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Earley AM, Nolting KM, Donovan LA, Burke JM. Trait variation and performance across varying levels of drought stress in cultivated sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.). AOB PLANTS 2024; 16:plae031. [PMID: 39011498 PMCID: PMC11247526 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plae031] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Drought is a major agricultural challenge that is expected to worsen with climate change. A better understanding of drought responses has the potential to inform efforts to breed more tolerant plants. We assessed leaf trait variation and covariation in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in response to water limitation. Plants were grown under four levels of water availability and assessed for environmentally induced plasticity in leaf stomatal and vein traits as well as biomass (performance indicator), mass fractions, leaf area, leaf mass per area, and chlorophyll content. Overall, biomass declined in response to stress; these changes were accompanied by responses in leaf-level traits including decreased leaf area and stomatal size, and increased stomatal and vein density. The magnitude of trait responses increased with stress severity and relative plasticity of smaller-scale leaf anatomical traits was less than that of larger-scale traits related to construction and growth. Across treatments, where phenotypic plasticity was observed, stomatal density was negatively correlated with stomatal size and positively correlated with minor vein density, but the correlations did not hold up within treatments. Four leaf traits previously shown to reflect major axes of variation in a large sunflower diversity panel under well-watered conditions (i.e. stomatal density, stomatal pore length, vein density, and leaf mass per area) predicted a surprisingly large amount of the variation in biomass across treatments, but trait associations with biomass differed within treatments. Additionally, the importance of these traits in predicting variation in biomass is mediated, at least in part, through leaf size. Our results demonstrate the importance of leaf anatomical traits in mediating drought responses in sunflower, and highlight the role that phenotypic plasticity and multi-trait phenotypes can play in predicting productivity under complex abiotic stresses like drought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Earley
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Kristen M Nolting
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Lisa A Donovan
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - John M Burke
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- The Plant Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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2
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Perri M, Licausi F. Thiol dioxygenases: from structures to functions. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:545-556. [PMID: 38622038 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Thiol oxidation to dioxygenated sulfinic acid is catalyzed by an enzyme family characterized by a cupin fold. These proteins act on free thiol-containing molecules to generate central metabolism precursors and signaling compounds in bacteria, fungi, and animal cells. In plants and animals, they also oxidize exposed N-cysteinyl residues, directing proteins to proteolysis. Enzyme kinetics, X-ray crystallography, and spectroscopy studies prompted the formulation and testing of hypotheses about the mechanism of action and the different substrate specificity of these enzymes. Concomitantly, the physiological role of thiol dioxygenation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes has been studied through genetic and physiological approaches. Further structural characterization is necessary to enable precise and safe manipulation of thiol dioxygenases (TDOs) for therapeutic, industrial, and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Perri
- Plant Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesco Licausi
- Plant Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Pal P, Masand M, Sharma S, Seth R, Singh G, Singh S, Kumar A, Sharma RK. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling and physiological investigation elucidating the molecular mechanism of multiple abiotic stress response in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19853. [PMID: 37963906 PMCID: PMC10645737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the major source of plant-derived low/non-calorie steviol glycosides (SGs), comprehensive physiological, biochemical, and deep transcriptional investigations were conducted to explicit deeper insight into multiple abiotic stress responses in Stevia rebaudiana. The physiological indicators including photosynthesis, chlorophyll, relative water content, shoot growth, electrolyte leakage, and SG biosynthesis were negatively impacted under drought (DS), followed by salinity (SS) and waterlogging (WS). Global transcriptional analysis revealed significant upregulated expression of the genes encoding for ROS detoxification (GST, SOD, APX, glutathione peroxidase), osmotic adjustment (alpha-trehalose-phosphate and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase), ion transporters (CAX, NHX, CNGS, VPPase, VATPase), water channel (PIP1, TIP) and abiotic stress-responsive candidate genes (LEA, HSPs, and Dehydrins) regulating abiotic stress response in S. rebaudiana. These inferences were complemented with predicted interactome network that revealed regulation of energy metabolism by key stress-responsive genes (GST, HKT1, MAPKs, P5CSs, PIP), transcription factors (HSFA2, DREB1A, DREB2A), and abiotic stress responsive pathways (ABA, ethylene, ion stress). This is the first detailed study to comprehend the molecular regulation of stress response and their interplay under DS, SS, and WS. The key genes and regulators can be functionally validated, and will facilitate targeted gene editing for genetic improvement of crop sustainability under changing environmental conditions in S. rebaudiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Pal
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Mamta Masand
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Romit Seth
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India
| | - Gopal Singh
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Sanatsujat Singh
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India
| | - Ram Kumar Sharma
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur-176061, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
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Petrík P, Petek-Petrik A, Mukarram M, Schuldt B, Lamarque LJ. Leaf physiological and morphological constraints of water-use efficiency in C 3 plants. AOB PLANTS 2023; 15:plad047. [PMID: 37560762 PMCID: PMC10407996 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing evaporative demand due to climate change will significantly affect the balance of carbon assimilation and water losses of plants worldwide. The development of crop varieties with improved water-use efficiency (WUE) will be critical for adapting agricultural strategies under predicted future climates. This review aims to summarize the most important leaf morpho-physiological constraints of WUE in C3 plants and identify gaps in knowledge. From the carbon gain side of the WUE, the discussed parameters are mesophyll conductance, carboxylation efficiency and respiratory losses. The traits and parameters affecting the waterside of WUE balance discussed in this review are stomatal size and density, stomatal control and residual water losses (cuticular and bark conductance), nocturnal conductance and leaf hydraulic conductance. In addition, we discussed the impact of leaf anatomy and crown architecture on both the carbon gain and water loss components of WUE. There are multiple possible targets for future development in understanding sources of WUE variability in plants. We identified residual water losses and respiratory carbon losses as the greatest knowledge gaps of whole-plant WUE assessments. Moreover, the impact of trichomes, leaf hydraulic conductance and canopy structure on plants' WUE is still not well understood. The development of a multi-trait approach is urgently needed for a better understanding of WUE dynamics and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Petrík
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research-Atmospheric Environmental Research (IMK-IFU), Kreuzeckbahnstraße 19, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Anja Petek-Petrik
- Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Lidická 971, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammad Mukarram
- Department of Phytology, Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Bernhard Schuldt
- Chair of Forest Botany, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, Technical University of Dresden (TUD), Pienner Str. 7, 01737 Tharandt, Germany
| | - Laurent J Lamarque
- Département des Sciences de l’environnement, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
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Munné-Bosch S, Villadangos S. Cheap, cost-effective, and quick stress biomarkers for drought stress detection and monitoring in plants. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:527-536. [PMID: 36764869 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The detection and monitoring of drought stress in plants growing in their natural habitat are essential for the study of plant stress physiology. However, with the advent of plant phenotyping and new -omics technologies, the application of simple, cheap, cost-effective, quick, and practical methods to assess drought stress in plants seems more challenging than ever, particularly in low-income countries. Here, currently available methods that do not require specialized equipment, but reliably detect and monitor drought stress in plants at low cost will be discussed. This will not only boost research on plant stress physiology in low-income countries but will also help several laboratories with very limited resources around the globe to perform high-quality research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Munné-Bosch
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Faculty of Biology, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, E-08028, Spain; Institute of Research in Biodiversity (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Faculty of Biology, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, E-08028, Spain.
| | - Sabina Villadangos
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Faculty of Biology, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, E-08028, Spain; Institute of Research in Biodiversity (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Faculty of Biology, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, E-08028, Spain
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Li M, Dong H, Li J, Dai X, Lin J, Li S, Zhou C, Chiang VL, Li W. PtrVCS2 Regulates Drought Resistance by Changing Vessel Morphology and Stomatal Closure in Populus trichocarpa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054458. [PMID: 36901889 PMCID: PMC10003473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Drought has severe effects on plant growth, forest productivity, and survival throughout the world. Understanding the molecular regulation of drought resistance in forest trees can enable effective strategic engineering of novel drought-resistant genotypes of tree species. In this study, we identified a gene, PtrVCS2, encoding a zinc finger (ZF) protein of the ZF-homeodomain transcription factor in Populus trichocarpa (Black Cottonwood) Torr. & A. Gray. ex Hook. Overexpression of PtrVCS2 (OE-PtrVCS2) in P. trichocarpa resulted in reduced growth, a higher proportion of smaller stem vessels, and strong drought-resistance phenotypes. Stomatal movement experiments revealed that the OE-PtrVCS2 transgenics showed lower stomata apertures than wild-type plants under drought conditions. RNA-seq analysis of the OE-PtrVCS2 transgenics showed that PtrVCS2 regulates the expression of multiple genes involved in regulation of stomatal opening and closing, particularly the PtrSULTR3;1-1 gene, and several genes related to cell wall biosynthesis, such as PtrFLA11-12 and PtrPR3-3. Moreover, we found that the water use efficiency of the OE-PtrVCS2 transgenic plants was consistently higher than that of wild type plants when subjected to chronic drought stress. Taken together, our results suggest that PtrVCS2 plays a positive role in improving drought adaptability and resistance in P. trichocarpa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiufang Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chenguang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Vincent L. Chiang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Correspondence:
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Crop germplasm: Current challenges, physiological-molecular perspective, and advance strategies towards development of climate-resilient crops. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12973. [PMID: 36711267 PMCID: PMC9880400 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12973] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Germplasm is a long-term resource management mission and investment for civilization. An estimated ∼7.4 million accessions are held in 1750 plant germplasm centres around the world; yet, only 2% of these assets have been utilized as plant genetic resources (PGRs). According to recent studies, the current food yield trajectory will be insufficient to feed the world's population in 2050. Additionally, possible negative effects in terms of crop failure because of climate change are already being experienced across the world. Therefore, it is necessary to reconciliation of research advancement and innovation of practices for further exploration of the potential of crop germplasm especially for the complex traits associated with yield such as water- and nitrogen use efficiency. In this review, we tried to address current challenges, research gaps, physiological and molecular aspects of two broad spectrum complex traits such as water- and nitrogen-use efficiency, and advanced integrated strategies that could provide a platform for combined stress management for climate-smart crop development. Additionally, recent development in technologies that are directly related to germplasm characterization was highlighted for further molecular utilization towards the development of elite varieties.
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Juenger TE, Verslues PE. Time for a drought experiment: Do you know your plants' water status? THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:10-23. [PMID: 36346190 PMCID: PMC9806650 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Drought stress is an increasing concern because of climate change and increasing demands on water for agriculture. There are still many unknowns about how plants sense and respond to water limitation, including which genes and cellular mechanisms are impactful for ecology and crop improvement in drought-prone environments. A better understanding of plant drought resistance will require integration of several research disciplines. A common set of parameters to describe plant water status and quantify drought severity can enhance data interpretation and research integration across the research disciplines involved in understanding drought resistance and would be especially useful in integrating the flood of genomic data being generated in drought studies. Water potential (ψw) is a physical measure of the free energy status of water that, along with related physiological measurements, allows unambiguous description of plant water status that can apply across various soil types and environmental conditions. ψw and related physiological parameters can be measured with relatively modest investment in equipment and effort. Thus, we propose that increased use of ψw as a fundamental descriptor of plant water status can enhance the insight gained from many drought-related experiments and facilitate data integration and sharing across laboratories and research disciplines.
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