Plants

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022

17 pages, 3761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Groups Dominate Aboveground Net Primary Production under Long-Term Nutrient Additions in a Tibetan Alpine Meadow

by Xueying Chen, Ge Hou, Peili Shi, Ning Zong and Jialuo Yu

Plants 2024, 13(3), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030344 - 23 Jan 2024

Viewed by 934

Abstract

Anthropogenic nutrient additions are influencing the structure and function of alpine grassland ecosystems. However, the underlying mechanisms of the direct and indirect effects of nutrient additions on aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) are not well understood. In this study, we conducted an eight-year [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic nutrient additions are influencing the structure and function of alpine grassland ecosystems. However, the underlying mechanisms of the direct and indirect effects of nutrient additions on aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) are not well understood. In this study, we conducted an eight-year field experiment to explore the ecological consequences of nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorous (P) additions on the northern Tibetan Plateau. ANPP, species diversity, functional diversity, and functional groups were used to assess species’ responses to increasing nutrients. Our results showed that nutrient additions significantly increased ANPP due to the release in nutrient limitations. Although N addition had a significant effect on species richness and functional richness, and P and N + P additions altered functional diversity, it was functional groups rather than biodiversity that drove changes in ANPP in the indirect pathways. We identified the important roles of N and P additions in begetting the dominance of grasses and forbs, respectively. The study highlights that the shift of functional groups should be taken into consideration to better predict the structure, function, and biodiversity–ANPP relationship in grasslands, particularly under future multifaceted global change. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022

14 pages, 1839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Contamination with Europium Induces Reduced Oxidative Damage in Hordeum vulgare Grown in a CO₂-Enriched Environment

by Hanaa E. A. Amer, Hamada AbdElgawad, Mahmoud M. Y. Madany, Ahmed M. A. Khalil and Ahmed M. Saleh

Plants 2023, 12(17), 3159; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173159 - 2 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1211

Abstract

The extensive and uncontrolled utilization of rare earth elements, like europium (Eu), could lead to their accumulation in soils and biota. Herein, we investigated the impact of Eu on the growth, photosynthesis, and redox homeostasis in barley and how that could be affected [...] Read more.

The extensive and uncontrolled utilization of rare earth elements, like europium (Eu), could lead to their accumulation in soils and biota. Herein, we investigated the impact of Eu on the growth, photosynthesis, and redox homeostasis in barley and how that could be affected by the future CO₂ climate (eCO₂). The plants were exposed to 1.09 mmol Eu³⁺/kg soil under either ambient CO₂ (420 ppm, aCO₂) or eCO₂ (620 ppm). The soil application of Eu induced its accumulation in the plant shoots and caused significant reductions in biomass- and photosynthesis-related parameters, i.e., chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency of PSII, Rubisco activity, and photosynthesis rate. Further, Eu induced oxidative stress as indicated by higher levels of H₂O₂ and lipid peroxidation products, and lower ASC/DHA and GSH/GSSG ratios. Interestingly, the co-application of eCO₂ significantly reduced the accumulation of Eu in plant tissues. Elevated CO₂ reduced the Eu-induced oxidative damage by supporting the antioxidant defense mechanisms, i.e., ROS-scavenging molecules (carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols), enzymes (CAT and peroxidases), and ASC-GSH recycling enzymes (MDHAR and GR). Further, eCO₂ improved the metal detoxification capacity by upregulating GST activity. Overall, these results provide the first comprehensive report for Eu-induced oxidative phytotoxicity and how this could be mitigated by eCO₂. Full article

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22 pages, 4091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Phenotypic Plasticity Reflects Adaptation to Environmental Variability

by William W. Adams III, Jared J. Stewart, Stephanie K. Polutchko, Christopher M. Cohu, Onno Muller and Barbara Demmig-Adams

Plants 2023, 12(10), 2041; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102041 - 19 May 2023

Viewed by 2006

Abstract

Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes adapted to native habitats with different daylengths, temperatures, and precipitation were grown experimentally under seven combinations of light intensity and leaf temperature to assess their acclimatory phenotypic plasticity in foliar structure and function. There were no differences among ecotypes when [...] Read more.

Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes adapted to native habitats with different daylengths, temperatures, and precipitation were grown experimentally under seven combinations of light intensity and leaf temperature to assess their acclimatory phenotypic plasticity in foliar structure and function. There were no differences among ecotypes when plants developed under moderate conditions of 400 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ and 25 °C. However, in response to more extreme light or temperature regimes, ecotypes that evolved in habitats with pronounced differences in either the magnitude of changes in daylength or temperature or in precipitation level exhibited pronounced adjustments in photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as anatomical traits supporting these functions. Specifically, when grown under extremes of light intensity (100 versus 1000 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) or temperature (8 °C versus 35 °C), ecotypes from sites with the greatest range of daylengths and temperature over the growing season exhibited the greatest differences in functional and structural features related to photosynthesis (light- and CO₂-saturated capacity of oxygen evolution, leaf dry mass per area or thickness, phloem cells per minor vein, and water-use efficiency of CO₂ uptake). On the other hand, the ecotype from the habitat with the lowest precipitation showed the greatest plasticity in features related to water transport and loss (vein density, ratio of water to sugar conduits in foliar minor veins, and transpiration rate). Despite these differences, common structure–function relationships existed across all ecotypes and growth conditions, with significant positive, linear correlations (i) between photosynthetic capacity (ranging from 10 to 110 µmol O₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) and leaf dry mass per area (from 10 to 75 g m⁻²), leaf thickness (from 170 to 500 µm), and carbohydrate-export infrastructure (from 6 to 14 sieve elements per minor vein, from 2.5 to 8 µm² cross-sectional area per sieve element, and from 16 to 82 µm² cross-sectional area of sieve elements per minor vein); (ii) between transpiration rate (from 1 to 17 mmol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹) and water-transport infrastructure (from 3.5 to 8 tracheary elements per minor vein, from 13.5 to 28 µm² cross-sectional area per tracheary element, and from 55 to 200 µm² cross-sectional area of tracheary elements per minor vein); (iii) between the ratio of transpirational water loss to CO₂ fixation (from 0.2 to 0.7 mol H₂O to mmol⁻¹ CO₂) and the ratio of water to sugar conduits in minor veins (from 0.4 to 1.1 tracheary to sieve elements, from 4 to 6 µm² cross-sectional area of tracheary to sieve elements, and from 2 to 6 µm² cross-sectional area of tracheary elements to sieve elements per minor vein); (iv) between sugar conduits and sugar-loading cells; and (v) between water conducting and sugar conducting cells. Additionally, the proportion of water conduits to sugar conduits was greater for all ecotypes grown experimentally under warm-to-hot versus cold temperature. Thus, developmental acclimation to the growth environment included ecotype-dependent foliar structural and functional adjustments resulting in multiple common structural and functional relationships. Full article

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16 pages, 3905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulation of NADP-Malic Enzyme Activity in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Salinity with Reference to Light and Darkness

by Bipul Sarkar, Abir Das, Sayan Pal, Ankita Kundu, Mirza Hasanuzzaman, Masayuki Fujita and Malay Kumar Adak

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1836; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091836 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1636

Abstract

We revealed the functional characterization of C4-NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), extracted and partially purified from maize (Zea mays L. cv. Kaveri 50). The leaf discs were previously activated under 1000–1200 µE m⁻² s⁻¹, incubated in bicarbonate (2.0 mM) solution, and [...] Read more.

We revealed the functional characterization of C4-NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), extracted and partially purified from maize (Zea mays L. cv. Kaveri 50). The leaf discs were previously activated under 1000–1200 µE m⁻² s⁻¹, incubated in bicarbonate (2.0 mM) solution, and subjected to salt stress (100 mM NaCl). Initially, salt stress was evident from the accumulations of proline, chlorophyll content, carbohydrate profile, and Hill activity influencing the C4 enzyme. Primarily, in illuminated tissues, the activity of the enzyme recorded a reduced trend through salinity irrespective of light and darkness compared to the control. On illumination, the kinetic parameters such as Vmax of the enzyme increased by 1.36-fold compared to in the dark under salinity whereas Km was decreased by 20% under the same condition. The extent of light induction was proportionate to limiting (0.01 mM) and saturated (4.0 mM) malate concentrations for enzyme activity. Moreover, the catalytic properties of the enzyme were also tested on concomitant responses to activator (citrate and succinate) and inhibitor (oxalate and pyruvate) residues. The sensitivity to light and dark effects was also tested for reducing agents such as dithiothreitol, suggesting the effect of the changes in redox on the regulatory properties of the enzyme. The ratio of enzyme activity under light and darkness in the presence or absence of a reducing agent was concomitantly increased with varying malate concentrations. At the molecular level, protein polymorphism of the enzyme represented minor variations in band intensities, however, not in numbers through salinity subjected to light and darkness. Therefore, salinity-induced changes in the decarboxylation reaction, evident by NADP-ME activity, may be based on the redox property of regulatory sites and sensitivity to light and darkness. Full article

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21 pages, 1542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Different Fertilizer Sources under Supplemental Irrigation and Rainfed Conditions on Eco-Physiological Responses and Yield Characteristics of Dragon’s Head (Lallemantia iberica)

by Saeid Heydarzadeh, Carmen Arena, Ermenegilda Vitale, Amir Rahimi, Mohsen Mirzapour, Jamal Nasar, Oscar Kisaka, Sumit Sow, Shivani Ranjan and Harun Gitari

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081693 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2119

Abstract

The effects of the irrigation regime and different fertilizer sources on the eco-physiological responses and yield characteristics of dragon’s head were explored in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications in the 2019 growing [...] Read more.

The effects of the irrigation regime and different fertilizer sources on the eco-physiological responses and yield characteristics of dragon’s head were explored in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications in the 2019 growing season. The treatments included six different fertilizer sources (animal manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, biofertilizer, chemical fertilizer, and control) and two irrigation regimes (rainfed and supplemental irrigation). The results indicated the positive effects of supplementary irrigation and the application of vermicompost, poultry manure, and animal manure by increasing the absorption of nutrients (phosphorus and potassium) and improving relative water contents, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and the fixed oil percentage of dragon’s head. The activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase decreased in the rainfed plants, whereas organic fertilizer application increased the antioxidant enzyme activity. The highest grain yield (721 kg ha⁻¹), biological yield (5858 kg ha⁻¹), total flavonoids (1.47 mg g⁻¹ DW), total phenol (27.90 mg g⁻¹ DW), fixed oil yield (200.17 kg ha⁻¹), and essential oil yield (1.18 kg ha⁻¹) were noted in plants that were treated with vermicompost under supplemental irrigation. Therefore, it is recommended that organic fertilizers such as vermicompost and poultry manure be used to substitute chemical fertilizers. These practices can help popularize organic crops using rainfed and supplementary irrigation. Full article

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21 pages, 1798 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antioxidant Potential of Glutathione and Crosstalk with Phytohormones in Enhancing Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants

by Gyanendra Kumar Rai, Pradeep Kumar, Sadiya M. Choudhary, Hira Singh, Komal Adab, Rafia Kosser, Isha Magotra, Ranjeet Ranjan Kumar, Monika Singh, Rajni Sharma, Giandomenico Corrado and Youssef Rouphael

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051133 - 2 Mar 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3294

Abstract

Glutathione (GSH) is an abundant tripeptide that can enhance plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. Its main role is to counter free radicals and detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in cells under unfavorable conditions. Moreover, along with other second messengers (such [...] Read more.

Glutathione (GSH) is an abundant tripeptide that can enhance plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. Its main role is to counter free radicals and detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in cells under unfavorable conditions. Moreover, along with other second messengers (such as ROS, calcium, nitric oxide, cyclic nucleotides, etc.), GSH also acts as a cellular signal involved in stress signal pathways in plants, directly or along with the glutaredoxin and thioredoxin systems. While associated biochemical activities and roles in cellular stress response have been widely presented, the relationship between phytohormones and GSH has received comparatively less attention. This review, after presenting glutathione as part of plants’ feedback to main abiotic stress factors, focuses on the interaction between GSH and phytohormones, and their roles in the modulation of the acclimatation and tolerance to abiotic stress in crops plants. Full article

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12 pages, 2816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomonitoring of Airborne Microplastic Deposition in Semi-Natural and Rural Sites Using the Moss Hypnum cupressiforme

by Fiore Capozzi, Maria Cristina Sorrentino, Eleonora Cascone, Mauro Iuliano, Gaetano De Tommaso, Angelo Granata, Simonetta Giordano and Valeria Spagnuolo

Plants 2023, 12(5), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12050977 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2100

Abstract

We show that the native moss Hypnum cupressiforme can be used as a biomonitor of atmospheric microplastics (MPs). The moss was collected in seven semi-natural and rural sites in Campania (southern Italy) and was analyzed for the presence of MPs, according to standard [...] Read more.

We show that the native moss Hypnum cupressiforme can be used as a biomonitor of atmospheric microplastics (MPs). The moss was collected in seven semi-natural and rural sites in Campania (southern Italy) and was analyzed for the presence of MPs, according to standard protocols. Moss samples from all sites accumulated MPs, with fibers representing the largest fraction of plastic debris. Higher numbers of MPs and longer fibers were recorded in moss samples from sites closer to urbanized areas, likely as the results of a continuous flux from sources. The MP size class distribution showed that small size classes characterized sites having a lower level of MP deposition and a high altitude above sea level. Full article

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16 pages, 975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vernalization Procedure of Tuberous Roots Affects Growth, Photosynthesis and Metabolic Profile of Ranunculus asiaticus L.

by Giovanna Marta Fusco, Petronia Carillo, Rosalinda Nicastro, Giuseppe Carlo Modarelli, Carmen Arena, Stefania De Pascale and Roberta Paradiso

Plants 2023, 12(3), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030425 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1659

Abstract

In Ranunculus asiaticus L., vernalization of propagation material is a common practice for the production scheduling of cut flowers, however little is known about the plant physiology and metabolism of this species as affected by cold treatments. We investigated the influence of two [...] Read more.

In Ranunculus asiaticus L., vernalization of propagation material is a common practice for the production scheduling of cut flowers, however little is known about the plant physiology and metabolism of this species as affected by cold treatments. We investigated the influence of two hybrids, MBO and MDR, and three preparation procedures of tuberous roots, only rehydration (control, C), and rehydration plus vernalization at 3.5 °C for 2 weeks (V2) and for 4 weeks (V4), on plant growth and flowering, leaf photosynthesis, and leaf metabolic profile in plants grown in pot in a cold greenhouse. Net photosynthesis (NP) was higher in MDR than in MBO. In the two genotypes, the NP did not change in V2 and increased in V4 compared to C in MBO, while was unaffected by vernalization in MDR. Quantum yield of PSII electron transport (ΦPSII), linear electron transport rate (ETR) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) did not differ in the two hybrids, whereas maximal PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) was higher in MBO than in MDR. Fluorescence indexes were unaffected by the preparation procedure, except for ETR, which decreased in V2 compared to C and V4 in MDR. A significant interaction between genotype and preparation procedure was found in plant leaf area, which was reduced only in V4 in MBO, while decreased in both the vernalization procedures in MDR. In Control plants, flowering started in 65 days in MBO and 69 days in MDR. Compared to controls, both the vernalization treatments anticipated flowering in MDR, while they were detrimental or only slightly efficient in promoting flowering in MBO. Vernalization always reduced the quality of flower stems in both the hybrids. Full article

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20 pages, 425 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Crop Wild Relatives: A Valuable Source of Tolerance to Various Abiotic Stresses

by Aliki Kapazoglou, Maria Gerakari, Efstathia Lazaridi, Konstantina Kleftogianni, Efi Sarri, Eleni Tani and Penelope J. Bebeli

Plants 2023, 12(2), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020328 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4904

Abstract

Global climate change is one of the major constraints limiting plant growth, production, and sustainability worldwide. Moreover, breeding efforts in the past years have focused on improving certain favorable crop traits, leading to genetic bottlenecks. The use of crop wild relatives (CWRs) to [...] Read more.

Global climate change is one of the major constraints limiting plant growth, production, and sustainability worldwide. Moreover, breeding efforts in the past years have focused on improving certain favorable crop traits, leading to genetic bottlenecks. The use of crop wild relatives (CWRs) to expand genetic diversity and improve crop adaptability seems to be a promising and sustainable approach for crop improvement in the context of the ongoing climate challenges. In this review, we present the progress that has been achieved towards CWRs exploitation for enhanced resilience against major abiotic stressors (e.g., water deficiency, increased salinity, and extreme temperatures) in crops of high nutritional and economic value, such as tomato, legumes, and several woody perennial crops. The advances in -omics technologies have facilitated the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that may underlie abiotic stress tolerance. Comparative analyses of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and transcriptomic profiling (RNA-seq) data between crops and their wild relative counterparts have unraveled important information with respect to the molecular basis of tolerance to abiotic stressors. These studies have uncovered genomic regions, specific stress-responsive genes, gene networks, and biochemical pathways associated with resilience to adverse conditions, such as heat, cold, drought, and salinity, and provide useful tools for the development of molecular markers to be used in breeding programs. CWRs constitute a highly valuable resource of genetic diversity, and by exploiting the full potential of this extended allele pool, new traits conferring abiotic-stress tolerance may be introgressed into cultivated varieties leading to superior and resilient genotypes. Future breeding programs may greatly benefit from CWRs utilization for overcoming crop production challenges arising from extreme environmental conditions. Full article

2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023

18 pages, 2193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salt Tolerance Potential in Onion: Confirmation through Physiological and Biochemical Traits

by Satish Kumar Sanwal, Hari Kesh, Arvind Kumar, Bhanu Kumar Dubey, Anil Khar, Youssef Rouphael and Pradeep Kumar

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3325; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233325 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2371

Abstract

Production of many crops, including onion, under salinity is lagging due to limited information on the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in plants. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify salt-tolerant onion genotypes based on physiological and biochemical [...] Read more.

Production of many crops, including onion, under salinity is lagging due to limited information on the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in plants. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify salt-tolerant onion genotypes based on physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with their differential responses. Thirty-six accessions were evaluated under control and salt stress conditions, and based on growth and bulb yield. Results revealed that plant height (6.07%), number of leaves per plant (3.07%), bulb diameter (11.38%), bulb yield per plant (31.24%), and total soluble solids (8.34%) were reduced significantly compared to control. Based on percent bulb yield reduction, seven varieties were classified as salt tolerant (with <20% yield reduction), seven as salt-sensitive (with >40% yield reduction) and the remaining as moderately tolerant (with 20 to 40% yield reduction). Finally, seven salt-tolerant and seven salt-sensitive accessions were selected for detailed study of their physiological and biochemical traits and their differential responses under salinity. High relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), proline content (PRO), and better antioxidants such as super oxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were observed in tolerant accessions, viz. POS35, NHRDF Red (L-28), GWO 1, POS36, NHRDF Red-4 (L-744), POS37, and POS38. Conversely, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, reduced activity of antioxidants, more membrane injury, and high Na⁺/K⁺ ratio were observed in sensitive accessions, viz. ALR, GJWO 3, Kalyanpur Red Round, NHRDF Red-3 (L-652), Agrifound White, and NHRDF (L-920). Stepwise regression analysis identified bulb diameter), plant height, APX, stomatal conductance (gS), POX, CAT, MDA, MSI, and bulb Na⁺/K⁺ ratio as predictor traits accounting for maximum variation in bulb yield under salinity. The identified seven salt-tolerant varieties can be used in future onion breeding programs for developing tolerant genotypes for salt-prone areas. Full article

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12 pages, 2515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dominance of Fagus sylvatica in the Growing Stock and Its Relationship to Climate—An Analysis Using Modeled Stand-Level Climate Data

by Nina Škrk, Roberto Serrano-Notivoli, Martín de Luis and Katarina Čufar

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192541 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1450

Abstract

In the future, climate change is expected to affect the spatial distribution of most tree species in Europe. The European beech (Fagus sylvatica), a drought-sensitive tree species, is currently distributed throughout Europe, where it is an ecologically and economically important species. [...] Read more.

In the future, climate change is expected to affect the spatial distribution of most tree species in Europe. The European beech (Fagus sylvatica), a drought-sensitive tree species, is currently distributed throughout Europe, where it is an ecologically and economically important species. In Slovenia, the European beech represents 33% of the growing stock, but such a proportion greatly varies across Europe. Whether such a variation is related to the climate environmental gradients or because of historical or management decisions is an as-yet unexplored question. For this study, we employed the Slovenian Forests Service inventory, where the proportion of beech in the forest stock has been monitored in 341,341 forest stands across the country. Modeled climate data from the SLOCLIM database, calculated for each of the stands, was also used to test the hypothesis that although beech forests have always been influenced by human activity, the dominance of beech trees in forest stands is at least partially dictated by the climate. The results showed the distribution of the main climate variables (annual precipitation, the share of summer and spring precipitation, and annual maximum and minimum temperatures) and how they affect the current dominance of beech trees at the stand level. Due to the large number and variability of forest stands studied, the results should be transferable to better understand and manage the climatic suitability and risks of Fagus sylvatica. The modeled data is publicly available in the web repository Zenodo. Full article

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16 pages, 1965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) Drives the Balance of Hydraulic-Related Anatomical Traits in Lettuce Leaves

by Chiara Amitrano, Youssef Rouphael, Stefania De Pascale and Veronica De Micco

Plants 2022, 11(18), 2369; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182369 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

The coordination of leaf hydraulic-related traits with leaf size is influenced by environmental conditions and especially by VPD. Water and gas flows are guided by leaf anatomical and physiological traits, whose plasticity is crucial for plants to face environmental changes. Only a few [...] Read more.

The coordination of leaf hydraulic-related traits with leaf size is influenced by environmental conditions and especially by VPD. Water and gas flows are guided by leaf anatomical and physiological traits, whose plasticity is crucial for plants to face environmental changes. Only a few studies have analysed how variations in VPD levels influence stomatal and vein development and their correlation with leaf size, reporting contrasting results. Thus, we applied microscopy techniques to evaluate the effect of low and high VPDs on the development of stomata and veins, also analysing leaf functional traits. We hypothesized that leaves under high VPD with a modified balance between veins and stomata face higher transpiration. We also explored the variability of stomata and vein density across the leaf lamina. From the results, it was evident that under both VPDs, plants maintained a coordinated development of stomata and veins, with a higher density at low VPD. Moreover, more stomata but fewer veins developed in the parts of the lettuce head exposed to light, suggesting that their differentiation during leaf expansion is strictly dependent on the microclimatic conditions. Knowing the plasticity of hydraulic-related morpho-functional traits and its intra-leaf variability is timely for their impact on water and gas fluxes, thus helping to evaluate the impact of environmental-driven anatomical variations on productivity of natural ecosystems and crops, in a climate change scenario. Full article

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20 pages, 2756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth and Photosynthetic Responses of Cowpea Genotypes under Waterlogging at the Reproductive Stage

by Omolayo J. Olorunwa, Bikash Adhikari, Skyler Brazel, Ainong Shi, Sorina C. Popescu, George V. Popescu and T. Casey Barickman

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172315 - 4 Sep 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

Waterlogging is an important environmental stress limiting the productivity of crops worldwide. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is particularly sensitive to waterlogging stress during the reproductive stage, with a consequent decline in pod formation and yield. However, little is known about the critical [...] Read more.

Waterlogging is an important environmental stress limiting the productivity of crops worldwide. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is particularly sensitive to waterlogging stress during the reproductive stage, with a consequent decline in pod formation and yield. However, little is known about the critical processes underlying cowpea’s responses to waterlogging during the reproductive stage. Thus, we investigated the key parameters influencing carbon fixation, including stomatal conductance (g_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence, of two cowpea genotypes with contrasting waterlogging tolerance. These closely related genotypes have starkly contrasting responses to waterlogging during and after 7 days of waterlogging stress (DOW). In the intolerant genotype (‘EpicSelect.4’), waterlogging resulted in a gradual loss of pigment and decreased photosynthetic capacity as a consequent decline in shoot biomass. On the other hand, the waterlogging-tolerant genotype (‘UCR 369’) maintained CO₂ assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), biomass, and chlorophyll content until 5 DOW. Moreover, there was a highly specific downregulation of the mesophyll conductance (g_m), maximum rate of Rubisco (V_cmax), and photosynthetic electron transport rate (J_max) as non-stomatal limiting factors decreasing A in EpicSelect.4. Exposure of EpicSelect.4 to 2 DOW resulted in the loss of PSII photochemistry by downregulating the PSII quantum yield (F_v/F_m), photochemical efficiency (Φ_PSII), and photochemical quenching (qP). In contrast, we found no substantial change in the photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence of UCR 369 in the first 5 DOW. Instead, UCR 369 maintained biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, and Rubisco activity, enabling the genotype to maintain nutrient absorption and photosynthesis during the early period of waterlogging. However, compared to the control, both cowpea genotypes could not fully recover their photosynthetic capacity after 7 DOW, with a more significant decline in EpicSelect.4. Overall, our findings suggest that the tolerant UCR 369 genotype maintains higher photosynthesis under waterlogging stress attributable to higher photochemical efficiency, Rubisco activity, and less stomatal restriction. After recovery, the incomplete recovery of A can be attributed to the reduced g_s caused by severe waterlogging damage in both genotypes. Thus, promoting the rapid recovery of stomata from waterlogging stress may be crucial for the complete restoration of carbon fixation in cowpeas during the reproductive stage. Full article

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18 pages, 2653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Leaf Vein and Stomata Traits Are Related with Photosynthetic Efficiency in Falanghina Grapevine in Different Pedoclimatic Conditions

by Nicola Damiano, Carmen Arena, Antonello Bonfante, Rosanna Caputo, Arturo Erbaggio, Chiara Cirillo and Veronica De Micco

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1507; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111507 - 4 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2882

Abstract

The increase in severe drought events due to climate change in the areas traditionally suitable for viticulture is enhancing the need to understand how grapevines regulate their photosynthetic metabolism in order to forecast specific cultivar adaptive responses to the changing environment. This study [...] Read more.

The increase in severe drought events due to climate change in the areas traditionally suitable for viticulture is enhancing the need to understand how grapevines regulate their photosynthetic metabolism in order to forecast specific cultivar adaptive responses to the changing environment. This study aims at evaluating the association between leaf anatomical traits and eco-physiological adjustments of the ‘Falanghina’ grapevine under different microclimatic conditions at four sites in southern Italy. Sites were characterized by different pedoclimatic conditions but, as much as possible, were similar for plant material and cultivation management. Microscopy analyses on leaves were performed to quantify stomata and vein traits, while eco-physiological analyses were conducted on vines to assess plant physiological adaptation capability. At the two sites with relatively low moisture, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, photosystem electron transfer rate, and quantum yield of PSII, linear electron transport was lower compared to the other two sites. Stomata size was higher at the site characterized by the highest precipitation. However, stomatal density and most vein traits tended to be relatively stable among sites. The number of free vein endings per unit leaf area was lower in the two vineyards with low precipitation. We suggest that site-specific stomata and vein traits modulation in Falanghina grapevine are an acclimation strategy that may influence photosynthetic performance. Overall in-depth knowledge of the structure/function relations in Falanghina vines might be useful to evaluate the plasticity of this cultivar towards site-specific management of vineyards in the direction of precision viticulture. Full article

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