treatment. The relative expression levels of the PAL and NPR1 genes were highest on the third and fourth days after Thfb6 treatment, at 5.5 times and 8.3 times that of the control, respectively. The relative expression level of PR1 on the sixth day after Thfb6 treatment was 5.3 times that of the control. These results indicate that the improvement of defense-related enzyme activity and the induced expression of disease-resistance-related genes were the main mechanisms by which Thfb6 induced systemic resistance in tobacco.

This paper aims to establish a current relationship between pharmaceutical sciences and the development of perfumes and fragrances, which bring significant economic benefits and whose added value is among other professionals, the one made by professionals in Pharmacy. For this purpose, historical data are used as a starting point and galenic, chemical and botanical aspects are discussed in a transversal way. In this sense, it must be taken into account that in the case of Spanish pharmacy, it is closely linked to the knowledge and use of plants. Sources such as Web of Science (WOS) and databases such as Scopus, monographs and various web pages (where scientific-technical documents appear) have been used. The results and discussion are based on the selection of the 50 plant species most commonly used in high quality fragrances. Therefore, this publication should be considered as an approach to this subject based on an analysis of a representative sample of data. Some characteristics of perfumes (classification according to the concentration of essential oils and combination of plant extracts) are presented beforehand. They also briefly compile the traditional and modern ways in the treatment of these extracts. The main focus of this work is the botanical and chemical analysis of these described plants, pointing out their common name, correct botanical name, geographical place of origin, used part of the plant and main molecules. The 50 botanical species belong to 27 families of angiosperms and are represented in a large part of the phylogenetic tree of botanical systematics. The most significant families are aromatic: Rutaceae (16.7%), Lamiaceae (16.7%) and Apiaceae (6.5%). The most represented genus is Citrus (with seven species or hybrids). However, it should be noted that natural extracts of good quality natural fragrances may be supplemented with chemically synthesized molecules. Of the 50 botanical species selected, 84% of the extracts have their origin in Tropical Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. This figure generally coincides with the percentage of medicinal plants (or their extracts) admitted by the European Pharmacopoeia. All parts of a plant (depending on which one it is) can be a source of molecules for the elaboration of these products. The most commonly used parts to obtain extracts are flowers (34%) and leaves (30%), a biological circumstance that is explained in this work. On the opposite side are the resins (10%), rhizomes and roots (8%). In this work, 110 molecules have been found that are part of the essences of perfumes and fragrances, the most frequent are: linalool, limonene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol and derivatives, geraniol, vanillin and derivatives, β-cariophyllene, p-cmene and farnesene and derivatives (3.64%). However, in order to elaborate a quality perfume, many other molecules must be taken into account, according to the creative experience of the perfumer, which is subject to confidentiality and chemical analysis according to current legislation, which would avoid fraud, allergy and dermatitis problems.

: The primary use of the potato is direct consumption. The classification of potatoes into consumption type is made on the basis of consumption evaluation of hydrothermally treated tubers. Nutrient deficiency in the soil, including Mg, contributes to the inhibition of potato growth and development and negatively affects the cooking characteristics of the tubers. Magnesium and biostimulants are responsible for plant nitrogen management. Thus, it is necessary to control the content of harmful nitrates and toxic nitrites in tubers. In potato production, it is also important to maintain appropriate conditions during storage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mineral fertilization with magnesium and a biostimulant preparation during cultivation of edible potato and long-term storage on the traits determining utility-consumption type and the content of harmful nitrogen compounds in tubers. The study was conducted using the early potato variety Satina. In a three-year (2015-2017) three-factor experiment: evaluation date (immediately after harvest and after six months of storage), soil fertilization with mineral magnesium (0, 30, 60, 90 kg MgO ha-1), application of an amino acid biostimulant (0, 1.5, 3.0 l ha-1), five consumption traits of tubers after cooking determining the utility-consumption type of potato were determined. In addition, the consumer safety of the potato was determined based on the nitrate and nitrite content of the tubers. The tendency to overcook tubers significantly depended on all the factors used during potato cultivation. In contrast, the texture and structure of tuber flesh after cooking depended only on mineral fertilization with magnesium. The flesh of the tubers after cooking was most tender (1.0 pt) and firm (1.4 pt) after the application of 60 and 90 kg MgO ha-1, respectively. The moisture level of the flesh after cooking was significantly influenced by the interaction of magnesium fertilization with the biostimulant preparation. The factors of the experiment did not modify the utility-consumption type (B/A), while there was a change in the type in relation to that specified by the grower - general utility (B). The applied cultivation technology and long-term storage did not deteriorate the consumer safety of tubers (<200 mg kg-1) in terms of NO3 (max. 112.1 mg kg-1) and NO2 (max. 1.08 mg kg-1) contents. Organoleptic traits: mealiness, moisture and flesh structure were significantly positively related to nitrate and nitrite content of tubers immediately after harvesting and to nitrite concentration after long-term storage.

The biosynthesis of C27-29 sterols from their C30 precursor squalene involves C24-alkylation and removal of three methyl groups, including two at the C4 position. The two C4 demethylation reactions require a bifunctional enzyme known as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/C4-decarboxylase (3βHSD/D) that removes an oxidized methyl (carboxylic) group at C4 while simultaneously catalyzing the 3β-hydroxyl3-keto oxidation. Its loss-of-function mutations cause ergosterol-dependent growth in yeast and congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defect (CHILD) syndrome in humans. Although plant 3βHSD/D enzymes were well studied enzymatically, their developmental functions remain unknown. Here we employed a CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing approach to generate knockout mutants for two Arabidopsis 3βHSD/D genes, HSD1 and HSD2, and discovered the male gametophytic lethality for the hsd1 hsd2 double mutation. Pollen-specific expression of HSD2 in the heterozygous hsd1 hsd2/+ mutant not only rescued the pollen lethality but also revealed critical roles of the two HSD genes in embryogenesis. Our study thus demonstrated essential functions of the two Arabidopsis 3βHSD/D genes in male gametogenesis and embryogenesis.

De novo regeneration of Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) using tissue culture techniques remains unreliable and infrequent. Conventional methods for the regeneration and transformation of cannabis have not achieved the reliability and replicability needed to be integrated into research and breeding programs. Protoplast systems are effective for gene expression studies, transformation and genome editing technologies, and opens the possibility of somatic hybridization to create interspecific hybrids. To date, leaf-derived protoplast have been isolated for transient gene expression studies, but attempts at protoplast-to-plant regeneration have not been reported. The present study aims to test the efficacy of using a callus culture system, as an abundant source for protoplast isolation and lays the groundwork for a protoplast-to-plant regeneration system. Using hypocotyl-derived callus cultures, which are known to have relatively greater regenerative potential, the efficacy of protoplast isolation and initial cell division were assessed. In this study, the effect of 2-aminoindane-2-phosphonic acid (AIP) in callus culture media and the effect of subculture frequency on protoplast yield were assessed. This study found that inclusion of AIP at 1 mM resulted in a 334% increase in protoplast yield compared with AIP-free medium, representing the first known use of AIP in cannabis tissue culture. Inclusion of AIP led to a 28% decrease in total soluble phenolics and 52% decrease in tissue browning compared to the control medium. Lastly, a two-phase culture system for protoplast regeneration was tested. At a concentration of 2.0×10^5 protoplasts per mL, division was observed, providing the first know report of cell division from cannabis protoplasts and setting the stage for future development of a protoplast-to-plant regeneration system.

Jasmonates (JAs), including jasmonic acid (JA) and its biologically active derivative JA-Ile, are lipid-derived plant signalling molecules. They govern plant responses to stresses, such as wounding and insect herbivory. Wounding elicits a rapid increase of JA and JA-Ile levels as well as the expression of JAR1, coding for the enzyme involved in JA-Ile biosynthesis. Endogenous increase and application of JAs, such as MeJA, a JA methylester, result in increased defence levels, often accompanied by diminished growth. The function of jarin-1 in Arabidopsis thaliana was assessed. To investigate whether jarin-1 does function similarly in other plants, we tested this in Medicago truncatula, Solanum lycopersicum, and Brassica nigra seedlings in a root growth inhibition assay. Application of jarin-1 alleviated the inhibition of root growth after MeJA application in M. truncatula seedlings, proving that jarin-1 is biologically active in M. truncatula. Jarin-1 did not show, however, a similar effect in S. lycopersicum and B. nigra seedlings treated with MeJA. Even JA-Ile levels were not affected by application of jarin-1 in wounded leaf disks from S. lycopersicum. Based on these results, we conclude that the effect of jarin-1 is highly species-specific. Researchers intending to use jarin-1 for studying the function of JAR1 or JA-Ile in their model plants, must test its functionality before use.

Needle abscission in balsam fir has been linked to both cold acclimation and changes in lipid composition. The overall objective of this research is to uncover lipid changes in balsam fir during cold acclimation and link those changes with postharvest abscission. Branches were collected monthly from September to December and assessed for cold tolerance via membrane leakage and chlorophyll fluorescence changes at -5, -15, -25, -35, and -45°C. Lipids were extracted and analyzed using mass spectrometry while postharvest needle abscission was determined gravimetrically. Cold tolerance and needle retention each significantly (P < 0.001) improved throughout autumn in balsam fir. There were concurrent increases in DGDG, PC, PG, PE, and PA throughout autumn and a decrease in MGDG. Those same lipids were strongly related to cold tolerance, though MGDG had the strongest relationship (R2 = 55.0% and 42.7% from membrane injury and chlorophyll fluorescence, respectively). There was a similar, albeit weaker, relationship between MGDG:DGDG and needle retention (R2 = 24.3%). Generally, a decrease in MGDG:DGDG ratio resulted in better cold tolerance and higher needle retention in balsam fir possibly due to increased membrane stability.

Maize (Zea mays L.) stands as one of the most extensively cultivated crops globally, offering significant contributions to food, animal feed, and biofuel production. Maize yield is significantly impacted by diverse climate and soil variables, yet its productivity faces hindrances due to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and cold conditions. In confronting these hurdles, the field of crop breeding has undergone a transformation thanks to high-throughput sequencing technologies (HSTs). These advancements have streamlined the identification of beneficial quantitative trait loci (QTL), associations between markers and traits (MTAs), as well as genes and alleles that contribute to crop improvement. Presently, well-established omics techniques such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are being amalgamated into maize breeding studies. These approaches have unveiled new biological markers that are being employed to bolster maize's capacity to withstand an array of challenges. In this chapter, we explore the current knowledge regarding the morpho-physiological and molecular mechanisms that underlie the resistance and tolerance of maize to biotic and abiotic stresses. The focus is on utilizing omics techniques to augment maize's ability to withstand these challenges. Moreover, it emphasizes the significant potential of integrating various omics techniques to tackle the challenges presented by biotic and abiotic stress in maize productivity, contrasting with singular approaches.

Powdery mildew (PM), caused by the fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), significantly threatens global bread wheat production. Although the use of resistant cultivars is an effective strategy for managing PM, currently available wheat cultivars lack sufficient levels of resistance. To tackle this challenge, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a diverse panel of 286 bread wheat genotypes. Over three consecutive years (2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23), these genotypes were extensively evaluated for PM severity under field conditions following inoculation with virulent Bgt isolates. The panel was previously genotyped using the Illumina 90K SNP Infinium iSelect SNP assay to obtain genome-wide SNP marker coverage. By applying FarmCPU, a multilocus mixed model, we identified a total of 113 MTAs located on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6B, 7A, and 7B at a significance level of p≤0.001. Notably, four novel MTAs on chromosome 6B were consistently detected in 2020-21 and 2021-22 environments. Furthermore, within the confidence intervals of the identified SNPs, we identified 96 candidate genes belonging to different proteins including 12 disease resistance/host-pathogen interactions related protein families. Among these, protein kinases, leucine-rich repeats, and zinc finger proteins, were of particular interest due to their potential roles in PM resistance. These identified loci can serve as targets for breeding programs aimed at developing disease-resistant wheat cultivars.

The goal of this article was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory like activities of three species from genus Primula L. growing in Georgia: Primula macrocalyx, Primula woronowii and Primula saguramica . First, fractions containing shoot and root parts were air-dried, grinded and extracted by 80% ethanol followed by condensation and freeze-drying. Second, further chromatographic separations were done on Diaion HP-20 with the following solvents: H2O, methanol (50% and 100 %) and ethylacetate 100% to obtain the expected fractions.

The effect of high temperature (HT) stress on nicotine biosynthesis in Nicotiana attenuata was examined. Nicotine content was measured in mature leaves, young sink leaves and in roots from well-watered plants grown at 25 °C as controls and from plants exposed to 38 °C and 43 °C temperatures applied for 24, 48, 72 and 96-hr duration. At 38 °C, all leaf nicotine levels were significantly less than control plants for up to 72-hr exposure but rose sharply thereafter to levels significantly greater than controls with 96-hr exposure. In contrast, plants exposed to 43 °C never exhibited a reduction in leaf nicotine content and showed a significant increase in content with just 48-hr exposure. When radioactive 11CO2 was administered to plants, HT stress significantly reduced fixation. Furthermore, radiocarbon flux analysis revealed that ‘new’ C partitioning (as 11C) into the [11C]-amino acid pool was significantly reduced with HT stress as were yields of [11C]-aspartic acid, an important amino acid in nicotine biosynthesis, and its beta-amido counterpart [11C]-asparagine significantly reduced. In contrast, [12C]-aspartic acid levels appeared unaffected at 38 °C but were significantly elevated at 43 °C relative to controls. Additionally, [12C]-asparagine levels were significantly elevated at both stress temperatures. Finally, leaf total soluble protein (TSP) was reduced 39% with long exposures to both stress temperatures. However, Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) which was 41% TSP appeared unaffected by HT stress. Altogether, these results support the theory that plant proteins other than Rubisco degrade at elevated temperatures freeing up essential amino acids supporting the nicotine biosynthetic machinery, and while feedback might downregulate de novo amino acid synthesis from ‘new’ C resources, more than likely plant C/N rebalancing caused by HT reductions in C input restricted N uptake, which in turn, limited this process.

Calicotome villosa is a eurioic legume with broad distribution in the south of Europe. It can grow in almost any type of soils as well as in humid and dry and nutrient deficient ecosystems. The broad distribution and eurioic nature of C. villosa may be attributed to its ability to establish symbiotic associations with plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria housed in the nodules and rootless. This study examined legume-microbe symbiosis of C. villosa growing in two contrasted locations, hill top with high sun irradiance and drought; and a valley bottom, with low level or radiation and sufficient soil humidity for plant growth. Calicotome villosa adult plants established symbiotic in-teractions with bacteria in six genera, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Brevicacterium and Rhizobium as well as one uncultured bacteria. Plants growing in the hill top had associated lower bacterial richness than those grown at the valley bottom. All strains were drought tolerant and produced siderophores, IAA, HCN and NH3 that stimulated plant performance in both, C. villosa plants and other four legumes commonly present in the understory of the shrubs communities The legumes’ capacity to selectively host symbiotic bacteria that enhance plant survival in harsh conditions partly accounts for the diverse partnerships between C. villosa plants and their symbionts, ultimately explaining the wide distribution of this plant species.

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) gives rise to the aerial structure of plants by producing lateral organs and secondary meristems. The SAM is responsible for plant developmental patterns, thus determining plant morphology and, consequently, many agronomic traits such as the number and size of fruits and flowers and kernel yield. Our current understanding of SAM morphology and regulation is based on studies conducted mainly on some angiosperms, including economically important crops such as maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa), and the model species Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, studies in other plant species from the gymnosperm class are scant, making difficult comparative analyses that help us understand SAM regulation in diverse plant species. This limitation prevents deciphering the mechanisms by which evolution gave rise to the multiple plant structures within the plant kingdom, and determined the conserved mechanisms involved in SAM maintenance and operation. This review aims to integrate and analyze the current knowledge of SAM evolution by combining the morphological and molecular information recently reported from the plant kingdom.

Legumes play a significant role in the alleviation of food insecurity, maintaining soil fertility and achieving sustainable crop production under adverse environmental conditions. The increased demand in legume production contemplates that attention on the genetic improvement of these crops through various means such as genetic engineering and mutation breeding should take a centre stage in global agriculture. Therefore, this paper provides succinct analysis of currently available literature on morphological and physiological traits in polyploidised leguminous plants to counter the adverse effects of drought stress. The effects of colchicine on various morphological and physiological traits of polyploidised legumes compared to their diploid counterparts were examined. Numerous reports revealed variations in these traits such as improved root and shoot growth, plant biomass, chloroplastidic content, protein, RNA and DNA. The differences observed were also associated with the strong relationship between plant ploidy-induction and colchicine application. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that polyploidisation remains dose-dependent, and may be achievable at a shorter space of time as this antimitotic chemical interferes with chromosome separations in somatic plant cells. The efficiency of this process also depends on the advancement of treatment conditions (in vitro, in vivo or ex vitro) and successful regeneration of polyploidised plants for adaptation under drought stress conditions. As such, the improvement in metabolite profile and other essential growth characteristics serves as a clear indication that induced polyploidy needs to be further explored to confer resilience to environmental stress, and improve crop yield under drought stress conditions in leguminous plants.

Nuclear fusion is essential for the sexual reproduction of various organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi. During the life cycle of flowering plants, nuclear fusion occurs three times: once during female gametogenesis and twice during double fertilization, when two sperm cells fertilize the egg and the central cell. Haploid nuclei migrate in an actin filament-dependent manner to become in close contact, then two nuclei fuse. The nuclear fusion process in plant reproduction is achieved by the sequential nuclear membrane fusion events. Recent molecular genetic analyses using Arabidopsis thaliana showed the conservation of nuclear membrane fusion machinery between plants and the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These include the heat shock protein 70 in the endoplasmic reticulum and conserved nuclear membrane proteins. Analyses of A. thaliana mutants of these components show that completion of the sperm nuclear fusion at fertilization is essential for proper embryo and endosperm development.

The use of medicinal plants for the therapy of diseases of the digestive system; where the Andean peoples developed various forms of administration. The objective being the identification of medicinal plants used in the therapy of ailments of the digestive system by the Andean inhabitants of Pampas, Tayacaja, Huancavelica, Peru. Methods, non-probabilistic sampling, using the “snowball” technique, carrying out semi-structured surveys, allowing information to be collected on the prevalence of ailments or diseases of the digestive system treated with medicinal plants, with inhabitants over 20 years of age participating and using the medicinal plants in the therapy of your digestive system ailments; and, exclude those inhabitants who do not comply with it. Results, 16 families, 33 genera and 34 species are reported; where the families that present the greatest abundance of species are Asteraceae, Lamiaceae; Likewise, the widely used species are Minthostachys mollis (11.9%), Aloe vera (10.4%), Clinopodium bolivianum (9%), Artemisia absinthium (9%) and Matricaria chamomilla (8.2%). Concluding with the identification of a diversity of medicinal flora, used in the therapy of diseases of the digestive system, such as stomach pain, constipation, gallbladder ailments, gastritis, gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

Alopecurus myosuroides (blackgrass) is a problematic weed of Western European winter wheat and its success is largely due to widespread multiple-herbicide resistance. Previous analysis of F2 seed families derived from two distinct blackgrass populations exhibiting equivalent non-target site resistance (NTSR) phenotypes shows resistance is polygenic and evolves from standing genetic variation. Using a CIDER-seq pipeline we show that herbicide resistant (HR) and herbicide sensitive (HS) F3 plants from these F2 seed families as well as the parent populations they were derived from carry extra-chromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). We identify the similarities and differences in the coding structures within and between resistant and sensitive populations. Although the numbers and size of detected eccDNAs varied between the populations, comparisons between HR and HS blackgrass populations identified shared and unique coding content, predicted genes, and functional protein domains. These include genes related to herbicide detoxification such as Cytochrome P450s, ATP-binding cassette transporters and glutathione transferases including AmGSTF1. eccDNA content was mapped to the Alopecurus myosuroides reference genome, revealing genomic regions at distal end of chromosome 5 and the near center of chromosome 1 and 7 as regions with high number of mapped eccDNA gene density. Mapping to 15 known herbicide-resistant QTL regions showed the eccDNA coding sequences match 12 with four QLT matching HS coding sequences one region only contained HR coding sequences. These findings establish that like other pernicious weeds, blackgrass has eccDNAs that contain homologs of chromosomal genes, and these may contribute genetic heterogeneity and evolutionary innovation to rapidly adapt to abiotic stresses including herbicide treatment.

This study investigated novel quantitative traits loci (QTLs) associated with the control of grain shape and size as well as grain weight in rice. We employed a joint strategy multiple GAPIT (Genome Association and Prediction Integrated Tool) models [(Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK)), Fixed and random model Circulating Probability Uniform (FarmCPU), Settlement of MLM Under Progressive Exclusive Relationship (SUPER), and General Linear Model (GLM)]–High Density SNP Chip DNA Markers (60,461) to conduct a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). GWAS was performed using genotype and grain-related phenotypes of 143 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Data show that parental lines (Ilpum and Tung Tin Wan Hein 1, TTWH1, Oryza sativa L., ssp. japonica and indica, respectively) exhibited divergent phenotypes for all analyzed grain traits), which was reflected in their derived population. GWAS results revealed the association between seven SNP Chip makers and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain length, co-detected by all GAPIT models on (Chr) 1–3, 5, 7, and 11), were qGL1-1BFSG (AX-95918134, Chr1: 3820526 bp) explains 65.2%–72.5% of the phenotypic variance explained (PVE). In addition, qGW1-1BFSG (AX-273945773, Chr1: 5623288 bp) for grain width explains 15.5%–18.9% of PVE. Furthermore, BLINK or FarmCPU identified three QTLs for grain thickness independently, and explain 74.9% (qGT1Blink, AX-279261704, Chr1: 18023142 bp) and 54.9% (qGT2-1Farm, AX-154787777, Chr2: AX-154787777 bp) of the observed PVE. For t length-to-width ratio, the qLWR2BFSG (AX-274833045, Chr2: 10000097 bp) explains nearly 15.2%–32% of PVE for LWR. Likewise, the major QTL for thousand-grain weight (TGW) was detected on Chr6 (qTGW6BFSG, AX-115737727, 28484619 bp) and explains 32.8%–54% of PVE. The qTGW6BFSG QTL coincides with qGW6-1Blink for grain width and explained 32.8%–54% of PVE. Putative Candidate genes pooled from major QTLs for each grain traits have interesting annotated functions that require functional studies to elucidate their function in the control of grain size, shape, or weight in rice. Genome selection analysis proposed makers useful for downstream marker-assisted selection based on genetic merit of RILs.

In Benin, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causing bacterial blight (BLB) was first described in 2013 on wild rice Oryza longistaminata. No studies have been conducted on Beninese Xoo strains and resistant rice varieties. The aim of this study is to check whether Xoo has already spread to cultivated varieties and to screen some rice accessions for the main resistance genes detection. To achieve this aim, rice leaves showing typical BLB symptoms were collected from various rice fields in Benin and analyzed by PCR to identify Xoo-specific sequences. In addition, seventy-five rice accessions were examined to identify Xoo resistance genes. The results showed that Xanthomonas oryzae (Xo) had been identified in Banikouara and Malanville. In addition, Sphingomonas sp was detected in several rice fields. A Xo-Sphingomonas Sp co-infection was also noted. 47 of 75 rice accessions examined (62.66%) carried Xoo resistance genes with 3 (4%) and 40 (53.33%) of xa5 and Xa21 respectively. None of the accessions had neither Xa7 nor Xa13 resistance genes. Three accessions had both xa5 and Xa21 genes. In addition, the rice isogenic lines IRBB60 and IRBB21used as positive controls, were found to be susceptible. These results indicate that Xo has evolved from a wild rice to cultivated varieties in northern Benin. Consequently, a varietal improvement program must be implemented with varieties having resistance genes to prevent a BLB pandemic in Benin.

Ethylene, a gaseous phytohormone, is emerging as a central player in the intricate web of plant developmental processes from germination to senescence under optimal and stressed conditions. It is present in different plant parts, encompassing the stems, leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, and fruits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ethylene's fascinating roles in shaping various plant growth and adaptation aspects. It intricately examines the multifaceted impact of ethylene on pivotal aspects of plant development, including but not limited to cell division and elongation, senescence, abscission, fruit and flower development, root hair formation, chloroplast maturation, and photosynthesis. This comprehensive assessment encompasses the intricate pathways of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling, providing a snapshot of the regulatory mechanisms governing ethylene production. Understanding ethylene's multifaceted functions has significant implications for agriculture, biotechnology, and our fundamental comprehension of plant biology. This review underscores the need for continued investigation into ethylene's intricate mechanisms and its potential to revolutionize plant development and crop management.

Abstract: A multitude of biotic and abiotic stress factors do harm to plants by bringing about diseases and inhibiting normal growth and development. As an omnipotent signaling molecule, salicylic acid (SA) plays crucial roles in plants' tolerance responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby maintaining plants’ normal growth and improving yields under stresses. In view of this, this paper mainly discusses the role of SA in both biotic stresses, and abiotic stresses of plants. SA regulates the expression of genes involved in defense signaling pathways, thus enhancing plants’ immunity. In addition, SA mitigates the negative effects of abiotic stresses, and acts as a signaling molecule to induce the expression of stress-responsive genes and the synthesis of stress-related proteins. In addition, SA also improves certain yield-related photosynthetic indexes, thereby enhancing crop yield under stresses. On the other hand, SA acts with other signaling molecules in regulating plants’ growth and improving tolerances under stresses. This paper reviews recent advances in SA’s roles in plant stress tolerances, so as to provide theoretical references for further studies concerning the decryption of molecular mechanisms for SA’s roles and the improvement of crop management under stresses.

Phospholipases are among the important elements involved in lipid-dependent cell signaling that lead to the induction of downstream pathways. In the current study, phospholipases D (PLDs) gene family was characterized and compared in two important oilseeds crops, Brassica napus and Camelina sativa. The results revealed that PLD has 33 members in Camelina sativa (CsPLD) and 41 members in Brassica napus (BnPLD). All studied PLDs showed a negative GRAVY value, indicating that PLDs are probably hydrophilic proteins. Phylogenetic analysis separated PLDs into five subfamilies; gamma, delta, beta, alpha, and zeta. According to evolution analysis, a different evolution process was observed between CsPLD and BnPLD. In addition, the results disclosed that the most of the PLD genes have been segmentally duplicated under purifying selection. Cis-regulatory elements related to ABA and auxin responsiveness were more found in upstream region of CsPLDs, while elements linked with MeJA responsiveness were more dis-tributed in promoter region of BnPLDs. Analysis of the expression data showed that PLD alpha genes have a wide expression and are expressed in most tissues. Quantitative expression analysis (qPCR) of CsPLD genes under salt stress, 200 mM of NaCl, was done in different time series. The results revealed that the CsPLD genes are involved in the response to salinity stress and their expression levels enhance with the increase of salinity stress time. The outcomes of this research will be useful for future molecular work related to lipid signaling in oilseed plants.

Legume-rhizobial symbiosis leads to to the formation of root nodules, where rhizobia reside and develop into bacteroids to reduce nitrogen into ammonium for plant growth, which leaves an opening question as how plant immunity is attenuated in nodules in the presence of large number of foreign bacteria. In Medicago truncatula, mutation in NAD1 (Nodules with Activated Defense 1) only produces necrotic nodules with overactivated immunity, indicating NAD1 is an indispensable component required for suppressing immunity in nodules. In this study, a dual RNA-seq transcriptomic technology was performed to extensively analyze gene expressions in nad1-1 mutant nodules. We indenifited 89 DEGs in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and 89 DEGs in immunity in Medicago truncatula at 10 dpi. Simultaneously, we indenifited 27 DEGs in fix and nif genes in Sinorhizobium meliloti. Then we identified 56 DEGs related to stress, including ROS, NO, and NCR, most of which were upregulated in Sinorhizobium meliloti. Our analyses of nitrogen fixation-defective plant nad1-1 mutants with overactivated defense indicate that host use plant immunity to control massive bacterial colonization during early and late symbiotic stages. Our findings provide insight into the function of NAD1 in improvement or inhibition of plant immune response to maintain symbiosis during rhizobial endosymbiosis.

Agriculture (crop production, land use, and livestock) is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sector after the energy sector. Agriculture is also recognized as the source and sink of GHGs. Evidence demonstrates that the application of high amounts of nitrogen-rich fertilizers enhances methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which are potent GHGs with a high global warming potential (GWP). Considering its global contribution to the climate crisis, reducing GHG emissions in agriculture would considerably lower its share of the global GHG emission records, which may lead to enormous benefits for the environment and food production systems. Several diverging and controversial views questioning the actual role of plants in the current global GHG budget continue to nourish the debate globally. We must acknowledge that considering the beneficial roles of major GHGs to plants at a certain level of accumulation, implementing GHG mitigation measures from agriculture is indeed a complex task. This review seeks to provide key approaches for GHG mitigation in the literature (environmentally friendly crop cultivation and residue management practices, improvement of plants nutrients/fertilizer use efficiency, exploring the genetic diversity for low GHG emission, soil methane-producing bacteria, integrated soil fertility management, improved livestock feeding efficiency, and production, etc.). This work gathers key approaches from 275 peer-reviewed publications, including experimental research papers, review articles, and books, discussing greenhouse gas emissions mechanisms and mitigation to unravel effective strategies for GHG mitigation, proven to be effective or carry the potential to mitigate GHG generation from agriculture. This review also discusses in depth the significance and the dynamics of strategies regarded as game changers with a high potential to enhance, in a sustainable manner, the resilience of agricultural systems. Agricultural GHG mitigation approaches discussed in this work can serve as game changers in global efforts to reducing GHG emissions and alleviating the impact of climate change through sustainable agriculture and informed-decision making.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for degrading and recycling different cellular components in both normal development and stress conditions. Our recent research demonstrated that autophagy-mediated compartmental cytoplasmic deletion is essential for pollen germination. However, how autophagy regulates pollen germination to ensure its fertility remains largely unknown. Here, we applied multi-omic analyses to investigate the downstream pathways of autophagy in the process of pollen germination. Although ATG2 and ATG5 play similar roles in regulating pollen germination, high-throughput transcriptomic analysis reveals that silencing ATG5 has greater impact on the transcriptome than silencing ATG2. Cross-comparisons of transcriptome and proteome analysis reveal that gene expression at mRNA level and protein level are differentially affected by autophagy. Furthermore, high-throughput metabolomics analysis demonstrates that pathways related amino acid metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis can be affected by both ATG2 and ATG5 silencing. Collectively, our multi-omic analyses reveal a central role of autophagy in cellular metabolism, which is critical for the initiation of pollen germination and the guarantee of pollen fertility.

Climate change-induced temperature fluctuations pose a significant threat to crop production, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. This study investigates the transcriptome and physiological responses of rapeseed to post-flowering temperature increases, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying rapeseed tolerance to heat stress. Two rapeseed genotypes, Lumen and Solar, were assessed under control and heat stress conditions in field experiments conducted in Valdivia, Chile. Results showed that seed yield and seed number were negatively affected by heat stress, with genotype-specific responses. Lumen exhibited a 9.3% average seed yield reduction, while Solar showed a 28.7% reduction. RNA-seq analysis of siliques and seeds revealed tissue-specific responses to heat stress, with siliques being more sensitive to temperature stress. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified distinct gene clusters reflecting different aspects of heat stress adaptation in siliques, with a role for protein folding in maintaining silique development and seed quality under high temperature conditions. In seeds, three distinct patterns of heat-responsive gene expression were observed, with genes involved in protein folding and response to heat showing genotype-specific expression. Gene coexpression network analysis revealed major modules for rapeseed yield and quality, as well as the trade-off between seed number and seed weight. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying rapeseed tolerance to heat stress and can inform crop improvement strategies targeting yield optimization under changing environmental conditions.

The genus Euonymus (L.) consists of shrubs or woody plants, distributed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. To date, from Euonymus spp. several hundred of different secondary metabolites have been isolated and identified. In addition, fatty oil was found in the fruits of some species of these plants, which accumulates not only in the seeds, but also in the arils. This study presents the research of unique long-term (ten-year-old) suspension cell cultures of Euonymus maximoviczianus Prokh. which were obtained from arils of unripe capsules. Suspension cells retain the ability to form oil droplets containing neutral lipids, both in the dark and in the light, the cells are able to synthesize very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), and can synthesize delphinidin-3-O-hexoside, cyanidin-3-O-hexoside, and peonidin-3-O-hexoside. Here, we research of the in subcultivation dynamics FA, VLCFA, and anthocyanin biosynthesis, as well as the influence of methyl jasmonate (MeJa) and light on these processes. In the darkness, the formation of VLCFAs is more intense, and the biosynthesis of anthocyanins is significantly activated in the light. MeJA substantially enhances the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in the light and, surprisingly, the formation of VLCFAs in the darknss. In connection with the commonality of the cytosolic pool of malonyl-CoA, which is necessary both for the biosynthesis of VLCFAs and dihydroflavonols (and, ultimately, anthocyanins), the competition and partnership of these biosynthetic pathways are discussed.

Soybean seed sugars are among the most abundant beneficial compounds for human and animal consumption in soybean seeds. Higher seed sugars such as sucrose are desirable as it contributes to taste and flavor in soy-based food. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to use ‘Forrest’ by ‘Williams 82’ (F×W82) recombinant inbred line (RIL) soybean population (n=309) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes that control seed sugar (sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose) contents in two environments (North Carolina and Illinois) over two years (2018 and 2020). A total of 26 QTL that control seed sugars contents were identified and mapped on 16 soybean chromosomes (chrs.). Interestingly, five QTL regions were identified in both locations, Illinois and North Carolina, in this study on chrs. 2, 5, 13, 17, and 20. Amongst 57 candidate genes identified in this study, 16 were located within 10 Megabase (MB) of the identified QTL. Amongst them a cluster of four genes involved in the sugars’ pathway was collocated within 6 MB with two QTL that were detected in this study on chr. 17. Further functional validation of the identified genes could be beneficial in breeding programs to produce soybean lines with high beneficial sucrose and low raffinose family oligosaccharides.

In potato, high levels of nitrogen (N) can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of tuber development, resulting in lower yield and poor quality tubers. We found that Solanum tuberosum CLE4 (StCLE4) is expressed most strongly in the roots on N-rich media and positively regulates root growth of potato in N-deficient conditions. We noted that StCLE4 functions as a negative regulator of normal shoot apex development similar to CLV3 in Arabidopsis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that overexpression of StCLE4 results in repression of the StIT1 gene, a regulator of potato tuber initiation. Overexpressing StCLE4 stolons were transformed into branches that were similar to milder it1 phenotype. We also found that NIN-like proteins, key regulators of nitrate signaling, bind to the regulatory sequence of StIT1 in yeast one-hybrid assay. Taken together, our findings suggest that StCLE4 regulates shoot, root and stolon growth in potato.

Nutrients are the driving force of plant and herbivore interactions. Different elements and fertilization levels in soil, or artificially fertilized substrates can have a direct impact on plant defense responses. Meanwhile, nutrient levels mediated by root associated microbes can indirectly affect plant-herbivore interactions. Nutrient uptake promoted by beneficial mycorrhizal fungi or rhizobacteria interacting with roots can stimulate plant tolerance to herbivore attack, as evidenced by herbivore performance, plant nutrient status, plant biomass allocation and compensatory growth. In return, herbivory affects nutrient fluxes between plants and their associated beneficial microbes. Furthermore, aboveground and belowground herbivory can affect the nutrient exchange between plants and soil microbial communities, mainly for carbon-and nitrogen-based resources supporting herbivores´ life cycles. These ecological interactions are governed by jasmonic acid (JA) and key enzymes on the molecular level. This review summarizes the current scientific literature on the role of nutrients in plant-herbivore interactions. This will support efforts to optimize plant defense strategy via managing nutrient variance.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops in China. Improving oil production of rapeseed is an important way to ensure the safety of edible oil in China. Oil production is an important index to reflect the quality of rapeseed and is determined by oil content and yield. Applying nitrogen is an important way to ensure a high yield. However, increasing nitrogen application would decrease oil content. Thus, it is critical to screen elite germplasm resources with stable or improved oil content under high nitrogen and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of nitrogen regulation of oil accumulation. In this paper, we review the effects of nitrogen levels on rapeseed yields and oil content, aiming to reveal the mechanisms of nitrogen regulation in oil accumulation and thereby provide a theoretical basis for breeding varieties with high oil content.

The availability of multiple sequenced genomes from a single species made it possible to explore intra- and inter-specific genomic comparisons at higher resolution and build clade-specific pangenomes of several crops. The pan-genomes of crops constructed from various cultivars/accessions, landraces, and wild ancestral species represent a compendium of genes and structural variations and allow researchers to search for the novel genes and alleles that were inadvertently lost in domesticated crops during the historical process of crop domestication or in the process of extensive plant breeding. Fortunately, many valuable genes and alleles associated with desirable traits like disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, plant architecture, and nutrition qualities exist in landraces, ancestral species, and crop wild relatives. The novels genes from the wild ancestors and landraces can be introduced back to high-yielding varieties of modern crops by implementing classical plant breeding, genomic selection, and transgenic/gene editing approaches. Thus, pan-genomic represents a great leap in plant research and offers new avenues for targeted breeding for mitigating the impact of global climate change. Here we summarize the tools used for pangenome assembly and annotations, web-portals hosting plant pangenomes. Furthermore, we highlight a few discoveries made in crops using the pan-genomic approach and its future potential.

Abstract Plant uptake and assimilation of essential nitrogen compounds from the soil are mainly in the form of nitrate and ammonium ions. Plant nitrate transporters (NRTs) play a crucial role in nitrate uptake from the soil into the roots. NRT structural analysis reveals the mechanisms by which these transporters function. Similarly, plant ammonium transporters (AMTs) mediate the uptake of ammonium ions, and their structural analysis has provided valuable information on their mechanisms. After nitrogen uptake by plant roots, the nitrogen metabolism pathway involves the incorporation of nitrogen into organic compounds. Glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GoGAT) are the master players in this pathway. They work together to convert ammonium ions into glutamine and glutamate, respectively. Different isoforms of GS and GoGAT exist, enabling plants to fine-tune nitrogen metabolism based on environmental cues. Under severe abiotic stress conditions, nitric oxide (NO) has been found to enhance plant survival under drought. Furthermore, the interaction between salinity stress and nitrogen availability in plants has been studied, with NO identified as a potential mediator of responses to salt stress. On the other hand, excessive use of nitrate fertilizers can lead to health and environmental issues. Therefore, alternative strategies, such as establishing nitrogen fixation in plants through diazotrophic microbiota, have been explored to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Ultimately, genomics can identify new genes related to nitrogen fixation, which could be harnessed to improve plant productivity. By deciphering the genetic basis of nitrogen-fixing traits, researchers aim to develop crops that efficiently utilize nitrogen from the environment.

Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil and cash crop in worldwide. Hundred pod and seed weight are important components for peanut yield. In order to dissect the genetic control of hundred pod weight (HPW) and hundred seed weight (HSW), a RIL population containing 188 individuals was developed from a cross between Jihua 5 (JH5, large pod and seed size) and M130 (small pod and seed size). An integrated genetic linkage map was constructed by using SSR, AhTE, SRAP, TRAP and SNP markers. The map contained 3,130 genetic markers which were assigned to 20 chromosomes and covered 1,998.95 cM with an average distance 0.64 cM. Based on the genetic map, a total of 31 QTLs for HPW and HSW were identified on 7 chromosomes, explaining 3.7-10.8% of the phenotypic variation by each QTL. Among these, seven QTLs were detected under more than two environments, two major QTLs were found on B04 and B08, respectively. A QTL hotspot containing seven QTLs was detected on chromosome A08 spanning a 2.74 cM genetic interval with 0.36 Mb physical map which included 18 candidate genes. Among these, Arahy.D52S1Z, Arahy.IBM9RL, Arahy.W18Y25, Arahy.CPLC2W and Arahy.14EF4H may be involved in regulating peanut pod and seed weight. These results may help further analysis of genetic mechanisms for pod and seed size in cultivated peanut.

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process in eukaryotic cells. Reactive nitrogen species play roles as inductors and signaling molecules of autophagy. A key mechanism of NO-mediated signaling is S-nitrosylation, a posttranslational modification (PTM) of proteins at cysteine resi-dues. In the present work we analyzed the patterns of protein S-nitrosylation during the induc-tion of autophagy in Triticum aestivum roots. The accumulation of S-nitrosylated proteins in the cells during autophagy induced by KNO2 and antimycin A was visualized using monoclonal an-tibodies by Western blot analysis, and proteins were identified using a standard bottom-up pro-teomics approach. Protein S-nitrosylation is a labile and reversible PTM, and therefore SNO group can be lost during experimental procedures. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis using predictive algorithms and protein-ligand docking showed that identified proteins possess hypothetical S-nitrosylation sites. Analyzing protein-protein interaction networks enabled us to discover the targets that can directly interact with autophagic proteins, and those that can interact with them indirectly via key multifunctional regulatory proteins. In this study, we show that S-nitrosylation is a key mechanism of NO-mediated regulation of autophagy in wheat roots. A combination of in silico predictive algorithms with a mass spectrometry analysis provides a targeted approach for the identification of S-nitrosylated proteins.

Brassinosteroids (BR) are key phytohormones involved in the regulation of major processes of cell metabolism guiding plant growth. In the past decades, new evidence made it clear that BRs also play a key role in the orchestration of plant responses to many abiotic and biotic stresses. In the present work we analyzed the impact of foliar treatment with 24-epicastasterone (ECS) on the endogenous content of major phytohormones (auxins, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid) and their intermediates in soybean leaves 7 days following the treatment. Changes in the endogenous content of phytohormones have been identified and quantified by LC/MS. Obtained results point to a clear role of ECS in the upregulation of auxin content (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) and downregulation of salicylic, jasmonic, and abscisic acid levels. These data confirm that under optimal conditions ECS in tested concentrations of 0,25 µM and 1 µM might promote growth in soybean by inducing auxin contents. Benzoic acid (a precursor of salicylic acid (SA)), but not SA itself, has also been highly accumulated under ECS treatment which indicates an activation of the adaption strategies of cell metabolism to possible environmental challenges.

Fire-related cues could alter vegetation community composition by promoting or excluding different types of plants. Smoke-derived compounds have been a hot topic in plant and crop physiology. There are some fire-prone areas in Australia, both Americas, some Mediterranean countries and regions with extensive prescribed or illegal burning like central European, which are subjected to a direct impact of fire (heat, minerals accumulation from the burning matter) and/or the indirect one (smoke) and undergo compositional and structural changes. This review first updates information about the effect of the compounds on plants' kingdoms and focuses on the research advances in the field of smoke compounds and attempts to gather and summarize the recent state of research and opinions on the role of smoke-derived compounds in plants' lives. We finish our review by discussing major research gaps, which include: Why plants respond to smoke chemicals? Is the response of seeds to smoke and smoke compounds an evolutionary-driven trait allowing plants to adapt to local environment?

The present study provides new insights into the growth of brown algal cell wall by showing that cell wall polysaccharide plays an important role in the process of growth consider- ing the physicochemical characteristic of young and old Cladosiphon okamuranus. To determine its structural variation in detail, the cell wall was sequentially fractionated into five fractions: hot water (HW), ammonium oxalate, hemicellulose-I (HC–I), HC-II, and cellulose, and analyzed physicochemically. Results showed that almost 80% of the total recovery cell wall from both young and old thalli was HW and HC-I contained mainly fucoidan composed of Fuc, GlcA, and sulfate in molar ratios of 1.0: 0.3: 0.6~0.7 and 1.0: 0.3: 0.2~0.3, respectively. Fucoidan in HW was a highly sulfated matrix polysaccharide abundance in young thalli, while fucoidan in HC-I was rich in old thalli and functions as hemicellulose in land plants, crosslink with cellulose and strengthen the cell wall. We found that HW and HC-I were particularly involved in the growth and strength of old thalli appeared to be due to the deposition of HC-I and reducing of water content during the growth process.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant macronutrient; however, its availability is often limited in soils. Plants have evolved complex mechanisms for efficient phosphate (Pi) absorption, which are responsive to changes in external and internal Pi concentration, and orchestrated through local and systemic responses. To explore these systemic Pi responses, here, we identified AtMYB44 as a phloem-mobile mRNA, an Arabidopsis homolog of Cucumis sativus MYB44, that is responsive to the Pi-starvation stress. qRT-PCR assays revealed that AtMYB44 was up-regulated and expressed in both shoot and root in response to Pi-starvation stress. The atmyb44 mutant displayed higher shoot and root biomass, compared to wild-type plants, under Pi-starvation conditions. Interestingly, the expression of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;2 (PHT1;2) and PHT1;4 was enhanced in atmyb44 in response to a Pi-starvation treatment. A split-root assay showed that AtMYB44 expression was systemically regulated, under Pi-starvation conditions and, in atmyb44, systemic controls on PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression were moderately disrupted. Heterografting assays confirmed graft transmission of AtMYB44 transcripts, and PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression was decreased in heterografted atmyb44 rootstocks. Taken together, our findings support the hypothesis that mobile AtMYB44 mRNA serves as a long-distance Pi response signal, which negatively regulates Pi transport and utilization in Arabidopsis.

Alfalfa is an important forage crop around the world. LncRNAs are considered to be a class of functional biomacromolecules, while little is known about lncRNAs in alfalfa. In this study, RNAs from different tissues of alfalfa were sequenced and anlyzed with full-length transcriptome sequencing technology, yielding the full-length transcripts dataset of alfalfa. Based on sequencing and public RNA-seq data, lncRNAs of alfalfa were predicted genome-wide by CPC2 and PLEK. The results showed most lncRNAs shared low sequence conservation with those in other plant species, part of which seems originate from plastid genome. We also identified 88563 lncRNAs, approximately 99.8% of total lncRNAs, with possibility of coding small ORFs using two prediction tools. Our research generated the biggest sequence set of alfalfa lncRNAs, and revealed some plastid originated lncRNAs with high sequence conservation.

Sorghum is one of the staple food crops in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Despite this, limited research attention was given to nutritional and antinutritional profiling of sorghum. Thus, this research was investigated to profile and evaluate the variabilities in protein, starch, minerals, flavonoid, tannin, and antioxidant activities among sorghum landraces of Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Protein and starch were analyzed using near infrared spectrophotometer and whereas mineral elements were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using DPPH free radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and phosphomolybdenum assays. The result revealed significant variation among the landraces for all the evaluated parameters. Protein and starch contents were ranged from 6.21 to 18% and 33.42 to 78.30%, respectively. Wider variations were observed for Fe (32-101), Zn (16.9-42.98), Cu (1.48-5.25), Mn (9.21-20.23), and Cr (0-1.5) as measured in mg/100g. The variabilities were high for total flavonoid (0-665 mgCE/g) and tannin (0.18-7.5 mgCE/100g). DPPH (EC50= 29.09-818.37 µg/ml), ferric reducing antioxidant power (17.85-334.81 mgAAE/g) and total antioxidant activity (1.71-63.88 mgBHTE/g) were also highly variable among the samples. Flavonoid and tannin were strongly correlated (r = 0.90) with antioxidant activity. The relationship between seed color and phenolics as well as antioxidant activities are discussed. Multivariate analysis revealed that the landraces were clustered in to four distinct groups. The rich genetic diversity in the nutritional and antinutritional attributes may be an opportunity for breeding for grain quality improvements of sorghum that in turn helps in addressing malnutrition.

Soybean are vulnerable to drought and temperature increases potentially induced by climate change. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of cover crops (CC) can influence the gas exchange potential of glyphosate tolerant soybean when the vapor pressure deficit (Vpd) increases. This two years study was conducted in an open experimental field comprising Direct Seeding plots without CC (DS) or with CC (DSCC). Stomatal conductance (Gs) was measured five times on the same identified leaves following GBH application. These leaves were then collected in order to observe the stomata (size, density and stomatal index) with a scanning electron microscope and to perform measurements on foliar traits (venation density, width of midrib). The Vpd was calculated concomitantly to Gs measurements at the leaf surface. The results suggest that the use of CC promotes phenotypic change in soybean leaves (more elaborate venation and a higher stomatal density), which in turn may enhance their tolerance to drier conditions. In 2019, Gs could be up to 29% higher in DSCC plots compared to DS ones along with similar Vpd values. This study shows that the benefits of using CC can be observed through the morphological development strategies of the crop plants and their higher tolerance to drought.