Plants

Research

Jump to: Other

27 pages, 4420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms of Increase of Winter Wheat Frost Resistance Under Tebuconazole Treatment at Early Stage of Growth: Role of Hormone- and Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Signaling Pathways

by Anna V. Korsukova, Irina V. Lyubushkina, Natalya S. Zabanova, Ekaterina V. Berezhnaya, Elizaveta A. Polyakova, Tamara P. Pobezhimova, Kuzma A. Kirichenko, Nikolay V. Dorofeev, Lyubov V. Dudareva and Olga I. Grabelnych

Plants 2025, 14(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030314 - 21 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1263

Abstract

1, 2, 4-triazole derivatives, including tebuconazole, have been reported to show positive physiological effects in cereals apart from fungicidal activity and to increase plants’ tolerance against temperature stress. This study investigates the mechanisms of increasing frost resistance of etiolated winter wheat (Triticum [...] Read more.

1, 2, 4-triazole derivatives, including tebuconazole, have been reported to show positive physiological effects in cereals apart from fungicidal activity and to increase plants’ tolerance against temperature stress. This study investigates the mechanisms of increasing frost resistance of etiolated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., “Irkutskaya” variety) seedlings by tebuconazole-based seed dresser “Bunker” (1.5 μL g⁻¹ of seeds) and tebuconazole (30 μg g⁻¹ of seeds). To identify ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways of frost resistance, we used fluridone (FLD, 5 mg L⁻¹), an inhibitor of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis. FLD effectively inhibited the accumulation of carotenoids in the shoots and prevented the formation of carotenoids caused by the “Bunker” and tebuconazole. In non-hardened seedlings, FLD stimulated coleoptile and first leaf growth, but did not suppress the growth inhibitory effects of “Bunker” and tebuconazole. In shoots of hardened seedlings, FLD reduced the retarding effect of tebuconazole. Regardless of seedling age, temperature, and the protectant treatment, FLD had no effect on the sugar content in the shoots. FLD did not essentially influence frost resistance induced by “Bunker” and tebuconazole in cold-hardened seedlings. Fluridone increased H₂O₂ content and guaiacol peroxidase activity under control conditions (both with tebuconazole and without tebuconazole) and during cold hardening (in seedlings from seeds treated with tebuconazole). ABA levels in cold-hardened seedlings treated with FLD alone, tebuconazole alone, or a combination of the two were two to three times lower than in untreated hardened seedlings. Changes in indole-3-acetic and salicylic acids in response to FLD and tebuconazole treatment indicate complex interactions with signaling cellular systems. Our results suggest that tebuconazole activates ABA-independent pathways more strongly than ABA-dependent pathways in enhancing frost resistance. The potential mechanisms of tebuconazole action in plant cells are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 8838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PGPB Isolated from Drought-Tolerant Plants Help Wheat Plants to Overcome Osmotic Stress

by Veronika N. Pishchik, Elena P. Chizhevskaya, Vladimir K. Chebotar, Galina V. Mirskaya, Yuriy V. Khomyakov, Vitaliy E. Vertebny, Pavel Y. Kononchuk, Dmitriy V. Kudryavtcev, Olga A. Bortsova, Nina G. Lapenko and Igor A. Tikhonovich

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233381 - 30 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1485

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effect of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolated from the drought-tolerant plants camel thorn (Alhagi pseudoalhagi (M.Bieb.) Fisch) and white pigweed (Chenopodium album L.) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants cv. Lenigradskaya 6, [...] Read more.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolated from the drought-tolerant plants camel thorn (Alhagi pseudoalhagi (M.Bieb.) Fisch) and white pigweed (Chenopodium album L.) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants cv. Lenigradskaya 6, growing under hydroponic conditions and osmotic stress (generated by 12% polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG)). Based on the assumption that plants create a unique microbiome that helps them overcome various stresses, we hypothesized that bacteria isolated from drought-tolerant plants may assist cultivated wheat plants in coping with drought stress. PGPB were isolated from seeds and leaves of plants and identified as Bacillus spp. (strains Cap 07D, Cap 09D, and App 11D); Paenibacillus sp. (Cap 286); and Arthrobacter sp. (Cap 03D). All bacteria produced different phytohormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and gibberellic acid (GAS₃) and were capable of stimulating wheat growth under normal and osmotic stress conditions. All PGPB reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased the total chlorophyll content by increasing chlorophyll a, and modulated wheat hormone homeostasis and CAT and POX activities under osmotic conditions. Selected strains can be promising candidates for the mitigating of the drought stress of wheat plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 12782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Induction of Salt Stress Tolerance in Wheat Seeds by Parental Treatment with Salicylic Acid

by Lei Yan, Xue Jiang, Yuman Zhang, Yongwen Dong, Can Zhao, Ke Xu, Zhongyang Huo and Weiling Wang

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3373; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233373 - 30 Nov 2024

Viewed by 878

Abstract

Soil salinization is an important factor that limits crop production. The effects of spraying salicylic acid (SA) during the grain-filling stage on the salt tolerance of progeny seeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were investigated in this study. The results showed that [...] Read more.

Soil salinization is an important factor that limits crop production. The effects of spraying salicylic acid (SA) during the grain-filling stage on the salt tolerance of progeny seeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were investigated in this study. The results showed that spraying SA during the grain-filling stage significantly increased the grain weight and yield of wheat plants. Meanwhile, the seeds from the SA-treated plants showed a higher germination rate, length and dry mass of the coleoptile and radicle, and a lower mean germination time compared to the seeds of water-treated plants under the salt germination condition, indicating that SA pretreatment during the grain-filling stage could effectively improve the salt tolerance of progeny seeds in wheat. SA pretreatment significantly increased the activities of amylases and the respiration rate, accompanied by a decrease in starch content, and a higher accumulation in the level of soluble sugars and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the germinated seedlings compared to the water pretreatment under salt stress. In addition, SA pretreatment obviously alleviated the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) release rate in seedlings by activating antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD)) under salt stress. Moreover, the seedlings of the SA-treated plants showed lower Na⁺ and higher K⁺ contents compared to the seeds of water-treated plants under salt stress. The results of this study indicate that spraying SA during the grain-filling stage improves the capacity of offspring seeds to maintain osmotic and ion balance and redox homeostasis under salt stress, thereby conferring salt tolerance to the wheat seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 7995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Phosphorus Application Enhances Wheat Stem Lodging Resistance Under Spring Low-Temperature Stress

by Xiang Chen, Qianqian Liu, Baoqiang Zheng and Jincai Li

Plants 2024, 13(21), 2980; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13212980 - 25 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1110

Abstract

Spring low-temperature stress (LTS) has become a major limiting factor for the development of high yield, quality and efficiency in wheat production. It not only affects the function of wheat leaves and the development of spikes but also impacts stem lodging resistance, and [...] Read more.

Spring low-temperature stress (LTS) has become a major limiting factor for the development of high yield, quality and efficiency in wheat production. It not only affects the function of wheat leaves and the development of spikes but also impacts stem lodging resistance, and may experience elevated risk of stem lodging. This study conducted a field pot experiment to assess the effect of phosphorus fertilizer application mode on wheat stem lodging resistance under spring LTS. Two wheat varieties, Yannong19 (YN19, cold-tolerant variety) and Xinmai26 (XM26, cold-sensitive variety) used as the experiment material. Two phosphorus fertilizer application models including traditional phosphorus application (TPA) and optimized phosphorus application (OPA) were employed. Temperature treatment was conducted at 15 °C (CK) and −4 °C (LT) in a controlled phytotron. Our results showed that spring LTS decreased the stem wall thickness and internode fullness, and altered stem anatomical structure and chemical composition, resulting in a decrease in wheat stem mechanical strength and lodging resistant index. Compared with TPA, the OPA increased the stem wall thickness and internode fullness. The thickness of the stem mechanic tissue layer and parenchymatous tissue, and the area of the large vascular bundle and small vascular bundle were increased by the OPA, which alleviated the damage to stem cell walls caused by spring LTS. At the same time, the OPA also increased the contents of lignin, cellulose, and soluble sugar, improving the C/N ratio in wheat stem. Due to the improved stem morphological characteristics, anatomical structure, and chemical compositions, the wheat stem exhibited enhanced lodging resistance, which increased the lodging resistant index of the 2nd and 3rd internodes of YN19 and XM26 by 27.27%, 11.63% and 14.15%, 15.73% at the dough stage compared with TPA under spring LTS. Meanwhile, OPA could not only alleviate the yield loss caused by spring LTS, but also increase the grain yield without spring LTS. This study indicated that OPA enhances wheat stem lodging resistance under spring LTS, and would be meaningful and practical for improving wheat resistance to low-temperature stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploitation of the Genetic Variability of Diverse Metric Traits of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum Desf.) Cultivars for Local Adaptation to Semi-Arid Regions of Algeria

by Zine El Abidine Fellahi, Tahar Boubellouta, Abderrahmane Hannachi, Haroun Belguet, Nasreddine Louahdi, Amar Benmahammed, Aleksandra O. Utkina and Nazih Y. Rebouh

Plants 2024, 13(7), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070934 - 23 Mar 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1714

Abstract

Abiotic stresses pose significant challenges to wheat farming, yet exploiting the genetic variability within germplasm collections offers an opportunity to effectively address these challenges. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of key agronomic traits among twenty durum wheat cultivars, with the [...] Read more.

Abiotic stresses pose significant challenges to wheat farming, yet exploiting the genetic variability within germplasm collections offers an opportunity to effectively address these challenges. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of key agronomic traits among twenty durum wheat cultivars, with the intention to pinpoint those better suited to semi-arid conditions. Field trials were conducted at the ITGC-FDPS Institute, Setif, Algeria, during the winter season of 2021/22. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates. Statistical analyses revealed significant variation among the genotypes for most of the studied traits, with some cultivars exhibiting a superior performance in a stressful environment. Notably, traits like the number of grains per spike (NGS) and the grain yield (GY) displayed high genotypic coefficients of variation (CVg). Except for membrane thermostability (MT) and biological yield (BY), the majority of the assessed traits exhibited moderate-to-high heritability estimates. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation studies have confirmed the importance of many yield-related traits in the expression of GY. The harvest index (HI) underscored the highest genotypic direct effect on GY, followed closely by spike number (SN), serving as consistent pathways through which most of the measured traits indirectly influenced GY. The cluster analysis categorized the durum wheat cultivars into seven distinct clusters. The largest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters G3 and G4 (D² = 6145.86), reflecting maximum dissimilarity between the individuals of these clusters. Hybridizing divergent clusters may benefit future breeding programs aiming to develop potential durum wheat varieties through cross combinations. This study’s findings contribute to sustainable agriculture efforts by facilitating the selection of genotypes with enhanced resilience and productivity, particularly for cultivation in challenging semi-arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Combination of Three Genomic Regions Conditions High Level of Adult Plant Stripe Rust Resistance in Australian Wheat Cultivar Sentinel

by Bosco Chemayek, William Wagoire, Urmil Bansal and Harbans Bariana

Plants 2024, 13(1), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010129 - 2 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1667

Abstract

A seedling susceptible Australian common wheat cultivar Sentinel showed resistance to stripe rust under field conditions. A Sentinel/Nyabing3 (Nyb3)-derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was phenotyped. A DArTseq marker-based linkage map of the Sentinel/Nyb3 RIL population was used to determine the chromosomal location [...] Read more.

A seedling susceptible Australian common wheat cultivar Sentinel showed resistance to stripe rust under field conditions. A Sentinel/Nyabing3 (Nyb3)-derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was phenotyped. A DArTseq marker-based linkage map of the Sentinel/Nyb3 RIL population was used to determine the chromosomal location of the adult plant stripe rust resistance possessed by Sentinel. Three consistent quantitative trait loci (QTL); QYr.sun-1BL, QYr.sun-2AS and QYr.sun-3BS were detected, and they on an average explained 18%, 15.6% and 10.6% of the variation in stripe rust response, respectively. All three QTL were contributed by Sentinel. QYr.sun-1B corresponded to the previously characterized gene Yr29. Sentinel expressed resistance at the four-leaf stage at 21 ± 2 °C in the greenhouse. Monogenic segregation among the RIL population was observed when screened at the four-leaf stage at 21 ± 2 °C in the greenhouse, and the underlying resistance locus was temporarily named YrSen. QYr.sun-3BS peaked on YrSen. QYr.sun-2AS was mendelized by generating and phenotyping a mongenically sgregating F₆ RIL population, and it was temporarily designated YrSen2. RILs carrying Yr29, YrSen and YrSen2 in combination exhibited responses like the parent Sentinel. Based on a comparison of the genomic locations and resistance expression with stripe rust resistance genes previously located in their respective chromosomes, QYr.sun-2AS (YrSen2) and QYr.sun-3BS (YrSen) were concluded to represent new loci. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Stomatal Conductance Supports Photosynthesis in Wheat to Improved NH₄⁺ Tolerance

by Jinling Hu, Qiaomei Zheng, Chaofeng Dong, Zhihui Liang, Zhongwei Tian and Tingbo Dai

Plants 2024, 13(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010086 - 27 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1657

Abstract

The impact of ammonium (NH₄⁺) stress on plant growth varies across species and cultivars, necessitating an in-depth exploration of the underlying response mechanisms. This study delves into elucidating the photosynthetic responses and differences in tolerance to NH₄⁺ stress [...] Read more.

The impact of ammonium (NH₄⁺) stress on plant growth varies across species and cultivars, necessitating an in-depth exploration of the underlying response mechanisms. This study delves into elucidating the photosynthetic responses and differences in tolerance to NH₄⁺ stress by investigating the effects on two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, Xumai25 (NH₄⁺-less sensitive) and Yangmai20 (NH₄⁺-sensitive). The cultivars were grown under hydroponic conditions with either sole ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺, AN) or nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻, NN) as the nitrogen source. NH₄⁺ stress exerted a profound inhibitory effect on seedling growth and photosynthesis in wheat. However, these effects were less pronounced in Xumai25 than in Yangmai20. Dynamic photosynthetic analysis revealed that the suppression in photosynthesis was primarily attributed to stomatal limitation associated with a decrease in leaf water status and osmotic potential. Compared to Yangmai20, Xumai25 exhibited a significantly higher leaf K⁺ concentration and TaAKT1 upregulation, leading to a stronger stomatal opening and, consequently, a better photosynthetic performance under NH₄⁺ stress. In conclusion, our study suggested stomatal limitation as the primary factor restricting photosynthesis under NH₄⁺ stress. Furthermore, we demonstrated that improved regulation of osmotic substances contributed to higher stomatal conductance and enhanced photosynthetic performance in Xumai25. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Ascorbic Acid–Glutathione Cycle in Young Wheat Ears’ Response to Spring Freezing Stress

by Yuting Zhang, Chunyang Ni, Yongwen Dong, Xue Jiang, Chang Liu, Weiling Wang, Can Zhao, Guohui Li, Ke Xu and Zhongyang Huo

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4170; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244170 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1574

Abstract

Freezing stress in spring often causes the death and abnormal development of young ears of wheat, leading to a significant reduction in grain production. However, the mechanisms of young wheat ears responding to freezing are largely unclear. In this study, the role of [...] Read more.

Freezing stress in spring often causes the death and abnormal development of young ears of wheat, leading to a significant reduction in grain production. However, the mechanisms of young wheat ears responding to freezing are largely unclear. In this study, the role of the ascorbic acid–glutathione cycle (AsA–GSH cycle) in alleviating freezing-caused oxidative damage in young wheat ears at the anther connective tissue formation phase (ACFP) was investigated. The results showed that the release rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the relative electrolyte conductivity in young ears of Jimai22 (JM22, freezing-tolerant) were significantly lower than those in young ears of Xumai33 (XM33, freezing-sensitive) under freezing. The level of the GSH pool (231.8~392.3 μg/g FW) was strikingly higher than that of the AsA pool (98.86~123.4 μg/g FW) in young wheat ears at the ACFP. Freezing significantly increased the level of the AsA pool and the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) in the young ears of both varieties. The level of the GSH pool increased in the young ears of XM33 under freezing but decreased in the young ears of JM22. The young ears of JM22 showed higher activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) than the young ears of XM33 under freezing. Collectively, these results suggest that the AsA–GSH cycle plays a positive role in alleviating freezing-induced oxidative damage in young wheat ears. Furthermore, the ability of utilizing GSH as a substrate to scavenge ROS is an important factor affecting the freezing tolerance of young wheat ears. In addition, abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA) and cis-zeatin (cZ) may be involved in regulating the AsA–GSH cycle metabolism in young wheat ears under freezing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Different Machine Learning Algorithms for the Prediction of the Wheat Grain Filling Stage Using RGB Images

by Yunlin Song, Zhuangzhuang Sun, Ruinan Zhang, Haijiang Min, Qing Li, Jian Cai, Xiao Wang, Qin Zhou and Dong Jiang

Plants 2023, 12(23), 4043; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12234043 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1929

Abstract

Grain filling is essential for wheat yield formation, but is very susceptible to environmental stresses, such as high temperatures, especially in the context of global climate change. Grain RGB images include rich color, shape, and texture information, which can explicitly reveal the dynamics [...] Read more.

Grain filling is essential for wheat yield formation, but is very susceptible to environmental stresses, such as high temperatures, especially in the context of global climate change. Grain RGB images include rich color, shape, and texture information, which can explicitly reveal the dynamics of grain filling. However, it is still challenging to further quantitatively predict the days after anthesis (DAA) from grain RGB images to monitor grain development. Results: The WheatGrain dataset revealed dynamic changes in color, shape, and texture traits during grain development. To predict the DAA from RGB images of wheat grains, we tested the performance of traditional machine learning, deep learning, and few-shot learning on this dataset. The results showed that Random Forest (RF) had the best accuracy of the traditional machine learning algorithms, but it was far less accurate than all deep learning algorithms. The precision and recall of the deep learning classification model using Vision Transformer (ViT) were the highest, 99.03% and 99.00%, respectively. In addition, few-shot learning could realize fine-grained image recognition for wheat grains, and it had a higher accuracy and recall rate in the case of 5-shot, which were 96.86% and 96.67%, respectively. Materials and Methods: In this work, we proposed a complete wheat grain dataset, WheatGrain, which covers thousands of wheat grain images from 6 DAA to 39 DAA, which can characterize the complete dynamics of grain development. At the same time, we built different algorithms to predict the DAA, including traditional machine learning, deep learning, and few-shot learning, in this dataset, and evaluated the performance of all models. Conclusions: To obtain wheat grain filling dynamics promptly, this study proposed an RGB dataset for the whole growth period of grain development. In addition, detailed comparisons were conducted between traditional machine learning, deep learning, and few-shot learning, which provided the possibility of recognizing the DAA of the grain timely. These results revealed that the ViT could improve the performance of deep learning in predicting the DAA, while few-shot learning could reduce the need for a number of datasets. This work provides a new approach to monitoring wheat grain filling dynamics, and it is beneficial for disaster prevention and improvement of wheat production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Exogenous Calcium on Tolerance of Winter Wheat to Cold Stress during Stem Elongation Stage

by Maguje Masa Malko, Xinyue Peng, Xing Gao, Jian Cai, Qin Zhou, Xiao Wang and Dong Jiang

Plants 2023, 12(21), 3784; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213784 - 6 Nov 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

Low-temperature stress during stem elongation is a major factor limiting wheat yield. While calcium (Ca²⁺) is known to enhance stress tolerance, it’s potential as an alternative to cold priming and the underlying mechanisms in wheat remains unclear. The current study assessed [...] Read more.

Low-temperature stress during stem elongation is a major factor limiting wheat yield. While calcium (Ca²⁺) is known to enhance stress tolerance, it’s potential as an alternative to cold priming and the underlying mechanisms in wheat remains unclear. The current study assessed the effects of exogenous Ca²⁺ and calcium inhibitors on wheat growth and related physiology mechanisms under low-temperature stress. The results revealed that exogenous Ca²⁺ increased photosynthesis and antioxidant capacity, lowered cell membrane damage, and ultimately enhanced tolerance to low-temperature stress during the stem elongation stage, compared with the non-exogenous Ca²⁺ treatment. Moreover, exogenous Ca²⁺ induced endogenous Ca²⁺ content and triggered the upregulation of Ca²⁺ signaling and cold-responsive related genes. This study highlights the significance of exogenous Ca²⁺ in enhancing stress tolerance and contributing to wheat yield improvement under low-temperature stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

10 pages, 2726 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Effect of Biopesticide Novochizol on Development of Stem Rust Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in Wheat, T. aestivum L.

by Andrey B. Shcherban, Ekaterina S. Skolotneva, Anna V. Fedyaeva, Natalya I. Boyko and Vladislav V. Fomenko

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3455; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233455 - 9 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

The use of biological plant protection products is promising for agriculture. In particular, chitosan-based biopesticides have become widespread for stimulating growth and protecting plants from a wide range of pathogens. Novochizol is a product obtained by intramolecular cross-linking of linear chitosan molecules and [...] Read more.

The use of biological plant protection products is promising for agriculture. In particular, chitosan-based biopesticides have become widespread for stimulating growth and protecting plants from a wide range of pathogens. Novochizol is a product obtained by intramolecular cross-linking of linear chitosan molecules and has a globular shape, which provides it with a number of advantages over chitosan. Novochizol has previously been shown to have a stimulating effect on the growth and development of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, the effect of this preparation on the protective mechanisms against rust diseases has not been studied before. Our studies have revealed the dose effect of the preparation on the development of stem rust of wheat. When treating plants with novochizol at a concentration of 0.125% four days before infection, the best results were obtained, namely: a stable reaction was observed and the number of pustules decreased. To identify critical points of the drug’s effect on the protective mechanism against stem rust, we used an adrenaline test, which allows for a quick assessment of the pro/antioxidant status of plant extracts. We also assessed the activity of the major antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase and catalase, using commercial kits and the Folin–Ciocalteu reaction to assess the concentration of phenolic compounds. As a result, two stages were identified in infected plants pretreated with novochizol: early (up to 10 h after inoculation), characterized by antioxidant activity, and late (10–244 h), with prooxidant activity. These stages correspond to two peaks of accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to pathogen infection. The first peak is associated with the accumulation of superoxide anion O₂−, which is converted into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide under the action of the enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase). The second peak is associated with the accumulation of H₂O₂. Hydrogen peroxide performs a protective function leading to the death of pathogen mycelial cells. In comparison with infected plants without novochizol treatment, we found a decrease in the activity of catalase (an enzyme that breaks down H₂O₂) at both stages, as well as peroxidase in the interval from 10 to 144 h after inoculation. Also, an increase in the concentration of phenolic compounds was found in the treated infected plants. We suggest that these changes under the influence of pretreatment with novochizol contribute to enhancements in plant defense functions against stem rust. Taking into account the physicochemical advantages of novochizol over chitosan, which provide a very low effective dose of the drug, the obtained results indicate its promise and safety as a biological plant protection product. This work is a preliminary stage for an extended analysis of the effect of novochizol on plant immunity using biochemical and molecular genetic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Strategies and Mechanisms for Enhancing Stress Tolerance in Wheat

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI