Plants

Research

Jump to: Review

25 pages, 9234 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Ca²⁺/Calmodulin-Interacting IQD Hub in Tartary Buckwheat: Genome-Wide FtIQD Analysis and Characterization of FtIQD19

by Guojun Chen, Chenyi Wu, Zhixing Zhao, Yuzhen Liang, Jingyi Wang, Zhenwang Li, Zhengyan Li and Xiule Yue

Plants 2026, 15(8), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15081212 - 15 Apr 2026

Viewed by 175

Abstract

IQ67-domain (IQD) proteins are plant-specific calmodulin (CaM)/calmodulin-like (CML) targets implicated in the spatial organization of Ca²⁺ signaling, yet their roles in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified 24 FtIQD genes and classified them into six phylogenetic [...] Read more.

IQ67-domain (IQD) proteins are plant-specific calmodulin (CaM)/calmodulin-like (CML) targets implicated in the spatial organization of Ca²⁺ signaling, yet their roles in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified 24 FtIQD genes and classified them into six phylogenetic subfamilies. FtIQDs show uneven chromosomal distribution and mainly arise from segmental duplication under purifying selection. Promoter analysis revealed the enrichment of MYB-, light-, and ABA-related cis-elements. To link FtIQDs with rutin variation, we performed an FtIQD-focused association analysis using whole-genome resequencing data from altitude-stratified panels of up to 220 accessions. Under additive, dominant, and recessive models, multiple significant SNPs (p < 1 × 10⁻⁵) were detected near a subset of FtIQD loci, showing clear model- and environment-dependent patterns. Recurrent loci included FtIQD22, FtIQD02, FtIQD16, and FtIQD19. RNA-seq under PEG-induced drought stress, tissue expression patterns, pathway co-expression, and qRT–PCR further prioritized FtIQD19. FtIQD19–GFP showed predominant nuclear localization with additional filamentous/peripheral signals, and yeast two-hybrid assays identified FtCaM7.2 as the strongest interactor among representative CaMs. Structural modeling of the FtIQD19–FtCaM7.2 complex suggested testable residue-level interaction features. Collectively, this work provides a foundational FtIQD resource and highlights candidate Ca²⁺/CaM–IQD modules potentially associated with altitude-dependent rutin variation in tartary buckwheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

26 pages, 4122 KB

Open AccessArticle

qAG2.1 Is Associated with Anaerobic Germination Tolerance in Rice Seeds: Evidence from Haplotype Analysis and Marker-Assisted Breeding

by Vijay Kumar Reddy Challa, Siddharth Panda, Annamalai Anandan, Sharat Kumar Pradhan, Aruna Yelemele Raghavendra Rao and Bhojaraja Naik Keshava

Plants 2026, 15(5), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15050821 - 7 Mar 2026

Viewed by 754

Abstract

Anaerobic germination tolerance (AGT) is a critical adaptive trait for rice establishment in flood-prone environments and direct-seeded systems. Here, we identified and validated the quantitative trait locus qAG2.1 for AGT and introgressed it into the elite lowland rice variety CR Dhan 801 through [...] Read more.

Anaerobic germination tolerance (AGT) is a critical adaptive trait for rice establishment in flood-prone environments and direct-seeded systems. Here, we identified and validated the quantitative trait locus qAG2.1 for AGT and introgressed it into the elite lowland rice variety CR Dhan 801 through marker-assisted backcross breeding. The introgressed lines exhibited significantly improved germination under anaerobic conditions, demonstrating the effectiveness of qAG2.1 in a high-yielding genetic background. While CR Dhan 801 showed a low anaerobic germination percentage (17.6%), the donor ARC10424 exhibited 82.6%, and the best-performing introgressed line (22009-3) achieved 49.2%. Importantly, the improved lines maintained agronomic performance comparable to CR Dhan 801 under non-stress conditions, indicating minimal yield penalty. To gain mechanistic insight, the qAG2.1 interval was dissected in silico to prioritise candidate genes putatively associated with AGT. This analysis highlighted genes linked to ethylene biosynthesis and signalling (e.g., OsACO3, OsERF109), abscisic acid biosynthesis (OsNCED1), gibberellin homeostasis (OsGA2ox9), trehalose metabolism (OsTPS5, OsTPP1), detoxification of anaerobic by-products (OsALDH2A), and water transport (OsPIP1;3). Collectively, these results validate qAG2.1 as a further deployable locus for improving anaerobic germination in elite rice backgrounds and provide a set of putative candidate genes for future functional characterisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 5110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Calmodulin-Binding Transcription Activators (CAMTA) Gene Family in Brassica U-Triangle Species and Its Potential Role in Response to Phytohormones and Abiotic Stresses

by Qinghui Wang, Si Chen, Haobo Li, Pan Niu, Xinyuan Wang, Huiyan Zhao, Huafang Wan, Cunmin Qu and Daixiang Xu

Plants 2026, 15(3), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030480 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 586

Abstract

Calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) are pivotal regulators decoding calcium signals, with crucial roles in plant development, hormone responses, and adaptation to abiotic stresses. Although extensive research has been conducted on CAMTAs in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis [...] Read more.

Calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) are pivotal regulators decoding calcium signals, with crucial roles in plant development, hormone responses, and adaptation to abiotic stresses. Although extensive research has been conducted on CAMTAs in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the CAMTA gene family across the economically important Brassica U-triangle species has not been performed. In this study, we systematically identified and characterized 64 CAMTA genes from the genomes of Brassica U-triangle species. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into four conserved groups, a finding corroborated by analyses of gene structure and conserved motifs. These analyses revealed strong evolutionary preservation of functional domains, especially the calmodulin-binding domain (CaMBD). Chromosomal distribution and collinearity assessment highlighted the significant impact of polyploidization on the expansion of the CAMTA family, with most orthologous pairs being under purifying selection. Cis-element analysis in promoters uncovered an abundance of stress- and hormone-related elements, suggesting diverse regulatory roles for these genes. Furthermore, RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR expression profiling demonstrated that BnaCAMTA genes exhibit tissue-specific expression and are dynamically responsive to various phytohormones (ABA, JA, and GA) and abiotic stresses (salt and drought), particularly in the root. Notably, BnaCAMTA5.2, which was prioritized among several validated candidates, mediates the antagonistic regulation of hypocotyl and root growth under GA and salt stress, indicating its key role in balancing growth promotion and stress adaptation. Additionally, we identified a set of stress-related miRNAs that potentially target BnaCAMTAs, suggesting a potential layer of post-transcriptional regulation. Our results provide valuable insights into the evolutionary and functional diversity of CAMTA genes in Brassica U-triangle species and lay a foundation for further research into their roles in enhancing stress resistance in B. napus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3444 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Wheat Nucleoredoxin TaNRX1-2D Gene Ameliorates Salt Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

by Jianfei Zhou, Xiling Chang, Yaning Bu, Tianqi Song, Ling Kang, Yan Dong, Xinpeng Lei, Yuxin Wang, Xiaoxing Wang, Jiandong Ren, Jishan Xiang, Dongsheng Chen and Xiaoke Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(1), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010146 - 4 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 630

Abstract

Wheat is one of the most important crops contributing to global food and nutritional security. However, the gradual increase in soil salt content significantly impairs wheat growth and development, ultimately resulting in reduced yields. Therefore, enhancing the salt tolerance of wheat is of [...] Read more.

Wheat is one of the most important crops contributing to global food and nutritional security. However, the gradual increase in soil salt content significantly impairs wheat growth and development, ultimately resulting in reduced yields. Therefore, enhancing the salt tolerance of wheat is of significant importance. Salt stress commonly induces oxidative stress in plants, and nucleoredoxin (NRX) has been shown to effectively maintain redox homeostasis under stress conditions. However, the functional role and molecular mechanism of the NRX gene in regulating salt tolerance in wheat remain to be elucidated. The results of this study demonstrated that TaNRX1-2D homologous overexpression (OE) lines exhibited significantly enhanced tolerance to salt stress. The survival rate and antioxidant enzyme activities (including superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the OE lines were higher than those in the wild type (WT). In contrast, the levels of superoxide anion (O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the OE lines were markedly lower than those in the WT. Conversely, the RNA interference (RNAi) lines displayed opposing trends. The results of yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual luciferase assays (D-LUC) demonstrated that the TaERD15L-3B transcription factor positively regulated the expression of the TaNRX1-2D gene by binding to the ABRERATCAL cis-acting element in the TaNRX1-2D promoter. Through luciferase complementation assay (LCA), bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, and a “mutation capture strategy”, it was found that TaNRX1-2D (C54, 327S) interacted with TaCAT2-B, indicating that TaCAT2-B was the target protein of TaNRX1-2D. The results of data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics analysis indicated that TaNRX1-2D may mediate salt tolerance in wheat through the positive regulation of nsLTP protein abundance and the negative regulation of hexokinase protein abundance. In general, the TaERD15L-3B/TaNRX1-2D regulatory module played a crucial role in conferring salt tolerance in wheat. This study provided an important theoretical basis and identified a potential gene target for developing salt-tolerant wheat varieties through molecular breeding approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 8326 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pangenome-Wide Identification, Evolutionary Analysis of Maize ZmPLD Gene Family, and Functional Validation of ZmPLD15 in Cold Stress Tolerance

by Si-Nan Li, Yun-Long Li, Ming-Hao Sun, Yan Sun, Xin Li, Quan Cai, Yunpeng Wang and Jian-Guo Zhang

Plants 2025, 14(24), 3858; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14243858 - 18 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1043

Abstract

Phospholipase D (PLD) genes play key roles in plant abiotic stress responses, but the systematic identification of the maize (Zea mays) PLD family and its cold tolerance mechanism remain unclear. Using 26 maize genomes (pangenome), we identified 21 ZmPLD members via [...] Read more.

Phospholipase D (PLD) genes play key roles in plant abiotic stress responses, but the systematic identification of the maize (Zea mays) PLD family and its cold tolerance mechanism remain unclear. Using 26 maize genomes (pangenome), we identified 21 ZmPLD members via Hidden Markov Model (HMM) search (Pfam domain PF00614), including five private genes—avoiding gene omission from single reference genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed ZmPLD conservation with Arabidopsis and rice PLDs; Ka/Ks analysis revealed most ZmPLDs under purifying selection, while three genes (including ZmPLD15) had positive selection signals, suggesting roles in maize adaptive domestication. For ZmPLD15, five shared structural variations (SVs) were found in its promoter; some contained ERF/bHLH binding sites, and SVs in Region1/5 significantly regulated ZmPLD15 expression. Protein structure prediction and molecular docking showed conserved ZmPLD15 structure and substrate (1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) binding energy across germplasms. Transgenic maize (B73 background) overexpressing ZmPLD15 was generated. Cold stress (8–10 °C, 6 h) and recovery (24 h) on three-leaf seedlings showed transgenic plants had better leaf cell integrity than wild type (WT). Transgenic plants retained 45.8% net photosynthetic rate (Pn), 47.9% stomatal conductance (Gs), and 55.8% transpiration rate (Tr) versus 7.6%, 21.3%, 13.8% in WT; intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) was maintained properly. This confirms ZmPLD15 enhances maize cold tolerance by protecting photosynthetic systems, providing a framework for ZmPLD research and a key gene for cold-tolerant maize breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6921 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Hormone Stimulation and HbHSP90.3 Plays a Vital Role in Water Deficit of Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.)

by Mingyang Liu, Songle Fan, Cuicui Wang, Bingbing Guo, Hong Yang, Phearun Phen and Lifeng Wang

Plants 2025, 14(23), 3679; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14233679 - 3 Dec 2025

Viewed by 609

Abstract

The yield and quality of rubber tree latex are affected by environmental stresses and plant hormone stimulation. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is widely involved in various developmental processes and stress responses in plants, especially in drought stress. In this study, we cloned [...] Read more.

The yield and quality of rubber tree latex are affected by environmental stresses and plant hormone stimulation. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is widely involved in various developmental processes and stress responses in plants, especially in drought stress. In this study, we cloned the HbHSP90.3 gene and characterized its expression pattern in different tissues and mechanical wounding treatments of the rubber tree and found that it is highly expressed in latex and responds to mechanical wounding treatment. To reveal the roles of plant hormones and HSP90.3 protein in the drought resistance process of rubber trees. Treatment with the specific HSP90 protein inhibitor geldanamycin (GDA) and yeast expression experiments demonstrated that HbHSP90.3 has a relieving effect on water deficit in rubber trees. The expression pattern showed that the HbHSP90.3 gene was closely related to hormone signaling, especially for Indole acid (IAA) and Zeatin (ZT) induction under different plant hormone treatments. Protein interaction analysis showed that HbHSP90.3 interacted with the suppressor of the G2 allele of skp1 (HbSGT1b). Taken together, HbHSP90.3 interacts with HbSGT1b in the nucleus and plays a key role in water deficit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1845 KB

Open AccessArticle

Overexpression of GmNAC03 in Soybean Enhances Salt Tolerance

by Dezhi Han, Wu Zhang, Yang Li, Wei Li, Fanli Meng and Wencheng Lu

Plants 2025, 14(21), 3235; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213235 - 22 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1013

Abstract

Soybean is a major source of plant-based protein and vegetable oil, but its productivity is severely limited by soil salinity. Transcription factors including NAC family play pivotal roles in regulating stress-responsive pathways. Here, we identified and characterized a salt-induced NAC transcription factor, GmNAC03 [...] Read more.

Soybean is a major source of plant-based protein and vegetable oil, but its productivity is severely limited by soil salinity. Transcription factors including NAC family play pivotal roles in regulating stress-responsive pathways. Here, we identified and characterized a salt-induced NAC transcription factor, GmNAC03, in soybean. Overexpression of GmNAC03 significantly improved salt tolerance at both the germination and seedling stages. Physiological analyses revealed that antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), were elevated in GmNAC03 transgenic lines, accompanied by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, indicating enhanced oxidative stress resistance. To further explore its regulatory mechanisms, RNA-seq analysis was performed, which showed that GmNAC03 overexpression affected pathways related to amino acid metabolism, particularly glutamine and aspartate family amino acid biosynthesis, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, suggesting a role for GmNAC03 in metabolic reprogramming under salt stress. Together, these findings demonstrate that GmNAC03 functions as a positive regulator of salt tolerance in soybean by modulating antioxidant defense and amino acid metabolic pathways. This work provides new insights into the molecular basis of NAC-mediated stress adaptation and offers a potential target for breeding soybean varieties with enhanced salinity resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4217 KB

Open AccessArticle

TaCML49-B, a Calmodulin-like Protein, Interacts with TaIQD23 to Positively Regulate Salt Tolerance in Wheat

by Jingna Ru, Jiamin Hao, Bingqing Hao, Xiaoqian Ji, Jiale Yang, Hongtao Wang, Baoquan Quan, Pengyan Guo, Jiping Zhao, Huawei Shi and Zhaoshi Xu

Plants 2025, 14(20), 3163; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203163 - 15 Oct 2025

Viewed by 852

Abstract

Calcium signaling is essential for coordinating plant responses to diverse stimuli and regulating growth and development. Among calcium sensors, calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-like proteins (CMLs) represent a class that, despite increasing research, remains incompletely characterized in wheat, with many interacting partners and biological [...] Read more.

Calcium signaling is essential for coordinating plant responses to diverse stimuli and regulating growth and development. Among calcium sensors, calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-like proteins (CMLs) represent a class that, despite increasing research, remains incompletely characterized in wheat, with many interacting partners and biological functions remaining largely elusive. This study conducted bioinformatics analyses of subgroup II CaM/CMLs, characterizing their phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, sequence features, and cis-elements. Expression analysis revealed that TaCML49-B was significantly upregulated in roots under salt stress. Moreover, TaCML49-B was localized to nucleus, cytoplasm, and membrane. Function characterization demonstrated that overexpression of TaCML49-B in Arabidopsis enhanced salt tolerance, whereas the BSMV-VIGS silencing of TaCML49-B reduced salt resistance in wheat. Furthermore, STRING database prediction analysis and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay confirmed that TaCML49-B can physically interact with TaIQD23, which encodes an IQ67 domain protein, suggesting its potential involvement in the salt stress signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings indicate that TaCML49-B functions as a positive role in wheat salt stress response, thereby providing novel insights into the functions of TaCML genes and calcium signaling in wheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 8840 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Soybean GPAT Gene Family Identifies GmGPAT1 as a Key Protein in Salt Stress Tolerance

by Xin Li, Yunlong Li, Yan Sun, Sinan Li, Quan Cai, Shujun Li, Minghao Sun, Tao Yu, Xianglong Meng and Jianguo Zhang

Plants 2025, 14(18), 2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14182862 - 13 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1490

Abstract

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs) catalyze the initial and rate-limiting step of glycerolipid biosynthesis, yet their contribution to salt tolerance in the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, a total of 27 GmGPAT genes were identified, and their [...] Read more.

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs) catalyze the initial and rate-limiting step of glycerolipid biosynthesis, yet their contribution to salt tolerance in the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, a total of 27 GmGPAT genes were identified, and their evolutionary relationships, chromosomal distribution, conserved motifs, and cis-regulatory elements were comprehensively analyzed. Through transcriptomic and qPCR analyses, many GmGPATs were found to be predominantly expressed in roots, with GmGPAT1, a plastid-targeted isoform, displaying the most rapid and pronounced transcriptional activation under salt stress. GFP-fusion experiments in transient expression assays confirmed plastid localization of GmGPAT1. Heterologous expression in Escherichia coli together with enzyme kinetics analyses validated its enzymatic function as a GPAT family member. The soybean hairy-root lines overexpressing GmGPAT1 exhibited enhanced root elongation, increased biomass, and improved photosynthetic efficiency under 120 mM NaCl stress, while CRISPR/Cas9 knockout mutants showed pronounced growth inhibition. Physiological assays demonstrated that GmGPAT1 overexpression mitigated oxidative damage by limiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and lipid peroxidation, increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD), and elevating the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG. These changes contributed to redox homeostasis and improved Na⁺ extrusion capacity. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 288 soybean accessions identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the GmGPAT1 promoter that was significantly correlated with salt tolerance, and the beneficial Hap1 allele emerged as a promising molecular marker for breeding. Together, these analyses emphasize the status of GmGPAT1 as a major regulator of salt stress adaptation through the coordinated modulation of lipid metabolism and redox balance, extend the functional annotation of the soybean GPAT family, and highlight new genetic resources that can be leveraged to enhance tolerance to salt stress in soybean cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4535 KB

Open AccessArticle

CmDUF239-1 Improves the Salt Tolerance of Grafted Melon by Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity and Na⁺/K⁺ Homeostasis

by Yanjun Liu, Zhanming Tan, Lulu Meng, Yang Li and Yuquan Peng

Plants 2025, 14(17), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172670 - 27 Aug 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1116

Abstract

Salt stress poses a substantial challenge to melon cultivation, but grafting techniques have shown promise in enhancing salt tolerance. This study aims to identify key genes involved in salt tolerance within melon rootstocks. The salt tolerance of four melon cultivars was evaluated, revealing [...] Read more.

Salt stress poses a substantial challenge to melon cultivation, but grafting techniques have shown promise in enhancing salt tolerance. This study aims to identify key genes involved in salt tolerance within melon rootstocks. The salt tolerance of four melon cultivars was evaluated, revealing that ‘ST2’ exhibited salt sensitivity, whereas ‘XZM17’ demonstrated salt tolerance. Grafting experiments indicated that salt-sensitive melons benefit significantly from being grafted onto salt-tolerant rootstocks. Transcriptome analysis further identified the CmDUF239-1 gene as a critical factor contributing to improved salt tolerance in grafted melons. Functional studies demonstrated that knocking out CmDUF239-1 reduces salt tolerance, reflected in decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) and diminished expression levels of related genes (CmSOD1, CmPRX53-1, CmPRX53-2, CmCAT2). Conversely, overexpression of CmDUF239-1 leads to enhanced enzyme activity and gene expression, along with improved Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis, evidenced by decreased Na⁺ accumulation and increased K⁺ absorption. Furthermore, CmDUF239-1 overexpression upregulated Na⁺/K⁺ transport-related genes (CmSOS1, CmNHX6, CmKUP3, CmSKOR), whereas CmDUF239-1 knockout had the opposite effect. These findings indicate that CmDUF239-1 plays a dual role in promoting salt tolerance by regulating antioxidant defenses and ion transport, contributing to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind grafting-induced salt tolerance and providing insights for the breeding of resilient melon varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 1008 KB

Open AccessReview

Molecular and Genetic Regulation of Crop Root System Architecture in Drought Resilience

by Yawen Wang, Kai Xu, Shoujun Chen, Siya Hang, Tiemei Li, Huaxiang Cheng, Lijun Luo and Liang Chen

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1048; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071048 - 28 Mar 2026

Viewed by 616

Abstract

Drought, a major abiotic stressor affecting global agricultural productivity, significantly reduces crop yields and threatens food security worldwide. As the primary organ for perceiving soil moisture signals and absorbing water, the crop root system architecture plays a pivotal role in plant adaptation to [...] Read more.

Drought, a major abiotic stressor affecting global agricultural productivity, significantly reduces crop yields and threatens food security worldwide. As the primary organ for perceiving soil moisture signals and absorbing water, the crop root system architecture plays a pivotal role in plant adaptation to drought conditions. With the development of high-throughput imaging technologies (i.e., 2D/3D image acquisition), high-throughput genotyping platforms, and gene-editing technologies, significant progress has been achieved in the characterization of root traits and the dissection of molecular genetic regulatory networks underlying these traits in crops. This review comprehensively synthesizes recent advances in the phenotypic characterization, underlying molecular regulatory networks, and functional roles of key root architectural traits, including the root length, angle, density, and root hair development, in enhancing drought resilience. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in the current research and provide an outlook on the future trend of integrating multi-omics, high-throughput phenomics, and genome editing technologies to breed new drought-resistant crop varieties with ideal drought-resistant root architectures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Abiotic Stress of Crops: Molecular Genetics and Genomics—3rd Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI