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25 pages, 9812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Analyses of Autophagy-Related Genes in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under Different Abiotic Stresses and in Various Tissues

by Elham Mehri Eshkiki, Zahra Hajiahmadi, Amin Abedi, Mojtaba Kordrostami and Cédric Jacquard

Plants 2020, 9(10), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9101393 - 20 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2953

Abstract

The autophagy-related genes (ATGs) play important roles in plant growth and response to environmental stresses. Brassica napus (B. napus) is among the most important oilseed crops, but ATGs are largely unknown in this species. Therefore, a genome-wide analysis of the B. [...] Read more.

The autophagy-related genes (ATGs) play important roles in plant growth and response to environmental stresses. Brassica napus (B. napus) is among the most important oilseed crops, but ATGs are largely unknown in this species. Therefore, a genome-wide analysis of the B. napus ATG gene family (BnATGs) was performed. One hundred and twenty-seven ATGs were determined due to the B. napus genome, which belongs to 20 main groups. Segmental duplication occurred more than the tandem duplication in BnATGs. Ka/Ks for the most duplicated pair genes were less than one, which indicated that the negative selection occurred to maintain their function during the evolution of B. napus plants. Based on the results, BnATGs are involved in various developmental processes and respond to biotic and abiotic stresses. One hundred and seven miRNA molecules are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of 41 BnATGs. In general, 127 simple sequence repeat marker (SSR) loci were also detected in BnATGs. Based on the RNA-seq data, the highest expression in root and silique was related to BnVTI12e, while in shoot and seed, it was BnATG8p. The expression patterns of the most BnATGs were significantly up-regulated or down-regulated responding to dehydration, salinity, abscisic acid, and cold. This research provides information that can detect candidate genes for genetic manipulation in B. napus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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17 pages, 11870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salt-Tolerant Phenomena, Sequencing and Characterization of a Glyoxalase I (Jojo-Gly I) Gene from Jojoba in Comparison with Other Glyoxalase I Genes

by Heba Allah A. Mohasseb, Mohei El-Din Solliman, Ibrahim S. Al-Mssallem, Mohammed M. Ba Abdullah, Ahmed Saud Alsaqufi, Wael F. Shehata and Hany A. El-Shemy

Plants 2020, 9(10), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9101285 - 29 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2986

Abstract

Plant response to salt stress and the mechanism of salt tolerance have received major focus by plant biology researchers. Biotic stresses cause extensive losses in agricultural production globally, but abiotic stress causes significant increase in the methylglyoxal (MG) level of GlyoxalaseI ( [...] Read more.

Plant response to salt stress and the mechanism of salt tolerance have received major focus by plant biology researchers. Biotic stresses cause extensive losses in agricultural production globally, but abiotic stress causes significant increase in the methylglyoxal (MG) level of GlyoxalaseI (Gly I). Identification of salt-tolerant genes when characterizing their phenotypes will help to identify novel genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the DNA coding region for glyoxalase I. This method is specific, requiring only genomic DNA and two pairs of PCR primers, and involving two successive PCR reactions. This method was used rapidly and easily identified glyoxalase I sequences as salt-tolerant genes from Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider). In the present study, the glyoxalase I gene was isolated, amplified by PCR using gene-specific primers and sequenced from the jojoba plant, then compared with other glyoxalase I sequences in other plants and glyoxalase I genes like in Brassica napus, ID: KT720495.1; Brassica juncea ID: Y13239.1, Arachis hypogaea; ID: DQ989209.2; and Arabidopsis thaliana L, ID: AAL84986. The structural gene of glyoxalase I, when sequenced and analyzed, revealed that the uninterrupted open reading frame (ORF) of jojoba Gly I (Jojo-Gly I) spans 775 bp, corresponding to 185 amino acid residues, and shares 45.2% amino acid sequence identity to jojoba (Jojo-Gly I). The cloned ORF, in a multicopy constitutive expression plasmid, complemented the Jojo-Gly I, confirming that the encoded Jojo-Gly I in jojoba showed some homology with other known glyoxalase I sequences of plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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26 pages, 2762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Moderate and Severe Salinity on Composition and Physiology in the Biomass Crop Miscanthus × giganteus

by Evangelia Stavridou, Richard J. Webster and Paul R. H. Robson

Plants 2020, 9(10), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9101266 - 25 Sep 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3041

Abstract

Saline land represents a growing resource that could be utilised for growing biomass crops, such as Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deu.), for eliminating competition with staple food crops. However, the response mechanisms to different salinity regimes, in relation to the impact on [...] Read more.

Saline land represents a growing resource that could be utilised for growing biomass crops, such as Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deu.), for eliminating competition with staple food crops. However, the response mechanisms to different salinity regimes, in relation to the impact on quality of the harvested biomass and the combustion properties are largely unknown. Herein, the focus was on the salt-induced compositional changes of ion flux and compartmentalization in the rhizome, stems, and leaves in relation to their impact on salinity tolerance and the combustion quality through investigating the photophysiological, morphophysiological, and biochemical responses of M. × giganteus to moderate and a severe salinity. Severe salinity induced an immediate and sustained adverse response with a reduction in biomass yield, photoinhibition, and metabolic limitations in photosynthesis. Moderate salinity resulted in a slower cumulative response with low biomass losses. Biomass composition, variations in ion compartmentalisation and induction of proline were dependent on the severity and duration of salinity. Ash behaviour indices, including the base percentage and base-to-acid ratio, indicated lower corrosion potential and lower risk of slagging under salinity. Understanding the impact of salinity on the potential for growth on saline land may identify new targets for breeding salinity-tolerant bioenergy crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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17 pages, 2293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sowing Date Affects the Timing and Duration of Key Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Growth Phases

by Mark F. Richards, Aaron L. Preston, Tony Napier, Leigh Jenkins and Lancelot Maphosa

Plants 2020, 9(10), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9101257 - 24 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3653

Abstract

Chickpea is the main legume rotation crop within farming systems in northern New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and is grown mainly under rainfed conditions. Recent expansion of chickpea growing areas in southern and central western NSW expose them to abiotic stresses; however, knowledge [...] Read more.

Chickpea is the main legume rotation crop within farming systems in northern New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and is grown mainly under rainfed conditions. Recent expansion of chickpea growing areas in southern and central western NSW expose them to abiotic stresses; however, knowledge about how these stresses affect overall crop development is limited. This study aimed to examine the influence of sowing time on the timing and duration of key chickpea phenological growth phases in southern and central western environments of NSW. Experiments were conducted over two years in southern NSW (Leeton, Wagga Wagga and Yanco (one year)) and central western NSW (Trangie) to identify phenology responses. Climatic, phenology and experimental site data was recorded, and the duration of growth phases and growing degree days calculated. Early sowing (mid-April) generally delayed flowering, extending the crop’s vegetative period, and the progressive delay in sowing resulted in shorter vegetative and podding growth phases. All genotypes showed photoperiod sensitivity, and the mean daily temperature at sowing influenced time to emergence and to some extent crop establishment. This study concludes that environmental factors such as temperature, moisture availability and day length are the main drivers of phenological development in chickpea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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15 pages, 1008 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Non-Destructive Measurements to Identify Cucurbit Species (Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata) Tolerant to Waterlogged Conditions

by Hsin-Hung Lin, Kuan-Hung Lin, Meng-Yuan Huang and Yi-Ru Su

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091226 - 18 Sep 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3539

Abstract

Limited information is available regarding the physiology of squash plants grown under waterlogging stress. The objectives of this study were to investigate the growth and physiological performances of three cucurbit species, Cucurbita maxima cultivar (cv.) OK-101 (OK) and Cucurbita moschata cv. Early Price [...] Read more.

Limited information is available regarding the physiology of squash plants grown under waterlogging stress. The objectives of this study were to investigate the growth and physiological performances of three cucurbit species, Cucurbita maxima cultivar (cv.) OK-101 (OK) and Cucurbita moschata cv. Early Price (EP) and Strong Man (SM), in response to waterlogging conditions, and to develop a precise, integrated, and quantitative non-destructive measurement of squash genotypes under stress. All tested plants were grown in a growth chamber under optimal irrigation and growth conditions for a month, and the pot plants were then subjected to non-waterlogging (control) and waterlogging treatments for periods of 1, 3, 7, and 13 days (d), followed by a 3-d post-waterlogging recovery period after water drainage. Plants with phenotypes, such as fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), and dry matter (DM) of shoots and roots, and various physiological systems, including relative water content (RWC), soil and plant analysis development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter, ratio of variable/maximal fluorescence (Fv/Fm), quantum photosynthetic yield (YII), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) values, responded differently to waterlogging stress in accordance with the duration of the stress period and subsequent recovery period. When plants were treated with stress for 13 d, all plants exhibited harmful effects to their leaves compared with the control, but EP squash grew better than SM and OK squashes and exhibited stronger tolerance to waterlogging and showed less injury. Changes in the fresh weight, dry weight, and dry matter of shoots and roots indicated that OK plants suffered more severely than EP plants at the 3-d drainage period. The values of RWC, SPAD, Fv/Fm, YII, NDVI, and PRI in both SM and OK plants remarkably decreased at waterlogging at the 13-d time point compared with controls under identical time periods. However, the increased levels of SPAD, Fv/Fm, YII, NDVI, and PRI observed on 7 d or 13 d of waterlogging afforded the EP plant leaf with improved waterlogged tolerance. Significant and positive correlations were observed among NDVI and PRI with SPAD, Fv/Fm, and YII, indicating that these photosynthetic indices can be useful for developing non-destructive estimations of chlorophyll content in squashes when screening for waterlogging-tolerant plants, for establishing development practices for their cultivation in fields, and for enhanced cultivation during waterlogging in frequently flooded areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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13 pages, 1983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incredible Role of Osmotic Adjustment in Grain Yield Sustainability under Water Scarcity Conditions in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

by Tahir Mahmood, Muhammad Abdullah, Sunny Ahmar, Muhammad Yasir, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Muhmmad Yasir, Shoaib Ur Rehman, Sulaiman Ahmed, Rashid Mehmood Rana, Abdul Ghafoor, Muhammad Kausar Nawaz Shah, Xiongming Du and Freddy Mora-Poblete

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091208 - 15 Sep 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5528

Abstract

Interrogations of local germplasm and landraces can offer a foundation and genetic basis for drought tolerance in wheat. Potential of drought tolerance in a panel of 30 wheat genotypes including varieties, local landraces, and wild crosses were explored under drought stress (DS) and [...] Read more.

Interrogations of local germplasm and landraces can offer a foundation and genetic basis for drought tolerance in wheat. Potential of drought tolerance in a panel of 30 wheat genotypes including varieties, local landraces, and wild crosses were explored under drought stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. Considerable variation for an osmotic adjustment (OA) and yield components, coupled with genotype and environment interaction was observed, which indicates the differential potential of wheat genotypes under both conditions. Reduction in yield per plant (YP), thousand kernel weight (TKW), and induction of OA was detected. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association of YP with directly contributing yield components under both environments, indicating the impotence of these traits as a selection-criteria for the screening of drought-tolerant genotypes for drylands worldwide. Subsequently, the association of OA with TKW which contributes directly to YP, indicates that wheat attains OA to extract more water from the soil under low water-potential. Genotypes including WC-4, WC-8 and LLR-29 showed more TKW under both conditions, among them; LLR-29 also has maximum OA and batter yield comparatively. Result provides insight into the role of OA in plant yield sustainability under DS. In this study, we figure out the concept of OA and its incredible role in sustainable plant yield in wheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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14 pages, 17337 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Gene Expression Profiles and Flavonoid Accumulation during Salt Stress in Ginkgo biloba Seedlings

by Ningtao Xu, Sian Liu, Zhaogeng Lu, Siyu Pang, Lu Wang, Li Wang and Weixing Li

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091162 - 8 Sep 2020

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 4610

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree, as a variety of flavonoid compounds are produced by the leaves of its seedlings. Although soil salinity is a serious threat to agricultural productivity worldwide, the effect of salt stress on G. biloba seedlings remains unclear. [...] Read more.

Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree, as a variety of flavonoid compounds are produced by the leaves of its seedlings. Although soil salinity is a serious threat to agricultural productivity worldwide, the effect of salt stress on G. biloba seedlings remains unclear. In this study, we found that under high NaCl concentrations (200 and 300 mmol/L), seedling growth was inhibited and the water content, chlorophyll, and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity were significantly decreased in the leaves, whereas the soluble protein and proline levels increased significantly. However, at low NaCl concentrations (50 and 100 mmol/L), the seedlings grew normally because of the regulation of catalase (CAT) and POD enzyme activities. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind G. biloba salt tolerance, we examined the transcriptome of G. biloba seedlings treated with 100 mmol/L NaCl. Twelve differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be involved in ion osmotic potential signal transduction and amplification, including two ABA signaling genes, five CDPK/CIPK genes, and five mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling genes. We also found that NAC transcription factors may be involved in the salt stress response; these included positive regulators (Gb_12203, Gb_27819, Gb_37720, and Gb_41540) and negative regulators (Gb_32549, Gb_35048, and Gb_37444). Importantly, treatment with 100 mmol/L NaCl can significantly improve flavonoid and flavonol glycoside biosynthesis. Simultaneously, the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes, including PAL (Gb_10949, Gb_21115) and FLS (Gb_00285, Gb_14024, and Gb_14029), was significantly upregulated. Based on these results, we reveal that G. biloba seedlings can tolerate low-level soil salinity stress through the regulation of different kinds of genes and transcriptome factors, especially flavonoid biosynthesis, which is improved to respond to environmental stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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18 pages, 3027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria with Phosphorus Supplements Improve Maize Phosphorus Acquisition and Growth under Lime Induced Salinity Stress

by Muhammad Adnan, Shah Fahad, Muhammad Zamin, Shahen Shah, Ishaq Ahmad Mian, Subhan Danish, Muhammad Zafar-ul-Hye, Martin Leonardo Battaglia, Raja Mohib Muazzam Naz, Beena Saeed, Shah Saud, Imran Ahmad, Zhen Yue, Martin Brtnicky, Jiri Holatko and Rahul Datta

Plants 2020, 9(7), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9070900 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 191 | Viewed by 10090

Abstract

Global warming promotes soil calcification and salinization processes. As a result, soil phosphorus (P) is becoming deficient in arid and semiarid areas throughout the world. In this pot study, we evaluated the potential of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) for enhancing the growth and P [...] Read more.

Global warming promotes soil calcification and salinization processes. As a result, soil phosphorus (P) is becoming deficient in arid and semiarid areas throughout the world. In this pot study, we evaluated the potential of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) for enhancing the growth and P uptake in maize under varying levels of lime (4.8%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and additional P supplements (farmyard manure, poultry manure, single super phosphate and rock phosphate) added at the rate of 45 mg P₂O₅ kg⁻¹. Inoculation and application of P as organic manures (Poultry and farm yard manures) improved maize growth and P uptake compared to the control and soils with P applied from mineral sources. Liming adversely affected crop growth, but the use of PSB and organic manure significantly neutralized this harmful effect. Mineral P sources combined with PSB were as effective as the organic sources alone. Furthermore, while single supper phosphate showed better results than Rock phosphate, the latter performed comparably upon PSB inoculation. Thus, PSB plus P application as organic manures is an eco-friendly option to improve crop growth and P nutrition in a calcareous soil under changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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18 pages, 2814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological and Geochemical Conditions for the Accumulation of Antioxidants in the Leaves of Lathyrus maritimus (L.) Bigel

by Pavel Maslennikov, Elena Golovina and Anastasia Artemenko

Plants 2020, 9(6), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9060746 - 13 Jun 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

The article explores how location affected the dynamics of accumulation of ascorbic acid (AC) and oxidized forms of AC—dehydroascorbic acid (DAA) and diketogulonic acid (DKGA) in beach pea during ontogenetic development. Our analysis focuses on research of the ecological and geochemical conditions growing [...] Read more.

The article explores how location affected the dynamics of accumulation of ascorbic acid (AC) and oxidized forms of AC—dehydroascorbic acid (DAA) and diketogulonic acid (DKGA) in beach pea during ontogenetic development. Our analysis focuses on research of the ecological and geochemical conditions growing of the plant on the Curonian Spit. The level of hydrogen peroxide and the activity of enzymes that break it down were analyzed. Antioxidant activity and the total concentration of phenolics were evaluated in the leaves of beach pea on the leeward and windward sides of the foredune. It was established that the level of AC, DAA, and DKGA was higher in the plants growing on the windward side of the foredune. A higher concentration of peroxy compounds, which stimulate the biosynthesis of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase), polyphenols, and other low molecular antioxidants (AOA) was observed in the leaves of these plants. The plants on the windward side enter phenological stages one or two weeks later than their counterparts on the leeward side of the foredune do. There was a generally negative correlation between the temperature of the soil and the accumulation of ascorbate system acids in the leaves of the studied plants (r = −0.46/(−0.68), p < 0.05). The accumulation of low molecular antioxidants and enzymes in beach pea suggests their adaptation to the adverse conditions of the windward side of the foredune. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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11 pages, 2585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Local Habitat and Microclimate on the Levels of Secondary Metabolites in Slovak Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Fruits

by Zuzana Vaneková, Miroslav Vanek, Jaroslav Škvarenina and Milan Nagy

Plants 2020, 9(4), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9040436 - 1 Apr 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3262

Abstract

The berries of Vaccinium myrtillus L. are usually collected in the wild for the purpose of being a food source. They are naturally high in phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidative properties, so the berries are therefore often labeled as “functional foods”. This study [...] Read more.

The berries of Vaccinium myrtillus L. are usually collected in the wild for the purpose of being a food source. They are naturally high in phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidative properties, so the berries are therefore often labeled as “functional foods”. This study evaluated seven samples of bilberry fruits from different locations in Slovakia for the content of the main phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins) using European Pharmacopoeia 9 spectrophotometric methods. A thorough analysis of environmental factors showed that several phenolic constituents are closely corresponding with their respective environments, as well as with each other. The environmental factors with statistically significant correlations in this study are altitude, habitat type, sunlight exposure, and soil carbon content. Our findings suggest that the berries collected at sunny sites with no topsoil damage contain more phenolic compounds. The lowest amounts of phenolic compounds were found in samples from dense forests or with visible soil erosion and windthrow damage. The negative effect of windthrow damage on the levels of secondary metabolites in bilberry fruits has been described for the first time. This study observed no relationship between the amount of phenolic compounds and soil pH, soil nitrogen levels, or slope exposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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15 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grain Yield Response of Corn (Zea mays L.) to Nitrogen Management Practices and Flooding

by Taylor E. Dill, Steven K. Harrison, Steven W. Culman and Alexander J. Lindsey

Plants 2020, 9(3), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9030348 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3324

Abstract

Flooding can reduce corn growth and yield, but nitrogen (N) management practices may alter the degree to which plants are negatively impacted. Damage caused by flooded conditions may also affect the utilization of a post-flood N application to increase yield. The objectives of [...] Read more.

Flooding can reduce corn growth and yield, but nitrogen (N) management practices may alter the degree to which plants are negatively impacted. Damage caused by flooded conditions may also affect the utilization of a post-flood N application to increase yield. The objectives of this study were to evaluate how pre-plant and pre-plant plus post-flood N applications contribute to corn growth and yield following flood conditions and to quantify the partial return of employing different N management strategies in the event of a flood. A field study was conducted in Ohio using four flood durations (FD; 0, 2, 4, or 6 days initiated at V4 to V5) and three N management practices (0 kg N ha⁻¹, 134 kg N ha⁻¹ applied pre-plant, and 134 pre-plant + 67 kg N ha⁻¹ applied post-flooding). Application of 134 kg N ha⁻¹ increased yield compared to 0 kg N ha⁻¹ by 65%, 68%, 43% and 16% for 0 d, 2 d, 4 d, and 6 d FD, respectively; the application of 134 + 67 kg N ha⁻¹ increased grain yield compared to 134 kg N ha⁻¹ by 7%, 27%, 70%, or 55% for 0 d, 2 d, 4 d, or 6 d FD, respectively. Partial return analysis produced similar results to those for grain yield. Results suggest that in regions prone to early-season flooding, additional N applied post-flood can improve yield and partial return compared to the application of pre-plant alone at a lower rate or no N. Results indicate that total soil nitrate-N levels two weeks after flood initiation may serve as a good predictor of yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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18 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Weight as a Covariate in Association and Prediction Studies for Biomass Traits in Maize Seedlings

by Vlatko Galic, Maja Mazur, Andrija Brkic, Josip Brkic, Antun Jambrovic, Zvonimir Zdunic and Domagoj Simic

Plants 2020, 9(2), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9020275 - 20 Feb 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3349

Abstract

Background: The seedling stage has received little attention in maize breeding to identify genotypes tolerant to water deficit. The aim of this study is to evaluate incorporation of seed weight (expressed as hundred kernel weight, HKW) as a covariate into genomic association and [...] Read more.

Background: The seedling stage has received little attention in maize breeding to identify genotypes tolerant to water deficit. The aim of this study is to evaluate incorporation of seed weight (expressed as hundred kernel weight, HKW) as a covariate into genomic association and prediction studies for three biomass traits in a panel of elite inbred lines challenged by water withholding at seedling stage. Methods: 109 genotyped-by-sequencing (GBS) elite maize inbreds were phenotyped for HKW and planted in controlled conditions (16/8 day/night, 25 °C, 50% RH, 200 µMol/m²/s) in trays filled with soil. Plants in control (C) were watered every two days, while watering was stopped for 10 days in water withholding (WW). Fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), and dry matter content (DMC) were measured. Results: Adding HKW as a covariate increased the power of detection of associations in FW and DW by 44% and increased genomic prediction accuracy in C and decreased in WW. Conclusions: Seed weight was effectively incorporated into association studies for biomass traits in maize seedlings, whereas the incorporation into genomic predictions, particularly in water-stressed plants, was not worthwhile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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17 pages, 28726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavones Produced by Mulberry Flavone Synthase Type I Constitute a Defense Line against the Ultraviolet-B Stress

by Han Li, Dong Li, Zhen Yang, Qiwei Zeng, Yiwei Luo and Ningjia He

Plants 2020, 9(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9020215 - 7 Feb 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3913

Abstract

Flavones, one of the largest classes of flavonoids in plants, have a variety of bioactivities and participate in the resistance response of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, flavone synthase (FNS), the key enzyme for flavone biosynthesis, has not yet been characterized [...] Read more.

Flavones, one of the largest classes of flavonoids in plants, have a variety of bioactivities and participate in the resistance response of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, flavone synthase (FNS), the key enzyme for flavone biosynthesis, has not yet been characterized in mulberry. In this study, we report that the leaves of certain mulberry cultivars, namely BJ7, PS2, and G14, are rich in flavones. We identified a Fe²⁺/2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase from Morus notabilis (MnFNSI) that shows the typical enzymatic activity of a FNSI-type enzyme, and directly converts eriodictyol and naringenin into their corresponding flavones. Overexpression of MnFNSI in tobacco increased the flavones contents in leaves and enhanced the tolerance of tobacco to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress. We found that mulberry cultivars with higher flavones contents exhibit less UV-B induced damage after a UV-B treatment. Accordingly, our findings demonstrate that MnFNSI, a FNSI-type enzyme, is involved in the biosynthesis of flavones, which provide protection against UV-B radiation. These results lay the foundation for obtaining mulberry germplasm resources that are more tolerant to UV-B stress and richer in their nutritional value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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19 pages, 4097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Response of Miscanthus x giganteus to Plant Growth Regulators in Nutritionally Poor Soil

by Hana Malinská, Valentina Pidlisnyuk, Diana Nebeská, Anna Erol, Andrea Medžová and Josef Trögl

Plants 2020, 9(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9020194 - 5 Feb 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4027

Abstract

Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) is a promising second-generation biofuel crop with high production of energetic biomass. Our aim was to determine the level of plant stress of Mxg grown in poor quality soils using non-invasive physiological parameters and to test whether the stress [...] Read more.

Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) is a promising second-generation biofuel crop with high production of energetic biomass. Our aim was to determine the level of plant stress of Mxg grown in poor quality soils using non-invasive physiological parameters and to test whether the stress could be reduced by application of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Plant fitness was quantified by measuring of leaf fluorescence using 24 indexes to select the most suitable fluorescence indicators for quantification of this type of abiotic stress. Simultaneously, visible stress signs were observed on stems and leaves and differences in variants were revealed also by microscopy of leaf sections. Leaf fluorescence analysis, visual observation and changes of leaf anatomy revealed significant stress in all studied subjects compared to those cultivated in good quality soil. Besides commonly used F_v/F_m (potential photosynthetic efficiency) and P.I. (performance index), which showed very low sensitivity, we suggest other fluorescence parameters (like dissipation, DIo/RC) for revealing finer differences. We can conclude that measurement of leaf fluorescence is a suitable method for revealing stress affecting Mxg in poor soils. However, none of investigated parameters proved significant positive effect of PGRs on stress reduction. Therefore, direct improvement of soil quality by fertilization should be considered for stress reduction and improving the biomass quality in this type of soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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20 pages, 3143 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological, Biochemical and Reproductive Studies on Valeriana wallichii, a Critically Endangered Medicinal Plant of the Himalayan Region Grown under In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conditions

by Mohd Asgher, Susheel Verma, Nafees A. Khan, Dhiraj Vyas, Priyanka Kumari, Shaista Rashid, Sajid Khan, Shaista Qadir, Mohammad Ajmal Ali and Parvaiz Ahmad

Plants 2020, 9(2), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9020131 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

Valeriana wallichii, a perennial herb belonging to family Valerianaceae, is an important medicinal herb of the Himalayan region. The incessant exploitation of nature for meeting the demands of the pharmaceutical industry has put unbearable pressure on its natural habitats. A study on [...] Read more.

Valeriana wallichii, a perennial herb belonging to family Valerianaceae, is an important medicinal herb of the Himalayan region. The incessant exploitation of nature for meeting the demands of the pharmaceutical industry has put unbearable pressure on its natural habitats. A study on its physiological, biochemical, growth and reproductive attributes was planned. Physiological study revealed that ex-situ (outside their natural habitat) populations faced severe stress as compared to in-situ (natural habitat) plants. The difference in the performance of these habitat plants was related to superoxide and H₂O₂ in the leaves. Photosynthetic attributes were increased in in-situ populations. Proline content and its biosynthetic enzymes ornithine aminotransferase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase showed an increase in ex-situ plants; proline oxidase decreased. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, shikimic acid dehydrogenese, phenylalanine lyase, and flavonoids content showed an increment in ex-situ plants. Antioxidants enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and reduced glutathione showed an increment in ex-situ conditions. Growth and reproductive attributes were more in ex-situ plants. The observations made are suggestive that a comprehensive conservation programme involving in-situ as well as ex-situ strategies will be effective for the conservation and long term survival of the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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18 pages, 1296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Role of 28-Homobrassinolide and Glomus versiforme in Cucumber to Withstand Saline Stress

by Husain Ahmad, Sikandar Hayat, Muhammad Ali, Hongjiu Liu, Xuejin Chen, Jianming Li and Zhihui Cheng

Plants 2020, 9(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010042 - 26 Dec 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3667

Abstract

The strategic role of phytohormones and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to overcome various stress conditions is gaining popularity in sustainable agricultural practices. This current study aims to investigate and identify the protective roles of 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) and Glomus versiforme on two cucumber cultivars [...] Read more.

The strategic role of phytohormones and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to overcome various stress conditions is gaining popularity in sustainable agricultural practices. This current study aims to investigate and identify the protective roles of 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) and Glomus versiforme on two cucumber cultivars (salt sensitive Jinyou 1# and tolerant Chanchun mici (CCMC)) grown under saline conditions (100 mM NaCl). HBL and AMF were applied as individual and combined treatments on two cucumber cultivars and their effects were observed on the morphological growth and physiology under control and saline conditions. Findings revealed that the treated plants showed better performance under saline conditions through improved photosynthesis, leaf relative water content, and decreased electrolyte leakage in tolerant cultivar (CCMC) and to a lesser extent in sensitive (Jinyou 1#) cultivar. Comparable differences were noticed in the antioxidant enzymes activity such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase after every 10 days in both cultivars. Treating the plants with HBL and AMF also improved the mineral uptake regulation and lowered sodium concentration in roots compared to that in the non-treated plants. Current findings suggest that the protective role of HBL and AMF involves the regulation of antioxidants and lowers the risk of ion toxicity in the cucumber and hence enhance tolerance to salinity. These results are promising, but further studies are needed to verify the crop tolerance to stress and help in sustainable agricultural production, particularly vegetables that are prone to salinity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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Review

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10 pages, 1127 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chromium Morpho-Phytotoxicity

by Abdul Wakeel and Ming Xu

Plants 2020, 9(5), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9050564 - 29 Apr 2020

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 6101

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) is considered as one of the chronic pollutants that cause damage to all living forms, including plants. Various industries release an excessive amount of Cr into the environment. The increasing accumulation of Cr in agricultural land causes a significant decrease in [...] Read more.

Chromium (Cr) is considered as one of the chronic pollutants that cause damage to all living forms, including plants. Various industries release an excessive amount of Cr into the environment. The increasing accumulation of Cr in agricultural land causes a significant decrease in the yield and quality of economically important crops. The Cr-induced biochemical, molecule, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and hormonal impairments cause the inhibition of plant growth and development. In the current study, we reviewed Cr morpho-phytotoxicity related scientific reports published between 2009 to 2019. We mainly focused on the Cr-induced inhibition of seed germination and total biomass production. Furthermore, Cr-mediated reduction in the root, branches, and leave growth and development were separately discussed. The Cr uptake mechanism and interference with the macro and micro-nutrient uptake were also discussed and visualized via a functional model. Moreover, a comprehensive functional model has been presented for the Cr release from the industries, its accumulation in the agricultural land, and ultimate morpho-phytotoxicity. It is concluded that Cr-reduces plant growth and development via its excess accumulation in the plant different parts and/or disruption of nutrient uptake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Abiotic Stresses on Plant Development)

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