Membrane contact sites (MCSs) between the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane enable the transport of lipids without membrane fusion. Extended Synaptotagmins (ESYTs) act at MCSs, functioning as tethers between two membrane compartments. In plants, ESYTs have been mainly investigated in <i>A. thaliana</i> and shown to maintain the integrity of the plasma membrane, especially during stress responses like cold acclimatization, mechanical trauma, and salt stress. ESYTs are present at the MCSs of plasmodesmata, where they regulate defense responses by modulating cell-to-cell transfer of pathogens. Here, the analysis of ESYTs was expanded to the bryophyte <i>Physcomitrium patens</i>, an extant representative of the earliest land plant lineages. <i>P. patens</i> was found to contain a large number of ESYTs, distributed over all previously established classes and an additional class not present in <i>A. thaliana</i>. Motif discovery identified regions in the Synaptotagmin-like mitochondrial (SMP) domain that may explain phylogenetic relationships as well as protein function. The adaptation mechanisms of <i>P. patens</i> necessary to conquer land and its simple tissue structure make it highly suitable as a model organism to study ESYT functions in tip growth, stress responses, and plasmodesmata-mediated transport, and open new directions of research regarding the function of MCSs in cellular processes and plant evolution.
The degeneration of germplasm is a key factor limiting the yield and quality of <i>Gastrodia elata</i> Blume. Sexual reproduction is a primary method to address this degeneration, while the number of flowers and capsules is directly related to sexual reproduction. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying the high flower/fruit-bearing traits in <i>G. elata</i> remain unclear. We first compared the quantitative and qualitative traits during the flowering to fruiting period of <i>G. elata</i>, including bolting height, flowering quantity, flowering time, fruiting quantity, capsule spacing, seed quality, etc. The natural materials were selected by multi-capsule and few-capsule for transcriptome analysis to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs); the candidate gene <i>GePIF4</i> was suspected to regulate the formation of multiple flowers and fruits. It was confirmed that GePIF4 has multiple biological functions in the overexpression of transgenic lines, including increasing numbers of vegetative propagation corms (VPCs) and promoting the growth of <i>G. elata</i>. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis of EV and OE-GePIF4 transgenic lines, the transcriptional regulatory network of GePIF4 was identified, and transient expression of GePIF4 was demonstrated to significantly promote gastrodin accumulation. The dual-LUC assay and in vitro yeast one hybrid results showed that GePIF4 could directly bind to GeRAX2 to regulate multi-capsule formation, and GePIF4 could directly bind to GeC4H1 to promote gastrodin accumulation. Therefore, we elucidate the role of GePIF4 in multi-capsule formation and secondary metabolite accumulation, thereby laying the groundwork for the genetic improvement of <i>G. elata</i> germplasm resources.
Hung-Chi Chang, Jin-Cherng Lien, Min-Chung Hsueh
et al.
In this study, we collected seven prevalent Taiwanese <i>Desmodium</i> plants, including three species with synonymous characteristics, in order to assess their antioxidant phytoconstituents and radical scavenging capacities. Additionally, we compared their inhibitory activities on monoamine oxidase (MAO) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) auto-oxidation. Subsequently, we evaluated the neuroprotective potential of <i>D. pulchellum</i> on 6-OHDA-induced nerve damage in SH-SY5Y cells and delved into the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. Among the seven <i>Desmodium</i> species, <i>D. pulchellum</i> exhibited the most robust ABTS radical scavenging capacity and relative reducing power; correspondingly, it had the highest total phenolic and phenylpropanoid contents. Meanwhile, <i>D. motorium</i> showcased the best hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity and, notably, <i>D. sequax</i> demonstrated remarkable prowess in DPPH radical and superoxide scavenging capacity, along with selective inhibitory activity against MAO-B. Of the aforementioned species, <i>D. pulchellum</i> emerged as the frontrunner in inhibiting 6-OHDA auto-oxidation and conferring neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-induced neuronal damage in the SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, <i>D. pulchellum</i> effectively mitigated the increase in intracellular ROS and MDA levels through restoring the activities of the intracellular antioxidant defense system. Therefore, we suggest that <i>D. pulchellum</i> possesses neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity due to the radical scavenging capacity of its antioxidant phytoconstituents and its ability to restore intracellular antioxidant activities.
Abstract Background Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1), a plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchanger, is essential for plant salt tolerance. Salt damage is a significant abiotic stress that impacts plant species globally. All living organisms require copper (Cu), a necessary micronutrient and a protein cofactor for many biological and physiological processes. High Cu concentrations, however, may result in pollution that inhibits the growth and development of plants. The function and production of mangrove ecosystems are significantly impacted by rising salinity and copper contamination. Results A genome-wide analysis and bioinformatics techniques were used in this study to identify 20 SOS1 genes in the genome of Kandelia obovata. Most of the SOS1 genes were found on the plasma membrane and dispersed over 11 of the 18 chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, KoSOS1s can be categorized into four groups, similar to Solanum tuberosum. Kandelia obovata's SOS1 gene family expanded due to tandem and segmental duplication. These SOS1 homologs shared similar protein structures, according to the results of the conserved motif analysis. The coding regions of 20 KoSOS1 genes consist of amino acids ranging from 466 to 1221, while the exons include amino acids ranging from 3 to 23. In addition, we found that the 2.0 kb upstream promoter region of the KoSOS1s gene contains several cis-elements associated with phytohormones and stress responses. According to the expression experiments, seven randomly chosen genes experienced up- and down-regulation of their expression levels in response to copper (CuCl2) and salt stressors. Conclusions For the first time, this work systematically identified SOS1 genes in Kandelia obovata. Our investigations also encompassed physicochemical properties, evolution, and expression patterns, thereby furnishing a theoretical framework for subsequent research endeavours aimed at functionally characterizing the Kandelia obovata SOS1 genes throughout the life cycle of plants.
Carlos Augusto Vidigal Fraga Junior, Emerson Luiz Gumboski, Shirley da Cunha Feuerstein
et al.
Abstract The “Funga Capixaba” have been overlooked for a very long time, leading to a gap in the local mycological knowledge. In order to create a preliminary and updated list of Ascomycetes and lichen-forming fungi from Espírito Santo state, Brazil we reviewed all specimens deposited in the VIES Herbarium and key references of former mycological studies. In our list, we report a total of 528 species belonging to 173 genera and 65 families. 422 are new records for Espírito Santo state, six species, Mazaediothecium uniseptatum, Cratiria chloraceus, Lecanora glaucoidea, Pyrenula montocensis, and P. oleosa, are new records both for the neotropics and Brazil, and Lobariella pseudocrenulata is also new to Brazil. We have increased the number of accepted macrofungi species names from 85 to 528, which makes the Espírito Santo state the 10th highest in terms of known fungal diversity among Brazilian states. An updated and preliminary list of macroscopic Ascomycota including lichen-forming fungi from Espírito Santo, comments, and a brief overview about the local mycology are provided.
Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles presents a promising approach for their efficient and environmentally friendly production. In this study, CuO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by using Rumex nepalensis Spreng. as a bio-reducing agent. The spectroscopic analysis confirmed the crystalline monoclinic structure of the synthesized CuO NPs, with particle sizes ranging from 21 to 97 nm. These biosynthesized CuO NPs exhibited notable antimicrobial activity against diverse microorganisms, suggesting their potential for antimicrobial applications. Moreover, the CuO NPs displayed significant antioxidant activity, demonstrated by their effective scavenging of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. This study highlights the straightforward, cost-effective, non-toxic, and robust nature of CuO NPs synthesis using Rumex nepalensis Spreng., offering insights into their potential applications in antimicrobial and antioxidant fields.
Tufy Kabbas Junior, Cristiane de Moura, Thiago Mendanha Cruz
et al.
The objective of this work was to determine the phenolic composition, chemical and cellular antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity in human cells, and peroxidative inhibition of the defatted fraction of grape (<i>Vitis labrusca</i>) and blackberry (<i>Rubus fruticosus</i>) seeds. Soxhlet extraction (Sox) was used to extract the fat and obtain the degreased material. A statistical optimization study was developed to maximize the extraction of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity from defatted grape and blackberry seeds. Simultaneous optimization was applied with a combination of 35.9 min of extraction and a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1 g of defatted grape seed to 61.28 mL of an extracting solvent (60% ethanol) and 62.1 min of extraction and a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1 g of defatted blackberry seed to 64.1 mL of an extracting solvent (60% ethanol). In the cell viability assay, HepG2 cancer cells seemed more sensitive to grape and blackberry extracts, while Ea.hy926 hybrid cells showed more resistance to their effects. In general, the extracts presented low/no cytotoxicity, exhibited a protective effect against H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced ROS production, and demonstrated antioxidant activity and a protective effect on the erythrocytes when subjected to hypotonic and isotonic conditions not presenting hemolytic behavior (5.0 to 10.0 μg GAE/mL). Thus, the results provided a broad assessment of the bioactivity of the extracts obtained using a simple and low-cost process developed by employing non-toxic solvents and with the potential to be used in technological applications.
Pesticide spraying using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been utilized in many crops, including fruit tree crops, because of its merits in terms of labor-saving and the low risk to the operator. However, its relevance to chestnut, one of the commercially significant fruit trees grown throughout Europe and Asia, has not been studied. In this work, we assessed the effectiveness of UAV-based ultra-low-volume pesticide application in chestnuts. We demonstrated the efficiency of three insecticides applied by a UAV on young chestnut trees. Interestingly, using a reduced amount of one of the pesticides, UAV-based spraying had greater control efficacy than conventional methods. The efficacy of ultra-low-volume pesticide application to adult trees was equivalent to using an air-blast sprayer. The spray coverage was compared in terms of spray volume (20 L vs. 40 L ha<sup>−1</sup>), flight method (straight flight vs. rotating flight for each tree), the size of the UAVs (8 L vs. 30 L in payload capacity), flow rate (3.8 L vs. 6.0 L min<sup>−1</sup>), and tree age in order to characterize the droplet deposition of UAV-based spraying. Overall, we showed that spraying pesticides using a UAV could effectively protect chestnut trees. It was debated how tree training, or tree height, affected pest control.
The lectotype (P00537796) is designated for the name Brachyscome neocaledonica Guill. (now accepted as Pytinicarpa neocaledonica (Guill.) G.L.Nesom), the type species of the genus Pytinicarpa G.L.Nesom (Asteraceae). This action proved necessary as only syntypes for that species name were cited by Guillaumin in the protologue; also, no lectotypification was provided when Nesom erected the genus Pytinicarpa. Some syntypes from the gatherings cited in the protologue of Brachyscome neocaledonica represent a related species Pytinicarpa sarasinii (Däniker) G.L.Nesom (Brachyscome sarasinii Däniker) or mixed collections. Because of that the lectotype designation is important for maintaining the nomenclatural stability and application of names in the genus Pytinicarpa.
Grape downy mildew (GDM) is a destructive grapevine disease caused by <i>Plasmopara viticola</i> that occurs worldwide. In this study, we determined the characteristics of GDM epidemics and the grapevine canopy micro-climate in open-field, fungicide-spray, and rain-shelter plots during two constitutive years (2016 and 2017). It was found that rain shelter can significantly delay the disease occurrence by 28 and 21 days, reduce the epidemic phase by 28 and 21 days, and decrease the final disease index by 82% and 83%. Furthermore, it can block precipitation, reduce the relative humidity by 11% and 8%, and reduce the leaf wetness duration by 85% and 76% compared with open-field cultivation. A total of 3861, 783, and 1145 lesions were collected from the open-field, fungicide-managed, and rain-shelter plots, respectively, for analyses of the genetic diversity, population differentiation, and epidemic mode with seven microsatellite markers. In terms of genetic diversity, the Nei’s diversity index ranged from 0.569 to 0.680 and Shannon’s information index ranged from 0.958 to 1.226, showing high levels of diversity across populations. Similar to fungicide management, a rain shelter can significantly reduce the population’s genetic diversity. Low pairwise <i>FST</i> values (0.003–0.047) and high gene flow (<i>Nm</i> = 1.548–20.699) were observed among the three populations each year. In addition, most of the genetic variation occurred within populations. The epidemic mode of GDM in the open-field, fungicide-managed, and rain-shelter cultivation showed moderate, low, and high levels of clonality, respectively, in the case study.
Felix Grewe, Claudio Ametrano, Todd J. Widhelm
et al.
Abstract Parmeliaceae is the largest family of lichen-forming fungi with a worldwide distribution. We used a target enrichment data set and a qualitative selection method for 250 out of 350 genes to infer the phylogeny of the major clades in this family including 81 taxa, with both subfamilies and all seven major clades previously recognized in the subfamily Parmelioideae. The reduced genome-scale data set was analyzed using concatenated-based Bayesian inference and two different Maximum Likelihood analyses, and a coalescent-based species tree method. The resulting topology was strongly supported with the majority of nodes being fully supported in all three concatenated-based analyses. The two subfamilies and each of the seven major clades in Parmelioideae were strongly supported as monophyletic. In addition, most backbone relationships in the topology were recovered with high nodal support. The genus Parmotrema was found to be polyphyletic and consequently, it is suggested to accept the genus Crespoa to accommodate the species previously placed in Parmotrema subgen. Crespoa. This study demonstrates the power of reduced genome-scale data sets to resolve phylogenetic relationships with high support. Due to lower costs, target enrichment methods provide a promising avenue for phylogenetic studies including larger taxonomic/specimen sampling than whole genome data would allow.
Abstract Among the traits whose relevance for plant invasions has recently been suggested are genome size (the amount of nuclear DNA) and ploidy level. So far, research on the role of genome size in invasiveness has been mostly based on indirect evidence by comparing species with different genome sizes, but how karyological traits influence competition at the intraspecific level remains unknown. We addressed these questions in a common‐garden experiment evaluating the outcome of direct intraspecific competition among 20 populations of Phragmites australis, represented by clones collected in North America and Europe, and differing in their status (native and invasive), genome size (small and large), and ploidy levels (tetraploid, hexaploid, or octoploid). Each clone was planted in competition with one of the others in all possible combinations with three replicates in 45‐L pots. Upon harvest, the identity of 21 shoots sampled per pot was revealed by flow cytometry and DNA analysis. Differences in performance were examined using relative proportions of shoots of each clone, ratios of their aboveground biomass, and relative yield total (RYT). The performance of the clones in competition primarily depended on the clone status (native vs. invasive). Measured in terms of shoot number or aboveground biomass, the strongest signal observed was that North American native clones always lost in competition to the other two groups. In addition, North American native clones were suppressed by European natives to a similar degree as by North American invasives. North American invasive clones had the largest average shoot biomass, but only by a limited, nonsignificant difference due to genome size. There was no effect of ploidy on competition. Since the North American invaders of European origin are able to outcompete the native North American clones, we suggest that their high competitiveness acts as an important driver in the early stages of their invasion.
Slavica MATIĆ, Giovanna GILARDI, Maria VARVERI
et al.
Severe outbreaks of Alternaria leaf spot have occurred in Northern Italy on leafy vegetable and ornamental hosts. This disease is mainly controlled by two classes of respiration inhibitor fungicides, QoIs (including azoxystrobin) and SDHIs (including boscalid). Thirty-six Alternaria strains were isolated from five leafy vegetable crops, and subjected to molecular characterization. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses assigned most of the strains (86%) to A. alternata, while the rest were A. arborescens and other Alternaria spp. In vitro sensitivity assays showed that 3% of the strains were of intermediate resistance, and 11% of reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin, while 8% of the strains were resistant to boscalid. Sequencing of cytochrome b in an intermediately resistant strain of Alternaria revealed the G143A mutation. This strain was also resistant to boscalid. None of the tested Alternaria strains had amino acid mutations associated with boscalid resistance coded by the SdhB and SdhC genes. This is the first report of azoxystrobin resistance in A. alternata in Italy, as well as the first record of resistance of Alternaria spp. found on leafy vegetables. As boscalid resistance was not associated with any frequently reported mutations, further investigations of the additional resistance mechanisms are necessary. These results demonstrate the need for well-organized chemical control of emerging Alternaria diseases, to prevent the increase of resistance to QoI and SDHI fungicide classes, and the possibility of double fungicide resistance in these pathogens.
Rawnak Laila, Jong-In Park, Arif Hasan Khan Robin
et al.
Abstract Background Plasmodiophora brassicae is a soil-borne plant pathogen that causes clubroot disease, which results in crop yield loss in cultivated Brassica species. Here, we investigated whether a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in B. rapa might confer resistance to a Korean P. brassicae pathotype isolate, Seosan. We crossed resistant and susceptible parental lines and analyzed the segregation pattern in a F2 population of 348 lines. We identified and mapped a novel clubroot resistance QTL using the same mapping population that included susceptible Chinese cabbage and resistant turnip lines. Forty-five resistant and 45 susceptible F2 lines along with their parental lines were used for double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). High resolution melting (HRM)-based validation of SNP positions was conducted to confirm the novel locus. Results A 3:1 ratio was observed for resistant: susceptible genotypes, which is in accordance with Mendelian segregation. ddRAD-seq identified a new locus, CRs, on chromosome A08 that was different from the clubroot resistance (CR) locus, Crr1. HRM analysis validated SNP positions and constricted CRs region. Four out of seventeen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) positions were within a 0.8-Mb region that included three NBS-LRR candidate genes but not Crr1. Conclusion The newly identified CRs locus is a novel clubroot resistance locus, as the cultivar Akimeki bears the previously known Crr1 locus but remains susceptible to the Seosan isolate. These results could be exploited to develop molecular markers to detect Seosan-resistant genotypes and develop resistant Chinese cabbage cultivars.
It is hard to lose a teacher, who used to direct you. It is sad and bitter to lose a colleague, who you used to work with for many years. It is unbearably painful to lose a friend, with whom you have gone through so much together.
Doctor of biology, Professor, director and creator of the Kuban Subtropical Botanical Garden, chairman of Dendrology Commission under the Botanical Gardens of Russia Council, chairman of the Regional Council of Botanical Gardens of Southern Russia, Yuri Karpun passed away.
The great introductor, who created Russia’s richest dendrocollection, inspirer and chief editor of the “Catalogue of Cultivated Wood Plants of Russia”, member of our journal’s editorial board passed away.
Yuri Karpun’s deeds and projects were numerous and varied. He was interested in many things and he gave all of his endless enthusiasm and great talent to everything.
He was engaged in saving the sacred trees of Palestine and developing information technologies for botanical gardens, preparing new generations of great botanists and in organizational work in the Botanical Gardens of Russia Council. He had a special understanding of our world and expertise in haute cuisine.
It just so happened, that last March at the "Strategy of Creating Sustainable Dendrological Collections" national conference we founded a “Bauhinia Acuminata” order – friends and colleagues, who gathered together to praise the 40th anniversary of the great masterpiece - Kuban Subtropical Botanical Garden.
Dear Yuri, we all remember about our promises and prospects. Certainly, all of them will be fulfilled and your work will be continued.
I suppose, you are now going to have a lot of work in the first botanical garden ever.
Good luck!!!
Fine-scale differences in behaviour and habitat use have important ecological implications, but have rarely been examined in marine gastropods. We used tri-axial accelerometer loggers to estimate activity levels and movement patterns of the juvenile queen conch Lobatus gigas (n = 11) in 2 habitat types in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. In 2 manipulations in nearshore areas, queen conchs were equipped with accelerometers and released in adjacent coral rubble or seagrass habitats. Queen conchs were located approximately every 6 h during daylight by snorkeling, to measure individual differences in linear distance moved, and after 24 h they were relocated to an alternate habitat (24 h in each habitat). We found significant inter-individual variability in activity levels, but more consistent levels of activity between the 2 habitat types within individual queen conchs. Four (36%) of the individuals placed in seagrass moved back to the adjacent coral rubble habitat, suggesting selectivity for coral rubble. Individuals showed variable behavioural responses when relocated to the less preferable seagrass habitat, which may be related to differing stress-coping styles. Our results suggest that behavioural variability between individuals may be an important factor driving movement and habitat use in queen conch and, potentially, their susceptibility to human stressors. This study provides evidence of diverse behavioural (activity) patterns and habitat selectivity in a marine gastropod and highlights the utility of accelerometer biologgers for continuously monitoring animal behaviour in the wild.
Results of overall enumeration of plants in the biggest areas occupied by Querceta roboris in quarters 3, 5 and 6 of park Feofania (Kyiv city) are presented. It has been discovered that the biggest amount of oaks are in-between 52 and 72 cm in diameter, next in number are plants with stern diameter over 76 cm, plants with stern diameter of 48 cm or less are few. It is shown that the amount of age-old Querceta roboris totals from 21 to 69 units per 1 hectare (in 180 years-old plantations of the second creditworthiness with the first fullness it is supposed to amount to 140). The second floor is presented with Carpinus betulus, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides and other species, population of which have a pronounced left-sided age specter. That indicates de gradation of Querceta roboris and the fact that without human intervention it will not recover itself. Age-old oak wood recovering measures has been presented; those measures constitute creating 0,08 hectare big and even bigger “windows” in the second floor and planting into those “windows” seedlings of Quercus robur.