Plants

14 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating Salt Stress with Biochar: Effects on Yield and Quality of Dwarf Tomato Irrigated with Brackish Water

by Matteo Lentini, Michele Ciriello, Youssef Rouphael, Petronia Carillo, Giovanna Marta Fusco, Letizia Pagliaro, Francesco Primo Vaccari and Stefania De Pascale

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2801; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192801 (registering DOI) - 6 Oct 2024

Abstract

The increase in the frequency and magnitude of environmental stresses poses a significant risk to the stability of food supplies. In coastal areas of the Mediterranean, brackish water has long been considered a limitation on horticultural production. In this scenario, the use of [...] Read more.

The increase in the frequency and magnitude of environmental stresses poses a significant risk to the stability of food supplies. In coastal areas of the Mediterranean, brackish water has long been considered a limitation on horticultural production. In this scenario, the use of biochar in agriculture could be considered a valuable tool to cope with the deleterious effects of salt stress. This work aimed to investigate, in a protected environment, the effects of different concentrations of biochar (0, 1, and 2% v/v) obtained from poplar (Populus L.) biomass on the yield and quality of dwarf San Marzano ecotype tomatoes irrigated with saline water at different concentrations of NaCl (0, 40 and 80 mM). The increase in salt concentration from 0 to 80 mM NaCl reduced the total yield (−63%) and the number of fruits (−25%), but improved the main quality parameters such as dry matter (+75%), total soluble solids (+56%), and polyphenol content (+43%). Compared to control conditions, biochar supplementation improved the total yield (+23%) and number of fruits (+26%) without altering the functional and organoleptic characteristics of the fruits. The promising results underscore the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution to amend soils in order to improve tomato production under unfavorable conditions such as high salinity. However, there is a need to clarify which adaptation mechanisms triggered by biochar amending improve production responses even and especially under suboptimal growing conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Growing Media on Plant Performance)

19 pages, 9212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knockdown of SlYTHDF2 Accelerates Dark–Induced Tomato Leaf Senescence by Affecting the ABA Pathway

by Xinru Chen, Zihan Gao, Yangyang Li, Xiaoqian Nie, Qiaoli Xie, Guoping Chen and Zongli Hu

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2800; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192800 (registering DOI) - 6 Oct 2024

Abstract

N6–methyladenosine (m⁶A) is a widespread post–transcriptional modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. Proteins with the YTH structural domain act as m⁶A–binding proteins by recognizing the m⁶A modification and regulating mRNA through this recognition. In this study, SlYTHDF2, a [...] Read more.

N6–methyladenosine (m⁶A) is a widespread post–transcriptional modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. Proteins with the YTH structural domain act as m⁶A–binding proteins by recognizing the m⁶A modification and regulating mRNA through this recognition. In this study, SlYTHDF2, a prototypical m⁶A –binding protein gene in the YTH family was expressed in various tissues, and subcellular localization analyses indicated that the SlYTHDF2 protein was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. SlYTHDF2 knockout lines were obtained using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and showed the senesced leaves prematurely increased endogenous ABA accumulation compared with the wild type. Moreover, we found that dark promoted leaf senescence in SlYTHDF2 knockout lines and exogenous ABA further accelerated leaf senescence under dark conditions. The qRT–PCR analysis revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes associated with the ABA pathway. Relative to the wild type, the CR–slythdf2 plants exhibited reduced levels of photosynthetic pigments, higher accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and increased damage to cell membranes. Additionally, we discovered that SlYTHDF2 interacts with the chloroplast–binding protein SlRBCS3 through yeast two–hybrid and BiFC experiments. Overall, our data suggest the important role of SlYTHDF2 in regulating tomato leaf senescence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology)

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17 pages, 511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Including Sea Buckthorn Berry By-Products on White Chocolate Quality and Bioactive Characteristics under a Circular Economy Context

by Otilia Cristina Murariu, Florin Daniel Lipșa, Petru Marian Cârlescu, Gabriela Frunză, Marius Mihai Ciobanu, Irina Gabriela Cara, Florin Murariu, Florina Stoica, Aida Albu, Alessio Vincenzo Tallarita and Gianluca Caruso

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2799; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192799 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

The by-products of the extraction of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) concentrated juice may represent a functional food ingredient for white chocolate production, as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The effects of six treatments derived from the factorial combination of two [...] Read more.

The by-products of the extraction of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) concentrated juice may represent a functional food ingredient for white chocolate production, as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The effects of six treatments derived from the factorial combination of two types of by-products (with oil or without oil) and three different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%), were assessed on rheological, quality, colour, antioxidant, and mineral properties of chocolate. The 15% addition of full powder led to the highest values of max firmness, total shear energy, shear energy, cohesiveness, gummosity, dry matter, and ABTS, compared to the untreated control, but the two highest concentrations of the oil-deprived powder resulted in the protein content increasing. The full powder addition always raised fat levels. Both the ‘L’ and ‘a’ colour component as well as total carotenoids, β-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C increased with the rise of H. ramnoides powder addition, compared to the untreated control. The opposite trend was shown by the ‘b’ colour component and pH, whereas polyphenols and antioxidant activity attained higher values with the oil-deprived powder. The content of potassium decreased upon the 15% addition of the Hippophae ramnoides by-product powder, compared to the untreated control, whereas calcium and magnesium increased. The 15% H. ramnoides full powder elicited the augmentation of phosphorus content in chocolate, compared to the untreated control, contrary to the effect of the oil-deprived powder on P and Zn. The employment of SBB by-products highlights the great potential for manufacturing innovative functional foods with high nutritional value, such as chocolate. Full article

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3 pages, 174 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Enhancing Crop Yield and Adaptability through Sustainable Soil Management: Effective and Eco-Friendly Practices

by Dimitrios Bilalis, Ioannis Roussis and Ioanna Kakabouki

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2798; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192798 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

The rapid growth of the global population has led to the construction of new residential colonies on fertile agricultural lands, resulting in a significant decline in crop production areas [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Crop Yield and Adaptability through Sustainable Soil Management: Effective and Eco-Friendly Practices)

32 pages, 5604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Physiological, Biochemical, and Leaf Proteome Responses of Contrasting Wheat Varieties to Drought Stress

by Sellwane J. Moloi, Ali O. Alqarni, Adrian P. Brown, Tatenda Goche, Nemera G. Shargie, Makoena J. Moloi, Arun Gokul, Stephen Chivasa and Rudo Ngara

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2797; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192797 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

Drought stress severely affects crop productivity and threatens food security. As current trends of global warming are predicted to exacerbate droughts, developing drought-resilient crops becomes urgent. Here, we used the drought-tolerant (BW35695) and drought-sensitive (BW4074) wheat varieties to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and [...] Read more.

Drought stress severely affects crop productivity and threatens food security. As current trends of global warming are predicted to exacerbate droughts, developing drought-resilient crops becomes urgent. Here, we used the drought-tolerant (BW35695) and drought-sensitive (BW4074) wheat varieties to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and leaf proteome responses underpinning drought tolerance. In response to drought, the tolerant variety had higher osmolyte accumulation and maintained higher leaf water content than the sensitive variety. BW35695 also had an enhanced antioxidant enzyme capacity and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in diminished membrane lipid damage, as reflected by malondialdehyde content. Proteomic analysis revealed that drought-induced differential expression of proteins involved in diverse biological processes in both wheat varieties, including primary and secondary metabolism, protein synthesis/folding/degradation, defense/ROS detoxification, energy, transcription, and cell structure. Notably, photosynthesis emerged as the most enriched biochemical process targeted for suppression in the drought-tolerant BW35695 wheat, but not in drought-sensitive BW4074, possibly as a survival strategy for averting cell damage inflicted by photosynthesis-derived ROS. Additionally, protein synthesis-related proteins were highly upregulated in BW35695, presumably to drive cell-wide stress-adaptive responses. The protein network identified here will be useful in further studies to understand the molecular basis for divergent drought response phenotypes in crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Plant Tolerance upon Abiotic Stress)

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14 pages, 4097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyacrylamide Regulated Phytohormone Balance and Starch Degradation to Promote Seed-Potato Sprouting and Emergence

by Meiqiang Yin, Dongmei Hu, Xiaohang Yu, Yijie Wang, Sa Song, Chongyue Wang, Qilin Hu and Yinyuan Wen

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2796; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192796 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

Potatoes are typically seeded as tubers, and their slow sprouting significantly impacts production. Therefore, the effects of polyacrylamide (20 g·L⁻¹, 30 g·L⁻¹, and 40 g·L⁻¹) as a seed potato dressing on sprouting, seedling growth, and biomass were [...] Read more.

Potatoes are typically seeded as tubers, and their slow sprouting significantly impacts production. Therefore, the effects of polyacrylamide (20 g·L⁻¹, 30 g·L⁻¹, and 40 g·L⁻¹) as a seed potato dressing on sprouting, seedling growth, and biomass were investigated. The phytohormone content, respiratory intensity, and starch metabolism enzyme activity were analyzed to elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved. The sprouting rate significantly increased after 20 g·L⁻¹ and 30 g·L⁻¹ treatments by 40.63% and 15.63%, respectively. The sprouting energy was the highest (52.0%) at 20 g·L⁻¹, 7.67 times higher than the control. The 20 g·L⁻¹ and 30 g·L⁻¹ treatments also promoted emergence and growth, with the emergence rate increasing by 18.18% and 27.27% and growth increasing by over 8.1% and 11.9%, respectively. These effects were related to changes in phytohormone content and accelerated starch conversion. After treatment, the auxin and cytokinin contents in the apical buds increased significantly at the germination initiation stage, and during the germination and vigorous growth phases, the auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin contents increased. Polyacrylamide treatment activated α-amylase and promoted starch degradation, increasing soluble sugar content to provide nutrients and energy for sprouting. This study provides a promising approach for promoting potato tuber sprouting and seedling growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Stress Tolerance and Green Production: Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Founding of Northwest A&F University)

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23 pages, 12592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Braiding Fruits and Flowers as a Wish of Prosperity and Victory over Death in the Carved Festoons of Ancient Rome

by Alessandro Lazzara, Alma Kumbaric, Agnese Pergola and Giulia Caneva

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192795 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

Plant motifs had a significant role in ancient cultures, with decorative, artistic, and communicative values. However, little knowledge exists of the botanical composition of festoons, widely used in Greek-Roman art. We analysed 81 festoons, exclusively from sculpture artworks, collected from 13 museums and [...] Read more.

Plant motifs had a significant role in ancient cultures, with decorative, artistic, and communicative values. However, little knowledge exists of the botanical composition of festoons, widely used in Greek-Roman art. We analysed 81 festoons, exclusively from sculpture artworks, collected from 13 museums and archaeological sites in Rome (1st century BC–3rd century AD). Using iconographic sources and previous data, we identified the represented species and analysed their abundance and composition using statistical methods (Cluster Analysis, Principal Components Analysis) and diversity indexes (Shannon and Evenness). We documented 3081 botanical elements, identifying 30 taxa, in which fruits with leaves (45%) or alone (10%) represented the most common ones. Laurus nobilis and Quercus cfr. robur were the most frequently depicted species, followed by “pomes” (Pyrus, Malus, Cydonia), Vitis vinifera, Punica granatum, and Ficus carica. Festoons with one or two species can be easily distinguished from those with multiple species, often arranged with figs or vine branches at the ends, with symbolic aims related to fertility, rebirth, and abundance values. A balanced botanical composition also exists, with flowers typically in the middle and a species distribution that is not casual. The results enriched our comprehension of ancient Roman society, considering funerary and celebrative events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Vegetation History and Archaeobotany)

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13 pages, 4416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Characterization and Development of Simple Sequence Repeat Markers for Molecular Diversity Analyses in Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge)

by Xiaoming Yang, Yuan Wang, Yuewen Yang, Tuya Shareng, Yukun Xing, Gaowa Bai, Zhongyu Xing, Yuanyuan Ji, Liling Liu and Gongxiang Cao

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192794 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) is a valuable ornamental, medicinal, and woody oilseed species that is indigenous to China. The breeding improvement of yellowhorn has been hindered by a lack of suitable markers and sufficient information regarding the molecular diversity of this species. [...] Read more.

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) is a valuable ornamental, medicinal, and woody oilseed species that is indigenous to China. The breeding improvement of yellowhorn has been hindered by a lack of suitable markers and sufficient information regarding the molecular diversity of this species. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the yellowhorn genome to characterize the simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. A total of 4,007,201 SSRs were successfully identified. Among these markers, mono-nucleotide SSRs were most abundant in the genome, while the tri-nucleotide SSRs accounted for the highest proportion in coding sequences. The GO and KEGG function enrichment analysis revealed that most SSR loci in coding sequences were associated with potential biological functions. Additionally, we used 30 pairs of primers to amplify SSR markers to gain a better understanding of the genetic variation in yellowhorn germplasms. The average values of observed heterozygosity and polymorphism information content were 0.625 and 0.517, respectively. Population structure, phylogeny and principal component analyses identified two distinct subclusters. Furthermore, yellowhorn germplasms with the same geographical distribution tended to group together. Moreover, a total of 26 yellowhorn core collections, which accounted for approximately 14.94% of the total yellowhorn germplasms, effectively represented the genetic diversity of all original germplasms. Our findings not only unveiled the genetic diversity and population structure of yellowhorn germplasms but also investigated the yellowhorn core collection, which will serve as a strong basis for yellowhorn management and genetic improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding of Trees)

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12 pages, 1991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The HPLC–PDA Method for Simultaneous Determination of Regalosides from Bulbs of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. and Their Antioxidant Effects

by Chang-Seob Seo, No Soo Kim and Kwang-Hoon Song

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2793; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192793 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is a herbal medicine that is widely used to treat inflammation and lung diseases. In this study, a simultaneous quantitative method was developed for the quality control of BLL using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (HPLC–PDA), [...] Read more.

Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is a herbal medicine that is widely used to treat inflammation and lung diseases. In this study, a simultaneous quantitative method was developed for the quality control of BLL using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (HPLC–PDA), and their antioxidant effects were evaluated. Eight regalosides (i.e., regaloside A, B, C, E, F, H, I, and K) were selected as marker substances and separated on a Gemini C₁₈ reversed-phase analytical column by gradient elution with distilled water–acetonitrile mobile phase containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid. The method was validated with respect to linearity, sensitivities (limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ)), accuracy, and precision. The antioxidant effects of the extract and each component were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and 2-2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. The coefficients of determination values used as indicators of linearity for all components were ≥0.9999. LOD and LOQ concentrations were 0.10–0.66 μg/mL and 0.29–2.01 μg/mL, respectively. The recovery was 95.39–103.925% (relative standard deviation; RSD ≤ 2.55%), and precision RSD was <2.78%. The HPLC–PDA method was applied to real samples, and all components were detected at 1.12–29.76 mg/freeze-dried g. The evaluation of antioxidant effects showed that regalosides C, E, and K exhibited significant antioxidant effects. Our knowledge will be appropriately utilized in raw material management and conducting clinical and non-clinical studies on L. lancifolium or herbal medicine prescriptions containing L. lancifolium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plant Natural Products: Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry)

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20 pages, 2869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) as a Defense Booster for Wheat against Leaf Rust Pathogen (Puccinia triticina)

by Hala Badr Khalil, Abdullah Mohsen Lutfi, Ahmed Reyad Sayed, Mohamed Tharwat Mahmoud, Salah Abdelfatah Mostafa, Zeyad Ahmed Ibrahim, Asmaa A. Sharf-Eldin, Mohamed A. Abou-Zeid, Mohamed F. M. Ibrahim and Marian Thabet

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2792; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192792 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, poses a growing threat to global wheat production, necessitating alternative strategies for effective disease management. This study investigated the potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to enhance resistance to leaf rust in two wheat cultivars: the [...] Read more.

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, poses a growing threat to global wheat production, necessitating alternative strategies for effective disease management. This study investigated the potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to enhance resistance to leaf rust in two wheat cultivars: the susceptible Morocco and moderately resistant Sakha 94 cultivar. Our findings revealed that GABA significantly improved resistance in both cultivars to P. triticina, particularly in Morocco, by mitigating disease severity and reducing pustule density and size while extending both incubation and latent periods. This study assessed the effectiveness of two GABA application methods: plants received 1 mM GABA treatment, as a foliar spray, twenty-four hours prior to infection (pre-GABA), and plants received 1 mM GABA treatment both 24 h before and after infection (pre-/post-GABA), with the latter yielding significantly better results in reducing infection severity and improving plant resilience. Additionally, GABA application influenced stomatal behavior, promoting closure that may enhance resilience against leaf rust. GABA application on plants also modulated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This led to a stronger oxidative burst in both susceptible and moderately resistant cultivars. GABA increased O₂^●− levels in guard cells and surrounding stomata, enhancing stomatal closure and the hypersensitive response. GABA enhanced the accumulation of soluble phenols and increased the activity of key antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX), which are vital for managing oxidative stress. To the best of our knowledge, this investigation represents the first report into the impact of GABA on wheat leaf rust disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods for Detection and Control Strategies of Phytopathogens)

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14 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Antifungal Activities and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) of Aqueous Extracts and Fractions from Verbesina sphaerocephala Stems

by Kathia Yanelly Rodríguez-Valdovinos, Rafael Salgado-Garciglia, Alejandra Hernández-García, Alfredo Saavedra-Molina, Rosa Elva Norma del Río-Torres, Joel Edmundo López-Meza, Juan Luis Monribot-Villanueva, José Antonio Guerrero-Analco and José Roberto Medina-Medrano

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2791; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192791 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

The Verbesina gender represents the second most diverse group from the Asteraceae family in Mexico; Verbesina sphaerocephala is one of the most distributed species along the Mexican territory. This species has been poorly studied, reporting the presence of some bioactive compounds with antioxidant [...] Read more.

The Verbesina gender represents the second most diverse group from the Asteraceae family in Mexico; Verbesina sphaerocephala is one of the most distributed species along the Mexican territory. This species has been poorly studied, reporting the presence of some bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial activity. In this study, phenolic and flavonoid contents and composition, antioxidant and antifungal activities of aqueous extracts of the stem of V. sphaerocephala and its fractions were determined. The results showed that the highest antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea was shown by the aqueous extract (IC₅₀: 0.10 mg/mL) and the ethyl acetate fraction (IC₅₀: 14.8 mg/mL). In addition, the aqueous extract and the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest phenolic (21.40 and 21.26 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract, respectively) and flavonoid contents (11.53 and 3.71 mg rutin equivalents, respectively) and high antioxidant activity determined by the Total Antioxidant Capacity (20.62 and 40.21 mg ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract, respectively), Ferric Reducing Power (74.76 and 129.57 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract, respectively), DPPH (IC₅₀: 12.38 and 7.36 mg/mL, respectively), and ABTS (IC₅₀: 5.60 and 7.76 mg/mL, respectively) methods. Twelve phenolic compounds were detected in the aqueous extract using UPLC-MS analysis, of which the major ones were protocatechuic, vanillic, and hydroxybenzoic acid, while in the ethyl acetate fraction, the presence of 18 phenolic compounds were identified, of which the majority were vanillin, rutin, and hydroxybenzoic acid. The results of this research demonstrate that the aqueous extract of V. sphaerocephala stems has phenolic compounds with antifungal and antioxidant activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chemical Analysis of Plants)

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16 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hybrid Prediction in Horticulture Crop Breeding: Progress and Challenges

by Ce Liu, Shengli Du, Aimin Wei, Zhihui Cheng, Huanwen Meng and Yike Han

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2790; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192790 (registering DOI) - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

In the context of rapidly increasing population and diversified market demands, the steady improvement of yield and quality in horticultural crops has become an urgent challenge that modern breeding efforts must tackle. Heterosis, a pivotal theoretical foundation for plant breeding, facilitates the creation [...] Read more.

In the context of rapidly increasing population and diversified market demands, the steady improvement of yield and quality in horticultural crops has become an urgent challenge that modern breeding efforts must tackle. Heterosis, a pivotal theoretical foundation for plant breeding, facilitates the creation of superior hybrids through crossbreeding and selection among a variety of parents. However, the vast number of potential hybrids presents a significant challenge for breeders in efficiently predicting and selecting the most promising candidates. The development and refinement of effective hybrid prediction methods have long been central to research in this field. This article systematically reviews the advancements in hybrid prediction for horticultural crops, including the roles of marker-assisted breeding and genomic prediction in phenotypic forecasting. It also underscores the limitations of some predictors, like genetic distance, which do not consistently offer reliable hybrid predictions. Looking ahead, it explores the integration of phenomics with genomic prediction technologies as a means to elevate prediction accuracy within actual breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomic Selection and Marker-Assisted Breeding in Crops)

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13 pages, 7133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hederagenin from Hedera helix Promotes Fat Browning in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

by Seung Min Choi, Ho Seon Lee, Sung Ho Lim, Gayoung Choi and Chang-Ik Choi

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2789; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192789 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, with approximately 700 million obese people worldwide. Currently, regulating energy homeostasis by increasing energy expenditure is attracting attention as a strategy for treating obesity. White adipose tissue is known to play a role in accumulating energy [...] Read more.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, with approximately 700 million obese people worldwide. Currently, regulating energy homeostasis by increasing energy expenditure is attracting attention as a strategy for treating obesity. White adipose tissue is known to play a role in accumulating energy by storing excess energy, while brown adipose tissue expends energy and maintains body temperature. Thus, the browning of white adipose tissue has been shown to be effective in controlling obesity. Hedera helix (H. helix) has been widely used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. In several previous studies, hederagenin (HDG) from H. helix has demonstrated many biological activities. In this study, we investigated the antiobesity effect of HDG on fat browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Consequent to HDG treatment, a reduction in lipid accumulation was measured through oil red O staining. In addition, this study investigated that HDG increases energy expenditure by upregulating the expression of several targets related to thermogenesis, including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). This process involves inhibiting lipogenesis via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and promoting lipolysis through the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. HDG is expected to be effective in promoting fat browning, indicating its potential as a natural antiobesity candidate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities and Constituents of Plant-Derived Natural Products and Their Application—II)

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21 pages, 8299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification of the Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate Synthase (GGPS) Gene Family Associated with Natural Rubber Synthesis in Taraxacum kok-saghyz L. Rodin

by Lili Wang, Huan He, Jiayin Wang, Zhuang Meng, Lei Wang, Xiang Jin, Jianhang Zhang, Pingping Du, Liyu Zhang, Fei Wang, Hongbin Li and Quanliang Xie

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2788; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192788 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin (TKS) is a recognized alternative source of natural rubber comparable to the rubber tree. The geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPS) catalyzed the synthesis of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), which is an important enzyme in the secondary metabolism pathway. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin (TKS) is a recognized alternative source of natural rubber comparable to the rubber tree. The geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPS) catalyzed the synthesis of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), which is an important enzyme in the secondary metabolism pathway. In this study, we present the first analysis of the GGPS gene family in TKS, where a total of seven TkGGPS family members were identified. Their core motifs, conserved structural domains, gene structures, and cis-acting elements were described. In addition, two phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the Neighbor-Joining and Maximum-Likelihood methods, and the TkGGPSs were highly conserved and exhibited good collinearity with the other species. Transcriptome data showed that seven TkGGPS gene members were expressed in all the 12 tissues measured, and TkGGPS1, TkGGPS3, and TkGGPS6 were highly expressed in latex, suggesting that they may be associated with natural rubber synthesis. Meanwhile, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that the expression levels of the TkGGPS genes were regulated by the ethylene and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) pathways. Subcellular localization results indicated that all the TkGGPS proteins were also located in chloroplasts involved in photosynthesis in plants. This study will provide valuable insights into the selection of candidate genes for molecular breeding and natural rubber biosynthesis in TKS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Natural Products Biosynthesis and Metabolic Engineering)

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15 pages, 2322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Vegetable Species for Microgreen Production in Unheated Greenhouses: Yield, Nutritional Composition, and Sensory Perception

by Pabla Rebolledo, Gilda Carrasco, Claudia Moggia, Pedro Gajardo, Gabriela Rodrigues Sant’Ana, Fernando Fuentes-Peñailillo, Miguel Urrestarazu and Eduardo Pradi Vendruscolo

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2787; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192787 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

Cultivating microgreens in central-southern Chile in unheated greenhouses offers a viable and productive alternative to growers. In 2023, two experiments were conducted in autumn and spring. These experiments involved the production of microgreens of eleven vegetable species. The tray system with the substrate [...] Read more.

Cultivating microgreens in central-southern Chile in unheated greenhouses offers a viable and productive alternative to growers. In 2023, two experiments were conducted in autumn and spring. These experiments involved the production of microgreens of eleven vegetable species. The tray system with the substrate was employed. Subsequently, agronomic, nutritional, and sensory perception variables were assessed. Despite notable fluctuations in external temperatures between these seasons, a diverse array of microgreens can be successfully cultivated, meeting local consumer preferences. Research indicates that microgreens grown under these conditions exhibit high nutritional quality, serving as a rich source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds beneficial to human health. This nutritional value remains consistent across autumn and spring, establishing microgreens as a reliable and valuable food option. The observed acceptance and purchasing intentions among the surveyed population suggest a promising market opportunity for introducing these products regionally. Consumers appreciate microgreens’ quality and nutritional advantages, underscoring their potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems)

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20 pages, 2554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Evaluation and Selection of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) Germplasm Using Morphological Traits

by Martha Patricia Herrera-González, Alejandra Zamora-Jerez, Rolando Cifuentes, Luis Andrés Arévalo-Rodríguez and Santiago Pereira-Lorenzo

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2786; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192786 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) plays a crucial role in Guatemala’s agriculture, supporting local families and covering 169,429.29 ha (making it the world’s leading producer). Since its introduction to Guatemala in 1910, limited research has focused on unraveling the diversity and defining [...] Read more.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) plays a crucial role in Guatemala’s agriculture, supporting local families and covering 169,429.29 ha (making it the world’s leading producer). Since its introduction to Guatemala in 1910, limited research has focused on unraveling the diversity and defining morphological traits critical for selecting excellent accessions. In this study, we examined 17 morphological traits across 288 accessions to identify key features associated with the germplasm. The comprehensive analysis employed principal component analysis, a morphological composite value (F-value), linear regression, and hierarchical clustering. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index ranged from 0.10 to 2.02, indicating the variation in diversity among traits. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed six distinct germplasm groups. The comprehensive analysis facilitated the selection of 14 excellent accessions, and the regression equation incorporating criteria such as plant height, capsule color, panicle number per plant, panicle length, rhizome color, cluster number per panicle, cluster node length, and capsule number per cluster to identify cardamom germplasm. To develop a conservation strategy for the two putative foreign varieties (‘Malabar’ and ‘Mysore’/’Vazhukka’) introduced in Guatemala based on plant height, another 12 accessions were selected with a second comprehensive evaluation. This information offers insights into cardamom diversity for informed selection enhancing national utilization, productivity, and conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetic Resources)

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20 pages, 6682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape Heterogeneity Drives Genetic Diversity in the Highly Dispersive Moss Funaria hygrometrica Hedw.

by Mahmoud Magdy, Olaf Werner, Jairo Patiño and Rosa María Ros

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2785; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192785 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

Funaria hygrometrica, a cosmopolitan moss species known for its remarkable dispersal capacity, was selected as the focal organism to investigate the relationship between landscape features and genetic diversity. Our study encompassed samples collected from two distinct regions: the Spanish Sierra Nevada Mountains [...] Read more.

Funaria hygrometrica, a cosmopolitan moss species known for its remarkable dispersal capacity, was selected as the focal organism to investigate the relationship between landscape features and genetic diversity. Our study encompassed samples collected from two distinct regions: the Spanish Sierra Nevada Mountains (SN), characterized by a diverse landscape with an altitudinal difference of nearly 3500 m within a short distance, and the Murcia Region (MU) in Southeast Spain, characterized by a uniform landscape akin to the lowlands of Sierra Nevada. Genotyping analysis targeted three genetic regions: the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), the chloroplast rps3-rpl16 region, and the mitochondrial rpl5-rpl16 spacer. Through this analysis, we aimed to assess genetic variability and population structure across these environmentally contrasting regions. The Sierra Nevada populations exhibited significantly higher haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.78 in the highlands and 0.67 overall) and nucleotide diversity (π% = 0.51 for ITS1) compared to the Murcia populations (Hd = 0.35, π% = 0.14). Further investigation unveiled that samples from the lowlands of Sierra Nevada showed a closer genetic affinity to Murcia than to the highlands of Sierra Nevada. Furthermore, the genetic differentiation between highland and lowland populations was significant (Φ_ST = 0.55), with partial Mantel tests and ResistanceGA analysis revealing a strong correlation between ITS1-based genetic diversity and landscape features, including altitude and bioclimatic variables. Our study elucidated potential explanations for the observed genetic structuring within F. hygrometrica samples’ populations. These included factors such as a high selfing rate within restricted habitats, a limited average dispersal distance of spores, hybrid depression affecting partially incompatible genetic lineages, and recent migration facilitated via human activities into formerly unoccupied areas of the dry zones of Southeast Spain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses and Adaptations of Bryophytes to a Changing World)

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23 pages, 3358 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methods for Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils In Vitro—A Review

by Radka Hulankova

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2784; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192784 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) have been gaining popularity in the past decades among researchers due to their potential to replace conventional chemicals used in the fight against pests, pathogenic and spoilage microbes, and oxidation processes. EOs are complex mixtures with many chemical components, the [...] Read more.

Essential oils (EOs) have been gaining popularity in the past decades among researchers due to their potential to replace conventional chemicals used in the fight against pests, pathogenic and spoilage microbes, and oxidation processes. EOs are complex mixtures with many chemical components, the content of which depends on many factors—not just the plant genus, species, or subspecies, but also chemotype, locality, climatic conditions, phase of vegetation, method of extraction, and others. Due to this fact, there is still much to study, with antimicrobial effect being one of the key properties of EOs. There are many methods that have been frequently used by researchers for in vitro evaluation; however, although the research has been going on for decades, an internationally accepted standard is still missing. Most of methods are based on time-proven standards used for the testing of antibiotics. Due to the specific properties of EOs and their components, such as volatility and hydrophobicity, many modifications of these standard procedures have been adopted. The aim of this review is to describe the most common methods and their modifications for the testing of antimicrobial properties of EOs and to point out the most controversial variables which can potentially affect results of the assays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils)

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14 pages, 2281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of the Diversity Patterns of Desert Vegetation Communities in an Arid Zone of China

by Zhiming Xin, Xing Li, Yonghua Li, Xue Dong, Ruibing Duan, Xu Chang, Yiben Cheng, Xiuqing Wu and Wei Li

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2783; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192783 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

The Gobi Desert ecosystem is currently experiencing the impacts of persistent climate warming and extreme weather. However, the relative influences of factors such as soil, climate, and spatial variables on the β-diversity of desert plants and their key components have not been systematically [...] Read more.

The Gobi Desert ecosystem is currently experiencing the impacts of persistent climate warming and extreme weather. However, the relative influences of factors such as soil, climate, and spatial variables on the β-diversity of desert plants and their key components have not been systematically studied. In this research, the Dunhuang North Mountain and Mazong Mountain areas were selected as study areas, with a total of 79 plant community plots systematically established. The aim was to explore intercommunity β-diversity and its components and to analyze the interrelationships with climate factors, soil factors, and geographic distance. The results indicate that (1) there is a geographic decay pattern and significant differences among plant communities in the Dunhuang North Mountain and Mazong Mountain areas, with β-diversity primarily driven by replacement components. (2) Climate, soil, and geographic distance significantly influence β-diversity and its replacement components, with climate factors exerting the greatest influence and geographic distance the least. (3) Multiple regression analysis (MRM) reveals differential effects of climate factors, soil factors, and geographic distance on β-diversity and its replacement components, with climate and soil factors exerting a much greater influence than geographic distance. In summary, the β-diversity of plant communities and their replacement components in the Dunhuang North Mountain and Mazong Mountain areas result from the combined effects of habitat filtering and dispersal limitation, with habitat filtering having a greater impact, while environmental heterogeneity is an important factor influencing species differences in this region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Processes and Sandy Plant Adaptations to Climate Change—2nd Edition)

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