Search Results (96)

Background: The Calcineurin B-like (CBL) and CBL-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) system constitute critical signaling modules mediating plant responses to abiotic stress. Although these families have been studied across various species, their evolutionary dynamics across grasses and the functional plasticity of specific isoforms remain elusive. Methods: A genome-wide analysis of CBL and CIPK families was conducted across five major Poaceae species (Oryza sativa, Triticum aestivum, Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor, and Saccharum spontaneum). Phylogenetic and synteny analyses were analyzed to family expansion and evolution. Cis-regulatory elements analysis in gene promoter regions were examined to predict potential stress-responsive features. Expression profiles of OsCBL and OsCIPK gene families were examined by qRT-PCR under conditions involving PEG-induced osmotic stress, pathogen strain P6 inoculation, and exogenous application of the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Protein–protein interactions between selected CBL (OsCBL4) and CIPK pairs were assessed via Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) and Luciferase Complementation Imaging assays (LCI). Results: Phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicated that segmental duplications have contributed substantially to the expansion of these gene families. Promoter analysis revealed that the majority of CBL and CIPK family members, exemplified by OsCBL4, traditionally characterized as a salt sensor, possesses a cis-element architecture (rich in ABREs and MBS) heavily biased towards dehydration responsiveness. Expression profiling showed that OsCBL4 is significantly hyper-induced by direct osmotic stress (PEG) but exhibits almost no response to exogenous ABA. A subset of kinases genes (e.g., OsCIPK2, 9, 18) displayed PEG-induced expression patterns resembling those of OsCBL4, whereas OsCIPK30 remained transcriptionally unresponsive under the same conditions. Protein interaction assays demonstrated that OsCBL4 physically interacts exclusively with PEG-responsive transcriptionally activated kinases such as OsCIPK9, but failed to interact with the non-responsive OsCIPK30. Conclusions: Our study provides a genomic characterization of CBL and CIPK families across five major Poaceae species. The combined expression and interaction data reveal that OsCBL4-assembles with specific CIPKs into signaling modules during osmotic stress responses in rice, pointing to roles that go beyond salt stress responses. The findings establish a foundation for further functional dissection of CBL-CIPK pathway diversification in abiotic stress adaptation. Full article

The global increase in metabolic syndrome, characterized by the dysregulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism accompanied by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, has driven research into plant species rich in polyphenols capable of modulating these pathophysiological mechanisms. Mexican species of the genus Arbutus represent a potential source of phenolic compounds with functional relevance; however, they remain poorly explored phytochemically and biologically. The present study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate the biological activity of 1% (w/v) leaf infusions of A. bicolor, A. tessellata, A. madrensis, A. arizonica, and A. occidentalis. Proximal analyses, spectrophotometric determinations of total phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins, as well as characterization by UPLC–ESI–MS/MS were performed. In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive enzyme inhibitory activities were also evaluated. Proximate analysis revealed that carbohydrates constituted the predominant component (72–82%), followed by lipids (3–12%), proteins (4–8%), ash (3–5%), and moisture (5–6%). The total phenolic content ranged from 25.39 to 64.14 mg EAG, being A. occidentalis the species with the highest concentration, while total flavonoids ranged from 14.91 to 33.33 mg EC per gram of dry weight. A total of 38 phenolic compounds were identified, exhibiting marked interspecific variability. A. occidentalis, distinguished by its high ellagitannin content, exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (ORAC: 10.40 mM TEAC/g) and notable erythrocyte membrane stabilization (~69%). Enzymatic inhibition demonstrated differential profiles: A. tessellata showed the most significant inhibition of α-amylase (80.19%), whereas A. bicolor exhibited higher inhibition of α-glucosidase (81.88%) and pancreatic lipase (74.26%) could be associated with stilbenes such as resveratrol. Bioactivity was more strongly associated with the specific phytochemical profile than with total phenolic content. These findings suggest that Arbutus spp. leaf infusions may represent multifunctional phytochemical matrices with potential relevance in metabolic syndrome management. Full article

Aquaporins are key membrane proteins that mediate water transport in plants and are indispensable for maintaining cellular water homeostasis and normal physiological processes. This study investigated the function of SbPIP1-3, an aquaporin gene isolated from drought-tolerant Sorghum bicolor. Bioinformatics analysis, subcellular localization, and heterologous expression of SbPIP1-3 were performed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, and rapeseed. Sequence analysis revealed that SbPIP1-3 encodes a basic hydrophobic protein targeted to the plasma membrane, a finding further corroborated by subcellular localization assays. In yeast expression assays, SbPIP1-3-transformed strains retained viability under osmotic stress induced by 1.2 M mannitol, whereas non-transgenic control strains failed to survive. In Arabidopsis and rapeseed experiments, the SbPIP1-3 overexpression enhanced drought tolerance (improved germination, root growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, proline content, PSII repair capacity, and survival after drought–rewatering) and reduced intracellular H₂O₂ accumulation. Transcriptome profiling of drought-stressed transgenic Arabidopsis and control plants demonstrated significant upregulation of mostly stress-responsive pathways (e.g., MAPK signaling pathway and hormone signaling pathways) and key drought-tolerance genes (e.g., SNRK2-2, SOD1, APX3, GPX3, P5CS1). Collectively, these findings suggest that SbPIP1-3 enhances plant drought tolerance through the following mechanisms: improving transmembrane water transport efficiency to sustain cellular osmotic balance; activating the antioxidant defense system to increase enzyme activity and mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; optimizing photosynthetic protection mechanisms to preserve the structural and functional integrity of PSII; and regulating the expression of stress-responsive signaling pathways and associated functional genes. Full article

Previous studies on kafirins in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) have focused mainly on grain and sprouts grown under tropical and subtropical climate conditions, while data on the content and fractional composition of kafirins in sorghum sprouts cultivated in temperate climates are scarce. In particular, the influence of the northern growing conditions, characteristic of Central Europe, on sorghum storage proteins has not yet been described, despite the fact that sorghum is currently cultivated in Poland. This study aimed to determine the total kafirin content and the distribution of α-, β-, and γ-kafirin fractions in sprouts of white and red sorghum grown under temperate climate conditions in Poland. Six-day-old sprouts were freeze-dried and extracted using a Tris-HCl/SDS/β-mercaptoethanol buffer. Kafirin content was quantified using the Bradford assay, SDS-PAGE, and HPLC, with method validation performed for accuracy, precision, and linearity. Total kafirin content ranged from 5.5 to 7.0 g/100 g dry matter (DM), with α-kafirin as the predominant fraction (4.2–5.0 g/100 g DM), followed by β-kafirin (0.5–1.0 g/100 g DM) and γ-kafirin (0.2–0.6 g/100 g DM). Sprouts of red sorghum varieties showed significantly higher total kafirin levels and a greater proportion of the γ-fraction, which may be associated with differences in protein structural properties and could suggest potential bioactivity, as indicated by previous literature. However, no direct functional or bioactivity assays were performed in this study. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among selected sorghum varieties in total kafirin content and the proportion of the γ fraction (p < 0.05), with α being the dominant fraction in all tested samples. These results provide, for the first time, detailed data on the kafirin composition of sorghum sprouts grown in a temperate climate and address a key gap in the literature concerning the effect of environmental conditions on sorghum storage proteins. The findings support further research on the use of sorghum sprouts as a raw material for functional foods, protein-enriched products, and animal feed under European growing conditions. Full article

Soil salinization severely restricts vegetation restoration in Northwest China. Native Limonium plants, capable of naturally colonizing saline-alkalisaline–alkali wasteland, are potential germplasm for low-cost ecological restoration. This study focused on three wild Limonium species (Limonium aureum, Limonium bicolor, Limonium gmelinii) in Gansu Province. In this study, we integrated seed phenotypic diversity with stress tolerance. We then investigated seed germination indices (e.g., germination rate, energy, vigor index) and seedling physiological–biochemical indices of three Limonium species under 0, 100, 200, 300 mM NaCl and NaHCO₃ stress. These indices included leaf and root Na⁺ and K⁺ contents, chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid contents, and malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, soluble sugar, and soluble protein contents, plus SOD and CAT activities. Results showed seed area and thickness were key to germination performance, with L. aureum having the largest and thickest seeds and strongest germination potential. The onset concentration of significant inhibition for salt/alkali was 200 mM. At the seedling stage, L. aureum performed best at 100–200 mM, while all three were damaged at 300 mM. Principal component analysis indicated that L. aureum had the highest comprehensive scores under both NaCl and NaHCO₃ stresses, while L. bicolor and L. gmelinii presented distinct stress-specific adaptation differences. Thus, L. bicolor is recommended for salt-dominated soils and L. gmelinii for alkaline environments, and L. aureum can be used for mildly heterogeneous habitats. This study clarifies inter-species differences under stress, providing a direct theoretical basis for ecological restoration in saline–alkali areas. Full article

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is increasingly recognized as a sustainable crop due to its adaptability to challenging environmental conditions and its nutritional potential. The present study aimed to characterize the nutritional composition and native microbial species associated with three sorghum hybrids cultivated in Bulgaria. Crude protein was 9.37–10.42%, total carbohydrate content was between 87.4 and 89.6%, and crude fat content was in the range of 3.84–4.9%. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all hybrids, accounting for 44.9% to 48.0% of total lipids. Quinic acid emerged as the dominant organic acid in all hybrids, with the highest concentration of 729.37 mg/100 g. The microbiological assessment focused on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts. Microbial isolates were subjected to molecular identification through 16S rRNA gene and ITS region sequencing. The predominant LAB species included Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Pediococcus pentosaceus, while most of the yeast isolates belonged to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phylogenetic analysis indicated substantial intraspecies variation, particularly within LAB strains, suggesting the presence of unique genotypic traits. These findings contribute to a better understanding of sorghum’s nutritional value and endogenous microbiota and open opportunities for developing sorghum-based functional products. Full article

Efficient and climate-resilient Sorghum bicolor L. cultivation is increasingly important under Central European conditions. This study evaluated two hybrids across two locations in 2023–2024 with row spacings of 25, 45, and 75 cm and four sowing densities of 210,000–300,000 seed ha⁻¹. Row spacing, year, and genotype exerted a strong and consistent effect on grain yield and quality, with multiple instances reaching high statistical significance (p < 0.001). In contrast, seed rate had no significant main effect, influencing results only via site- and season-specific interactions. At a 45 cm row spacing, sorghum exhibited the highest grain yield (8.59 t ha⁻¹), the lowest seed moisture content (13.59%), and the greatest protein yield (1.094 t ha⁻¹). The 25 cm spacing with higher density produced with 0.46 t ha⁻¹ higher yields than 75 cm and the highest protein content (13.35%), but 0.48 t ha⁻¹ lower yield than the 45 cm treatment. The 75 cm spacing generally gave 12.29% lower yield and 6.72% lower quality despite higher tillering. TKW was highest at 45 cm row spacing (31.12 g), 23.3% greater than at 75 cm (25.25 g). The 45 cm row spacing provided the most stable yield, superior quality, and balanced agronomic performance, representing the most practical configuration for sustainable sorghum production under Central European conditions. Full article

In recent years, symptoms suggestive of viral infection have commonly occurred in Gynura bicolor in China. However, no viral genome infecting G. bicolor has been reported. This study applied high-throughput sequencing to plant samples with chlorotic spots in Sanya, Hainan. Viral sequences were confirmed using RT-PCR and RACE. Complete genomes of vanilla distortion mosaic virus (VDMV, Potyvirus vanillae) and an unknown virus were obtained. Sequence analysis indicated that the VDMV isolate from the G. bicolor is a novel variant. It shares 81.13% identity with its closest known strain. The unknown virus is phylogenetically related to maculaviruses but shares less than 76% nucleotide identity with other tymovirids. According to the ICTV, it should be classified as a new member of the genus Maculavirus. In this study, we provisionally designated the virus as gynura bicolor maculavirus (GBMV). Transmission electron microscopy revealed both filamentous and icosahedral virions in stems, but only filamentous virions in leaves. Quantitative RT-PCR showed high RNA accumulation of both viruses in the stems. GBMV levels were significantly lower in leaves. Dodder-mediated mechanical transmission successfully transferred VDMV and GBMV to Nicotiana occidentalis, Oenothera biennis, and Chenopodium amaranticolor. O. biennis developed chlorotic symptoms 15 days after dual infection. Full article

The growing awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities has generated interest in gluten-free products. Whole sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an excellent source of nutrients and is gluten-free. However, the absence of gluten makes it technologically challenging to produce leavened products. This research aims to utilize a response surface methodology to optimize the specific loaf volume and crumb firmness of a whole sorghum-based gluten-free bread formulation, evaluating different levels of milk powder, egg white, yeast, sugar, psyllium husk powder, xanthan gum, and soy lecithin. The models fit achieved an $R^2\ge 80\%$. The optimized formulation increased the specific loaf volume from 1.7 to 2.8 cm³ g⁻¹ and decreased crumb firmness from 10.6 to 3.7 N compared to the initial gluten-free bread formulation (C1). Egg white, milk powder, and psyllium contribute to the formation of a gluten-like network, which enables gas retention, dough expansion, and volume increase. In addition, soy lecithin, among hydrocolloids, enhances dough stability and moisture retention, resulting in a softer crumb. Sensory evaluation indicated good consumer acceptability (average score of 7 on a 9-point hedonic scale), particularly for texture and flavor. These findings suggest that optimal formulation of sorghum achieves both technological and sensory properties, supporting its potential as a viable gluten-free bread alternative. Full article

Tropical forage crops vary widely in biochemical composition, resulting in inconsistent silage quality. Understanding how plant traits shape microbial and metabolic networks during ensiling is crucial for optimizing fermentation outcomes. Eight tropical forages—Sorghum bicolor (sweet sorghum), Sorghum × drummondii (sorghum–Sudangrass hybrid), Sorghum sudanense (Sudangrass), Pennisetum giganteum (giant Napier grass), Pennisetum purpureum cv. Purple (purple elephant grass), Pennisetum sinese (king grass), Leymus chinensis (sheep grass), and Zea mexicana (Mexican teosinte)—were ensiled under uniform conditions. Fermentation quality, bacterial and fungal communities (16S rRNA and ITS sequencing), and metabolite profiles (untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, LC-MS) were analyzed after 60 days. Sweet sorghum and giant Napier grass showed optimal fermentation, with high lactic acid levels (111.2 g/kg and 99.4 g/kg, respectively), low NH₄⁺-N (2.4 g/kg and 3.1 g/kg), and dominant Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. In contrast, sheep grass and Mexican teosinte exhibited poor fermentation, with high NH₄⁺-N (6.7 and 6.1 g/kg) and Clostridium dominance. Fungal communities were dominated by Kazachstania humilis (>95%), while spoilage-associated genera such as Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Termitomyces proliferated in poorly fermented silages. Metabolomic analysis identified 15,827 features, with >3000 significantly differential metabolites between silages. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed divergence in flavonoid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid pathways. In the sweet sorghum vs. sheep grass comparison, oxidative stress markers ((±) 9-HODE, Agrimonolide) were elevated in sheep grass, while sweet sorghum accumulated antioxidants like Vitamin D3. Giant Napier grass exhibited higher levels of antimicrobial flavonoids (e.g., Apigenin) than king grass, despite both being dominated by lactic acid bacteria. Sorghum–Sudangrass hybrid silage showed enrichment of lignan and flavonoid derivatives, while Mexican teosinte accumulated hormone-like compounds (Gibberellin A53, Pterostilbene), suggesting microbial dysbiosis. These findings indicate that silage fermentation outcomes are primarily driven by forage-intrinsic traits. A “forage–microbiota–metabolite” framework was proposed to explain how plant-specific properties regulate microbial assembly and metabolic output. These insights can guide forage selection and development of precision inoculant for high-quality tropical silage. Full article

In this study, we sought to improve the productivity of Far Eastern catfish (Silurus asotus) and tropical eel (Anguilla bicolor), which are high-value fish species in the Republic of Korea, as well as that of associated crops by applying biofloc technology (BFT)-based aquaponics systems. The following three systems were used: the flow-through system (FTS), BFT, and BFT aquaponics system (BAPs). Caipira lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was utilized and hydroponics (HP) was implemented to compare crop productivity. After 42 days of treatment, the BAPs and BFT systems improved fish productivity, with weight gain rates of 134.47 ± 1.80% in BAPs-cat, 130.38 ± 0.95% in BFT, and 114.21 ± 6.62% in FTS for S. asotus, and 70.61 ± 3.26% in BAPs-eel, 62.37 ± 7.04% in BFT, and 47.83 ± 1.09% in FTS for A. bicolor. During the experiment, the total ammonia nitrogen and NO₂⁻-N concentrations were stable in all plots. In the case of NO₃⁻-N, BFT showed an increasing tendency while both BAPs showed a decrease compared with that of the BFT. BAPs-cat (total weight: 224.1 ± 6.37 g) and HP (220.3 ± 7.17 g) resulted in similar growth. However, in BAPs-eel was 187.7 ± 3.46 g due to root degradation. Water content analysis showed that BAPs-cat and BAPs-eel contained sufficient K, Ca, P, and S, which are important for crop growth. Overall, the effect of BAPs on fish growth was higher than that of FTS. This study reveals that integrating BFT with aquaponics improves productivity for high-value fish and associated crops while maintaining stable water quality. This method offers sustainable, efficient production, reduces environmental impact, and provides insights for future research in sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

The sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner, 1897)), a globally destructive pest, severely compromises sorghum yield and quality. This study compared aphid-resistant (HX133) and aphid-susceptible (HX37) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivars, revealing that HX133 significantly suppressed aphid proliferation through repellent and antibiotic effects, while aphid populations increased continuously in HX37. Transcriptome analysis identified 2802 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 45.9% upregulated) in HX133 at 24 h post-infestation, in contrast with only 732 DEGs (21% upregulated) in HX37. Pathway enrichment highlighted shikimate-mediated phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism as central to HX133’s defense response, alongside photosynthesis-related pathways common to both cultivars. qRT-PCR validation confirmed activation of the shikimate pathway in HX133, driving the synthesis of dhurrin—a cyanogenic glycoside critical for aphid resistance—and other tyrosine-derived metabolites (e.g., benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids, tocopherol). These findings demonstrate that HX133 employs multi-layered metabolic regulation, particularly dhurrin accumulation, to counteract aphid infestation, whereas susceptible cultivars exhibit limited defense induction. This work provides molecular targets for enhancing aphid resistance in sorghum breeding programs. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the preferences of young adults in the Polish apple market in response to the declining consumption of these fruits. To address the research questions, a study was conducted among young adults using a custom-designed online questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 729 participants. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, and due to the nature of the data, Wilcoxon tests were also employed to examine differences. The most frequently purchased fruits among young adults were bananas and apples; however, strawberries and raspberries were the most favored. The most preferred apple cultivars were bicolored (e.g., Jonagored) and red (e.g., Gala Royal), while yellow cultivars (e.g., Golden Delicious) were perceived as the least attractive. Young consumers favored apples that were juicy, firm, and moderately sweet. This study demonstrated that the skin color of an apple was associated with expectations regarding its firmness and sweetness. Apples with intense coloration (dark red and green) received the highest valuations, particularly when organically grown. In contrast, apples from conventional production systems were valued below their market price by young consumers, indicating the need for strategies aimed at enhancing their perceived value. Full article

Grain size is a crucial agronomic trait that significantly impacts yield potential in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), making it a key focus for genetic improvement. In this study, we investigated the genetic basis of grain size variation using two contrasting sorghum accessions, PI302232 (small grain, Sg) and PI563512 (large grain, Lg). The 1000-grain weight, grain length, and grain width of Lg were 3.63-fold, 1.22-fold, and 1.65-fold higher than Sg, respectively. The 1000-grain weight in the F₂ segregating population derived from the cross Sg and Lg parents exhibited the highest phenotypic variation and followed a normal distribution in the three traits. Using bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) with small- and large-grain bulks from the F₂ population, two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain size were identified on chromosomes 1 and 3. Fine mapping with SSR markers narrowed the qGS1 locus to a 1.03 Mb region on chromosome 1 (Chr01: 22,001,448–23,035,593), containing 49 candidate genes. To narrow down potential candidate genes, transcriptome analysis of spike tissues from Sg and Lg at 0 and 14 days after heading revealed 3719 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), primarily enriched in “starch and sucrose metabolism” and “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” pathways. Integrating fine mapping intervals and RNA-seq data, 6 DEGs were identified within the qGS1 region. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed that 6 genes exhibited different expression at two stages. The expression and bioinformatics analysis showed Sobic.001G230700 was the most likely candidate gene for the qGS1 locus. This study provides new insights into the genetic regulation of grain size and a new target to improve grain size in sorghum. Full article

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, (L.) Moench.), is one of the most important cereals in semi-arid and subtropical regions of Africa. However, in these regions, sorghum cultivation is often faced with several constraints. In Mali, terminal or post-flowering drought, caused by the early cessation of rains towards the end of the rainy season, is one of the most common constraints. Sorghum is generally adapted to harsh conditions. However, drought combined to heat reduce its yield and production in tropical and subtropical regions. To identify parents of sorghum hybrids tolerant to post-flowering drought for commercial hybrids development and deployment, a total of 200 genotypes, including male and female parents of the hybrids, were evaluated in 2022 by lysimeters under two water regimes, well-irrigated and water-stressed, at ICRISAT in Niger. Agronomic traits such as phenological stages, physiological traits including transpiration efficiency, and morphological traits such as green leaf number were recorded. Genotype × environment (G × E) interaction was significant for harvest index (HI), green leaf number (GLN), and transpiration efficiency (TE), indicating different responses of genotypes under varying water conditions. Transpiration efficiency (TE) was significantly and positively correlated with total biomass (BT), harvest index (HI), and grain weight (GW) under both stress conditions. Genotypes ICSV216094, ICSB293, ICSV1049, ICSV1460016, and ICSV216074 performed better under optimal and stress conditions. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results led to the identification of three groups of genotypes. The Groups 1 and 3 are characterized by their yield stability and better performance under stress and optimal conditions. These two groups could be used by breeding programs to develop high yield and drought tolerant hybrids. Full article