Boron deficiency in woody plants: various responses and tolerance mechanisms

CPK10 protein kinase regulates Arabidopsis tolerance to boron deficiency through phosphorylation and activation of BOR1 transporter

Boron (B) is crucial for plant growth and development. B deficiency can impair numerous physiological and metabolic processes, particularly in root development and pollen germination, seriously impeding crop growth and yield. However, the molecular mechanism underlying boron signal perception and signal transduction is rather limited. In this study, we discovered that CPK10, a calcium-dependent protein kinase in the CPK family, has the strongest interaction with the boron transporter BOR1. Mutations in CPK10 led to growth and root development defects under B-deficiency conditions, while constitutively active CPK10 enhanced plant tolerance to B deficiency. Furthermore, we found that CPK10 interacted with and phosphorylated BOR1 at the Ser689 residue. Through various biochemical analyses and complementation of B transport in yeast and plants, we revealed that Ser689 of BOR1 is important for its transport activity. In summary, these findings highlight the significance of the CPK10-BOR1 signaling pathway in maintaining B homeostasis in plants and provide targets for the genetic improvement of crop tolerance to B-deficiency stress.

Integrative analysis of the transcriptome and proteome reveals the molecular responses of tobacco to boron deficiency

BACKGROUND

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants. Inappropriate B supply detrimentally affects the productivity of numerous crops. Understanding of the molecular responses of plants to different B supply levels would be of significance in crop improvement and cultivation practices to deal with the problem.

RESULTS

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and proteome of tobacco seedlings to investigate the expression changes of genes/proteins in response to different B supply levels, with a particular focus on B deficiency. The global gene and protein expression profiles revealed the potential mechanisms involved in the responses of tobacco to B deficiency, including up-regulation of the NIP5;1-BORs module, complex regulation of genes/proteins related to cell wall metabolism, and up-regulation of the antioxidant machinery.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that B deficiency caused severe morphological and physiological disorders in tobacco seedlings, and revealed dynamic expression changes of tobacco genes/proteins in response to different B supply levels, especially to B deficiency, thus offering valuable insights into the molecular responses of tobacco to B deficiency.

Synergistic effect of seaweed extract and boric acid and/or calcium chloride on productivity and physico-chemical properties of Valencia orange

Many citrus species and cultivars are grown successfully in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in arid and semi-arid regions with low levels of organic matter and low cation exchange, resulting in lower nutrient uptake by the plant. The essential nutrients needed for citrus flowering and fruit set are limited in winter due to a reduction in transpiration rate, negatively effecting vegetative growth, flowering, yield, and fruit quality. The present investigation was carried out to assess the nutritional status, fruit yield parameters, and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees after foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design (three levels spraying seaweed extract × four levels spraying calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations × four replicates × one tree/replicate). The results indicated that all of the characteristics measured, including leaf chlorophyll, leaf mineral contents, fruit yield parameters, fruit physical properties, and fruit chemical properties, were significantly affected by the foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations. Although all treatments increased the productivity and the physical and chemical properties of Valencia orange fruits compared to the control, a treatment of 10 g/L SW combined with 0.5 g/L boric acid and 1 g/L calcium chloride produced superior results. This ratio of SW, boric acid, and calcium chloride is therefore recommended to enhance productivity and improve the physico-chemical properties of Valencia orange for greater fruit yield.

Role of boron and its interaction with other elements in plants

Boron (B) is an essential microelement for plants, and its deficiency can lead to impaired development and function. Around 50% of arable land in the world is acidic, and low pH in the soil solution decreases availability of several essential mineral elements, including B, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K). Plants take up soil B in the form of boric acid (H3BO3) in acidic soil or tetrahydroxy borate [B(OH)4]- at neutral or alkaline pH. Boron can participate directly or indirectly in plant metabolism, including in the synthesis of the cell wall and plasma membrane, in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and in the formation of ribonucleic acid (RNA). In addition, B interacts with other nutrients such as Ca, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, and zinc (Zn). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of B uptake, absorption, and accumulation and its interactions with other elements, and how it contributes to the adaptation of plants to different environmental conditions. We also discuss potential B-mediated networks at the physiological and molecular levels involved in plant growth and development.

Soil characteristics and allometric models for biometric characteristics and nutrient amounts for high yielding "Bolaina" (Guazuma crinita) trees

The Peruvian amazon is very diverse in native forestry species, the Guazuma crinita "Bolaina" being one of the most planted species in the country; however, little or no information about soil requirements and nutrient demands is known. The objective of this work was to assess the general conditions of soil fertility, biomass and macro- and micronutrient amounts in high-productivity Guazuma crinita plantations. Fields of high yielding Bolaina of different ages (1-10 years) were sampled in two regions. Soil and plant samples were collected in each field and biometric measurements of fresh weight, diameter at breast height and height were performed. For soil and plant analysis, both macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were determined. Finally, allometric equations were constructed for biometric and nutrient amounts. This study is the first to assess and model macro- and micronutrient amounts in the productive cycle in this species, which grows in fertile soils. In the case of biometric equations, the logarithmic and logistic models performed better. For nutrient amounts, this species followed a pattern of Ca > N > K > P > S > Mg for macronutrients and Fe > B > Mn > Zn > Cu for micronutrients. The best prediction models for nutrients were the square root and logistic models.

Physiological and molecular mechanisms of Acacia melanoxylon stem in response to boron deficiency

Boron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth as it participates in cell wall integrity. The growth and development of Acacia melanoxylon stem can be adversely affected by a lack of boron. To explore the mechanism of boron deficiency in A. melanoxylon stem, the changes in morphological attributes, physiological, endogenous hormone levels, and the cell structure and component contents were examined. In addition, the molecular mechanism of shortened internodes resulting from boron deficiency was elucidated through transcriptome analysis. The results showed that boron deficiency resulted in decreased height, shortened internodes, and reduced root length and surface area, corresponding with decreased boron content in the roots, stems, and leaves of A. melanoxylon. In shortened internodes of stems, oxidative damage, and disordered hormone homeostasis were induced, the cell wall was thickened, hemicellulose and water-soluble pectin contents decreased, while the cellulose content increased under boron deficiency. Furthermore, plenty of genes associated with cell wall metabolism and structural components, including GAUTs, CESAs, IRXs, EXPs, TBLs, and XTHs were downregulated under boron deficiency. Alterations of gene expression in hormone signaling pathways comprising IAA, GA, CTK, ET, ABA, and JA were observed under boron deficiency. TFs, homologous to HD1s, NAC10, NAC73, MYB46s, MYB58, and ERF92s were found to interact with genes related to cell wall metabolism, and the structural components were identified. We established a regulatory mechanism network of boron deficiency-induced shortened internodes in A. melanoxylon based on the above results. This research provides a theoretical basis for understanding the response mechanism of woody plants to boron deficiency.

Seasonal Variation in Cell Wall Composition and Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica Growing at Different Depths

Posidonia oceanica is a common seagrass in the Mediterranean Sea that is able to sequester large amounts of carbon. The carbon assimilated during photosynthesis can be partitioned into non-structural sugars and cell-wall polymers. In this study, we investigated the distribution of carbon in starch, soluble carbohydrates and cell-wall polymers in leaves and rhizomes of P. oceanica. Analyses were performed during summer and winter in meadows located south of the Frioul archipelago near Marseille, France. The leaves and rhizomes were isolated from plants collected in shallow (2 m) and deep water (26 m). Our results showed that P. oceanica stores more carbon as starch, sucrose and cellulose in summer and that this is more pronounced in rhizomes from deep-water plants. In winter, the reduction in photoassimilates was correlated with a lower cellulose content, compensated with a greater lignin content, except in rhizomes from deep-water plants. The syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G) ratio in the lignin was higher in leaves than in rhizomes and decreased in rhizomes in winter, indicating a change in the distribution or structure of the lignin. These combined data show that deep-water plants store more carbon during summer, while in winter the shallow- and deep-water plants displayed a different cell wall composition reflecting their environment.

Leaf Proteomic Analysis in Seedlings of Two Maize Landraces with Different Tolerance to Boron Toxicity

Boron (B) toxicity is an important stressor that negatively affects maize yield and the quality of the produce. The excessive B content in agricultural lands is a growing problem due to the increase in arid and semi-arid areas because of climate change. Recently, two Peruvian maize landraces, Sama and Pachía, were physiologically characterized based on their tolerance to B toxicity, the former being more tolerant to B excess than Pachía. However, many aspects regarding the molecular mechanisms of these two maize landraces against B toxicity are still unknown. In this study, a leaf proteomic analysis of Sama and Pachía was performed. Out of a total of 2793 proteins identified, only 303 proteins were differentially accumulated. Functional analysis indicated that many of these proteins are involved in transcription and translation processes, amino acid metabolism, photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, protein degradation, and protein stabilization and folding. Compared to Sama, Pachía had a higher number of differentially expressed proteins related to protein degradation, and transcription and translation processes under B toxicity conditions, which might reflect the greater protein damage caused by B toxicity in Pachía. Our results suggest that the higher tolerance to B toxicity of Sama can be attributed to more stable photosynthesis, which can prevent damage caused by stromal over-reduction under this stress condition.

Foliar Nutrition Influences Yield, Nut Quality and Kernel Composition in Hazelnut cv Mortarella

In hazelnut, foliar nutrition is utilized globally to integrate microelement deficiencies and optimize their assimilation and effects on yield performances. Nevertheless, nut quality and kernel composition can be positively affected by foliar nutrition. Recently, several studies pointed out the need for increasing the sustainability of orchard nutrition by proposing the management of not only micronutrients, but also main components, such as nitrogen, through foliar spraying. In our study, different foliar fertilizers were used to understand the effectiveness of supporting hazelnut productivity and nut and kernel quality. Water was used as a control. Foliar fertilizations affected tree annual vegetative growth, improved kernel weight and decreased the incidence of blanks compared to the control. Differences in fat, protein, and carbohydrate concentration were also found among treatments, with increased fat concentrations and total polyphenols content in fertilized treatments. Foliar fertilization improved the oil composition of the kernels, though fatty acid composition responded differently to nutrients spray. Oleic acid concentration was promoted, while palmitic acid concentration was reduced in fertilized plants compared to control trees. Furthermore, CD and B trees were characterized by an increase in the ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids compared to untreated trees. Finally, foliar spraying improved lipid stability compared to the control due to higher total polyphenol concentration.

Ecotoxicological monitoring of potentially toxic elements contamination in Eucalyptus forest plantation subjected to long-term irrigation with recycled wastewater

Afforestation is an evergreen technology for restraining greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and improving soil carbon sink in arid and semi-arid regions. Nonetheless, the long-term impact of woody forests irrigation using recycled wastewater resources remains inconclusive so far. For this purpose, the ecological risk benchmarks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated on Eucalyptus forest plantation in order to gauge their bioavailability in the rhizospheric layer of Typic Torripsammentsoil and their accretion capacity in the biosphere. Water quality guidelines pointed to a moderate degree of restriction on use with elevated levels of PTEs. Notably, concentrations of As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, V and Zn were above the permissible limits for irrigation. The geospatial mapping of PTEs concentration in soil pointed to elevated levels of most PTEs, particularly in the deforestated areas. Some of PTEs (Cd, Cu, Hg and Zn) showed values above the permissible limits. A spectrum of ecological risk indices showed considerable to high degree of contamination. Among PTEs, the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions showed high values of As, Cd and Hg (20.7, 17.2 and 11.0%, respectively). Sequential extraction showed variations among PTEs in their tendency to bind with different soil geochemical fractions: (i) carbonate (Cd, Zn and Cu), (ii) Fe-Mn oxides (Pb, Zn and Mn) and (iii) organic matter (B, Pb and Hg). Eight fungal species including Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium solani, Cephalosporimsp., Penicilliumsp., Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus niger, Botrytissp. and Verticilliumsp. were dominated in soil. Meanwhile, Agrobacteriumsp., phosphate solubilizing bacteria, nitrogen fixing bacteria and Escherichia coli were the dominant bacterial strains. Values of bioaccumulation index varied among PTEs, wherein B (5.15), Ni (1.98), Mn (1.62) and Cd (1.02) exhibited higher phytoextraction potentials. Other PTEs, however, exhibited values below 1.0 confirming their low phytoextraction potentials. Findings of this investigation, therefore, provide insights into biochemical signals of PTEs contamination in woody forest plantations and the urgent need to contextualize the large-scale utilization of recycled wastewater resources in such vulnerable areas.

Comparative Transcriptomic and Physiological Analyses Reveal Key Factors for Interstocks to Improve Grafted Seedling Growth in Tangor

Interstock is an important agronomic technique for regulating plant growth and fruit quality, and overcoming the incompatibility between rootstocks and scions; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, the effects and regulatory mechanisms of tangor grafting, with and without interstocks, on the growth and development of scions were analyzed by combining morphology, physiology, anatomy and transcriptomics. Morphological and physiological analyses showed that interstocks (‘Aiyuan 38’ and ‘Daya’) significantly improved the growth of seedlings, effectively enhanced the foliar accumulation of chlorophyll and carotenoids, and increased the thickness of leaf tissues. Using ‘Aiyuan 38’ as the interstock, photosynthetic efficiency and starch content of citrus seedlings improved. Transcriptomics showed that genes related to photosynthesis and photosynthetic antenna proteins were upregulated in interstock-treated seedlings, with significant upregulation of photosystem PSI- and PSII-related genes. In addition, multiple key genes may be involved in plant hormone signaling, starch and sucrose metabolism, and transcriptional regulation. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights into the role of interstocks in regulating and contributing to the growth and development of grafted seedlings, and will further define and deploy candidate genes to explore the mechanisms of rootstock-interstock-scion interactions.

Transcriptome Analysis in Pyrus betulaefolia Roots in Response to Short-Term Boron Deficiency

Boron (B) deficiency stress is frequently observed in pear orchards and causes a considerable loss of productivity and fruit quality. Pyrus betulaefolia is one of the most important rootstocks that has been widely used in pear production. The present study confirmed that the boron form of different tissues showed various changes, and the free boron content was significantly decreased under the short-term B deficiency condition. Moreover, the ABA and JA content also significantly accumulated in the root after short-term B deficiency treatment. A comprehensive transcriptome analysis of 24 h B deficiency treatment P. betulaefolia root was performed in this study. Transcriptome results revealed a total of 1230 up-regulated and 642 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. B deficiency significantly increased the expression of the key aquaporin gene NIP5-1. In addition, B deficiency also increased the expression of ABA (ZEP and NCED) and JA (LOX, AOS and OPR) synthesis genes. Several MYB, WRKY, bHLH and ERF transcription factors were induced by B deficiency stress, which may relate to the regulation of B uptake and plant hormone synthesis. Overall, these findings suggested that P. betulaefolia root had adaptive responses to short-term B deficiency stress by improved boron absorption ability and hormone (JA and ABA) synthesis. The transcriptome analysis provided further information for understanding the mechanism of the pear rootstock responses to B deficiency stress.

Effect of Three Boron Concentrations in Soil on Growth and Physiology in Sweet Cherry Trees

Boron (B) is an essential element for plants. B availability depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and the quality of irrigation water. Under natural conditions, both toxic and deficit concentrations can occur and should be managed for crop production. However, the range between deficiency and toxicity is narrow. The objective of this study was to determine the response of cherry trees to deficient (0.04 mg kg-1), adequate (1.1 mg kg-1), and toxic (3.75 mg kg-1) B concentrations in the soil by measuring growth, biomass, photosynthetic parameters, visual symptoms, and morphological changes. Plants treated with a toxic dose had more spurs and shorter internodes than those treated with adequate and deficient doses. The white root weight (50.5 g) at low B concentrations had the most roots compared with the adequate (33.0 g) and toxic (22.0 g) concentrations. The stem weight and biomass partitioning were higher for white roots and stems at B-deficient and -adequate doses than at toxic doses. The net photosynthesis (Pn) and transpiration rate (E) were significantly higher in plants with adequate concentrations of B. Stomatal conductance (Gs) was higher in B-deficient plants. Morphological and visual differences were observed between treatments. The results showed that it is essential to adequately manage B in cherry crops to avoid the adverse effects of both low and toxic concentrations.

Novel insights on genes and pathways involved in Pinus elliottii response to resinosis

Pinus elliottii, an important coniferous timber species, has recently become one of the most popular sources of resin in China. Resinosis is a common disease that may negatively affect pine tree growth and production. In this study, we used single-molecule real-time sequencing and Illumina RNA sequencing to generate an accurate transcriptome for P. elliottii. The transcriptome included 90,026 transcripts, 5160 long non-coding RNAs and 7710 transcription factors. We then analyzed RNA-sequencing, small RNA-sequencing and degradome data to identify genes, miRNAs and key miRNA-target pairs involved in response to resinosis in P. elliottii. We identified 1305 genes and 1151 miRNAs exhibiting significant differential expression in response to resinosis. According to the degradome sequencing analysis, 318 differentially expressed transcripts were targets of 14 differentially expressed miRNAs. Our study has provided resources for further functional characterization of genes and miRNAs involved in resinosis in P. elliottii, which should aid the future disease-resistance breeding of this species.

Effect of boron deficiency on the photosynthetic performance of sugar beet cultivars with contrasting boron efficiencies

Boron (B) deficiency severely affects the quality of sugar beet production, and the employment of nutrient-efficient varieties for cultivation is a crucial way to solve environmental and resource-based problems. However, the aspect of leaf photosynthetic performance among B-efficient sugar beet cultivars remains uncertain. The B deficient and B-sufficient treatments were conducted in the experiment using KWS1197 (B-efficient) and KWS0143 (B-inefficient) sugar beet cultivars as study materials. The objective of the present study was to determine the impacts of B deficiency on leaf phenotype, photosynthetic capacity, chloroplast structure, and photochemical efficiency of the contrasting B-efficiency sugar beet cultivars. The results indicated that the growth of sugar beet leaves were dramatically restricted, the net photosynthetic rate was significantly decreased, and the energy flux, quantum yield, and flux ratio of PSII reaction centers were adversely affected under B deficiency. Compared to the KWS0143 cultivar, the average leaf area ratio of the KWS1197 cultivar experienced less impact, and its leaf mass ratio (LMR) increased by 26.82% under B deficiency, whereas for the KWS0143 cultivar, the increase was only 2.50%. Meanwhile, the light energy capture and utilization capacity of PSII reaction centers and the proportion of absorbed light energy used for electron transfer were higher by 3.42% under B deficiency; KWS1197 cultivar managed to alleviate the photo-oxidative damage, which results from excessive absorbed energy (ABS/RC), by increasing the dissipated energy (DI_o/RC). Therefore, in response to B deprivation, the KWS1197 cultivar demonstrated greater adaptability in terms of morphological indices and photosynthetic functions, which not only explains the improved performance but also renders the measured parameters as the key features for varietal selection, providing a theoretical basis for the utilization of efficient sugar beet cultivars in future.

Suppression of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus Infection by Boron Application: From the Perspective of Nutrient Elements and Carbohydrates

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) infection causes "blood flesh" symptoms in watermelon fruits, which severely reduces yield and edibleness. However, the growth of watermelon fruits is strongly associated with boron (B), a trace element for improving fruit quality. In this study, B-gradient hydroponic experiments (B concentration: 0, 2.86, and 5.72 mg·L^-1 H₃BO₃) and foliar-spray experiments (B concentration: 30 and 300 mg·L^-1 H₃BO₃) were performed. We found that the B-supplement could inhibit CGMMV infection and especially relieve "blood flesh" symptoms in watermelon fruits. The nutrient element, soluble sugar, and cell wall polysaccharide contents and their metabolism- and transport-related gene expressions were determined in leaves and fruits of the watermelons in B-gradient hydroponic and foliar-spray experiments. We found that the accumulation and metabolism of nutrients and carbohydrates in cells were disrupted by CGMMV infection; however, the B-supplement could restore and maintain their homeostasis. Additionally, we uncovered that NIP5;1 and SWEET4, induced by B-application with CGMMV infection, could majorly contribute to the resistance to CGMMV infection by regulating nutrient elements and carbohydrate homeostasis. These results provided a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of B-mediated CGMMV suppression and an efficient method of B-application for the improvement of watermelon quality after CGMMV infection.

Acidic and Alkaline Conditions Affect the Growth of Tree Peony Plants via Altering Photosynthetic Characteristics, Limiting Nutrient Assimilation, and Impairing ROS Balance

Exposure to acidic and alkaline conditions were found to cause the excess accumulation of reactive oxygen species in tree peony, thereby causing damage and inhibiting plant growth and development. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were also found to be significantly up-regulated, especially under alkaline conditions; this explained why tree peony is better adapted to alkaline than to acidic conditions. Through pairwise comparisons, 144 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with plant growth, photosynthesis, and stress were identified. The DEGs related to stress were up-regulated, whereas the remaining DEGs were almost all down-regulated after acid and alkaline treatments. The nutrient assimilation was greatly inhibited. Chlorophyll synthesis genes were suppressed, and chlorophyll content was reduced. The development and structures of stomata and chloroplasts and the transcription of related genes were also influenced. Among photosynthesis-related DEGs, electron transport chains were the most sensitive. The suppressed expression of photosynthesis genes and the reduced light-harvesting capacity, together with the impairment of chloroplasts and stomata, finally led to a sharp decrease in the net photosynthetic rate. Carbohydrate accumulation and plant biomass were also reduced. The present study provides a theoretical basis for the response mechanisms of tree peony to adverse pH conditions and enriches knowledge of plant adaptation to alkaline conditions.

Carbon-11 Radiotracing Reveals Physiological and Metabolic Responses of Maize Grown under Different Regimes of Boron Treatment

In agriculture, boron is known to play a critical role in healthy plant growth. To dissect the role of boron in maize metabolism, radioactive carbon-11 (t_½ 20.4 min) was used to examine the physiological and metabolic responses of 3-week-old B73 maize plants to different levels of boron spanning 0 mM, 0.05 mM, and 0.5 mM boric acid (BA) treatments. Growth behavior, of both shoots and roots, was recorded and correlated to plant physiological responses. ¹¹CO₂ fixation, leaf export of [¹¹C]-photosynthates, and their rate of transport increased systematically with increasing BA concentrations, while the fraction of [¹¹C]-photosynthates delivered to the roots under 0 mM and 0.5 mM BA treatments was lower than under 0.05 mM BA treatment, likely due to changes in root growth. Additionally, solid-phase extraction coupled with gamma counting, radio-fluorescence thin layer chromatography, and radio-fluorescence high-performance liquid chromatography techniques applied to tissue extracts provided insight into the effects of BA treatment on 'new' carbon (as ¹¹C) metabolism. Most notable was the strong influence reducing boron levels had on raising ¹¹C partitioning into glutamine, aspartic acid, and asparagine. Altogether, the growth of maize under different regimes of boron affected ¹¹CO₂ fixation, its metabolism and allocation belowground, and altered root growth. Finally, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry provided insight into the effects of BA treatment on plant uptake of other essential nutrients. Here, levels of boron and zinc systematically increased in foliar tissues with increasing BA concentration. However, levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, and iron remained unaffected by treatment. The rise in foliar zinc levels with increased BA concentration may contribute to improved ¹¹CO₂ fixation under these conditions.

10Boron Is Mobile in Cowpea Plants

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, but its production is usually limited by boron (B) deficiency, which can be mitigated by applying B via foliar spraying. In plants with nutrient mobility, the residual effect of foliar fertilization increases, which might improve its efficiency. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the concentration and mobility of the B isotopic tracer (¹⁰B) in different organs of cowpea plants, after the application of this micronutrient in the growing media and also to leaves. Treatments were designed based on B fertilization as follows: without B in the growth media, with ¹⁰B applied via foliar spraying (¹⁰B-L), with B in the growth media (substrate) and ¹⁰B via foliar spraying (¹⁰B-L + B-S), and with ¹⁰B in the growth media (substrate) without foliar spraying (¹⁰B-S), and a control without fertilization. A redistribution of ¹⁰B was observed in new leaves when the element was supplied via foliar spraying, resulting in greater leaf area, dry mass and dry matter production of aerial parts, and also the whole plant. ¹⁰Boron was redistributed when applied via foliar spraying in cowpea plants, regardless of the plant's nutritional status, which in turn might increase internal B cycling.

A risk-based approach for the safety analysis of eight trace elements in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica parachinensis L.) in China

BACKGROUND

Most countries set regulatory values for the total trace element (TE) concentrations in soil, although there is growing interest in using a risk-based approach to evaluate the bioavailable TE using dilute salt extractants or other soil parameters, including pH and organic carbon_. The present study compares the current regulatory system (based on total TEs and pH) and a risk-based approach using 0.01 mol L^-1 CaCl₂ to estimate the bioavailable fraction.

RESULTS

In total, 150 paired samples of Chinese flowering cabbages (Brassica parachinensis) and their growth soils were collected, and the total and extractable concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg), as well as soil pH and organic matter content, were measured. No more than 3.33% of the edible parts exceeded Chinese food safety standards, even when growing in soils exceeding the current regulatory thresholds by over 50%. The total soil Cd (1.5 mg kg^-1 ), as well as the extractable concentrations of Cd (0.1 mg kg^-1 ), Ni (0.03 mg kg^-1 ) and Zn (0.1 mg kg^-1 ), are the key factors affecting the TE concentrations in B. parachinensis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the current soil regulatory guidelines for safe production of B. parachinensis are overly strict and conservative. A risk-based approach based on the extractable TE concentrations would provide a better indication for plant uptake of soil TEs and avoid the waste of farmlands that can still produce safe vegetables. Future research should focus on providing crop-specific available TE concentration guidelines to promote effective utilization of farmlands. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characteristics of boron distribution in the 'Newhall' navel orange plant with two root systems

Grafting is a technique that provides a substantial way to enhance nutrient utilization thereby improves plant growth and yield quality. Although it is commonly practised in horticultural crops, the impact of scion-rootstock interaction on nutrient distribution is still unclear. Here, 'Newhall' navel orange plants grafted on Trifoliate orange (T) as the original rootstock were inarched with trifoliate orange (N/Tt combination) or carrizo citrange (N/Tc combination) rootstock seedlings. The experimental plants were treated with isotope ¹⁰B solution for 7 weeks to investigate the effect of different inarched rootstocks on B distribution and translocation by using a two-root system. From this study, the original rootstock played a more dominant role in B distribution to scion tissues than the inarching rootstock either in N/Tt or N/Tc combination. From inarched combinations, the carrizo citrange in the N/Tc combination had a higher ability to distribute B to new leaves, new twigs and old twigs than trifoliate orange in the N/Tt combination. However, the original rootstock of N/Tt distributed more B to scion tissues than N/Tc and the B concentration in old leaves and new leaves of N/Tt plants was significantly higher than that of N/Tc plants. These results suggest that scion B status is influenced by the B distribution of two inarching rootstocks in an inarching plant, as well as the affinity between the inarching rootstock and grafted plant. In addition, by either adding ¹⁰B to the inarching rootstock or original rootstock, we could detect ¹⁰B in the other rootstock root in both N/Tt and N/Tc combinations. The results further suggest that B can translocate from rootstock to leaves and then, re-translocate from scion to rootstock through the cycling of B transportation.

Incidence of GLMD-Like Symptoms on Grapevines Naturally Infected by Grapevine Pinot gris virus, Boron Content and Gene Expression Analysis of Boron Metabolism Genes

Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) is considered to be a causal agent of Grapevine Leaf Mottling and Deformation (GLMD) disease that has been reported worldwide through the grapevine-growing regions. Seven grapevines that were collected from a vineyard in the Czech Republic were tested for the presence of GPGV in leaf and phloem tissues. Each of the seven grapevines was infected by GPGV, from which sic symptoms were mostly shown without a typical mottling. The phylogeny based on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and movement/coat protein sequences indicated the same origin of the GPGV isolates. The GPGV titer was the highest in the grapevines with the highest GLMD-like symptoms; however, some of the grapevines with milder GLMD-like symptoms had a lower GPGV titer than the asymptomatic grapevine. Soil analysis showed uneven boron content in the direct vicinity of the grapevines, while the boron content in the grapevines was more, even showing no boron deficiency. The quantitative analysis of selected gene expressions associated with boron efflux and transport only partially explained the boron content in the soil and grapevines and only in the grapevines growing in soils with the highest or lowest boron contents. The VvBor2 and VvNIP5 genes had a higher expression and VvNIP6 had a lower expression in the grapevine growing in the soil with the lowest boron content, while a low expression of VvBor1 and VvBor2 was observed in the grapevine that was grown in the soil with the highest boron content.

Evolution of AITR family genes in cotton and their functions in abiotic stress tolerance

Abiotic stresses are major environmental factors inhibiting plant growth and development. AITRs (ABA-induced transcription repressors) are a novel family of transcription factors regulating ABA (abscisic acid) signalling and plant responses to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis. However, the composition and evolution history of AITRs and their roles in the cotton genus are largely unknown. A total of 12 putative AITRs genes were identified in cultivated tetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. Phylogenetic analysis of GhAITRs in these tetraploid cottons and their closely related species implicate ancient genome-wide duplication occurring after speciation of Gossypium, and Theobroma could generate duplicates of GhAITRs. Duplicated GhAITRs were stably inherited following diploid speciation and further allotetraploidy in Gossypium. Homologous GhAITRs shared common expression patterns in response to ABA, drought and salinity treatments, and drought tolerance induced in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GhAITR-A1. Together, our findings reveal that duplicates in the GhAITRs gene family were achieved by whole genome duplication rather than three individual duplication events, and that GhAITRs function as transcription repressors and are involved in the regulation of plant responses to ABA and drought stress. These results provide insights towards the improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in cotton using GhAITRs.

A mitochondrial prolyl aminopeptidase PAP2 releases N-terminal proline and regulates proline homeostasis during stress response

Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesised in the cytosol and targeted into the organelle via N-terminal targeting peptides that are cleaved upon import. The free targeting peptide is subsequently processed in a stepwise manner, with single amino acids released as final products. Here, we have characterised a proline-cleaving aminopeptidase in Arabidopsis thaliana, prolyl aminopeptidase-2 (PAP2, At3g61540). Activity assays show that PAP2 has a preferred activity to hydrolyse N-terminal proline. Protein localisation studies revealed that PAP2 is exclusively targeted to mitochondria. Characterisation of pap2 mutants show defective pollen, enhanced dark-induced senescence and increased susceptibility to abiotic stresses, which are likely attributed to a reduced level of accumulated free proline. Taken together, these results demonstrate the role of PAP2 in proline cleavage from mitochondrial peptides and proline homeostasis, which is required for the development of male gametophyte, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and leaf senescence.

Conditioning Machine Learning Models to Adjust Lowbush Blueberry Crop Management to the Local Agroecosystem

Agroecosystem conditions limit the productivity of lowbush blueberry. Our objectives were to investigate the effects on berry yield of agroecosystem and crop management variables, then to develop a recommendation system to adjust nutrient and soil management of lowbush blueberry to given local meteorological conditions. We collected 1504 observations from N-P-K fertilizer trials conducted in Quebec, Canada. The data set, that comprised soil, tissue, and meteorological data, was processed by Bayesian mixed models, machine learning, compositional data analysis, and Markov chains. Our investigative statistical models showed that meteorological indices had the greatest impact on yield. High mean temperature at flower bud opening and after fruit maturation, and total precipitation at flowering stage showed positive effects. Low mean temperature and low total precipitation before bud opening, at flowering, and by fruit maturity, as well as number of freezing days (<−5 °C) before flower bud opening, showed negative effects. Soil and tissue tests, and N-P-K fertilization showed smaller effects. Gaussian processes predicted yields from historical weather data, soil test, fertilizer dosage, and tissue test with a root-mean-square-error of 1447 kg ha⁻¹. An in-house Markov chain algorithm optimized yields modelled by Gaussian processes from tissue test, soil test, and fertilizer dosage as conditioned to specified historical meteorological features, potentially increasing yield by a median factor of 1.5. Machine learning, compositional data analysis, and Markov chains allowed customizing nutrient management of lowbush blueberry at local scale.

Spatial and Temporal Bioactive Compound Contents and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Kale (Brassica oleracea L.) Under UV-B Exposure Near Harvest Time in Controlled Environments

UV-B irradiation has been used to enhance the secondary metabolite content in plants, but its spatial effect on plants has not been considered. The objective of this study was to compare spatial photosynthetic traits and bioactive compound accumulation in kale (Brassica oleracea L. var Acephala) according to the distribution and length of UV-B exposure near harvest. Plants were exposed to UV-B of 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9 W m^-2 for 4 h per day at 5 days (Exp. 1) and 4.2 W m^-2 at 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 days (Exp. 2) before harvest. In spatial distribution, the higher the UV-B intensity, the lower the mean F_v /F_m (maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII) and the higher the concentration of total flavonoid compound (TFC). With UV-B stress, F_v /F_m and fluorescence transient parameters decreased except for DI₀ /CS (dissipated energy flux per cross section) and PI_abs (performance index of PSII). When exposed to UV-B radiation for 2 days before harvest, the total phenolic compounds and TFC per plant were highest, not always proportional to the local F_v /F_m but affected by dry weight. Short-term UV-B stress near harvest would be more efficient for the accumulation of bioactive compounds by minimizing the loss of plant weight.

Foliar Supplied Boron Can Be Transported to Roots as a Boron-Sucrose Complex via Phloem in Citrus Trees

Although foliar boron (B) fertilization is regarded as an efficient way to remedy B deficiency, the mechanisms of foliar B transport from leaves to roots are still unclear. In this study, performed with 1-year-old "Newhall" navel orange (Citrus sinensis) grafted on trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) plants, we analyzed the B concentration in leaves and roots, B-sucrose complex in the phloem sap after foliar application of 10B, girdling, and/or shading treatments. Results indicated that 10B concentration was significantly increased in roots after foliar 10B treatment. On the other hand, both girdling the scion stem and shading over the plants with a black plastic net significantly reduced the B and 10B concentration in roots. LC-MS analysis revealed that foliar 10B-treated plants had higher concentration of sucrose and some sugar alcohols in the phloem sap as compared to foliar water-treated plants. Combining with the analysis in the artificial mixture of B and sucrose, a higher peak intensity of the 10B-sucrose complex was found in the phloem sap of foliar 10B-treated plants compared to the control plants. Taken together, it is concluded that foliar B can be long distance transported from leaves to roots via phloem, at least by forming a B-sucrose complex in citrus plants.

With or Without You: Altered Plant Response to Boron-Deficiency in Hydroponically Grown Grapevines Infected by Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus Suggests a Relation Between Grapevine Leaf Mottling and Deformation Symptom Occurrence and Boron Plant Availability

Despite the increasing spread of Grapevine Leaf Mottling and Deformation (GLMD) worldwide, little is known about its etiology. After identification of grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) as the presumptive causal agent of the disease in 2015, various publications have evaluated GPGV involvement in GLMD. Nevertheless, there are only partial clues to explain the presence of GPGV in both symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevines and the mechanisms that trigger symptom development, and so a consideration of new factors is required. Given the similarities between GLMD and boron (B)-deficiency symptoms in grapevine plants, we posited that GPGV interferes in B homeostasis. By using a hydroponic system to control B availability, we investigated the effects of different B supplies on grapevine phenotype and those of GPGV infection on B acquisition and translocation machinery, by means of microscopy, ionomic and gene expression analyses in both roots and leaves. The transcription of the genes regulating B homeostasis was unaffected by the presence of GPGV alone, but was severely altered in plants exposed to both GPGV infection and B-deficiency, allowing us to speculate that the capricious and patchy occurrence of GLMD symptoms in the field may not be related solely to GPGV, but to GPGV interference in plant responses to different B availabilities. This hypothesis found preliminary positive confirmations in analyses on field-grown plants.

Boron Toxicity and Deficiency in Agricultural Plants

Boron is an essential plant micronutrient taken up via the roots mostly in the form of boric acid. Its important role in plant metabolism involves the stabilization of molecules with cis-diol groups. The element is involved in the cell wall and membrane structure and functioning; therefore, it participates in numerous ion, metabolite, and hormone transport reactions. Boron has an extremely narrow range between deficiency and toxicity, and inadequate boron supply exhibits a detrimental effect on the yield of agricultural plants. The deficiency problem can be solved by fertilization, whereas soil boron toxicity can be ameliorated using various procedures; however, these approaches are costly and time-consuming, and they often show temporary effects. Plant species, as well as the genotypes within the species, dramatically differ in terms of boron requirements; thus, the available soil boron which is deficient for one crop may exhibit toxic effects on another. The widely documented intraspecies genetic variability regarding boron utilization efficiency and toxicity tolerance, together with the knowledge of the physiology and genetics of boron, should result in the development of efficient and tolerant varieties that may represent a long-term sustainable solution for the problem of inadequate or excess boron supply.

Synergetic Effects of Zinc, Boron, Silicon, and Zeolite Nanoparticles on Confer Tolerance in Potato Plants Subjected to Salinity

Salinity stress is a severe environmental stress that affects plant growth and productivity of potato, a strategic crop moderately sensitive to saline soils. Limited studies are available on the use of combined nano-micronutrients to ameliorate salinity stress in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.). Two open field experiments were conducted in salt-affected sandy soil to investigate plant growth, physiology, and yield of potato in response to soil salinity stress under single or combined application of Zn, B, Si, and Zeolite nanoparticles. It was hypothesized that soil application of nanoparticles enhanced plant growth and yield by alleviating the adverse impact of soil salinity. In general, all the nano-treatments applications significantly increased plant height, shoot dry weight, number of stems per plant, leaf relative water content, leaf photosynthetic rate, leaf stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and tuber yield, as compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, soil application of these treatments increased the concentration of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Zn, and B) in plant tissues, leaf proline, and leaf gibberellic acid hormone (GA3) in addition to contents of protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidant enzymes (polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in tubers. Compared to other treatments, the combined application of nanoparticles showed the highest plant growth, physiological parameters, endogenous elements (N, P, K, Ca, Zn, and B) and the lowest concentration of leaf abscisic acid (ABA) and transpiration rate. The present findings suggest that soil addition of the aforementioned nanoparticles can be a promising approach to improving crop productivity in salt-affected soils.

Boron toxicity in higher plants: an update

In this review, emphasis is given to the most recent updates about morpho-anatomical, physiological, biochemical and molecular responses adopted by plants to cope with B excess. Boron (B) is a unique micronutrient for plants given that the range of B concentration from its essentiality to toxicity is extremely narrow, and also because it occurs as an uncharged molecule (boric acid) which can pass lipid bilayers without any degree of controls, as occurs for other ionic nutrients. Boron frequently exceeds the plant's requirement in arid and semiarid environments due to poor drainage, and in agricultural soils close to coastal areas due to the intrusion of B-rich seawater in fresh aquifer or because of dispersion of seawater aerosol. Global releases of elemental B through weathering, volcanic and geothermal processes are also relevant in enriching B concentration in some areas. Considerable progress has been made in understanding how plants react to B toxicity and relevant efforts have been made to investigate: (I) B uptake and in planta partitioning, (II) physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes induced by B excess, with particular emphasis to the effects on the photosynthetic process, the B-triggered oxidative stress and responses of the antioxidant apparatus to B toxicity, and finally (III) mechanisms of B tolerance. Recent findings addressing the effects of B toxicity are reviewed here, intending to clarify the effect of B excess and to propose new perspectives aimed at driving future researches on the topic.

Suppression of Arabidopsis GGLT1 affects growth by reducing the L-galactose content and borate cross-linking of rhamnogalacturonan-II

Boron is a micronutrient that is required for the normal growth and development of vascular plants, but its precise functions remain a subject of debate. One established role for boron is in the cell wall where it forms a diester cross-link between two monomers of the low-abundance pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II). The inability of RG-II to properly assemble into a dimer results in the formation of cell walls with abnormal biochemical and biomechanical properties and has a severe impact on plant productivity. Here we describe the effects on RG-II structure and cross-linking and on the growth of plants in which the expression of a GDP-sugar transporter (GONST3/GGLT1) has been reduced. In the GGLT1-silenced plants the amount of L-galactose in side-chain A of RG-II is reduced by up to 50%. This leads to a reduction in the extent of RG-II cross-linking in the cell walls as well as a reduction in the stability of the dimer in the presence of calcium chelators. The silenced plants have a dwarf phenotype, which is rescued by growth in the presence of increased amounts of boric acid. Similar to the mur1 mutant, which also disrupts RG-II cross-linking, GGLT1-silenced plants display a loss of cell wall integrity under salt stress. We conclude that GGLT1 is probably the primary Golgi GDP-L-galactose transporter, and provides GDP-L-galactose for RG-II biosynthesis. We propose that the L-galactose residue is critical for RG-II dimerization and for the stability of the borate cross-link.

Boron: Functions and Approaches to Enhance Its Availability in Plants for Sustainable Agriculture

Boron (B) is an essential trace element required for the physiological functioning of higher plants. B deficiency is considered as a nutritional disorder that adversely affects the metabolism and growth of plants. B is involved in the structural and functional integrity of the cell wall and membranes, ion fluxes (H⁺, K⁺, PO₄3−, Rb⁺, Ca2+) across the membranes, cell division and elongation, nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism, sugar transport, cytoskeletal proteins, and plasmalemma-bound enzymes, nucleic acid, indoleacetic acid, polyamines, ascorbic acid, and phenol metabolism and transport. This review critically examines the functions of B in plants, deficiency symptoms, and the mechanism of B uptake and transport under limited B conditions. B deficiency can be mitigated by inorganic fertilizer supplementation, but the deleterious impact of frequent fertilizer application disrupts soil fertility and creates environmental pollution. Considering this, we have summarized the available information regarding alternative approaches, such as root structural modification, grafting, application of biostimulators (mycorrhizal fungi (MF) and rhizobacteria), and nanotechnology, that can be effectively utilized for B acquisition, leading to resource conservation. Additionally, we have discussed several new aspects, such as the combination of grafting or MF with nanotechnology, combined inoculation of arbuscular MF and rhizobacteria, melatonin application, and the use of natural and synthetic chelators, that possibly play a role in B uptake and translocation under B stress conditions.

Insights into the Mechanisms Underlying Boron Homeostasis in Plants

Boron is an essential element for plants but is toxic in excess. Therefore, plants must adapt to both limiting and excess boron conditions for normal growth. Boron transport in plants is primarily based on three transport mechanisms across the plasma membrane: passive diffusion of boric acid, facilitated diffusion of boric acid via channels, and export of borate anion via transporters. Under boron -limiting conditions, boric acid channels and borate exporters function in the uptake and translocation of boron to support growth of various plant species. In Arabidopsis thaliana, NIP5;1 and BOR1 are located in the plasma membrane and polarized toward soil and stele, respectively, in various root cells, for efficient transport of boron from the soil to the stele. Importantly, sufficient levels of boron induce downregulation of NIP5;1 and BOR1 through mRNA degradation and proteolysis through endocytosis, respectively. In addition, borate exporters, such as Arabidopsis BOR4 and barley Bot1, function in boron exclusion from tissues and cells under conditions of excess boron. Thus, plants actively regulate intracellular localization and abundance of transport proteins to maintain boron homeostasis. In this review, the physiological roles and regulatory mechanisms of intracellular localization and abundance of boron transport proteins are discussed.

Transcriptome Changes Associated with Boron Deficiency in Leaves of Two Citrus Scion-Rootstock Combinations

Boron (B) deficiency stress is frequently observed in citrus orchards and causes considerable loss of productivity and fruit quality. Carrizo citrange (Cc) has been reported as a rootstock more tolerant to B deficiency than Trifoliate orange (To). The 'Newhall' navel orange (Ns) performed better when grafted onto Cc (Ns/Cc) than when grafted onto To (Ns/To) under long-term B deficiency. The present study confirmed that Ns/Cc had higher boron content, leaf fresh weight, lower leaf chlorosis and stronger photosynthesis ability than Ns/To. Moreover, B-deficiency significantly reduced the chlorophyll and carotenoid content in Ns/To. The content of total soluble sugar and lignin were dramatically increased and the expression levels of photosynthesis-related genes were substantially down-regulated in Ns/To by B-deficient treatment. B-deficiency also strongly induced expression levels of chlorophyll decomposition-related genes, glucose synthesis-related genes and lignin synthesis-related genes, and significantly inhibited the expression of carotenoid synthesis-related genes in Ns/To. Overall, these findings suggested that the influence of To on the scion of Ns was worse than that of Cc due to differently regulating these metabolic pathways under the long term of B-deficiency. The transcriptome analysis provided further information for understanding the mechanism of the different responses of scion-rootstock combinations to B-deficiency stress.

Foliar Nutrition, Biostimulants and Prime-Like Dynamics in Fruit Tree Physiology: New Insights on an Old Topic

Despite the fact that the usage of foliar nutrients has long history, many aspects of fertilization through leaves are still unknown. Herein, we review the current knowledge regarding the canopy fertilization putting special emphasis on Fe nutrition and briefly provide insights into the nanofertilizer technology of the foliar feeding of fruit crops. In addition, this paper discusses the main aspects of the foliar application of biostimulants regarding crucial factors of fruit cropping systems, such as fruit yield/size, tolerance to environmental stresses, and nutrient availability. Also, we specifically discuss the role of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) as priming molecules and their possible cross-talk with biostimulants in fruit tree physiology. Finally, a view of the key issues for future fundamental and applied research in the topic is put forward.

Anatomical and Physiological Responses of Citrus Trees to Varying Boron Availability Are Dependent on Rootstock

In Citrus, water, nutrient transport and thereby fruit production, are influenced among other factors, by the interaction between rootstock and boron (B) nutrition. This study aimed to investigate how B affects the anatomical structure of roots and leaves as well as leaf gas exchange in sweet orange trees grafted on two contrasting rootstocks in response to B supply. Plants grafted on Swingle citrumelo or Sunki mandarin were grown in a nutrient solution of varying B concentration (deficient, adequate, and excessive). Those grafted on Swingle were more tolerant to both B deficiency and toxicity than those on Sunki, as revealed by higher shoot and root growth. In addition, plants grafted on Sunki exhibited more severe anatomical and physiological damages under B deficiency, showing thickening of xylem cell walls and impairments in whole-plant leaf-specific hydraulic conductance and leaf CO2 assimilation. Our data revealed that trees grafted on Swingle sustain better growth under low B availablitlity in the root medium and still respond positively to increased B levels by combining higher B absorption and root growth as well as better organization of xylem vessels. Taken together, those traits improved water and B transport to the plant canopy. Under B toxicity, Swingle rootstock would also favor plant growth by reducing anatomical and ultrastructural damage to leaf tissue and improving water transport compared with plants grafted on Sunki. From a practical point of view, our results highlight that B management in citrus orchards shall take into account rootstock varieties, of which the Swingle rootstock was characterized by its performance on regulating anatomical and ultrastructural damages, improving water transport and limiting negative impacts of B stress conditions on plant growth.