Search Results (111)

Yucca decipiens is a native species from arid and semi-arid regions with emerging nutritional and biotechnological potential. This study evaluated its proximate composition, elemental profile determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and growth performance under nursery conditions. Proximate analysis revealed a high dietary fiber content in leaves (58.93%) and higher carbohydrate levels in stems (28.83%). Free amino acid content was significantly higher in stems (2.75 g histidine equivalents kg⁻¹) than in leaves (1.76 g kg⁻¹). Multi-elemental profiling (63 elements) showed organ-specific accumulation patterns, with essential macro- and micronutrients predominantly concentrated in leaves, including potassium (28,334 ppm) and calcium (15,345 ppm), while iron was the most abundant trace element in stems (1253 ppm). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear organ-specific mineral partitioning between leaves and stems, indicating differentiated physiological roles and potential selective biomass utilization. Growth assessment conducted over a two-year period demonstrated steady biomass accumulation and good adaptive performance under nursery conditions. Overall, the results highlight the emerging nutritional and agroindustrial relevance of Yucca decipiens for applications in semi-arid environments. Full article

In vitro fecal inoculation coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been used for evaluating fecal deodorants. However, high cost and complex data interpretation limit its routine application. An electronic nose (eNose) offers a rapid, cost-effective alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the eNose as a screening tool for fecal odor compared with solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) and to examine the in vitro effects of fecal deodorant supplements on fecal odor profiles. Feces from ten healthy cats were serially diluted (1:1 to 1:8) and analyzed using both instruments. Four dietary supplements—Yucca schidigera extract (YSE), Quillaja saponaria extract (QSE), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and oat beta-glucans (OBG)—were tested at concentrations of 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 g/100 mL. The eNose showed comparable performance to GC-MS in discriminating among sample dilutions. In vitro fermentation showed that FOS and OBG significantly increased volatile fatty acid (VFA)-related sensor responses while signals linked to ammonia and sulfur compounds were reduced. QSE had minimal effect, whereas YSE produced moderate changes. The total sensor response intensities did not differ between treatments. These findings indicate that prebiotic supplements exert stronger effects than saponin-based supplements and highlight the potential of eNoses with in vitro fermentation for rapid screening of fecal deodorants. Full article

YUCCA belongs to the flavin-containing monooxygenas and catalyzes the rate-limiting step in endogenous auxin biosynthesis, thereby regulating local auxin homeostasis and participating in diverse aspects of plant growth, development, and physiological processes. However, the relationship between the YUCCA genes and male fertility regulation in wheat remains unclear. In this study, we identified 64 TaYUCCA genes through whole-genome analysis and classified them into three clades, each of which is conserved in motif composition and gene structure. A synteny analysis indicated that family expansion was primarily driven by segmental duplication and tandem duplication, and Ka/Ks analysis suggested that all members are under purifying selection. An analysis of the expression patterns showed that the TaYUCCA genes displayed differential expression across various tissues and reproductive developmental stages. In the temperature-sensitive male-sterile wheat line YS3038, TaYUCCA19, TaYUCCA22, and TaYUCCA25 were specifically highly expressed at the uninucleate pollen stage under fertile conditions. The silencing of TaYUCCA19 resulted in abnormal pollen morphology and a significant reduction in the seed set rate, indicating that it is a key gene required for normal pollen development in wheat. Overall, this study systematically characterizes the wheat YUCCA gene family and provides the first functional evidence of TaYUCCA genes in male reproductive development, offering an important foundation for studies on wheat male sterility mechanisms and the exploitation of heterosis. Full article

The combination of additives in ruminant diets is a growing strategy focused on cow health and productivity; therefore, the additives need to have synergistic effects when combined. Because of this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of combining functional additives (biocholine, live yeasts, Yucca schidigera extract, and exogenous enzymes) on the productive performance, milk quality, rumen environment, oxidative status, and metabolic parameters of lactating Jersey cows maintained in an intensive system as well as verifying whether the effects on metabolism and the rumen environment (volatile fatty acids and microbiota) directly or indirectly influence productive efficiency. Eighteen Jersey cows in their second lactation were used, distributed in a completely randomized design into two groups: control, receiving a basal diet, and treatment, receiving the same diet plus the additive mixture. The experiment lasted 56 days. Dry matter intake, milk production and composition, feed efficiency, apparent digestibility, volatile fatty acid profile, rumen microbiota, hematological and biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. The combination of additives was able to increase milk production and production corrected for fat, protein, and energy, without altering dry matter intake, resulting in greater feed efficiency. There was an increase in milk protein content from day 28 onwards. In the rumen, a reduction in the protozoan population and an increase in the proportion of propionic acid were observed, without altering the ruminal pH or the total production of volatile fatty acids. The apparent digestibility of crude protein was higher in the treated group. The consumption of additives also promoted specific changes in the ruminal microbiota, with a greater abundance of microorganisms associated with carbohydrate degradation and less activity of pathways related to denitrification. From a systemic point of view, the treatment reduced markers of oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species—ROS and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS), decreased creatine kinase and cholinesterase activity, and increased serum fructosamine concentration, indicating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and improved energy status, respectively. It is concluded that the combination of plant biocholine, yeasts, Yucca schidigera extract, and exogenous enzymes improves productive efficiency, promotes ruminal fermentation, and contributes to greater metabolic and oxidative stability in lactating Jersey cows. Full article

This study presents an integrated chemical and anatomical characterization of leaves from seven Asparagaceae species (Agave convallis Trel., A. salmiana Otto ex Salm.-Dyck, A. striata Zucc., Dasylirion acrotrichum Zucc., Nolina excelsa García-Mend. & E. Solano, Yucca filifera Chabaud, and Y. periculosa Baker). Leaf biomass was subjected to successive Soxhlet extractions to quantify extractives, followed by isolation of lignocellulosic fractions. Lignin and cellulose were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio and total crystallinity index. Leaf anatomy was examined using fluorescence microscopy. Total extractives ranged from 13.4 to 24.0%, with A. salmiana and D. acrotrichum showing the highest values. Lignin content varied markedly among genera, reaching up to 45.1% in Yucca species, whereas cellulose content ranged from 31.3 to 42.2%. Crystalline cellulose accounted for 42.1–56.9% of total cellulose, with the highest crystallinity observed in A. convallis. FTIR analysis revealed a predominance of guaiacyl-type lignin in all species except Y. periculosa (S/G = 1.2). Multivariate analyses discriminated between genera primarily based on lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose contents. These findings highlight genus-level differences in leaf lignocellulosic composition and support the potential use of Asparagaceae leaves as feedstocks for bioenergy and biomaterial applications. Full article

Leaf morphogenesis is governed by a tightly integrated regulatory network centered on auxin, which operates through a sequential axis of synthesis, transport, and signal transduction. This review elucidates how pivotal molecular hubs previously identified in this regulatory network, including biosynthetic enzymes, polar transporters, and auxin response factors, interconnect through dynamic feedback mechanisms to orchestrate leaf initiation, polarity establishment, and the determination of its final size and shape. Notably, recent breakthroughs are transforming the field: the re-evaluation of established pathways like indole-3-acetaldoxime (IAOx), whose direct contribution to auxin pools is under scrutiny, hinting at the existence of undiscovered enzymes or alternative metabolic branches and the paradigm-shifting discovery that cAMP functions as a second messenger produced by Transport Inhibitor Resistant 1/Auxin signaling F-box (TIR1/AFB) receptors, which directly activates Auxin Response Factor (ARF)-mediated transcription. These foundational mechanistic insights provide the critical groundwork for application. Key network nodes—such as PIN-FORMED (PIN) transporters and YUCCA (YUC) flavin-containing monooxygenases—are now validated targets for crop improvement. Consequently, the elucidated network serves as a blueprint for rationally designing crop architecture. Full article

Flowers are key reproductive structures for many plant species. They are essential for seed and fruit production, and their development is tightly regulated by hormonal and genetic networks. The homeodomain transcription factors HAT3 and ATHB4 are known regulators of adaxial identity and hormone response. We demonstrate that flowers of the hat3 athb4 double mutant emerge at wider divergence angles relative to the wild type, a phenotype reflecting modified phyllotaxy and regulated by low auxin conditions. In addition, hat3 athb4 flowers exhibit aberrant trichome patterning on their sepals associated with enhanced sensitivity to cytokinin (CK). Through RNA-seq analysis of hat3 athb4 inflorescences, we identify the misregulation of genes involved in auxin biosynthesis (YUCCAs), auxin transport (PID), and CK metabolism (CKXs) and transport (PUPs). These findings suggest that HAT3 and ATHB4 fine-tune the auxin/CK balance and coordinate critical pattern events during reproductive development, offering new insight into hormone-mediated regulation of floral patterning. Full article

Soil salinization is one of the most severe abiotic stresses that restricts agricultural productivity worldwide. Pomegranate exhibits relative tolerance to salinity, yet the early response mechanisms in roots remain unclear. In this study, the physiological and transcriptional responses of pomegranate roots to salinity stress were systematically investigated. Salinity stress significantly induced the accumulation of total soluble sugar and proline by up to 8% and 67%, and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (68%) and peroxidase (31%), indicating the activation of osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense systems. A total of 7548 and 7462 genes were differentially expressed under 100 mM and 200 mM NaCl treatments, respectively. Functional annotation highlighted the critical roles of pathways involved in stress response and plant hormone signal transduction. Comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming was observed in the auxin pathway, involving biosynthesis (YUCCA), transport (PIN and AUX1), and signaling components (TIR1, AUX/IAA, ARF, and GH3). Hormone quantification and RT-qPCR validation confirmed the regulatory functions of auxin through sophisticated hormonal crosstalk. These findings revealed the pivotal role of auxin as a central hub in coordinating the early salinity stress response in pomegranate roots and provided crucial insights and candidate gene resources for enhancing salt tolerance in woody fruit species. Full article

Plants have the capacity to form adventitious roots (ARs) from detached aerial organs, a process known as de novo root regeneration (DNRR). In Arabidopsis, wounding signals rapidly induce in leaf explants the expression of genes encoding enzymes of auxin biosynthesis, resulting in elevated auxin levels and facilitating AR formation. Here, we report that DEVELOPMENT-RELATED POLYCOMB TARGET IN THE APEX 4 (DPA4/NGAL3), a well-known regulator in seed size and leaf margin development, and a repressor of CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 2 (CUC2), inhibits AR formation in detached leaves. Leaf explants of dpa4-2 and cuc2-1D mutants displayed both elevated CUC2 mRNA levels and increased rooting rates. We observed reduced expression of ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1), a negative regulator of DNRR, while the auxin biosynthesis genes ASA1, YUC4, and YUC9 were upregulated in both mutants. Through pharmacological inhibition of YUCCA-mediated auxin biogenesis, we obtained evidence that the enhanced AR formation in both mutants is at least partially a result of increased auxin production. Genetic analysis of dpa4-2 cuc2-1D double mutants indicates that similar mechanisms promote DNRR in both mutants. In summary, our study suggests that DPA4 suppresses AR formation likely by repression of CUC2 and activation of ULT1, which, in turn, suppresses endogenous auxin biogenesis and DNRR. Full article

Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings represents the primary mode of reproduction in Rosa species. While numerous studies have reported physiological factors affecting cutting rooting, the genes regulating the formation of adventitious roots in roses have not yet been fully explored and studied. In this study, we demonstrate that Rosa rugosa ‘Feng Hua’ exhibits an indirect rooting pattern, requiring callus formation prior to root primordium differentiation. Phytohormone profiling revealed exceptionally high concentrations of auxin precursors, particularly tryptophan (Trp), in both callus and root tissues. Therefore, we identified and analyzed the members of the YUCCA family, which are the key rate-limiting enzymes in the tryptophan-dependent IAA biosynthesis pathway. A total of 11 RrYUCs family genes were identified, with RT-qPCR analysis showing that RrYUC10 was highly expressed in callus and root tissues. Functional studies confirmed its critical role in adventitious root formation: virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of RrYUC10 significantly inhibited AR development, whereas its overexpression enhanced rooting. Our findings have provided a molecular theoretical basis for the rooting of cuttings in roses. Full article

Grafting serves as a crucial propagation technique for superior Camellia oleifera varieties, where rootstock–scion compatibility significantly determines survival and growth performance. To systematically evaluate grafting compatibility in this economically important woody oil crop, we examined 15 rootstock–scion combinations using ‘Xianglin 210’ as the scion, assessing growth traits and conducting physiological assays (enzymatic activities of SOD and POD and levels of ROS and IAA) at multiple timepoints (0–32 days post-grafting). The results demonstrated that Comb. 4 (Xianglin 27 rootstock) exhibited superior compatibility, characterized by systemic antioxidant activation (peaking at 4–8 DPG), rapid auxin accumulation (4 DPG), and efficient sugar allocation. Transcriptome sequencing and WGCNA analysis identified 3781 differentially expressed genes, with notable enrichment in stress response pathways (Hsp70, DnaJ) and auxin biosynthesis (YUCCA), while also revealing key hub genes (FKBP19) associated with graft-healing efficiency. These findings establish that successful grafting in C. oleifera depends on coordinated rapid redox regulation, auxin-mediated cell proliferation, and metabolic reprogramming, with Comb. 4 emerging as the optimal rootstock choice. The identified molecular markers not only advance our understanding of grafting mechanisms in woody plants but also provide valuable targets for future breeding programs aimed at improving grafting success rates in this important oil crop. Full article

Plant hormones are critical regulators of graft union healing, yet the specific role of exogenous naphthylacetic acid (NAA) in graft union healing efficiency and grafted seedling growth remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous NAA treatment (40 mg·L⁻¹) on graft union healing and grafted seedling quality in oriental melon scion grafted onto squash rootstock. Our results demonstrated that exogenous NAA application significantly accelerated vascular bundle reconnection, a key indicator of successful graft union formation. The exogenous NAA treatment enhanced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis by upregulating key enzymes (TDC, PDC, FMO, NIT, and TAA) and gene expression (CmYUCCA10, CmCYP450, CmoCYP450, and CmoTAA1). The exogenous NAA treatment also upregulated critical graft healing-related genes (CmoWIND1, CmoWOX4, CmoCDKB1;2, CmTMO6, CmoTMO6, CmVND7, and CmoVND7). The exogenous NAA-treated seedlings exhibited better growth. These findings reveal the potential molecular and physiological mechanisms by which exogenous NAA promotes graft union healing of melon grafted onto squash. While the results highlight the potential of exogenous NAA as a grafting enhancer under controlled conditions, further field studies are also needed to validate its practical applicability in commercial production. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to innovation in the development of natural compound-based solutions for industrial applications. This study introduces composite nanoparticles (NP-CsYBE) synthesized from chitosan (Cs) and saponin-rich yucca extract (YBE), highlighting their application in Pickering emulsions (PE). Characterization via DLS and AFM revealed NP-CsYBE as spherical particles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 230 nm and a ζ-potential of +36.9 mV, showing a non-aggregated morphology. Comparative analyses of emulsions formulated with Cs nanoparticles (Cs-NP) and YBE were conducted to assess the individual contributions of each component. Functional evaluations revealed that PE based on NP-CsYBE exhibited superior stability over time compared to those with Cs-NP or YBE alone. Additionally, the rheological properties of NP-CsYBE PE were influenced by pH: liquid-viscous behavior dominated at pH 4, while at pH 6.5, solid-elastic properties prevailed. Notably, increased temperature enhanced its mechanical properties. This innovative approach provides a framework for applying natural nanoparticles in PE formation, offering potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, medical, and cosmetic industries, as well as biomaterials for protecting lipophilic substances. By leveraging natural resources, this work advances the understanding of natural nanoparticle-based systems and their role in developing sustainable and functional materials for industrial use. Full article

The initiation and specification of germline cells are crucial for plant reproduction and the continuity of species. In Arabidopsis thaliana, auxin plays a vital role in guiding the transition of somatic cells into germline fate, orchestrating the specification of both male archesporial cells and female megaspore mother cells. This process is regulated through interaction with the transcription factor Sporocyteless/Nozzle, which forms a feedback mechanism that modulates germ cell specialization. Auxin biosynthesis, polar transport, and signal transduction pathways collectively ensure the accurate determination of germ cell fate. Furthermore, the coordination of auxin signaling with epigenetic regulation and miRNA-mediated control fine-tunes the differentiation between germline and somatic cells. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying auxin-guided germ cell specification. It proposes future research directions, including studies on PIN-FORMED-mediated polar transport, the role of the YUCCA family in auxin biosynthesis, and the involvement of the Transport Inhibitors Response 1/Auxn Signaling F-Box-Auxin Response Factor (TIR1/AFB-ARF) signaling pathway in germ cell fate determination. These insights will enhance our understanding of plant reproductive biology and provide new strategies for crop breeding. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation in the mineral concentrations of the inflorescences of Yucca filifera (izote), Agave salmiana (maguey), Diphysa americana (cuachepil), and Chamaedorea tepejilote (tepejilote) in samples collected from different communities in Oaxaca, Mexico. For each sample, the concentrations of macro- and microelements were determined via inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). For each species, significant differences (p < 0.05) in mineral contents were detected on the basis of geographic sampling origin, both among and within locations, for all the minerals evaluated except for Na in all the cases, Cu in izote and tepejilote, and Si in maguey. The macro- and microelement patterns range from highest to lowest concentrations were as follows: K > Ca ≥ P > Mg > S > Na and Si > Fe ≥ Zn > Mn > Cu > Mo. High values were recorded in tepejilote, whereas low values were observed in cuachepil, maguey pulquero, and izote. The average values between species ranged from 199.1 to 3650.3, 243.6 to 3383.7, 354.8 to 941.7, 164.5 to 1281, 76.2 to 1142.9, 1.3 to 44.7, 4.27 to 201, 2.41 to 13.67, 3.08 to 9.23, 0.81 to 13.65, and 0.52 to 3.09 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw in K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Na, Si, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, indicating a nutritional source in the regions where they are distributed. Full article