Search Results (2,674)

Glycerophosphate diester phosphodiesterase (GDPD) catalyzes the decomposition of glycerophosphate diester into sn-glycerol-3-phosphate and corresponding alcohols. In this study, six GDPD genes were identified in the cucumber genome, named CsGDPD1 to CsGDPD6, and distributed on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. All six proteins exhibited similar predicted three dimensional structures, suggesting conserved biochemical functions. Phylogenetic and dN/dS selection pressure analyses revealed that CsGDPD genes are evolutionarily close to their Arabidopsis homologs and have evolved under purifying selection, indicating functional conservation. Synteny analysis identified five collinear gene pairs between cucumber and Arabidopsis, but no synteny with rice. Promoter cis-acting element analysis showed the presence of multiple stress- and hormone-responsive elements. Tissue-specific expression profiling demonstrated that CsGDPD1, CsGDPD2, and CsGDPD6 are broadly expressed across tissues, whereas CsGDPD4 and CsGDPD5 show preferential expression in reproductive organs. qRT-PCR under drought and salt stress, with or without the plant growth promoting rhizobacterium GD17, revealed that drought alone upregulates all CsGDPD genes; PGPR-GD17 alone (+PGPR) suppresses their expression; and combined PGPR + Drought leads to synergistic suppression. Under salt stress, CsGDPD5 was dramatically upregulated (20-fold), and PGPR-GD17 partially reversed salt induced changes. These results provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding the evolutionary and functional roles of the GDPD gene family in cucumber stress responses. Full article

Global warming and changes in grass biodiversity increase the vulnerability of agricultural crops to the harmful bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi. This study examined 23 wild grass species, wheat, and maize as hosts for R. padi. We studied aphid development on different hosts to estimate reproduction of apterous females and their progeny winging using clones of R. padi originated from the Krasnodar Region (Southern Russia) and two districts of the Leningrad Region (Northwestern Russia). Within the framework of “outdoor microcosm” experiments, a highly significant influence of the host, the regional origin of the clone, and the interaction of these factors was detected. The most favorable for R. padi development species (along with wheat and maize) were Poa trivialis, Lolium multiflorum, and Hordeum jubatum. The least suitable were Panicum miliaceum, Agrostis capillaris, Leymus arenarius, Setaria viridis, Elymus repens, and Bromus erectus. There was a tendency to decrease aphid reproduction on wild plants with the C₄ type of photosynthesis. When feeding on less suitable host plants, R. padi offspring tend to develop wings quickly, even at low colony density, thereby triggering dispersal. Aphids showed some local trophic specialization: a negative correlation was observed between the offspring of one female during the first 14 days of breeding (P14) and its winging in clones collected from the Leningrad Region, but not from the Krasnodar Region, indicating some spatial heterogeneity in the ecological strategies of aphids. The results obtained may be useful for improving R. padi control systems. Full article

Glitter is a distinctive and largely overlooked form of primary microplastic. Unlike more commonly studied microplastics, glitter particles are typically flat, highly reflective, multi-layered, and are composed of polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride with metallic coatings and a wide range of additives. In response to regulatory restrictions on intentionally added microplastics and increasing consumer demand, “eco-friendly” alternatives based on modified regenerated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, or mica have been introduced, although their environmental safety remains insufficiently characterized. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental occurrence and ecotoxicological effects of both conventional and biodegradable glitters. A systematic literature search in Scopus identified 15 peer-reviewed experimental studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Evidence spans a wide range of taxa, including bacteria (i.e., Aliivibrio fischeri), microalgae and cyanobacteria (i.e., Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Microcystis aeruginosa), aquatic plants (i.e., Lemna minor, Egeria densa), marine and freshwater invertebrates as crustaceans (i.e., Daphnia magna), bivalves (i.e., Mytilus galloprovincialis), sea urchins (i.e., Paracentrotus lividus), brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) and terrestrial soil fauna (Eisenia fetida, Folsomia candida). Results indicate that glitter cannot be treated as a uniform stressor: biological responses vary markedly with particle size, shape, colour, polymer type, additive composition, and weathering time, and leachates often exert stronger effects than intact particles. Reported impacts include impaired photosynthesis and growth, oxidative stress, developmental abnormalities, altered energy metabolism, and reduced reproduction. Substantial gaps remain regarding environmental concentrations, ageing processes, mixture effects, and long-term ecological consequences, particularly for biodegradable glitters. Addressing these gaps will require realistic exposure scenarios, mesocosm and field studies, and integrated chemical–biological approaches to support robust risk assessment and safer material design. Full article

Background/Objectives: The high temperatures associated with climate change represent an important constraint for tomato production in tropical regions, affecting plant growth, reproductive development, and fruit metabolic composition. In this context, protected cultivation systems capable of modifying greenhouse microclimates may help reduce thermal stress and maintain crop productivity. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of two protective environments, diffuse agricultural film (AF) and twin-walled polycarbonate panels with laminar water flow (P), on the agronomic performance and fruit metabolic traits of five grape–tomato hybrids grown under tropical conditions. Microclimatic variables, vegetative growth, yield components, postharvest behavior, and fruit quality attributes were evaluated, with emphasis on carotenoid accumulation. Results: Compared with the agricultural film environment, the polycarbonate system reduced global radiation and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and was associated with an increase in yield of approximately 25%, an increase in fruit number of approximately 13%, and an 8% increase in fruit diameter. In addition, some hybrids cultivated under the polycarbonate system showed greater lycopene and β-carotene accumulation, indicating that microclimate moderation may favor carotenoid-related fruit quality depending on genotype. Principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between cultivation environments, with the polycarbonate system more closely associated with yield-related and canopy development traits, whereas the agricultural film environment was linked to biomass accumulation and selected physicochemical attributes. Among the evaluated hybrids, BS IGR0104, Jacy, and GI7545 showed the most favorable combination of agronomic performance and fruit quality traits. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the importance of climate-adaptive protected cultivation systems and hybrid selection for improving tomato productivity under tropical heat conditions. Full article

Temperature stress strongly affects plant metabolism, and recurrent heat exposure can modify physiological responses depending on developmental stage. This study examined the biochemical and physiological adjustments of Senecio madagascariensis subjected to single (naïve) or repeated (primed) heat stress at 40 °C during vegetative and reproductive stages. Sampling was conducted after the second heat stress and after the subsequent recovery period. Principal component analyses (PCAs) revealed marked stage-specific contrasts. In the vegetative stage, PCA1 and PCA2 explained 75.7% of total variance, clearly separating treatments: naïve plants were associated with elevated proline, soluble sugars, phenolics, glycine betaine, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and lipid peroxidation, whereas primed plants were linked to enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities and reduced oxidative markers. Under stress, naïve plants showed substantial increases in soluble sugars (+198%) and proline (+66.9%), whereas primed plants exhibited attenuated oxidative responses and reduce phenolic accumulation. After recovery, primed plants exhibited markedly reduced H₂O₂ levels (−57.5%) and lipid peroxidation, alongside higher SOD activity. In the reproductive stage, PCA indicated more subtle priming effects, with overlapping clusters among treatments. Primed plants accumulated the highest soluble sugar levels under stress (+276.5%), while naïve plants showed higher proline and glycine betaine levels. Following recovery, osmolyte levels were similar among groups. Senecionine remained unchanged during the vegetative stage but increased in both naïve (+21.4%) and primed (+19.1%) plants during the reproductive stage after recovery. Oxidative markers revealed contrasting patterns, with primed reproductive plants showed the lowest superoxide under stress but the highest H₂O₂ and lipid peroxidation at both time points. Overall, the findings demonstrate that heat-stress responses in S. madagascariensis are developmentally regulated, with stronger priming effects during vegetative growth and phenology-dependent metabolic adjustments during reproduction. All results are directly supported by the measured biochemical and physiological data. Full article

Halophytes thrive in saline habitats through highly specialized adaptive responses, including seed-based strategies to regulate germination timing and ensure reproductive success under fluctuating environmental conditions. Salt-induced quiescence, structural alteration, and regulatory mechanisms are valuable adaptive strategies that facilitate plant growth under high saline conditions, which are becoming increasingly severe due to global climate change. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of halophyte seed germination, dormancy, and recovery. Low to moderate salt exposure generally causes reversible inhibition of germination; however, prolonged or high-level exposure causes stress-induced seed damage. On the other hand, halophyte seeds exhibit regulatory mechanisms associated with germination inhibition under high salt conditions. Adaptive traits such as seed heteromorphism, protective seed coats, mucilage production, and physiological dormancy enhance survival and establishment in saline soils. The ability of halophyte seeds to maintain viability under high salinity and to germinate rapidly when salt stress is alleviated indicates the preservation of metabolic and cellular integrity. Structural adaptations, regulatory mechanisms that balance germination, and the salt-induced quiescent process are controlled by morphological changes and molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, this review highlights the ecological significance and potential applications of halophyte seeds for crop improvement and the restoration of saline and degraded lands. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of halophyte seed behavior is a valuable approach for enhancing plant resilience to salinity stress. Full article

Objectives: Plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication and carry tissue-specific metabolites, yet tissue-resolved EV metabolomics in non-model medicinal plants remains poorly explored. Hibiscus syriacus is a valuable medicinal and ornamental species rich in bioactive compounds, but the metabolic profiles of flower- and leaf-derived EVs are unknown. This study aimed to characterize tissue-specific EV metabolomes of H. syriacus and reveal their functional implications. Methods: EVs were isolated from flowers (MJH) and leaves (MJY) of H. syriacus and verified by TEM and DLS. Untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics was applied to profile EV metabolites. Multivariate statistics (PCA, OPLS-DA), differential metabolite screening (VIP > 1, p < 0.05), and KEGG pathway enrichment were performed. Results: MJH- and MJY-EVs exhibited typical EV morphology and high purity. In total, 3338 metabolites were identified, dominated by lipids (29.43%). Clear metabolic separation was observed between MJH- and MJY-EVs. Thirty-nine differential metabolites were identified: 31 upregulated in MJH-EVs (lipids, pentadecanoic acid) and eight in MJY-EVs (nucleotides, secondary metabolites). Glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most enriched pathway in MJH-EVs, while MJY-EVs were linked to energy and defensive metabolism. Conclusions: H. syriacus EVs display strong tissue-specific metabolic signatures. Leaf EVs prioritize lipid metabolism for photosynthetic function and stress tolerance, while flower EVs accumulate secondary and energy-related metabolites for reproduction and defense. These findings advance plant EV biology and support potential applications of H. syriacus EVs in cosmetics and agriculture. Full article

Rapid climate shifts in high-latitude regions profoundly impact the geographical distribution boundaries and molecular adaptive strategies of cold-tolerant plants. Lonicera caerulea, known for its excellent cold tolerance, provides an ideal model for exploring the molecular mechanisms of climate adaptation and trait formation. To elucidate the ecological and molecular mechanisms of climate adaptation in L. caerulea, we integrated species distribution modeling with multi-tissue transcriptome profiling. Distribution modeling identified temperature and precipitation as primary constraints on its current range, with projections suggesting a significant poleward expansion under future warming scenarios. At the molecular level, we identified 19 LcSWEET genes exhibiting functional differentiation. Rather than listing specific candidates, our findings highlight that certain LcSWEET members are transcriptionally activated during fruit maturation, while others are significantly upregulated in response to cold stress, underscoring their dual roles in plant reproduction and ecological adaptation. This study revealed that the LcSWEET gene family exhibits functional diversification in tissue-specific expression and low-temperature stress response. It provides molecular candidates that may inform future studies on plant adaptive response under climate change and lays a theoretical foundation for germplasm conservation and high-quality breeding of L. caerulea. Full article

Enormous genetic diversity exists in rice germplasm, including wild and weedy relatives, though they remain unexplored within in situ or ex situ collections. Characterisation and utilisation of the available biodiversity in plant breeding is essential for the detection of novel traits or genes for climate resilience. In this study, 97 rice genotypes, including 90 rice accessions belonging to various Oryza species and 7 check cultivars with an O. sativa background, were characterised for quantitative morphological characters following the guidelines based on distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), India. Characterisation of the genotypes based on 39 important DUS morphological descriptors revealed polymorphism in 35 traits, confirming high morphological diversity among wild rice accessions and distinguishing and unique traits from other wild accessions for the utilisation in pre-breeding programmes. Genotypes such as WD5_6, WD10_4, and WD3_3 consistently expressed a favourable combination of broad and long leaves, extended panicle length, and well-branched panicles with higher panicle number. In addition, these genotypes showed purple pigmentation across multiple vegetative and reproductive organs, indicating stable and enhanced anthocyanin accumulation. Accessions WD10_4 and WD3_3 also represent valuable donors for panicle architecture and yield component enhancement, while genotypes such as WD17_15 and WD12_8 may serve as specific donors for panicle length and branching traits. Characterisation studies and detection of unique traits provide the empirical foundation for conservation decisions, taxonomic clarity, and pre-breeding applications. Interspecific crosses in the genetic background of elite cultivars with donor species viz., O. barthii, O. glaberrima and O. rufipogon were developed as pre-breeding materials for further crop improvement as well as for the identification of novel genes of agronomic importance. Full article

The crop system of soybean–maize succession has been adopted widely in the Neotropics. It inadvertently provides continuous food resources (green bridges) to stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), favoring outbreaks. Thus, stink bugs need to be managed within a broader and more holistic perspective. Not just individual fields but the whole landscape should be monitored and managed, since these pest outbreaks are deeply influenced by neighboring fields and successive crops in the same field. During the first crop season, stink bugs should be controlled only in the reproductive stage of soybean (from the R3 to R6 plant development stage), when the population is equal to or higher than the economic threshold (ET) of two stink bugs·m⁻¹. Biological control or plant resistance strategies should be used instead of chemicals whenever possible. When the ET is reached at R7 or R8, more tolerant maize varieties (fast growing) should be sown in the second crop season with the seed treatment using recommended insecticides. Grain losses during harvest and the presence of weeds must be avoided at the end of the soybean season. Chemical insecticide sprayings on maize might still be necessary if Diceraeus spp. outbreaks equal or surpass three stink bugs·m⁻¹ during early maize stages (until V7). This more precise and less impactful management of the agroecosystem will promote a more sustainable and resilient management of these polyphagous pests. Full article

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally vital oilseed and cash crop. The LONELY GUY (LOG) gene family acts as a core regulator of cytokinin activation, governing plant meristem maintenance, growth, development, and stress responses. However, the genome-wide characteristics, evolutionary dynamics, and biological functions remain largely uncharacterized in peanut. In this study, 24 AhLOG genes were identified from the cultivated peanut Tifrunner. Phylogenetic analysis, gene structure characterization, and conserved motifs validated the high evolutionary conservation of the AhLOG gene family, and subcellular localization prediction indicated most AhLOG proteins were distributed in the cytoplasm. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed abundant hormone-responsive and stress-responsive cis-elements in the promoter regions of the AhLOG genes. Synteny analysis uncovered highly conserved collinear relationships between cultivated peanut and its diploid progenitors (A. duranensis, A. ipaensis) as well as the wild tetraploid relative (A. monticola), while numerous conserved orthologous syntenic pairs were detected between peanut and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Tissue expression profiles revealed remarkable functional divergence among members: AhLOG3 and AhLOG16 were widely involved in both vegetative and reproductive development, while several other AhLOG genes exhibited strict tissue-specific expression. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that AhLOG genes were significantly induced by abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), drought and salt treatments, with distinct expression patterns under these abiotic stress conditions. Collectively, this work provides a systematic understanding of the AhLOG gene family and offers key candidate genes along with theoretical support for further functional investigation and molecular breeding of stress-resistant peanut. Full article

Wild vanilla populations with high aromatic potential and morphological affinity to Vanilla odorata have been identified in Oaxaca, Mexico. This study employed morphologic and molecular taxonomic approaches to characterize plant material collected from the field and subsequently maintained under uniform conditions at the Tecnológico Nacional de México Tuxtepec campus germplasm bank. Morphological characterization of the three populations was conducted, and genetic analyses of 155 accessions (2365 SNPs) were performed using Genotyping by Sequencing. The morphological analyses revealed clear differences in vegetative and reproductive traits among the studied accessions. Phylogenetic and STRUCTURE analyses identified three groups within the V. odorata-like clade: a pure group, and two hybrid groups involving V. odorata and V. insignis or V. cribbiana. These findings reveal a high level of phenotypic and genetic diversity within wild vanilla populations from Oaxaca and suggest that hybridization may have played an important role in the evolutionary history of the group. Furthermore, the results challenge the current taxonomic circumscription of Vanilla odorata, indicating that its taxonomic identity and evolutionary origin require re-evaluation. This study provides new insights into the diversification and taxonomy of aromatic wild vanilla species in Mesoamerica. Full article

Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as promising nanobioinputs capable of modulating plant metabolism and stress responses. However, their effectiveness under field conditions remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of Spirulina-derived carbon dots (S-CDs) on rice metabolic, agronomic, and grain-quality responses under non-stress and heat stress conditions. Two independent field experiments were conducted under ambient and heat stress conditions, the latter imposed using temporary greenhouse structures during the reproductive stage. S-CDs were applied by foliar spraying (0.2 mg mL⁻¹) at key developmental stages. Their effects were assessed through metabolic, agronomic, and grain quality analyses. Under non-stress conditions, daily average temperatures ranged from 20 to 27 °C, while daily maxima ranged from 24 to 38 °C. Heat stress increased daily average temperature by 3.9 °C and daily maximum temperature by 12.5 °C, with temperature peaks frequently exceeding 45 °C for several hours. Under non-stress conditions, S-CDs induced modest changes in antioxidant, carbon, and nitrogen metabolism, but without consistent improvements in grain yield or yield components. Under heat stress, however, S-CD application reduced spikelet sterility and increased grain yield despite limited changes in the metabolic variables evaluated. Grain quality and nutritional composition also responded differently depending on the environmental condition, indicating context-dependent effects. S-CDs showed limited agronomic relevance under favorable field conditions, but contributed to yield stability under heat stress. These findings support the potential of S-CDs as complementary nanobiostimulants to improve rice resilience under climate-related stress conditions. Full article

Heavy metals in soil can be translocated to floral rewards via specific physiological pathways, potentially altering pollinator behavior and reducing plant reproductive fitness. However, the comparative effects of different heavy metals on floral rewards and pollination remain poorly understood. Here, blueberries were used as a model system to examine the accumulation of four heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, and Ni) in floral rewards and assess their impacts on plant reproductive performance and bumblebee visitation behavior under controlled conditions. Heavy metals accumulated in floral rewards in a concentration-dependent manner, with strong positive relation to soil metal levels; pollen generally contained higher concentrations than nectar. Increasing soil heavy metal concentrations significantly shortened bumblebee visit duration to individual flowers, with the greatest reduction under high Pb treatment (26.32%), followed by Zn (21.49%), Ni (17.70%), and Cu (15.40%). Visit frequency also declined under medium to high concentrations. All heavy metal treatments reduced pollen viability (1.62–24.48%), pollen deposition on stigmas (9.91–40.59%), and single-fruit weight (16.25–32.51%), with effect magnitudes varying by metal (generally Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni). Overall, heavy metal accumulation in floral rewards negatively affects pollinator behavior and compromises plant reproductive fitness, with metal-specific effect strengths. Full article

The ubiquitin-26S proteasome system provides a key mechanism for regulating protein turnover in plants and contributes to the control of diverse developmental and stress-related processes. Within this system, Skp1-Cullin1-F-box (SCF) E3 ligases rely on F-box proteins to confer substrate specificity, enabling selective and dynamic regulation of target protein stability. The large size and structural diversity of the F-box protein family in plants suggest extensive functional specialization, although many members remain poorly characterized. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of F-box protein function, with a focus on their roles in plant development, stress adaptation, and immunity. Specifically, this review integrates findings across development, abiotic stresses, and immunity to highlight shared and diverging regulatory nodes and critically assesses the strength of substrate evidence to distinguish bona fide from putative F-box targets. We highlight how F-box proteins modulate key regulatory pathways, including phytohormone signaling, reproductive development, root architecture, and secondary metabolism, as well as responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Emerging evidence indicates that F-box-mediated proteolysis acts as an important layer of control linking environmental signals to downstream transcriptional and physiological outputs. A better understanding of F-box protein substrates and regulatory networks is important for dissecting plant adaptive mechanisms and may provide molecular targets for future crop improvement strategies. Full article