Plant Responses to Environmental Stress

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant growth and development are constantly exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperature, UV radiation, high light, nutrient deficiency, insects, pathogens, and weeds. These the main reasons behind reductions in crop yields and food production worldwide. As a result, for example due to drought stress, remarkable changes occur in plant growth, photosynthesis, enzymatic activities, nutrient uptake, and biomass production. The decreased photosynthetic efficiency that is linked to both stomatal and nonstomatal effects is the result of a disruption of either biochemical or/and photochemical activity and increased oxidative damage by surplus reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which can harm the chloroplast and particularly photosystem II (PSII). Several studies have revealed that the concurrent action of many stresses, e.g., drought stress, high temperature, and high light, constantly cause deeper effects than when acting separately. Thus, there is a need for studies focusing on multiple stressors that occur at once. At the same time, plants have developed several energetic approaches at the morphological, physiological, and biochemical levels, allowing them to avoid and/or tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses. Environmental-stress-induced ROS creation is scavenged by enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Plant responses to a disruption of homeostasis caused by a low environmental stress level display an overcompensation reaction that results in a hormetic stimulation. Understanding the way plants respond to biotic and abiotic stresses is an ongoing research topic. This Research Topic will highlight the mechanisms of plant responses to such stresses and, thus, can help in the development of realistic interventions for increasing agricultural productivity. Hence, detecting steps or mechanisms where plant response mechanisms are suboptimal under different environmental conditions, and then optimizing these steps for a better response, represents a key research target in the efforts to increase the ability of crop plants to face climate change which can detrimentally influence crop production. To meet global food and feed requirements, considering the current climate change crisis, it is essential to recognize how plants respond and adapt their metabolism to environmental stresses.

Dr. Julietta Moustaka
Prof. Dr. Michael Moustakas
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.3	4.9	2011	20.2 Days	CHF 2600
Agronomy agronomy	3.3	6.2	2011	15.5 Days	CHF 2600
Plants plants	4.0	6.5	2012	18.2 Days	CHF 2700
Stresses stresses	-	4.7	2021	20.3 Days	CHF 1000

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Published Papers (26 papers)

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18 pages, 2284 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Foliar H₂O₂ Application Improve the Photochemical and Osmotic Adjustment of Tomato Plants Subjected to Drought

by Gustavo Ribeiro Barzotto, Caroline Pardine Cardoso, Letícia Galhardo Jorge, Felipe Girotto Campos and Carmen Sílvia Fernandes Boaro

Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091572 - 10 Sep 2024

Abstract

Water limits may have a disastrous impact on agricultural productivity, and the current climate change scenario presents additional problems for crops that rely on regular rainfall. Reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), are a recognized stress-sensing mechanism [...] Read more.

Water limits may have a disastrous impact on agricultural productivity, and the current climate change scenario presents additional problems for crops that rely on regular rainfall. Reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), are a recognized stress-sensing mechanism in plants, and may be investigated as an approach for reducing stress impact via systemic acquired acclimation. Here, we looked at how H₂O₂ foliar application impacts tomato plants’ photosynthetic activity, antioxidant system, sugar chemical profile, and osmotic adjustment during drought and recovery. The experiment was in randomized blocks, 3 × 2 factorial design, with no, one, or two foliar application of 1 mM H₂O₂, on plants that were either continually watered or subjected to drought. The plants were tested both during the drought period and after they had resumed irrigation (recovered). Leaf water potential, chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange, lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂ concentrations, phenols, proline, antioxidant enzyme activity, and sugar chemical profile were all measured. Our findings showed that H₂O₂ application generated metabolic alterations in tomato plants independent of water status, and that two applications in drought plants resulted in a 30% decrease in oxidative stress during drought and faster recovery following irrigation return, with greater production of defence-related molecules such as the APX enzyme, phenols, arabinose, and mannose. Continually watered plants also benefited from H₂O₂ application, which increased carbon assimilation by 35%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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23 pages, 6157 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Stomatal and Non-Stomatal Leaf Responses during Two Sequential Water Stress Cycles in Young Coffea canephora Plants

by Danilo F. Baroni, Guilherme A. R. de Souza, Wallace de P. Bernado, Anne R. Santos, Larissa C. de S. Barcellos, Letícia F. T. Barcelos, Laísa Z. Correia, Claudio M. de Almeida, Abraão C. Verdin Filho, Weverton P. Rodrigues, José C. Ramalho, Miroslava Rakočević and Eliemar Campostrini

Stresses 2024, 4(3), 575-597; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4030037 - 9 Sep 2024

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of physiological changes involved in the acclimation responses of plants after their exposure to repeated cycles of water stress is crucial to selecting resilient genotypes for regions with recurrent drought episodes. Under such background, we tried to respond to questions [...] Read more.

Understanding the dynamics of physiological changes involved in the acclimation responses of plants after their exposure to repeated cycles of water stress is crucial to selecting resilient genotypes for regions with recurrent drought episodes. Under such background, we tried to respond to questions as: (1) Are there differences in the stomatal-related and non-stomatal responses during water stress cycles in different clones of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner? (2) Do these C. canephora clones show a different response in each of the two sequential water stress events? (3) Is one previous drought stress event sufficient to induce a kind of “memory” in C. canephora? Seven-month-old plants of two clones (’3V’ and ‘A1’, previously characterized as deeper and lesser deep root growth, respectively) were maintained well-watered (WW) or fully withholding the irrigation, inducing soil water stress (WS) until the soil matric water potential (Ψ_msoil) reached ≅ −0.5 MPa (−500 kPa) at a soil depth of 500 mm. Two sequential drought events (drought-1 and drought-2) attained this Ψ_msoil after 19 days and were followed by soil rewatering until a complete recovery of leaf net CO₂ assimilation rate (A_net) during the recovery-1 and recovery-2 events. The leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and leaf reflectance parameters were measured in six-day frequency, while the leaf anatomy was examined only at the end of the second drought cycle. In both drought events, the WS plants showed reduction in stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration. The reduction in internal CO₂ diffusion was observed in the second drought cycle, expressed by increased thickness of spongy parenchyma in both clones. Those stomatal and anatomical traits impacted decreasing the A_net in both drought events. The ‘3V’ was less influenced by water stress than the ‘A1’ genotype in A_net, effective quantum yield in PSII photochemistry, photochemical quenching, linear electron transport rate, and photochemical reflectance index during the drought-1, but during the drought-2 event such an advantage disappeared. Such physiological genotype differences were supported by the medium xylem vessel area diminished only in ‘3V’ under WS. In both drought cycles, the recovery of all observed stomatal and non-stomatal responses was usually complete after 12 days of rewatering. The absence of photochemical impacts, namely in the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemical reactions, photosynthetic performance index, and density of reaction centers capable of Q_A reduction during the drought-2 event, might result from an acclimation response of the clones to WS. In the second drought cycle, the plants showed some improved responses to stress, suggesting “memory” effects as drought acclimation at a recurrent drought. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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11 pages, 7191 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Small Auxin-Up RNA 50 (SAUR50) Gene from Ammopiptanthus nanus Negatively Regulates Drought Tolerance

by Yuanyuan Zhang, Qi Li, Mengyang Jiang, Hui Tian, Muhammad Hayder Bin Khalid, Yingge Wang and Haoqiang Yu

Plants 2024, 13(17), 2512; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172512 - 7 Sep 2024

Abstract

Drought stress is a primary abiotic stress that causes significant losses to forestry and agricultural production. Therefore, exploring drought-responsive genes and their regulatory mechanism is crucial for plant molecular breeding for forestry and agriculture production safety. Small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) proteins are essential [...] Read more.

Drought stress is a primary abiotic stress that causes significant losses to forestry and agricultural production. Therefore, exploring drought-responsive genes and their regulatory mechanism is crucial for plant molecular breeding for forestry and agriculture production safety. Small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) proteins are essential in plant growth and development but show functional diversity in stress response. In this study, the transcriptome sequencing data of Ammopiptanthus nanus seedlings revealed that the expression of AnSAUR50 was continuously downregulated under drought stress. Hence, the AnSAUR50 gene was cloned and functionally analyzed in drought response. The results showed that the coding sequence of AnSAUR50 was 315 bp in length and encoded 104 amino acids. The AnSAUR50 protein showed high conservation, possessed a SAUR-specific domain, and localized in the nucleus and cell membrane. The heterologous expression of the AnSAUR50 gene enhanced the drought sensitivity of the transgenic Arabidopsis with a lower survival rate, biomass, and higher malondialdehyde content and relative electrolyte leakage. Moreover, transgenic plants showed shorter root lengths and bigger stomatal apertures, resulting in facilitating water loss under drought stress. The study indicates that AnSAUR50 negatively regulates drought tolerance by inhibiting root growth and stomatal closure, which provides insights into the underlying function and regulatory mechanism of SAURs in plant stress response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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17 pages, 3993 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification of the Shaker Potassium Channel Family in Chinese Cabbage and Functional Studies of BrKAT1 in Yeast

by Jin-Yan Zhou, Ze-Chen Gu and Dong-Li Hao

Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 1954; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14091954 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 239

Abstract

Shaker potassium channels play a crucial role in potassium (K+) nutrition and stress resistance in plants. However, systematic research on Shaker K+ channels in Chinese cabbage [Brassica rapa var. chinensis (L.) Kitamura] remains scarce. This study identified 13 Shaker K+ channel members [...] Read more.

Shaker potassium channels play a crucial role in potassium (K+) nutrition and stress resistance in plants. However, systematic research on Shaker K+ channels in Chinese cabbage [Brassica rapa var. chinensis (L.) Kitamura] remains scarce. This study identified 13 Shaker K+ channel members within the cabbage genome, which are unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. Notably, the number of Shaker K+ channel members in Chinese cabbage exceeds that found in the model plants Arabidopsis (9) and rice (10). This discrepancy is attributed to a higher number of homologous proteins in Groups II and V of Chinese cabbage, with gene segmental duplication in these two subgroups being a significant factor contributing to the expansion of the Shaker K+ channel gene family. Interspecies collinearity analysis revealed that the whole genome and the Shaker K+ channel family of Chinese cabbage show greater similarity to those of Arabidopsis than to those of rice, indicating that Shaker K+ channels from the Brassicaceae family have a closer relationship than that from the Poaceae family. Given that gene expansion occurs in Group II, we investigated whether a functional difference exists between BrKAT1.1 and BrKAT1.2 using yeast assays and promoter analysis. The expression of two BrKAT1 genes in the potassium uptake-deficient yeast mutant R5421 can restore growth under low potassium conditions, indicating their role in potassium absorption. Truncation of the N-terminal 63 amino acids of BrKAT1.2 resulted in the loss of potassium absorption capability, suggesting that the N-terminus is essential for maintaining the potassium absorption function of BrKAT1.2. Furthermore, the expression of the two BrKAT1 genes in the salt-sensitive yeast G19 enhances yeast tolerance to salt stress. These results demonstrate that BrKAT1.1 and BrKAT1.2 exhibit similar abilities in potassium uptake and salt tolerance. The difference between BrKAT1.1 and BrKAT1.2 lay in their promoter regulatory elements, suggesting that differences in transcriptional regulation contributed to the functional differentiation of BrKAT1.1 and BrKAT1.2. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the evolution and functional mechanisms of the Shaker K+ channel family in Chinese cabbage and for improving potassium nutrition and salt tolerance in this species through the manipulation of BrKAT1. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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14 pages, 14360 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

LzSCL9, a Novel GRAS Transcription Factor in Lanzhou Lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor), Participates in Regulation of Trichokonins-Primed Heat Stress Tolerance

by Xing Cao, Liping Ding, Jiahui Liang, Yanrong Zhou, Xiulan Chen, Haiyan Li, Tao Liu, Wenxiu Yue, Juanjuan Sui, Liangbao Jiang, Yulian Qian, Dongdong Yang, Bo Wang, Hailing Zhang, Ze Wu and Xiaoyan Song

Plants 2024, 13(16), 2330; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162330 - 21 Aug 2024

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Abstract

In our previous research, we found that trichokonins’ (TKs) employment improved the thermotolerance of the Lanzhou lily, a renowned edible crop species endemic to China that is relatively susceptible to high temperatures (HTs). Here, a novel Lanzhou lily GRAS gene, LzSCL9, was [...] Read more.

In our previous research, we found that trichokonins’ (TKs) employment improved the thermotolerance of the Lanzhou lily, a renowned edible crop species endemic to China that is relatively susceptible to high temperatures (HTs). Here, a novel Lanzhou lily GRAS gene, LzSCL9, was identified to respond to heat stress (HS) and HS+TKs treatment based on transcriptome and RT-qPCR analysis. TKs could improve the upregulation of LzSCL9 during long-term HS. The expression profile of LzSCL9 in response to HS with or without TKs treatment showed a significant positive correlation with LzHsfA2a-1, which was previously identified as a key regulator in TKs’ conferred resilience to HT. More importantly, overexpression of LzSCL9 in the lily enhanced its tolerance to HTs and silencing LzSCL9 in the lily reduced heat resistance. Taken together, this study identified the positive role of LzSCL9 in TK-induced thermotolerance, thereby preliminarily establishing a molecular mechanism on TKs regulating the thermostability of the Lanzhou lily and providing a new candidate regulator for plant heat-resistant breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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16 pages, 3672 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification, Bioinformatic Characterization, and Expression Profiling of Starch Synthase (SS) Genes in Foxtail Millet under Drought Condition

by Joseph N. Amoah, Monica Ode Adu-Gyamfi and Albert Owusu Kwarteng

Stresses 2024, 4(3), 518-533; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4030033 - 16 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Millet, a vital and nutritionally dense cereal extensively cultivated in Sub-Saharan Africa, plays a key role in ensuring food security. This study investigates the starch synthase (SS) gene family, which is crucial for starch biosynthesis and influences various plant functions and [...] Read more.

Millet, a vital and nutritionally dense cereal extensively cultivated in Sub-Saharan Africa, plays a key role in ensuring food security. This study investigates the starch synthase (SS) gene family, which is crucial for starch biosynthesis and influences various plant functions and stress responses. While the specific roles of SS genes in millet under drought conditions are not fully elucidated, this research provides a thorough analysis of the SS gene family in millet. A total of twelve millet SS genes (SiSSs) were identified and classified into four subfamilies (I–IV) through gene structure and phylogenetic analysis. The SiSS genes were unevenly distributed across millet chromosomes, with cis-acting elements associated with plant growth and stress defense being identified. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed dynamic and varied expression patterns of SiSSs in different tissues under drought stress. Millet plants subjected to drought conditions showed higher tissue starch content and increased starch synthase activity compared to controls. Importantly, the expression levels of the twelve SiSSs were positively correlated with both starch content and synthase activity, suggesting their significant role in drought tolerance. This study enhances our understanding of the millet SS gene family and highlights the potential of these genes in breeding programs aimed at developing drought-resistant millet varieties. Further research is recommended to validate these findings and delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying drought tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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21 pages, 1921 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Solanum lycopersicum Resilience: Bacterial Cellulose Alleviates Low Irrigation Stress and Boosts Nutrient Uptake

by Noelia De la Cruz Gómez, César Poza-Carrión, Lucía Del Castillo-González, Ángel Isidro Martínez Sánchez, Ana Moliner, Inmaculada Aranaz and Marta Berrocal-Lobo

Plants 2024, 13(15), 2158; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152158 - 4 Aug 2024

Viewed by 560

Abstract

The use of natural-origin biomaterials in bioengineering has led to innovative approaches in agroforestry. Bacterial cellulose (BC), sharing the same chemical formula as plant-origin cellulose (PC), exhibits significantly different biochemical properties, including a high degree of crystallinity and superior water retention capacity. Previous [...] Read more.

The use of natural-origin biomaterials in bioengineering has led to innovative approaches in agroforestry. Bacterial cellulose (BC), sharing the same chemical formula as plant-origin cellulose (PC), exhibits significantly different biochemical properties, including a high degree of crystallinity and superior water retention capacity. Previous research showed that natural-origin glucose-based chitin enhanced plant growth in both herbaceous and non-herbaceous plants. In this study, we produced BC in the laboratory and investigated its effects on the substrate and on Solanum lycopersicum seedlings. Soil amended with BC increased root growth compared with untreated seedlings. Additionally, under limited irrigation conditions, BC increased global developmental parameters including fresh and dry weight, as well as total carbon and nitrogen content. Under non-irrigation conditions, BC contributed substantially to plant survival. RNA sequencing (Illumina^®) on BC-treated seedlings revealed that BC, despite its bacterial origin, did not stress the plants, confirming its innocuous nature, and it lightly induced genes related to root development and cell division as well as inhibition of stress responses and defense. The presence of BC in the organic substrate increased soil availability of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and potassium (K), correlating with enhanced nutrient uptake in plants. Our results demonstrate the potential of BC for improving soil nutrient availability and plant tolerance to low irrigation, making it valuable for agricultural and forestry purposes in the context of global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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17 pages, 3382 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Photosynthetic Limitations and Growth Traits of Four Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Genotypes under Water Deficit

by Wilmer Tezara, Daniel W. Loyaga, Víctor H. Reynel Chila and Ana Herrera

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081713 - 4 Aug 2024

Viewed by 541

Abstract

Climate change increases the risk of coffee yield due to the genotype-dependent effects of water deficit on coffee physiology. The goal of this research was to evaluate how water deficit altered the physiological and growth characteristics of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.). [...] Read more.

Climate change increases the risk of coffee yield due to the genotype-dependent effects of water deficit on coffee physiology. The goal of this research was to evaluate how water deficit altered the physiological and growth characteristics of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.). Water status, photosynthetic response to CO₂ intercellular concentration (A/C_i curves) and growth parameters were evaluated in seedlings of four genotypes (Catimor ECU 02, Cavimor ECU, red Caturra and Sarchimor 4260). Most of the physiological traits evaluated differed significantly among genotypes. Between control and water deficit plants, significant variations occurred in the A/C_i parameters, showing a wide range of values for net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency, with decreases ranging from 4 to 74%. Maximum electron transport rate through photosystem II, highest rate of RuBisCO carboxylation, and triose phosphate utilization rate were all strongly decreased by water deficit 61% (red Caturra and Sarchimor 4260), followed by Cavimor ECU (35%) and Catimor ECU 02 (24%). Differences in response to water deficit among genotypes suggest possible genotypic differences in tolerance. The results indicated that Catimor ECU 02 and Cavimor ECU were less sensitive to water deficit, while red Caturra and Sarchimor 4260 were the most susceptible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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13 pages, 3184 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Identification of Kabatiella zeae as a Causal Agent of Northern Anthracnose of Sorghum in China and Estimation of Host Resistance

by Wenbo Yu, Yu Wang, Lan Hu, Jing Xu, Jichen Yan, Peng Cao, Chunjuan Liu, Xiaolong Shi, Chang Liu, Yu Jiang and Yufei Zhou

Plants 2024, 13(13), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131857 - 5 Jul 2024

Viewed by 537

Abstract

Sorghum northern anthracnose is a leaf disease affecting sorghum, which results in plant death and substantial yield loss. This study aimed to effectively understand the disease, clarify its biological characteristics, and evaluate the resistance of germplasm resources. A field sample was collected to [...] Read more.

Sorghum northern anthracnose is a leaf disease affecting sorghum, which results in plant death and substantial yield loss. This study aimed to effectively understand the disease, clarify its biological characteristics, and evaluate the resistance of germplasm resources. A field sample was collected to isolate and purify the pathogen. The pathogen, identified as Kabatiella zeae Narita et Hiratsuka using both morphological and molecular techniques, was further confirmed as the causative agent of northern anthracnose of sorghum following Robert Koch’s principles. The results revealed the optimal culture temperature to be 25 °C, preferred dark culture conditions, and the best growth on potato glucose agar medium with sucrose and L-leucine as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. A total of 138 sorghum germplasm resources were inoculated and evaluated using the isolated pathogen, with 20 lines (14.49%) exhibiting high resistance, 18 lines (13.04%) showing disease resistance, 27 lines (19.57%) demonstrating medium resistance, 37 lines (26.81%) being susceptible, and 36 lines (26.09%) classified as highly susceptible. The indoor fungicide screening was conducted through pathogen medium application, and enilconazole, pyraclostrobin, methylthiophanate, and flusilazole were screened for the best fungicide inhibition with a 100% inhibition rate compared with the control. This study provides reference for field pharmaceutical control in sorghum production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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14 pages, 7189 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Profiling Reveals the Response of Seed Germination of Peganum harmala to Drought Stress

by Zhen Zhang, Hongyan Su, Qingen Li and Mengfei Li

Plants 2024, 13(12), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121649 - 14 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Peganum harmala L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that plays critical roles in protecting the ecological environment in arid, semi-arid, and desert areas. Although the seed germination characteristics of P. harmala in response to environmental factors (i.e., drought, temperature, and salt) have been [...] Read more.

Peganum harmala L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that plays critical roles in protecting the ecological environment in arid, semi-arid, and desert areas. Although the seed germination characteristics of P. harmala in response to environmental factors (i.e., drought, temperature, and salt) have been investigated, the response mechanism of seed germination to drought conditions has not yet been revealed. In this study, the changes in the physiological characteristics and transcriptional profiles in seed germination were examined under different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (0–25%). The results show that the seed germination rate was significantly inhibited with an increase in the PEG concentration. Totals of 3726 and 10,481 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were, respectively, generated at 5% and 25% PEG vs. the control (C), with 1642 co-expressed DEGs, such as drought stress (15), stress response (175), and primary metabolism (261). The relative expression levels (RELs) of the key genes regulating seed germination in response to drought stress were in accordance with the physiological changes. These findings will pave the way to increase the seed germination rate of P. harmala in drought conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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13 pages, 5033 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Do Morphological Variations in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Strains Indicate Differences in Aggressiveness?

by Ramóna Vizi, József Kiss, György Turóczi, Nóra Dobra and Zoltán Pálinkás

Stresses 2024, 4(2), 367-379; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4020024 - 7 Jun 2024

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Abstract

White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum de Bary) is one of the most important fungal diseases of winter oilseed rape (OSR). Since the pathogen can persist in the soil for a long time with its sclerotia, prevention and non-chemical methods (specifically biological agents) are [...] Read more.

White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum de Bary) is one of the most important fungal diseases of winter oilseed rape (OSR). Since the pathogen can persist in the soil for a long time with its sclerotia, prevention and non-chemical methods (specifically biological agents) are important pillars in the integrated plant protection strategy against this pathogen. Mapping the intraspecific variability of the pathogen is an important step in the development of resistance to S. sclerotiorum. S. sclerotiorum isolates were collected from different OSR growing locations in Hungary during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 growing seasons. The morphological characteristics of sclerotia obtained from infected OSR stems were studied in the laboratory, and seedlings of four OSR hybrids were infected in vitro with isolates. The strains from four locations have different morphological characteristics. Significant differences in the level of aggressivity were also observed between strains; a correlation was also found between mycelial growth after 24 h, weight of sclerotia, and aggressivity. Among the four tested hybrids, OSR PT271 proved to be the most susceptible to most S. sclerotinia strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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22 pages, 14878 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Characteristics and Transcriptomic Responses of Pinus yunnanensis Lateral Branching to Different Shading Environments

by Chiyu Zhou, Xuesha Gu, Jiangfei Li, Xin Su, Shi Chen, Junrong Tang, Lin Chen, Nianhui Cai and Yulan Xu

Plants 2024, 13(12), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121588 - 7 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Pinus yunnanensis is an important component of China’s economic development and forest ecosystems. The growth of P. yunnanensis seedlings experienced a slow growth phase, which led to a long seedling cultivation period. However, asexual reproduction can ensure the stable inheritance of the superior [...] Read more.

Pinus yunnanensis is an important component of China’s economic development and forest ecosystems. The growth of P. yunnanensis seedlings experienced a slow growth phase, which led to a long seedling cultivation period. However, asexual reproduction can ensure the stable inheritance of the superior traits of the mother tree and also shorten the breeding cycle. The quantity and quality of branching significantly impact the cutting reproduction of P. yunnanensis, and a shaded environment affects lateral branching growth, development, and photosynthesis. Nonetheless, the physiological characteristics and the level of the transcriptome that underlie the growth of lateral branches of P. yunnanensis under shade conditions are still unclear. In our experiment, we subjected annual P. yunnanensis seedlings to varying shade intensities (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%) and studied the effects of shading on growth, physiological and biochemical changes, and gene expression in branching. Results from this study show that shading reduces biomass production by inhibiting the branching ability of P. yunnanensis seedlings. Due to the regulatory and protective roles of osmotically active substances against environmental stress, the contents of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, photosynthetic pigments, and enzyme activities exhibit varying responses to different shading treatments. Under shading treatment, the contents of phytohormones were altered. Additionally, genes associated with phytohormone signaling and photosynthetic pathways exhibited differential expression. This study established a theoretical foundation for shading regulation of P. yunnanensis lateral branch growth and provides scientific evidence for the management of cutting orchards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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13 pages, 2201 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

UV-B Radiation Disrupts Membrane Lipid Organization and Suppresses Protein Mobility of GmNARK in Arabidopsis

by Qiulin Liu, Tianyu Wang, Meiyu Ke, Chongzhen Qian, Jiejie Li, Xi Huang, Zhen Gao, Xu Chen and Tianli Tu

Plants 2024, 13(11), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111536 - 1 Jun 2024

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Abstract

While it is well known that plants interpret UV-B as an environmental cue and a potential stressor influencing their growth and development, the specific effects of UV-B-induced oxidative stress on the dynamics of membrane lipids and proteins remain underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that [...] Read more.

While it is well known that plants interpret UV-B as an environmental cue and a potential stressor influencing their growth and development, the specific effects of UV-B-induced oxidative stress on the dynamics of membrane lipids and proteins remain underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that UV-B exposure notably increases the formation of ordered lipid domains on the plasma membrane (PM) and significantly alters the behavior of the Glycine max nodule autoregulation receptor kinase (GmNARK) protein in Arabidopsis leaves. The GmNARK protein was located on the PM and accumulated as small particles in the cytoplasm. We found that UV-B irradiation interrupted the lateral diffusion of GmNARK proteins on the PM. Furthermore, UV-B light decreases the efficiency of surface molecule internalization by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). In brief, UV-B irradiation increased the proportion of the ordered lipid phase and disrupted clathrin-dependent endocytosis; thus, the endocytic trafficking and lateral mobility of GmNARK protein on the plasma membrane are crucial for nodule formation tuning. Our results revealed a novel role of low-intensity UV-B stress in altering the organization of the plasma membrane and the dynamics of membrane-associated proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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10 pages, 1289 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Waterlogging Tolerance and Morphological Responses of Five Urochloa spp. Grasses

by Rafael Marzall Amaral, Lesly Astrid Calva Sarango, Cristiano Eduardo Rodrigues Reis, Tulio Otávio Jardim D’almeida Lins, Ericka Beatriz Schultz and Daniel Carballo Guerrero

Stresses 2024, 4(2), 320-329; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4020020 - 8 May 2024

Viewed by 828

Abstract

Periods with high precipitation and temporary waterlogging in the humid tropics are challenging to the production and survival of some grasses of the genus Urochloa. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of five types of grass belonging to the genus Urochloa [...] Read more.

Periods with high precipitation and temporary waterlogging in the humid tropics are challenging to the production and survival of some grasses of the genus Urochloa. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of five types of grass belonging to the genus Urochloa under waterlogging conditions through productive and morphological traits. The grasses [U. arrecta (Tanner), U. arrecta x U. mutica (Brachipará), U. brizantha cv. Marandú, U. hybrid cv. Cayman and U. humidicola cv. Llanero] were planted in pots and kept under field capacity for 33 days; then, half of them were submitted to (i) field capacity (33% humidity retention) and the other half were submitted to (ii) waterlogging conditions (2 cm of water above soil level) for 28 days. In this study, Tanner and Brachipará grasses showed higher dry shoot mass under waterlogging conditions, which were followed by Llanero, Cayman, and Marandú, respectively. Llanero, Tanner, and Brachipará presented higher waterlogging tolerance coefficients, 78.7, 76.5, and 64.5, respectively, being less affected than Cayman and Marandú (41.0 and 23.1, respectively). Brachipará, Tanner, and Cayman presented a higher root volume under waterlogging conditions, while Marandú root volume decreased by 88.77%. The Tanner, Brachipará, and Llanero genotypes were more tolerant to poorly drained or waterlogged soils than Cayman and Marandú genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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14 pages, 9901 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

MicroRNA164 Affects Plant Responses to UV Radiation in Perennial Ryegrass

by Chang Xu, Xin Huang, Ning Ma, Yanrong Liu, Aijiao Xu, Xunzhong Zhang, Dayong Li, Yue Li, Wanjun Zhang and Kehua Wang

Plants 2024, 13(9), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091242 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 926

Abstract

Increasing the ultraviolet radiation (UV) level, particularly UV-B due to damage to the stratospheric ozone layer by human activities, has huge negative effects on plant and animal metabolism. As a widely grown cool-season forage grass and turfgrass in the world, perennial ryegrass ( [...] Read more.

Increasing the ultraviolet radiation (UV) level, particularly UV-B due to damage to the stratospheric ozone layer by human activities, has huge negative effects on plant and animal metabolism. As a widely grown cool-season forage grass and turfgrass in the world, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is UV-B-sensitive. To study the effects of miR164, a highly conserved microRNA in plants, on perennial ryegrass under UV stress, both OsmiR164a overexpression (OE164) and target mimicry (MIM164) transgenic perennial ryegrass plants were generated using agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and UV-B treatment (~600 μw cm⁻²) of 7 days was imposed. Morphological and physiological analysis showed that the miR164 gene affected perennial ryegrass UV tolerance negatively, demonstrated by the more scorching leaves, higher leaf electrolyte leakage, and lower relative water content in OE164 than the WT and MIM164 plants after UV stress. The increased UV sensitivity could be partially due to the reduction in antioxidative capacity and the accumulation of anthocyanins. This study indicated the potential of targeting miR164 and/or its targeted genes for the genetic manipulation of UV responses in forage grasses/turfgrasses; further research to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying how miR164 affects plant UV responses is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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18 pages, 1338 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Phosphorus Dynamics in Stressed Soil Systems: Is There a Chemical and Biological Compensating Effect?

by Bruna Arruda, Fábio Prataviera, Wilfrand Ferney Bejarano Herrera, Denise de Lourdes Colombo Mescolotti, Antonio Marcos Miranda Silva, Hudson Wallace Pereira de Carvalho, Paulo Sergio Pavinato and Fernando Dini Andreote

Stresses 2024, 4(2), 251-268; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses4020015 - 2 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1113

Abstract

Here, we hypothesized the occurrence of a compensatory relationship between the application of P and different microbial communities in the soil, specifically in relation to the chemical and biological effects in the soil–plant–microorganisms’ interaction. We aimed to evaluate the plant–microbiota responses in plants [...] Read more.

Here, we hypothesized the occurrence of a compensatory relationship between the application of P and different microbial communities in the soil, specifically in relation to the chemical and biological effects in the soil–plant–microorganisms’ interaction. We aimed to evaluate the plant–microbiota responses in plants grown in soils hosting distinct microbial communities and rates of P availability. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse. The first experiment evaluated four manipulated soil microbiome compositions, four P rates, and two plant species. Manipulated soil systems were obtained by the following: (i) autoclaving soil for 1 h at 121 °C (AS); (ii) inoculating AS with soil suspension dilution (AS + 10⁻³); (iii) heating natural soil at 80 °C for 1 h (NH80); or (iv) using natural soil (NS) without manipulation. The P rates added were 0, 20, 40, and 60 mg kg⁻¹, and the two plant species tested were grass (brachiaria) and leguminous (crotalaria). Inorganic labile P (P_AER), microbial P (P_MIC), acid phosphatase activity (AP_ASE), and shoot P uptake (P_UPT) were assessed for each system. Brachiaria presented a compensatory effect for P_UPT, whereby the addition of P under conditions of low microbial community enhanced P absorption capacity from the soil. However, in a system characterized by low P input, the increase in the soil biodiversity was insufficient to enhance brachiaria P_UPT. Likewise, crotalaria showed a higher P_UPT under high P application and low microbial community. The second experiment used three manipulated microbiome compositions: AS + 10⁻³; NH80; and NS and three P rates added: 0, 20, and 40 mg kg⁻¹. In addition, two treatments were set: without and with mycorrhiza inoculation. Brachiaria showed an increase in the P_UPT under low microbial communities (AS + 10⁻³; NH80) with P addition (20 and 40 mg kg⁻¹ of P), but no mycorrhization was observed. In the undisturbed microbial community (NS), under no P input (0 mg kg⁻¹ of P), brachiaria showed low mycorrhization and low P_UPT. Finally, NS and the recommended P input (40 mg kg⁻¹ of P) represented a balance between chemical and biological fertility, promoting the equilibrium between mycorrhization and P_UPT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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17 pages, 5145 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Photosystem II Tolerance to Excess Zinc Exposure and High Light Stress in Salvia sclarea L.

by Michael Moustakas, Anelia Dobrikova, Ilektra Sperdouli, Anetta Hanć, Julietta Moustaka, Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. Adamakis and Emilia Apostolova

Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030589 - 15 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 992

Abstract

High light (HL) intensity has a substantial impact on light energy flow and partitioning within photosynthetic apparatus. To realize the impact of HL intensity on zinc (Zn) tolerance mechanisms in clary sage (Salvia sclarea L., Lamiaceae) plants, we examined the effect of [...] Read more.

High light (HL) intensity has a substantial impact on light energy flow and partitioning within photosynthetic apparatus. To realize the impact of HL intensity on zinc (Zn) tolerance mechanisms in clary sage (Salvia sclarea L., Lamiaceae) plants, we examined the effect of the altered chlorophyll and nutrient uptake under excess Zn supply on the response mechanism of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry. Eight-week-old clary sage plants were treated with 5 μM Zn (control) or 900 μM Zn in Hoagland nutrient solution. Leaf elemental analysis for Zn, Mn, Mg, and Fe was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), whereas PSII functioning under HL was evaluated by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging analysis. Exposure of S. sclarea plants to 900 μM Zn increased leaf Zn accumulation and decreased leaf Mg and chlorophyll. The decreased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) provided evidence of the photoprotection offered by the smaller light-harvesting antennae due to the reduced chlorophyll. The increased Mn after Zn exposure corresponded with higher efficiency of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) that was significantly correlated with the maximum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm). An increased electron transport rate (ETR) coincided with increased leaf Fe, which is known to play a vital role in the enzymes engaged in ETR. The decreased (32%) NPQ after an 8-day exposure to Zn caused an increased (10%) quantum yield of non-regulated energy loss in PSII (Φ_NO), indicative of an increased singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production. It is suggested that the decreased NPQ induced acclimation responses of clary sage plants to HL and excess Zn by increasing ¹O₂ production. The reduced (18%) excess excitation energy (EXC) at PSII and the increased (24%) quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Φ_PSII) and ETR indicated improved photosynthetic efficiency under excess Zn and HL intensity. Therefore, the exposure of medicinal plants to excess Zn not only boosts their photosynthetic efficiency, enhancing crop yields, but can also improve Fe and Zn content, ameliorating the human health deficiency of these two essential micronutrients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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20 pages, 5592 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Molecular Responses to Salt Stress in Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

by Yanmei Sun, Na Zhao, Hongjian Sun, Shan Xu, Yiwen Lu, Haojie Xi, Zhenfei Guo and Haifan Shi

Plants 2024, 13(5), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050714 - 3 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1454

Abstract

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is an important annual diploid leguminous forage. In the present study, transcriptomic profiling in common vetch in response to salt stress was conducted using a salt-tolerant line (460) and a salt-sensitive line (429). The common responses in [...] Read more.

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is an important annual diploid leguminous forage. In the present study, transcriptomic profiling in common vetch in response to salt stress was conducted using a salt-tolerant line (460) and a salt-sensitive line (429). The common responses in common vetch and the specific responses associated with salt tolerance in 460 were analyzed. Several KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, including plant hormone and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling, galactose metabolism, and phenylpropanoid phenylpropane biosynthesis, were enriched in both lines, though some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed distinct expression patterns. The roots in 460 showed higher levels of lignin than in 429. α-linolenic acid metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis, the photosynthesis-antenna pathway, and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways were specifically enriched in salt-tolerant line 460, with higher levels of accumulated soluble sugars in the leaves. In addition, higher transcript levels of genes involved in ion homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging were observed in 460 than in 429 in response to salt stress. The transcriptomic analysis in common vetch in response to salt stress provides useful clues for further investigations on salt tolerance mechanism in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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13 pages, 1865 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Phenotypic Microarray Profiling of Different Pseudomonas Strains Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Curcuma longa L.

by Parul Pathak, Monika Singh, Ananya Naskar, Sandeep Kumar Singh, Nikunj Bhardwaj and Ajay Kumar

Stresses 2023, 3(4), 749-761; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3040051 - 13 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1470

Abstract

In the present study, different Pseudomonas strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and further identified and characterized based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics through the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The identified bacterial strains belong to the [...] Read more.

In the present study, different Pseudomonas strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and further identified and characterized based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics through the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The identified bacterial strains belong to the Pseudomonas genus viz. Pseudomonas sp. CL10, Pseudomonas sp. CL11, and P. fluorescence CLI4. However, the isolated strains tested positive for IAA production, siderophore production, and the solubilization of tricalcium phosphate during plant growth promoting traits analysis. Further phenotype microArray (PM) technology was used to evaluate the antibiotic and chemical sensitivity of the isolated bacterial strains. The antibiotics phleomycin, oxacillin, vancomycin, novobiocin, spiramycin, and rifampicin, as well as chemicals like, 5-7 dichloro-8-hydroxy quanaldine, 5-7 dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, domophenbrobide, and 3-5 dimethoxy benzyl alcohol, showed resistance in all the rhizobacterial strains. However, upon further detailed study, Pseudomonas sp. CL10 exhibited resistance to thirteen antibiotics, CL11 to fourteen, and CL14 showed resistance against seventeen antibiotics and chemical classes. The results of the study indicate that some of these strains can be used as bioinoculum to enhance the plant growth and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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15 pages, 3826 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Response Mechanisms of Woody Plants to High-Temperature Stress

by Chao Zhou, Shengjiang Wu, Chaochan Li, Wenxuan Quan and Anping Wang

Plants 2023, 12(20), 3643; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203643 - 22 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

High-temperature stress is the main environmental stress that restricts the growth and development of woody plants, and the growth and development of woody plants are affected by high-temperature stress. The influence of high temperature on woody plants varies with the degree and duration [...] Read more.

High-temperature stress is the main environmental stress that restricts the growth and development of woody plants, and the growth and development of woody plants are affected by high-temperature stress. The influence of high temperature on woody plants varies with the degree and duration of the high temperature and the species of woody plants. Woody plants have the mechanism of adapting to high temperature, and the mechanism for activating tolerance in woody plants mainly counteracts the biochemical and physiological changes induced by stress by regulating osmotic adjustment substances, antioxidant enzyme activities and transcription control factors. Under high-temperature stress, woody plants ability to perceive high-temperature stimuli and initiate the appropriate physiological, biochemical and genomic changes is the key to determining the survival of woody plants. The gene expression induced by high-temperature stress also greatly improves tolerance. Changes in the morphological structure, physiology, biochemistry and genomics of woody plants are usually used as indicators of high-temperature tolerance. In this paper, the effects of high-temperature stress on seed germination, plant morphology and anatomical structure characteristics, physiological and biochemical indicators, genomics and other aspects of woody plants are reviewed, which provides a reference for the study of the heat-tolerance mechanism of woody plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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14 pages, 16024 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Surface Methane on Tropospheric Ozone Concentrations and Cereal Yield in Asia

by Kenichi Tatsumi

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102586 - 9 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1252

Abstract

Methane (CH₄) emanating from terrestrial sources serves as a precursor for the genesis of tropospheric ozone (O₃), a pernicious atmospheric contaminant that adversely modulates the physiological mechanisms of agricultural crops. Despite the acknowledged role of CH₄ in amplifying [...] Read more.

Methane (CH₄) emanating from terrestrial sources serves as a precursor for the genesis of tropospheric ozone (O₃), a pernicious atmospheric contaminant that adversely modulates the physiological mechanisms of agricultural crops. Despite the acknowledged role of CH₄ in amplifying O₃ concentrations, the extant literature offers limited quantitative evaluations concerning the repercussions of CH₄-mediated O₃ on cereal yields. Employing the GEOS-Chem atmospheric chemistry model, the present investigation elucidates the ramifications of a 50% diminution in anthropogenic CH₄ concentrations on the yield losses of maize, soybean, and wheat across Asia for the fiscal year 2010. The findings unveil pronounced yield detriments attributable to O₃-induced phytotoxicity, with the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the North China Plain manifesting the most substantial yield impairments among the crops examined. A halving of anthropogenic CH₄ effluents could ameliorate considerable losses in cereal production across these agriculturally pivotal regions. CH₄-facilitated O₃ exerts a pernicious influence on cereal yields; nevertheless, targeted mitigation of CH₄ effluents, particularly in the vicinity of the North China Plain, holds the potential to substantially attenuate O₃ contamination, thereby catalyzing an enhancement in regional cereal production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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17 pages, 5337 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Pipe Cavitation Parameters Reveal Bubble Embolism Dynamics in Maize Xylem Vessels across Water Potential Gradients

by Yangjie Ren, Yitong Zhang, Shiyang Guo, Ben Wang, Siqi Wang and Wei Gao

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101867 - 24 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1446

Abstract

Maize, a crop of international relevance, frequently undergoes xylem embolism due to water shortage, negatively impacting growth, yield, and quality. Consequently, a refined comprehension of xylem embolism is vital for enhancing maize cultivation. Notwithstanding extensive research and the generation of analytical models for [...] Read more.

Maize, a crop of international relevance, frequently undergoes xylem embolism due to water shortage, negatively impacting growth, yield, and quality. Consequently, a refined comprehension of xylem embolism is vital for enhancing maize cultivation. Notwithstanding extensive research and the generation of analytical models for embolism mechanisms, prevalent models often disregard crop-specific hydraulic processes and the formation of embolisms via air bubbles in the xylem conduit. In this research, we present an inventive model applying pipe cavitation parameters to discern water potential and bubble formation in maize leaf xylem. The model integrates pivotal physiological traits of the maize–leaf count, leaf vein count, and diameter of xylem vessels—demonstrating robust correlations. Furthermore, we constructed Percent Loss of Conductivity (PLC) curve based on water potential and compared it with our model, offering interval data to observe embolization events triggered by air bubbles. Utilizing experimental data, our novel cavitation-parameter-based model effectively corresponds with observed bubble phenomena and appropriately characterizes water transport in plant xylem conduits. This method enabled us to observe the transition from bubble occurrence to cavitation embolism microscopically, which aligned with the embolism intervals provided by the model. This procedure reveals potential trends in bubble-induced embolism and deepens our knowledge of microscopic plant hydraulics and crop embolism. This work establishes a basis for understanding the generation of bubble embolisms in maize, assists in evaluating maize-plant water status for efficient water supply management throughout the growth cycle, and contributes towards potential water management strategies for maize. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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13 pages, 908 KiB  

Open AccessReview

An Overview of the Impacts of Climate Change on Vineyard Ecosystems in Niagara, Canada

by Diana Ribeiro Tosato, Heather VanVolkenburg and Liette Vasseur

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1809; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091809 - 14 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Vineyards are agroecosystems of great importance in the Niagara Region, Ontario (Canada). Due to its microclimate, this region is projected to be impacted by climate change with temperature increases, changes in precipitation patterns in all seasons, and greater frequency of extreme weather events. [...] Read more.

Vineyards are agroecosystems of great importance in the Niagara Region, Ontario (Canada). Due to its microclimate, this region is projected to be impacted by climate change with temperature increases, changes in precipitation patterns in all seasons, and greater frequency of extreme weather events. The aim of this review paper is to summarize which seasonal changes are expected to occur in the Niagara Region and assess how such changes are likely to affect the main components of the vineyard ecosystem (i.e., soil, vines, invertebrates, and pathogens). It is expected that by 2080 the region will experience an increase in temperature in all four seasons; an increase in precipitation during the fall, winter, and spring; and a decrease in precipitation during summer months. Impacts of the projected changes will likely lead to vine water stress, yield loss, increases in incidents of diseases, increases in the spread of new pests, and changes in grape quality ultimately resulting in lower wine quality and/or production. Current management practices will need to be better understood and adaptive strategies introduced to enhance grape growers’ ability to minimize these impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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18 pages, 3158 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Porous Minerals Improve Wheat Shoot Growth and Grain Yield through Affecting Soil Properties and Microbial Community in Coastal Saline Land

by Lan Ma, Yanjing Song, Jie Wang, Yan Shan, Tingting Mao, Xiaoyan Liang, Haiyang Zhang, Rao Fu, Junlin Li, Wenjing Nie, Meng Li, Jiajia Li, Kuihua Yi, Lu Wang, Xiangyu Wang and Hongxia Zhang

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092380 - 13 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1360

Abstract

Soil salinization has become a major environmental factor severely threatening global food security. The application of porous minerals could significantly ameliorate soil fertility and promote plant productivity under salt stress conditions. However, the effects of porous minerals on improving the salt resistance of [...] Read more.

Soil salinization has become a major environmental factor severely threatening global food security. The application of porous minerals could significantly ameliorate soil fertility and promote plant productivity under salt stress conditions. However, the effects of porous minerals on improving the salt resistance of grain crops in coastal saline soils is not fully studied. In this work, the shoot growth and grain yield of wheat plants grown in coastal saline fields, respectively amended with the four naturally available porous minerals, diatomite, montmorillonite, bentonite and zeolite, were assessed. The application of porous minerals, especially zeolite, significantly improved the biomass and grain yield of wheat plants under saline conditions, as demonstrated by the augmented plant fresh mass (14.8~61.2%) and increased seed size (3.8~58.8%) and number (1.4~57.5%). Soil property analyses exhibited that porous-mineral amendment decreased soil sodium content and sodium absorption ratio, and increased soil nutrients in both the rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere of wheat plants. Further quantitative-PCR and 16S high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that porous-mineral application also remarkably increased the abundance of bacterial 16S rRNA (0.8~102.4%) and fungal 18S rRNA (89.2~209.6%), and altered the composition of the soil microbial community in the rhizosphere of wheat. Our findings suggest that zeolite could be used as an ideal salt soil amendment, and the changes in soil properties and microorganisms caused by the application of porous minerals like zeolite improved the salt resistance of wheat plants in coastal saline land, leading to increased shoot growth and seed production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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14 pages, 3263 KiB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Growth and Photosynthetic Responses to Increased LED Light Intensity in Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) Sprouts

by Jinnan Song, Jingli Yang and Byoung Ryong Jeong

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2375; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092375 - 13 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Compared to the traditional production of ginseng roots, Panax ginseng sprouts (PGSs) are currently regarded as a substitute due to the relatively short-term culture but still high nutrition. However, the optimal light intensity for the growth ability of PGSs and the characterizations of [...] Read more.

Compared to the traditional production of ginseng roots, Panax ginseng sprouts (PGSs) are currently regarded as a substitute due to the relatively short-term culture but still high nutrition. However, the optimal light intensity for the growth ability of PGSs and the characterizations of the responses of PGSs to the light intensity have been largely neglected. This study aimed to determine the influences of the light intensity on the growth, morphogenesis, and photosynthetic responses in PGSs. To this end, two-year-old ginseng rootlets were subjected to one of six light intensities (from 30 to 280 PPFD with 50 PPFD intervals) in a plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) via LED light for 10 weeks. On the whole, the recorded parameters of the PGSs showed gradually decreasing trends in response to the increasing light intensities. However, the 80 PPFD-treated PGSs possessed similar or greater root dry weights, leaf areas, carotenoids levels, and photosynthesis (the maximal PSII quantum yield) compared to those in the 30 PPFD regime. Additionally, photoinhibition symptoms as evidenced by chlorosis, necrosis, and stunted growth were observed as the light intensity attained 180 PPFD. Thus, 130 PPFD could be considered a safe point for the appearance of photoinhibition in PGSs. Taken together, we show that the light intensity range of 30–80 PPFD is suitable for maximizing the production of PGSs in PFALs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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15 pages, 1956 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

De Novo Transcriptome Analysis of Solanum lycopersicum cv. Super Strain B under Drought Stress

by Hassan S. Al-Zahrani, Tarek A. A. Moussa, Hameed Alsamadany, Rehab M. Hafez and Michael P. Fuller

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092360 - 11 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1143

Abstract

Tomato cv. super strain B was widely cultivated in Saudi Arabia under drought stress. Illumina Hiseq-2000 was used to create the transcriptional profile of tomato cultivar super strain B. A total of 98,069 contigs were gathered, with an average length of 766 bp. [...] Read more.

Tomato cv. super strain B was widely cultivated in Saudi Arabia under drought stress. Illumina Hiseq-2000 was used to create the transcriptional profile of tomato cultivar super strain B. A total of 98,069 contigs were gathered, with an average length of 766 bp. Most of the genes in the gene ontology (GO) analysis were categorized into molecular function (MF) of ATP binding (1301 genes), metal ion binding (456 genes), protein kinase activity (392 genes), transferase activity (299 genes), Biological process (BP) of DNA-templated genes (366 genes), and regulation of transcription genes (209 genes), while cellular components (CC) of integral component of membrane (436 genes). The most dominant enzymes expressed were transferases (645 sequences). According to the KEGG pathway database, 15,638 transcripts were interpreted in 125 exclusive pathways. The major pathway groups were metabolic pathways (map01100, 315 genes) and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (map01110, 188 genes). The total number of variants in the twelve chromosomes of super strain B compared with the tomato genome was 5284. The total number of potential SSRs was 5047 in 4806 unigenes. Trinucleotide repeats (3006, 59.5%) were the most found type in the transcriptome. A total of 4541 SNPs and 744 INDELs in tomato super strain B were identified when compared with the tomato genome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses to Environmental Stress)

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