International Journal of Plant Biology

19 pages, 1565 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multifunctional Maize Rhizobacteria: Isolation, Characterization and Prospects for Sustainable Agriculture

by Zhuldyz Batykova, Aida Kistaubayeva, Malika Abdulzhanova, Gulina Doktyrbay, Laila Saidullayeva, Zhamila Baimirzayeva, Moldir Turaliyeva and Zhuldyz Ibraimova

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17010002 - 23 Dec 2025

Abstract

The increasing environmental challenges facing modern agriculture necessitate development of sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical inputs. This study aimed to isolate and characterize rhizophilic bacterial strains from the rhizosphere of the maize hybrid Turan 480 SV (Zea mays L.), with a focus on [...] Read more.

The increasing environmental challenges facing modern agriculture necessitate development of sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical inputs. This study aimed to isolate and characterize rhizophilic bacterial strains from the rhizosphere of the maize hybrid Turan 480 SV (Zea mays L.), with a focus on their plant growth-promoting and biocontrol traits. A total of 23 bacterial isolates were obtained, including 15 Gram-negative and 8 Gram-positive strains. Among these, three strains—CR14, CR18 and CR22—were selected for detailed analysis. All three demonstrated significant indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate and zinc solubilization, nitrogen fixation and antifungal activity. CR14 synthesized 56.01 mg L⁻¹ of IAA and demonstrated the highest zinc solubilization, while CR18 exhibited superior phosphate solubilization and protease activity. CR22 produced the highest IAA (61.46 mg L⁻¹) and demonstrated strong cellulase and amylase activity. In antagonism tests, CR14 suppressed Alternaria alternata with an 80 mm inhibition zone, while CR18 and CR22 effectively inhibited both A. alternata and Fusarium graminearum. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequencing identified CR18 as Serratia quinivorans, CR14 as Pantoea agglomerans and CR22 as Pantoea sp. The functional diversity of rhizobacteria holds promise as bioinoculants for enhancing maize growth and protecting against soil-borne pathogens in sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)

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14 pages, 1142 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Genetics of Vachellia nilotica (L.) P. J. H. Hunter & Mabb. (Fabaceae) in Provenance/Progeny Trial

by Isaac Theophile Ndjepel Yetnason, Adrian Christopher Brennan, Dorothy Tchatchoua Tchapda and Chimene Abib Fanta

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17010001 - 19 Dec 2025

Abstract

(1) Background: In the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon, which is affected by drought and forest decline, Vachellia nilotica leaves and seeds are fodder for livestock. (2) Methods: A provenance and progeny study on growth performance and heritability of V. nilotica was carried out [...] Read more.

(1) Background: In the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon, which is affected by drought and forest decline, Vachellia nilotica leaves and seeds are fodder for livestock. (2) Methods: A provenance and progeny study on growth performance and heritability of V. nilotica was carried out to provide a reliable database for tree selection, improvement programs, and the creation of future forested areas in this region. Open-pollinated seeds from 120 mother trees (10 half-sib families per provenance) representing twelve provenances, 50–100 km apart, were used for a progeny trial near Maroua, the Far North region of Cameroon. The experimental design was a Fisher block. (3) Results: The results reveal significant differences among provenances only for the number of leaves, and the variability was marked by coefficients of variation ranging from 0.24−0.63. Narrow-sense heritability was measured, varying from 0.01 ± 0.009 to 0.74 ± 0.02, and genetic gain reached 21.83 at the selection intensity of 5% for the number of leaves per plant. The phenotypic coefficient of variation varied between 14% and 90%. Half-sib families were classified into three subgroups using hierarchical ascending classification, and provenances were grouped into five groups using principal component analysis. (4) Conclusions: These results could contribute to initiating tree selection, but more provenances, longer-term experiments, and molecular genetic testing are needed to complement these nursery-level observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology and Biodiversity)

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12 pages, 2600 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic and Phylogenetic Evidence for a Novel Emaravirus Infecting Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Amazonas, Peru

by Angel F. Huaman-Pilco, Nicola Fiore, Oscar P. Hurtado-Gonzales, Larissa Carvalho Costa, Xiaojun Hu, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Jorge R. Díaz-Valderrama and Alan Zamorano

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040142 - 16 Dec 2025

Abstract

Preserving Peruvian cacao germplasm requires preventing the spread of pathogens such as viruses, yet cacao viral diseases in Peru remain poorly studied. In this study, we characterized the viral sequences associated with native cacao trees from the department of Amazonas, northwestern Peru. Leaf [...] Read more.

Preserving Peruvian cacao germplasm requires preventing the spread of pathogens such as viruses, yet cacao viral diseases in Peru remain poorly studied. In this study, we characterized the viral sequences associated with native cacao trees from the department of Amazonas, northwestern Peru. Leaf samples from two symptomatic plants (mosaic, yellowing, leaf deformation) and one asymptomatic plant were collected from the cacao germplasm bank of the Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas. RNA high-throughput sequencing identified four RNA segments consistent with the genus Emaravirus: RNA1 (7142 nt; replicase P1), RNA2 (2225 nt; glycoprotein P2), RNA3 (1269 nt; nucleocapsid P3), and RNA4 (1286 nt; movement protein P4), sharing 32.6–45.9% amino acid identity with European mountain ash ringspot-associated emaravirus (EMARaV). Phylogenetic analysis of P1–P4 proteins placed this virus in a distinct lineage, confirming it as a novel species, Theobroma cacao emaravirus A (ThCEV-A). Specific RT-PCR detected ThCEV-A in 11 additional accessions, with symptoms including yellow mosaic and mottling. This study documents for the first time the presence of a novel Emaravirus in cacao, highlighting the need to assess its epidemiology, vector(s), and potential impact on cacao production in its center of origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)

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17 pages, 13786 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Viral Communities and Two Novel Viruses in Symptomatic Tea Plants via Ribodepleted Transcriptome Sequencing

by Rongrong Tan, Long Jiao, Peizhuo Wu, Danjuan Huang, Hongjuan Wang, Xun Chen and Yingxin Mao

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040141 - 15 Dec 2025

Abstract

The tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a globally important crop, yet its cultivation is continually challenged by a range of viral pathogens that can compromise plant health and product quality. In this study, eighteen symptomatic leaves were collected from [...] Read more.

The tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a globally important crop, yet its cultivation is continually challenged by a range of viral pathogens that can compromise plant health and product quality. In this study, eighteen symptomatic leaves were collected from the Hubei Province Tea Germplasm Resources Nursery, China, representing multiple cultivars and diverse genetic backgrounds. The samples were pooled into three groups and subjected to ribodepleted transcriptome sequencing. Analyses revealed a complex virome, with Tea plant necrotic ring blotch virus (TPNRBV) dominating Pools A and B, whereas Badnavirus betacolocalasiae was the most prevalent in Pool C. Functional enrichment of viral genes indicated involvement in multiple biological processes, including replication, host interaction, and metabolism. Notably, two previously uncharacterized viruses were identified: Tea plant-associated ourmia-like virus 1 (TeaOLV1) and Tea plant-associated rhabdo-like virus 1 (TeaRLV1). Phylogenetic reconstruction positioned TeaOLV1 within the Penoulivirus genus, while TeaRLV1 formed a distinct clade among plant-associated rhabdoviruses. Conserved motif analysis revealed typical viral domains, accompanied by lineage-specific variations in tea plants. Collectively, these findings enhance our understanding of the viral diversity in tea plants, provide refined taxonomic placement for newly identified viruses, and offer molecular insights into their evolutionary relationships and potential functional roles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)

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11 pages, 2333 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation for Zingeria biebersteiniana

by Ryan Koeth, Shahzad Hussain Shah, Calvin Juel Rigney and Changbin Chen

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040140 - 8 Dec 2025

Abstract

Zingeria biebersteiniana, a grass species with the lowest known chromosome number among angiosperms (2n = 2x = 4), offers a distinctive platform for cytogenetic and grass research. Despite its unique karyotype and potential for molecular and educational applications, no transformation [...] Read more.

Zingeria biebersteiniana, a grass species with the lowest known chromosome number among angiosperms (2n = 2x = 4), offers a distinctive platform for cytogenetic and grass research. Despite its unique karyotype and potential for molecular and educational applications, no transformation system has previously been reported for this species. Here, we establish a reproducible Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol for Z. biebersteiniana, optimized through comparative evaluation of three tissue culture media. A modified Khromov medium with Plant Preservative Mixture supported robust callus induction and plant regeneration, enabling the successful introduction of a GFP–mouse talin1 fusion construct driven by the rice Actin-1 promoter. Transgenic lines were validated via PCR amplification of the hygromycin resistance gene, and GFP signals were observed in transformed individuals. However, the expression pattern was less specific than previously reported in rice, potentially due to species-specific differences in mouse Talin1 protein localization. Although actin filament visualization in mature pollen remained unspecific, the protocol provides a foundational tool for future molecular and functional genomics and genetics studies. This work represents the first documented genetic transformation of Z. biebersteiniana, expanding its utility as a model system in plant biology and genomics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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13 pages, 1109 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Viability of Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J.B. Gillett (Burseraceae) Assessed by the Tetrazolium Test

by Jamille Cardeal da Silva, Jailton de Jesus Silva, Raquel Araujo Gomes, Claudinéia Regina Pelancani Cruz and Barbara França Dantas

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040139 - 8 Dec 2025

Abstract

Commiphora leptophloeos, a native Caatinga species with economic and medicinal potential, faces propagation challenges due to seed dormancy and extractive use. The germination test, the official method for seed quality assessment, is time-consuming, whereas the tetrazolium test (TZT) offers a rapid alternative [...] Read more.

Commiphora leptophloeos, a native Caatinga species with economic and medicinal potential, faces propagation challenges due to seed dormancy and extractive use. The germination test, the official method for seed quality assessment, is time-consuming, whereas the tetrazolium test (TZT) offers a rapid alternative for determining seed viability. This study aimed to establish and validate a TZT protocol for C. leptophloeos seeds. Seeds collected in 2025 were extracted after natural fruit drying and then stored in a cold chamber. The germination test was conducted with seeds without pyrenes at 30 °C. For the TZT, a completely randomized design was used in a 6 × 4 factorial scheme (six TZT concentrations × four immersion times), with adjustments in seed preparation and staining procedures. Higher concentrations (0.5% and 0.75%) combined with shorter immersion periods (2 h) provided the best results, especially 0.75% for 2 h, which yielded 89% viability. Very low concentrations combined with short periods resulted in little or no staining. Compared with the germination test (35%), the TZT showed greater sensitivity in detecting viable seeds. We conclude that the TZT is highly efficient for assessing the viability of C. leptophloeos seeds, with optimal responses at 0.5–0.75% TTC and 2–4 h immersion periods, and represents a strategic tool to support the conservation and sustainable use of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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15 pages, 3687 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acaricidal Activity of Botanical Oils Against Tetranychus urticae and Their Non-Target Effects on Amblyseius swirskii and Photosynthesis in Papaya

by Alicia A. Ibarra-Moguel, Marcos E. Cua-Basulto, Alejandra González-Moreno, Esaú Ruiz-Sánchez, Jehú G. Noh-Kú, Adrián I. Fernández-Basto and René Garruña

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040138 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of botanical oils on the mortality of the phytophagous mite Tetranychus urticae, the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii, and on gas exchange in papaya seedlings. Two vegetable oils (soybean and corn), two [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of botanical oils on the mortality of the phytophagous mite Tetranychus urticae, the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii, and on gas exchange in papaya seedlings. Two vegetable oils (soybean and corn), two essential oils (lavender and oregano), a synthetic pesticide (abamectin), and a control (water) were evaluated on papaya seedlings infested with T. urticae. In laboratory assays, within the first day after application, abamectin caused 100% mortality of T. urticae adults, followed closely by soybean (96%), corn (94.7%), and lavender (94.7%) oils. In A. swirskii, abamectin caused 100% mortality within 24 h; at 72 h, corn and lavender oils reached 96%, while oregano oil caused the least mortality (67.3%). In field trials, both abamectin and botanical oils statistically reduced eggs per leaf 24 h after application relative to the control, and a similar pattern was observed for nymphs 48 h after treatment. Botanical oils equaled abamectin in T. urticae adult suppression by 72 h, and soybean caused complete adult mortality by day 14. Regarding gas exchange, abamectin significantly affected the photosynthesis and transpiration processes. Thus, botanical oils represent viable biorational options for managing T. urticae in papaya, with lower ecological and physiological costs than abamectin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance to Insects)

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20 pages, 3066 KB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Magnesium Sulphate Fertilization on Glucosinolate Accumulation in Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

by Hattie Hope Makumbe, Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Richard Kabanda and George Fouad Antonious

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040137 - 4 Dec 2025

Abstract

Watercress is a nutrient-dense, aquatic leafy vegetable with significant public health and economic potential. Hydroponically cultivated watercress can offer greater nutritional benefits due to the controlled delivery of specific nutrients. From an agronomist’s perspective, watercress has the advantage of optimized environmental resource efficiency, [...] Read more.

Watercress is a nutrient-dense, aquatic leafy vegetable with significant public health and economic potential. Hydroponically cultivated watercress can offer greater nutritional benefits due to the controlled delivery of specific nutrients. From an agronomist’s perspective, watercress has the advantage of optimized environmental resource efficiency, achieved through reduced energy, chemical, and water consumption, as well as its short cultivation cycle. Glucosinolates (GSLs) in watercress enhance sustainable agriculture by naturally protecting crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical inputs. They also increase market value and shelf-life, supporting resource-efficient and profitable farming. Within the pharmaceutical space, GSLs are well-known for their chemo preventive and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to summarize research findings, critically evaluate existing studies to highlight current knowledge, and identify research gaps, and to guide future investigations. The synthesis of the reviewed literature demonstrates that increased sulphate generally improves GSL content. However, not many studies have looked specifically at how magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) affects watercress. This review highlights the specific impact of MgSO₄ on GSL production in watercress, which could provide valuable insights for optimizing nutrient management in hydroponic systems and enhancing the health benefits of this nutrient-dense crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Plant to Pharmacology: Understanding the Metabolism of Natural Products)

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20 pages, 5284 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Biological and Chemical Control Agents Against the Potato Psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli Šulc) Under Field Conditions

by Gabriela Cárdenas-Huamán, Henry Morocho-Romero, Sebastian Casas-Niño, Sandy Vilchez-Navarro, Leslie D. Velarde-Apaza, Max Ramirez-Rojas, Juancarlos Cruz and Flavio Lozano-Isla

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040136 - 3 Dec 2025

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the third most important food crop worldwide and a cornerstone of food security across the Andean region. However, its production is increasingly threatened by the potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, [...] Read more.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the third most important food crop worldwide and a cornerstone of food security across the Andean region. However, its production is increasingly threatened by the potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, the causal agent of the purple-top complex associated with zebra chip disease, which severely reduces both tuber yield and quality. This study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 in the province of Huancabamba, Peru, to evaluate the efficacy of biological and chemical control agents against B. cockerelli under field conditions. A randomized complete block design was implemented with five treatments and four replicates, totaling 20 experimental units, each consisting of 20 potato plants (S. tuberosum L.), of which 10 plants were evaluated. Treatments included an untreated control (T0), a chemical control (thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin, abamectin, and imidacloprid) (T1), and three biological control agents: Beauveria bassiana CCB LE-265 (>1.5 × 10¹⁰ conidia g⁻¹) (T2), Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (1.0 × 10¹⁰ conidia g⁻¹) (T3), and Metarhizium anisopliae (1.0 × 10¹⁰ conidia g⁻¹) (T4). Foliar applications targeted eggs, nymphs, and adults of the psyllid. Results indicated that B. cockerelli mortality across developmental stages was lower under biological treatments compared with T1, which achieved the lowest probability of purple-top symptom expression (46%) and a zebra chip incidence of 60.60%. Among the biological agents, M. anisopliae (T4) reduced incidence to 56.60%, while P. lilacinus (T3) demonstrated consistent suppression of nymphal populations. In terms of yield, T1 achieved the highest tuber weight (198.86 g plant⁻¹) and number of tubers (7.74 plant⁻¹), followed by T3 (5.08) and T4 (4.24). Nevertheless, all treatments exhibited low yields and small tuber sizes, likely due to unfavorable environmental conditions and the presence of the invasive pest. Overall, chemical control was more effective than biological agents; however, the latter showed considerable potential for integration into sustainable pest management programs. Importantly, vector suppression alone does not guarantee the absence of purple-top complex symptoms or zebra chip disease in potato tubers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)

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49 pages, 6957 KB

Open AccessReview

Global Trends in Biotic and Abiotic Stress Mitigation Strategies for Common Bean: A Bibliometric Study

by Wagner Meza-Maicelo, César R. Balcázar-Zumaeta, Henry W. Santillan Culquimboz, Manuel Oliva-Cruz and Flavio Lozano-Isla

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040135 - 3 Dec 2025

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a cornerstone of global food security, yet its production is persistently challenged by biotic and abiotic stresses. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis following PRISMA guidelines on 549 documents published between 1971 and mid-2025, using Biblioshiny, [...] Read more.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a cornerstone of global food security, yet its production is persistently challenged by biotic and abiotic stresses. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis following PRISMA guidelines on 549 documents published between 1971 and mid-2025, using Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results reveal a scientific output concentrated in leading institutions such as Michigan State University (MSU, USA) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT, Colombia). Collaboration networks are dominated by influential authors including Beebe, S. and Kelly, J.D., with Euphytica and Crop Science emerging as primary publication outlets. Research trends highlight salinity tolerance, oxidative stress, and chromosomal mapping, where advanced technologies such as SNP chips have supplanted RAPD markers. Critical challenges remain, including limited phenotyping capacity and the complexity of polygenic resistance, with urgent implications for developing countries where beans are vital for food security but face barriers to technology adoption and restricted participation in global research networks. Concurrently, mitigation strategies have shifted toward sustainable approaches, incorporating beneficial microorganisms for biotic stress and bio-stimulants or plant extracts for abiotic stress. Since 2020, the field has increasingly embraced multifunctional strategies leveraging natural mechanisms to enhance crop resilience. This analysis offers a comprehensive knowledge base to guide future research agendas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Challenges on Plant–Microbe Interactions)

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17 pages, 3614 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Interstock and Rootstock on the Growth and Productivity of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivar Kent in the San Lorenzo Valley, Peru

by Sebastian Casas-Niño, Sandy Vilchez-Navarro, Henry Morocho-Romero, Gabriela Cárdenas-Huamán, Esdwin-Oberti Nuñez-Ticliahuanca, Ana-Gabriela Montañez-Artica, Leslie Velarde-Apaza, Max Ramirez Rojas, Juan Carlos Rojas and Flavio Lozano-Isla

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040134 - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit tree characterized by vigorous growth and high fruit production, making it one of Peru’s main export crops. However, its extensive vegetative development requires substantial space, limiting productivity per unit area. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit tree characterized by vigorous growth and high fruit production, making it one of Peru’s main export crops. However, its extensive vegetative development requires substantial space, limiting productivity per unit area. This study evaluated the effects of rootstock and interstock combinations on agronomic traits and fruit biometrics, highlighting the potential of interstocks to modulate tree vigor in mango orchards of Peru’s dry forest region. A total of 216 trees were established using ‘Chulucanas’ and ‘Chato’ as rootstocks and ‘Chulucanas,’ ‘Chato,’ ‘Irwin,’ and ‘Julie’ as interstocks, apically grafted with the ‘Kent’ cultivar, with a spacing of 6.0 m × 6.0 m. Tree performance was assessed after 10 years during the 2017–2019 growing seasons in Piura, Peru, under a randomized complete block design (2 × 4 factorial). The combination of the ‘Chulucanas’ rootstock with ‘Chulucanas’ and ‘Julie’ interstocks reduced tree height by 10.94% and 11.70%, respectively, facilitating orchard management and potentially increasing planting density. Yield varied significantly among growing seasons, with a 15% reduction in 2017 attributed to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related increases in temperature and rainfall that affected flowering and fruit set. These results underscore the importance of cultivar selection and climate-adaptive strategies to sustain mango productivity in regions prone to climatic variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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34 pages, 2701 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Stress Resilience in a Drought-Tolerant Zea mays Cultivar by Integrating Morpho-Physiological and Proteomic Characterization

by Rotondwa Rabelani Sinthumule, Charlie Sithole, Joseph Lesibe Gaorongwe, Kegomoditswe Martha Matebele, Oziniel Ruzvidzo and Tshegofatso Bridget Dikobe

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040133 - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Maize is not only a staple across the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region but also a substantially economically valuable cereal crop. As a seasonal crop, its successful cultivation depends on favorable rainfall patterns and climatic conditions. However, environmental stresses such as drought limit its [...] Read more.

Maize is not only a staple across the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region but also a substantially economically valuable cereal crop. As a seasonal crop, its successful cultivation depends on favorable rainfall patterns and climatic conditions. However, environmental stresses such as drought limit its productivity. Enhancing stress resilience requires understanding the morphological, physiological, and proteomic response mechanisms that contribute to drought tolerance. Hence, it is critical to understand its adaptive capacity at the protein level to achieve improved stress-tolerant cultivars and increased yields in the future. Our study investigated drought stress responses in a drought-tolerant maize cultivar subjected to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced water deficit, combining one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1DE) with LC-MS/MS to profile the leaf proteome. From the analysis, 50 of the 439 identified maize leaf proteins were further studied due to their significant differential expression and functional relevance, revealing the interconnection between the proteomic patterns as well as the morphological and physiological responses that enable drought resilience. These insights provide a foundation for improving stress-tolerant maize cultivars through integrative characterization approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stress in Plants, 2nd volume)

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17 pages, 1213 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Characterization and Variability of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Accessions Cultivated in Southwest and North Central Nigeria Using Agromorphological Markers

by Isaac O. Abegunde, Oghenevwairhe P. Efekemo, Olabode Onile-Ere, Folashade Otitolaye, Olusegun A. Oduwaye, Thomas O. Fabunmi, Emmanuel O. Idehen, Justin S. Pita, Fidèle Tiendrébéogo, Titus Alicai and Angela O. Eni

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040132 - 20 Nov 2025

Abstract

Understanding the genetic variability among Nigerian cassava accessions is a crucial prerequisite for its improvement. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variability among 477 cassava accessions and to classify them based on their genetic similarities for effective utilization in [...] Read more.

Understanding the genetic variability among Nigerian cassava accessions is a crucial prerequisite for its improvement. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variability among 477 cassava accessions and to classify them based on their genetic similarities for effective utilization in breeding programs. The accessions were evaluated at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta experimental site from 2023–2024, using an augmented randomized complete block design with two checks (TME 419 and NR 87184). Agromorphological descriptors were collected at 3-month intervals for 12 months. Broad sense heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) were high, indicating that the overall phenotypic expressions observed were largely influenced by genetic factors. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) showed that petiole color, number of leaf lobes, color of leaf veins, and parenchyma contributed the most to the overall variability observed in the study population. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified petiole length, length of leaf lobe, width of leaf lobe, and plant height as primary contributors to the overall phenotypic variations observed in the population. Hierarchical clustering of accessions using Euclidean distance revealed two and three clusters based on qualitative and quantitative traits respectively. This study has shown the existence of wide genetic variations in several cassava traits, providing a valuable resource for breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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22 pages, 4088 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating Salinity Stress in Sugar Beet Seedlings Through Exogenous Application of Putrescine and Salicylic Acid

by Md. Jahirul Islam, Byung Ryeol Ryu, Tanjina Alam, Masuma Akter Mou, Md. Hafizur Rahman, Md. Abdus Salam, Young-Seok Lim and Mohammad Anwar Hossain

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040131 - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Salinity stress is a major constraint on the growth and productivity of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). This study evaluated the potential of exogenously applied putrescine (Put) and salicylic acid (SA) to enhance salt stress tolerance. Thirty-day-old seedlings were grown for seven [...] Read more.

Salinity stress is a major constraint on the growth and productivity of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). This study evaluated the potential of exogenously applied putrescine (Put) and salicylic acid (SA) to enhance salt stress tolerance. Thirty-day-old seedlings were grown for seven days under control conditions before being subjected to eight treatments for 10 days: (i) Control, (ii) Control + 0.6 mM Put, (iii) Control + 0.6 mM SA, (iv) Control + 0.6 mM Put + 0.6 mM SA, (v) Salinity (150 mM NaCl), (vi) Salinity + 0.6 mM Put, (vii) Salinity + 0.6 mM SA, and (viii) Salinity + 0.6 mM Put + 0.6 mM SA. Put and SA were applied once as a foliar spray at the onset of the treatments. Salt stress significantly reduced plant growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency, while increasing reactive oxygen species (particularly H₂O₂) and lipid peroxidation. Foliar applications of Put and SA alleviated these adverse effects, either individually or in combination. Put primarily enhanced plant growth rate, shoot length, plant height, shoot and root biomass, leaf relative water content, respiration activity, and sucrose accumulation. SA improved root length, photosynthetic activity, water-use efficiency, and proline accumulation. When applied together, Put and SA combinedly increased growth rate, shoot length, plant height, shoot biomass, leaf relative water content, stomatal conductance, and the maximum quantum yield of PSII, while more prominently reducing malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ accumulation and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. These findings suggest that foliar application of Put and SA enhances salinity tolerance in sugar beet seedlings by improving antioxidant enzyme activities, osmolyte accumulation, and ion homeostasis, thereby mitigating oxidative stress under saline conditions. This outcome could contribute to potential applications in breeding programs and stress management in saline-prone regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses and Tolerance to Salinity Stress, 2nd Edition)

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2 pages, 148 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Breman et al. Inheritance of Mitochondria in Pelargonium Section Ciconium (Sweet) Interspecific Crosses. Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15, 586–598

by Floris C. Breman, Joost Korver, Ronald Snijder, M. Eric Schranz and Freek T. Bakker

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040130 - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Following publication, concerns were raised to the Editorial Office relating to a potential conflict of interest between one of the authors and the Academic Editor that supervised the peer-review of this article [...] Full article

35 pages, 3434 KB

Open AccessReview

Grapevine Rootstocks and Salt Stress Tolerance: Mechanisms, Omics Insights, and Implications for Sustainable Viticulture

by Abdullateef Mustapha, Abdul Hakeem, Shaonan Li, Ghulam Mustafa, Essam Elatafi, Jinggui Fang and Cunshan Zhou

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040129 - 13 Nov 2025

Abstract

Salinity is a long-standing global environmental stressor of terrestrial agroecosystems, with important implications for viticulture sustainability, especially in arid and semi-arid environments. Salt-induced physiological and biochemical disruptions to grapevines undermine yield and long-term vineyard sustainability. This review aims to integrate physiological, molecular, and [...] Read more.

Salinity is a long-standing global environmental stressor of terrestrial agroecosystems, with important implications for viticulture sustainability, especially in arid and semi-arid environments. Salt-induced physiological and biochemical disruptions to grapevines undermine yield and long-term vineyard sustainability. This review aims to integrate physiological, molecular, and omics-based insights to elucidate how grapevine rootstocks confer salinity tolerance and to identify future breeding directions for sustainable viticulture. This review critically assesses the ecological and molecular processes underlying salt stress adaptation in grapevine (Vitis spp.) rootstocks, with an emphasis on their contribution to modulating scion performance under saline conditions. Core adaptive mechanisms include morphological plasticity, ion compartmentalization, hormonal regulation, antioxidant defense, and activation of responsive genes to stress. Particular emphasis is given to recent integrative biotechnological developments—including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomics—that reveal the intricate signaling and regulatory networks enabling rootstock-mediated tolerance. By integrating advances across eco-physiological, agronomic, and molecular realms, this review identifies rootstock selection as a promising strategy for bolstering resilience in grapevine production systems confronted by salinization, a phenomenon increasingly exacerbated by anthropogenic land use and climate change. The research highlights the value of stress ecology and adaptive root system strategies for alleviating the environmental consequences of soil salinity for perennial crop systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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13 pages, 1203 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shade as an Agro-Technique to Improve Gas Exchange, Productivity, Bioactive Potential, and Antioxidant Activity of Fruits of Hylocereus costaricensis

by Milena Maria Tomaz de Oliveira, Noemi Tel-Zur, Francisca Gislene Albano-Machado, Daniela Melo Penha, Monique Mourão Pinho, Marlos Bezerra, Maria Raquel Alcântara de Miranda, Carlos Farley Herbster Moura, Ricardo Elesbão Alves, William Natale and Márcio Cleber de Medeiros Corrêa

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040128 - 12 Nov 2025

Abstract

Hylocereus species are promising for enhancing fruit productivity in arid regions, but high solar radiation often leads to yield loss. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term impact of different shading levels on the physiological performance, productivity, and post-harvest quality of Hylocereus costaricensis [...] Read more.

Hylocereus species are promising for enhancing fruit productivity in arid regions, but high solar radiation often leads to yield loss. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term impact of different shading levels on the physiological performance, productivity, and post-harvest quality of Hylocereus costaricensis under semi-arid conditions. Plants were grown in the field under two shade levels, i.e., 35 and 50% and their performances were compared to plants under control, i.e., 0% of shade or full sunlight. The nighttime CO₂ assimilation and productivity increased significantly by 310.5 and 114.6% and 34.3 and 50.14% for plants under 35 and 50% of shade, respectively, compared to the control. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that shade enhanced skin betalain (BETS) and phenolic content (PETP), whereas non-shaded plants expressed traits more closely associated with plant and fruit photoprotective pigment synthesis, i.e., total carotenoids and yellow flavonoids, respectively, along with total sugar accumulation, underscoring the significant impact of shading on both metabolic activity and overall agronomic outcomes. Shading within the 35% to 50% range is effective to cope with high solar radiation by improving photosynthetic capacity, productivity, and post-harvest quality, especially regarding the accumulation of pigments such as betalains, indicating that shade as an agro-technique is a valuable approach for the cultivation of Hylocereus species in dryland regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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28 pages, 8775 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability and Yield Performance of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Genotypes Across Environments in Southern Peru

by Alexandra Pacheco-Andrade, María Elena Torres, Hector Cántaro-Segura, Luis Díaz-Morales and Daniel Matsusaka

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040127 - 11 Nov 2025

Abstract

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) underpins semolina value chains in water-limited regions, yet Peru remains import-dependent due to constrained local adaptation. We evaluated eleven elite lines plus the commercial variety ‘INIA 412 Atahualpa’ across three contrasting semi-arid sites in Arequipa (Santa Elena, [...] Read more.

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) underpins semolina value chains in water-limited regions, yet Peru remains import-dependent due to constrained local adaptation. We evaluated eleven elite lines plus the commercial variety ‘INIA 412 Atahualpa’ across three contrasting semi-arid sites in Arequipa (Santa Elena, San Francisco de Paula, Santa Rita) during 2023–2024 to identify genotypes maximizing performance and stability. Grain yield, thousand-kernel weight (TKW), hectoliter weight, and plant height were analyzed with combined analysis of variance (ANOVA), the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype and genotype-by-environment (GGE) biplots, complemented by AMMI stability value (ASV) and weighted average of absolute scores and best yield index (WAASBY). Grain yield and hectoliter weight showed significant genotype × environment (G × E) interaction, while plant height was driven mainly by genotype and environment with limited interaction. For grain yield, AMMI (PC1: 55.2%) and GGE (PC1 + PC2: 90.2%) revealed crossover responses and three practical mega-environments: TD-053 “won” at San Francisco de Paula, TD-037 at Santa Elena, and TD-033 at Santa Rita. Additionally, WAASBY-integrated rankings favored TD-033 (93.7%) and TD-014 (84.72%), followed by TD-026/TD-020 (>57%), whereas TD-062 (9.1%) and TD-043/TD-061 underperformed. Quality traits highlighted TD-044 and TD-014 for high hectoliter weight and TD-014/TD-062 for high TKW with contrasting stability. Overall, TD-033 and TD-014 were adaptable across environments, providing selection guidance to strengthen Peru’s durum breeding pipeline under climate variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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16 pages, 2507 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Analysis for Screening Edited Lines: A Case Study in Vitis spp.

by Katia Spinella, Lorenza Dalla Costa, Davide La Rocca, Sara Ciuffa, Daniela Verginelli, Umar Shahbaz, Pierre Videau, Olivier Zekri and Ugo Marchesi

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040126 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has become a powerful and indispensable tool for targeted mutagenesis in plants, including applications such as gene knockout, prime-editing, multiplex gene editing, and regulation of gene transcription. As the number of potential genome editing approaches expands at a [...] Read more.

In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has become a powerful and indispensable tool for targeted mutagenesis in plants, including applications such as gene knockout, prime-editing, multiplex gene editing, and regulation of gene transcription. As the number of potential genome editing approaches expands at a very fast pace, rapid, efficient, and cost-effective analytical strategies are needed to screen large numbers of mutants, including the detection of off-target events. In this study, we reported a detection method based on High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis to discriminate between wild-type (wt) and edited lines of different varieties of Vitis vinifera and grapevine rootstocks. Those edited lines were obtained through Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of embryogenic calli using the CRISPR/SpCas9 system and targeting VviEPFL9-1 and VviEPFL9-2, two paralogous genes involved in stomata cell fate induction. The method clearly distinguished between the wt allele and the mutated one and was partially effective in distinguishing different types of mutation. Moreover, HRM data elaboration based on a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed one to group populations of lines which originated from the same transformation event. Our study demonstrates the reliability of HRM as a fast and cost-effective diagnostic tool for the screening of edited lines and the evaluation of off-target events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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International Journal of Plant Biology

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