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17 pages, 5705 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Functional Analysis of ZmMAPKKKA-Interacting Proteins Involved in Cold Stress Response in Maize (Zea mays L.)

by Tao Yu, Jianguo Zhang, Xuena Ma, Shiliang Cao, Wenyue Li and Gengbin Yang

Agronomy 2026, 16(10), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16100978 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2026

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Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), a typical thermophilic crop originating from tropical regions, exhibits an inherent sensitivity to low-temperature stress. Cold stress severely restricts maize seed germination, seedling growth, the physiological metabolism, and the final grain yield, which greatly limits its geographical cultivation [...] Read more.

Maize (Zea mays L.), a typical thermophilic crop originating from tropical regions, exhibits an inherent sensitivity to low-temperature stress. Cold stress severely restricts maize seed germination, seedling growth, the physiological metabolism, and the final grain yield, which greatly limits its geographical cultivation range and sustainable industrial development. Elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying maize cold tolerance and excavating cold-resistant functional genes are essential for the molecular breeding of cold-tolerant maize varieties and expanding maize planting areas in high-latitude and low-temperature-prone regions. In this study, using the strongly cold-tolerant maize inbred line B144 as the experimental material, we cloned the ZmMAPKKKA gene (NCBI accession: LOC103651289) and systematically screened and verified its cold-stress-specific interacting proteins via multiple molecular biological assays. The full-length coding sequence (CDS) of ZmMAPKKKA is 1134 bp, encoding a 377-amino-acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 40.37 kDa. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated that the ZmMAPKKKA expression was significantly upregulated by 16.56-fold in maize roots after 12 h of low-temperature treatment, indicating a tissue-specific and robust cold response in root tissues. A total of 25 interacting proteins were identified through yeast two-hybrid screening, among which three stress-responsive proteins, including a protein kinase (LOC100286253), a protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) (LOC542176), and a NAC transcription factor (LOC118474710), were selected for subsequent verification. The Pull-Down, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays consistently confirmed that ZmMAPKKKA specifically interacts with these three proteins both in vitro and in vivo under cold stress conditions. This study is the first to construct a ZmMAPKKKA-centered protein interaction module in the maize mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade under cold stress, establishing a novel kinase–phosphatase–transcription factor regulatory cascade that improves the current understanding of cold signal transduction mechanisms in maize. Homologous genes of ZmMAPKKKA in gramineous crops including rice (Oryza sativa) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) have been proven to participate in diverse abiotic stress responses, suggesting the conserved functional roles of MAPKKK family genes across gramineous species. Collectively, our findings provide comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanism of the maize MAPK signaling pathway mediating cold stress adaptation and supply valuable functional gene resources for cold-tolerant maize germplasm innovation and molecular breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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21 pages, 3800 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metagenomic Study on the Association Between Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Communities and Cold Tolerance in Maize

by Tao Yu, Jianguo Zhang, Xuena Ma, Shiliang Cao, Wenyue Li and Gengbin Yang

Agronomy 2026, 16(9), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16090931 - 3 May 2026

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Abstract

To elucidate the mechanisms by which the rhizosphere microbial community influences cold tolerance in maize, this study employed the metagenomic technology to systematically analyze the community composition, functional characteristics, and their association with host cold tolerance in the rhizosphere of maize genotypes with [...] Read more.

To elucidate the mechanisms by which the rhizosphere microbial community influences cold tolerance in maize, this study employed the metagenomic technology to systematically analyze the community composition, functional characteristics, and their association with host cold tolerance in the rhizosphere of maize genotypes with different cold tolerance (cold-tolerant material B144 and cold-sensitive material Q319, among others) (n = 3 biological replicates per genotype). The results revealed that the rhizosphere microbial community of the cold-tolerant genotype B144 exhibited higher species diversity and more complex genomic features. LEfSe analysis indicated that the rhizosphere soil microbiota of B144 was significantly enriched in two major phyla, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, as well as microbial taxa with stress tolerance potential, such as the Bacillus and Streptomyces. Further functional analysis revealed that the microbial community was specifically enriched in metabolic pathways related to glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, as well as coenzyme and vitamin metabolism. We hypothesize that the physiological stability of maize under low temperatures can be enhanced through mechanisms such as the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides to reduce the freezing point and the provision of vitamins and antioxidant substances. In contrast, the rhizosphere microorganisms of the cold-sensitive material Q319 were more enriched in basic metabolic functions. The present study elucidates the pivotal mechanisms by which rhizosphere microorganisms facilitate maize resistance to low-temperature stress from a functional perspective. This provides theoretical support and new strategies for enhancing crop stress resistance by regulating the rhizosphere microbiome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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16 pages, 5139 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Investigation into Metabolic Pathways and Corresponding Gene Expression Profiles of Sorghum Under Drought Stress

by Fei Zhang, Linlin Yang, Zeyang Zhao, Jiaxu Wang, Kuangye Zhang, Baizhi Chen, Youhou Duan, Han Wu, Yanqiu Wang, Kai Zhu and Feng Lu

Agronomy 2026, 16(9), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16090849 - 22 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Drought stress is one of the most critical abiotic stresses restricting global crop production, and sorghum plays an important role in arid and semi-arid areas due to its inherent drought tolerance compared to many other cereals. However, significant variation in drought tolerance exists [...] Read more.

Drought stress is one of the most critical abiotic stresses restricting global crop production, and sorghum plays an important role in arid and semi-arid areas due to its inherent drought tolerance compared to many other cereals. However, significant variation in drought tolerance exists among different sorghum genotypes, which provides an opportunity to dissect the underlying mechanisms. In this study, a drought-tolerant sorghum line (LNR-6) and a drought-sensitive line (LR-2381) were used for comparative analysis. Plants were grown under two water regimes: well-watered conditions (CK, soil water content maintained at 40%) and drought stress (soil water content reduced to 24%). Integrated transcriptomic and non-targeted metabolomic analyses were conducted to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying sorghum drought tolerance. Phenotypic analysis showed that drought stress significantly reduced plant height and chlorophyll content in the drought-sensitive genotype, whereas the drought-tolerant genotype showed only minor changes. Transcriptome analysis identified several enriched functional categories of differentially expressed genes between the two genotypes under drought stress. Among them, genes associated with limonene and pinene degradation, photosynthesis, and photosynthesis-antenna proteins were significantly enriched and may be involved in drought-response regulation. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant accumulation of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids under drought conditions. KEGG pathway enrichment further indicated that flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the most significantly enriched metabolic pathways. Overall, these findings enhance our understanding of the coordinated transcriptional and metabolic responses underlying drought tolerance in sorghum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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16 pages, 1800 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Wide–Narrow Row Spacing and Planting Density on Canopy Structure, Photosynthetic Performance, and Yield of Brewing Sorghum in Slightly Saline–Alkali Soils

by Fei Zhang, Zeyang Zhao, Yixuan Yang, Jiaxu Wang, Linlin Yang, Kuangye Zhang, Baizhi Chen, Youhou Duan, Han Wu, Baili Feng, Kai Zhu, Yanqiu Wang and Feng Lu

Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080798 - 13 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Slightly saline–alkali soils represent an important but underutilized land resource in northern China, and optimizing planting patterns is essential for improving sorghum productivity under such marginal conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of wide–narrow row spacing combined with different planting densities [...] Read more.

Slightly saline–alkali soils represent an important but underutilized land resource in northern China, and optimizing planting patterns is essential for improving sorghum productivity under such marginal conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of wide–narrow row spacing combined with different planting densities on the canopy structure, photosynthetic performance, and grain yield of brewing sorghum. A field experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2024 at the Yulin Experimental Station in Shaanxi Province, China, using the brewing sorghum cultivar Liaonuo 16. Four planting treatments were established: wide–narrow row spacing (80/60 cm) with three planting densities (105,000, 112,500, and 120,000 plants ha⁻¹) and uniform row spacing (60 cm) with 112,500 plants ha⁻¹ as the control. Wide–narrow row spacing combined with higher planting density significantly improved canopy structure and light interception. The treatment with 120,000 plants ha⁻¹ increased light interception in the middle and lower canopy layers during flowering and grain filling by 8.7% and 25.58%, respectively, and enhanced total canopy light interception by 3.33% and 1.96%. Moreover, the leaf area index and photosynthetic capacity were improved, resulting in a 10.1% increase in grain yield compared with the uniform row spacing treatment. Wide–narrow row spacing combined with a planting density of 120,000 plants ha⁻¹ effectively optimizes canopy structure and enhances sorghum productivity in slightly saline–alkali soils, providing a practical cultivation strategy for improving resource use efficiency in marginal farmlands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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27 pages, 2527 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Genetic Mapping and Genomic Prediction to Elucidate the Genetic Architecture of Fusarium Ear Rot Resistance in Tropical Maize

by Jianfei Yang, Yubo Liu, Carlos Muñoz-Zavala, Hongjian Zheng, Thanda Dhliwayo, Felix San Vicente, Guanghui Hu, Xuecai Zhang and Xiaoli Sun

Agronomy 2026, 16(7), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16070719 - 30 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Fusarium ear rot (FER) caused by Fusarium verticillioides is a major constraint on global maize production. The genetic basis of FER resistance is not yet fully understood, and the development of effective breeding strategies for improving FER resistance is still a critical priority. [...] Read more.

Fusarium ear rot (FER) caused by Fusarium verticillioides is a major constraint on global maize production. The genetic basis of FER resistance is not yet fully understood, and the development of effective breeding strategies for improving FER resistance is still a critical priority. In the present study, a collection of 254 CIMMYT tropical maize lines genotyped with 955,690 high-quality SNPs was used to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS), complemented by QTL (quantitative trait locus) mapping in two recombinant inbred line populations. Additionally, genomic prediction (GP) exploring various statistical models and SNP selection schemes was implemented to optimize predictive accuracy for improving FER resistance. The broad-sense heritability estimates of FER resistance were 0.69–0.86 in the CML panel across six environments and 0.39–0.69 in the two RIL populations. At a p-value threshold of 2.61 × 10⁻⁷, GWAS identified 18 SNPs significantly associated with FER resistance across six environments, and in single environment analyses, their phenotypic variance explained (PVE) values ranged from 0.68 to 13.75%, with 13 SNPs exceeding a PVE of 5%. At a p-value threshold of 1 × 10⁻⁵, an additional 37 SNPs were detected, clustering within seven environmentally stable regions identified in at least two environments. Furthermore, 13 haplotype blocks exhibiting significant phenotypic differences were identified within these stable regions, with PVE values ranging from 2.39 to 15.24%, 9 of which exceeded 5%. QTL mapping in the two RIL populations revealed 27 moderate-effect QTLs at a LOD threshold of 2.5, including four detected repeatedly across environments, though only one QTL overlapped with the GWAS-identified region. Moderate genomic prediction accuracies of FER severity were achieved across models, with GBLUP and BayesB outperforming other models, and the prediction accuracies of these two models in the three populations were all around 0.5. Integrating the significant SNP set from genetic mapping results with a 100-SNP background set enhanced the stability of cross-population predictions. These results implied that FER resistance in tropical maize is controlled by multiple genomic regions with small-to-moderate genetic effects, whereas the consistency of genomic regions detected by GWAS and QTL mapping is low. Genomic prediction incorporating regions identified across different genetic backgrounds emerges as a promising tool for accelerating FER resistance breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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25 pages, 4968 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Environmental Behavior and Ecological Effects of Exogenous Proteins from Insect-Resistant Corn in Soil

by Qi Zhang, Huize Cui, Shuhan Li, Yujuan Li, Kexin Xie, Yanguang Pan, Yang Chen, Hong Di, Lin Zhang, Ling Dong, Yu Zhou, Jiayue Zhang, Jiapeng Xing, Chunxiang Li, Zhenhua Wang and Xing Zeng

Agronomy 2026, 16(5), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16050560 - 3 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Exogenous protein degradation dynamics during transgenic maize straw degradation in soil and the mechanisms underlying soil microbial community construction remain unclear. Applying null-model analysis to determine these mechanisms is important for assessing transgenic crop straw return-to-field-related impacts on dynamic soil quality and microbial [...] Read more.

Exogenous protein degradation dynamics during transgenic maize straw degradation in soil and the mechanisms underlying soil microbial community construction remain unclear. Applying null-model analysis to determine these mechanisms is important for assessing transgenic crop straw return-to-field-related impacts on dynamic soil quality and microbial ecological function changes. A laboratory leaf degradation burial simulation was conducted to establish an exogenous protein Cry1A.401 soil degradation model and clarify its behaviors. Coupled Illumina MiSeq 16S rDNA sequencing–soil physicochemical factor analysis was used to evaluate soil microbial community characteristic and diversity changes during leaf degradation and explore soil microbial community construction mechanisms and driving factors. The results revealed that exogenous protein Cry1A.401 released from transgenic insect-resistant maize leaves exhibited consistent degradation characteristics, decreasing rapidly at the initial stage but slowly at the middle/late stages. The diversity levels within/between soil microbial community groups did not significantly differ. Coexistence was the dominant interaction type among soil microbial communities. Community assembly occurred stochastically and was limited primarily by diffusion. Insights into the putative mechanistic links among Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins, soil properties, and microorganisms are provided. Our understanding of the ecological impacts of exogenous Bt proteins released into soil via leaves on soil ecosystems was enhanced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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24 pages, 24645 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Regulation of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Physicochemical Properties and Metabolic Characteristics of Starch in Waxy and Non-Waxy Proso Millet

by Jiao Mao, Jing Yang, Mengyao Wang, Meili Qin, Sichen Liu, Zhan Wang and Xiaoning Cao

Agronomy 2026, 16(5), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16050505 - 25 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) has the characteristics of being drought-resistant and tolerant to poor soil conditions and a high nitrogen (N) utilization rate. It is an ideal crop for studying stress tolerance and nitrogen utilization. This research examined the regulatory effects [...] Read more.

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) has the characteristics of being drought-resistant and tolerant to poor soil conditions and a high nitrogen (N) utilization rate. It is an ideal crop for studying stress tolerance and nitrogen utilization. This research examined the regulatory effects of different N fertilizer treatments (0, 75, 150, 225, 300 kg·ha⁻¹) on starch physicochemical properties and metabolic characteristics of waxy (Wutai Red proso millet, P1) and non-waxy proso millet (Ningmi No. 9, P2). The results showed that peak yields for P1 and P2 occurred at N applications of 225 kg·ha⁻¹ and 150 kg·ha⁻¹, respectively. As the amount of N applied increased, the proportion of long chains in P1 amylopectin first increased and then decreased, while P2 continued to rise. As the amount of N applied increased, the peak viscosity of P1 gradually decreased, while P2 showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. Metabolomics identified 814 metabolites including nonivamide in P1 and P2 under different N treatments. Under the suitable N fertilizer treatment, 130 metabolites, including myristoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and thromboxane B2, were identified in P1, and 98 metabolites, such as trigonelline, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, and p-anisaldehyde, were identified in P2. Suitable N regulated P1′s starch physicochemical properties via the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate, and purine and one-carbon metabolism pathways, and P2′s via purine metabolism pathways. This research provides a theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of N fertilizer in proso millet and the cultivation of high-yield and high-quality millet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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16 pages, 444 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dose-Specific Biochar Effects on Cotton Yield Under Drought: Genotypic Variations in the Arid U.S. Cotton Belt

by Jinfa Zhang, Yi Zhu, Montasir Ahmed, Rajan Ghimire, Omololu John Idowu, Shannon Norris-Parish, Erin E. Sparks, Sushil Adhikari, Jasmeet Lamba, Jaya Shankar Tumuluru and Derek P. Whitelock

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030346 - 30 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important fiber crop for the textile industry globally. Abiotic stresses, including drought, have become prevalent in affecting cotton production worldwide. There is a shortage of studies on the use of biochar as a soil amendment in [...] Read more.

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important fiber crop for the textile industry globally. Abiotic stresses, including drought, have become prevalent in affecting cotton production worldwide. There is a shortage of studies on the use of biochar as a soil amendment in the semi-arid and arid Southwest and West U.S. Cotton Belt to alleviate drought stress. This study was conducted to examine the effects of biochar at four application rates (0, 6.25, 12.5, and 25.0 t ha⁻¹) on cotton yield and yield components using six tetraploid cotton genotypes, including one Pima (G. barbadense L.) and five Upland cottons (G. hirsutum L.), under well-watered (WW) and drought stress (DS) conditions in an arid region of New Mexico, USA. The six cotton genotypes consistently showed that DS at the flowering stage significantly decreased boll number (BN), boll weight (BW), and lint percentage (LP), and thereby seed cotton weight (SCW) per plant and lint weight (LW) per plant. However, Pima DP 359 RF had the lowest reduction (23–33%) in BN, SCW, and LW due to drought, while DP 2020 B3XF was the most sensitive to drought, with a 45–48% reduction in the traits. Under DS conditions, biochar at the rate of 12.5 t ha⁻¹ had the highest SCW and LW, and the lowest reduction in BN, BW, SCW, and LW due to drought, which was significantly different from the non-biochar control, and no genotype × biochar interaction was detected. However, biochar had no positive effects on cotton productivity under non-drought conditions. This study has demonstrated the positive effects of biochar on cotton yield and yield components in alleviating drought stress, laying the foundation for more follow-up studies toward its utility in cotton production in semi-arid and arid areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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20 pages, 4476 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of a Combined Remediation Strategy Using Complex Microbial Agents and Corn Straw on Saline–Alkali Soil

by Yan Wang, Wanying Liu, Hangzhe Fan, Ying Zhou, Zhanyu Chen, Fengjie Sun and Xiyan Cui

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030318 - 27 Jan 2026

Viewed by 869

Abstract

Identifying plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria tolerant to saline–alkali conditions is critical for developing effective microbial agents and multi-strategy approaches to remediate saline–alkali soil. Two salt–alkali-tolerant bacterial strains—phosphorus-solubilizing Bacillus pumilus JL-C and cellulose-decomposing B. halotolerans XW-3—were isolated from saline–alkali soil, with both exhibiting multiple plant-growth-promoting properties, [...] Read more.

Identifying plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria tolerant to saline–alkali conditions is critical for developing effective microbial agents and multi-strategy approaches to remediate saline–alkali soil. Two salt–alkali-tolerant bacterial strains—phosphorus-solubilizing Bacillus pumilus JL-C and cellulose-decomposing B. halotolerans XW-3—were isolated from saline–alkali soil, with both exhibiting multiple plant-growth-promoting properties, including nitrogen fixation and the generation of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase. Alfalfa pot experiments were conducted under four treatments: a control, the strain JL-C treatment, the strain XW-3 treatment, and a co-inoculation treatment (JL-C/XW-3), all mixed with corn straw and applied to the saline–alkali soil. The results demonstrated that the co-inoculation treatment yielded the most significant growth-promoting effects on alfalfa, showing enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities; increased contents of proline, soluble sugar, and protein; reduced malondialdehyde content; lowered pH and electrical conductivity; elevated activities of key enzymes; and increased levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter content in the soil. The pot experiments were confirmed by field experiments. The results of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing revealed changes in the bacterial community composition in the alfalfa rhizosphere, showing shifts in the relative abundance of several bacterial taxa often reported as plant-associated or potentially beneficial. This study establishes a combined remediation strategy for saline–alkali soil utilizing complex microbial agents and corn straw. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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Review

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21 pages, 1894 KB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Salicylic Acid in Shaping Plant Resistance to Environmental Stresses

by Piotr Kostiw and Mariola Staniak

Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080785 - 10 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key endogenous regulator involved in plant defense responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The increasing resistance of pathogens to chemical plant protection products and growing environmental restrictions have intensified the search for alternative strategies to enhance plant health [...] Read more.

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key endogenous regulator involved in plant defense responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The increasing resistance of pathogens to chemical plant protection products and growing environmental restrictions have intensified the search for alternative strategies to enhance plant health and stress tolerance. Among these strategies, the induction of natural defense mechanisms, in which SA plays a central signaling role, has gained particular attention. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of SA in shaping plant resistance to environmental factors. The fundamental mechanisms of plant defense, including innate immunity, induced systemic resistance (ISR), and systemic acquired resistance (SAR), are discussed, with emphasis on the signaling function of SA and its interaction with other phytohormones, especially jasmonic acid and ethylene. The role of SA in regulating physiological processes associated with stress tolerance, such as antioxidant system activity, photosynthesis, plant growth, and senescence, is highlighted. The review of research results indicates that appropriately selected doses and timing of SA treatments can enhance resistance to selected pathogens and improve plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. However, treatment effectiveness depends on multiple factors, particularly SA concentration and plant–pathogen interactions. Salicylic acid is a promising component of integrated and sustainable plant protection strategies. Further research, especially under field conditions, is necessary to optimize its practical use and fully determine its potential in modern agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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21 pages, 1126 KB

Open AccessReview

Progress and Prospects of Research on the Role of Phosphatidic Acid in Response to Adverse Stress in Plants

by Siqi Xie, Yao Zhao, Menghuan Tao, Yarong Zhang, Zhenfei Guo and Bo Yang

Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2758; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122758 - 29 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1360

Abstract

Lipid signaling plays a crucial role in how plants perceive and respond to environmental challenges. Among the various lipid mediators, phosphatidic acid (PA) serves as a key metabolic intermediate and second messenger that links membrane dynamics with stress signaling. It is produced rapidly [...] Read more.

Lipid signaling plays a crucial role in how plants perceive and respond to environmental challenges. Among the various lipid mediators, phosphatidic acid (PA) serves as a key metabolic intermediate and second messenger that links membrane dynamics with stress signaling. It is produced rapidly through the coordinated actions of phospholipase C, phospholipase D and diacylglycerol kinase, and its transient accumulation enables plants to adjust defense and acclimation responses with remarkable precision. Recent studies have shown that PA participates in immune signaling, osmotic regulation, and redox control, functioning at the intersection of membrane remodeling and intracellular signal transduction. Through interactions with hormone signaling, calcium fluxes, and reactive oxygen species production, PA integrates multiple stress-responsive pathways, thereby helping to maintain physiological homeostasis under adverse conditions. This review summarizes current understanding of the biosynthetic regulation and signaling roles of PA, and discusses emerging perspectives that highlight its central role in plant immunity and stress adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Tolerance: From Genetic Mechanism to Cultivation Methods)

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