Radiation Hormesis in Plants

Dear Colleagues,

The radiation hormesis phenomenon is a long-known plant response to low doses and intensities of non-ionizing (UV) and ionizing (IR) radiation. However, its molecular basis remains elusive and often contradictory, although mechanisms of UV-induced hormesis are better studied than those induced by IR. In plants, radiation hormesis after a low dose or low-intensity irradiation manifests as enhanced growth, accelerated development, increased tolerance to stressors, or accumulation of compounds of interest. The molecular background of radiation hormesis and the transition of molecular changes to phenotypic traits have just started to be unravelled. Several mechanisms possibly underlie the hormetic effects, including the activation of heat shock proteins, proteasomes, kinase cascades, changes in nitrogen metabolism, phytohormonal balance, and, in general, repair and antioxidant response processes. Molecular pathways of the radiation hormesis effect are promising for the biotechnological improvement of crops and for controlling the stress resilience of agriculturally important plants.

In this Special Issue, we will focus on plant molecular responses to UV or IR associated with improved growth, stress tolerance, or accumulation of agriculturally or pharmaceutically relevant compounds. The subject areas range from responses in radionuclide-contaminated areas or areas with increased natural radioactivity to effects observed in greenhouses or under controlled laboratory conditions. Original research manuscripts should contain clear data on the source of irradiation, dose rates or intensities of exposure, absorbed doses when applicable, and the growth stage of plants during exposure. Manuscripts (original research, perspectives, or reviews) on the following topics regarding radiation hormesis in plants are welcomed:

• molecular and biochemical responses to UV or IR associated with improved growth and stress tolerance;
• analysis of mutant lines in order to reveal the molecular background of radiation hormesis;
• plant physiology and multispectral imaging studies of radiation hormesis when they are associated with insights into molecular pathways;
• molecular mechanisms of accumulation of agriculturally important compounds in plants after irradiation;
• plant-microbe interaction in the context of radiation hormesis;
• new theoretical insights and modelling of plant cell responses to stimulating doses of radiation.

This Special Issue is supervised by Dr. Polina Yu. Volkova and Dr. Gustavo Turqueto Duarte, assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Elizaveta Kazakova（Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology).

Dr. Polina Yu. Volkova
Dr. Gustavo Turqueto Duarte
Guest Editors

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