Search Results (8,470)

Euonymus bungeanus is a highly valued ornamental tree/shrub species widely utilized in landscaping and afforestation in Northeast Asia, yet molecular studies on this species remain limited due to the lack of validated reference genes for reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In this study, 16 candidate reference genes were selected based on classical plant reference genes and our previous transcriptome data. Their expression stability was comprehensively evaluated using 64 samples collected from diverse tissues and plants subjected to various abiotic stress/hormone treatments across multiple time points. Across all samples analyzed, PBG1 (20S proteasome beta subunit G1) exhibited the highest overall expression stability, followed by VAPD (vacuolar ATP synthase subunit D) and EIF4A (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A). For tissue-specific analysis, TSR2 (pre-rRNA-processing protein), VAPD, and PBG1 demonstrated the greatest stability. Under specific stress conditions, PBG1 and EIF4A were identified as the most stable genes under low- and high-temperature conditions. PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A) and TUB6 (beta-6 tubulin) were optimal for drought stress, while TSR2, SRP (nuclear speckle splicing regulatory-like protein), and PBG1 exhibited superior stability under salt stress. These findings establish a validated panel of reference genes enabling accurate and reliable gene expression normalization in E. bungeanus, thereby facilitating future functional genomics studies in this economically and ecologically important species. Full article

Agriculture faces escalating challenges from pests, diseases, and climatic stresses that threaten global food security. Green nanotechnology offers a sustainable approach to enhance crop protection and productivity by using plant-based methods to synthesize metallic nanoparticles (NPs), reducing chemical inputs and environmental impacts. This review presents the framework of green nanotechnology in agriculture, focusing on biogenic sources of nanoparticle synthesis (especially plant extracts), mechanisms of nanoparticle formation and stabilization by phytochemicals, and characterization techniques for green-synthesized NPs. We examine the application of plant-derived metallic nanoparticles as nanofertilizers to improve nutrient use efficiency and crop yields, as nanopesticides to manage plant pathogens and pests, and as nano-enabled agents to enhance tolerance to abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. Recent studies demonstrate that green-synthesized NPs can increase wheat and rice yields by 13–55%, improve nutrient-use efficiency by up to 80–90% compared to conventional fertilizers, and provide effective pathogen control at reduced active ingredient doses, while reducing dependence on conventional agrochemicals. The review also discusses key challenges limiting large-scale adoption, including production scalability, biological variability in synthesis, potential phytotoxicity at high concentrations, regulatory uncertainties, and gaps in knowledge regarding nanoparticle fate and safety. Overall, green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles emerge as promising tools for improving crop productivity and protection in an eco-friendly manner, supporting the transition toward more sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

Magnetic nanocomposite sorbents are increasingly explored for the remediation of metal-contaminated waters; however, high abiotic removal efficiency may not always translate into biological safety. The present study evaluated the single and combined effects of dissolved cobalt (II) ions and magnetite–chitosan nanocomposites (MCN) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae. MCN (30 wt.% Fe₃O₄) were synthesized via co-precipitation and crosslinking and physiochemically characterized. Adsorption experiments conducted in fish incubation medium demonstrated the efficacy of divalent Co removal and were well described by the Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum experimental capacity of 20.08 mg g⁻¹. The biological endpoints encompassed survival, hatching, heart rate, locomotor behavior, and oxidative stress biomarkers in early-stage zebrafish. The presence of cobalt (II) was found to result in a reduced hatching success rate, the induction of persistent bradycardia, and the occurrence of oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decline in SOD activity and an increase in H₂O₂ and MDA levels. The study found that MCN alone did not lead to mortality or increase peroxide levels or lipid peroxidation, although a modest decrease in SOD activity was observed. In contrast, combined exposure to cobalt and MCN resulted in significant delayed mortality (>85% at 96 h) and early neuromotor impairment. These findings indicate that high abiotic sorption efficiency alone does not guarantee reduced biological toxicity when nanomaterial–metal interactions occur. Consequently, safety assessments of remediation nanomaterials should explicitly consider nanomaterial–metal interactions and developmental stage-specific biological responses. Full article

Salinization of agricultural areas is one of the main abiotic factors responsible for the reduction of seed germination and vigor. In this context, the use of stress attenuators applied to seeds may contribute to mitigating the effects of salinity and improving the physiological and antioxidant performance of seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of stress attenuators on the tolerance and antioxidant activity of watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai cultivars under saline conditions. The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, a 3 × 6 factorial scheme was used to evaluate three salinity levels (0, −0.2, and −0.4 MPa) and six watermelon cultivars. In the second stage, in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme, two cultivars (sensitive and tolerant) were subjected to the combination of salinity (−0.4 MPa) and attenuators: hydropriming, gibberellic acid, salicylic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Physiological and biochemical traits were evaluated, including hydrogen peroxide content, lipid peroxidation, and the activity of the enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Salinity reduced germination and seedling vigor, with Crimson Sweet, Charleston Gray, and Charleston Super being the most sensitive cultivars, whereas Congo and Omaru exhibited greater tolerance, and Fairfax also showed good performance under saline conditions. The selection of cultivars for the second stage was based not only on physiological tolerance but also on agronomic and commercial relevance, including post-harvest resistance traits. Seed treatment of Crimson Sweet with salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide increased antioxidant enzyme activity, with increases of up to 103% in ascorbate peroxidase activity, and reduced oxidative damage, with reductions of 44% in hydrogen peroxide and 49% in malondialdehyde levels. In Fairfax, gibberellic acid contributed to osmotic adjustment, promoting increase of up to 76% in total soluble sugars, while pre-germinative treatment with salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide promoted higher enzyme activity, contributing to the reduction of oxidative stress. Full article

C3H-type zinc finger proteins play essential roles in plant responses to abiotic stresses, as well as in the regulation of growth, development, and signal transduction. Birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.), an ecologically adaptable tree species widely distributed in northern regions, has not yet been systematically characterized for its C3H gene family. In this study, a total of 15 BpC3Hs were identified from a genome-wide analysis of birch. Their physiochemical properties, gene structures, conserved motifs and domains were systematically analyzed. Promoter analysis identified cis-acting elements associated with stress responses, hormone signaling, and developmental regulation. Transcriptome data further showed that most BpC3Hs were responsive to salt, drought, high/low-temperature stresses, and light/dark treatment, and showed differential expression patterns in tension wood and opposite wood. Additionally, they displayed stage-specific expression patterns during male inflorescence development. This study lays a foundation for future functional characterization of the C3H gene family in birch and its application in molecular breeding for stress resistance. Full article

The sucrose synthase (SUS) gene family plays a pivotal role in plant carbon metabolism, growth, and development. In this study, we identified 65 SUS genes across six Brassica species (B. rapa, B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. juncea, B. napus, and B. carinata), and systematically analyzed their structural characteristics, evolutionary history, and expression profiles. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into three subfamilies (SUSI, SUSII, and SUSIII). SUS4 orthologs (from SUSI subfamily) are completely lost in Brassica, and total SUS gene numbers are just 6–7 in Brassica diploid species, though the SUSIII subfamily exhibits significant expansion in Brassica polyploid species. Selection pressure analysis (Ka/Ks) revealed that the Brassica SUS family has primarily undergone purifying selection, although certain members show evidence of adaptive evolution. Comprehensive expression profiling and qRT-PCR validation demonstrated the functional diversification of BnSUS genes in tissue specificity and responses to hormonal and abiotic stimuli. SUSI genes BnSUS1-1/2/3/4 are predominantly expressed in vegetative tissues and flowers; SUSII genes BnSUS2-1/2 and BnSUS3-1/2 are reproductive-organ-specific, while SUSIII genes BnSUS5-1/2 and BnSUS6-1/2/3/4 show young-plant-specific weak expression. BnSUS family genes are generally upregulated by ABA, TZ and GA but downregulated by IAA, ACC, BL and JA. Salt, drought, freezing and cold mainly upregulate the BnSUS family, heat downregulates it, and osmotic stress exerts both effects. Correspondingly, Brassica SUS promoters are enriched with light-responsive (G-box, Box-4), hormone-responsive (ABRE, CGTCA-motif) and anaerobic-induction (ARE) elements. Functional characterization demonstrated that the ABA-responsive gene BnSUS3-2 significantly improved tolerance to osmotic and ionic stresses by promoting root growth in transgenic A. thaliana seedlings. These findings underscore the essential roles of BnSUS genes in maintaining cellular homeostasis and provide a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of carbon metabolism and stress resilience in Brassica crops. Full article

Pitch canker caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum is a destructive disease that affects pines in Europe, South Africa, and North America, particularly along the southeastern and western coasts of the United States. This study systematically elucidated the function of the Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein FcLRR1 in the pine pitch canker pathogen Fusarium circinatum. A total of 13 LRR proteins were identified via bioinformatic analysis. Using a gene knockout system, we demonstrated that deletion of FcLRR1 significantly impaired vegetative growth, conidiation, and conidium germination; led to a complete loss of macroconidia production; and drastically reduced abiotic stress tolerance and virulence. Transcriptome profiling revealed 612 downregulated genes, which were significantly enriched in pathways such as starch and sucrose metabolism, indicating that FcLRR1 modulated energy supply and pathogenicity through carbon source utilization. Through genome-wide protein structure modeling and yeast two-hybrid assays, we identified and validated the interaction between FcLRR1 and ALG-11, among other candidate proteins, further supporting its involvement in carbon metabolism, cell wall integrity, and pathogenesis. This study represents the first functional characterization of an LRR-containing protein in a forest pathogenic fungus and provides a foundational basis for developing targeted disease control strategies. Full article

Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) production is increasingly affected by climatic factors, as well as by phytopathogens and abiotic stress, leading to delays in agronomic interventions and reduced productivity. The objective was to design, implement, and validate a multimodal system (CARYPAR) that enables early disease detection and agile decision-making, characterized by low latency and reduced dependence on cloud connectivity. The methodology integrates climate reanalysis from NASA POWER, biophysical remote sensing variables derived from Sentinel-1/2, and proximal computer vision captured via mobile devices using a late fusion architecture and an optimized convolutional neural network, EfficientNet-V2B0, which discriminates between optimal and pathological conditions in vegetative tissues and fruit. The results of the experimental validation carried out in 160 georeferenced units achieved an overall accuracy of 80.0% and an F1 score of 0.8645 for Bad Fruit. The McNemar test and the operational agreement with agro-industrial experts yielded a Cohen’s Kappa index of κ = 0.6831, with an inference latency reduced to 22.00 ms. It is concluded that the multimodal integration of satellite bio-environmental data with edge computer vision achieves substantial agreement with agronomic expert judgment under heterogeneous field conditions (Cohen’s κ = 0.6831), supporting its role as a decision-support tool rather than a replacement for expert assessment. Therefore, its adoption can enhance real-time irrigation management and crop protection, while contributing to traceability and sustainable resource management in agricultural regions with limited connectivity. Full article

IQ67-domain (IQD) proteins are plant-specific calmodulin (CaM)/calmodulin-like (CML) targets implicated in the spatial organization of Ca²⁺ signaling, yet their roles in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified 24 FtIQD genes and classified them into six phylogenetic subfamilies. FtIQDs show uneven chromosomal distribution and mainly arise from segmental duplication under purifying selection. Promoter analysis revealed the enrichment of MYB-, light-, and ABA-related cis-elements. To link FtIQDs with rutin variation, we performed an FtIQD-focused association analysis using whole-genome resequencing data from altitude-stratified panels of up to 220 accessions. Under additive, dominant, and recessive models, multiple significant SNPs (p < 1 × 10⁻⁵) were detected near a subset of FtIQD loci, showing clear model- and environment-dependent patterns. Recurrent loci included FtIQD22, FtIQD02, FtIQD16, and FtIQD19. RNA-seq under PEG-induced drought stress, tissue expression patterns, pathway co-expression, and qRT–PCR further prioritized FtIQD19. FtIQD19–GFP showed predominant nuclear localization with additional filamentous/peripheral signals, and yeast two-hybrid assays identified FtCaM7.2 as the strongest interactor among representative CaMs. Structural modeling of the FtIQD19–FtCaM7.2 complex suggested testable residue-level interaction features. Collectively, this work provides a foundational FtIQD resource and highlights candidate Ca²⁺/CaM–IQD modules potentially associated with altitude-dependent rutin variation in tartary buckwheat. Full article

Citrus production is increasingly constrained worldwide by rising soil salinity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In Tunisia, the expansion of saline soils represents a major abiotic stress limiting orchard productivity. The identification of salt-tolerant rootstocks has therefore become a priority, especially as alternatives to sour orange (SO, Citrus aurantium L.), which is highly susceptible to Citrus tristeza virus. In recent years, several outbreaks of the disease have been reported in the Cap Bon citrus-growing region, posing an imminent threat to the sustainability of citrus production in Tunisia. This study evaluated the salt tolerance of commercial cultivars (HER, MAR, WN, NH) grafted onto Citrus volkameriana Ten. & Pasq. (CV, Citrus aurantium × Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f.) and three Poncirus trifoliata hybrids (CC, C35, CTR) under irrigation water salinity ranging from 1.1 to 4.1 mS/cm and soil salinity between 1.8 and 3.8 mS/cm. Data were collected between 2020 and 2021 in five young citrus orchards (KHB, OSN, BKN, BSJ, CHK) located in the main citrus-producing region of Tunisia, with key physiological measurements conducted during the high-evaporation period. Salinity increased across most sites during summer 2021, affecting ion homeostasis, Na⁺/K⁺ selectivity, stomatal traits, photosynthetic performance, and growth. The highest leaf Cl⁻ concentration (0.4 meq g⁻¹ dry weight) was recorded in the sensitive HER/CC combination at the OSN site. Increased salinity at OSN was associated with a 0.86% reduction in canopy growth compared to BSJ. Rootstock tolerance was strongly linked to the ability to restrict Cl⁻ accumulation in leaf tissues. Under higher salinity conditions, CV showed superior performance and represents a suitable alternative to SO. Full article

Drought is a major abiotic stress limiting rice production worldwide. GA2ox3, a GA 2-oxidase involved in gibberellin deactivation, has been previously linked to growth regulation. Here, we demonstrate that functional disruption of GA2ox3 enhances shoot growth but compromises drought tolerance in rice. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines (ga2ox3) showed increased plant height and reduced antioxidant capacity under 20%PEG-induced osmotic stress, evidenced by higher H₂O₂ and MDA accumulation and decreased POD activity. Moreover, expression analysis revealed that GA2ox3 may be associated with the GA signaling cascade involving OsSLR1, OsBURP3, and OsSUS1. Haplotype analysis based on 627 rice accessions identified two major alleles, Hap1 and Hap2, with Hap1 showing higher GA2ox3 expression and stronger drought resilience. These findings suggest that GA2ox3 positively regulates osmotic stress tolerance, and its natural variation represents promising genetic resources for improving drought adaptation in rice. Full article

Environmental stress factors, especially salinity, are among the most important abiotic stresses that negatively affect plant production worldwide. High salt levels in irrigation water are a major abiotic stress factor that significantly reduces spinach physiological functioning and production, particularly in irrigated areas. Improving the salt tolerance of spinach is critical for sustainable production, and in this study, we tested the hypothesis that exogenous proline (5 µM), ascorbic acid (1 mM), and salicylic acid (1 mM) applications, applied separately, would reduce salinity stress. These applications were performed at regular 14-day intervals starting from the third true leaf stage. For this purpose, plants were exposed to irrigation water salinities of 0.38, 2.0, 4.0, 7.0, 10.0, and 15.0 dS m⁻¹, and growth, photosynthetic performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, endogenous proline, and mineral contents were assessed. Increasing salinity to 15 dS m⁻¹ decreased leaf area by 53.23% and stomatal conductance by 83.07%, and all these physiological changes were statistically significant. Under salinity conditions, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase activities increased by 1.13–2.52-fold, while ascorbate peroxidase activity decreased by 59.69%. Malondialdehyde levels increased 6-fold with salinity, indicating enhanced oxidative damage. Consequently, yield decreased by 31% under 15 dS m⁻¹ salinity. Although all exogenous applications alleviated salinity stress, the most significant improvement was observed in proline application. Proline increased yield and chlorophyll content by 9% and 8.5%, respectively, and also increased antioxidant enzyme activities by 24.4–66.7%. Salicylic acid treatment increased the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio by 26.6%, and ascorbic acid treatment increased the Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratio by 36.6%. Overall, low-dose proline application was found to improve photosynthetic pigment content and stomatal conductance, antioxidant defenses, and ion homeostasis in spinach against salinity stress, providing a stronger protective effect compared to ascorbic acid and salicylic acid. Furthermore, it can be concluded that proline application could be an effective way to manage salinity-induced limitations to physiological processes and yields, providing practical applications for sustainable production under saline irrigation conditions. Full article

Soybean is a vital crop supporting global food, feed, and biofuel production. Soybean yields have surged, with record yields reaching 14,678 kg/ha⁻¹, though average farm yields remain stagnant at 2770–2790 kg ha⁻¹. The persistent yield gaps leave 44% of potential production unrealized due to climate change, threatening food security. To meet future caloric demands, which are projected to rise by 46.8% by 2050, soybean breeding must prioritize climate-resilient, high-yielding varieties with minimal ecological footprints. In this comprehensive and in-depth review, we synthesized existing literature and Google Patents and reviewed the multifaceted impacts of climate-change driven eCO₂ and stresses (heat, drought, flooding, salinity, and pathogens), revealing non-linear interactions where eCO₂ may not compensate yield losses under combined stresses. We then highlight key strategies for soybean breeding under climate-change scenario. To this regard, we provide a detailed trait-by-trait breeding roadmap covering seed number, seed size, seed weight, protein-oil balance and their metabolic trade-offs, above and below ground plant architecture, nitrogen fixation and nodulation dynamics, root system architecture, water use efficiency, canopy architecture, flowering time regulation, early maturity etc., in light of specific genes and validated strategies. We explicitly discuss the novel strategies including deeper understanding of traits, abiotic stress physiology, changing pathogen dynamics, phenomics, (multi-)omics, machine learning, and modern biotechnological techniques for developing future soybean varieties. We provide a future roadmap prioritizing specific actions, including engineering climate-resilient ideotypes through gene stacking, optimizing nitrogen fixation and nutrition under stresses leveraging omics data, pan-genome, wild soybean, speeding breeding hubs, and participatory farmer-network validation, while redefining the future soybean breeder would be a hybrid orchestrator of data and dirt. This review establishes a foundational framework for translating climate-adaptive morphological, biochemical, physiological, omics, agronomic, phenomics, and biotechnological insights into actionable breeding strategies, thereby guiding policy-driven investment in soybean improvement programs targeting 2050 and beyond. Full article

The homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factor family is conserved in land plants and is critical for regulating growth, development, and stress responses. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an economically valuable dual-purpose crop valued for its high nutrition and notable drought tolerance; however, its HD-Zip gene family has not been systematically characterized. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis was performed to identify and characterize the HD-Zip family in flax. A total of 34 LuHD-Zip genes were identified, which were unevenly distributed across 15 chromosomes and exhibited substantial variation in physicochemical properties. The encoded proteins ranged from 200 to 372 amino acids in length, with molecular weights of 22.7–40.3 kDa and theoretical isoelectric points (pI) of 4.49–9.46. All LuHD-Zip proteins were predicted to be hydrophilic and localized to the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis divided these proteins into two major subfamilies (Group 1 and Group 2), a classification strongly supported by conserved gene structures and motif compositions, implying potential functional redundancy within each group. Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplication events (29 pairs) were the primary drivers of family expansion. Comparative syntenic analysis further indicated that the LuHD-Zip gene family has remained relatively conserved throughout evolution. Promoter cis-element analysis identified multiple regulatory elements associated with hormone signaling and abiotic stress responses, suggesting complex transcriptional control in response to environmental stimuli. Expression profiling via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that LuHD-Zip genes exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns and are differentially regulated by various phytohormone treatments and abiotic stresses. This study provides the first genome-wide characterization of the HD-Zip gene family in flax, offering valuable insights into its evolution and potential functions. These findings establish a solid foundation for future functional investigations of the LuHD-Zip gene family. Full article

Despite Morocco’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest berry exporter, no comprehensive review has evaluated the polyphenol composition, antioxidant properties, and health benefits of raspberries (Rubus idaeus), blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) specifically within the Moroccan cultivation context. This narrative review synthesized evidence from phytochemical analyses, in vitro and in vivo studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and epidemiological data sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Blackberries exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (149 μmol GAE/L) and antioxidant capacity, driven primarily by anthocyanin concentration and diversity. Antioxidant mechanisms included free radical scavenging, transition metal chelation, and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Pooled RCT data demonstrated that regular consumption (150–300 g/day) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (−2.72 mmHg), LDL cholesterol (−0.21 mmol/L), and fasting glucose (−2.70 mg/dL). Additional benefits included neuroprotection via blood-brain barrier crossing and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) elevation, prebiotic modulation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia populations, and anti-cancer activity via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition. Processing significantly affected bioactive retention: freezing preserved phenolic compounds effectively, while conventional drying reduced anthocyanin content by up to 49%. These findings support the integration of Moroccan-cultivated berries—particularly from the Gharb, Loukkos, and Souss-Massa regions—into evidence-based dietary and functional food strategies. Priority research gaps include bioavailability assessment, dose-response characterization, and cultivar-specific phytochemical profiling under Moroccan agro-climatic conditions. Full article