Journal Description
Plants
Plants
is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on plant science published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Australian Society of Plant Scientists (ASPS), the Spanish Phytopathological Society (SEF), the Spanish Society of Plant Physiology (SEFV), the Spanish Society of Horticultural Sciences (SECH) and the Italian Society of Phytotherapy (S.I.Fit.) are affiliated with Plants and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, PubAg, AGRIS, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Plant Sciences) / CiteScore - Q1 (Plant Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.3 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
4.5 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Candidate Gene Modules Involved in Salt Stress Response in Sweet Basil and Overexpression of ObWRKY16 and ObPAL2 Enhanced Salt Tolerance of Transgenic Arabidopsis
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111487 (registering DOI) - 28 May 2024
Abstract
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an important aromatic plant with high edibility and economic value, widely distributed in many regions of the tropics including the south of China. In recent years, environmental problems, especially soil salinization, have seriously restricted the planting
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Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an important aromatic plant with high edibility and economic value, widely distributed in many regions of the tropics including the south of China. In recent years, environmental problems, especially soil salinization, have seriously restricted the planting and spread of sweet basil. However, the molecular mechanism of the salt stress response in sweet basil is still largely unknown. In this study, seed germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll synthesis in sweet basil were inhibited under salt stress conditions. Through comparative transcriptome analysis, the gene modules involved in the metabolic processes, oxidative response, phytohormone signaling, cytoskeleton, and photosynthesis were screened out. In addition, the landscape of transcription factors during salt treatment in sweet basil was displayed as well. Moreover, the overexpression of the WRKY transcription factor-encoding gene, ObWRKY16, and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase-encoding gene, ObPAL2, enhanced the seed germination, seedling growth, and survival rate, respectively, of transgenic Arabidopsis, suggesting that they might be important candidates for the creation of salt-tolerant sweet basil cultivars. Our data enrich the study on salt responses in sweet basil and provide essential gene resources for genetic improvements in sweet basil in the future.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Salinity Stress and Tolerance)
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Genetic Differentiation and Relationship among Castanopsis chinensis, C. qiongbeiensis, and C. glabrifolia (Fagaceae) as Revealed by Nuclear SSR Markers
by
Yang Wu, Kai Yang, Xiangying Wen and Ye Sun
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111486 (registering DOI) - 28 May 2024
Abstract
Castanopsis chinensis (Spreng.) Hance is widespread in the subtropical forests of China. Castanopsis qiongbeiensis G.A. Fu and Castanopsis glabrifolia J. Q. Li & Li Chen are limited to the coastal beaches of Wenchang county in the northeast of Hainan Island, and have similar
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Castanopsis chinensis (Spreng.) Hance is widespread in the subtropical forests of China. Castanopsis qiongbeiensis G.A. Fu and Castanopsis glabrifolia J. Q. Li & Li Chen are limited to the coastal beaches of Wenchang county in the northeast of Hainan Island, and have similar morphological characteristics to C. chinensis. It is supposed that C. qiongbeiensis and C. glabrifolia are closely related to C. chinensis. In the present study, the genetic differentiation, gene flow, and genetic relationship of C. chinensis, C. qiongbeiensis, and C. glabrifolia were investigated by using 15 nuclear microsatellite markers; a total of 308 individuals from 17 populations were sampled in the three species. The allelic variation of nuclear microsatellites revealed moderate but significant genetic differentiation (FCT = 0.076) among C. chinensis, C. qiongbeiensis, and C. glabrifolia, and genetic differentiation between C. chinensis and C. glabrifolia was larger than that between C. chinensis and C. qiongbeiensis. Demographic simulations revealed unidirectional gene flow from C. chinensis to C. glabrifolia and C. qiongbeiensis, which highlight dispersal from mainland to island. The isolation effect of Qiongzhou Strait increased the genetic differentiation of species on both sides of the strait; however, the differentiation was diminished by gene flow that occurred during the historical period when Hainan Island was connected to mainland China. Our results supported the argument that C. glabrifolia should be considered an independent species and argued that C. qiongbeiensis should be regarded as an incipient species and independent conservation unit.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Approaches to the Systematics and Phylogeography of Critic Plant and Algal Groups)
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Contrasting Impacts of Ubiquitin Overexpression on Arabidopsis Growth and Development
by
Peifeng Yu, Zhenyu Gao and Zhihua Hua
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111485 (registering DOI) - 28 May 2024
Abstract
In plants, the ubiquitin (Ub)-26S proteasome system (UPS) regulates numerous biological functions by selectively targeting proteins for ubiquitylation and degradation. However, the regulation of Ub itself on plant growth and development remains unclear. To demonstrate a possible impact of Ub supply, as seen
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In plants, the ubiquitin (Ub)-26S proteasome system (UPS) regulates numerous biological functions by selectively targeting proteins for ubiquitylation and degradation. However, the regulation of Ub itself on plant growth and development remains unclear. To demonstrate a possible impact of Ub supply, as seen in animals and flies, we carefully analyzed the growth and developmental phenotypes of two different poly-Ub (UBQ) gene overexpression plants of Arabidopsis thaliana. One is transformed with hexa-6His-UBQ (designated 6HU), driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, while the other expresses hexa-6His-TEV-UBQ (designated 6HTU), driven by the endogenous promoter of UBQ10. We discovered that 6HU and 6HTU had contrasting seed yields. Compared to wildtype (WT), the former exhibited a reduced seed yield, while the latter showed an increased seed production that was attributed to enhanced growth vigor and an elevated silique number per plant. However, reduced seed sizes were common in both 6HU and 6HTU. Differences in the activity and size of the 26S proteasome assemblies in the two transgenic plants were also notable in comparison with WT, suggestive of a contributory role of UBQ expression in proteasome assembly and function. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that exogenous expression of recombinant Ub may optimize plant growth and development by influencing the UPS activities via structural variance, expression patterns, and abundance of free Ub supply.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Post-Translational Mechanisms Implicated in Stress-Related Responses and Plant-Pathogen Interactions)
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Culm Morphological Analysis in Moso Bamboo Reveals the Negative Regulation of Internode Diameter and Thickness by Monthly Precipitation
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Qianwen Zhang, Xue Chu, Zhipeng Gao, Yulong Ding, Feng Que, Zishan Ahmad, Fen Yu, Muthusamy Ramakrishnan and Qiang Wei
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111484 (registering DOI) - 28 May 2024
Abstract
The neglect of Moso bamboo’s phenotype variations hinders its broader utilization, despite its high economic value globally. Thus, this study investigated the morphological variations of 16 Moso bamboo populations. The analysis revealed the culm heights ranging from 9.67 m to 17.5 m, with
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The neglect of Moso bamboo’s phenotype variations hinders its broader utilization, despite its high economic value globally. Thus, this study investigated the morphological variations of 16 Moso bamboo populations. The analysis revealed the culm heights ranging from 9.67 m to 17.5 m, with average heights under the first branch ranging from 4.91 m to 7.67 m. The total internode numbers under the first branch varied from 17 to 36, with internode lengths spanning 2.9 cm to 46.4 cm, diameters ranging from 5.10 cm to 17.2 cm, and wall thicknesses from 3.20 mm to 33.3 mm, indicating distinct attributes among the populations. Furthermore, strong positive correlations were observed between the internode diameter, thickness, length, and volume. The coefficient of variation of height under the first branch showed strong positive correlations with several parameters, indicating variability in their contribution to the total culm height. A regression analysis revealed patterns of covariation among the culm parameters, highlighting their influence on the culm height and structural characteristics. Both the diameter and thickness significantly contribute to the internode volume and culm height, and the culm parameters tend to either increase or decrease together, influencing the culm height. Moreover, this study also identified a significant negative correlation between monthly precipitation and the internode diameter and thickness, especially during December and January, impacting the primary thickening growth and, consequently, the internode size.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Genetic Architecture of Bamboo Growth and Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Patterns of Genetic Variation of Nepeta nuda L. from the Central Balkans: Understanding Drivers of Chemical Diversity
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Luka Petrović, Marijana Skorić, Branislav Šiler, Tijana Banjanac, Uroš Gašić, Dragana Matekalo, Tamara Lukić, Jasmina Nestorović Živković, Slavica Dmitrović, Neda Aničić, Milica Milutinović, Jelena Božunović, Biljana Filipović, Miloš Todorović and Danijela Mišić
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111483 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Nepeta nuda L., a notable medicinal species in the tradition of the Balkan region, is a rich source of bioactive iridoids and phenolics previously described as high-resolution taxonomical classifiers for the genus Nepeta. However, their potential in investigating intra-species differentiation is here
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Nepeta nuda L., a notable medicinal species in the tradition of the Balkan region, is a rich source of bioactive iridoids and phenolics previously described as high-resolution taxonomical classifiers for the genus Nepeta. However, their potential in investigating intra-species differentiation is here described for the first time. The aim was to recognize the sources of natural chemical diversity and their association with the genetic variability both within and among N. nuda populations in the Central Balkans. Chemical diversity was assessed from methanol extracts and essential oils through untargeted and targeted metabolomics using state-of-the-art analytical tools, covering a broad spectrum of compounds that represent the N. nuda metabolome. We found that chemodiversity primarily resides within populations of N. nuda, and similar results were obtained at the DNA level using microsatellite markers. The low genetic and chemical differentiation of the studied N. nuda populations implies that their metabolomic profiles may be less influenced by geographic distance and variable environmental conditions within the Central Balkans, as they are under the pivotal control of their genetic backgrounds. Screening the distribution of the major bioactive compounds belonging to phenolics (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and iridoids (both aglycones and glycosylated forms), within and among N. nuda populations, is able to guarantee mass spectrometry-based tools for the selection of elite representative genotypes with practical importance. The knowledge acquired will allow us to delve deeper into the molecular background of N. nuda chemical diversity, which is the course of our further work.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Germplasm in Plants Using Molecular and DNA Markers)
Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Piriformospora indica Colonization on the Root Development and Growth of Cerasus humilis Cuttings
by
Lu Yin, Pengyan Qu, Dongmei Wang, Songtao Yan, Qinghua Gong, Rui Yang, Yang Hu, Niru Liu, Chunzhen Cheng, Pengfei Wang, Shuai Zhang, Xiaopeng Mu and Jiancheng Zhang
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111482 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica has a broad range of promoting effects on root development and plant growth in host plants. However, there are currently no reports on the application of this fungus on Cerasus humilis. This
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Numerous studies have shown that the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica has a broad range of promoting effects on root development and plant growth in host plants. However, there are currently no reports on the application of this fungus on Cerasus humilis. This study first compared the colonization ability of P. indica on 11 C. humilis varieties and found that the colonization rate of this fungus on these varieties ranged from 90% to 100%, with the colonization rate of the varieties ‘09-01’ and ‘Nongda 7’ being as high as 100%. Subsequently, the effect of P. indica on root development and plant growth of C. humilis was investigated using cuttings of ‘09-01’ and ‘Nongda 7’ as materials. P. indica colonization was found to increase the biomass of ‘09-01’ and ‘Nongda 7’ plants; root activity, POD enzymes, and chlorophyll content were also significantly increased. In addition, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content in the roots of C. humilis plants increased after colonization, while jasmonic acid (JA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-car- boxylic acid (ACC) content decreased. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that P. indica can promote the growth of C. humilis plants by accelerating biomass accumulation, promoting rooting, and enhancing the production of photosynthetic pigments, as well as regulating hormone synthesis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)
Open AccessArticle
Decoding Arabidopsis thaliana CPK/SnRK Superfamily Kinase Client Signaling Networks Using Peptide Library and Mass Spectrometry
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Nagib Ahsan, Amr R. A. Kataya, R. Shyama Prasad Rao, Kirby N. Swatek, Rashaun S. Wilson, Louis J. Meyer, Alejandro Tovar-Mendez, Severin Stevenson, Justyna Maszkowska, Grazyna Dobrowolska, Qiuming Yao, Dong Xu and Jay J. Thelen
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111481 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Members of the calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK/CPK) and SNF-related protein kinase (SnRK) superfamilies are commonly found in plants and some protists. Our knowledge of client specificity of the members of this superfamily is fragmentary. As this family is represented by over 30 members
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Members of the calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK/CPK) and SNF-related protein kinase (SnRK) superfamilies are commonly found in plants and some protists. Our knowledge of client specificity of the members of this superfamily is fragmentary. As this family is represented by over 30 members in Arabidopsis thaliana, the identification of kinase-specific and overlapping client relationships is crucial to our understanding the nuances of this large family of kinases as directed towards signal transduction pathways. Herein, we used the kinase client (KiC) assay—a relative, quantitative, high-throughput mass spectrometry-based in vitro phosphorylation assay—to identify and characterize potential CPK/SnRK targets of Arabidopsis. Eight CPKs (1, 3, 6, 8, 17, 24, 28, and 32), four SnRKs (subclass 1 and 2), and PPCK1 and PPCK2 were screened against a synthetic peptide library that contains 2095 peptides and 2661 known phosphorylation sites. A total of 625 in vitro phosphorylation sites corresponding to 203 non-redundant proteins were identified. The most promiscuous kinase, CPK17, had 105 candidate target proteins, many of which had already been discovered. Sequence analysis of the identified phosphopeptides revealed four motifs: LxRxxS, RxxSxxR, RxxS, and LxxxxS, that were significantly enriched among CPK/SnRK clients. The results provide insight into both CPK- and SnRK-specific and overlapping signaling network architectures and recapitulate many known in vivo relationships validating this large-scale approach towards discovering kinase targets.
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(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)
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Multifunctional Adjuvants Affect Sulfonylureas with Synthetic Auxin Mixture in Weed and Maize Grain Yield
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Robert Idziak, Hubert Waligóra, Leszek Majchrzak and Piotr Szulc
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111480 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
A field study in the years 2017–2019 was carried out to evaluate the impact of novel adjuvant formulations on the efficacy of sulfonylurea and synthetic auxin herbicides. Treatments included nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron + dicamba (N+R+D) at full and reduced rates with three multicomponent
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A field study in the years 2017–2019 was carried out to evaluate the impact of novel adjuvant formulations on the efficacy of sulfonylurea and synthetic auxin herbicides. Treatments included nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron + dicamba (N+R+D) at full and reduced rates with three multicomponent (TEST-1, TEST-2, TEST-3) as well as standard (MSO, S) adjuvants. In this greenhouse study, Echinochloa crus-galli seeds were planted and treated with N+R+D at 2–3 leaf stages. The water with the desired pH (4, 7, and 9) for the preparation of the spray liquid was prepared by incorporating citric acid or K3PO4 to either lower or raise the pH of the water. Adjuvant TEST-1 added to the spray liquid at pH 4 increased the effectiveness to 68%, TEST-2 to 81%, and TEST-3 to 80%, compared to 73% and 66% with the MSO and S. The efficacy of N+R+D at pH 7 with TEST-1 increased to 83%, TEST-2 to 82%, and TEST-3 to 77%, but with MSO, it increased to 81%, and 71% with S. Adjuvants TEST-1, TEST-2, and TEST-3 in the liquid at pH 9 increased efficacy to 76 and 80%, compared to 79 and 63% with MSO or S adjuvants. N+R+D applied with TEST-1, TEST-2, and TEST-3 provided greater weed control than herbicides with surfactant (S) and similar or even better than with standard methylated seed oil (MSO) adjuvants. Maize grain yield after herbicide-with-tested-adjuvant application was higher than from an untreated check, and comparable to yield from herbicide-with-MSO treatment, but higher than from S treatment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management II)
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In Vivo Study of Moringa oleifera Seed Extracts as Potential Sources of Neuroprotection against Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity
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Chand Raza, Sehrish Mohsin, Mehwish Faheem, Uzma Hanif, Hamad Z. Alkhathlan, Mohammed Rafi Shaik, Hasib Aamir Riaz, Rabia Anjum, Husna Jurrat and Merajuddin Khan
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111479 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a leading neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1–3 percent of the elderly population. Oxidative stress is the primary factor for the neurodegeneration of Substantia Nigra (SN). The current study aims to assess the seed extracts of Moringa oleifera (MO) on rotenone-mediated
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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a leading neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1–3 percent of the elderly population. Oxidative stress is the primary factor for the neurodegeneration of Substantia Nigra (SN). The current study aims to assess the seed extracts of Moringa oleifera (MO) on rotenone-mediated motor function impairments in a PD mouse model. For this purpose, two different seed extracts of MO were prepared, including aqueous MO (AqMO) and ethanolic MO (EthMO). Male Swiss albino mice were grouped into five groups. Mice received 2.5 mg/kg rotenone for 21 consecutive days, and control mice received the vehicle. Extract-treated mice received 200 mg/kg AqMO and EthMO separately, orally and daily for 28 days. Sinemet-treated mice received 20 mg/kg, oral dose, as a positive group. The motor function performance was evaluated using standard neurobehavioral tests. The antioxidant potentials of MO seed extracts were estimated by lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activities in mice brain homogenates. The PD mice brain SN sections were investigated for neurodegeneration. MO seed extract-treated mice showed a significant reduction in motor dysfunction compared to rotenone-treated mice as assessed through the open field, beam walk, pole climb-down, tail suspension, stride length and stepping tests. Increased antioxidant capacities of the PD mice brains of MO extract-administered groups were observed compared to the control. A histological study showed reduced signs of neurodegeneration, vacuolation around multipolar cells and cytoplasmic shrinkage in MO extract-treated mice SN brain sections. Collectively, MO seed extracts protected the animals from locomotor deficits induced by rotenone, possibly through antioxidant means, and seem to have potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural and Functional Analysis of Extracts in Plants IV)
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Effects of Biochar and Straw Amendment on Soil Fertility and Microbial Communities in Paddy Soils
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Hao Xia, Jia Shen, Muhammad Riaz, Cuncang Jiang, Chaolong Zu, Chaoqiang Jiang and Bo Liu
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111478 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Straw and biochar, two commonly used soil amendments, have been shown to enhance soil fertility and the composition of microbial communities. To compare the effects of straw and biochar on soil fertility, particularly focusing on soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) components, and the
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Straw and biochar, two commonly used soil amendments, have been shown to enhance soil fertility and the composition of microbial communities. To compare the effects of straw and biochar on soil fertility, particularly focusing on soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) components, and the physiochemical properties of soil and microbial communities, a combination of high-throughput sequencing and three-dimensional fluorescence mapping technology was employed. In our study, we set up four treatments, i.e., without biochar and straw (B0S0); biochar only (B1S0); straw returning only (B0S1); and biochar and straw (B1S1). Our results demonstrate that soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN), and available potassium (AK) were increased by 34.71%, 22.96%, and 61.68%, respectively, under the B1S1 treatment compared to the B0S0 treatment. In addition, microbial carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and particulate organic carbon (POC) were significantly increased with the B1S1 treatment, by 55.13%, 15.59%, and 125.46%, respectively. The results also show an enhancement in microbial diversity, the composition of microbial communities, and the degree of soil humification with the application of biochar and straw. Moreover, by comparing the differences in soil fertility, DOM components, and other indicators under different treatments, the combined treatments of biochar and straw had a more significant positive impact on paddy soil fertility compared to biochar. In conclusion, our study revealed the combination of straw incorporation and biochar application has significant impacts and is considered an effective approach to improving soil fertility.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biochar Applications for Agricultural and Forest Ecosystems)
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Dissection of the Genetic Basis of Genotype by Environment Interactions for Morphological Traits and Protein Content in Winter Wheat Panel Grown in Morocco and Spain
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Adil El Baouchi, Mohammed Ibriz, Susanne Dreisigacker, Marta S. Lopes and Miguel Sanchez-Garcia
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111477 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
To fulfill the growing demand for wheat consumption, it is important to focus on enhancement breeding strategies targeting key parameters such as yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), quality characteristics including morphological traits, and protein content. These elements are key to the ongoing and
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To fulfill the growing demand for wheat consumption, it is important to focus on enhancement breeding strategies targeting key parameters such as yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), quality characteristics including morphological traits, and protein content. These elements are key to the ongoing and future objectives of wheat breeding programs. Prioritizing these factors will effectively help meet the rising demand for wheat, especially given the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns. This study evaluated the morphological traits and protein content of 249 winter wheat varieties and advanced lines grown in eleven different environments in Morocco and Spain incorporating three varied sowing dates. The results showed considerable variability in morphological traits and protein content. Significant correlations were observed among various grain traits, with most grain morphological parameters exhibiting negative correlations with protein content. Differences across environments (p ≤ 0.01) in all traits, genotypes, and genotype by environment interaction were significant. A factorial regression analysis revealed significant impacts of environmental conditions on all grain morphological parameters, protein content, and TKW during the three growth stages. The study identified several high-performing and stable genotypes across diverse environments, providing valuable insights for wheat breeding programs such as genotypes 129, 234, 241, and 243. Genome-Wide Association Studies pinpointed 603 significant markers across 11 environments, spread across chromosomes. Among these, 400 markers were linked with at least two traits or observed in at least two different environments. Moreover, twelve marker-trait associations were detected that surpassed the Bonferroni correction threshold. These findings highlight the importance of targeted breeding efforts to enhance wheat quality and adaptability to different environmental conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology for Cereal Crop Improvements)
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Open AccessReview
Iron Plaque: A Shield against Soil Contamination and Key to Sustainable Agriculture
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Zeping He, Jinyuan Chen, Shilin Yuan, Sha Chen, Yuanyi Hu, Yi Zheng and Ding Li
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111476 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Soils play a dominant role in supporting the survival and growth of crops and they are also extremely important for human health and food safety. At present, the contamination of soil by heavy metals remains a globally concerning environmental issue that needs to
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Soils play a dominant role in supporting the survival and growth of crops and they are also extremely important for human health and food safety. At present, the contamination of soil by heavy metals remains a globally concerning environmental issue that needs to be resolved. In the environment, iron plaque, naturally occurring on the root surface of wetland plants, is found to be equipped with an excellent ability at blocking the migration of heavy metals from soils to plants, which can be further developed as an environmentally friendly strategy for soil remediation to ensure food security. Because of its large surface-to-volume porous structure, iron plaque exhibits high binding affinity to heavy metals. Moreover, iron plaque can be seen as a reservoir to store nutrients to support the growth of plants. In this review, the formation process of iron plaque, the ecological role that iron plaque plays in the environment and the interaction between iron plaque, plants and microbes, are summarized.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Effect of Heavy Metals on Plants, 2nd Volume)
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Open AccessArticle
Nutritional Variation on Sequentially Harvested Shoots and Fruits of Lagenaria siceraria Landraces
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Lungelo Given Buthelezi, Sydney Mavengahama, Julia Sibiya, Charmaine Nontokozo Mchunu and Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111475 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is valued for its medicinal and nutritive properties. The nutrient status of sequentially harvested shoots and fruits at various growth stages in L. siceraria has not been documented to date. This study aimed
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Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is valued for its medicinal and nutritive properties. The nutrient status of sequentially harvested shoots and fruits at various growth stages in L. siceraria has not been documented to date. This study aimed to compare the nutritional status of L. siceraria landrace shoots and fruits harvested at different maturity stages. Micronutrients, macronutrients, and proximate composition of shoots and fruits were determined using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Data were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. The nutrient attributes differed significantly (p < 0.05) within and among landraces at different growth stages. Correlation of nutritional traits was primarily based on shared absorption sites and comparable chemical composition. The first five principal components in shoots and fruits had 90.218 and 89.918% total variability, respectively. The micronutrients Ca, Mg, K, P, and N in shoots and the macronutrients Fe, Zn, Cu, and Al in fruits were the main contributors to variability. The biplot and dendrogram clustered landraces with comparable nutrient values. Shoot traits classified landraces into three major clusters, where clusters I and II grouped landraces with superior and inferior Mg, P, K, N, Fe, K/Ca+Mg, ADL, and protein levels at 42–63 DAS. Cluster III consisted of landraces with more Ca, Na, Mn, Zn, and Cu. However, the fruit nutrient status classified landraces into two major clusters. Cluster I comprised landrace KSC (as a singlet) with the highest Ca, P, N, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu contents at various stages of growth (7–21 DAA). Cluster II had landraces with higher K, C/N ratio, Na, moisture content, ash, protein, and fat. The nutritional status of shoots and fruits determined at different stages of growth is essential for selecting the best harvest time and landrace(s) for required daily nutrient intake.
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(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)
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OsMGD1-Mediated Membrane Lipid Remodeling Improves Salt Tolerance in Rice
by
Shasha Li, Lei Hui, Jingchong Li, Yuan Xi, Jili Xu, Linglong Wang and Lina Yin
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111474 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Salt stress severely reduces photosynthetic efficiency, resulting in adverse effects on crop growth and yield production. Two key thylakoid membrane lipid components, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), were perturbed under salt stress. MGDG synthase 1 (MGD1) is one of the key enzymes for
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Salt stress severely reduces photosynthetic efficiency, resulting in adverse effects on crop growth and yield production. Two key thylakoid membrane lipid components, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), were perturbed under salt stress. MGDG synthase 1 (MGD1) is one of the key enzymes for the synthesis of these galactolipids. To investigate the function of OsMGD1 in response to salt stress, the OsMGD1 overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (Ri) rice lines, and a wild type (WT), were used. Compared with WT, the OE lines showed higher chlorophyll content and biomass under salt stress. Besides this, the OE plants showed improved photosynthetic performance, including light absorption, energy transfer, and carbon fixation. Notably, the net photosynthetic rate and effective quantum yield of photosystem II in the OE lines increased by 27.5% and 25.8%, respectively, compared to the WT. Further analysis showed that the overexpression of OsMGD1 alleviated the negative effects of salt stress on photosynthetic membranes and oxidative defense by adjusting membrane lipid composition and fatty acid levels. In summary, OsMGD1-mediated membrane lipid remodeling enhanced salt tolerance in rice by maintaining membrane stability and optimizing photosynthetic efficiency.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanism of Drought and Salinity Tolerance in Crops)
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Physical Seed Dormancy in Legumes: Molecular Advances and Perspectives
by
Zhaozhu Wen, Xuran Lu, Jiangqi Wen, Zengyu Wang and Maofeng Chai
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111473 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Physical dormancy of seeds is a form of dormancy due to the presence of an impermeable seed coat layer, and it represents a feature for plants to adapt to environmental changes over an extended period of phylogenetic evolution. However, in agricultural practice, physical
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Physical dormancy of seeds is a form of dormancy due to the presence of an impermeable seed coat layer, and it represents a feature for plants to adapt to environmental changes over an extended period of phylogenetic evolution. However, in agricultural practice, physical dormancy is problematic. because it prevents timely and uniform seed germination. Therefore, physical dormancy is an important agronomical trait to target in breeding and domestication, especially for many leguminous crops. Compared to the well-characterized physiological dormancy, research progress on physical dormancy at the molecular level has been limited until recent years, due to the lack of suitable research materials. This review focuses on the structure of seed coat, factors affecting physical dormancy, genes controlling physical dormancy, and plants suitable for studying physical dormancy at the molecular level. Our goal is to provide a plethora of information for further molecular research on physical dormancy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic and Biotic Stress of the Crops and Horticultural Plants)
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Tolerance Mitigates Gall Effects When Susceptible Plants Fail to Elicit Induced Defense
by
Janete Ferreira Andrade, Eduardo Soares Calixto, Guilherme Ramos Demetrio, Henrique Venâncio, Marcos Vinicius Meiado, Denise Garcia de Santana, Pablo Cuevas-Reyes, Wanessa Rejane de Almeida and Jean Carlos Santos
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111472 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Variations in plant genotypes and phenotypes are expressed in ways that lead to the development of defensive abilities against herbivory. Induced defenses are mechanisms that affect herbivore insect preferences and performance. We evaluated the performance of resistant and susceptible phenotypes of Bauhinia brevipes
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Variations in plant genotypes and phenotypes are expressed in ways that lead to the development of defensive abilities against herbivory. Induced defenses are mechanisms that affect herbivore insect preferences and performance. We evaluated the performance of resistant and susceptible phenotypes of Bauhinia brevipes (Fabaceae) against attacks by the gall-inducing insect Schizomyia macrocapillata (Diptera). We hypothesized that there is a positive relationship between resistance to S. macrocapillata and host plant performance because resistance can have a high adaptive value. We evaluated plant architecture, nutritional leaf quality, leaf fluctuating asymmetry, and reproductive capacity between phenotypes. Plant performance was evaluated at three ontogenetic stages: seed, seedling, and juvenile. Overall, there were no differences in vegetative and reproductive performance or asymmetry between the resistant and susceptible mature plants. We found no relationship between leaf nutritional quality and resistance to S. macrocapillata. Plant performance was consistent across ontogeny for both phenotypes, except for five variables. Contrary to our expectations, the susceptible plants performed equally well or better than the resistant plants, suggesting that tolerance and overcompensation to herbivory in B. brevipes may be mediated by induced defense. Our study highlights the importance of multiple layers of plant defense against herbivory, where plant tolerance acts as a secondary barrier in plants susceptible to gall-inducing insects.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Animal Interactions: Exploring Costs and Benefits in Highly Conditional Relationships)
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Effect of Regulation of Whole-Plant Corn Silage Inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis Regarding the Dynamics of Bacterial and Fungal Communities on Aerobic Stability
by
Hang Yin, Meirong Zhao, Rui Yang, Juanjuan Sun, Zhu Yu, Chunsheng Bai and Yanlin Xue
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111471 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Enhancing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage is essential for producing high-quality silage. Our research assessed the effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis and its modulation of the bacterial and fungal microbial community structure in an aerobic stage of
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Enhancing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage is essential for producing high-quality silage. Our research assessed the effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis and its modulation of the bacterial and fungal microbial community structure in an aerobic stage of whole-plant corn silage. Following treatment with a distilled sterile water control, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Bacillus licheniformis (2 × 105 cfu/g), whole-plant corn was ensiled for 60 days. Samples were taken on days 0, 3, and 7 of aerobic exposure, and the results showed that inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis improved the aerobic stability of silage when compared to the effect of the control (p < 0.05). Inoculation with Bacillus licheniformis attenuated the increase in pH value and the decrease in lactic acid in the aerobic stage (p < 0.05), reducing the filamentous fungal counts. On the other hand, inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis increased the diversity of the fungal communities (p < 0.05), complicating the correlation between bacteria or fungi, reducing the relative abundance of Acetobacter and Paenibacillus in bacterial communities, and inhibiting the tendency of Monascus to replace Issatchenkia in fungal communities, thus delaying the aerobic spoilage process. Due to the prevention of the development of aerobic spoilage microorganisms, the silage injected with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis exhibited improved aerobic stability.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Silage Production)
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Investigation of a Perspective Urban Tree Species, Ginkgo biloba L., by Scientific Analysis of Historical Old Specimens
by
Szilvia Kisvarga, Dóra Hamar-Farkas, Katalin Horotán, Csaba Gyuricza, Katarína Ražná, Matúš Kučka, Ľubomír Harenčár, András Neményi, Csaba Lantos, János Pauk, Ádám Solti, Edina Simon, Dina Bibi, Semonti Mukherjee, Katalin Török, Andrea Tilly-Mándy, László Papp and László Orlóci
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111470 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, we examined over 200-year-old Ginkgo biloba L. specimens under different environmental conditions. The overall aim was to explore which factors influence their vitality and general fitness in urban environments and thus their ability to tolerate stressful habitats. In order to
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In this study, we examined over 200-year-old Ginkgo biloba L. specimens under different environmental conditions. The overall aim was to explore which factors influence their vitality and general fitness in urban environments and thus their ability to tolerate stressful habitats. In order to determine this, we used a number of different methods, including histological examinations (stomatal density and size) and physiological measurements (peroxidase enzyme activity), as well as assessing the air pollution tolerance index (APTI). The investigation of the genetic relationships between individuals was performed using flow cytometry and miRNA marker methods. The genetic tests revealed that all individuals are diploid, whereas the lus-miR168 and lus-miR408 markers indicated a kinship relation between them. These results show that the effect of different habitat characteristics can be detected through morphological and physiological responses, thus indicating relatively higher stress values for all studied individuals. A significant correlation can be found between the level of adaptability and the relatedness of the examined individuals. These results suggest that Ginkgo biloba L. is well adapted to an environment with increased stress factors and therefore suitable for use in urban areas.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening II)
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ATP Hydrolases Superfamily Protein 1 (ASP1) Maintains Root Stem Cell Niche Identity through Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Arabidopsis
by
Qianqian Yu, Hongyu Li, Bing Zhang, Yun Song, Yueying Sun and Zhaojun Ding
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111469 - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The maintenance of the root stem cell niche identity in Arabidopsis relies on the delicate balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in root tips; however, the intricate molecular mechanisms governing ROS homeostasis within the root stem cell niche remain unclear. In this
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The maintenance of the root stem cell niche identity in Arabidopsis relies on the delicate balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in root tips; however, the intricate molecular mechanisms governing ROS homeostasis within the root stem cell niche remain unclear. In this study, we unveil the role of ATP hydrolase superfamily protein 1 (ASP1) in orchestrating root stem cell niche maintenance through its interaction with the redox regulator cystathionine β-synthase domain-containing protein 3 (CBSX3). ASP1 is exclusively expressed in the quiescent center (QC) cells and governs the integrity of the root stem cell niche. Loss of ASP1 function leads to enhanced QC cell division and distal stem cell differentiation, attributable to reduced ROS levels and diminished expression of SCARECROW and SHORT ROOT in root tips. Our findings illuminate the pivotal role of ASP1 in regulating ROS signaling to maintain root stem cell niche homeostasis, achieved through direct interaction with CBSX3.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Root: Anatomy, Structure and Development)
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The Role of Plant Ubiquitin-like Modifiers in the Formation of Salt Stress Tolerance
by
Siarhei A. Dabravolski and Stanislav V. Isayenkov
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111468 - 25 May 2024
Abstract
The climate-driven challenges facing Earth necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms facilitating plant resilience to environmental stressors. This review delves into the crucial role of ubiquitin-like modifiers, particularly focusing on ATG8-mediated autophagy, in bolstering plant tolerance to salt stress. Synthesising recent research,
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The climate-driven challenges facing Earth necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms facilitating plant resilience to environmental stressors. This review delves into the crucial role of ubiquitin-like modifiers, particularly focusing on ATG8-mediated autophagy, in bolstering plant tolerance to salt stress. Synthesising recent research, we unveil the multifaceted contributions of ATG8 to plant adaptation mechanisms amidst salt stress conditions, including stomatal regulation, photosynthetic efficiency, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant defence. Furthermore, we elucidate the interconnectedness of autophagy with key phytohormone signalling pathways, advocating for further exploration into their molecular mechanisms. Our findings underscore the significance of understanding molecular mechanisms underlying ubiquitin-based protein degradation systems and autophagy in salt stress tolerance, offering valuable insights for designing innovative strategies to improve crop productivity and ensure global food security amidst increasing soil salinisation. By harnessing the potential of autophagy and other molecular mechanisms, we can foster sustainable agricultural practices and develop stress-tolerant crops resilient to salt stress.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitigation Strategies and Tolerance of Plants to Abiotic Stresses)
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