1
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Davis SC, Ortiz-Cano HG. Lessons from the history of Agave: ecological and cultural context for valuation of CAM. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:819-833. [PMID: 37279950 PMCID: PMC10799984 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND SCOPE Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is an intriguing physiological adaptation in plants that are widespread throughout many ecosystems. Despite the relatively recent mechanistic understanding of CAM in plant physiology, evidence from historical records suggests that ancient cultures in the Americas also recognized the value of CAM plants. Agave species, in particular, have a rich cultural legacy that provides a foundation for commercially valued products. Here, we review that legacy and potential relationships between ancient values and the needs of modern-day climate adaptation strategies. CONCLUSIONS There are many products that can be produced from Agave species, including food, sugar, fibre and medicines. Traditional knowledge about agricultural management and preparation of plant products can be combined with new ecophysiological knowledge and agronomic techniques to develop these resources in the borderland region of the southwestern USA and Mexico. Historical records of pre-Columbian practices in the Sonoran desert and remnants of centuries-old agriculture in Baja California and Sonora demonstrate the climate resilience of Agave agriculture. Commercial growth of both tequila and bacanora indicates the potential for large-scale production today, but also underscores the importance of adopting regenerative agricultural practices to accomplish environmentally sustainable production. Recent international recognition of the Appellation of Origin for several Agave species produced for spirits in Mexico might provide opportunities for agricultural diversification. In contrast, fibre is currently produced from several Agave species on many continents. Projections of growth with future climate change suggest that Agave spp. will be viable alternatives for commodity crops that suffer declines during drought and increased temperatures. Historical cultivation of Agave affirms that these CAM plants can supply sugar, soft and hard fibres, medicines and food supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Davis
- Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, Ohio University, Building 22 The Ridges, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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2
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Leverett A, Borland AM, Inge EJ, Hartzell S. Low internal air space in plants with crassulacean acid metabolism may be an anatomical spandrel. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:811-817. [PMID: 37622678 PMCID: PMC10799988 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a photosynthetic adaptation found in at least 38 plant families. Typically, the anatomy of CAM plants is characterized by large photosynthetic cells and a low percentage of leaf volume consisting of internal air space (% IAS). It has been suggested that reduced mesophyll conductance (gm) arising from low % IAS benefits CAM plants by preventing the movement of CO2 out of cells and ultimately minimizing leakage of CO2 from leaves into the atmosphere during day-time decarboxylation. Here, we propose that low % IAS does not provide any adaptive benefit to CAM plants, because stomatal closure during phase III of CAM will result in internal concentrations of CO2 becoming saturated, meaning low gm will not have any meaningful impact on the flux of gases within leaves. We suggest that low % IAS is more likely an indirect consequence of maximizing the cellular volume within a leaf, to provide space for the overnight storage of malic acid during the CAM cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Leverett
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Campus, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Anne M Borland
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Emma J Inge
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Campus, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Samantha Hartzell
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Portland State University, 1930 SW 124 Ave., Portland, OR, USA
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3
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Leverett A, Borland AM. Elevated nocturnal respiratory rates in the mitochondria of CAM plants: current knowledge and unanswered questions. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:855-867. [PMID: 37638861 PMCID: PMC10799998 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a metabolic adaptation that has evolved convergently in 38 plant families to aid survival in water-limited niches. Whilst primarily considered a photosynthetic adaptation, CAM also has substantial consequences for nocturnal respiratory metabolism. Here, we outline the history, current state and future of nocturnal respiration research in CAM plants, with a particular focus on the energetics of nocturnal respiratory oxygen consumption. Throughout the 20th century, research interest in nocturnal respiration occurred alongside initial discoveries of CAM, although the energetic and mechanistic implications of nocturnal oxygen consumption and links to the operation of the CAM cycle were not fully understood. Recent flux balance analysis (FBA) models have provided new insights into the role that mitochondria play in the CAM cycle. Several FBA models have predicted that CAM requires elevated nocturnal respiratory rates, compared to C3 species, to power vacuolar malic acid accumulation. We provide physiological data, from the genus Clusia, to corroborate these modelling predictions, thereby reinforcing the importance of elevated nocturnal respiratory rates for CAM. Finally, we outline five unanswered questions pertaining to nocturnal respiration which must be addressed if we are to fully understand and utilize CAM plants in a hotter, drier world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Leverett
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Anne M Borland
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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4
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Edwards EJ. Reconciling continuous and discrete models of C4 and CAM evolution. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:717-725. [PMID: 37675944 PMCID: PMC10799980 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A current argument in the CAM biology literature has focused on the nature of the CAM evolutionary trajectory: whether there is a smooth continuum of phenotypes between plants with C3 and CAM photosynthesis or whether there are discrete steps of phenotypic evolutionary change such as has been modelled for the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. A further implication is that a smooth continuum would increase the evolvability of CAM, whereas discrete changes would make the evolutionary transition from C3 to CAM more difficult. SCOPE In this essay, I attempt to reconcile these two viewpoints, because I think in many ways this is a false dichotomy that is constraining progress in understanding how both CAM and C4 evolved. In reality, the phenotypic space connecting C3 species and strong CAM/C4 species is both a continuum of variably expressed quantitative traits and yet also contains certain combinations of traits that we are able to identify as discrete, recognizable phenotypes. In this sense, the evolutionary mechanics of CAM origination are no different from those of C4 photosynthesis, nor from the evolution of any other complex trait assemblage. CONCLUSIONS To make progress, we must embrace the concept of discrete phenotypic phases of CAM evolution, because their delineation will force us to articulate what aspects of phenotypic variation we think are significant. There are some current phenotypic gaps that are limiting our ability to build a complete CAM evolutionary model: the first is how a rudimentary CAM biochemical cycle becomes established, and the second is how the 'accessory' CAM cycle in C3+CAM plants is recruited into a primary metabolism. The connections to the C3 phenotype we are looking for are potentially found in the behaviour of C3 plants when undergoing physiological stress - behaviour that, strangely enough, remains essentially unexplored in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J Edwards
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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5
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Eskov AK, Elumeeva TG, Leonov VD, Tsurikov SM, Viktorova VA, Prilepsky NG, Abakumov EV. The Carbon Isotope Composition of Epiphytes Depends Not Only on Their Layers, Life Forms, and Taxonomical Groups but Also on the Carbon and Nitrogen Indicators of Host Trees. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3500. [PMID: 37836240 PMCID: PMC10575002 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The carbon isotopic composition of plant tissues is a diagnostic feature of a number of physiological and ecological processes. The most important of which is the type of photosynthesis. In epiphytes, two peaks of δ13C values are known to correspond to C3 and CAM photosynthesis and some variants of transitional forms between them. But the diagnosis of δ13C may not be limited to the type of photosynthesis. This makes it necessary to study trends in the distribution of δ13C in a broader ecological context. In this study, we present trends in the distribution of δ13C epiphytes and other structurally dependent plants and their relationship with other isotopic and elemental parameters (δ15N, C%, N%, and C/N) and with life forms of epiphytes, taxonomic or vertical groups in crowns (synusia), and the parameters of the trees themselves. In all communities except for the moss forest, δ13C in epiphyte leaves was significantly higher (less negative) than in phorophyte leaves. In general, δ13C in epiphytes in mountain communities (pine forest and moss forest) was more negative than in other communities due to the absence of succulents with CAM. δ13C in the leaves of all epiphytes was negatively related to the percentage of carbon and δ15N in the leaves of the phorophyte. When considering the Gaussian distributions of δ13C with the method of modeling mixtures, we observe the unimodal, bimodal, and trimodal nature of the distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alen K. Eskov
- Department of Plant Ecology and Geography, Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana G. Elumeeva
- Department of Plant Ecology and Geography, Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vlad. D. Leonov
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninskij Prosp., 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey M. Tsurikov
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninskij Prosp., 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Nikolay G. Prilepsky
- Department of Plant Ecology and Geography, Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny V. Abakumov
- Department of Applied Ecology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 16 Line of VO 29, 199178 St. Petersburg, Russia;
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6
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Tan B, Chen S. Defining Mechanisms of C 3 to CAM Photosynthesis Transition toward Enhancing Crop Stress Resilience. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13072. [PMID: 37685878 PMCID: PMC10487458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Global climate change and population growth are persistently posing threats to natural resources (e.g., freshwater) and agricultural production. Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) evolved from C3 photosynthesis as an adaptive form of photosynthesis in hot and arid regions. It features the nocturnal opening of stomata for CO2 assimilation, diurnal closure of stomata for water conservation, and high water-use efficiency. To cope with global climate challenges, the CAM mechanism has attracted renewed attention. Facultative CAM is a specialized form of CAM that normally employs C3 or C4 photosynthesis but can shift to CAM under stress conditions. It not only serves as a model for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the CAM evolution, but also provides a plausible solution for creating stress-resilient crops with facultative CAM traits. This review mainly discusses the recent research effort in defining the C3 to CAM transition of facultative CAM plants, and highlights challenges and future directions in this important research area with great application potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sixue Chen
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA;
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7
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Cotoz AP, Dan VS, Gocan TM, Andreica I, Rózsa S, Cantor M. Sedum Growth Patterns under Different Pedoclimatic Conditions. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2739. [PMID: 37514353 PMCID: PMC10384349 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
This research paper presents a case study analysis of the behavior of three Sedum varieties and their growth in three different types of substrates without additional watering or fertilizing. The study aims to identify a suitable substrate for propagation and to provide insight into the plant's growth patterns. By analyzing the growth of the Sedum species and varieties-SS'PW', SS'CB', and SS'P'-without intervening in their growth process, we were able to identify factors that play a more crucial role in promoting root growth, plant growth, aesthetic value, and use. Over a 20-month period, various technical tools were employed to conduct observations and measurements for both plants and weather conditions. The type of substrate significantly affected plant growth, with the green roof substrate exhibiting the highest overall average monthly root growth rate (0.92 ± 0.05 d, 1.01 ± 0.05 b, 0.96 ± 0.05 c) while in the case of stem growth, among all three varieties, the best results were obtained in the commercial mix (0.87 ± 0.04 a, 0.40 ± 0.02 c, 0.35 ± 0.02 d). Based on the morphological analyses, all values were significantly lower than the control. Best results for leaf weight and surface area were noticed in the green roof substrate with an average growth of 46%, 53%, 55%, and for stem weight, length, and thickness in the commercial mix with 64%, 61%, and 55% compared to the control, respectively. Leaves had varying morphological characteristics, but the chromatic characteristics were preserved. The plants had an overall poor growth which may not be desirable in landscape designs. The findings of this study are applicable in the planning and execution of eco-friendly infrastructure initiatives, leading to the development of more robust and environmentally friendly urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex-Péter Cotoz
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Valentin-Sebastian Dan
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tincuța-Marta Gocan
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ileana Andreica
- Department of Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sándor Rózsa
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Cantor
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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8
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Hu C, Mascoli V, Elias E, Croce R. The photosynthetic apparatus of the CAM plant Tillandsia flabellate and its response to water deficit. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 282:153945. [PMID: 36805519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.153945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CAM plants are superior to C3 plants in drought resistance because of their peculiar photosynthesis pathway and morphological features. While those aspects have been studied for decades, little is known about the photosynthetic machinery of CAM plants. Here, we used a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods to study the photosynthetic apparatus of Tillandsia flabellate, an obligatory CAM plant. Most of the Photosystems super- and sub-complexes have properties very similar to those of Arabidopsis, with the main difference that in Tillandsia PSI-LHCI complexes bind extra LHCI. Functional measurements show that the PSI/PSII ratio is rather low compared to other plants and that the antenna size of both PSI and PSII is small. Upon 30-day water deficiency, the composition of the photosystems does not change significantly, PSII efficiency remains high and no Photosystem II photoinhibition was detected despite a reduction of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hu
- Biophysics of Photosynthesis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Vincenzo Mascoli
- Biophysics of Photosynthesis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eduard Elias
- Biophysics of Photosynthesis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Roberta Croce
- Biophysics of Photosynthesis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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9
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Shen S, Li N, Wang Y, Zhou R, Sun P, Lin H, Chen W, Yu T, Liu Z, Wang Z, Tan X, Zhu C, Feng S, Zhang Y, Song X. High-quality ice plant reference genome analysis provides insights into genome evolution and allows exploration of genes involved in the transition from C3 to CAM pathways. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:2107-2122. [PMID: 35838009 PMCID: PMC9616530 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), a member of the Aizoaceae family, is a typical halophyte crop and a model plant for studying the mechanism of transition from C3 photosynthesis to crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Here, we report a high-quality chromosome-level ice plant genome sequence. This 98.05% genome sequence is anchored to nine chromosomes, with a total length of 377.97 Mb and an N50 scaffold of 40.45 Mb. Almost half of the genome (48.04%) is composed of repetitive sequences, and 24 234 genes have been annotated. Subsequent to the ancient whole-genome triplication (WGT) that occurred in eudicots, there has been no recent whole-genome duplication (WGD) or WGT in ice plants. However, we detected a novel WGT event that occurred in the same order in Simmondsia chinensis, which was previously overlooked. Our findings revealed that ice plants have undergone chromosome rearrangements and gene removal during evolution. Combined with transcriptome and comparative genomic data and expression verification, we identified several key genes involved in the CAM pathway and constructed a comprehensive network. As the first genome of the Aizoaceae family to be released, this report will provide a rich data resource for comparative and functional genomic studies of Aizoaceae, especially for studies on salt tolerance and C3-to-CAM transitions to improve crop yield and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Shen
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Nan Li
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Yujie Wang
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Food ScienceAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Pengchuan Sun
- Key Laboratory for Bio‐Resource and Eco‐Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hao Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology and Center for Informational BiologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and PharmacyChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Tong Yu
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Zhuo Liu
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Xiao Tan
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Changping Zhu
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Shuyan Feng
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Xiaoming Song
- College of Life Sciences/Center for Genomics and Bio‐computingNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
- School of Life Science and Technology and Center for Informational BiologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Food Science and Technology DepartmentUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
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10
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Yang J, Zhang F, Ge Y, Yu W, Xue Q, Wang M, Wang H, Xue Q, Liu W, Niu Z, Ding X. Effects of geographic isolation on the Bulbophyllum chloroplast genomes. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:201. [PMID: 35439926 PMCID: PMC9016995 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because chloroplast (cp) genome has more conserved structures than nuclear genome and mitochondrial genome, it is a useful tool in estimating the phylogenetic relationships of plants. With a series of researches for cp genomes, there have been comprehensive understandings about the cp genome features. The genus Bulbophyllum widely distributed in Asia, South America, Australia and other places. Therefore, it is an excellent type genus for studying the effects of geographic isolation. RESULTS In this study, the cp genomes of nine Bulbophyllum orchids were newly sequenced and assembled using the next-generation sequencing technology. Based on 19 Asian (AN) and eight South American (SA) Bulbophyllum orchids, the cp genome features of AN clade and SA clade were compared. Comparative analysis showed that there were considerable differences in overall cp genome features between two clades in three aspects, including basic cp genome features, SSC/IRB junctions (JSBs) and mutational hotspots. The phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation results showed that the AN clade has diverged from the SA clade in the late Oligocene (21.50-30.12 mya). After estimating the occurrence rates of the insertions and deletions (InDels), we found that the change trends of cp genome structures between two clades were different under geographic isolation. Finally, we compared selective pressures on cp genes and found that long-term geographic isolation made AN and SA Bulbophyllum cp genes evolved variably. CONCLUSION The results revealed that the overall structural characteristics of Bulbophyllum cp genomes diverged during the long-term geographic isolation, and the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway may play an important role in the Bulbophyllum species evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fuwei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yajie Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenhui Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qiqian Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengting Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hongman Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qingyun Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhitao Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Ding
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Technical Industrialization for Dendrobiums, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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11
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Shu JP, Yan YH, Wang RJ. Convergent molecular evolution of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene family in C 4 and crassulacean acid metabolism plants. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12828. [PMID: 35116203 PMCID: PMC8784020 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), as the key enzyme in initial carbon fixation of C4and crassulacean acid mechanism (CAM) pathways, was thought to undergo convergent adaptive changes resulting in the convergent evolution of C4 and CAM photosynthesis in vascular plants. However, the integral evolutionary history and convergence of PEPC in plants remain poorly understood. In the present study, we identified the members of PEPC gene family across green plants with seventeen genomic datasets, found ten conserved motifs and modeled three-dimensional protein structures of 90 plant-type PEPC genes. After reconstructing PEPC gene family tree and reconciled with species tree, we found PEPC genes underwent 71 gene duplication events and 16 gene loss events, which might result from whole-genome duplication events in plants. Based on the phylogenetic tree of the PEPC gene family, we detected four convergent evolution sites of PEPC in C4 species but none in CAM species. The PEPC gene family was ubiquitous and highly conservative in green plants. After originating from gene duplication of ancestral C3-PEPC, C4-PEPC isoforms underwent convergent molecular substitution that might facilitate the convergent evolution of C4 photosynthesis in Angiosperms. However, there was no evidence for convergent molecular evolution of PEPC genes between CAM plants. Our findings help to understand the origin and convergent evolution of C4 and CAM plants and shed light on the adaptation of plants in dry, hot environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Ping Shu
- Key laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, The National Orchid Conservation Centre of China and The Orchid Conservation and Research Centre of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, The National Orchid Conservation Centre of China and The Orchid Conservation and Research Centre of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Hong Yan
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, The National Orchid Conservation Centre of China and The Orchid Conservation and Research Centre of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, The National Orchid Conservation Centre of China and The Orchid Conservation and Research Centre of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Jiang Wang
- Key laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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12
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Oddo E, D'Asaro G, Monti E, Signa G, Vizzini S, Sajeva M. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values in Lithops aucampiae during leaf development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 165:196-199. [PMID: 34051625 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lithops (Aizoaceae) are succulent plants consisting of a pair of opposite succulent leaves inserted on an extremely short stem. The apical meristem produces a new leaf pair that develops between the older pair, recycling water and metabolites. This peculiar anatomy and growth form make ecophysiological studies quite challenging. Lithops are considered to have CAM metabolism, though experimental evidence is scarce. We followed the changes in carbon and nitrogen isotopic values in mature leaves, young leaves and roots, with the aim of investigating how the use of resources is optimized to achieve survival in extremely arid environments. Two-year-old plants of Lithops aucampiae were grown in pots with no irrigation for six months. Plants were sampled periodically, and isotopic values were recorded in relation to the developmental pattern of the leaves. δ13C ranged from -16.4 to -13.1‰ with leaves showing less negative values than roots. δ15N ranged between -0.8 and 3.9‰ with leaves showing higher values than roots. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence of carbon and nitrogen isotope values in Lithops, the former providing evidence for CAM metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Oddo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe D'Asaro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emmanuele Monti
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Geraldina Signa
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DISTEM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Roma, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Vizzini
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DISTEM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sajeva
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, 90123, Palermo, Italy
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13
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He J, Liu C, Du M, Zhou X, Hu Z, Lei A, Wang J. Metabolic Responses of a Model Green Microalga Euglena gracilis to Different Environmental Stresses. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:662655. [PMID: 34354984 PMCID: PMC8329484 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.662655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Euglena gracilis, a green microalga known as a potential candidate for jet fuel producers and new functional food resources, is highly tolerant to antibiotics, heavy metals, and other environmental stresses. Its cells contain many high-value products, including vitamins, amino acids, pigments, unsaturated fatty acids, and carbohydrate paramylon as metabolites, which change contents in response to various extracellular environments. However, mechanism insights into the cellular metabolic response of Euglena to different toxic chemicals and adverse environmental stresses were very limited. We extensively investigated the changes of cell biomass, pigments, lipids, and paramylon of E. gracilis under several environmental stresses, such as heavy metal CdCl2, antibiotics paromomycin, and nutrient deprivation. In addition, global metabolomics by Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was applied to study other metabolites and potential regulatory mechanisms behind the differential accumulation of major high-valued metabolites. This study collects a comprehensive update on the biology of E. gracilis for various metabolic responses to stress conditions, and it will be of great value for Euglena cultivation and high-value [154mm][10mm]Q7metabolite production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Eco-environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - ChenChen Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Eco-environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengzhe Du
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiyi Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Eco-environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Eco-environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anping Lei
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Eco-environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiangxin Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Eco-environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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14
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Schweiger AH, Nürk NM, Beckett H, Liede-Schumann S, Midgley GF, Higgins SI. The eco-evolutionary significance of rainfall constancy for facultative CAM photosynthesis. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:1653-1664. [PMID: 33533483 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A flexible use of the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) has been hypothesised to represent an intermediate stage along a C3 to full CAM evolutionary continuum, when relative contributions of C3 vs CAM metabolism are co-determined by evolutionary history and prevailing environmental constraints. However, evidence for such eco-evolutionary interdependencies is lacking. We studied these interdependencies for the leaf-succulent genus Drosanthemum (Aizoaceae, Southern African Succulent Karoo) by testing for relationships between leaf δ13 C diagnostic for CAM dependence (i.e. contribution of C3 and CAM to net carbon gain), and climatic variables related to temperature and precipitation and their temporal variation. We further quantified the effects of shared phylogenetic ancestry on CAM dependence and its relation to climate. CAM dependence is predicted by rainfall and its temporal variation, with high predictive power of rainfall constancy (temporal entropy). The predictive power of rainfall seasonality and temperature-related variables was negligible. Evolutionary history of the tested clades significantly affected the relationship between rainfall constancy and CAM dependence. We argue that higher CAM dependence might provide an adaptive advantage in increasingly unpredictable rainfall environments when the anatomic exaptation (succulence) is already present. These observations might shed light on the evolution of full CAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Schweiger
- Institute of Landscape and Plant Ecology, Department of Plant Ecology, University of Hohenheim, Ottilie-Zeller-Weg 2, Stuttgart, 70599, Germany
| | - Nicolai M Nürk
- Plant Systematics, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth, 95447, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth, 95447, Germany
| | - Heath Beckett
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, SUN, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Sigrid Liede-Schumann
- Plant Systematics, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth, 95447, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth, 95447, Germany
| | - Guy F Midgley
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, SUN, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Steven I Higgins
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth, 95447, Germany
- Plant Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, Bayreuth, 95447, Germany
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15
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Torres-Silva G, Matos EM, Correia LF, Fortini EA, Soares WS, Batista DS, Otoni CG, Azevedo AA, Viccini LF, Koehler AD, Resende SV, Specht CD, Otoni WC. Anatomy, Flow Cytometry, and X-Ray Tomography Reveal Tissue Organization and Ploidy Distribution in Long-Term In Vitro Cultures of Melocactus Species. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1314. [PMID: 32983203 PMCID: PMC7488924 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Cacti have a highly specialized stem that enables survival during extended dry periods. Despite the ornamental value of cacti and the fact that stems represent the main source of explants in tissue culture, there are no studies on their morpho-anatomical and cytological characteristics in Melocactus. The present study seeks to address the occurrence of cells with mixed ploidy level in cacti tissues. Specifically, we aim to understand how Melocactus stem tissue is organized, how mixoploidy is distributed when present, and whether detected patterns of ploidy change after long periods of in vitro culture. To analyze tissue organization, Melocactus glaucescens and Melocactus paucispinus plants that had been germinated and cultivated in vitro were analyzed for stem structure using toluidine blue, Xylidine Ponceau, Periodic Acid Schiff, ruthenium red, and acid floroglucin. To investigate patterns of ploidy, apical, medial, and basal zones of the stem, as well as, periphery, cortex, and stele (vascular tissue and pith) regions of the stem and root apexes from four- and ten-year old cultured in vitro were analyzed by flow cytometry. X-ray micro-computed tomography (XRµCT) was performed with fragments of stems from both species. The scarcity of support elements (i.e., sclereids and fibers) indicates that epidermis, hypodermis, and wide-band tracheids present in cortical vascular bundles and stele, as well as water stored in aquifer parenchyma cells along the cortex, provide mechanical support to the stem. Parenchyma cells increase in volume with a four-fold increase in ploidy. M. glaucescens and M. paucispinus exhibit the same pattern of cell ploidy irrespective of topophysical region or age, but there is a marked difference in ploidy between the stem periphery (epidermis and hypodermis), cortex, stele, and roots. Mixoploidy in Melocactus is not related to the age of the culture, but is a developmental trait, whereby endocycles promote cell differentiation to accumulate valuable water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Torres-Silva
- Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture II—BIOAGRO, Plant Biology Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Elyabe Monteiro Matos
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Freitas Correia
- Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture II—BIOAGRO, Plant Biology Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Evandro Alexandre Fortini
- Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture II—BIOAGRO, Plant Biology Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Wellington Santos Soares
- Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture II—BIOAGRO, Plant Biology Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Diego Silva Batista
- Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Bananeiras, Brazil
| | - Caio Gomide Otoni
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Lyderson Facio Viccini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Andréa Dias Koehler
- Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture II—BIOAGRO, Plant Biology Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | - Chelsea Dvorak Specht
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Chelsea Dvorak Specht, ; Wagner Campos Otoni,
| | - Wagner Campos Otoni
- Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture II—BIOAGRO, Plant Biology Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Chelsea Dvorak Specht, ; Wagner Campos Otoni,
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