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Liu C, Jia Y, He L, Li H, Song J, Ji L, Wang C. Integrated transcriptome and DNA methylome analysis reveal the biological base of increased resistance to gray leaf spot and growth inhibition in interspecific grafted tomato scions. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:130. [PMID: 38383283 PMCID: PMC10880203 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grafting is widely used as an important agronomic approach to deal with environmental stresses. However, the molecular mechanism of grafted tomato scions in response to biotic stress and growth regulation has yet to be fully understood. RESULTS This study investigated the resistance and growth performance of tomato scions grafted onto various rootstocks. A scion from a gray leaf spot-susceptible tomato cultivar was grafted onto tomato, eggplant, and pepper rootstocks, creating three grafting combinations: one self-grafting of tomato/tomato (TT), and two interspecific graftings, namely tomato/eggplant (TE) and tomato/pepper (TP). The study utilized transcriptome and DNA methylome analyses to explore the regulatory mechanisms behind the resistance and growth traits in the interspecific graftings. Results indicated that interspecific grafting significantly enhanced resistance to gray leaf spot and improved fruit quality, though fruit yield was decreased compared to self-grafting. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that, compared to self-grafting, interspecific graftings triggered stronger wounding response and endogenous immune pathways, while restricting genes related to cell cycle pathways, especially in the TP grafting. Methylome data revealed that the TP grafting had more hypermethylated regions at CHG (H = A, C, or T) and CHH sites than the TT grafting. Furthermore, the TP grafting exhibited increased methylation levels in cell cycle related genes, such as DNA primase and ligase, while several genes related to defense kinases showed decreased methylation levels. Notably, several kinase transcripts were also confirmed among the rootstock-specific mobile transcripts. CONCLUSIONS The study concludes that interspecific grafting alters gene methylation patterns, thereby activating defense responses and inhibiting the cell cycle in tomato scions. This mechanism is crucial in enhancing resistance to gray leaf spot and reducing growth in grafted tomato scions. These findings offer new insights into the genetic and epigenetic contributions to agronomic trait improvements through interspecific grafting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yanhong Jia
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Lixia He
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Jian Song
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Lizhu Ji
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300380, China.
| | - Chunguo Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Wu X, Yuan D, Bian X, Huo R, Lü G, Gong B, Li J, Liu S, Gao H. Transcriptome analysis showed that tomato-rootstock enhanced salt tolerance of grafted seedlings was accompanied by multiple metabolic processes and gene differences. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1167145. [PMID: 37332726 PMCID: PMC10272605 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1167145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Grafting is a commonly used cultural practice to counteract salt stress and is especially important for vegetable production. However, it is not clear which metabolic processes and genes are involved in the response of tomato rootstocks to salt stress. Methods To elucidate the regulatory mechanism through which grafting enhances salt tolerance, we first evaluated the salt damage index, electrolyte permeability and Na+ accumulation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) leaves of grafted seedlings (GSs) and nongrafted seedlings (NGSs) subjected to 175 mmol·L- 1 NaCl for 0-96 h, covering the front, middle and rear ranges. Results Compared with the NGS, the GSs were more salt tolerant, and the Na+ content in the leaves decreased significantly. Through transcriptome sequencing data analysis of 36 samples, we found that GSs exhibited more stable gene expression patterns, with a lower number of DEGs. WRKY and PosF21 transcription factors were significantly upregulated in the GSs compared to the NGSs. Moreover, the GSs presented more amino acids, a higher photosynthetic index and a higher content of growth-promoting hormones. The main differences between GSs and NGSs were in the expression levels of genes involved in the BR signaling pathway, with significant upregulation of XTHs. The above results show that the metabolic pathways of "photosynthetic antenna protein", "amino acid biosynthesis" and "plant hormone signal transduction" participate in the salt tolerance response of grafted seedlings at different stages of salt stress, maintaining the stability of the photosynthetic system and increasing the contents of amino acids and growth-promoting hormones (especially BRs). In this process, the transcription factors WRKYs, PosF21 and XTHs might play an important role at the molecular level. Discussion The results of this study demonstrates that grafting on salt tolerant rootstocks can bring different metabolic processes and transcription levels changes to scion leaves, thereby the scion leaves show stronger salt tolerance. This information provides new insight into the mechanism underlying tolerance to salt stress regulation and provides useful molecular biological basis for improving plant salt resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wu
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Ding Yuan
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Xinyu Bian
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Ruixiao Huo
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Guiyun Lü
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Binbin Gong
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Jingrui Li
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Sichao Liu
- Chengde Vegetable Technology Promotion Station, Chengde, China
| | - Hongbo Gao
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of North China Water-saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center of Vegetable Industry in Hebei, Baoding, China
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Spanò R, Fortunato S, Linsalata V, D’Antuono I, Cardinali A, de Pinto MC, Mascia T. Comparative Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Two Globe Artichoke Ecotypes Sanitized and Non-Sanitized from Viral Infections. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1600. [PMID: 37111825 PMCID: PMC10145195 DOI: 10.3390/plants12081600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Globe artichoke ecotypes sanitized from plant pathogen infections are characterized by high vegetative vigor, productivity, and quality of capitula. The recent availability on the market of these plants has renewed the interest of farmers and pharmaceutical industries in the crop. Globe artichoke exhibits interesting nutraceutical properties due to the high content of health-promoting bioactive compounds (BACs), such as polyphenols, that could be extracted from waste biomass. The production of BACs depends on several factors including the plant portion considered, the globe artichoke variety/ecotype, and the physiological status of the plants, linked to biotic and abiotic stresses. We investigated the influence of viral infections on polyphenol accumulation in two Apulian late-flowering ecotypes "Locale di Mola tardivo" and "Troianella", comparing sanitized virus-free material (S) vs. naturally virus-infected (non-sanitized, NS) plants. Transcriptome analysis of the two ecotypes highlighted that differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in the two tested conditions, were mainly involved in primary metabolism and processing of genetic/environmental information. The up-regulation of the genes related to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the analysis of peroxidase activity suggested that their modulation is influenced by the phytosanitary status of the plant and is ecotype-dependent. Conversely, the phytochemical analysis showed a remarkable decrease in polyphenols and lignin accumulation in S artichokes compared to NS plants. This unique study analyzes the potential of growing vigorous, sanitized plants, in order to have high amounts of 'soft and clean' biomass, finalized for BAC extraction for nutraceutical purposes. This, in turn, opens new perspectives for a circular economy of sanitized artichokes, in line with the current phytosanitary standards and sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Spanò
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Fortunato
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via E. Orabona 4, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Linsalata
- Institute of Science of Foods Production (ISPA), CNR Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Isabella D’Antuono
- Institute of Science of Foods Production (ISPA), CNR Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Cardinali
- Institute of Science of Foods Production (ISPA), CNR Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta de Pinto
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via E. Orabona 4, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mascia
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Jeynes-Cupper K, Catoni M. Long distance signalling and epigenetic changes in crop grafting. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1121704. [PMID: 37021313 PMCID: PMC10067726 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1121704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Humans have used grafting for more than 4000 years to improve plant production, through physically joining two different plants, which can continue to grow as a single organism. Today, grafting is becoming increasingly more popular as a technique to increase the production of herbaceous horticultural crops, where rootstocks can introduce traits such as resistance to several pathogens and/or improving the plant vigour. Research in model plants have documented how long-distance signalling mechanisms across the graft junction, together with epigenetic regulation, can produce molecular and phenotypic changes in grafted plants. Yet, most of the studied examples rely on proof-of-concept experiments or on limited specific cases. This review explores the link between research findings in model plants and crop species. We analyse studies investigating the movement of signalling molecules across the graft junction and their implications on epigenetic regulation. The improvement of genomics analyses and the increased availability of genetic resources has allowed to collect more information on potential benefits of grafting in horticultural crop models. Ultimately, further research into this topic will enhance our ability to use the grafting technique to exploit genetic and epigenetic variation in crops, as an alternative to traditional breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Catoni
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy, Torino, Italy
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Xiao X, Li J, Lyu J, Hu L, Wu Y, Tang Z, Yu J, Calderón-Urrea A. Grafting-enhanced tolerance of cucumber to toxic stress is associated with regulation of phenolic and other aromatic acids metabolism. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13521. [PMID: 35669966 PMCID: PMC9166682 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic stress caused by autotoxins is a common phenomenon for cucumber under monoculture condition. A previous study demonstrated that grafting could enhance the resistance of cucumber to cinnamic acid (CA) stress, but the underlying mechanism behind this enhanced resistance is still unclear. In the present study, we reconfirmed the stronger resistance of grafted rootstock (RG) compared to the non-grafted (NG) cucumber as measured though plant biomass accumulation. In addition, we focused on the phenolic and other aromatic acids metabolism in hydroponic culture model system using a combination of qRT-PCR (to measure gene expression of relevant genes) and HPLC (to detect the presence of phenolic and other aromatic acids). The results showed that the exogenous CA lead to the expression of four enzymes involved in phenolic and other aromatic acids biosynthesis, and a larger increase was observed in grafted rootstock (RG). Specifically, expression of six genes, involved in phenolic and other aromatic acids biosynthesis (PAL, PAL1, C4H, 4CL1, 4CL2 and COMT), with the exception of 4CL2, were significantly up-regulated in RG but down-regulated in NG when exposed to CA. Furthermore, six kinds of phenolic and other aromatic acids were detected in leaves and roots of NG and RG cucumber, while only benzoic acid and cinnamic acid were detected in root exudate of all samples. The CA treatment resulted in an increase of p-hydroxybenzonic acid, benzoic acid and cinnamic acid contents in RG cucumber, but decrease of p-coumaric acid and sinapic acid contents in NG cucumber. Surprisingly, the type and amount of phenolic and other aromatic acids in root exudate was improved by exogenous CA, particularly for RG cucumber. These results suggest that a possible mechanism for the stronger resistance to CA of RG than NG cucumber could involve the up-regulation of key genes involved in phenolic and other aromatic acids metabolism, and that the excessive phenolic compounds released to surroundings is a result of the accumulation of phenolic compounds in a short time by the plant under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ju Li
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian Lyu
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Linli Hu
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yue Wu
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhongqi Tang
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jihua Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Alejandro Calderón-Urrea
- College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, California State University, Fresno, CA, USA
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6
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Effect of Transgenic Rootstock Grafting on the Omics Profiles in Tomato. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2021; 9:32-47. [PMID: 34249588 PMCID: PMC8254850 DOI: 10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.d-20-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Grafting of non-transgenic scion onto genetically modified (GM) rootstocks provides superior
agronomic traits in the GM rootstock, and excellent fruits can be produced for consumption. In
such grafted plants, the scion does not contain any foreign genes, but the fruit itself is
likely to be influenced directly or indirectly by the foreign genes in the rootstock. Before
market release of such fruit products, the effects of grafting onto GM rootstocks should be
determined from the perspective of safety use. Here, we evaluated the effects of a transgene
encoding β-glucuronidase (GUS) on the grafted tomato fruits as a model case. An edible tomato
cultivar, Stella Mini Tomato, was grafted onto GM Micro-Tom tomato plants that had been
transformed with the GUS gene. The grafted plants showed no difference in
their fruit development rate and fresh weight regardless of the presence or absence of the
GUS gene in the rootstock. The fruit samples were subjected to transcriptome
(NGS-illumina), proteome (shotgun LC-MS/MS), metabolome (LC-ESI-MS and GC-EI-MS), and general
food ingredient analyses. In addition, differentially detected items were identified between
the grafted plants onto rootstocks with or without transgenes (more than two-fold). The
transcriptome analysis detected approximately 18,500 expressed genes on average, and only 6
genes were identified as differentially expressed. Principal component analysis of 2,442 peaks
for peptides in proteome profiles showed no significant differences. In the LC-ESI-MS and
GC-EI-MS analyses, a total of 93 peak groups and 114 peak groups were identified, respectively,
and only 2 peak groups showed more than two-fold differences. The general food ingredient
analysis showed no significant differences in the fruits of Stella scions between GM and non-GM
Micro-Tom rootstocks. These multiple omics data showed that grafting on the rootstock harboring
the GUS transgene did not induce any genetic or metabolic variation in the
scion.
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7
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Gene Expression Analysis of Induced Plum pox virus (Sharka) Resistance in Peach ( Prunus persica) by Almond ( P. dulcis) Grafting. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073585. [PMID: 33808287 PMCID: PMC8036523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
No natural sources of resistance to Plum pox virus (PPV, sharka disease) have been identified in peach. However, previous studies have demonstrated that grafting a “Garrigues” almond scion onto “GF305” peach rootstock seedlings heavily infected with PPV can progressively reduce disease symptoms and virus accumulation. Furthermore, grafting a “Garrigues” scion onto the “GF305” rootstock has been shown to completely prevent virus infection. This study aims to analyse the rewiring of gene expression associated with this resistance to PPV transmitted by grafting through the phloem using RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR analysis. A total of 18 candidate genes were differentially expressed after grafting “Garrigues” almond onto healthy “GF305” peach. Among the up-regulated genes, a HEN1 homolog stands out, which, together with the differential expression of RDR- and DCL2-homologs, suggests that the RNA silencing machinery is activated by PPV infection and can contribute to the resistance induced by “Garrigues” almond. Glucan endo-1,3-beta D-glucosidase could be also relevant for the “Garrigues”-induced response, since its expression is much higher in “Garrigues” than in “GF305”. We also discuss the potential relevance of the following in PPV infection and “Garrigues”-induced resistance: several pathogenesis-related proteins; no apical meristem proteins; the transcription initiation factor, TFIIB; the speckle-type POZ protein; in addition to a number of proteins involved in phytohormone signalling.
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D'Amico-Damião V, Dodd IC, Oliveira R, Lúcio JCB, Rossatto DR, Carvalho RF. Cryptochrome 1a of tomato mediates long-distance signaling of soil water deficit. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 303:110763. [PMID: 33487348 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110763] [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: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although the blue light photoreceptors cryptochromes mediate the expression of genes related to reactive oxygen species, whether cryptochrome 1a (cry1a) regulates local and long-distance signaling of water deficit in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is unknown. Thus the cry1a tomato mutant and its wild-type (WT) were reciprocally grafted (WT/WT; cry1a/cry1a; WT/cry1a; cry1a/WT; as scion/rootstock) or grown on their own roots (WT and cry1a) under irrigated and water deficit conditions. Plant growth, pigmentation, oxidative stress, water relations, stomatal characteristics and leaf gas exchange were measured. WT and cry1a plants grew similarly under irrigated conditions, whereas cry1a plants had less root biomass and length and higher tissue malondialdehyde concentrations under water deficit. Despite greater oxidative stress, cry1a maintained chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations in drying soil. Lower stomatal density of cry1a likely increased its leaf relative water content (RWC). In grafted plants, scion genotype largely determined shoot and root biomass accumulation irrespective of water deficit. In chimeric plants grown in drying soil, cry1a rootstocks increased RWC while WT rootstocks maintained photosynthesis of cry1a scions. Manipulating tomato CRY1a may enhance plant drought tolerance by altering leaf pigmentation and gas exchange during soil drying via local and long-distance effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor D'Amico-Damião
- Department of Biology Applied to Agriculture, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14884-900, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Ian C Dodd
- The Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Reginaldo Oliveira
- Department of Biology Applied to Agriculture, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14884-900, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - José C B Lúcio
- Department of Biology Applied to Agriculture, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14884-900, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Davi R Rossatto
- Department of Biology Applied to Agriculture, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14884-900, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rogério F Carvalho
- Department of Biology Applied to Agriculture, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14884-900, Jaboticabal, Brazil.
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Tsaballa A, Xanthopoulou A, Madesis P, Tsaftaris A, Nianiou-Obeidat I. Vegetable Grafting From a Molecular Point of View: The Involvement of Epigenetics in Rootstock-Scion Interactions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 11:621999. [PMID: 33488662 PMCID: PMC7817540 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.621999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Vegetable grafting is extensively used today in agricultural production to control soil-borne pathogens, abiotic and biotic stresses and to improve phenotypic characteristics of the scion. Commercial vegetable grafting is currently practiced in tomato, watermelon, melon, eggplant, cucumber, and pepper. It is also regarded as a rapid alternative to the relatively slow approach of breeding for increased environmental-stress tolerance of fruit vegetables. However, even though grafting has been used for centuries, until today, there are still many issues that have not been elucidated. This review will emphasize on the important mechanisms taking place during grafting, especially the genomic interactions between grafting partners and the impact of rootstocks in scion's performance. Special emphasis will be drawn on the relation between vegetable grafting, epigenetics, and the changes in morphology and quality of the products. Recent advances in plant science such as next-generation sequencing provide new information regarding the molecular interactions between rootstock and scion. It is now evidenced that genetic exchange is happening across grafting junctions between rootstock and scion, potentially affecting grafting-mediated effects already recorded in grafted plants. Furthermore, significant changes in DNA methylation are recorded in grafted scions, suggesting that these epigenetic mechanisms could be implicated in grafting effects. In this aspect, we also discuss the process and the molecular aspects of rootstock scion communication. Finally, we provide with an extensive overview of gene expression changes recorded in grafted plants and how these are related to the phenotypic changes observed. Τhis review finally seeks to elucidate the dynamics of rootstock-scion interactions and thus stimulate more research on grafting in the future. In a future where sustainable agricultural production is the way forward, grafting could play an important role to develop products of higher yield and quality in a safe and "green" way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrodite Tsaballa
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO-Dimitra), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aliki Xanthopoulou
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO-Dimitra), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Madesis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plants, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsaftaris
- Perrotis College, American Farm School, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Irini Nianiou-Obeidat
- Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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10
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Spanò R, Ferrara M, Gallitelli D, Mascia T. The Role of Grafting in the Resistance of Tomato to Viruses. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E1042. [PMID: 32824316 PMCID: PMC7463508 DOI: 10.3390/plants9081042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Grafting is routinely implemented in modern agriculture to manage soilborne pathogens such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, and viruses of solanaceous crops in a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. Some rootstock/scion combinations use specific genetic resistance mechanisms to impact also some foliar and airborne pathogens, including arthropod or contact-transmitted viruses. These approaches resulted in poor efficiency in the management of plant viruses with superior virulence such as the strains of tomato spotted wilt virus breaking the Sw5 resistance, strains of cucumber mosaic virus carrying necrogenic satellite RNAs, and necrogenic strains of potato virus Y. Three different studies from our lab documented that suitable levels of resistance/tolerance can be obtained by grafting commercial tomato varieties onto the tomato ecotype Manduria (Ma) rescued in the framework of an Apulian (southern Italy) regional program on biodiversity. Here we review the main approaches, methods, and results of the three case studies and propose some mechanisms leading to the tolerance/resistance observed in susceptible tomato varieties grafted onto Ma as well as in self-grafted plants. The proposed mechanisms include virus movement in plants, RNA interference, genes involved in graft wound response, resilience, and tolerance to virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Spanò
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (T.M.)
| | - Massimo Ferrara
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA)—CNR, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Donato Gallitelli
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (T.M.)
| | - Tiziana Mascia
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.G.); (T.M.)
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