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22 pages, 17694 KiB  
Article
Studies on Host–Parasite Relationship Between Soybean Plants and Aphelenchoides besseyi
by Neveen Atta Elhamouly, Nehal Atta, Shiming Liu and Deliang Peng
Life 2025, 15(7), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071154 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Aphelenchoides besseyi is considered a highly prevalent facultative plant-parasitic nematode and has a significant impact on various economically important crops globally. Due to the lack of knowledge on the efficacy of various management techniques, A. besseyi is still challenging to control in the [...] Read more.
Aphelenchoides besseyi is considered a highly prevalent facultative plant-parasitic nematode and has a significant impact on various economically important crops globally. Due to the lack of knowledge on the efficacy of various management techniques, A. besseyi is still challenging to control in the open field. The present investigation successfully shed light on some significant new points, including the following: (1) A. besseyi was confirmed inside all soybean tissues—including roots, stems, leaves, and seeds—indicating its endoparasitic nature and its strong ability to reach the upper foliar system where it causes green stem and foliar retention syndrome (GSFR) symptoms; (2) inoculated plants exhibited reduced vegetative growth parameters, as non-inoculated control soybean plants showed higher values of plant height (PH), fresh root weight (FRW), and fresh shoot weight (FSW) compared to inoculated plants; (3) Yudou 29 was identified as highly resistant to A. besseyi, as results from the resistance screening assay among different Chinese soybean cultivars confirmed its strong resistance under natural field infestation conditions; and (4) soybean seeds may act as inoculum sources of A. besseyi, highlighting the need to develop more effective control measures to prevent or limit nematode dissemination through seed transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)
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17 pages, 3498 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Jujube Witches’ Broom Phytoplasma on the Community Structure of Endophytes in Jujube
by Nian Wang, Mengli Wang, Ziming Jiang, Wenzhe Zhang, Ziyang You, Xueru Zhao, Jia Yao, Chenrui Gong, Assunta Bertaccini and Jidong Li
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061371 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 722
Abstract
Evidence from an increasing number of studies indicates that plant endophytic microorganisms play a significant role during biotic and abiotic stress resistance. To date, however, only a handful of studies on endophytes in response to the presence of phytoplasmas have been conducted. The [...] Read more.
Evidence from an increasing number of studies indicates that plant endophytic microorganisms play a significant role during biotic and abiotic stress resistance. To date, however, only a handful of studies on endophytes in response to the presence of phytoplasmas have been conducted. The production of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is threatened by jujube witches’ broom (JWB) disease, which is associated with the presence of the JWB phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi’. To investigate the impact of jujube witches’ broom phytoplasma on the endophyte populations in jujube, high-throughput sequencing was performed in healthy and JWB-infected orchard jujube trees and in vitro jujube shoots. The results showed that the presence of JWB phytoplasma in jujube altered the abundance, diversity, and community structure of endophytic bacteria and fungi. In the branches and the roots, the presence of JWB phytoplasma was associated with an increase in the richness of the endophytic communities and a decrease in their diversity, with the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota and the genus ‘Ca. Phytoplasma’ becoming the most abundant. The presence of phytoplasmas was also associated with the remodeling of the endophytic microorganisms’ interaction network, shifting to a simpler biodiversity state. These results demonstrate the response of the jujube endophytic community to the presence of JWB phytoplasmas and shed light on the possible antagonistic agents that could be further evaluated for JWB disease biocontrol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)
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15 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
A Religious Garment for a Marksmen’s Festival? On the Theological Compatibility of Local Festival Culture
by Sabine Joy Ihben-Bahl and Traugott Roser
Religions 2025, 16(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16030372 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 816
Abstract
A pastor and academic theologian is invited to perform a devotional service at a marksmen’s festival in a small German village. Unaccustomed to this kind of festive culture, he also finds himself confronted with theological and ethical questions: Is it possible to provide [...] Read more.
A pastor and academic theologian is invited to perform a devotional service at a marksmen’s festival in a small German village. Unaccustomed to this kind of festive culture, he also finds himself confronted with theological and ethical questions: Is it possible to provide a place of shooting with rifles and pistols with a prayer service and thus shape it liturgically as a place of God’s blessings? One could also ask: is it not necessary for theology to engage with communal forms of festivity, not just theoretically, but performatively, if Christianity itself is fundamentally festive? According to practical-theological reasoning, occasional services, i.e., celebrations of life rites, accompanying liminal situations and transitionary events of human life are growing in variety and importance and “new occasional services” are being developed. Also, the church and (public) theology continuously search and find their role in civil society. After all, there are many life situations in which God’s blessing should be clothed in a festive garment. But in which way is the marksmen’s festival to be considered? Two theologians explore these questions—autoethnographically and theoretically—and thus shed light on the marksmen’s festival as a theological topic. Full article
20 pages, 11056 KiB  
Article
Insights into the Role of GhTAT2 Genes in Tyrosine Metabolism and Drought Stress Tolerance in Cotton
by Teame Gereziher Mehari, Jungfeng Tang, Haijing Gu, Hui Fang, Jinlei Han, Jie Zheng, Fang Liu, Kai Wang, Dengbing Yao and Baohua Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031355 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1650
Abstract
Gossypium hirsutum is a key fiber crop that is sensitive to environmental factors, particularly drought stress, which can reduce boll size, increase flower shedding, and impair photosynthesis. The aminotransferase (AT) gene is essential for abiotic stress tolerance. A total of 3 Gossypium species [...] Read more.
Gossypium hirsutum is a key fiber crop that is sensitive to environmental factors, particularly drought stress, which can reduce boll size, increase flower shedding, and impair photosynthesis. The aminotransferase (AT) gene is essential for abiotic stress tolerance. A total of 3 Gossypium species were analyzed via genome-wide analysis, and the results unveiled 103 genes in G. hirsutum, 47 in G. arboreum, and 53 in G. raimondii. Phylogenetic analysis, gene structure examination, motif analysis, subcellular localization prediction, and promoter analysis revealed that the GhAT genes can be classified into five main categories and play key roles in abiotic stress tolerance. Using RNA-seq expression and KEGG enrichment analysis of GhTAT2, a coexpression network was established, followed by RT-qPCR analysis to identify hub genes. The RT-qPCR results revealed that the genes Gh_A13G1261, Gh_D13G1562, Gh_D10G1155, Gh_A10G1320, and Gh_D06G1003 were significantly upregulated in the leaf and root samples following drought stress treatment, with Gh_A13G1261 identified as the hub gene. The GhTAT2 genes were considerably enriched for tyrosine, cysteine, methionine, and phenylalanine metabolism and isoquinoline alkaloid, tyrosine, tryptophan, tropane, piperidine, and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis. Under drought stress, KEGG enrichment analysis manifested significant upregulation of amino acids such as L-DOPA, L-alanine, L-serine, L-homoserine, L-methionine, and L-cysteine, whereas metabolites such as maleic acid, p-coumaric acid, quinic acid, vanillin, and hyoscyamine were significantly downregulated. Silencing the GhTAT2 gene significantly affected the shoot and root fresh weights of the plants compared with those of the wild-type plants under drought conditions. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that GhTAT2 expression in VIGS-treated seedlings was lower than that in both wild-type and positive control plants, indicating that silencing GhTAT2 increases sensitivity to drought stress. In summary, this thorough analysis of the gene family lays the groundwork for a detailed study of the GhTAT2 gene members, with a specific focus on their roles and contributions to drought stress tolerance. Full article
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13 pages, 2714 KiB  
Article
Improving Soybean Development and Grain Yield by Complementary Inoculation with Growth-Promoting Bacteria Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus
by Robélio Leandro Marchão, Gustavo Cassiano da Silva, Solange Rocha Monteiro de Andrade, Fábio Bueno dos Reis Junior, Márcio Pereira de Barros Júnior, Richard Hemanwel Haphonsso and Arminda Moreira de Carvalho
Plants 2025, 14(3), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030402 - 29 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1512
Abstract
Bioinputs are natural products applied to crops that contribute to more sustainable agriculture by boosting yields and reducing environmental impacts. In Brazil, the use of bioinputs such as Bradyrhizobium in soybean has been consolidated, but the expansion of on-farm bioinput production is currently [...] Read more.
Bioinputs are natural products applied to crops that contribute to more sustainable agriculture by boosting yields and reducing environmental impacts. In Brazil, the use of bioinputs such as Bradyrhizobium in soybean has been consolidated, but the expansion of on-farm bioinput production is currently initiating a new revolution. Furthermore, applications of bioinputs to cash crops in Brazil have shed light on the great potential of such growth-promoting microorganisms (GMPs) to improve nutrient uptake and increase productivity. This study explores the effect of the complementary inoculation with growth-promoting bacteria of post-emergence soybean, previously inoculated with Bradyrhizobium spp. Five treatments with growth-promoting bacteria were evaluated: T1—Control (no inoculation); T2—Azospirillum brasilense; T3—Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense; T4—Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans; and T5—Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis. In comparison with the control, all treatments with growth-promoting bacteria of the genera Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus, applied after soybean emergence, induced 4–7% higher grain yields. Co-inoculation with Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis (treatment T5) resulted in a higher 1000-grain weight, while Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans (treatment T4) increased the number of pods and shoot dry weight. Our conclusion is that bioinputs increase soybean productivity and make agriculture more sustainable and efficient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Fertility Management for Sustainable Crop Production)
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17 pages, 5322 KiB  
Article
Both the Positioned Supplemental or Night-Interruptional Blue Light and the Age of Leaves (or Tissues) Are Important for Flowering and Vegetative Growth in Chrysanthemum
by Jingli Yang, Jinnan Song, Yoo Gyeong Park and Byoung Ryong Jeong
Plants 2024, 13(20), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202874 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1223
Abstract
In this study, the effects of supplemental or night interruptional blue light (S-BL or NI-BL) positioning on morphological growth, photoperiodic flowering, and expression of floral genes in Chrysanthemum morifolium were investigated. Blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at an intensity of 30 μmol·m−2·s [...] Read more.
In this study, the effects of supplemental or night interruptional blue light (S-BL or NI-BL) positioning on morphological growth, photoperiodic flowering, and expression of floral genes in Chrysanthemum morifolium were investigated. Blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at an intensity of 30 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were used for 4 h either (1) to supplement the white LEDs at the end of the 10 h short-day (SD10 + S-BL4) and 13 h long-day conditions (LD13 + S-BL4), or (2) to provide night interruption in the SD10 (SD10 + NI-BL4) and LD13 (LD13 + NI-BL4). The S-BL4 or NI-BL4 was positioned to illuminate either the shoot tip, the youngest leaf (vigorously growing the third leaf from the shoot tip), or the old leaf (the third leaf from the stem base). In the text, they will be denoted as follows: SD10 + S-BL4-S, -Y, or -O; SD10 + NI-BL4-S, -Y, or -O; LD13 + S-BL4-S, -Y, or -O; LD13 + NI-BL4-S, -Y, or -O. Normally, the LD13 conditions enhanced more vegetative growth than the SD10 periods. The growth of leaves, stems, and branches strongly responded to the S-BL4 or NI-BL4 when it was targeted onto the shoot tip, followed by the youngest leaf. The SD10 + S-BL4 or +NI-BL4 on the old leaf obviously suppressed plant extension growth, resulting in the smallest plant height. Under LD13 conditions, the flowering-related traits were significantly affected when the S-BL4 or NI-BL4 was shed onto the youngest leaf. However, these differences do not exist in the SD10 environments. At the harvest stage, other than the non-flowered LD13 treatment, the LD13 + S-BL4 irradiating the youngest leaf induced the most flowers, followed by the shoot tip and old leaf. Moreover, LD13 + NI-BL4 resulted in the latest flowering, especially when applied to the shoot tip and old leaf. However, the SD10 + S-BL4 or + NI-BL4 irradiated the shoot tip, youngest leaf, or old leaf all significantly earlier and increased flowering compared to the SD10 treatment. Overall: (1) Generally, vegetative growth was more sensitive to photoperiod rather than lighting position, while, during the same photoperiod, the promotion of growth was stronger when the light position of S-BL4 or NI-BL4 was applied to the shoot tip or the youngest leaf. (2) The photoperiodic flowering of these short-day plants (SDPs) comprehensively responded to the photoperiod combined with blue light positioning. Peculiarly, when they were exposed to the LD13 flowering-inhibited environments, the S-BL4 or NI-BL4 shed onto the leaves, especially the youngest leaves, significantly affecting flowering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants)
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20 pages, 3202 KiB  
Article
Comparative Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses of Oat (Avena sativa) Seedlings under Salt Stress Reveal Salt Tolerance Mechanisms
by Xiangrui Zhou, Miaomiao Wang, Li Yang, Wenping Wang, Yuehua Zhang, Linbo Liu, Jikuan Chai, Huan Liu and Guiqin Zhao
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2238; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162238 - 12 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1921
Abstract
Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting crop production globally. Oat (Avena sativa) is an annual cereal with a strong salt tolerance, a high yield, and nutritional quality, although the mechanisms underlying its salt stress response remain largely unknown. We [...] Read more.
Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting crop production globally. Oat (Avena sativa) is an annual cereal with a strong salt tolerance, a high yield, and nutritional quality, although the mechanisms underlying its salt stress response remain largely unknown. We examined the physiological and transcriptomic responses of A. sativa seedlings to salt stress in tolerant cultivar Qingyongjiu 195 and sensitive cultivar 709. Under salt stress, Qingyongjiu 195 maintained a higher photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant enzymes activity, and leaf K+ accumulation but a lower Na+ uptake than 709. RNA-seq revealed 6616 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 4265 up- and 2351 downregulated. These were enriched in pathways like plant–pathogen interaction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and MAPK signaling. We specifically highlight DEGs involved in photosynthesis (chlG, CP47 psbB, COX2, LHCB) and antioxidants (trxA, GroES). Qingyongjiu 195 also appeared to enhance K+ uptake via KAT1 and AKT2 and sequester Na+ in vacuoles via NHX2. Additionally, HKT restricted Na+ while promoting K+ transport to shoots, maintaining K+/Na+. The expression levels of CAX, ACA, CML, CaM, and CDPK in Qingyongjiu 195 were higher than those in 709. Oats regulated Ca2+ concentration through CAX and ACA after salt stress, decoded Ca2+ signals through CML, and then transferred Ca2+ signals to downstream receptors through the Ca2+ sensors CaM and CDPK, thereby activating K+/Na+ transporters, such as SOS1 and NHX, etc. Our results shed light on plant salt stress response mechanisms and provide transcriptomic resources for molecular breeding in improving salt tolerance in oats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology—2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 3931 KiB  
Review
Exploring Sustainable Agriculture with Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacteria and Nanotechnology
by Taufiq Nawaz, Liping Gu, Shah Fahad, Shah Saud, Bruce Bleakley and Ruanbao Zhou
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2534; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112534 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5516
Abstract
The symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and plants offers a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental remediation. This review paper explores the molecular interactions between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and nanoparticles, shedding light on their potential synergies in agricultural nanotechnology. Delving into the [...] Read more.
The symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and plants offers a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental remediation. This review paper explores the molecular interactions between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and nanoparticles, shedding light on their potential synergies in agricultural nanotechnology. Delving into the evolutionary history and specialized adaptations of cyanobacteria, this paper highlights their pivotal role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which is crucial for ecosystem productivity. The review discusses the unique characteristics of metal nanoparticles and their emerging applications in agriculture, including improved nutrient delivery, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. It delves into the complex mechanisms of nanoparticle entry into plant cells, intracellular transport, and localization, uncovering the impact on root-shoot translocation and systemic distribution. Furthermore, the paper elucidates cellular responses to nanoparticle exposure, emphasizing oxidative stress, signaling pathways, and enhanced nutrient uptake. The potential of metal nanoparticles as carriers of essential nutrients and their implications for nutrient-use efficiency and crop yield are also explored. Insights into the modulation of plant stress responses, disease resistance, and phytoremediation strategies demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of nanoparticles in agriculture. Current trends, prospects, and challenges in agricultural nanotechnology are discussed, underscoring the need for responsible and safe nanoparticle utilization. By harnessing the power of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and leveraging the unique attributes of nanoparticles, this review paves the way for innovative, sustainable, and efficient agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation of Innovative Nanomaterials for Water/Air Purification)
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17 pages, 6688 KiB  
Article
Redistribution of Qiongzhuea tumidinoda in Southwest China under Climate Change: A Study from 1987 to 2012
by Weifeng Gui, Wenyuan Dong, Qingzhong Wen, Xue Ran, Shunwei Cao, Jingnan Zheng, Yiyuan Wu, Huan Zhong and Xin Xue
Forests 2024, 15(5), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050820 - 7 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1390
Abstract
Qiongzhuea tumidinoda stands out as an endemic bamboo species of significant conservation importance in Southwest China, particularly in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It holds a pivotal role in poverty alleviation through the commercialization of its wood and bamboo shoots. However, [...] Read more.
Qiongzhuea tumidinoda stands out as an endemic bamboo species of significant conservation importance in Southwest China, particularly in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It holds a pivotal role in poverty alleviation through the commercialization of its wood and bamboo shoots. However, the suitable area of this species is undergoing rapid changes due to climate change, resulting in species redistribution and potential losses for bamboo farmers. We utilized 209 presence records and 25 environmental variables from 1987 to 2012 to predict the potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda using MaxEnt (version 3.4.1), ArcGIS (version 10.8.2), and R (4.3.3). We rigorously screened the recorded data for reliability and accuracy through expert consultations and observer interviews. We performed pre-processing to select the variables with high contributions for modeling, and 11 variables were selected for the final modeling. Our findings reveal that the top three most influential variables associated with Q. tumidinoda’s distribution were the mean monthly potential evapotranspiration (Pet), annual range of air temperatures (Bio7), and mean diurnal air temperature range (Bio2), and the rates of contributions from 1987 to 2012 were 4.8333, 3.5833, and 1.7000. There was a southeastward shift and an elevation increase in the potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda. The area of potentially suitable habitats in the study region exhibited fluctuating growth, expanding from 3063.42 km2 to 7054.38 km2. The mean monthly potential evapotranspiration (Pet) emerged as a critical determinant shaping the distribution of potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda. Our study sheds light on the response of Q. tumidinoda to climate change, offering valuable insights for the development and management of plantation industries associated with this species. In the future, to enhance prediction accuracy, researchers could equally consider both organic and inorganic environmental variables. For better preservation of environment and development, Q. tumidinoda could be introduced into nature restoration projects in areas with a suitable habitat or as a commodity that participates in forest carbon sink trading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Research in Bamboo Forests)
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24 pages, 4134 KiB  
Article
Effect of Light Conditions, Trichoderma Fungi and Food Polymers on Growth and Profile of Biologically Active Compounds in Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum
by Kamila Kulbat-Warycha, Justyna Nawrocka, Liliana Kozłowska and Dorota Żyżelewicz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4846; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094846 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1821
Abstract
The research investigates the influence of different lighting conditions and soil treatments, in particular the application of food polymers separately and in combination with spores of Trichoderma consortium, on the growth and development of herbs—Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum. The metabolic [...] Read more.
The research investigates the influence of different lighting conditions and soil treatments, in particular the application of food polymers separately and in combination with spores of Trichoderma consortium, on the growth and development of herbs—Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum. The metabolic analysis focuses on detecting changes in the levels of biologically active compounds such as chlorophyll a and b, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds (including flavonoids), terpenoids, and volatile organic compounds with potential health-promoting properties. By investigating these factors, the study aims to provide insights into how environmental conditions affect the growth and chemical composition of selected plants and to shed light on potential strategies for optimising the cultivation of these herbs for the improved quality and production of bioactive compounds. Under the influence of additional lighting, the growth of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum seedlings was greatly accelerated, resulting in an increase in shoot biomass and length, and in the case of T. vulgaris, an increase in carotenoid and anthocyanin contents. Regarding secondary metabolites, the most pronounced changes were observed in total antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content, which increased significantly under the influence of additional lighting. The simultaneous or separate application of Trichoderma and food polymers resulted in an increase in flavonoid content in the leaves of both Thymus species. The increase in terpenoid content under supplemental light appears to be related to the presence of Trichoderma spores as well as food polymers added to the soil. However, the nature of these changes depends on the thyme species. Volatile compounds were analysed using an electronic nose (E-nose). Eight volatile compounds (VOCs) were tentatively identified in the vapours of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum: α-pinene, myrcene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene; 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol. Tendencies to increase the percentage of thymol and γ-terpinene under supplemental lighting were observed. The results also demonstrate a positive effect of food polymers and, to a lesser extent, Trichoderma fungi on the synthesis of VOCs with health-promoting properties. The effect of Trichoderma and food polymers on individual VOCs was positive in some cases for thymol and γ-terpinene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation and Application of Bioactive Metabolites in Plants)
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17 pages, 2474 KiB  
Article
Drought Stress Responses in Arabica Coffee Genotypes: Physiological and Metabolic Insights
by Habtamu Chekol, Bikila Warkineh, Tesfaye Shimber, Agnieszka Mierek-Adamska, Grażyna B. Dąbrowska and Asfaw Degu
Plants 2024, 13(6), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060828 - 13 Mar 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2850
Abstract
Understanding the impact of drought stress on Arabica coffee physiology and metabolism is essential in the pursuit of developing drought-resistant varieties. In this study, we explored the physiological and metabolite changes in coffee genotypes exhibiting varying degrees of tolerance to drought—namely, the relatively [...] Read more.
Understanding the impact of drought stress on Arabica coffee physiology and metabolism is essential in the pursuit of developing drought-resistant varieties. In this study, we explored the physiological and metabolite changes in coffee genotypes exhibiting varying degrees of tolerance to drought—namely, the relatively tolerant Ca74110 and Ca74112, and the sensitive Ca754 and CaJ-19 genotypes—under well-watered conditions and during terminal drought stress periods at two time points (0 and 60 days following the onset of stress). The metabolite profiling uncovered significant associations between the growth and the physiological characteristics of coffee genotypes with distinct drought tolerance behaviors. Initially, no marked differences were observed among the genotypes or treatments. However, at the 60-day post-drought onset time point, notably higher shoot growth, biomass, CO2 assimilation, pigments, and various physiological parameters were evident, particularly in the relatively tolerant genotypes. The metabolite profiling revealed elevations in glucose, maltose, amino acids, and organic acids, and decreases in other metabolites. These alterations were more pronounced in the drought-tolerant genotypes, indicating a correlation between enhanced compatible solutes and energy-associated metabolites crucial for drought tolerance mechanisms. This research introduces GC-MS-based metabolome profiling to the study of Ethiopian coffee, shedding light on its intricate responses to drought stress and paving the way for the potential development of drought-resistant coffee seedlings in intensified agro-ecological zones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Response Mechanisms of Plants to Drought Stress)
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16 pages, 1858 KiB  
Article
Soil Microbial Biomass and Bacterial Diversity Enhanced through Fallow Cover Cropping in Rice–Fish Coculture
by Shumei Cai, Sixin Xu, Deshan Zhang, Stefan Geisen and Haitao Zhu
Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030456 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Traditional rice production is often reliant on the unsustainable practice of utilizing intensive inputs in monoculture cropping systems. Alternatives fallow cover cropping and rice–fish coculture (RFC) offer promising solutions. However, the potential of fallow cover cropping in RFC remains underexplored, and its impact [...] Read more.
Traditional rice production is often reliant on the unsustainable practice of utilizing intensive inputs in monoculture cropping systems. Alternatives fallow cover cropping and rice–fish coculture (RFC) offer promising solutions. However, the potential of fallow cover cropping in RFC remains underexplored, and its impact on soil microbes is poorly understood. In this study, assessments of soil–plant–microbe interactions were conducted across three cover cropping systems: Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) single cropping (CM), Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) single cropping (RP), and a combination of Chinese milk vetch and rapeseed intercropping (CM_RP). These systems were evaluated with and without nitrogen (N) addition, encompassing both the RFC and rice monoculture (RMC) systems. The findings indicate a notable increase in soil microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) with CM. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), influenced more by N-fertilizer than crop species, decreased with N addition. In the RFC system, the soil bacterial co-occurrence network exhibited more connections, yet negative links increased. CM_RP displayed similarities to CM without N but shifted closer to RP with N addition. N addition in intercropping significantly increased the root–shoot ratio (R/S) of A. sinicus, associated with decreased aboveground biomass and total root length. Compared to RMC, RFC with N addition reduced the relative abundance of Anaerolineaceae in CM while increasing Bacillus and Pontibacter across cover cropping systems. Overall, with N addition, both RFC and RMC showed decreased soil bacterial diversity indices. Changes in soil bacterial diversity correlated significantly with soil MBC, MBN, and plant R/S. Continuous fallow cover cropping altered soil microbial biomass and affected cover crop biomass distribution, impacting bacterial composition in paddy soil. These results shed light on how bacterial communities respond to N addition and fallow cover cropping in RFC and RMC systems, offering insights for sustainable nutrient management in paddy systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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22 pages, 11158 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Exogenous Selenium in Alleviating Cadmium Stress in Purple Flowering Stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria)
by Zhi Huang, Shiling Meng, Juan Huang, Wende Zhou, Xiaoli Song, Peiyao Hao, Peigen Tang, Yihan Cao, Fen Zhang, Huanxiu Li, Yi Tang and Bo Sun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031800 - 1 Feb 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2172
Abstract
In China, cadmium (Cd) stress has a significant role in limiting the development and productivity of purple flowering stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria). Exogenous selenium supplementation has been demonstrated in earlier research to mitigate the effects of Cd stress in a [...] Read more.
In China, cadmium (Cd) stress has a significant role in limiting the development and productivity of purple flowering stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria). Exogenous selenium supplementation has been demonstrated in earlier research to mitigate the effects of Cd stress in a range of plant species; nevertheless, the physiological and molecular processes by which exogenous selenium increases vegetable shoots’ resistance to Cd stress remain unclear. Purple flowering stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria) were chosen as the study subject to examine the effects of treatment with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on the physiology and transcriptome alterations of cadmium stress. Purple flowering stalk leaves treated with exogenous selenium had higher glutathione content, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the leaves treated with Cd stress alone. Conversely, the contents of proline, soluble proteins, soluble sugars, malondialdehyde, and intercellular CO2 concentration tended to decrease. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 2643 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were implicated in the response of exogenous selenium treatment to Cd stress. The metabolic pathways associated with flavonoid production, carotenoid synthesis, glutathione metabolism, and glucosinolate biosynthesis were among those enriched in these differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, we discovered DEGs connected to the production route of glucosinolates. This work sheds fresh light on how purple flowering stalks’ tolerance to cadmium stress is improved by exogenous selenium. Full article
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16 pages, 3072 KiB  
Article
Salt Tolerance in Machilus faberi: Elucidating Growth and Physiological Adaptations to Saline Environments
by Qiong Mo, Yang Liu, Haohui Wei, Liyuan Jiang, En Wu, Ling Lin, Qihong Yang, Xiaoying Yu, Lihong Yan and Yanlin Li
Biology 2024, 13(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020075 - 26 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1678
Abstract
Adversity stress is the main environmental factor limiting plant growth and development, including salt and other stress factors. This study delves into the adaptability and salt tolerance mechanisms of Machilus faberi Hemsl, a species with potential for cultivation in salinized areas. We [...] Read more.
Adversity stress is the main environmental factor limiting plant growth and development, including salt and other stress factors. This study delves into the adaptability and salt tolerance mechanisms of Machilus faberi Hemsl, a species with potential for cultivation in salinized areas. We subjected the plants to various salt concentrations to observe their growth responses and to assess key physiological and biochemical indicators. The results revealed that under high salt concentrations (500 and 700 mmol−1/L), symptoms such as leaf yellowing, wilting, and eventual death were observed. Notably, plant height and shoot growth ceased on the 14th day of exposure. Chlorophyll content (a, b, total a + b, and the a/b ratio) initially increased but subsequently decreased under varying levels of salt stress. Similarly, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf water content, and root activity significantly declined under these conditions. Moreover, we observed an increase in malondialdehyde levels and relative conductivity, indicative of cellular damage and stress. The activity of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase initially increased and then diminished with prolonged stress, whereas peroxidase activity consistently increased. Levels of proline and soluble protein exhibited an upward trend, contrasting with the fluctuating pattern of soluble sugars, which decreased initially but increased subsequently. In conclusion, M. faberi exhibits a degree of tolerance to salt stress, albeit with growth limitations when concentrations exceed 300 mmol−1/L. These results shed light on the plant’s mechanisms of responding to salt stress and provide a theoretical foundation for its cultivation and application in salt-affected regions. Full article
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13 pages, 2566 KiB  
Article
Regeneration of African Violet in Response to Light Quality
by Zohreh Aslami, Masood Ghasemi Ghehsareh, Sayyed Mohammad Ehsan Mahdavi and Silvana Nicola
Horticulturae 2024, 10(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10010078 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2462
Abstract
Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is a form of artificial lighting that offers precise control over spectral composition, creating specific conditions for plant growth and development. However, the influence of various LED wavelengths on the regeneration characteristics in African violet (AV) has not been [...] Read more.
Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is a form of artificial lighting that offers precise control over spectral composition, creating specific conditions for plant growth and development. However, the influence of various LED wavelengths on the regeneration characteristics in African violet (AV) has not been extensively explored. This study aims to investigate the changes in the regeneration traits of AV when exposed to different LED light colors within controlled conditions. In this study, AV leaf cuttings were prepared and subjected to white, red, blue, and red + blue light colors for a period of three months in a growth chamber. Afterward, they were transferred to the laboratory for further analysis. The results indicated that the AVs treated with red + blue colors exhibited the most significant improvement in several morpho-physiological traits of both the roots and shoots. The highest total biomass (2.96 g), shoot fresh weight (1.76 g), root dry weight (0.14 g), root volume (3.10 cm3), and shoot length (1.60 cm) were observed in this treatment group. Furthermore, the highest levels of photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids (0.14, 0.12, and 3.80 mg g−1 f.w., respectively), were predominantly observed in the red + blue treatment group. In conclusion, this study introduces a novel methodology for optimizing lighting conditions to enhance the regeneration of African violets, shedding light on the potential for improving AV regeneration practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seed Germination and Micropropagation of Ornamental Plants)
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