Search Results (266)

The expression of two genes, Fum1 and Fum2, encoding the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2); the methylation of individual CpGs of their promoters; and fumarase activity were studied in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) leaves depending on irradiation and salinity. Fumarase activity was twice as high in darkness compared to irradiation by white light and red light, while far-red light applied after darkness or after red light reverted the activity to the values in darkness, which indicates the involvement of phytochrome. Using qRT-PCR, it was demonstrated that this corresponded to the pattern of expression of the Fum1 gene, while the expression of the Fum2 gene was higher upon irradiation by white and red light, and lower in darkness and under far-red light. Under the application of 150 mM NaCl for 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, fumarase activity increased fivefold from the start of incubation to 6 h, and then decreased after 12 h. These changes were associated with the transcriptional regulation of the Fum1 and Fum2 genes. Changes in the methylation status of the analyzed CpGs in their gene promoters, detected via semi-quantitative methylation-specific PCR, were associated with differences in their expression. The higher methylation levels of the analyzed CpGs in the Fum1 gene promoter under different light conditions and in the Fum2 gene promoter under salinity corresponded to low levels of their transcripts in sunflower leaves. It is suggested that the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of fumarase are regulated by light and salinity at the gene expression level, presumably through changes in the methylation status of individual CpGs in their promoters. Full article

Plant height is a key component of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plant architecture. It strongly influences lodging resistance, mechanized harvestability, and yield stability. However, the genetic basis of plant height in sunflowers remains underexplored. This study aimed to develop an F₂ population consisting of 715 individuals from a cross between the dwarf inbred line 150A and the tall inbred line PT326. Bulked segregant analysis coupled with whole-genome resequencing was employed to identify loci associated with plant height. Using three complementary analytical methods, a major quantitative trait locus, qPH15, was identified on chromosome 15. This locus was subsequently fine-mapped, using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers and recombinant screening in F₂ and F₃ populations, narrowing it to a 64.66-kb region containing three annotated genes. Among these, HanXRQr2_Chr15g0707451, which encodes an NAC transcription factor designated HaNAC7, was identified as the most promising candidate gene. Haplotype analysis of HaNAC7 across 148 sunflower accessions revealed 4 polymorphic sites defining 6 haplotypes with substantial differences in plant height. The shortest haplotypes, Hap2 and Hap3, were associated with reduced plant height and were predominantly found in Asian germplasm. These findings suggest that HaNAC7 is a strong candidate gene underlying qPH15 and provide useful molecular markers and favorable allelic resources for improving sunflower plant architecture. Full article

Summer cover crops can improve soil fertility and contribute to nitrogen (N) supply in temperate cropping systems, yet the effects of mixture composition and sowing timing remain insufficiently documented. This study evaluated biomass production and N accumulation of five multispecies cover crop mixtures grown in Estonia during 2024–2025 under two sowing dates per year. Aboveground biomass, botanical composition, and carbon (C) and nitrogen concentrations were measured to assess productivity, species contributions, and residue quality. Earlier sowing was generally associated with higher biomass and N accumulation, with first-sown mixtures producing, on average, 38.7% more biomass than later-sown mixtures. Mixture performance was strongly shaped by species composition and competitive hierarchies. Total N accumulation of the cover crop mixtures ranged from 42 to 275 kg N ha⁻¹ depending on mixture composition and sowing time, with mixtures dominated by common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) achieving the highest values. Oat (Avena sativa) dominated and contributed substantially to biomass in mixtures lacking competitive legumes, whereas sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and maize (Zea mays) performed less well under delayed sowing. Low-growing species such as Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) produced little biomass when grown with highly competitive species. Legumes exhibited lower C:N ratios than non-legumes, while mixture-level values remained moderate, suggesting residue quality with potential for favourable decomposition and nutrient release in summer cover crop systems under temperate conditions. Full article

Hydrochar has emerged as a promising carbonaceous amendment to enhance soil quality, yet its short-term effects on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics and microbial functioning remain poorly understood. Here, a 77-day greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using a Cambisol cultivated with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under two irrigation regimes simulating well-irrigated (WI) and water-deficit (WD) scenarios. Two doses of chicken-manure-derived hydrochar (3.25 and 6.5 t ha⁻¹, corresponding to 2.35 and 4.69 g kg⁻¹ of dry soil, respectively) and mineral fertilizer (MF) treatments providing equivalent N inputs were evaluated. Hydrochar promoted microbial growth and enhanced enzymatic and respiratory activities despite its low apparent C and nutrient input. After 77 days under WI, the addition of 6.5 t ha⁻¹ hydrochar enhanced the activity of phenol oxidase (POA) and acid phosphomonesterase (AcPA). Concomitantly, the availability of soluble C and N increased, whereas total organic C (TOC) and N decreased relative to the initial values. These responses may suggest enhanced mineralization potentially related to early-stage priming processes. The increase in POA relative to β-glucosidase is in line with a functional shift from a predominant degradation of labile compounds towards an increased oxidation of more complex structures. This interpretation is supported by solid-state ¹³C NMR data, revealing a higher degradation index of the soil organic matter. Under WD, the overall effects of hydrochar were attenuated or suppressed, particularly those related to C and N dynamics, emphasizing the interactive influence of moisture and amendment dose. Overall, our results show that hydrochar can modulate short-term soil biochemical processes, partly through enhanced microbial responses. Full article

Shoot branching, as an important architectural trait, influences the number of flower heads and the pattern of flowering in sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.). However, the main genetic factors leading to extensive branching throughout the plant were not clearly understood. In this study, we analyzed branching inheritance and identified a significant locus using an F₂ population (n = 660) from a cross between the non-branched line 150A and the highly branched line PT326. The branching phenotypes varied from having no branches to complete plant branching, with segregation fitting a 3:1 ratio (χ² = 2.916, p > 0.05), suggesting that a single major gene controls this trait, with the non-branched phenotype being dominant. Using bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and whole-genome resequencing, a strong and consistent signal was identified on chromosome 10 across three separate statistical analyses, pinpointing a primary candidate interval of approximately 3.40 Mb, named qBr10. Through the use of 10 developed Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers and recombinant screening, qBr10 was restricted to a 388.5 kb (Chr10:13,422,378–13,780,875). Analysis of this interval identified 21 genes, among which WRKY21 and MTB3 were prioritized as candidate genes for further functional validation. Our findings identified qBr10 as a strong candidate for cloning and offer closely associated markers to aid in marker-assisted improvement of branching and capitulum number in sunflower breeding. Full article

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production is severely hindered by continuous cropping obstacles, leading to soil degradation and significant yield declines. This study compared soybean–sunflower (G-H) and maize–sunflower (Z-H) rotations against sunflower monoculture (H-H) to elucidate the mechanisms of soil health restoration associated with crop rotation. Our results demonstrated that Z-H and G-H rotations led to a profound yield increase of 103.19% and 82.35%, respectively, with Z-H improving the 100-grain weight by 52.63%. Soil biological revitalization was evidenced by a 98.29% increase in sucrase activity and a 28.92% rise in alkaline phosphatase activity. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the rotation sequences increased bacterial Chao1 richness by 35.29% and fungal Shannon diversity by 20.17%. Specifically, the rotation treatments proactively recruited beneficial taxa such as Pontibacter (Log₂FC > 3.0) and Panaeolus (Log₂FC = 6.88), while effectively suppressing pathogens such as Ceratobasidiaceae. Co-occurrence network analysis identified a complex bacterial scaffold (199 nodes, 53 modules) that provided greater structural robustness than the fungal network (27 nodes). It is concluded that diversified rotations effectively mitigate continuous cropping obstacles by reactivating nutrient cycling and restructuring the rhizosphere into a stable, modular microbial interactome. This study provides a quantitative framework for utilizing biological strategies to restore soil health in degraded agroecosystems. Full article

Poultry manure is a valuable nutrient source, but insufficient stabilisation may cause phytotoxic effects during early plant development. This study evaluated the phytotoxicity of fresh and composted poultry manure using seed germination and root elongation bioassays. Elutriates of aerated and static compost mixtures, poultry manure composts, and fresh manure were tested on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), and white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). Germination and relative root growth indices were calculated. Aerated compost mixtures showed minimal phytotoxicity, whereas fresh and partially composted manure strongly inhibited seedling development. Mungbean was the most sensitive species. Root elongation was more sensitive than germination, confirming bioassays as reliable tools for assessing compost maturity and fertiliser safety. Full article

Sunflower is a globally important oilseed crop. Improving its fatty acid composition is crucial for enhancing oil quality and nutritional value. To dissect the genetic basis of quality traits, we performed genome resequencing on 203 sunflower inbred lines and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for five traits—oil content, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid—across three environments. We identified 103 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 154 candidate genes. Notably, several associated loci were co-localized for multiple traits, suggesting pleiotropic effects or close genetic linkages. Integration with transcriptome data from developing seeds revealed that 66 candidate genes were expressed within 30 days after pollination, of which 12 showed significant differential expression between high- and low-oleic acid varieties. Functional characterization of a selected candidate, the ω-6 fatty acid desaturase gene (LOC110938218, designated HaDES8.11), demonstrated that the HaDES8.11-eGFP fusion protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum. Heterologous expression of HaDES8.11 in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly increased seed linoleic acid content while decreasing oleic acid content, confirming its role in fatty acid desaturation. Our study provides novel genetic insights and valuable candidate genes for the molecular breeding of sunflower with optimized oil quality. Full article

Soil salinization is a major constraint on sustainable agriculture worldwide, highlighting the need for stress-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for salt-affected soils. A moderately halophilic and alkali-tolerant bacterium, Staphylococcus succinus NYN-1, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of the halophyte Suaeda dendroides collected from a highly salinized site in Xinjiang, China. This study aimed to evaluate its salt–alkali tolerance and plant growth-promoting potential through integrated phenotypic characterization, pot experiments, and whole-genome analysis. NYN-1 grew over a broad salinity range [0–15% (w/v)] and pH range (6.0–11.0), and showed plant growth-promoting activities including organic phosphorus mineralization, inorganic phosphate solubilization, potassium solubilization, and NH₄⁺ production. In pot experiments under 300 mM NaCl, inoculation with NYN-1 significantly improved the growth performance of maize (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Genome analysis identified multiple Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter-related genes and genes encoding compatible-solute transport systems that are consistent with adaptation to salt–alkali stress. The genome also harbors a broad set of genes related to phosphorus metabolism, as well as other plant growth-promoting functions, including potassium solubilization-related pathways and siderophore biosynthesis. Collectively, these findings identify S. succinus NYN-1 as a promising native halophilic PGPR candidate and a potential microbial resource for developing inoculant strategies in salt-affected agricultural systems. Full article

The effect of sunflower extract on the germination and development of weeds is investigated. However, knowledge about the effects of extracts on target plants is equally important. Investigations into the allelopathic relationship between sunflowers and cereals, which often make up 50–70% of crop rotations, still have many unanswered questions. This experiment aimed to investigate the allelopathic impact of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as a donor plant for spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through their germination and morphological parameters. The following three factors were studied: factor A—two growth stages of the donor plant; factor B—three parts of the donor plant; factor C—five concentrations (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of aqueous extracts of the plant donor. The extract concentration was the strongest factor influencing the germination of spring barley and spring wheat compared to the other two factors. The flowering sunflower extract inhibited the germination of the spring barley and spring wheat by 33–44% and 33–41%, respectively, more strongly than the ripe sunflower extract. According to the SE values, the allelopathic impact of extracts of sunflower parts on spring barley and spring wheat was as follows: L + S < R ˂ H and L + S < H ˂ R, respectively. The inhibitory effect of increasing concentration was determined on the SG, root/shoot length ratio, and SPAD values of both receptor plants. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of protein-based (zein) and polysaccharide-based (carboxymethylcellulose, CMC) edible coatings and citric acid (CA) applied prior to freeze-drying on the quality parameters of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) slices from ‘Albik’ and ‘Rubik’ cultivars. Freeze-drying increased inulin extraction efficiency (57–61 g 100 g⁻¹ vs. 44–45 g 100 g⁻¹ in fresh samples). In the ‘Albik’ cv., CMC and CA coatings significantly minimized L-ascorbic acid losses, with a 10–20% reduction vs. control. For the same cultivar, enhanced polyphenol retention was observed (up to 13%) when CA coating was applied, while the use of zein reduced vitamin C content in both cultivars. Sensory analysis (PCA, 92.4% variance) revealed that CMC improved appearance, texture, and overall acceptability, while zein imparted an off-taste, odor, and fragility. Image texture analysis showed elevated parameters (e.g., HMean) post freeze-drying, with CA inducing the greatest structural changes and zein yielding samples most similar to raw material. Machine learning classification (quadratic/linear SVM, 10-fold CV) achieved 91.5% (‘Albik’) and 81.9% (‘Rubik’) accuracy, perfectly distinguishing raw slices (100%). These findings demonstrate that CMC and CA coatings optimize bioactive retention, sensory quality, and textural differentiation in freeze-dried Jerusalem artichoke, supporting their application in functional food production. Full article

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a crop with ornamental and energetic potential, but its propagation is challenged by abiotic stresses such as salinity and water deficit. Ensuring high-quality propagation materials is crucial for healthy plant development. Nanotechnology offers innovative tools to enhance seed performance, stress tolerance, and production efficiency. Among these, carbon nanotubes, a strong, conductive, and thermally resistant material, have shown promise in improving seed quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanopriming with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the physiological and biochemical performance of sunflower seeds under accelerated aging and stress conditions. Seeds were treated with 100, 200, or 400 mg·L⁻¹ MWCNTs, and parameters such as germination percentage, seedling growth, pigment profile, and oxidative stress indicators were analyzed. The 200 mg·L⁻¹ concentration enhanced germination, root and shoot development, and antioxidant enzyme modulation, while the 400 mg·L⁻¹ dose increased reactive oxygen species, indicating toxicity. Under saline and drought-like conditions, nanopriming with 100–200 mg·L⁻¹ mitigated oxidative damage more effectively than hydropriming. MWCNTs also influenced pigment synthesis, affecting chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. These findings support the potential of carbon nanotube-based nanopriming to improve seed vigor and stress tolerance in sunflower cultivation, though further environmental safety assessments are required. Full article

Helianthus tuberosus L. tubers are the primary part utilized by humans for bioenergy and bioproduct production. Therefore, achieving high tuber yield is a core issue in Jerusalem artichoke cultivation and management. In this study, red-skinned Jerusalem artichoke was used as an experimental material. Under field conditions from 2022 to 2023, different root-cutting treatments were established to investigate their effects on Jerusalem artichoke biomass, photosynthetic characteristics, and rhizosphere (non-rhizosphere) soil nutrient content, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for high-yield cultivation of Jerusalem artichoke. During the vegetative growth stage (70–75 days after planting), a “vertical cutting method” was applied; centered on the plant, vertical cuts were made through the horizontal root system at radii of 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm to implement root-cutting treatments. The total biomass, underground biomass, tuber yield and root/shoot ratio of Jerusalem artichoke increased by 11.59–25.97%, 15.77–46.33%, 7.69–49.09% and 11.72–62.69%, respectively. The tuber yield was greatest under D1 (20 cm) (0.94 kg·plant⁻¹ and 0.98 kg·plant⁻¹). On the 7th and 15th days after root breakage, the photosynthetic characteristics and transpiration rate of the Jerusalem artichoke gradually increased with increasing root-cutting radius and were lower than those of the control. On the 21st day after the root-cutting treatment, the photosynthetic characteristics and transpiration rate of the Jerusalem artichoke plants gradually decreased with increasing root-cutting radius and were greater than those of the control plants. The water use efficiency of Jerusalem artichoke increased with increasing root-cutting radius. The contents of C, N, P, available phosphorus, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen showed that proper root-cutting can increase tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke and improve rhizosphere soil nutrients. Full article

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus), a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, is well known for its high inulin content and diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpenes, and amino acids. Extracts derived from different parts of JA, such as tubers, leaves, and flowers, have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and antifungal effects. These properties highlight JA’s potential in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, obesity, and colorectal cancer. Recent studies also suggest that JA benefits skin health through anti-aging and barrier-protective mechanisms and enhances immune function by modulating the intestinal microbiota. Owing to its multifunctional physiological activities, JA is being explored as a valuable raw material for food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. However, most existing research has focused primarily on inulin, while comprehensive studies on other bioactive constituents and their clinical validation remain limited. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the bioactive compounds present in JA, elucidate their health-promoting functions, discuss their pharmacokinetics, and outline future perspectives on their potential as functional ingredients and biohealth materials. Full article

Water scarcity in arid/semi-arid regions restricts agricultural sustainability systems and hinders the achievement of regional sustainable development goals, especially in northwest China’s extremely arid areas, where acute water supply–demand conflicts and inefficient traditional practices intensify competition for water between agricultural and ecological sectors. This study aims to verify the effectiveness of an intelligent automatic irrigation system in mitigating water scarcity pressures and enhancing agricultural sustainability in the Shule River Basin of northwestern China, a region where traditional irrigation methods not only yield suboptimal crop outputs but also undermine long-term water resource sustainability. A smart irrigation module, integrating “sensing–decision–execution” processes, was embedded within a digital twin platform to enable precise, resource-efficient water management that aligns with sustainable development principles. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), the most popular cash crop in the area, was used as the test crop, with three soil moisture-based irrigation levels compared against traditional farmer practices. Key indicators including leaf area index (LAI), dry biomass, grain yield, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) were systematically evaluated. The results showed that (1) LAI increased from the seedling to flowering stage, with smart irrigation treatments significantly outperforming farmer practices in both crop growth and water-saving effects, laying a foundation for sustainable yield improvement; (2) total dry biomass at maturity was positively correlated with irrigation amount but smart irrigation optimized the allocation of water resources to avoid waste, balancing productivity and sustainability; (3) grain yield peaked within 70–89% field capacity (fc), with further increases leading to diminishing returns and unnecessary water consumption that impairs sustainable water use; (4) IWUE followed a parabolic trend, reaching its maximum under the same optimal irrigation range, indicating that smart irrigation can maximize water productivity while preserving water resources for ecological and future agricultural needs. The digital twin-driven smart irrigation system enhances both crop yield and water productivity in arid regions, providing a scalable model for precision water management in water-stressed agricultural zones. The results provide a key empirical basis and technical approach for sustainably using irrigation water, optimizing water–energy–food–ecology synergy, and advancing sustainable agriculture in arid regions of Northwest China, which is crucial for achieving regional sustainable development objectives amid worsening water scarcity. Full article