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13 pages, 336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responses in Nodulated Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Plants Grown at Elevated Atmospheric CO₂

by Enrique Bellido, Purificación de la Haba and Eloísa Agüera

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091828 - 29 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1016

Abstract

The increase in the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is currently causing metabolomic and physiological changes in living beings and especially in plants. Future climate change may affect crop productivity by limiting the uptake of soil resources such as nitrogen (N) [...] Read more.

The increase in the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is currently causing metabolomic and physiological changes in living beings and especially in plants. Future climate change may affect crop productivity by limiting the uptake of soil resources such as nitrogen (N) and water. The contribution of legume–rhizobia symbioses to N₂ fixation increases the available biological N reserve. Elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) has been shown to enhance the amount of fixed N₂ primarily by increasing biomass. Greater leaf biomass under eCO₂ levels increases N demand, which can stimulate and increase N₂ fixation. For this reason, bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were used in this work to investigate how, in a CO₂-enriched atmosphere, inoculation with rhizobia (Rhizobium leguminosarum) affects different growth parameters and metabolites of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as enzymatic activities of nitrogen metabolism and the oxidative state of the plant, with a view to future scenarios, where the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere will increase. The results showed that bean symbiosis with R. leguminosarum improved N₂ fixation, while also decreasing the plant’s oxidative stress, and provided the plant with a greater defense system against eCO₂ conditions. In conclusion, the nodulation with rhizobia potentially replaced the chemical fertilization of bean plants (P. vulgaris L.), resulting in more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. However, further optimization of symbiotic activities is needed to improve the efficiency and to also develop strategies to improve the response of legume yields to eCO_2, particularly due to the climate change scenario in which there is predicted to be a large increase in the atmospheric CO₂ concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

27 pages, 9317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Functional Traits in Relation to Species Composition in an Arctic–Alpine Tundra Grassland

by Lena Hunt, Zuzana Lhotáková, Eva Neuwirthová, Karel Klem, Michal Oravec, Lucie Kupková, Lucie Červená, Howard E. Epstein, Petya Campbell and Jana Albrechtová

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051001 - 22 Feb 2023

Viewed by 2100

Abstract

The relict arctic–alpine tundra provides a natural laboratory to study the potential impacts of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance on tundra vegetation. The Nardus stricta-dominated relict tundra grasslands in the Krkonoše Mountains have experienced shifting species dynamics over the past few decades. [...] Read more.

The relict arctic–alpine tundra provides a natural laboratory to study the potential impacts of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance on tundra vegetation. The Nardus stricta-dominated relict tundra grasslands in the Krkonoše Mountains have experienced shifting species dynamics over the past few decades. Changes in species cover of the four competing grasses—Nardus stricta, Calamagrostis villosa, Molinia caerulea, and Deschampsia cespitosa—were successfully detected using orthophotos. Leaf functional traits (anatomy/morphology, element accumulation, leaf pigments, and phenolic compound profiles), were examined in combination with in situ chlorophyll fluorescence in order to shed light on their respective spatial expansions and retreats. Our results suggest a diverse phenolic profile in combination with early leaf expansion and pigment accumulation has aided the expansion of C. villosa, while microhabitats may drive the expansion and decline of D. cespitosa in different areas of the grassland. N. stricta—the dominant species—is retreating, while M. caerulea did not demonstrate significant changes in territory between 2012 and 2018. We propose that the seasonal dynamics of pigment accumulation and canopy formation are important factors when assessing potential “spreader” species and recommend that phenology be taken into account when monitoring grass species using remote sensing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

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26 pages, 865 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Protective Responses at the Biochemical and Molecular Level Differ between a Coffea arabica L. Hybrid and Its Parental Genotypes to Supra-Optimal Temperatures and Elevated Air [CO₂]

by Gabriella Vinci, Isabel Marques, Ana P. Rodrigues, Sónia Martins, António E. Leitão, Magda C. Semedo, Maria J. Silva, Fernando C. Lidon, Fábio M. DaMatta, Ana I. Ribeiro-Barros and José C. Ramalho

Plants 2022, 11(20), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202702 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1617

Abstract

Climate changes with global warming associated with rising atmospheric [CO₂] can strongly impact crop performance, including coffee, which is one of the most world’s traded agricultural commodities. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the mechanisms of heat tolerance and [...] Read more.

Climate changes with global warming associated with rising atmospheric [CO₂] can strongly impact crop performance, including coffee, which is one of the most world’s traded agricultural commodities. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the mechanisms of heat tolerance and the potential role of elevated air CO₂ (eCO₂) in the coffee plant response, particularly regarding the antioxidant and other protective mechanisms, which are crucial for coffee plant acclimation. For that, plants of Coffea arabica cv. Geisha 3, cv. Marsellesa and their hybrid (Geisha 3 × Marsellesa) were grown for 2 years at 25/20 °C (day/night), under 400 (ambient CO₂, aCO₂) or 700 µL (elevated CO₂, eCO₂) CO₂ L⁻¹, and then gradually submitted to a temperature increase up to 42/30 °C, followed by recovery periods of 4 (Rec4) and 14 days (Rec14). Heat (37/28 °C and/or 42/30 °C) was the major driver of the response of the studied protective molecules and associated genes in all genotypes. That was the case for carotenoids (mostly neoxanthin and lutein), but the maximal (α + β) carotenes pool was found at 37/28 °C only in Marsellesa. All genes (except VDE) encoding for antioxidative enzymes (catalase, CAT; superoxide dismutases, CuSODs; ascorbate peroxidases, APX) or other protective proteins (HSP70, ELIP, Chape20, Chape60) were strongly up-regulated at 37/28 °C, and, especially, at 42/30 °C, in all genotypes, but with maximal transcription in Hybrid plants. Accordingly, heat greatly stimulated the activity of APX and CAT (all genotypes) and glutathione reductase (Geisha3, Hybrid) but not of SOD. Notably, CAT activity increased even at 42/30 °C, concomitantly with a strongly declined APX activity. Therefore, increased thermotolerance might arise through the reinforcement of some ROS-scavenging enzymes and other protective molecules (HSP70, ELIP, Chape20, Chape60). Plants showed low responsiveness to single eCO₂ under unstressed conditions, while heat promoted changes in aCO₂ plants. Only eCO₂ Marsellesa plants showed greater contents of lutein, the pool of the xanthophyll cycle components (V + A + Z), and β-carotene, compared to aCO₂ plants at 42/30 °C. This, together with a lower CAT activity, suggests a lower presence of H₂O₂, likely also associated with the higher photochemical use of energy under eCO₂. An incomplete heat stress recovery seemed evident, especially in aCO₂ plants, as judged by the maintenance of the greater expression of all genes in all genotypes and increased levels of zeaxanthin (Marsellesa and Hybrid) relative to their initial controls. Altogether, heat was the main response driver of the addressed protective molecules and genes, whereas eCO₂ usually attenuated the heat response and promoted a better recovery. Hybrid plants showed stronger gene expression responses, especially at the highest temperature, when compared to their parental genotypes, but altogether, Marsellesa showed a greater acclimation potential. The reinforcement of antioxidative and other protective molecules are, therefore, useful biomarkers to be included in breeding and selection programs to obtain coffee genotypes to thrive under global warming conditions, thus contributing to improved crop sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

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21 pages, 1356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amplified Drought Alters Leaf Litter Metabolome, Slows Down Litter Decomposition, and Modifies Home Field (Dis)Advantage in Three Mediterranean Forests

by Elodie Quer, Susana Pereira, Thomas Michel, Mathieu Santonja, Thierry Gauquelin, Guillaume Simioni, Jean-Marc Ourcival, Richard Joffre, Jean-Marc Limousin, Adriane Aupic-Samain, Caroline Lecareux, Sylvie Dupouyet, Jean-Philippe Orts, Anne Bousquet-Mélou, Raphaël Gros, Marketa Sagova-Mareckova, Jan Kopecky, Catherine Fernandez and Virginie Baldy

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2582; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192582 - 30 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2375

Abstract

In Mediterranean ecosystems, the projected rainfall reduction of up to 30% may alter plant–soil interactions, particularly litter decomposition and Home Field Advantage (HFA). We set up a litter transplant experiment in the three main forests encountered in the northern part of the Medi-terranean [...] Read more.

In Mediterranean ecosystems, the projected rainfall reduction of up to 30% may alter plant–soil interactions, particularly litter decomposition and Home Field Advantage (HFA). We set up a litter transplant experiment in the three main forests encountered in the northern part of the Medi-terranean Basin (dominated by either Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens, or Pinus halepensis) equipped with a rain exclusion device, allowing an increase in drought either throughout the year or concentrated in spring and summer. Senescent leaves and needles were collected under two precipitation treatments (natural and amplified drought plots) at their “home” forest and were left to decompose in the forest of origin and in other forests under both drought conditions. MS-based metabolomic analysis of litter extracts combined with multivariate data analysis enabled us to detect modifications in the composition of litter specialized metabolites, following amplified drought treatment. Amplified drought altered litter quality and metabolomes, directly slowed down litter decomposition, and induced a loss of home field (dis)advantage. No indirect effect mediated by a change in litter quality on decomposition was observed. These results may suggest major alterations of plant–soil interactions in Mediterranean forests under amplified drought conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

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23 pages, 59139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fire Frequency on the Flammability of Two Mediterranean Pines: Link with Needle Terpene Content

by Bastien Romero and Anne Ganteaume

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102164 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2026

Abstract

Flammability is a major factor involved in Mediterranean plant evolution that has led to the diversity of fire-related traits according to fire regimes and fire-adaptive strategies. With on-going climate change, new fire regimes are threatening plant species if they do not adapt or [...] Read more.

Flammability is a major factor involved in Mediterranean plant evolution that has led to the diversity of fire-related traits according to fire regimes and fire-adaptive strategies. With on-going climate change, new fire regimes are threatening plant species if they do not adapt or acclimate. Studying flammability and terpene content variation according to the different fire frequencies in the recent fire history represents a great challenge to anticipating the flammability of ecosystems in the near future. The flammability of shoots and litter as well as the needle terpene contents of two pine species with different fire adaptive strategies (Pinus halepensis and Pinus sylvestris) were measured according to two fire modalities (0 vs. 1–2 fire events over the last 60 years). Results showed that, regardless of the species and the fuel type, flammability was higher in populations having undergone at least one past fire event even when factors influencing flammability (e.g., structural traits and hydric content) were considered. The terpene content did not vary in P. sylvestris’ needles according to the fire modality, but that of sesqui- and diterpenes was higher in P. halepensis’ needles sampled in the “Fire” modality. In addition, associations made between flammability and terpene content using random forest analyses indicated that the terpene molecules differed between fire modalities for both species and fuel types. The same results were obtained with significant terpenes driving flammability as were highlighted in the PLS analyses, especially for P. halepensis for which enhanced shoot flammability in the “Fire” modality agreed with the adaptive strategy of this species to fire. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

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12 pages, 2444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Species Forests at the Treeline of Siberian Mountains: An Ecophysiological Perspective under Climate Change

by Nina Pakharkova, Anna Kazantseva, Ruslan Sharafutdinov, Irina Borisova and Vladimir Gavrikov

Plants 2021, 10(4), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040763 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

In an underexplored region of the East Sayan mountains, ecophysiological traits of two conifers, Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Abies sibírica Ledeb., have been studied. The goal was to predict which of the species co-dominating the same habitat is more vulnerable under prospective [...] Read more.

In an underexplored region of the East Sayan mountains, ecophysiological traits of two conifers, Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Abies sibírica Ledeb., have been studied. The goal was to predict which of the species co-dominating the same habitat is more vulnerable under prospective climate change. Along a transect from the treeline to the floodplain, photosynthetic pigment content and electron-transport rate (ETR) were measured in needles of neighboring trees of the species. From 570 to 1240 m a.s.l., P. sibirica does not suffer from stress factors during the growing season, while A. sibirica does. The latter is reflected in a decrease of pigment content and ETR with the increase of altitude. A stronger climate-change trend (probably to more dry and warm conditions) will likely favor the shift of P. sibirica upper in altitudes, and only under the pine shelter might the fir survive the changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

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20 pages, 4562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) to Climate Change: Transcriptome Assembly, Differential Gene Analysis and Targeted Metabolomics

by Jean-Philippe Mevy, Beatrice Loriod, Xi Liu, Erwan Corre, Magali Torres, Michael Büttner, Anne Haguenauer, Ilja Marco Reiter, Catherine Fernandez and Thierry Gauquelin

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091149 - 04 Sep 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2729

Abstract

Global change scenarios in the Mediterranean basin predict a precipitation reduction within the coming hundred years. Therefore, increased drought will affect forests both in terms of adaptive ecology and ecosystemic services. However, how vegetation might adapt to drought is poorly understood. In this [...] Read more.

Global change scenarios in the Mediterranean basin predict a precipitation reduction within the coming hundred years. Therefore, increased drought will affect forests both in terms of adaptive ecology and ecosystemic services. However, how vegetation might adapt to drought is poorly understood. In this report, four years of climate change was simulated by excluding 35% of precipitation above a downy oak forest. RNASeq data allowed us to assemble a genome-guided transcriptome. This led to the identification of differentially expressed features, which was supported by the characterization of target metabolites using a metabolomics approach. We provided 2.5 Tb of RNASeq data and the assembly of the first genome guided transcriptome of Quercus pubescens. Up to 5724 differentially expressed transcripts were obtained; 42 involved in plant response to drought. Transcript set enrichment analysis showed that drought induces an increase in oxidative pressure that is mitigated by the upregulation of ubiquitin-like protein protease, ferrochelatase, oxaloacetate decarboxylase and oxo-acid-lyase activities. Furthermore, the downregulation of auxin biosynthesis and transport, carbohydrate storage metabolism were observed as well as the concomitant accumulation of metabolites, such as oxalic acid, malate and isocitrate. Our data suggest that early metabolic changes in the resistance of Q. pubescens to drought involve a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle shunt through the glyoxylate pathway, galactose metabolism by reducing carbohydrate storage and increased proteolytic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

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Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1640 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Plant Flavonoids in Mediterranean Species: A Focus on Flavonols as Protective Metabolites under Climate Stress

by Justine Laoué, Catherine Fernandez and Elena Ormeño

Plants 2022, 11(2), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11020172 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4217

Abstract

Flavonoids are specialized metabolites largely widespread in plants where they play numerous roles including defense and signaling under stress conditions. These compounds encompass several chemical subgroups such as flavonols which are one the most represented classes. The most studied flavonols are kaempferol, quercetin [...] Read more.

Flavonoids are specialized metabolites largely widespread in plants where they play numerous roles including defense and signaling under stress conditions. These compounds encompass several chemical subgroups such as flavonols which are one the most represented classes. The most studied flavonols are kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin to which research attributes antioxidative properties and a potential role in UV-defense through UV-screening mechanisms making them critical for plant adaptation to climate change. Despite the great interest in flavonol functions in the last decades, some functional aspects remain under debate. This review summarizes the importance of flavonoids in plant defense against climate stressors and as signal molecules with a focus on flavonols in Mediterranean plant species. The review emphasizes the relationship between flavonol location (at the organ, tissue and cellular scales) and their function as defense metabolites against climate-related stresses. It also provides evidence that biosynthesis of flavonols, or flavonoids as a whole, could be a crucial process allowing plants to adapt to climate change, especially in the Mediterranean area which is considered as one of the most sensitive regions to climate change over the globe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic and Morphological Adaptations of Terrestrial Ecosystems under Global Change)

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