Reduced Strigolactone Synthesis Weakens Drought Resistance in Tall Fescue via Root Development Inhibition
, Chunyan Yang 2,†, Yueyu Chen 3, Li Guo 2, Dandan Liu 2, Jijin Deng 1, Yuejun Xu 2, Ying Chen 2 and Degang Zhao 1,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript titled "Reduced Strigolactone Synthesis Weakens Drought Resistance in Tall Fescue via Root Development Inhibition" by by Li Zhong, Chun-yan Yang, Yue-yu Chen, Li Guo, Dandan Liu, Siqiao Tangliu, Jijin Deng, Yue-jun Xu, Ying Chen and De-gang Zhao, investigates the impact of strigolactone (SL) synthesis inhibition on drought resistance in tall fescue. The study addresses the dearth of understanding regarding the role of SL in regulating drought tolerance in this plant species.
In their research, the authors utilized TIS108 to impede SL synthesis under drought conditions. Various morphological and physiological parameters, including above- and below-ground biomass, antioxidase activity, proline content, soluble sugar content, and survival rate, were assessed in both drought and drought+TIS108 treatment groups. The findings indicated that inhibiting SL synthesis compromises the drought tolerance of tall fescue.
To unravel the mechanisms underlying SL regulation of drought tolerance, the authors conducted transcriptome sequencing on tall fescue samples subjected to drought and drought+TIS108 conditions. The Illumina-sequenced data were mapped to the transcriptome, and analysis of differentially expressed genes, along with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), revealed that TIS108 treatment led to a reduction in the expression of auxin metabolism and root developmental genes. Consequently, this resulted in diminished total root length, root surface area, and root tips under drought stress conditions.
However, I believe that the manuscript has a lot of serious errors and omissions that need to be corrected. My comments are below:
1) Keywords - should be listed in alphabetical order, but above all, do not use words that are already in the title of the manuscript.
2) Introduction - provides a rather poor literature background for the research topic pursued by the authors. At the end of this chapter, in addition to the research goal, the research hypothesis should be clearly and precisely formulated.
3) Materials and Methods - in subsection 2.1. - the scientific name of the species being studied should be added. Subsection 2.2. - why was there no control in the experiment, i.e. optimally irrigated plants? Subsection 2.10. "Statistical Analysis" is empty, please characterize the statistical methods used in the research.
4) Figure 4 - it is illegible, the font on the x and y axes and in the legend is too small.
5) Figures 4 and 5 - please add a description of the x axis.
6) The conclusions are too laconic. Although the Conclusion section is not mandatory, I believe it can be included in this manuscript. It should include not only conclusions, but also a response to the research hypothesis set at the beginning of the manuscript. Please also determine the practical application of the obtained results and indicate further research direction.
7) References - this section is duplicated!
8) Please adapt the entire manuscript better to the requirements of the template used in the Agronomy.
9) iThenicate test has a very high percentage result, please lower it.
In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between SL synthesis inhibition and drought resistance in tall fescue. By elucidating the impact of SL on root growth and development through the regulation of auxin metabolism, the research contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in plants. The findings presented in this manuscript have implications for further research in crop improvement strategies, particularly in the context of mitigating the adverse effects of drought stress on plant productivity.
I believe that this manuscript has a number of serious shortcomings, but once these are corrected, the Editorial Team of Agronomy should consider publishing it.
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manusript "Reduced Strigolactone Synthesis Weakens Drought Resistance 2 in Tall Fescue via Root Development Inhibition" of Zhong et al. discribed the changes in Tall Fescue plants under drought condition.
Some recomendation listed below:
1. In introduction needs to added more information about sinergism or antogonism corelation between strigolactone with others phytohormones, particurlarly auxin and jasmonic acid etc.
2. In would be better to present the content of carotenoids and proline in plant tissue instead of two antioxidant enzymes. The activity of this two enzymes are high variable and why only these enzymes? Take into account the changes in P5CS gene expression, what happen with proline accumulation? Is this necessary osmolyte inhibiteb by strigolactone?
3.The legends of figures started from Drough and then drough+TIS108 but from Figure 5 this order changed, please choose one style
4. LOX also is the main gene of jasmonic acid synthesis, according to result it is necessary to added information about conection of the synthesis pathways of these hormones
5. Why between genes in parallel with p5cs were not analyze another genes of protein-osmolyte that significant for drough resistance such as LEA, WRAB, dehydrins etc that can also explain the role and possile mechanism of strigolactone in drough resistance
Author Response
Please see the attachment
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsNo comments.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAuthors accepted all recomendations
