15 pages, 1077 KiB  
Review
Biomimetic Strategies for Developing Abiotic Stress-Tolerant Tomato Cultivars: An Overview
by Gyanendra Kumar Rai 1, Pradeep Kumar 2,*, Sadiya Maryam Choudhary 1, Rafia Kosser 1, Danish Mushtaq Khanday 3, Shallu Choudhary 4, Bupesh Kumar 3, Isha Magotra 1, Ranjit Ranjan Kumar 5, Chet Ram 6, Youssef Rouphael 7, Giandomenico Corrado 7,* and Tusar Kanti Behera 8
1 School of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
2 Division of Integrated Farming System, ICAR—Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342003, India
3 Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
4 Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
5 Division of Biochemistry, ICAR—Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110001, India
6 Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR—Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334006, India
7 Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
8 ICAR—Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Jakhini (Shahanshapur), Varanasi 221305, India
Plants 2023, 12(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010086 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3531
Abstract
The tomato is one of the most important vegetables in the world. The demand for tomatoes is high in virtually any country, owing to their gastronomic versatility and nutritional and aromatic value. Drought, salinity, and inadequate temperature can be major factors in diminishing [...] Read more.
The tomato is one of the most important vegetables in the world. The demand for tomatoes is high in virtually any country, owing to their gastronomic versatility and nutritional and aromatic value. Drought, salinity, and inadequate temperature can be major factors in diminishing yield, affecting physiological and biochemical processes and altering various metabolic pathways, from the aggregation of low molecular–weight substances to the transcription of specific genes. Various biotechnological tools can be used to alter the tomato genes so that this species can more rapidly or better adapt to abiotic stress. These approaches range from the introgression of genes coding for specific enzymes for mitigating a prevailing stress to genetic modifications that alter specific metabolic pathways to help tomato perceive environmental cues and/or withstand adverse conditions. In recent years, environmental and social concerns and the high complexity of the plant response may increase the attention of applied plant biotechnology toward biomimetic strategies, generally defined as all the approaches that seek to develop more sustainable and acceptable strategies by imitating nature’s time-tested solutions. In this review, we provide an overview of some of the genetic sequences and molecules that were the objects of biotechnological intervention in tomato as examples of approaches to achieve tolerance to abiotic factors, improving existing nature-based mechanisms and solutions (biomimetic biotechnological approaches (BBA)). Finally, we discuss implications and perspectives within the GMO debate, proposing that crops modified with BBA should receive less stringent regulation. Full article
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25 pages, 480 KiB  
Review
Breeding for Higher Yields of Wheat and Rice through Modifying Nitrogen Metabolism
by Pornpipat Kasemsap * and Arnold J. Bloom
Department of Plant Sciences, University of California at Davis, Mailstop 3, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Plants 2023, 12(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010085 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4323
Abstract
Wheat and rice produce nutritious grains that provide 32% of the protein in the human diet globally. Here, we examine how genetic modifications to improve assimilation of the inorganic nitrogen forms ammonium and nitrate into protein influence grain yield of these crops. Successful [...] Read more.
Wheat and rice produce nutritious grains that provide 32% of the protein in the human diet globally. Here, we examine how genetic modifications to improve assimilation of the inorganic nitrogen forms ammonium and nitrate into protein influence grain yield of these crops. Successful breeding for modified nitrogen metabolism has focused on genes that coordinate nitrogen and carbon metabolism, including those that regulate tillering, heading date, and ammonium assimilation. Gaps in our current understanding include (1) species differences among candidate genes in nitrogen metabolism pathways, (2) the extent to which relative abundance of these nitrogen forms across natural soil environments shape crop responses, and (3) natural variation and genetic architecture of nitrogen-mediated yield improvement. Despite extensive research on the genetics of nitrogen metabolism since the rise of synthetic fertilizers, only a few projects targeting nitrogen pathways have resulted in development of cultivars with higher yields. To continue improving grain yield and quality, breeding strategies need to focus concurrently on both carbon and nitrogen assimilation and consider manipulating genes with smaller effects or that underlie regulatory networks as well as genes directly associated with nitrogen metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
34 pages, 6585 KiB  
Review
Iconic Arable Weeds: The Significance of Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), and Field Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) in Hungarian Ethnobotanical and Cultural Heritage
by Gyula Pinke 1,*, Viktória Kapcsándi 1 and Bálint Czúcz 2
1 Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosomagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University, Vár 2., H-9200 Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
2 European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, Italy
Plants 2023, 12(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010084 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8255
Abstract
There are an increasing number of initiatives that recognize arable weed species as an important component of agricultural biodiversity. Such initiatives often focus on declining species that were once abundant and are still well known, but the ethnographic relevance of such species receives [...] Read more.
There are an increasing number of initiatives that recognize arable weed species as an important component of agricultural biodiversity. Such initiatives often focus on declining species that were once abundant and are still well known, but the ethnographic relevance of such species receives little recognition. We carried out an extensive literature review on the medicinal, ornamental, and cultural applications of three selected species, Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, and Delphinium consolida, in the relevant Hungarian literature published between 1578 and 2021. We found a great diversity of medicinal usages. While P. rhoeas stands out with its sedative influence, D. consolida was mainly employed to stop bleeding, and C. cyanus was most frequently used to cure eye inflammation. The buds of P. rhoeas were sporadically eaten and its petals were used as a food dye. All species fulfilled ornamental purposes, either as garden plants or gathered in the wild for bouquets. They were essential elements of harvest festivals and religious festivities, particularly in Corpus Christi processions. P. rhoeas was also a part of several children’s games. These wildflowers were regularly depicted in traditional Hungarian folk art. In poetry, P. rhoeas was used as a symbol of burning love or impermanence; C. cyanus was frequently associated with tenderness and faithfulness; while D. consolida regularly emerged as a nostalgic remembrance of the disappearing rural lifestyle. These plants were also used as patriotic symbols in illustrations for faithfulness, loyalty, or homesickness. Our results highlight the deep and prevalent embeddedness of the three iconic weed species studied in the folk culture of the Carpathian Basin. The ethnobotanical and cultural embeddedness of arable weed species should also be considered when efforts and instruments for the conservation of arable weed communities are designed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Historical Ethnobotany: Interpreting the Old Records)
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24 pages, 5835 KiB  
Article
Screening and Evaluation of Dermo-Cosmetic Activities of the Invasive Plant Species Polygonum cuspidatum
by Vanille Quinty 1, Cyril Colas 2,3, Rouba Nasreddine 2, Reine Nehmé 2, Christine Piot 1, Micheline Draye 1, Emilie Destandau 2, David Da Silva 2,* and Gregory Chatel 1,*
1 EDYTEM, CNRS, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, 73000 Chambéry, France
2 ICOA, CNRS—UMR 7311 BP 6759, Univ. Orléans, CEDEX 2, 45067 Orléans, France
3 CBM, CNRS—UPR 4301, Univ. Orléans, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
Plants 2023, 12(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010083 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4505
Abstract
Polygonum cuspidatum (P. cuspidatum) is among the world’s most problematic invasive plant species with negative ecological, socio-economic and security consequences. Management operations in areas invaded systematically generate a large quantity of plant waste, most often without outlets. Using this plant material [...] Read more.
Polygonum cuspidatum (P. cuspidatum) is among the world’s most problematic invasive plant species with negative ecological, socio-economic and security consequences. Management operations in areas invaded systematically generate a large quantity of plant waste, most often without outlets. Using this plant material could constitute a new alternative treatment for sustainable management. P. cuspidatum is well known to have numerous biological properties, containing notably stilbenes, quinones, flavonoids and phenolic acids. The present work proposes a reliable strategy using powerful techniques for the screening and the evaluation of the dermo-cosmetic potential of its aerial parts (AP) and root parts (RP). To the best of our knowledge, only antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities were previously evaluated on P. cuspidatum among the targets studied (superoxide dismutase, hyaluronidase, elastase, collagenase and tyrosinase). The results revealed strong antioxidant and anti-collagenase activities, moderate anti-hyaluronidase activity, while weak anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities were observed for ethanolic extracts. Different standards selected and screened on the same targets made it possible to correlate the observed residual activities of produced extracts of P. cuspidatum from Savoie Mont Blanc and their chemical compositions. A structure-activity study was thus conducted on main molecular families, widely represented in the genus Polygonum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternatives for a Sustainable Management of Invasive Plant Species)
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19 pages, 2887 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Metabolomic and Gene Expression Analysis of ‘Sachinoka’ Strawberry and Its Somaclonal Mutant Reveals Fruit Color and Volatiles Differences
by Ruiqing Bian 1,2,†, Shuang Yu 1,2,†, Xinyu Song 1,2, Jinxiang Yao 1,2, Junxiang Zhang 1,2,* and Zhihong Zhang 1,2,3,*
1 Liaoning Key Laboratory of Strawberry Breeding and Cultivation, College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
2 Laboratory of Protected Horticulture (Shenyang Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
3 Analytical and Testing Center, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Plants 2023, 12(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010082 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2588
Abstract
Plant tissue culture produces a wide range of genetic variations which are useful for quality improvement of the plant species. However, the differences in metabolic components and the key genes responsible for the difference in metabolic components between somaclonal variation and the original [...] Read more.
Plant tissue culture produces a wide range of genetic variations which are useful for quality improvement of the plant species. However, the differences in metabolic components and the key genes responsible for the difference in metabolic components between somaclonal variation and the original parent are still largely unknown. In this study, a mutant named ‘Mixue’ was identified with somaclonal variation of the ‘Sachinoka’ strawberry. The contents of pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in the red fruit of ‘Mixue’ were significantly decreased compared with ‘Sachinoka’. In comparison with ‘Sachinoka’, the expression levels of FaMYB10, FaMYB11.2, FaWD40 and FaTT19 in the turning fruit of ‘Mixue’ were significantly down-regulated, while the expression of FaMYB1 was significantly up-regulated in the red fruit. ‘Sachinoka’ and ‘Mixue’ fruits were found to have 110 volatile components. Among them, 15 volatile components in the red fruit of ‘Mixue’ were significantly increased compared with ‘Sachinoka’, such as nerolidol, benzaldehyde, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, which led to an enhanced aroma in ‘Mixue’ and might result from the up-regulated expression of FaNES1, FaCNL and FaAATs in ‘Mixue’. These results provide useful information on the effect of somaclonal variation on metabolic components of strawberry fruit and lay the foundation for the improvement in quality of strawberry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification and Bioactivity of Volatile Compounds in Fruits)
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14 pages, 2932 KiB  
Article
Enhanced-Efficiency Fertilizers Impact on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from an Open-Field Vegetable System in North China
by Daijia Fan, Wentian He *, Rong Jiang, Daping Song, Guoyuan Zou, Yanhua Chen, Bing Cao, Jiachen Wang and Xuexia Wang *
Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
Plants 2023, 12(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010081 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3102
Abstract
Open vegetable fields in China are a major anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions due to excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization. A 4 yr lettuce experiment was conducted to determine the impacts of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) and nitrification inhibitors (NIs) on [...] Read more.
Open vegetable fields in China are a major anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions due to excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization. A 4 yr lettuce experiment was conducted to determine the impacts of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) and nitrification inhibitors (NIs) on lettuce yield, N2O emissions and net economic benefits. Five treatments included (i) no N fertilizer (CK), (ii) conventional urea at 255 kg N ha–1 based on farmers’ practice (FP), (iii) conventional urea at 204 kg N ha–1 (OPT), (iv) CRF at 204 kg N ha–1 (CU) and (v) CRF (204 kg N ha–1) added with NI (CUNI). No significant differences were found in the lettuce yields among different N fertilization treatments. Compared with FP, the cumulative N2O emissions were significantly decreased by 8.1%, 38.0% and 42.6% under OPT, CU and CUNI, respectively. Meanwhile, the net benefits of OPT, CU and CUNI were improved by USD 281, USD 871 and USD 1024 ha–1 compared to CN, respectively. This study recommends the combined application of CRF and NI at a reduced N rate as the optimal N fertilizer management for the sustainable production of vegetables in China with the lowest environmental risks and the greatest economic benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water and Nitrogen Management in Soil-Crop System)
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18 pages, 29193 KiB  
Article
qPCR as a Selective Tool for Cytogenetics
by Mikhail G. Divashuk, Ekaterina A. Nikitina, Victoria M. Sokolova, Anna I. Yurkina, Alina A. Kocheshkova, Olga V. Razumova, Gennady I. Karlov and Pavel Yu. Kroupin *
All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, 127550 Moscow, Russia
Plants 2023, 12(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010080 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2813
Abstract
qPCR is widely used in quantitative studies of plant genomes and transcriptomes. In this article, this method is considered as an auxiliary step in the preparation and selection of markers for FISH analysis. Several cases from the authors’ research on populations of the [...] Read more.
qPCR is widely used in quantitative studies of plant genomes and transcriptomes. In this article, this method is considered as an auxiliary step in the preparation and selection of markers for FISH analysis. Several cases from the authors’ research on populations of the same species were reviewed, and a comparison of the closely related species, as well as the adaptation of the markers, based on satellite tandem repeats (TRs) using quantitative qPCR data was conducted. In the selected cases, TRs with contrast abundance were identified in the cases of the Dasypyrum, Thinopyrum and Aegilops species, and the transfer of TRs between the wheat and related species was demonstrated. TRs with intraspecific copy number variation were revealed in Thinopyrum ponticum and wheat-wheatgrass partial amphidiploids, and the TR showing predominant hybridization to the sea buckthorn Y chromosome was identified. Additionally, problems such as the absence of a reference gene for qPCR, and low-efficiency and self-complementary primers, were illustrated. In the cases considered here, the qPCR results clearly show high correlation with the subsequent results of the FISH analysis, which confirms the value of this method for cytogenetic studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cytogenetics and Agronomic Traits of Crops)
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11 pages, 2132 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant, Whitening, Antiwrinkle, and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ajuga spectabilis Nakai Extract
by Min Sung Lee, Yu Jin Oh, Jae Woo Kim, Kyung Min Han, Da Som Kim, Ji Won Park, Hyeok Mo Kim, Dae Wook Kim *,† and Yeong-Su Kim *,†
1 Division of Industrialization Research, Baekdudaegan National Arboretum, Bonghwa-gun 36209, Republic of Korea
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Plants 2023, 12(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010079 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3223
Abstract
Since ancient times, plants have been a good source of natural antioxidants. Plants remove active oxygen through antioxidants and contain various active ingredients. These active ingredients of plants are used to alleviate skin aging and chronic diseases. Ajuga spectabilis Nakai (AS) is a [...] Read more.
Since ancient times, plants have been a good source of natural antioxidants. Plants remove active oxygen through antioxidants and contain various active ingredients. These active ingredients of plants are used to alleviate skin aging and chronic diseases. Ajuga spectabilis Nakai (AS) is a perennial plant, is endemic to Korea, and has the characteristics of alpine plants. The aim of this study was to assure the possibility of using AS as a functional natural and cosmetic material. For this, we carried out biologically activated material characteristic evaluations about antioxidant, wrinkle reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects using AS extract. To carry out this experiment, we extracted AS extract from AS water extract (AS-W) and AS 70% ethanol extract (AS-E). AS-E showed the highest DPPH activity and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. After, the measurement of metalloprotease (MMP)-1 inhibition effect showed the AS-W and AS-E activation at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. In addition, at the same concentration, from the result of the measurement of the biosynthesis quantity of pro-collagen type-1 we knew that its excellent effect appeared in AS-E (CCD-986sk). The inhibition of NO production in AS-W and AS-E was confirmed in LPS-induced mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. On cell viability, it was judged that AS-E had no toxicity because it showed a high cell viability at a high concentration, and it was used for the anti-inflammatory activity. Inhibition of NO production worked only in AS-E; inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-6 were suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner in AS-E. AS is believed to be used as a natural cosmetic material because it has been proven to have antioxidant, whitening, wrinkle-improving, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the results indicate that AS extract can play an important role as a functional natural material and a cosmetic material for whitening, wrinkle reduction, and anti-inflammatory effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)
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13 pages, 1943 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Variations in Pollen Limitation and Floral Traits of an Alpine Lousewort (Pedicularis rhinanthoides) in Relation to Pollinator Availability
by Wenkui Dai 1,2,*, Anne Christine Ochola 2 and Yongquan Li 1
1 College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
2 Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Plants 2023, 12(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010078 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1976
Abstract
Populations of the same plant species living in different locations but flowering at different times may vary in pollinator availability and floral traits. However, the spatial and temporal links between floral traits and pollination are rarely included in single studies. In this study, [...] Read more.
Populations of the same plant species living in different locations but flowering at different times may vary in pollinator availability and floral traits. However, the spatial and temporal links between floral traits and pollination are rarely included in single studies. In this study, three populations of an alpine lousewort, Pedicularis rhinanthoides Schrenk subsp. tibetica (Bonati) Tsoong, were surveyed to detect the variations in floral traits and pollinator activity. We hypothesized that floral divergence was spatio-temporally correlated with pollen limitation (PL) in relation to pollinators. Sampled plants from each population were divided into three groups, according to flowering stage: early, peak, and late. Pollen-supplementation experiments and investigations into pollinators, reproductive success, and floral traits were conducted on the plants from the different flowering stages and across the populations. Our results showed that the extent of PL varies across populations and among flowering stages. Populations in which more pollinators were recorded displayed a lower extent of PL. Furthermore, the temporal differences in PL showed a similar pattern for the three populations; the plants from the peak flowering stage suffered slighter PL than those from the other two stages. Nevertheless, some of the floral traits displayed similar spatial and temporal patterns to the PL, while the others only varied among the populations spatially. The results indicated that the performance of floral traits in a particular spatial–temporal situation shows they are well adapted to the corresponding pollination environment, which might help plants to optimize their reproductive fitness under different abiotic factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology 2.0)
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18 pages, 6462 KiB  
Article
Development of C4 Biochemistry and Change in Expression of Markers for Photosystems I and II in the Single-Cell C4 Species, Bienertia sinuspersici
by Makoto Yanagisawa 1 and Simon D. X. Chuong 2,*
1 Departments of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
2 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Plants 2023, 12(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010077 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1826
Abstract
Bienertia sinuspersici is one of four identified terrestrial plants that perform C4 photosynthesis within a single chlorenchyma cell via the compartmentation of organelles and photosynthetic enzymes. The patterns of accumulation of key photosynthetic enzymes and transcripts in developing leaves were examined using [...] Read more.
Bienertia sinuspersici is one of four identified terrestrial plants that perform C4 photosynthesis within a single chlorenchyma cell via the compartmentation of organelles and photosynthetic enzymes. The patterns of accumulation of key photosynthetic enzymes and transcripts in developing leaves were examined using immunolocalization and in situ hybridization. The polypeptides of Rubisco large subunit (RbcL) and pyruvate Pi dikinase (PPDK) accumulated equally in all chloroplasts before the formation of two intracellular cytoplasmic compartments: the central (CCC) and peripheral (PCC) cytoplasmic compartments. The differential accumulation of these enzymes was not completed until the leaf had reached maturity, indicating that the transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis occurred during leaf maturation. In mature chlorenchyma cells, RbcL accumulated 20-fold higher in the CCC than in the PCC, while PPDK exhibited a concentration gradient that was the lowest in the chloroplasts in the central region of the CCC and the highest in PCC chloroplasts. The pattern of rbcL transcript accumulation followed that of its polypeptides in developing leaves, suggesting that the expression of this gene was likely controlled by transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional processes. Immunocytochemical results examining the distribution of photosystems I and II in the chloroplasts of chlorenchyma cells from mature leaves showed that PSII is more abundant in chloroplasts of the central compartment, whereas PSI is higher in those of the peripheral compartment. The quantitative real-time PCR results of rbcL, psbA, and psaB transcripts from the isolated chloroplasts of each compartment further supported this observation. Our results suggest that multiple levels of regulation play a role in controlling the differential accumulation of photosynthetic gene expression in the dimorphic chloroplasts of single-cell C4 species during leaf development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Plants to Light Stress)
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14 pages, 2478 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Exposure of Dactylis glomerata Pollen to Atmospheric Gaseous Pollutants Is Related to an Increase in IgE Binding in Patients with Grass Pollen Allergies
by María Fernández-González 1,*, Helena Ribeiro 2,3, Fco. Javier Rodríguez-Rajo 1,*, Ana Cruz 4 and Ilda Abreu 2,5
1 Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
2 Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
3 Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
4 Clinical Pathology Service, Immunology Laboratory Vila Nova de Gaia Hospitalar Centre, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
5 Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
Plants 2023, 12(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010076 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2959
Abstract
The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and tropospheric ozone (O3) in urban and industrial site atmospheres are considered key factors associated with pollen-related respiratory allergies. This work studies the effects of NO2 and O3 on the protein [...] Read more.
The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and tropospheric ozone (O3) in urban and industrial site atmospheres are considered key factors associated with pollen-related respiratory allergies. This work studies the effects of NO2 and O3 on the protein expression profile and IgE binding in patients with grass allergies to Dactylis glomerata pollen extracts. Pollens were collected during the flowering season and were exposed to NO2 and O3 in a controlled environmental chamber. The amount of soluble protein was examined using the Bradford method, and the protein expression profile and antigenic properties were analysed using the immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Our results showed apparent inter-sera differences concerning the number and intensity of IgE reactivity, with the most prominent at bands of 55 kDa, 35, 33, and 13 kDa. In the 13 kDa band, both gases tend to induce an increase in IgE binding, the band at 33 kDa showed a tendency towards a reduction, particularly pollen exposed to O3. Reactive bands at 55 and 35 kDa presented an increase in the IgE binding pattern for all the patient sera samples exposed to NO2, but the samples exposed to O3 showed an increase in some sera and in others a decrease. Regarding the ELISA results, out of the 21 tested samples, only 9 showed a statistically significant increase in total IgE reactivity after pollen exposure to the pollutants. Our study revealed that although airborne pollen allergens might be affected by air pollution, the possible impacts on allergy symptoms might vary depending on the type of pollutant and the patient’s sensitisation profile. Full article
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24 pages, 3530 KiB  
Review
A Green Light to Switch on Genes: Revisiting Trithorax on Plants
by Diego Ornelas-Ayala, Carlos Cortés-Quiñones, José Olvera-Herrera, Berenice García-Ponce, Adriana Garay-Arroyo, Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla and Maria de la Paz Sanchez *
1 Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Epigenética, Desarrollo y Evolución de Plantas, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico 04510, Mexico
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Plants 2023, 12(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010075 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3089
Abstract
The Trithorax Group (TrxG) is a highly conserved multiprotein activation complex, initially defined by its antagonistic activity with the PcG repressor complex. TrxG regulates transcriptional activation by the deposition of H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 marks. According to the function and evolutionary origin, several proteins [...] Read more.
The Trithorax Group (TrxG) is a highly conserved multiprotein activation complex, initially defined by its antagonistic activity with the PcG repressor complex. TrxG regulates transcriptional activation by the deposition of H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 marks. According to the function and evolutionary origin, several proteins have been defined as TrxG in plants; nevertheless, little is known about their interactions and if they can form TrxG complexes. Recent evidence suggests the existence of new TrxG components as well as new interactions of some TrxG complexes that may be acting in specific tissues in plants. In this review, we bring together the latest research on the topic, exploring the interactions and roles of TrxG proteins at different developmental stages, required for the fine-tuned transcriptional activation of genes at the right time and place. Shedding light on the molecular mechanism by which TrxG is recruited and regulates transcription. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Development and Morphogenesis)
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15 pages, 754 KiB  
Review
Anthocyanins from Agro-Industrial Food Waste: Geographical Approach and Methods of Recovery—A Review
by Zoriţa Diaconeasa 1,2,†, Cristian I. Iuhas 3,†, Huseyin Ayvaz 4, Mustafa Mortas 5, Anca Farcaş 1,2, Mihaela Mihai 2,6, Corina Danciu 7 and Andreea Stanilă 1,2,*
1 Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănă¸stur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2 BioTech Technology Transfer Center, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
3 Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
4 Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale 17100, Turkey
5 Food Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun 55139, Turkey
6 Department of Transversal Competencies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănă¸stur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
7 Department of Pharmacognosy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Plants 2023, 12(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010074 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4157
Abstract
Drastic growth in the amount of global food waste produced is observed every year, not only due to incessant population growth but also economic growth, lifestyle, and diet changes. As a result of their increasing health awareness, people are focusing more on healthy [...] Read more.
Drastic growth in the amount of global food waste produced is observed every year, not only due to incessant population growth but also economic growth, lifestyle, and diet changes. As a result of their increasing health awareness, people are focusing more on healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables. Thus, following worldwide fruit and vegetable consumption and their processing in various industries (juice, jams, wines, preserves), significant quantities of agro-industrial waste are produced (pomace, peels, seeds) that still contain high concentrations of bioactive compounds. Among bioactive compounds, anthocyanins have an important place, with their multiple beneficial effects on health; therefore, their extraction and recovery from food waste have become a topic of interest in recent years. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize the primary sources of anthocyanins from food waste and the novel eco-friendly extraction methods, such as pulsed electric field extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques will also be covered to encourage future studies and opportunities focusing on improving these extraction techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts)
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10 pages, 928 KiB  
Review
Micronutrients Improve Growth and Development of HLB-Affected Citrus Trees in Florida
by Samuel Kwakye and Davie M. Kadyampakeni *
Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA
Plants 2023, 12(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010073 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4161
Abstract
Enhanced nutritional programs (ENPs) have improved citrus trees’ growth and development in the era of Huanglongbing (HLB). Studies conducted with variable rates of manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe) on young HLB-affected citrus trees showed that applying double the standard recommendation increased growth and [...] Read more.
Enhanced nutritional programs (ENPs) have improved citrus trees’ growth and development in the era of Huanglongbing (HLB). Studies conducted with variable rates of manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe) on young HLB-affected citrus trees showed that applying double the standard recommendation increased growth and biomass accumulation. Since HLB is believed to cause deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in citrus trees, it is critical to ensure their optimal levels in the leaves. This could be achieved by soil application of either a Mn rate of 8.9 to 11.5 kg ha−1 as MnSO4 (31%) for young HLB-affected ‘Valencia’ (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) citrus trees or an Fe rate of 9.6 to 11.8 kg ha−1 as Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (20%) for ‘Bingo’ (Citrus reticulata, Blanco) citrus trees. Maintaining optimal levels of these micronutrients may enable citrus trees to carry out photosynthetic activities to ensure growth and development. It may also help the tree in the regulation of various physiological processes as part of the antioxidant enzyme Mn-superoxidase dismutase (SOD). Micronutrient manipulation through variable rates of fertilizer application to influence nutrient availability is an important mitigating factor for HLB-affected citrus trees and an integral component of citrus production in Florida. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)
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20 pages, 965 KiB  
Review
Choosing the Right Path for the Successful Storage of Seeds
by Magdalena Trusiak 1, Beata Patrycja Plitta-Michalak 2 and Marcin Michalak 1,*
1 Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, M. Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-721 Olsztyn, Poland
2 Department of Chemistry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 4, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Plants 2023, 12(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010072 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3989
Abstract
Seeds are the most commonly used source of storage material to preserve the genetic diversity of plants. However, prior to the deposition of seeds in gene banks, several questions need to be addressed. Here, we illustrate the scheme that can be used to [...] Read more.
Seeds are the most commonly used source of storage material to preserve the genetic diversity of plants. However, prior to the deposition of seeds in gene banks, several questions need to be addressed. Here, we illustrate the scheme that can be used to ensure that the most optimal conditions are identified to enable the long-term storage of seeds. The main questions that need to be answered pertain to the production of viable seeds by plants, the availability of proper protocols for dormancy alleviation and germination, seed tolerance to desiccation and cold storage at −20 °C. Finally, it is very important to fully understand the capability or lack thereof for seeds or their explants to tolerate cryogenic conditions. The proper storage regimes for orthodox, intermediate and recalcitrant seeds are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biotechnology to Woody Propagation)
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