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Plants
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Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements
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Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2024 | Viewed by 3619

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yin Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: crop functional genomics; cereal crop transformation; grain quality; carbohydrate metabolism; cereal nutritional quality; sorghum; maize; wheat
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Mingjie Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: crop functional genomics; genetic improvement; food processing quality; seed storage proteins; kernel hardness; wheat; transgenic wheat
Dr. Junli Chang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: crop functional genomics; grain quality; wheat nutritional quality; wheat; transgenic wheat
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cereal crops include both major staple food crops (etc. rice, maize, wheat and barley) and minor crops, such as sorghum, millet, pearl millet and teff, which are considered as important sources of dietary fibers, micronutrients and bioactive phyto-compounds. However, several factors have been threatening the global production of cereal crops: (1) world population is increasing, demanding more foods; (2) global climate change is leading to a frequent occurrence of extreme climates, requiring higher environmental adaptability to biotic and abiotic stresses; (3) water resources for the agricultural use are gradually decreasing and the land for superior agricultural production are degrading, putting forward higher yield and water and nutrient use efficiency of crops; (4) the trend of eating nutritious staple foods (such as whole-grain staples) demands the breeding of crop varieties with better quality.

At present, to confront the challenges in crop improvement and to breed cereal crops with higher yield, better environmental adaptability and better quality, molecular genetics, genomics and mutli-omics and biotechnology approaches have been integrated in the up- and down-stream lines of molecular breeding of crops. The major biotechnological tools for cereal crop improvements include (but not limited to) map-based cloning, marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, QTL-mapping, GWAS, transgenic and gene editing technologies, as well as nano-agricultural biotechnologies. As such, we develop this Special Issue to provide a forum with which to address these problems and present new strategies and progress in the improvement of cereal crop species.

Please read the “Special Issue Information" and "Keywords" sections.

Dr. Yin Li
Prof. Dr. Mingjie Chen
Dr. Junli Chang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cereals crops
  • molecular genetics
  • molecular breeding
  • functional genomics
  • comparative genomics
  • multi-omics
  • biotechnology
  • transgenic crops
  • gene editing
  • gene regulation
  • crop nano-biotechnology
  • crop improvement

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 4422 KiB  
Article
QTL Mapping of Yield-Related Traits in Tetraploid Wheat Based on Wheat55K SNP Array
by Yatao Jia, Yifan Zhang, Yingkai Sun, Chao Ma, Yixiong Bai, Hanbing Zhang, Junbin Hou, Yong Wang, Wanquan Ji, Haibo Bai, Shuiyuan Hao and Zhonghua Wang
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101285 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 209
Abstract
To enhance the understanding of yield-related traits in tetraploid wheat, it is crucial to investigate and identify genes that govern superior yield characteristics. This study utilized the wheat55K single nucleotide polymorphism array to genotype a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 120 [...] Read more.
To enhance the understanding of yield-related traits in tetraploid wheat, it is crucial to investigate and identify genes that govern superior yield characteristics. This study utilized the wheat55K single nucleotide polymorphism array to genotype a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 120 lines developed through the crossbreeding of two tetraploid wheat varieties, Qin Hei-1 (QH-1) and Durum Wheat (DW). An investigation and analysis were conducted on 11 yield-related traits, including peduncle length (PL), neck length (NL), spike length (SL), flowering date (FD), heading date (HD), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), kernel area ratio (KAR), kernel circumference (KC), kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), and kernel length–width ratio (KL-WR), over a period of three years in two locations, Yang Ling, Shaanxi, and Lin He, Inner Mongolia. The analysis identified nine stable loci among eight agronomic traits, named QSL.QD-1A.1, QNL.QD-4B.2, QPL.QD-4B.1, QFD.QD-2B, QHD.QD-2B.1, QHD.QD-4B, QKC.QD-4B.2, QKL-WR.QD-4B.6, and QKL.QD-4B.2. Among them, the additive effects of three QTLs, QSL.QD-1A.1, QNL.QD-4B.2, and QFD.QD-2B, were positive, indicating that the enhancing alleles at these loci were derived from the parent line QH-1. These three QTLs showed significant positive effects on the phenotypes of the population materials. Furthermore, potential functional genes were identified within the mapping intervals of QSL.QD-1A.1 and QNL.QD-4B.2, which regulate the development of spike length and neck length, respectively. These results provide potential QTLs and candidate genes, which broaden the genetic basis of agronomic traits related to yield, such as SL, NL, PL, and FD, and benefits for wheat breeding and improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements)
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25 pages, 11184 KiB  
Article
Bioinformatic Identification and Expression Analyses of the MAPK–MAP4K Gene Family Reveal a Putative Functional MAP4K10-MAP3K7/8-MAP2K1/11-MAPK3/6 Cascade in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
by Yongliang Li, You Li, Xiaoxiao Zou, Shuai Jiang, Miyuan Cao, Fenglin Chen, Yan Yin, Wenjun Xiao, Shucan Liu and Xinhong Guo
Plants 2024, 13(7), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070941 - 24 Mar 2024
Viewed by 836
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades act as crucial signaling modules that regulate plant growth and development, response to biotic/abiotic stresses, and plant immunity. MAP3Ks can be activated through MAP4K phosphorylation in non-plant systems, but this has not been reported in plants to [...] Read more.
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades act as crucial signaling modules that regulate plant growth and development, response to biotic/abiotic stresses, and plant immunity. MAP3Ks can be activated through MAP4K phosphorylation in non-plant systems, but this has not been reported in plants to date. Here, we identified a total of 234 putative TaMAPK family members in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). They included 48 MAPKs, 17 MAP2Ks, 144 MAP3Ks, and 25 MAP4Ks. We conducted systematic analyses of the evolution, domain conservation, interaction networks, and expression profiles of these TaMAPK–TaMAP4K (representing TaMAPK, TaMAP2K, TaMAP3K, and TaMAP4K) kinase family members. The 234 TaMAPK–TaMAP4Ks are distributed on 21 chromosomes and one unknown linkage group (Un). Notably, 25 of these TaMAP4K family members possessed the conserved motifs of MAP4K genes, including glycine-rich motif, invariant lysine (K) motif, HRD motif, DFG motif, and signature motif. TaMAPK3 and 6, and TaMAP4K10/24 were shown to be strongly expressed not only throughout the growth and development stages but also in response to drought or heat stress. The bioinformatics analyses and qRT-PCR results suggested that wheat may activate the MAP4K10–MEKK7–MAP2K11–MAPK6 pathway to increase drought resistance in wheat, and the MAP4K10–MAP3K8–MAP2K1/11-MAPK3 pathway may be involved in plant growth. In general, our work identified members of the MAPK–MAP4K cascade in wheat and profiled their potential roles during their response to abiotic stresses and plant growth based on their expression pattern. The characterized cascades might be good candidates for future crop improvement and molecular breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements)
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26 pages, 13180 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of Five Amaranthaceae Species Reveals a Large Amount of Repeat Content
by Akshay Singh, Avantika Maurya, Subramani Rajkumar, Amit Kumar Singh, Rakesh Bhardwaj, Surinder Kumar Kaushik, Sandeep Kumar, Kuldeep Singh, Gyanendra Pratap Singh and Rakesh Singh
Plants 2024, 13(6), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060824 - 13 Mar 2024
Viewed by 668
Abstract
Amaranthus is a genus of C4 dicotyledonous herbaceous plant species that are widely distributed in Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe and are used as grain, vegetables, forages, and ornamental plants. Amaranth species have gained significant attention nowadays as potential sources of nutritious food [...] Read more.
Amaranthus is a genus of C4 dicotyledonous herbaceous plant species that are widely distributed in Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe and are used as grain, vegetables, forages, and ornamental plants. Amaranth species have gained significant attention nowadays as potential sources of nutritious food and industrial products. In this study, we performed a comparative genome analysis of five amaranth species, namely, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus palmeri, and Amaranthus cruentus. The estimated repeat content ranged from 54.49% to 63.26% and was not correlated with the genome sizes. Out of the predicted repeat classes, the majority of repetitive sequences were Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) elements, which account for about 13.91% to 24.89% of all amaranth genomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 406 single-copy orthologous genes revealed that A. hypochondriacus is most closely linked to A. hybridus and distantly related to A. cruentus. However, dioecious amaranth species, such as A. tuberculatus and A. palmeri, which belong to the subgenera Amaranthus Acnida, have formed their distinct clade. The comparative analysis of genomic data of amaranth species will be useful to identify and characterize agronomically important genes and their mechanisms of action. This will facilitate genomics-based, evolutionary studies, and breeding strategies to design faster, more precise, and predictable crop improvement programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements)
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15 pages, 9423 KiB  
Article
A 14-3-3 Protein-Encoding Gene, BdGF14g, Confers Better Drought Tolerance by Regulating ABA Biosynthesis and Signaling
by Yang Zhang, Yuan He, Hongyan Zhao, Yan Zhang, Jing Yang, Xingqi Ou, Jinlong Zhang and Qidi Zhu
Plants 2023, 12(23), 3975; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233975 - 26 Nov 2023
Viewed by 772
Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA), a phytohormone, enacts a cardinal function in coping with abiotic stress. 14-3-3 proteins can interact with ABA-responsive-element-binding transcription factors (ABFs), a chief constituent of ABA signaling, and play critical roles in the dehydration response involving ABA signaling. Meanwhile, whether and [...] Read more.
Abscisic acid (ABA), a phytohormone, enacts a cardinal function in coping with abiotic stress. 14-3-3 proteins can interact with ABA-responsive-element-binding transcription factors (ABFs), a chief constituent of ABA signaling, and play critical roles in the dehydration response involving ABA signaling. Meanwhile, whether and how 14-3-3 proteins regulate ABA signaling to respond to aridity stress is yet to be fully investigated. Herein, BdGF14g, a 14-3-3 gene induced by ABA, H2O2, and PEG treatments, was identified in Brachypodium distachyon (B. distachyon). Overexpression of BdGF14g improved drought stress tolerance in tobacco plants, with a higher survival rate, longer root length, enhanced cell membrane stability, and increased antioxidase activity compared with non-transgenic controls in coping with dehydration. Both drought and exogenous ABA treatments resulted in smaller stomatal apertures in BdGF14g-transgenic lines. Additionally, when an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor was added, the better growth statuses, less H2O2 accumulation, and higher activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase under mannitol stress disappeared. Moreover, BdGF14g interacted with NtABF2, upregulated the endogenous ABA content, and enhanced the transcription of ABA-related genes, including NtNCED1, a crucial ABA biosynthesis gene, under drought conditions. In conclusion, BdGF14g acts as a positive factor in the water deficiency response by affecting ABA biosynthesis and signaling in tobacco plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements)
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18 pages, 8229 KiB  
Article
Pyramiding Breeding of Low-Glutelin-Content Indica Rice with Good Quality and Resistance
by Da-Gang Chen, Jie Guo, Ke Chen, Chan-Juan Ye, Juan Liu, You-Ding Chen, Xin-Qiao Zhou and Chuan-Guang Liu
Plants 2023, 12(21), 3763; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213763 - 3 Nov 2023
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Low-glutelin-content rice, a type of functional rice with glutelin levels below 4%, is an essential dietary supplement for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Developing low-glutelin-content rice varieties is crucial to catering to the growing CKD population. In this study, we aimed to create [...] Read more.
Low-glutelin-content rice, a type of functional rice with glutelin levels below 4%, is an essential dietary supplement for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Developing low-glutelin-content rice varieties is crucial to catering to the growing CKD population. In this study, we aimed to create a new low-glutelin indica rice variety with excellent agronomic traits. To achieve this, we employed a combination of molecular-marker-assisted selection and traditional breeding techniques. The cultivars W3660, Wushansimiao (WSSM), and Nantaixiangzhan (NTXZ) were crossbred, incorporating the Lgc-1, Pi-2, Xa23, and fgr alleles into a single line. The result of this breeding effort was “Yishenxiangsimiao”, a new indica rice variety that inherits the desirable characteristics of its parent lines. Yishenxiangsimiao (YSXSM) possesses not only a low glutelin content but also dual resistance to blast and bacterial blight (BB). It exhibits high-quality grains with a fragrant aroma. This new low-glutelin indica cultivar not only ensures a stable food supply for CKD patients but also serves as a healthy dietary option for the general public. We also performed RNA-seq of these rice varieties to investigate their internal gene expression differences. The YSXSM exhibited a higher biotic-resistance gene expression in comparison to NTXZ. In summary, we successfully developed a novel low-glutelin indica rice variety, “Yishenxiangsimiao”, with superior agronomic traits. This rice variety addresses the dietary needs of CKD patients and offers a nutritious choice for all consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements)
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