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PloS One 2024Aluminum (Al) toxicity is an important factor restricting the normal growth of plants in acidic soil. Rhododendron (Ericaceae) can grow relatively well in acidic soil....
Aluminum (Al) toxicity is an important factor restricting the normal growth of plants in acidic soil. Rhododendron (Ericaceae) can grow relatively well in acidic soil. To uncover the adaptive mechanisms of photosynthesis under Al stress, the influence of Al stress on the photosynthetic activities of Al-sensitive (Baijinpao) and Al-resistant (Kangnaixin) rhododendron cultivars was examined by measuring gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and the modulated reflection of light at 820 nm. Under Al stress conditions, the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of the rhododendron leaves decreased, whereas the intercellular CO2 concentration increased. The Al stress treatment damaged the oxygen-evolving complex of the rhododendron seedlings, while also inhibiting electron transport on the photosystem II (PSII) donor side. In addition, the exposure to Al stress restricted the oxidation of plastocyanin (PC) and the photosystem I (PSI) reaction center (P700) and led to the re-reduction of PC+ and P700+. The comparison with Kangnaixin revealed an increase in the PSII connectivity in Baijinpao. Additionally, the donor-side electron transport efficiency was more inhibited and the overall activity of PSII, PSI, and the intersystem electron transport chain decreased more extensively in Baijinpao than in Kangnaixin. On the basis of the study findings, we concluded that Al stress adversely affects photosynthesis in rhododendron seedlings by significantly decreasing the activity of PSII and PSI. Under Al stress, Kangnaixin showed stronger tolerance compared with Baijinpao.
Topics: Rhododendron; Aluminum; Chlorophyll; Photosynthesis; Fluorescence; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Stress, Physiological; Plant Leaves; Electron Transport; Light; Photosystem I Protein Complex
PubMed: 38935623
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305133 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Crop yield and quality has increased globally during recent decades due to plant breeding, resulting in improved food security. However, climate change and shifts in... (Review)
Review
Crop yield and quality has increased globally during recent decades due to plant breeding, resulting in improved food security. However, climate change and shifts in human dietary habits and preferences display novel pressure on crop production to deliver enough quantity and quality to secure food for future generations. This review paper describes the current state-of-the-art and presents innovative approaches related to alien introgressions into wheat, focusing on aspects related to quality, functional characteristics, nutritional attributes, and development of novel food products. The benefits and opportunities that the novel and traditional plant breeding methods contribute to using alien germplasm in plant breeding are also discussed. In principle, gene introgressions from rye have been the most widely utilized alien gene source for wheat. Furthermore, the incorporation of novel resistance genes toward diseases and pests have been the most transferred type of genes into the wheat genome. The incorporation of novel resistance genes toward diseases and pests into the wheat genome is important in breeding for increased food security. Alien introgressions to wheat from e.g. rye and spp. have also contributed to improved nutritional and functional quality. Recent studies have shown that introgressions to wheat of genes from chromosome 3 in rye have an impact on both yield, nutritional and functional quality, and quality stability during drought treatment, another character of high importance for food security under climate change scenarios. Additionally, the introgression of alien genes into wheat has the potential to improve the nutritional profiles of future food products, by contributing higher minerals levels or lower levels of anti-nutritional compounds into e.g., plant-based products substituting animal-based food alternatives. To conclude, the present review paper highlights great opportunities and shows a few examples of how food security and functional-nutritional quality in traditional and novel wheat products can be improved by the use of genes from alien sources, such as rye and other relatives to wheat. Novel and upcoming plant breeding methods such as genome-wide association studies, gene editing, genomic selection and speed breeding, have the potential to complement traditional technologies to keep pace with climate change and consumer eating habits.
PubMed: 38933881
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1393357 -
Plant Phenomics (Washington, D.C.) 2024The tassel state in maize hybridization fields not only reflects the growth stage of the maize but also reflects the performance of the detasseling operation. Existing...
The tassel state in maize hybridization fields not only reflects the growth stage of the maize but also reflects the performance of the detasseling operation. Existing tassel detection models are primarily used to identify mature tassels with obvious features, making it difficult to accurately identify small tassels or detasseled plants. This study presents a novel approach that utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and deep learning techniques to accurately identify and assess tassel states, before and after manually detasseling in maize hybridization fields. The proposed method suggests that a specific tassel annotation and data augmentation strategy is valuable for substantial enhancing the quality of the tassel training data. This study also evaluates mainstream object detection models and proposes a series of highly accurate tassel detection models based on tassel categories with strong data adaptability. In addition, a strategy for blocking large UAV images, as well as improving tassel detection accuracy, is proposed to balance UAV image acquisition and computational cost. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately identify and classify tassels at various stages of detasseling. The tassel detection model optimized with the enhanced data achieves an average precision of 94.5% across all categories. An optimal model combination that uses blocking strategies for different development stages can improve the tassel detection accuracy to 98%. This could be useful in addressing the issue of missed tassel detections in maize hybridization fields. The data annotation strategy and image blocking strategy may also have broad applications in object detection and recognition in other agricultural scenarios.
PubMed: 38933805
DOI: 10.34133/plantphenomics.0188 -
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal : SPJ :... Jul 2024Skin cancer refers to the pathological condition characterized by the proliferation of atypical skin cells in an uncontrolled manner. Plant-based products such as bixin...
OBJECTIVE
Skin cancer refers to the pathological condition characterized by the proliferation of atypical skin cells in an uncontrolled manner. Plant-based products such as bixin although show promising anticancer properties, but maintaining their stability in a formulation is a difficult task. The objective of the research is to formulate a silver nanoparticle gel preparation of bixin and evaluate its anticancer properties.
METHODS
The extract from seed was prepared by hot extraction technique to isolate the active ingredient, bixin. A green synthesis approach was utilized for preparing the silver nanoparticle gel of bixin (BOAgNPs). Characterization of silver nanoparticles was done using FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, compatibility study, homogeneity testing, pH evaluation, and drug content determination. The anticancer activity was performed using cell lines (B16F10) and by chemical carcinogen (7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene) in mice.
RESULTS
The BOAgNPs-loaded topical gel was found to be homogeneous (clear orange color) and pH-compatible (pH ≈ 6.66) with the skin. The characterization studies indicated the presence of all functional groups in the formulation. An optimized batch of bixin-nano gel showed about 60% inhibitory effects on B16F10 cell lines ( activity) when equated with a reference drug, 5-fluorouracil. The anticancer study suggested suppression of tumorigenesis and promotion of the healing process with bixin-nano gel application on the skin.
CONCLUSION
The results suggested the promising anticancer property of bixin when formulated in silver nanoparticle gel. The preparation of silver particles nano gel with bixin might provide an effective alternative option for treating skin cancers, provided more research complements the findings of the present study.
PubMed: 38933714
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102125 -
Frontiers in Genome Editing 2024Rice, a staple food for a significant portion of the global population, faces persistent threats from various pathogens and pests, necessitating the development of... (Review)
Review
Rice, a staple food for a significant portion of the global population, faces persistent threats from various pathogens and pests, necessitating the development of resilient crop varieties. Deployment of resistance genes in rice is the best practice to manage diseases and reduce environmental damage by reducing the application of agro-chemicals. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas, have revolutionized the field of molecular biology, offering precise and efficient tools for targeted modifications within the rice genome. This study delves into the application of these tools to engineer novel alleles of resistance genes in rice, aiming to enhance the plant's innate ability to combat evolving threats. By harnessing the power of genome editing, researchers can introduce tailored genetic modifications that bolster the plant's defense mechanisms without compromising its essential characteristics. In this study, we synthesize recent advancements in genome editing methodologies applicable to rice and discuss the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks surrounding the creation of genetically modified crops. Additionally, it explores potential challenges and future prospects for deploying edited rice varieties in agricultural landscapes. In summary, this study highlights the promise of genome editing in reshaping the genetic landscape of rice to confront emerging challenges, contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture practices.
PubMed: 38933684
DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1415244 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024W.T. Aiton is an outstanding herb with the homology of medicine and food. Its ripe fruits are traditionally used as an important tonic for kidneys and liver in China.... (Review)
Review
W.T. Aiton is an outstanding herb with the homology of medicine and food. Its ripe fruits are traditionally used as an important tonic for kidneys and liver in China. W.T. Aiton is rich in nutritional components and a variety of bioactive ingredients. A total of 206 compounds have been isolated and identified, they mainly include flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, iridoid glycosides, and triterpenoids. These compounds exert anti-osteoporosis, anti-tumor, liver protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. W.T. Aiton has been traditionally used to treat many complex diseases, including osteoporotic bone pain, rheumatic bone, cancer, related aging symptoms, and so on. In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, there are more than 100 prescriptions containing W.T. Aiton. Among them, some classical preparations including Er Zhi Wan and Zhenqi fuzheng formula, are used in the treatment of various cancers with good therapeutic effects. Additionally, W.T. Aiton has also many excellent applications for functional food, ornamental plants, bioindicator of air pollution, algicidal agents, and feed additives. W.T. Aiton has rich plant resources. However, the application potential of it has not been fully exploited. We hope that this paper provides a theoretical basis for the high-value and high-connotation development of W.T. Aiton in the future.
PubMed: 38933667
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1330732 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024is one of the most important oil crops in the world. Breeding oilseed rape with colorful flowers can greatly enhance the ornamental value of and thus improve the...
is one of the most important oil crops in the world. Breeding oilseed rape with colorful flowers can greatly enhance the ornamental value of and thus improve the economic benefits of planting. As water-soluble flavonoid secondary metabolites, anthocyanins are very important for the synthesis and accumulation of pigments in the petals of plants, giving them a wide range of bright colors. Despite the documentation of over 60 distinct flower shades in , the intricacies underlying flower color variation remain elusive. Particularly, the mechanisms driving color development across varying flower color backgrounds necessitate further comprehensive investigation. This research undertook a comprehensive exploration through the integration of transcriptome and metabolome analyses to pinpoint pivotal genes and metabolites underpinning an array of flower colors, including beige, beige-red, yellow, orange-red, deep orange-red, white, light-purple, and purple. First, we used a two-way BLAST search to find 275 genes in the reference genome of Darmor v10 that were involved in making anthocyanins. The subsequent scrutiny of RNA-seq outcomes underscored notable upregulation in the structural genes and , alongside the , , and transcriptional regulators within petals, showing anthocyanin accumulation. By synergizing this data with a weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified , , , , and as the key players driving anthocyanin synthesis in beige-red, orange-red, deep orange-red, light-purple, and purple petals. By integrating transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analysis findings with anthocyanin metabolism data, it is hypothesized that the upregulation of , which, in turn, enhances expression, plays a pivotal role in the development of pigmented oilseed rape flowers. These findings help to understand the transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding varieties with novel flower colors.
PubMed: 38933465
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1419508 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Over the course of four consecutive years, a comparative study, for the first time, was carried out to assess their growth characteristics, vegetative and productive...
INTRODUCTION
Over the course of four consecutive years, a comparative study, for the first time, was carried out to assess their growth characteristics, vegetative and productive performances.
MATERIAL
Micropropagated, grafted on not suckering rootstock and own-rooted plants by layering from three Italian hazelnut ( L.) cultivars were established in the same orchard and environmental condition.
RESULTS
We found that the micropropagated plants, regardless of the variety considered, even being smaller than the other plants at the beginning of the plantation, reached similar sizes as the other plants after four growing seasons. Furthermore, micropropagated plants exhibited greater uniformity in growth compared to grafted ones, while own-rooted plants displayed more variability. No significant differences in yield performance and canopy volume were observed among the three propagation methods. These results suggest that the propagation technique, even in hazelnut, allows standardizing the plant material while preserving cultivar characteristics. Finally, propagation as well as grafting can be safely recommended for the cultivation of hazelnut cultivars.
PubMed: 38933464
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1412170 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Autotetraploid rice holds high resistance to abiotic stress and substantial promise for yield increase, but it could not be commercially used because of low fertility....
INTRODUCTION
Autotetraploid rice holds high resistance to abiotic stress and substantial promise for yield increase, but it could not be commercially used because of low fertility. Thus, our team developed neo-tetraploid rice with high fertility and hybrid vigor when crossed with autotetraploid rice. Despite these advances, the molecular mechanisms underlying this heterosis remain poorly understood.
METHODS
An elite autotetraploid rice line (HD11) was used to cross with neo-tetraploid rice, and 34 hybrids were obtained to evaluate agronomic traits related to yield. WE-CLSM, RNA-seq, and CRISPR/Cas9 were employed to observe endosperm structure and identify candidate genes from two represent hybrids.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
These hybrids showed high seed setting and an approximately 55% increase in 1000-grain weight, some of which achieved grain yields comparable to those of the diploid rice variety. The endosperm observations indicated that the starch grains in the hybrids were more compact than those in paternal lines. A total of 119 seed heterosis related genes (SHRGs) with different expressions were identified, which might contribute to high 1000-grain weight heterosis in neo-tetraploid hybrids. Among them, 12 genes had been found to regulate grain weight formation, including , and . Haplotype analyses of these 12 genes revealed the various effects on grain weight among different haplotypes. The hybrids could polymerize more dominant haplotypes of above grain weight regulators than any homozygous cultivar. Moreover, two SHRGs ( and ) mutants displayed a significant reduction in 1000-grain weight and an increase in grain chalkiness, indicating that and positively regulate grain weight. Our research has identified a valuable autotetraploid germplasm for generating strong yield heterosis in combination with neo-tetraploid lines and gaining molecular insights into the regulatory processes of heterosis in tetraploid rice.
PubMed: 38933462
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1421207 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024leaves are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for their substantial concentration of flavonoids, which play a crucial role in manifesting the plant's...
leaves are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for their substantial concentration of flavonoids, which play a crucial role in manifesting the plant's therapeutic properties. This study investigated the metabolomic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of leaves from two cultivars, (J) and (R), at three different developmental stages. Metabolite identification and analysis revealed a total of 1,412 and 1,421 metabolites with known structures were found. Flavonoids made up of 33%, including 10 significant accumulated icariin analogues. Transcriptomic analysis unveiled totally 41,644 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) containing five encoded genes participated in icariin biosynthesis pathways. Totally, 9,745 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were found, including Cluster-47248.2.p1 (UDP-glucuronosy/UDP-glucosyltransferase), Cluster-30441.2.p1 (O-glucosyltransferase), and Cluster-28344.9.p1 (anthocyanidin 3-O-glucoside 2 "-O-glucosyltransferase-like) through proteomics analysis which are involved to icariin biosynthesis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) assay exhibited, totally 12 proteins showing a strong relationship of false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 with these three proteins containing 2 leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase-like protein SRF7, and 5 methyl jasmonate esterase 1. Multi-omics connection networks uncovered 237 DEGs and 72 DEPs exhibited significant associations with the 10 icariin analogues. Overall, our integrated omics approach provides comprehensive insights into the regulatory network underlying icariin synthesis in , offering valuable resources for further research and development in medicinal plant cultivation and pharmaceutical applications.
PubMed: 38933461
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1409601