International Journal of Plant Biology

15 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biologically Active Compounds in Tomato Fruits Under the Application of Water–Ethanol Spirulina, Dunaliella and Chlorella Microalgae Extracts on Plants’ Leaves

by Ingrīda Augšpole, Irina Sivicka, Kaspars Kampuss, Pāvels Semjonovs and Imants Missa

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1338-1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040092 - 13 Dec 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to detect an impact of water–ethanol extracts of different microalgae species—Spirulina platensis, Dunaliella salina and Chlorella vulgaris—on the accumulation of bioactive compounds in tomatoes. A treatment with the corresponding ethanol solution and pure drinking water was used [...] Read more.

This study aimed to detect an impact of water–ethanol extracts of different microalgae species—Spirulina platensis, Dunaliella salina and Chlorella vulgaris—on the accumulation of bioactive compounds in tomatoes. A treatment with the corresponding ethanol solution and pure drinking water was used as a control. Tomato cultivar ‘Belle’ F1 (Enza Zaden) was grown in a polycarbonate greenhouse, in 25 L pots filled with a peat substrate (pH KCl 5.5). The plants were sprayed weekly from germination until the start of harvesting, in total nine times. Fruits were analysed at the stage of full ripeness. Bioactive compounds’ contents such as vitamin C, titratable acidity, pH value, β-carotene, lycopene, anthocyanin, total phenols as well as total soluble solids and dry matter were analysed, and the connection between fruit mass and the taste index was determined. The influence of the tested extracts on the bioactive compounds and quality parameters of tomatoes was different, but no significant differences for most of the analysed active compounds were found, with the exception of total phenols (from 137.59 ± 1.34 to 166.93 ± 2.01 mg 100 g⁻¹) and total soluble solids (from 3.93 ± 0.12 to 4.4 ± 0.18 °Brix). In the next research, a more detailed study about the influence of the ethanol concentration on changes in biologically active compounds should be provided. Full article

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

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17 pages, 3928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Suitability Predictions for the Distribution and Potential Cultivation of Artemisia afra in South Africa

by Motiki M. Mofokeng, Harold L. Weepener, Hintsa T. Araya, Stephen O. Amoo, Nadia A. Araya, Samkelisiwe Hlophe-Ginindza and Christian P. du Plooy

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1321-1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040091 - 12 Dec 2024

Abstract

Cultivation is advocated as a solution for the sustainable exploitation of medicinal plants. Understanding environmental factors influencing plant species distribution will eliminate the indiscriminate introduction of medicinal plants to inappropriate cultivation regions. This study investigated environmental conditions for the distribution of Artemisia afra [...] Read more.

Cultivation is advocated as a solution for the sustainable exploitation of medicinal plants. Understanding environmental factors influencing plant species distribution will eliminate the indiscriminate introduction of medicinal plants to inappropriate cultivation regions. This study investigated environmental conditions for the distribution of Artemisia afra and mapped out potential areas for its cultivation in South Africa. Soil samples were collected for analysis in the Free State Province in South Africa. To identify suitable environmental conditions for the natural distribution of A. afra, the South African National Botanical Institute database and physically collected Global Positioning System points were used in a maximum entropy model. Monthly long-term average interpolated weather surfaces were used to estimate the effect of climate change on future climate suitability for A. afra distribution. Sixty-one percent of soil samples from different A. afra populations were clay loam soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The carbon source utilization, Shannon Weaver Index, and species richness were positively correlated with one group of fourteen soil samples, and species evenness was positively correlated with the second group, consisting of four samples. Climate change will only affect the distribution of A. afra in the very long term. The current study provides critical information for identifying suitable cultivation areas for A. afra while supporting conservation efforts from an ecological point of view. Full article

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

17 pages, 4164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sterol Profile in Leaves of Spring Oats (Avena sativa L.) Under Conditions of the Cryolithozone

by Vasiliy V. Nokhsorov, Valentina E. Sofronova, Igor V. Sleptsov, Svetlana V. Senik, Lidia V. Petrova and Klim A. Petrov

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1304-1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040090 - 12 Dec 2024

Abstract

Plant sterols (STs) are essential for the regulation of fluidity and permeability of cell membranes, which have a wide structural diversity. The dynamics of changes in sterol molecular species in leaves of a valuable cereal crop, spring oat (Avena sativa L.), as [...] Read more.

Plant sterols (STs) are essential for the regulation of fluidity and permeability of cell membranes, which have a wide structural diversity. The dynamics of changes in sterol molecular species in leaves of a valuable cereal crop, spring oat (Avena sativa L.), as a function of different sowing dates were studied. In particular, 11 molecular species of sterols (STs) and triterpenoids in A. sativa leaves were identified by GC-MS. Triterpenoids Ψ-taraxasterol, cyclolaudenol, and betulin were identified in A. sativa leaves for the first time, which may be related to adaptation to extreme climatic conditions of the cryolithozone. The dynamics of STs and triterpenoids changes were revealed during growth and development of the standard term and late summer sowing term during A. sativa hardening to low ambient temperatures. The ratio of β-sitosterol to campesterol was found to increase in response to low positive air temperatures, while the ratio of stigmasterol to β-sitosterol remained constant from mid-September to the end of October. Overall, leaves of standard-seeded A. sativa plants maintained higher levels of absolute STs and triterpenoids by 1.9-fold than leaves of late-seeded A. sativa plants. It is suggested that the ability of A. sativa plants to synthesize β-sitosterol and stigmasterol may be part of an evolutionary adaptation process to cope with wide temperature fluctuations and to maintain important membrane-bound metabolic processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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16 pages, 827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pulp or Potential? Magneto-Priming as a Seed Priming Technique Has Little Effect on Seedling Performance but Results in Significant Alteration of trans-Zeatin and cis-Zeatin in Soybean (Glycine max)

by Michael Capperauld, Daniel Palberg and R. J. Neil Emery

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1288-1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040089 - 9 Dec 2024

Abstract

Magneto-priming (MP) has been reported as a sustainable method to enhance crop yield and resistance to adverse environmental conditions; however, any physiochemical basis for these findings remains unavailable. In the present study, soybean (Glycine max) seeds (n = 232) were [...] Read more.

Magneto-priming (MP) has been reported as a sustainable method to enhance crop yield and resistance to adverse environmental conditions; however, any physiochemical basis for these findings remains unavailable. In the present study, soybean (Glycine max) seeds (n = 232) were exposed to a static magnetic field (SMF) of 150–205 mT for 60 min. The effect of SMF exposure on seedling mass, hypocotyl length, radicleemergence rate, total seedling height, leaf area, chlorophyl content, and physiological attributes was evaluated. Differential analysis of the cytokinin (CK) profile of seedling tissues was achieved using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray-ionization high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS/MS). Results indicate that MP seedlings achieved radicle emergence earlier; however, no other statistically significant differences could be established. The absence in significant improvement in the agronomic and physiological attributes measured is in stark contrast to the results reported in other studies. Nonetheless, significant differences were found in the concentrations of trans-Zeatin (tZ) and cis-Zeatin (cZ) between control and MP plants. These results are incongruent as it would be assumed that insignificant differences in agronomic and physiological properties would align with phytohormone profiles. Future work should be performed to determine if there are any meaningful bioeffects that can be assigned to MP-generated hormone changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Reproduction)

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11 pages, 1106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Morphometric and Physiological Parameters of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Caused by Fluoride Contamination

by Eugenia Krasavtseva and Dmitriy Makarov

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1277-1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040088 - 4 Dec 2024

Abstract

The article presents the results of the study of the effect of fluoride on the morphometric and physiological parameters of higher plants. The test culture was the seeds of oat Avena sativa L. Phytotesting was carried out according to standard methods in eluate [...] Read more.

The article presents the results of the study of the effect of fluoride on the morphometric and physiological parameters of higher plants. The test culture was the seeds of oat Avena sativa L. Phytotesting was carried out according to standard methods in eluate and contact versions. Four different levels (0.09, 0.9, 9 and 90 mgF/L) of NaF solution for eluate phytotesting and five levels (10, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 mgF⸱kg⁻¹ dry soil) for contact phytotesting were applied. The decrease in root length, plant height and biomass at the maximum pollution level (90 mgF/L and 2000 mgF⸱kg⁻¹ dry soil, respectively) relative to the control was 35.5, 23.86 and 62.47%, respectively. Statistical data processing was conducted. In addition, using a portable mini-spectrometer for leaves CI-710S, indices characterizing changes in chlorophyll content in plants were determined: Chlorophyll Content Index, Green Chlorophyll Index, Red-Edge Chlorophyll Index, Leaf Chlorophyll Index, Soil–Plant Analysis Development. The decrease in CCI, CI Green, CI Red, LCI, and SPAD indices at the maximum pollution level (2000 mgF⸱kg⁻¹ dry soil) relative to the control was 86.2, 42.0, 57.9, 32.8 and 70.4%, respectively. Correlation analysis using the Pearson coefficient made it possible to establish a significant relationship between individual morphometric and physiological indicators. It was found that high levels of soil fluoride contamination cause significant changes in the morphometric and physiological parameters of Avena sativa L. The results of the study may have implications for agriculture or environmental protection in areas exposed to fluoride. Full article

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

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11 pages, 1124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Gains from Selection for Fruit and Bean Physical Traits from the Conilon Coffee Genotype

by Jessica Rodrigues Dalazen, Rodrigo Barros Rocha, Gleison Oliosi, Larissa Fatarelli Bento de Araújo, Marcelo Curitiba Espindula, Weverton Pereira Rodrigues and Fabio Luiz Partelli

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1266-1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040087 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

Plant breeding of Coffea canephora is based on the characterization and use of the natural genetic variability of the species. Thus, the objective of this study was to quantify the genetic diversity and gains from selection of the fruit and bean physical traits [...] Read more.

Plant breeding of Coffea canephora is based on the characterization and use of the natural genetic variability of the species. Thus, the objective of this study was to quantify the genetic diversity and gains from selection of the fruit and bean physical traits of the C. canephora plant, seeking to understand the relations among the yield components and identify genotypes with superior traits. For this purpose, 42 genotypes were evaluated over two crop years while considering a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement to quantify the effects of genotypes, crop years, and the interaction between these two factors. Coffee fruit samples in the cherry stage were used to evaluate the weights, volumes, and dimensions of the fresh fruit and beans after drying. Genotypic variance prevailed over environmental variance for all of the fruit and bean physical traits of the coffee plants, except for the greatest fruit width (FWG). These associations indicate that the constituent parts of the fruit increased in a manner proportional to an increase in weight. Such associations can facilitate or hinder plant selection. The total gains obtained through the selection indices were similar to those obtained through direct selection for greater bean weights. However, the use of selection indices made it possible to identify clones with more balanced traits. Full article

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

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16 pages, 1923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Genetic Transformation of Coffea arabica Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

by Diana Molina and Ricardo Acuña

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1250-1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040086 - 27 Nov 2024

Abstract

The genetic transformation of Coffea arabica L. is an alternative strategy for obtaining plants with agronomic traits of interest that is less time-consuming than conventional breeding methods. Given the importance of coffee cultivation in Colombia, this study evaluated the main factors interfering with [...] Read more.

The genetic transformation of Coffea arabica L. is an alternative strategy for obtaining plants with agronomic traits of interest that is less time-consuming than conventional breeding methods. Given the importance of coffee cultivation in Colombia, this study evaluated the main factors interfering with the genetic transformation of C. arabica using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. An efficient and reproducible method was accordingly developed that involved propagating “early” embryogenic calli in a liquid proliferation medium supplemented with 3 mg L⁻¹ BAP for eight months, followed by sonication for 300 s in a suspension of LBA4404 OD₆₀₀ of 0.5, harboring pCambia1301, and then incubation in this same suspension for 1 h. The vector pCambia1301 contained the uidA gene under control of the 35S promoter. A micropipette was used to remove the Agrobacterium suspension from the embryogenic callus. The remaining Agrobacterium suspension was blotted off by placing the embryogenic callus on filter paper. The embryogenic callus was then co-cultured for four days in a solid differentiation medium supplemented with 100 µM acetosyringone on filter paper. Subsequently, the embryogenic callus was post-cultured for four days in liquid differentiation medium under constant shaking at 100 rpm with 300 mg L⁻¹ Cefotaxime, followed by selection with 50 mg L⁻¹ hygromycin at 26 °C in the dark, with subcultures at 20-day intervals until somatic embryos were formed for subsequent culturing in germination medium. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of the uidA gene in coffee seedlings transformed with strains LBA4404 and EHA105 and vectors pCambia1301 and pCambia2301 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. This method successfully enables the stable integration of genes of interest in the coffee plant genome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Reproduction)

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21 pages, 2215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Peculiarities of Plant Mineral Composition in Semi-Desert Conditions

by Nadezhda Golubkina, Sergey Sheshnitsan, Andrew Koshevarov, Nikolay Pirogov, Ulyana Plotnikova, Alessio Vincenzo Tallarita, Otilia Cristina Murariu, Luca Merlino and Gianluca Caruso

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1229-1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040085 - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Plant–soil interactions in semi-desert conditions elicit the development of plant-specific adaptation strategies, including selective accumulation of macro- and microelements. Using an ICP-MS analysis of 12 plant species belonging to Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Ephedraceae, Amarantaceae, and Lamiaceae families of the Baskunchak Nature Reserve, remarkable [...] Read more.

Plant–soil interactions in semi-desert conditions elicit the development of plant-specific adaptation strategies, including selective accumulation of macro- and microelements. Using an ICP-MS analysis of 12 plant species belonging to Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Ephedraceae, Amarantaceae, and Lamiaceae families of the Baskunchak Nature Reserve, remarkable species differences in accumulation of 22 macro- and microelements were recorded. The most common Artemisia species and Poaceae representatives belong to two different groups of plants with high content of Na, K, Zn, Cu, V and high antioxidant status and low Si typical for the former group and the opposite characteristics for the latter one. The mentioned phenomenon indicates two diverse powerful adaptation mechanisms based on the antioxidant defense and Si protection, respectively. The high frequency of remarkable levels of Se in plants with BCF exceeding 1 (Glycyrrhiza aspera, Phlomis pungens, Tanacetum nullifolium, Helichrysum nogaicum, and Jurinea ewersmannii), Zn in all species except Poa angustifolia, and Cu in the Asteraceae plants Phlomis pungens and Krascheninnikovia ceratoides suggests the significance of these elements in plant tolerance to environmental stresses. Plant–soil positive correlations were recorded for Sr (r = 0.866; p < 0.001); plant Sr, Fe, Co, Pb levels and soil salinity (r = 0.763, p < 0.001; r = 0.606, p < 0.03; r = 0.627, p < 0.02; r = 0.548, p < 0.05, respectively); and Cr only for Asteraceae species (r = 0.986, p < 0.001). The results obtained in this research may be used in plant adaptability evaluation in conditions of environmental stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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14 pages, 2880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Helenium amarum to Environmental Stressors in the Presence of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Its Role as a Pollinator Resource

by Austin Jameson and Lisa Horth

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1215-1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040084 - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Globally, climate change is causing shifts in precipitation patterns. Shifting precipitation patterns can be a stressor for many species. One species that is experiencing such stress is Helenium amarum Raf (H. Rock). H. amarum, thrives in dry upland pastures and low-lying grassy [...] Read more.

Globally, climate change is causing shifts in precipitation patterns. Shifting precipitation patterns can be a stressor for many species. One species that is experiencing such stress is Helenium amarum Raf (H. Rock). H. amarum, thrives in dry upland pastures and low-lying grassy and sandy habitat in the mid-Atlantic (USA), where it persists despite storm-driven standing water. Helenium amarum is a species that is toxic to livestock and has been found outside its native range. Temperature and light impacts on germination are already known, but the role of water availability and potential ameliorating effects of mycorrhizae during water stress have not been studied. We planted seeds collected from nature in the Aquatics Facility at Old Dominion University under varied water regimes (drought, flood, intermediate) and evaluated supplemental mycorrhizal fungi impacts on plant traits. Plants in soil with supplemental mycorrhizae grew to nearly twice the height of ‘no supplement’ controls (

\bar{x}

_mycorrhizae = 23.16, S.D. = 7.33 cm;

\bar{x}

_control = 13.70, S.D. = 6.33 cm; p < 0.001). Leaf length was also greater with supplemental mycorrhizae (

\bar{x}

_mycorrhizae = 3.52, S.D. = 1.27 cm;

\bar{x}

_control = 2.66, S.D. = 0.75 cm; p = 0.0239). Leaf number was greater in high water treatments, with supplemental mycorrhizae (high-water:

\bar{x}

_mycorrhizae = 27.47, S.D. = 10.66;

\bar{x}

_control = 13.50, S.D. = 6.80; p < 0.001; pulse-water

\bar{x}

_mycorrhizae = 30.50, S.D. = 8.64;

\bar{x}

_control = 22.38, S.D. = 7.42; p = 0.0254). This work demonstrates that H. amarum tolerates both dry and moist soil during germination, which may be relevant for successful invasiveness. Supplemental mycorrhizal fungi buffer the effects of water stress, which is significant as climate change impacts precipitation. Additionally, we have documented that pollinators frequently visit flowers of the plant, which is indicative that the species provides ecosystem services in the form of pollinator resources. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Accessions to Moisture Stress

by Nyimasata Manneh, Victor O. Adetimirin, Ibnou Dieng, Solomon O. Ntukidem, Christian A. Fatokun and Ousmane Boukar

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1201-1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040083 - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Cowpea is one of the most important leguminous crops in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and moisture stress is among the constraints affecting its productivity. This study was conducted to understand the response of cowpea accessions to moisture stress. A total of 255 cowpea accessions [...] Read more.

Cowpea is one of the most important leguminous crops in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and moisture stress is among the constraints affecting its productivity. This study was conducted to understand the response of cowpea accessions to moisture stress. A total of 255 cowpea accessions from Togo and four checks from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), were assessed. The trials were conducted in the glasshouse and an open field (which was divided into moisture-stressed (MS) and non-moisture-stressed fields (NMS)). In the non-moisture-stressed environment compared to the moisture-stressed environment, there was a greater heritability for agronomic traits such as biomass, seed weight, and pod weight. The accessions with the highest seed weights (yield-related traits), surpassing the checks under both moisture-stressed and non-moisture-stressed conditions in the field, were six viz.: RK173 (49.8 g (MS); 90.4 g (NMS)), RP225 (34.6 g (MS); 119.9 g (NMS)), RP232 (33.4 g (MS); 51.9 g (NMS)), RM357 (27.9 g (MS); 62.9 g (NMS)), RK148 (23.9 g (MS); 63.4 g (NMS)), and Vu081_2_2 (21.8 g (MS); 46.7 g (NMS)). The most promising accession was RK173; this was ranked first under the moisture-stressed condition and ranked second under the non-moisture-stressed condition with a loss in weight of 44.9% due to drought stress. Of the top 20 accessions that recovered after watering resumed in the glasshouse screening, only the following 9 had a recovery percentage higher than 5% viz.: RS029 (34.5%), RK014 (14.2%), RS114 (9.6%), RK121 (8.3%), RS007 (7.6%), RK123 (7.3%), RS037 (7.3%), RS101 (5.6%), and RS108 (5.1%). The best line and those with a higher recovery percentage could be exploited further in order to improve them in future drought breeding programs by crossing them with lines susceptible to drought or using other drought breeding techniques. Full article

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

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14 pages, 716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplemental Low-Irradiance Mono/Polychromatic LED Lighting Significantly Enhances Floral Biology of the Long-Day F1 Hybrid Strawberry ‘Soraya’ (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

by Edward Durner

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1187-1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040082 - 13 Nov 2024

Abstract

Floral and vegetative responses of the strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) to specific light wavelengths are not well documented. LED lights make it feasible for precise exposure to specific wavelengths during a 24 h cycle to alter growth responses regulated by phytochromes [...] Read more.

Floral and vegetative responses of the strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) to specific light wavelengths are not well documented. LED lights make it feasible for precise exposure to specific wavelengths during a 24 h cycle to alter growth responses regulated by phytochromes and cryptochromes and thereby potentially enhance fruit productivity in both a controlled environment and field systems or to enhance stolon production for controlled environment propagation. This research developed a systematic method to assess the effects of supplemental, low-irradiance LED lighting on strawberry flowering and vegetative biology. Growth of the long-day F1 seed-propagated cultivar ‘Soraya’ was evaluated during and following 6 or 12 weeks of exposure to supplemental red (660 nm), far-red (730 nm), blue (454 nm), or incandescent lighting at various times during the dark period of a 24 h cycle under a 10 h non-inductive photoperiod at non-inductive temperatures (>27/18 °C, day/night). Treatment effects were monitored via flower mapping and phenology during treatment, field and greenhouse production after treatment, and floral scores derived by ranking treatment effects within the evaluation method and then combining them into a single, simple score. The most promising treatment for enhancing the floral nature of plug plants was exposure to far-red + red light as a 5 h night interruption. This treatment increased inflorescence production in the greenhouse by 285% and resulted in multi-branched, floral plants with the potential for enhancing yield in either greenhouse or field production. Greenhouse runner production increased by 483% following exposure to incandescent lighting at the beginning of the dark period; thus, this treatment or one using a spectral distribution similar to incandescent may be suitable for enhancing vegetative propagation in controlled environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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11 pages, 1667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Accumulation and Initial Growth Response in Lettuce Planted at Different Periods After Hairy Vetch Incorporation

by Hiroshi Uchibayashi, Takuro Shinano and Toshiyuki Hirata

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1176-1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040081 - 12 Nov 2024

Abstract

One-month-old lettuce seedlings were planted in the field with and without prior hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.) incorporation (HV and Fallow, respectively). The periods between hairy vetch incorporation and lettuce planting were 1 day, 8 days and 15 days. The inorganic nitrogen [...] Read more.

One-month-old lettuce seedlings were planted in the field with and without prior hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.) incorporation (HV and Fallow, respectively). The periods between hairy vetch incorporation and lettuce planting were 1 day, 8 days and 15 days. The inorganic nitrogen concentration in the soil was higher after hairy vetch incorporation, as well as the nitrogen concentration in the lettuce leaves from the HV plot compared to the Fallow plot, at any planting period. When lettuce seedlings were planted 8 days after hairy vetch incorporation, the leaf dry weight in the HV plots was 11% lower than that in the Fallow plots 4 days after planting; however, leaf growth recovered and the dry weight was 24% higher 12 days after planting, which could be due to enhanced leaf growth as the result of additional accumulated nitrogen provided by the hairy vetch. In the incubation experiment, it was suggested that the inhibitory effect of hairy vetch decomposition was not due to allelopathic substances. Therefore, in the hairy-vetch-incorporated field, growth suppression in the lettuce plants occurred early and continued for a short period after hairy vetch incorporation, but the damage due to the growth suppression effect was minor. More importantly, nitrogen supplied from the hairy vetch promoted lettuce growth after the inhibition period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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14 pages, 1906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Evaluation of Field Pea Accessions Under Water Deficit Conditions

by Grace B. Vinarao, Krishna Ghimire and Donna K. Harris

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1162-1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040080 - 12 Nov 2024

Abstract

Field pea, a key pulse crop for sustainable agriculture, faces significant production challenges due to drought, exacerbated by extreme climatic changes. This study evaluated 17 field pea plant introductions (PIs) and two commercial varieties under greenhouse conditions to assess their performance, determine the [...] Read more.

Field pea, a key pulse crop for sustainable agriculture, faces significant production challenges due to drought, exacerbated by extreme climatic changes. This study evaluated 17 field pea plant introductions (PIs) and two commercial varieties under greenhouse conditions to assess their performance, determine the relationships between agronomic traits and grain yield (GY), and identify genotypes with stable yields under drought stress. Two water treatments were applied: 100% field capacity for well-watered (WW) and 60% field capacity for water deficit (WD) conditions, with drought stress imposed 21 days after planting. Significant genotypic variation was observed under both conditions. Water deficit significantly reduced GY, the number of pods per plant (NPP), plant height (PH), aboveground dry vegetative biomass (ADVB), and days to maturity (DTM) while increasing stomatal density on both adaxial (SD.ADX) and abaxial leaf surfaces (SD.ABX). Traits associated with GY in WW, such as NPP, PH, ADVB, and SD.ADX, showed stronger correlations under WD, with DTM being significantly associated with GY only in WD. Top-performing genotypes in both conditions exhibited higher pod numbers, increased aboveground dry vegetative biomass, late maturity, and lower adaxial stomatal density. Notably, PI 272215 was identified as a top performer under both conditions, with an 88% yield stability index. PI 180702 demonstrated comparable performance to PI 272215 but with no yield loss under the same conditions. These findings can be used for future field pea breeding programs aimed at developing drought-tolerant field pea varieties. Full article

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

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21 pages, 14589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Class III Peroxidase Gene Family in Physcomitrium patens and a Search for Clues to Ancient Class III Peroxidase Functions

by Vincent P. M. Aparato, Fazle Rabbi, Taylor Madarash, Wyllie A. Brisbourne, Elizabeth I. Barker and Dae-Yeon Suh

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1141-1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040079 - 4 Nov 2024

Abstract

Plant class III peroxidases (PRXs) catalyze generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidation of various compounds including lignin precursors. PRXs function in cell wall metabolism, defense, and stress responses. However, gene redundancy and catalytic versatility have impeded detailed functional characterization of PRX genes. [...] Read more.

Plant class III peroxidases (PRXs) catalyze generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidation of various compounds including lignin precursors. PRXs function in cell wall metabolism, defense, and stress responses. However, gene redundancy and catalytic versatility have impeded detailed functional characterization of PRX genes. The genome of the model moss Physcomitrium patens harbors a relatively small number (49) of PRX genes. Conserved architecture of four exons and three ‘001’ introns, found in some algal PRX genes and in the PpPRX family, suggests that this architecture predated divergence of the green algal and land plant lineages. The PpPRX family expanded mainly through whole-genome duplications. All duplicated pairs but one were under purifying selection and generally exhibited similar expression profiles. An expanded phylogenetic tree revealed a conserved land plant-wide clade that contained PRXs implicated in stress responses in non-lignifying cells, providing a clue to ancient functions of land plant PRXs. Functional clustering was not observed, suggesting convergent evolution of specific PRX functions (e.g., lignification) in different plant lineages. With its small complement of PRXs, P. patens may be useful for functional characterization of land plant PRXs. Several PpPRXs were proposed for further study, including PpPRX34 and PpPRX39 in the ancient land plant-wide clade. Full article

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

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23 pages, 4022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Role of Endophytes in Cannabis sativa L. Polyploidy and Agricultural Trait Improvement

by Ankita Srivastava, Timothy Sharbel and Vladimir Vujanovic

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1118-1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040078 - 29 Oct 2024

Abstract

Here, we examine the effects of ploidy variation in Cannabis sativa L. cell lines on the plant host genotype-associated microbiome. The endophytic microbiome has a protocooperative role in improving plant health and productivity and represents an alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides [...] Read more.

Here, we examine the effects of ploidy variation in Cannabis sativa L. cell lines on the plant host genotype-associated microbiome. The endophytic microbiome has a protocooperative role in improving plant health and productivity and represents an alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides in sustainable agriculture. This study assessed the effects of seed endophytes on diploid and triploid Haze hemp cultivars. Key phenotypic characteristics were evaluated, revealing significant differences in seed germination in vitro as well as vegetative growth and flowering in phytotron conditions. Endophyte-treated triploid plants exhibited significantly taller heights compared to diploids (p < 0.01). These treated triploid plants also showed longer leaves at nodes 2, 6, and 8, except at node 4, indicating a plant in transition from vegetative growth to the generative developmental stage. Additionally, triploids treated with endophytes displayed the highest number of axillary branches, while endophyte-treated diploids had the fewest (p < 0.05). Both cultivars treated with endophytes exhibited a higher number of inflorescences compared to untreated control plants. This study revealed for the first time a direct correlation between the shifts in diameter of the stem and the biomass in both tested hemp hosts, in association with endophytic microbiomes. Full article

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

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10 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Timing of Plant Extracts Application in the Management of Meloidogyne incognita on Tomato Plants

by Nicholus M. Mnyambo, Lebogang P. Rantho, Zakheleni P. Dube and Moses Timana

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1108-1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040077 - 22 Oct 2024

Abstract

Meloidogyne incognita, a widespread and damaging plant parasite, reduces crop yields. Chemical treatments are common but pose health and environmental risks, leading to a search for safer alternatives. Plant extracts with secondary metabolites, like those from Maerua angolensis and Tabernaemontana elegans, [...] Read more.

Meloidogyne incognita, a widespread and damaging plant parasite, reduces crop yields. Chemical treatments are common but pose health and environmental risks, leading to a search for safer alternatives. Plant extracts with secondary metabolites, like those from Maerua angolensis and Tabernaemontana elegans, show promise for nematode control, though their efficacies vary. This study aimed to investigate how the timing of applying T. elegans and M. angolensis extracts influenced the population densities of M. incognita and the growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) plants. The experiment was a factorial design with two plant extracts applied at 5 g per plant and three different timings of application relative to nematode inoculation. Additionally, the experiment included positive (chemical standard (Nemacur^® 10 GR)) and negative (plants inoculated with nematodes only) controls, alongside naturally grown plants. The results indicate that applying plant extracts before the nematode inoculation or simultaneously with the inoculation reduced the total nematode populations as effectively as the Nemacur positive control. Plants treated with extracts showed improved growth variables compared with those treated with Nemacur^® and the natural growing conditions. In conclusion, applying plant extracts before or simultaneously with nematode inoculation effectively suppressed the nematodes and enhanced the plant growth variables. These findings suggest that such plant extracts could be adopted as part of integrated nematode management strategies in agricultural settings. Full article

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

31 pages, 7063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbiomes-Plant Interactions and K-Humate Application for Salinity Stress Mitigation and Yield Enhancement in Wheat and Faba Bean in Egypt’s Northeastern Delta

by Soha S. M. Mostafa, Clair N. Fares, Mounira M. Bishara, Clara R. Azzam, Adel A. Awad, Naayem M. M. Elgaml and Mohamed S. M. Mostafa

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1077-1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040076 - 21 Oct 2024

Abstract

Salinity, resulting from climate change and excessive mineral fertilization, burdens farmers and negatively impacts soil and water ecosystems in the Northeastern Nile Delta. Organic and biological approaches are crucial for addressing these issues. This study examined the effects of individual and combined inoculations [...] Read more.

Salinity, resulting from climate change and excessive mineral fertilization, burdens farmers and negatively impacts soil and water ecosystems in the Northeastern Nile Delta. Organic and biological approaches are crucial for addressing these issues. This study examined the effects of individual and combined inoculations with cyanobacteria, yeast, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), with or without K-Humate and reducing Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizers application rates to crop quality of wheat and faba bean. In preliminary laboratory experiments, the interactive effects of these microbiomes on plant antioxidant and soil enzyme production were examined under salinity stress. Results showed that co-inoculation, especially with K-Humate, yielded superior outcomes compared to individual inoculations. These findings were validated by a field trial conducted in saline-alkaline soil in the Northeastern Nile Delta region. All biological treatments 25% of recommended doses, and enhancing salinity tolerance, increasing yield, and improving enhanced rhizosphere microbial activity, including soil enzyme activity, AMF colonization, spore density, and the total numbers of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and yeast. These effects were further amplified by K-Humate and were more pronounced with combined inoculations than with individual ones, leading to improved soil fertility and significant increases in both crop quantity and quality compared to control treatments. The triple treatment, combining cyanobacteria, yeast, and mycorrhizae in the presence of K-Humate while reducing the mineral NPK rate by 75%, achieved superior increases in the productivity of wheat grains and faba bean seeds, reaching 54.72% and 128.92%, respectively, compared to the 100% NPK mineral control. This treatment also significantly improved crop quality, with notable increases in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and protein percentages in wheat grains and faba bean seeds. Microbiomes-interaction increased potassium uptake over sodium, enhancing the plant’s potassium/sodium ratio and improving salt stress tolerance. This approach reduces reliance on costly mineral fertilizers, enabling bio-organic farming in marginal lands, optimizing resource utilization, and preserving natural resources. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibiotics Resistance and PGPR Traits of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated in Arid Region of Morocco

by Khadijattou Taoufiq, Laila Aberchane, Oukacha Amri, Khalid Oufdou, Khouzaima El Biari, Abdeslem Talbi, Rachid Fghire, Hassan Ouachtak and Mustapha Faghire

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1063-1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040075 - 18 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize endophytic bacteria isolated from legume nodules and roots in the rhizosphere soils of Acacia trees in Morocco’s arid regions. The focus was on identifying bacterial strains with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits and antibiotic resistance, which could enhance [...] Read more.

This study aimed to characterize endophytic bacteria isolated from legume nodules and roots in the rhizosphere soils of Acacia trees in Morocco’s arid regions. The focus was on identifying bacterial strains with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits and antibiotic resistance, which could enhance legume productivity under various abiotic stresses. Autochthonous legumes were used to harbor the endophytic bacteria, including chickpea (Cicer arietinum), faba bean (Vicia faba), lentil (Lens culinaris), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). In a previous study, seventy-two isolates were obtained, and molecular characterization grouped them into twenty-two bacterial isolates. These twenty-two bacterial isolates were then further analyzed for their antibiotic resistance and key PGPR traits, such as phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and siderophore production. The results revealed that 86.36% of the isolates were resistant to erythromycin, 45.45% to ciprofloxacin, 22.73% to ampicillin-sulbactam, and 9.09% to tetracycline, with ciprofloxacin and tetracycline being the most effective. All isolates produced IAA, with HN51 and PN105 exhibiting the highest production at 6 µg of IAA per mg of protein. The other isolates showed varying levels of IAA production, ranging from moderate to low. Siderophore production, assessed using CAS medium, indicated that the strains PN121, LR142, LNR146, and HR26 exhibited high production, while the rest demonstrated moderate to low capacities. Additionally, 18.2% of the isolates demonstrated phosphate solubilization on YED-P medium, with PR135 and LNR135 being the most efficient, achieving solubilization indices of 2.14 and 2.13 cm, respectively. LR142 and LNR146 showed a moderate solubilization efficiency. Overall, these findings indicate that these isolated endophytic bacteria possess significant potential as biofertilizers, owing to their antibiotic resistance, IAA production, siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization abilities. These characteristics position them as promising candidates for enhancing legume growth under abiotic stress and contributing to sustainable agriculture in arid regions. Full article

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

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9 pages, 1977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the CLAVATA3/ESR-Related Gene Family in Tiger Nut

by Maria Gancheva, Nina Kon’kova, Alla Solovyeva, Lavrentii Danilov, Konstantin Gusev and Ludmila Lutova

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(4), 1054-1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040074 - 18 Oct 2024

Abstract

CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (ESR)-related (CLE) genes encode a group of peptide hormones, which coordinate cell proliferation and differentiation in plants. Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a perennial monocot plant that produces oil-rich tubers. [...] Read more.

CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (ESR)-related (CLE) genes encode a group of peptide hormones, which coordinate cell proliferation and differentiation in plants. Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a perennial monocot plant that produces oil-rich tubers. However, the mechanisms regulating tuber development in tiger nut are poorly understood, and nothing is known about CLE genes in tiger nut. In this study, we identified 34 CLE genes in the genomes, proteomes, and transcriptomes of C. esculentus (CeCLE). We analyzed their gene structures and expression profiles in different parts of the plant, at three stages of tuber development and in roots in response to dehydration stress. We found a relatively high expression level of CeCLE13 in growing tuber and suggested that the corresponding CLE peptide could be involved in the regulation of tuberization. We also analyzed CeCLE gene sequences in the genome of the most productive K-17 variety in the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources collection and found many single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, and deletions. Our data provides fundamental information for future research on tiger nut growth and tuberization. Full article

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

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