Search Results (79)

Longshan Lilium lancifolium is a well-known medicinal and edible lily and has been registered as a geographical indicator in China. Polyploidization confers many advantages in lily production; however, characteristics of Longshan L. lancifolium improved by polyploidization have not been reported. Here, polyploidization was induced in regenerated Longshan L. lancifolium shoots using colchicine, and the mutant plantlets were characterized by morphological observation, flow cytometry, and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker technology. The optimal medium for inducing shoot regeneration was Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 0.2 mg/L of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.4 mg/L of thidiazuron (TDZ). The greatest mutation induction effect was obtained after soaking the regenerated shoots in 0.10% colchicine for 48 h, for an 80.00% frequency of morphological variants. Forty-one mutant plantlets were subjected to flow cytometry, identifying one homozygous polyploid, ‘JD-12’, and one chimeric polyploid, ‘JD-37’. Additionally, 68 chromosomes were found in the ‘JD-12’ root tip cells. Compared with the control, both the tissue-cultured and field-generated ‘JD-12’ plantlets presented a slight decrease in plant height, a darker green leaf color, a rougher leaf surface, and a larger bulblet diameter; furthermore, the upper epidermal and guard cells of ‘JD-12’ were much larger with a significantly lower stomatal density. The ISSR marker detection indicated a genetic variation rate of 6.10% in ‘JD-12’. These results provide a basis for lily polyploidization breeding and the cultivation of superior Longshan L. lancifolium via shoot regeneration. Full article

BEL1-like homeodomain protein 3 (BLH3) plays a crucial role in plant development. However, its involvement in the salt stress response has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the response of LpBLH3 to salt stress in Lilium pumilum (L. pumilum) using various techniques, including quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), determination of physiological indices of plant after Saline-Alkali stress, yeast two-hybrid screening, luciferase complementation imaging (LCI), and chromosome walking to obtain the promoter sequence, analyzed by PlantCARE, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and then dual-luciferase reporter assay(LUC). RT-qPCR analysis revealed that LpBLH3 is most highly expressed in the leaves of L. pumilum. The expression of LpBLH3 peaks at 24 or 36 h in the leaves under different saline stress. Under various treatments, compared to the wild type (WT), the LpBLH3 overexpression lines exhibited less chlorosis and leaf curling and stronger photosynthesis. The overexpression of LpBLH3 can enhance lignin accumulation in root and stem by positively modulating the expression of crucial genes within the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Y2H and LCI analyses demonstrated that LpBLH3 interacts with LpKNAT3. Additionally, EMSA and LUC analyses confirmed that LpBLH3 can bind to the promoter of LpABI5 and upregulate the expression of ABI5 downstream genes (LpCAT1/LpATEM/LpRD29B). In summary, LpBLH3 enhances the plant’s salt tolerance through the ABA pathway and lignin synthesis. This study can enrich the functional network of the BLH transcription factor family, obtain Lilium pumilum lines with good saline-alkali resistance, expand the planting area of Lilium pumilum, and improve its medicinal and ornamental values. Additionally, the functional analysis of the BLH transcription factor family provides new insights into how crops adapt to the extreme growth environment of saline-alkali soils. Full article

Volatile cues are important in the host detection and discrimination of phytophagous insects, allowing them to find suitable hosts. Here, the electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral responses of female Thrips hawaiiensis to the floral volatiles of different plants, Magnolia grandiflora L. (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae), Gerbera jamesonii Bolus (Asterales: Asteraceae), Lilium brownii Baker (Liliales: Liliaceae), and Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Rosales: Rosaceae), were studied. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays revealed that M. grandiflora was the preferred host for T. hawaiiensis. Fifty-two compounds were identified from the volatile profile of M. grandiflora by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, of which β-elemen (15.39%), bicyclogermacren (11.99%), and (E)-α-bisabolene (6.05%) showed the highest relative contents. The EAG bioassays revealed that the antennae of T. hawaiiensis could perceive these tested volatile compounds at different concentrations. In six-arm olfactometer bioassays, T. hawaiiensis showed significant positive responses to β-elemen and (E)-α-bisabolene at various concentrations, and 10 μg/μL was found to be the most attractive concentration for β-elemen, and 50 and 100 μg/μL for (E)-α-bisabolene. Based on the four-arm olfactometer bioassays, β-elemen was more attractive than (E)-α-bisabolene to T. hawaiiensis when compared at their optimal concentrations. Therefore, T. hawaiiensis could perceive and distinguish the floral volatiles from the preferred host plant (M. grandiflora). These findings assist in better understanding the mechanism of host preferences of T. hawaiiensis from a chemoecological perspective. In particular, β-elemen showed the greatest potential to be developed as a novel attractant for the monitoring and control of T. hawaiiensis. Full article

Lanzhou lily is a plant native to China with high edible, medicinal, and ornamental value that is relatively susceptible to Fusarium wilt. In this study, the application of Trichoderma longibrachiatum SMF2 (TlSMF2) effectively controlled Lanzhou lily wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani. TlSMF2 and the antimicrobial peptaibols trichokonins (TKs) produced by TlSMF2 inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of these two pathogens. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the TKs-induced defense responses of Lanzhou lily were mainly related to the production of plant hormones and defense enzymes. In detail, TKs treatment increased the levels of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) and the expression of their related genes and upregulated the activities of chitinase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). Moreover, TKs caused the induction of LzWRKY26 and LzWRKY75, which is highly homologous to LrWRKY3 that positively regulates Lilium regale resistance to F. oxysporum. LzWRKY26 expression was also induced by SA and MeJA treatments and F. oxysporum infection, which was consistent with the findings that many cis-acting elements associated with phytohormones and stress responses are present in the promoter region of LzWRKY26. Therefore, the biocontrol mechanisms of TlSMF2 against Lanzhou lily wilt disease involve substrate competition and toxicity against pathogens, as well as the induction of systemic resistance in plants. Our results highlight a promising biological control agent for soil-borne fungal diseases and offer deeper insights into the biocontrol mechanisms of TlSMF2. Full article

Soil salinization severely impacts plant cultivation. Lilium pumilum (L. pumilum) exhibits tolerance to saline–alkali stresses. One Bacillus cereus strain, LpBc-47, possesses the ability of growth promotion and saline–alkali tolerance. The microbial diversity of L. pumilum was assessed through metagenomic sequencing. LpBC-47 obtained from L. pumilum was subjected to physiological and biochemical analyses and whole-genome sequencing. The effects of endophytic bacteria on plants were evaluated by measuring growth parameters, physiological indices, antioxidant enzyme activities, and ROS content. Microbial diversity analysis revealed that the abundance of endophytic bacteria in L. pumilum decreased under saline–alkali conditions, whereas the abundance of Bacillus cereus increased. Physiological and biochemical analysis showed that LpBC-47 has the characteristics of promoting growth and reducing plant damage caused by salt–alkali stress, such as phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, IAA, and ACC deaminase synthesis. Genomic analysis revealed that LpBC-47 contains growth-associated and stress-alleviation genes. GFP indicated the colonization of LpBc-47 in the roots and bulbs of L. pumilum. The LpBc-47 inoculant plant increased leaf length and dry weight, elevated proline and chlorophyll levels, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced oxidative damage. This study highlights the potential of LpBc-47 for improving plant growth under saline–alkali conditions. Full article

Background: Smilax glabra (S. glabra) and Smilax zeylanica (S. zeylanica), two medicinally important species within the genus Smilax, have been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of rheumatism, traumatic injuries, and related ailments. Despite their medicinal significance, research on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of Smilax species remains limited. Methods: We utilized NovaSeq 6000 and PromethION sequencing platforms to assemble the complete mitochondrial genomes of Smilax glabra and Smilax zeylanica, and conducted in-depth comparative genomic and evolutionary analyses. Results: The complete mitochondrial genomes of S. glabra and S. zeylanica were assembled and annotated, with total lengths of 535,215 bp and 471,049 bp, respectively. Both genomes encode 40 unique protein-coding genes (PCGs), composed of 24 core and 16 non-core genes, alongside multiple tRNA and rRNA genes. Repetitive element analysis identified 158 and 403 dispersed repeats in S. glabra and S. zeylanica, respectively, as well as 123 and 139 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). RNA editing site predictions revealed C-to-U conversions in both species. Additionally, chloroplast-to-mitochondrial DNA migration analysis detected 34 homologous fragments in S. glabra and 28 homologous fragments in S. zeylanica. Phylogenetically, S. glabra and S. zeylanica cluster within the Liliales order and Smilacaceae family, closely related to Lilium species. Collinearity analysis indicated numerous syntenic blocks between Smilax and three other Liliopsida species, though gene order was not conserved. Conclusions: This study presents high-quality mitochondrial genome assemblies for S. glabra and S. zeylanica, providing valuable insights into molecular identification and conservation efforts of these traditional medicinal plants. Full article

In vitro anther culture is a technique used to produce haploid plants when regenerating varieties with specific traits. To generate haploid plants with preferred characteristics, an anther culture technique was established for Lilium longiflorum “Show Up”. Morphological characteristics were recorded, including the flower bud length and anther color corresponding to different stages of microspore development. The effects of different flower bud lengths, various concentrations of exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs), low-temperature pretreatment at 4 °C, and incubation under dark conditions on the induction of callus formation were studied. When the flower buds were 2.2–2.4 cm in length and the microspores were in the mononuclear development phase, callus induction reached the highest rate (15.6%). Callus was not induced when the PGRs 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin (KT) were added separately to the growth medium, but the highest callus induction rate occurred when anthers were cultured on the medium containing 2,4-D (0.75–1.0 mg/L) and KT (4 mg/L). The low-temperature pretreatment significantly enhanced the induction rate of anthers, but prolonged low-temperature pretreatment reduced the induction rate. The optimal period of cultivation in darkness was 6 d. After 15 days of cultivation, the number of swollen anthers was recorded, and these were transferred onto the differentiation medium Murashige and Skoog (MS) + 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (2.0 mg/L), sucrose (30 g/L), and agar (7 g/L) at pH 5.8, whereon 100% differentiation was recorded. Overall, 14 regenerated lines were obtained by in vitro anther culture. Chromosome ploidy was determined by counting chromosomes in the root tips of ten regenerated plants, and four were found to be haploids. This study lays the foundation for anther culture in lilies to shorten the breeding cycle, improve selection efficiency, facilitate efficient genetic transformation, and enable the effective production of both haploid and double-haploid plants. Full article

Lilium brownii var. viridulum (Longya lily) is a widely used medicinal and culinary plant in China that is valued for its potential applications and development opportunities. The bulbs of Longya lily contain a variety of active components; volatile oil, as one of the main biologically active compounds, has been widely studied, and the stems, leaves, and flowers of Longya lily are also rich in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and related pharmacological effects, but the horizontal comparison of different organs of lily plants is lacking. In order to promote the sustainable development of resources, the composition characteristics and differences of bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers, as well as two crop management methods (bud-removal and non-bud-removal), were comprehensively studied by GC-IMS technology in this study. Additionally, multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify the key components responsible for the observed differences among the plant organs and treatments. The research identified a total of 93 volatile organic compounds in Longya lily samples, primarily consisting of aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and esters. If the VOCs of Longya lily are to be used as raw materials, it is advisable to choose flowers and leaves with a higher concentration of these components for harvesting. Notably, bulbs that were non-bud-removal exhibited a greater total content of volatile flavor substances compared to those that were treated with bud removal, with hexanal-D and (E)-2-hexenal-D being the most prevalent volatile organic compounds. This study provided theoretical support for the harvesting parts and crop management methods of Longya lily based on volatile organic compounds and promoted the high-quality development of the Longya lily industry. Full article

Supernumerary (B) chromosomes are widespread in numerous plants, including the Lilium genus. However, their origin remains unclear. This study used traditional and modern cytogenetics to analyze the triploid lily cultivar ‘Eyeliner’ (LAA) to identify the microsporogenesis, fertility, and chromosome composition of its progeny and record a case of potential B chromosome formation. The results indicated anomalous meiosis of LAA in all processes. In microspores, different cells had different numbers of chromosomes and fragments. Moreover, the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results showed that some fragments contained telomere signals at both ends. The LAA × AA progenies were aneuploid, with one progeny containing a small aberrant chromosome (potential B chromosome). The genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) results showed that the aberrant chromosome originated from the L genome. In contrast, the FISH results showed that the aberrant chromosome contained two telomere signals. This suggests that the anomalous meiosis of the triploid lily forms chromosome bridges, fragments, and small aberrant chromosomes (isochromosome), which eventually form aneuploid gametes containing small aberrant chromosomes passed on to the progeny. This study provides a case in which the potential B chromosomes are derived from the A chromosomes. Full article

Lilium davidii var. unicolor is an important genetic resource for the origin of Asiatic hybrid lilies and a vital edible lily resource in China. To develop new lily germplasm combining ornamental and edible values, this study conducted five hybrid combinations between Lilium davidii var. unicolor (abbreviated as LDU) and Tiger/Pearl series Asiatic hybrid cultivars. Fourteen quantitative traits, along with spot patterns and flower color, were measured in 196 individual plants from the hybrid population, encompassing plant growth and ornamental traits. The brightness (L*), red–green component (a*), and yellow–blue component (b*) of flower color were measured and analyzed. Additionally, the genetic variation in growth and ornamental traits among the hybrid progeny was investigated. Studies have shown that the progeny of Lilium davidii var. unicolor and hybrids with lilies of different ploidy levels exhibit significant diversity in growth traits. Specifically, the F1 generation is characterized by increased plant height and larger flower diameter. Regarding tepal spotting, all five combinations produced both spotted and non-spotted individuals, with a ratio ranging from 3:1 to 5:1. Notable variation in spot distribution and density was observed among spotted individuals, with four combinations exhibiting apparent heterosis, particularly in two combinations involving tetraploid parents. Spots displayed diverse patterns, including scattered, concentrated, and ring-shaped distributions. Cluster analysis based on brightness (L*), redness–greenness (a*), and yellowness–blueness (b*) values categorized the flower colors of the hybrid population into four major types: orange, yellow/yellow-white, light pink, and red. Notably, the hybrids predominantly exhibited enhanced brightness (L*) and yellowness–blueness (b*), with the orange color spectrum being the most prevalent. This study provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the improvement of ornamental traits and germplasm innovation in lilies. Full article

Lily (Lilium Asiatica Hybrida) is a globally known perennial herbaceous bulbous flower, popular for its large, colourful flowers and high economic and ornamental value. However, pollen generation is a severe issue that reduces the cosmetic value of lilies. In this study, the MADS transcription factor LiAG1 was isolated and identified from the Lilium Asiatica Hybrida ‘Ice Pink Queen’, a male-sterile variety obtained through several years of hybridisation in our laboratory. qRT-PCR revealed that LiAG1 expression was greater in lily anthers, especially during the half-opening stage. The transient expression in tobacco demonstrated that LiAG1 was located in the nucleus. In the ‘Ice Pink Queen’ lily, suppression of LiAG1 using TRV-VIGS (tobacco-rattle-virus-mediated virus-induced gene silencing) resulted in the disappearance of most of the tapetum layer and the absence of the microsporangia. Overexpression of LiAG1 in transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco resulted in narrower and more involute leaves, plant dwarfing, earlier blooming, and better pollen viability. Overall, our results suggested that LiAG1 might play an important role in flower development, especially anther development, of Lilium Asiatica Hybrida ‘Ice Pink Queen’. Full article

The cultivation of Fritillaria ussuriensis faces challenges due to the prevalent Fritillaria wilt disease, hindering large-scale production. To address this, we aimed to understand the disease’s characteristics and develop effective prevention measures. Microbial communities of diseased F. ussuriensis plants were analyzed, pathogenic and antagonistic strains were screened, and biocontrol feasibility was tested. We identified Botryotinia predominance in aboveground parts and variations in Mrakia, Humicola, llyonectria, and Fusarium in underground parts. The pathogens Fusarium oxysporum IFM-1 and Fusarium solani IFM-52 isolated from diseased F. ussuriensis not only caused severe Fritillaria wilt but were also pathogenic to Lilium lancifolium and Allium cepa var. aggregatum in Liliaceae. The antagonistic Bacillus tequilensis LFM-30 and Trichoderma koningiopsis IFM-47 isolated from diseased plants significantly alleviated plant wilt and showed promise in preventing wilt disease caused by Fusarium in Liliaceae plants. Our study highlights distinct microbial differences between healthy and diseased F. ussuriensis and underscores the pathogenicity of Fusarium. Using T. koningiopsis and B. tequilensis either singly or in combination could offer effective biocontrol against F. solani and F. oxysporum, benefiting F. ussuriensis and related Liliaceae plants. Full article

The Agrobacterium-based transgenic technique is commonly used for gene function validation and molecular breeding. However, it is not suitable for plants with a low regeneration capacity or a low transformation rate, such as Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen and Lilium regale Wilson. In this study, a novel Agrobacterium transformation method based on injection in the meristems was developed using P. notoginseng and L. regale as experimental models. PCR analysis confirmed the successful integration of the reporter gene DsRed2 (Discosoma striata red fluorescence protein 2) into the genome of two experimental models. QRT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated the transcriptional and translational expression of DsRed2. Additionally, laser confocal microscopy confirmed the significant accumulation of the red fluorescent protein in the leaves, stems, and roots of transformed P. notoginseng and L. regale. Most importantly, in the second year after injection, the specific bright orange fluorescence from DsRed2 expression was observed in the transgenic P. notoginseng and L. regale plants. This study establishes a fast, efficient, and tissue-culture-independent transgenic technique suitable for plants with a low regeneration capacity or a low transformation rate. This technique may improve the functional genomics of important medicinal and ornamental plants such as P. notoginseng and L. regale, as well as their molecular breeding. Full article

As an important part of heat shock response module, heat shock proteins (HSP) play an important role in plant defense response against heat stress; however, the involvement of the majority of the HSP family members against other abiotic stresses remains poorly understood. In the present study, LrHSP17.2 was identified and its function against abiotic stress was analyzed. The expression level of LrHSP17.2 was significantly induced by heat. Heterologous transgenes of LrHSP17.2 showed that LrHSP17.2 can increase the activity of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase to removes excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintain the stability of the membrane structure, and regulate genes related to antioxidant enzymes and defense under abiotic stress. In addition, LrHSP17.2 could be regulated by exogenous abscisic acid and melatonin, and the related hormone synthesis genes of transgenic plants were significantly up-regulated under heat stress. Taken together, our results revealed that LrHSP17.2 is involved in regulating abiotic stress responses by regulating ROS scavenging and stress-related genes in Lilium regale. Full article

In order to explore the response mechanism of Lilium pumilum (L. pumilum) to saline–alkali stress, we successfully cloned LpGDSL (GDSL lipase, Gly-Asp-Ser-Leu) from L. pumilum. The qRT-PCR results indicated that the LpGDSL expression was higher in the leaves of L. pumilum, and the expression of the LpGDSL reached the highest level at 12 h in leaves under 11 mM H₂O₂, 200 mM NaCl, 25 mM Na₂CO₃, and 20 mM NaHCO₃. The bacteriophage overexpressing LpGDSL was more tolerant than the control under different NaHCO₃ contents. Overexpressed and wild-type plants were analyzed for phenotype, chlorophyll content, O₂⁻ content, H₂O₂ content, lignin content, and so on. Overexpressed plants had significantly higher resistance than the wild type and were less susceptible to saline–alkali stress. The yeast two-hybrid and BiFC assays demonstrated the existence of an interaction between LpGDSL and LpBCP. The yeast one-hybrid assay and transcriptional activation assay confirmed that B3 transcription factors could act on LpGDSL promoters. Under saline–alkali stress, L. pumilum will promote the expression of LpGDSL, which will then promotes the accumulation of lignin and the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to reduce its damage, thus improving the saline–alkali resistance of the plant. Full article