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Search Results (1,239)

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Keywords = maize Zea mays

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10 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
Study on the Vectoring Potential of Halyomorpha halys for Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, the Pathogen Causing Stewart’s Disease in Maize
by Francesca Costantini, Agostino Strangi, Fabio Mosconi, Leonardo Marianelli, Giuseppino Sabbatini-Peverieri, Pio Federico Roversi and Valeria Scala
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151671 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 115
Abstract
Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (Pss) is a Gram-negative bacterium first documented in North America, and is the causal agent of Stewart’s disease in maize (Zea mays), especially in sweet corn. First identified in North America, it is primarily spread by insect [...] Read more.
Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (Pss) is a Gram-negative bacterium first documented in North America, and is the causal agent of Stewart’s disease in maize (Zea mays), especially in sweet corn. First identified in North America, it is primarily spread by insect vectors like the corn flea beetle (Chaetocnema Pulicaria) in the United States. However, Pss has since spread globally—reaching parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe—mainly through the international seed trade. Although this trade is limited, it has still facilitated the pathogen’s global movement, as evidenced by numerous phytosanitary interceptions. Recent studies in Italy, as indicated in the EFSA journal, reported that potential alternative vectors were identified, including Phyllotreta spp. and the invasive Asian brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys); the latter tested positive in PCR screenings, raising concerns due to its broad host range and global distribution. This information has prompted studies to verify the ability of Halyomorpha halys to vector Pss to assess the risk and prevent the further spread of Pss in Europe. In this study, we explored the potential transmission of Pss by the brown marmorated stink bugs in maize plants, following its feeding on Pss-inoculated maize, as well as the presence of Pss within the insect’s body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)
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16 pages, 2729 KiB  
Article
Effect of Enterobacter bugandensis R-18 on Maize Growth Promotion Under Salt Stress
by Xingguo Tian, Qianru Liu, Jingjing Song, Xiu Zhang, Guoping Yang, Min Li, Huan Qu, Ahejiang Tastanbek and Yarong Tan
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081796 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 199
Abstract
Soil salinization poses a significant constraint to agricultural productivity. However, certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance. In this study, a bacterial isolate, R-18, isolated from saline-alkali soil in Ningxia, China, was identified as Enterobacter bugandensis based [...] Read more.
Soil salinization poses a significant constraint to agricultural productivity. However, certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance. In this study, a bacterial isolate, R-18, isolated from saline-alkali soil in Ningxia, China, was identified as Enterobacter bugandensis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate was characterized for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting traits and was evaluated for its potential to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in maize (Zea mays L.) under hydroponic conditions. Isolate R-18 exhibited halotolerance, surviving at NaCl concentrations ranging from 2.0% to 10.0%, and alkaliphilic adaptation, growing at pH 8.0–11.0. Biochemical assays confirmed it as a Gram-negative bacterium, displaying positive reactions in the Voges–Proskauer (V–P) tests, catalase activity, citrate utilization, fluorescent pigment production, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, and ammonia production, while testing negative for the methyl red and cellulose hydrolysis. Notably, isolate R-18 demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting attributes, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, ACC deaminase activity, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. Under 100 mM NaCl stress, inoculation with isolate R-18 significantly enhanced maize growth, increasing plant height, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.64%, 47.06%, 34.52%, and 31.25%, respectively. Furthermore, isolate R-18 improved ion homeostasis by elevating the K+/Na+ ratio in maize tissues. Physiological analyses revealed increased chlorophyll and proline content, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating mitigated oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activity was modulated, with decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities but increased catalase (CAT) activity. These findings demonstrated that Enterobacter bugandensis R-18 effectively alleviated NaCl-induced growth inhibition in maize by enhancing osmotic adjustment, reducing oxidative stress, and improving ion balance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)
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18 pages, 4915 KiB  
Article
The Quality of Seedbed and Seeding Under Four Tillage Modes
by Lijun Wang, Yunpeng Gao, Zhao Ma and Bo Wang
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151626 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Crop residue management and soil tillage (CRM and ST) are key steps in agricultural production. The effects of different CRM and ST modes on the quality of seedbed, seeding, and harvest yield are not well determined. In this study, the system of maize [...] Read more.
Crop residue management and soil tillage (CRM and ST) are key steps in agricultural production. The effects of different CRM and ST modes on the quality of seedbed, seeding, and harvest yield are not well determined. In this study, the system of maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) rotation under ridge-tillage in the semi-arid regions of Northeast China was chosen as the study conditions. Four modes were investigated: deep tillage and seeding (DT and S), stubble field and no-tillage seeding (SF and NTS), three-axis rotary tillage and seeding (TART and S), and shallow rotary tillage and seeding (SRT and S). Results show that the DT and S mode produced the best quality of seedbed and seeding. Among the conservation tillage modes, the SRT and S mode produced the shortest average length of roots and straw, the best uniformity of their distribution in the seedbed, and the highest soybean yield. Both the SRT and S and SF and NTS modes yielded a higher net profit as their cost-effectiveness. When considering only the quality of seedbed and seeding under conservation tillage as a prerequisite, it can be concluded that the SRT and S mode is both advantageous and sustainable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Crop Management on Yields)
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14 pages, 940 KiB  
Article
The Effect of pH on Fertilizer Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Sandy Soil
by Jolanta Korzeniowska, Ewa Stanisławska-Glubiak and Joanna Brosig
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151599 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 284
Abstract
Soil pH strongly influences phosphorus (P) availability and, consequently, plant response to P fertilization. This study aimed to assess how soil pH affects P availability, uptake, and fertilizer use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) grown under controlled conditions. A pot experiment [...] Read more.
Soil pH strongly influences phosphorus (P) availability and, consequently, plant response to P fertilization. This study aimed to assess how soil pH affects P availability, uptake, and fertilizer use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) grown under controlled conditions. A pot experiment was conducted using three soil pHKCl levels (4.2, 5.2, and 6.4) and five P application doses (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g P pot−1). Each pot contained 10 kg of soil. Results showed that soil P concentration after harvest increased with both P dose and pH, with the highest values recorded at pH 6.4. Maize grain and straw yields responded differently to P fertilization depending on pH. At pH 5.2, the highest grain yield and agronomic efficiency (AE) were observed at the 0.5 g P dose, while higher doses led to yield reductions. At pH 4.2, P fertilization significantly increased both grain yield and P uptake, but excessive doses reduced yields. In contrast, at pH 6.4, yield increased steadily with rising P doses, though AE and apparent phosphorus recovery (APR) were lowest. The highest APR was observed at pH 4.2 and the lowest at pH 6.4. Overall, the results suggest that optimal maize response to P fertilization occurs near pH 5.2, where both yield and efficiency indices peak. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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20 pages, 8487 KiB  
Article
Precise Identification and Analysis of Maize Germplasm Resistance to Ear Rot Caused by Six Fusarium Species
by Shuai Li, Lihong Zhu, Yongxiang Li, Yaxuan Guo, Yuhang Zhang, Chaosong Huang, Wenqi Wu, Suli Sun, Zixiang Cheng and Canxing Duan
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152280 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Maize (Zea may L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide, but ear rot poses a significant threat to its production. Diverse pathogens cause ear rot in China, with Fusarium spp. being predominant, especially Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. Current [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea may L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide, but ear rot poses a significant threat to its production. Diverse pathogens cause ear rot in China, with Fusarium spp. being predominant, especially Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. Current methods for the control of ear rot are limited, making the use of resistant germplasm resources an effective and economical management strategy. Earlier research focused on resistance to Fusarium ear rot (FER; caused by F. verticillioides) and Gibberella ear rot (GER; caused by F. graminearum), but assessing maize resistance to multiple major Fusarium spp. is critical in ensuring maize production. Thus, the resistance of 343 maize germplasm resources to ear rot caused by six Fusarium spp. (F. verticillioides, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. meridionale, F. subglutinans, and F. temperatum) was evaluated in this study. Over three years, 69 and 77 lines resistant to six and five ear rot diseases, respectively, and 139 lines resistant to both FER and GER were identified. Moreover, the 343 germplasm resources were divided into eight heterotic groups, of which PH4CV was the most resistant one, whereas NSS and Pioneer Female were the least resistant ones. These findings provide a basis for the development of maize cultivars with broad-spectrum ear rot resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Resistance of Maize Germplasm Resources to Disease)
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17 pages, 3958 KiB  
Article
ZmNLR-7-Mediated Synergistic Regulation of ROS, Hormonal Signaling, and Defense Gene Networks Drives Maize Immunity to Southern Corn Leaf Blight
by Bo Su, Xiaolan Yang, Rui Zhang, Shijie Dong, Ying Liu, Hubiao Jiang, Guichun Wu and Ting Ding
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070573 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
The rapid evolution of pathogens and the limited genetic diversity of hosts are two major factors contributing to the plant pathogenic phenomenon known as the loss of disease resistance in maize (Zea mays L.). It has emerged as a significant biological stressor [...] Read more.
The rapid evolution of pathogens and the limited genetic diversity of hosts are two major factors contributing to the plant pathogenic phenomenon known as the loss of disease resistance in maize (Zea mays L.). It has emerged as a significant biological stressor threatening the global food supplies and security. Based on previous cross-species homologous gene screening assays conducted in the laboratory, this study identified the maize disease-resistance candidate gene ZmNLR-7 to investigate the maize immune regulation mechanism against Bipolaris maydis. Subcellular localization assays confirmed that the ZmNLR-7 protein is localized in the plasma membrane and nucleus, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that it contains a conserved NB-ARC domain. Analysis of tissue expression patterns revealed that ZmNLR-7 was expressed in all maize tissues, with the highest expression level (5.11 times) exhibited in the leaves, and that its transcription level peaked at 11.92 times 48 h post Bipolaris maydis infection. Upon inoculating the ZmNLR-7 EMS mutants with Bipolaris maydis, the disease index was increased to 33.89 and 43.33, respectively, and the lesion expansion rate was higher than that in the wild type, indicating enhanced susceptibility to southern corn leaf blight. Physiological index measurements revealed a disturbance of ROS metabolism in ZmNLR-7 EMS mutants, with SOD activity decreased by approximately 30% and 55%, and POD activity decreased by 18% and 22%. Moreover, H2O2 content decreased, while lipid peroxide MDA accumulation increased. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant inhibition of the expression of the key genes NPR1 and ACS6 in the SA/ET signaling pathway and a decrease in the expression of disease-related genes ERF1 and PR1. This study established a new paradigm for the study of NLR protein-mediated plant immune mechanisms and provided target genes for molecular breeding of disease resistance in maize. Overall, these findings provide the first evidence that ZmNLR-7 confers resistance to southern corn leaf blight in maize by synergistically regulating ROS homeostasis, SA/ET signal transduction, and downstream defense gene expression networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Plant Stress Tolerance)
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23 pages, 7168 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Soil Phosphorus Availability in Intercropping Systems: Roles of Plant Growth Regulators
by Chunhua Gao, Weilin Kong, Fengtao Zhao, Feiyan Ju, Ping Liu, Zongxin Li, Kaichang Liu and Haijun Zhao
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071748 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) enhance crop stress resistance but their roles in microbial-mediated phosphorus cycling within intercropping systems are unclear. Thus, We conducted a two-year field study using corn (Zea mays L. cv. Denghai 605) and soybean (Glycine max L. cv. [...] Read more.
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) enhance crop stress resistance but their roles in microbial-mediated phosphorus cycling within intercropping systems are unclear. Thus, We conducted a two-year field study using corn (Zea mays L. cv. Denghai 605) and soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Hedou 22) in fluvisols and luvisols soil according to World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) standard. Under a 4-row corn and 6-row soybean strip intercropping system, three treatments were applied: a water control (CK), and two plant growth regulators—T1 (EC: ethephon [300 mg/L] + cycocel [2 g/L]) and T2 (ED: ethephon [300 mg/L] + 2-Diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate [10 mg/L]). Foliar applications were administered at the V7 stage (seventh leaf) of intercropped corn plants to assess how foliar-applied PGRs (T1/T2) modulated the soil phosphorus availability, microbial communities, and functional genes in maize intercropping systems. PGRs increased the soil organic phosphorus and available phosphorus contents, and alkaline phosphatase activity, but not total phosphorus. PGRs declined the α-diversity in fluvisols soil but increased the α-diversity in luvisols soil. The major taxa changed from Actinobacteria (CK) to Proteobacteria (T1) and Saccharibacteria (T2) in fluvisols soil, and from Actinobacteria/Gemmatimonadetes (CK) to Saccharibacteria (T1) and Acidobacteria (T2) in luvisols soil. Functional gene dynamics indicated soil-specific regulation, where fluvisols soil harbored more phoD (organic phosphorus mineralization) and relA (polyphosphate degradation) genes, whereas phnP gene dominated in luvisols soil. T1 stimulated organic phosphorus mineralization and inorganic phosphorus solubilization in fluvisols soil, upregulating regulation genes, and T2 enhanced polyphosphate synthesis and transport gene expression in luvisols soil. Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Chloroflexi were positively correlated with organic phosphorus mineralization and polyphosphate cycling genes, whereas Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia correlated with available potassium (AP), total phosphorus (TP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Thus, PGRs activated soil phosphorus by restructuring soil type-dependent microbial functional networks, connecting PGRs-induced shifts with microbial phosphorus cycling mechanisms. These findings facilitate the targeted use of PGRs to optimize microbial-driven phosphorus efficiency in strategies for sustainable phosphorus management in diverse agricultural soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)
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16 pages, 1665 KiB  
Article
Challenges of Organic Amendments: Impact of Vermicompost Leachate and Biochar on Popcorn Maize in Saline Soil
by Brenda Rivas-Aratoma, Wendy E. Pérez, Luis Felipe Ortiz-Dongo, Yuri Arévalo-Aranda and Richard Solórzano-Acosta
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 8041; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15148041 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Organic amendments provide a sustainable strategy to enhance soil quality in degraded environments while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, for example, by improving soil structure, minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers, and promoting a green economy. This study assessed the comparative [...] Read more.
Organic amendments provide a sustainable strategy to enhance soil quality in degraded environments while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, for example, by improving soil structure, minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers, and promoting a green economy. This study assessed the comparative effects of two organic amendments—vermicompost leachate and biochar—on the performance of popcorn maize (Zea mays L. var. everta) cultivated in saline soil conditions. Four treatments were evaluated: T0 (Control), T1 (Vermicompost leachate), T2 (Biochar), and T3 (Vermicompost leachate + Biochar), each with 10 replicates arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Although various soil physicochemical, microbiological, and agronomic parameters displayed no significant differences compared to the control, the application of biochar resulted in considerable improvements in soil total organic carbon, the microbial community (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts), and increased seed length and diameter. In contrast, vermicompost leachate alone negatively impacted plant growth, leading to decreases in leaf area, stem thickness, and grain yield. Specifically, grain yield declined by 46% with leachate alone and by 31% when combined with biochar, compared to the control. These findings emphasize the superior effectiveness of biochar over vermicompost leachate as a soil amendment under saline conditions and highlight the potential risks of widely applying compost teas in stressed soils. It is recommended to conduct site-specific assessments and screenings for phytotoxins and phytopathogens prior to use. Additionally, the combined application of leachate and biochar may not be advisable given the tested soil characteristics. Full article
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20 pages, 3467 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity and Construction of Salt-Tolerant Core Germplasm in Maize (Zea mays L.) Based on Phenotypic Traits and SNP Markers
by Yongfeng Song, Jiahao Wang, Yingwen Ma, Jiaxin Wang, Liangliang Bao, Dequan Sun, Hong Lin, Jinsheng Fan, Yu Zhou, Xing Zeng, Zhenhua Wang, Lin Zhang, Chunxiang Li and Hong Di
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142182 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Maize is an essential staple food, and its genetic diversity plays a central role in breeding programs aimed at developing climate-adapted cultivars. Constructing a representative core germplasm set is necessary for the efficient conservation and utilization of maize genetic resources. In this study, [...] Read more.
Maize is an essential staple food, and its genetic diversity plays a central role in breeding programs aimed at developing climate-adapted cultivars. Constructing a representative core germplasm set is necessary for the efficient conservation and utilization of maize genetic resources. In this study, we analyzed 588 cultivated maize accessions using agronomic traits such as plant morphology and yield traits such as ear characteristics and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess molecular diversity and population structure and to construct a core collection. Nineteen phenotypic traits were evaluated, revealing high genetic diversity and significant correlations among most quantitative traits. The optimal sampling strategy was identified as “Mahalanobis distance + 20% + deviation sampling + flexible method.” Whole-genome genotyping was conducted using the Maize6H-60K liquid phase chip. Population structure analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis divided the 588 accessions into six subgroups. A core collection of 172 accessions was selected based on both phenotypic and genotypic data. These were further evaluated for salt–alkali tolerance during germination, and cluster analysis classified them into five groups. Sixty-five accessions demonstrated salt–alkali tolerance, including 18 with high resistance. This core collection serves as a valuable foundation for germplasm conservation and utilization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Landraces: Conservation, Characterization and Exploitation)
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17 pages, 5798 KiB  
Article
Microbial Allies from the Cold: Antarctic Fungal Endophytes Improve Maize Performance in Water-Limited Fields
by Yessica San Miguel, Rómulo Santelices-Moya, Antonio M. Cabrera-Ariza and Patricio Ramos
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2118; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142118 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Climate change has intensified drought stress, threatening global food security by affecting sensitive crops like maize (Zea mays). This study evaluated the potential of Antarctic fungal endophytes (Penicillium chrysogenum and P. brevicompactum) to enhance maize drought tolerance under field [...] Read more.
Climate change has intensified drought stress, threatening global food security by affecting sensitive crops like maize (Zea mays). This study evaluated the potential of Antarctic fungal endophytes (Penicillium chrysogenum and P. brevicompactum) to enhance maize drought tolerance under field conditions with different irrigation regimes. Drought stress reduced soil moisture to 59% of field capacity. UAV-based multispectral imagery monitored plant physiological status using vegetation indices (NDVI, NDRE, SIPI, GNDVI). Inoculated plants showed up to two-fold higher index values under drought, indicating improved stress resilience. Physiological analysis revealed increased photochemical efficiency (0.775), higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents (45.54 mg/mL), and nearly 80% lower lipid peroxidation in inoculated plants. Lower proline accumulation suggested better water status and reduced osmotic stress. Secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were elevated, particularly under well-watered conditions. Antioxidant enzyme activity shifted: SOD, CAT, and APX were suppressed, while POD activity increased, indicating reprogrammed oxidative stress responses. Yield components, including cob weight and length, improved significantly with inoculation under drought. These findings demonstrate the potential of Antarctic endophytes to enhance drought resilience in maize and underscore the value of integrating microbial biotechnology with UAV-based remote sensing for sustainable crop management under climate-induced water scarcity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Microbiome Interactions)
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20 pages, 3043 KiB  
Article
Functional Analysis of Zinc Finger Protein Transcription Factor ZmZFP69 Under Low-Temperature Stress at Maize Seedling Stage
by Si-Nan Li, Yan Sun, Yun-Long Li, Ming-Hao Sun, Shu-Jun Li, Yue Yin, Tao Yu, Xin Li, Quan Cai and Jian-Guo Zhang
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2114; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142114 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings are highly susceptible to low-temperature stress, which significantly impacts maize yield and quality. A zinc finger protein transcription factor (ZmZFP69) mutant and a control (B73) maize inbred line were subjected to low-temperature treatment, and changes [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings are highly susceptible to low-temperature stress, which significantly impacts maize yield and quality. A zinc finger protein transcription factor (ZmZFP69) mutant and a control (B73) maize inbred line were subjected to low-temperature treatment, and changes in the phenotypic characteristics, hormone levels, and other indicators before and after the treatment were systematically identified. Subsequently, a combined RNA-seq and DAP-seq analysis was conducted to explore the influence of ZmZFP69 on the promoters of downstream genes. Finally, the proteins interacting with ZmZFP69 were examined using InterProDesign combined with BiFC and subcellular localization. The zmzfp69 homozygous mutant maize inbred line exhibited enhanced low-temperature tolerance compared to the control. RNA-seq and DAP-seq analyses revealed that ZmZFP69 binds to the ZmAOX2 gene promoter, significantly suppressing its expression. The interaction between ZmZFP69 and the downstream protein ZmBG6 was confirmed by InterProDesign, subcellular localization, and BiFC assays. ZmZFP69 negatively regulates maize seedling low-temperature tolerance by inhibiting ZmAOX2 expression and interacting with ZmBG6. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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18 pages, 1746 KiB  
Article
Genomic Insights and Plant Growth-Promoting Characterization of Priestia megaterium Strain 53B2, Isolated from Maize-Associated Soil in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico
by Alina Escalante-Beltrán, Pamela Helué Morales-Sandoval, Claudia Berenice González-Astorga, Amelia C. Montoya-Martínez, Edgar A. Cubedo-Ruiz, Gustavo Santoyo, Fannie Isela Parra-Cota and Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos
Plants 2025, 14(13), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132081 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Strain 53B2 was isolated from a commercial maize (Zea mays L.) field located in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico. Its draft genome comprises 5,844,085 bp, with a G + C content of 37.5%, an N50 of 602,122 bp, an L50 of 4, and [...] Read more.
Strain 53B2 was isolated from a commercial maize (Zea mays L.) field located in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico. Its draft genome comprises 5,844,085 bp, with a G + C content of 37.5%, an N50 of 602,122 bp, an L50 of 4, and a total of 129 contigs. Genome-based taxonomic affiliation showed this strain belonged to Priestia megaterium. Genome annotation revealed 6394 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), organized into 332 subsystems. Among these, several CDSs were associated with traits relevant to plant growth promotion, including categories such as iron acquisition and metabolism (40 CDSs) and secondary metabolism (6 CDSs), among others. In vitro metabolic assays supported genomic predictions, confirming the strain’s ability to produce IAA, solubilize phosphate, and tolerate abiotic stress. Additionally, greenhouse trials demonstrated that inoculation with Priestia megaterium 53B2 significantly enhanced plant growth parameters (p ≤ 0.05) versus uninoculated control: stem height increased by 22.8%, root length by 35.7%, stem and root fresh weights by 39.6% and 66.1%, and stem and root dry weights by 33.7% and 44.7%, respectively. This first report on the beneficial potential of Priestia megaterium 53B2 highlights its potential as a sustainable bioinoculant for maize cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)
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18 pages, 6140 KiB  
Article
StomaYOLO: A Lightweight Maize Phenotypic Stomatal Cell Detector Based on Multi-Task Training
by Ziqi Yang, Yiran Liao, Ziao Chen, Zhenzhen Lin, Wenyuan Huang, Yanxi Liu, Yuling Liu, Yamin Fan, Jie Xu, Lijia Xu and Jiong Mu
Plants 2025, 14(13), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132070 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 382
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.), a vital global food crop, relies on its stomatal structure for regulating photosynthesis and responding to drought. Conventional manual stomatal detection methods are inefficient, subjective, and inadequate for high-throughput plant phenotyping research. To address this, we curated a [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea mays L.), a vital global food crop, relies on its stomatal structure for regulating photosynthesis and responding to drought. Conventional manual stomatal detection methods are inefficient, subjective, and inadequate for high-throughput plant phenotyping research. To address this, we curated a dataset of over 1500 maize leaf epidermal stomata images and developed a novel lightweight detection model, StomaYOLO, tailored for small stomatal targets and subtle features in microscopic images. Leveraging the YOLOv11 framework, StomaYOLO integrates the Small Object Detection layer P2, the dynamic convolution module, and exploits large-scale epidermal cell features to enhance stomatal recognition through auxiliary training. Our model achieved a remarkable 91.8% mean average precision (mAP) and 98.5% precision, surpassing numerous mainstream detection models while maintaining computational efficiency. Ablation and comparative analyses demonstrated that the Small Object Detection layer, dynamic convolutional module, multi-task training, and knowledge distillation strategies substantially enhanced detection performance. Integrating all four strategies yielded a nearly 9% mAP improvement over the baseline model, with computational complexity under 8.4 GFLOPS. Our findings underscore the superior detection capabilities of StomaYOLO compared to existing methods, offering a cost-effective solution that is suitable for practical implementation. This study presents a valuable tool for maize stomatal phenotyping, supporting crop breeding and smart agriculture advancements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Agriculture Technology, Benefits & Application)
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21 pages, 4782 KiB  
Article
The Transcription Factor ZmMYBR24 Gene Is Involved in a Variety of Abiotic Stresses in Maize (Zea mays L.)
by Liangliang Bao, Wen Sun, Jiaxin Wang, Yuyang Zhou, Jiahao Wang, Qi Wang, Dequan Sun, Hong Lin, Jinsheng Fan, Yu Zhou, Lin Zhang, Zhenhua Wang, Chunxiang Li and Hong Di
Plants 2025, 14(13), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132054 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
MYB transcription factors constitute a diverse and functionally versatile family, playing central roles in regulating plant responses to a range of abiotic stressors. Based on previous research, we identified and characterized a maize MYB transcription factor gene, ZmMYBR24, which is involved in [...] Read more.
MYB transcription factors constitute a diverse and functionally versatile family, playing central roles in regulating plant responses to a range of abiotic stressors. Based on previous research, we identified and characterized a maize MYB transcription factor gene, ZmMYBR24, which is involved in responses to salt, alkali, and low-temperature stress. This study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of ZmMYBR24 in response to salt, alkali, and low-temperature stresses. We hypothesized that ZmMYBR24 regulates biosynthetic pathways to influence maize resistance to multiple abiotic stresses. The results indicate that ZmMYBR24 expression was markedly upregulated (p < 0.01) and the fold-change in gene expression ranged from 1.54 to 25.69 when plants were exposed to these combined stresses. Phenotypically, the zmmybr24 mutant line exhibited more pronounced inhibition of seedling and root growth under stress compared to the wild-type B73 line. Based on a correlation expression pattern analysis and mutant line evaluation, ZmMYBR24 was confirmed to be a positive regulatory transcription factor for multiple types of abiotic stress resistance. An RNA-seq analysis of both lines revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses indicating that ZmMYBR24 may mediate stress responses by modulating the expression of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. Notable differences were observed in the expression of pathway-associated genes between the mutant and wild-type plants. A haplotype analysis across 80 inbred maize lines revealed 16 ZmMYBR24 coding region haplotypes—comprising 25 SNPs and 17 InDels—with HAP12 emerging as a superior haplotype. These results demonstrate that ZmMYBR24 enhances maize yields by regulating the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in response to adverse climatic conditions including salt, alkaline conditions, and low temperatures. Collectively, these findings offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying maize adaptation to combined abiotic stresses and lay the groundwork for breeding programs targeting multi-stress resistance. Full article
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28 pages, 2543 KiB  
Article
Rational Water and Nitrogen Regulation Can Improve Yield and Water–Nitrogen Productivity of the Maize (Zea mays L.)–Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Strip Intercropping System in the China Hexi Oasis Irrigation Area
by Haoliang Deng, Xiaofan Pan, Guang Li, Qinli Wang and Rang Xiao
Plants 2025, 14(13), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132050 - 4 Jul 2025
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Abstract
The planting area of the maize–soybean strip intercropping system has been increasing annually in the Hexi Corridor oasis irrigation area of China. However, long-term irrational water resource utilization and the excessive mono-application of fertilizers have led to significantly low water and nitrogen use [...] Read more.
The planting area of the maize–soybean strip intercropping system has been increasing annually in the Hexi Corridor oasis irrigation area of China. However, long-term irrational water resource utilization and the excessive mono-application of fertilizers have led to significantly low water and nitrogen use efficiency in this cropping system. To explore the sustainable production model of high yield and high water–nitrogen productivity in maize–soybean strip intercropping, we established three irrigation levels (low: 60%, medium: 80%, and sufficient: 100% of reference crop evapotranspiration) and three nitrogen application levels (low: maize 230 kg ha−1, soybean 29 kg ha−1; medium: maize 340 kg ha−1, soybean 57 kg ha−1; and high: maize 450 kg ha−1, soybean 85 kg ha−1) for maize and soybean, respectively. Three irrigation levels without nitrogen application served as controls. The effects of different water–nitrogen combinations on multiple indicators of the maize–soybean strip intercropping system, including yield, water–nitrogen productivity, and quality, were analyzed. The results showed that the irrigation amount and nitrogen application rate significantly affected the kernel quality of maize. Specifically, the medium nitrogen and sufficient water (N2W3) combination achieved optimal performance in crude fat, starch, and bulk density. However, excessive irrigation and nitrogen application led to a reduction in the content of lysine and crude protein in maize, as well as crude fat and crude starch in soybean. Appropriate irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased the yield in the maize–soybean strip intercropping system, in which the N2W3 treatment had the highest yield, with maize and soybean yields reaching 14007.02 and 2025.39 kg ha−1, respectively, which increased by 2.52% to 138.85% and 5.37% to 191.44% compared with the other treatments. Taking into account the growing environment of the oasis agricultural area in the Hexi Corridor and the effects of different water and nitrogen supplies on the yield, water–nitrogen productivity, and kernel quality of maize and soybeans in the strip intercropping system, the highest target yield can be achieved when the irrigation quotas for maize and soybeans are set at 100% ET0 (reference crop evapotranspiration), with nitrogen application rates of 354.78~422.51 kg ha−1 and 60.27~71.81 kg ha−1, respectively. This provides guidance for enhancing yield and quality in maize–soybean strip intercropping in the oasis agricultural area of the Hexi Corridor, achieving the dual objectives of high yield and superior quality. Full article
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