Advances in Industrial Crops: Genomics, Genetic Diversity, and Breeding

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 561

Special Issue Editors

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL 35762, USA
Interests: using GWAS and QTL methods to figure out which genes help plants survive drought, salt, and cold; linking genetic findings with how plants grow, to help high-yield crops flourish in poor-quality soils; combining genomics, phenotyping, and plant physiology to boost biomass production through integrative research
Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
Interests: bioinformatics; gene editing; molecular breeding; plant biotic and abiotic stress tolerance; plant multi-omics and plant population genetics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the face of global climate change and the increasing urgency for sustainable agriculture, industrial crops such as Miscanthus, switchgrass, hemp, sugarcane, and sorghum have gained attention for their adaptability and potential as bioenergy sources. These crops are frequently grown on marginal lands and in diverse environments with abiotic stresses, making them excellent candidates for climate-resilient biomass production.

This Special Issue invites original research articles and reviews focusing on genomics, genetic diversity, and breeding strategies of industrial crops. We are particularly interested in studies that employ GWAS, QTL mapping, multi-omics approaches, and advanced phenotyping techniques to uncover the genetic basis of stress tolerance and adaptive traits. Contributions that explore gene–trait associations, physiological responses, and breeding applications aimed at improving yield and resilience are highly encouraged.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to gain a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in industrial crops and promote their use for sustainable industrial and agricultural systems.

Dr. Liang Xiao
Dr. Zemao Yang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • industrial crops
  • GWAS
  • abiotic stress
  • multi-omics
  • breeding
  • QTL mapping
  • phenotyping
  • genetic diversity

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3700 KB  
Article
The Performance of Miscanthus Seeds During Long-Term Storage
by Shicheng Li, Hao Ren, Xiaoxia Huang, Zili Yi, Liang Xiao and Cheng Zheng
Plants 2025, 14(24), 3738; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14243738 - 8 Dec 2025
Viewed by 21
Abstract
Seed storage is critical for preserving genetic resources, but optimal long-term storage conditions for Miscanthus seeds have not been established. In this five-year study, we evaluated storage protocols by comparing seed germination after four and five years, along with field establishment performance. The [...] Read more.
Seed storage is critical for preserving genetic resources, but optimal long-term storage conditions for Miscanthus seeds have not been established. In this five-year study, we evaluated storage protocols by comparing seed germination after four and five years, along with field establishment performance. The results demonstrated that genotype, storage conditions, and the storage duration all significantly influenced germination percentage and vigor index of Miscanthus seeds. Low temperature storage yielded the highest germination percentage (59.44%) and vigor index (132.06) in the 4th year, while low temperature with desiccant gave the highest germination percentage (42.41%) in the 5th year. The field performance after direct sowing was also significantly influenced by genotype and storage conditions, with the highest seedling survival (7.80%) observed under low temperature with desiccant. The seeds stored under low temperature exhibited minor structural damage, with the intact cell membranes, the small intercellular gaps, and the orderly cell arrangement. Through comprehensive evaluation, storage at −18 °C with desiccant was determined to be optimal. Based on these results, we strongly recommend storing Miscanthus seeds at −18 °C with desiccant. This protocol offers a reliable and effective solution for farmers, seed producers, and storage facilities to ensure long-term seed viability. Full article
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14 pages, 4710 KB  
Article
Ectopic Over-Expression of BjuAGL9-2 Promotes Flowering and Pale-Yellow Phenotype in Arabidopsis
by Guoqiang Han, Keran Ren, Rongyan He, Ruirui Mo, Jing Zeng and Mingming Sui
Plants 2025, 14(22), 3502; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223502 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Brassica juncea is an important leafy vegetable, and flowering time is a key determinant of its yield and quality. In this study, one significantly up-regulated gene, BjuAGL9-2, was identified from RNA-Seq data. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that BjuAGL9-2 expression was significantly elevated in [...] Read more.
Brassica juncea is an important leafy vegetable, and flowering time is a key determinant of its yield and quality. In this study, one significantly up-regulated gene, BjuAGL9-2, was identified from RNA-Seq data. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that BjuAGL9-2 expression was significantly elevated in reproductive organs and reproductive stages. Further five BjuAGL9-2 over-expression (OE) lines were subsequently generated, which showed an early-flowering and pale-yellow leaf phenotype compared to the wild type. qRT-PCR assays found that the mRNA of core floral integrator genes was changed in Arabidopsis OE lines. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays indicated that BjuAGL9-2 interacted with BjuTUA5, BjuZFP7, BjuGSTU5, and BjuMAPK16 in vivo. Sub-cellular localization assays showed that BjuAGL9-2 localizes in the nucleus, whereas its interacting partners localize in the cytoplasm. qRT-PCR assays further revealed that BjuTUA5 and BjuGSTU5 were up-regulated in flower buds, while BjuZFP7 and BjuMAPK16 were down-regulated. During vegetative stages, all four genes were up-regulated in B. juncea. As for BjuAGL9-2 interaction protein-encoding homolog genes, except AtGSTU5, the other three genes were up-regulated in Arabidopsis OE lines. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis of chlorophyll biosynthesis-related genes showed that 19 of 27 genes were up-regulated, while 8 genes were down-regulated, in Arabidopsis OE lines. Collectively, these findings suggest that BjuAGL9-2 promotes flowering and contributes to the pale-yellow phenotype by regulating its interacting protein-coding genes, floral integrators, and chlorophyll biosynthesis genes. Full article
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