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Kerr SC, Shehnaz S, Paudel L, Manivannan MS, Shaw LM, Johnson A, Velasquez JTJ, Tanurdžić M, Cazzonelli CI, Varkonyi-Gasic E, Prentis PJ. Advancing tree genomics to future proof next generation orchard production. Front Plant Sci 2024; 14:1321555. [PMID: 38312357 PMCID: PMC10834703 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1321555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The challenges facing tree orchard production in the coming years will be largely driven by changes in the climate affecting the sustainability of farming practices in specific geographical regions. Identifying key traits that enable tree crops to modify their growth to varying environmental conditions and taking advantage of new crop improvement opportunities and technologies will ensure the tree crop industry remains viable and profitable into the future. In this review article we 1) outline climate and sustainability challenges relevant to horticultural tree crop industries, 2) describe key tree crop traits targeted for improvement in agroecosystem productivity and resilience to environmental change, and 3) discuss existing and emerging genomic technologies that provide opportunities for industries to future proof the next generation of orchards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Kerr
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Saiyara Shehnaz
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucky Paudel
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Mekaladevi S Manivannan
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Lindsay M Shaw
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Amanda Johnson
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jose Teodoro J Velasquez
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Miloš Tanurdžić
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Erika Varkonyi-Gasic
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter J Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Kokkotos E, Zotos A, Patakas A. The Ecophysiological Response of Olive Trees under Different Fruit Loads. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:128. [PMID: 38255743 PMCID: PMC10821016 DOI: 10.3390/life14010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Olive trees have a unique reproductive pattern marked by biennial fruiting. This study examined the repercussions of alternate fruit bearing on the water relations of olive trees and the associated ecophysiological mechanisms. The experiment spanned two consecutive years: the "ON" year, characterized by a high crop load, and the "OFF" year, marked by minimal fruit production. Key ecophysiological parameters, including sap flow, stomatal conductance, and photosynthetic rate, were monitored in both years. Pre-dawn water potential was measured using continuous stem psychrometers and the pressure chamber technique. Biochemical analyses focused on non-structural carbohydrate concentrations (starch, sucrose, and mannitol) and olive leaves' carbon-stable isotope ratio (δ13C). Results revealed a higher leaf gas exchange rate during the "ON" year, leading to an average 29.3% increase in water consumption and a 40.78% rise in the photosynthetic rate. Higher water usage during the "ON" year resulted in significantly lower (43.22% on average) leaf water potential. Sucrose and starch concentrations were also increased in the "ON" year, while there were no significant differences in mannitol concentration. Regarding the carbon-stable isotope ratio, leaves from the "OFF" year exhibited significantly higher δ13C values, suggesting a higher resistance to the CO2 pathway from the atmosphere to carboxylation sites compared to the "ON" year plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymios Kokkotos
- Laboratory of Plant Production, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Patras, 30100 Agrinio, Greece;
| | - Anastasios Zotos
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30100 Agrinio, Greece;
| | - Angelos Patakas
- Laboratory of Plant Production, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Patras, 30100 Agrinio, Greece;
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Matias P, Barrote I, Azinheira G, Continella A, Duarte A. Citrus Pruning in the Mediterranean Climate: A Review. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:3360. [PMID: 37836102 PMCID: PMC10574509 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Pruning is a common practice in citrus for various reasons. These include controlling and shaping the canopy; improving phytosanitary health, productivity, and fruit quality; and facilitating operations such as harvesting and phytosanitary treatments. Because pruning is an expensive operation, its need is sometimes questioned. However, it has been proven to be particularly important in Mediterranean citriculture, which is oriented towards producing fruits for a high-quality demanding fresh market. Herein, we summarize and explain the pruning techniques used in Mediterranean citriculture and refer to the main purposes of each pruning type, considering citrus morphology and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Matias
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (P.M.); (I.B.)
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Barrote
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (P.M.); (I.B.)
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Azinheira
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Campus da Penha, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
| | - Alberto Continella
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 100, 95131 Catania, Italy;
| | - Amílcar Duarte
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Marino G, Guzmán-Delgado P, Santos E, Adaskaveg JA, Blanco-Ulate B, Ferguson L, Zwieniecki MA, Fernández-Suela E. Interactive effect of branch source-sink ratio and leaf aging on photosynthesis in pistachio. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1194177. [PMID: 37600173 PMCID: PMC10436215 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1194177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Tree source-sink ratio has a predominant and complex impact on tree performance and can affect multiple physiological processes including vegetative and reproductive growth, water and nutrient use, photosynthesis, and productivity. In this study, we manipulated the branch level source-sink ratio by reduction of photosynthetic activity (partial branch defoliation) or thinning branch fruit load early in the growing season (after fruit set) in pistachio (Pistacia vera) trees. We then characterized the leaf photosynthetic light response curves through leaf aging. In addition, we determined changes in leaf non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and nitrogen (N) concentrations. In leaves with high source-sink ratios, there was a gradual decrease in maximum net photosynthetic rate (ANmax) over the growing season, while in branches with low source-sink ratios, there was a sharp decline in ANmax in the first two weeks of August. Branches with high-sink showed an up-regulation (increase) in photosynthesis toward the end of July (at 1,500 growing degree days) during the period of rapid kernel growth rate and increased sink strength, with ANmax being about 7 μmol m-1 s-1 higher than in branches with low-sink. In August, low source-sink ratios precipitated leaf senescence, resulting in a drastic ANmax decline, from 25 to 8 μmol m-1 s-1 (70% drop in two weeks). This reduction was associated with the accumulation of NSC in the leaves from 20 to 30 mg g-1. The mechanisms of ANmax reduction differ between the two treatments. Lower photosynthetic rates of 8-10 μmol m-1 s-1 late in the season were associated with lower N levels in high-sink branches, suggesting N remobilization to the kernels. Lower photosynthesis late in the season was associated with lower respiration rates in low-source branches, indicating prioritization of assimilates to storage. These results can facilitate the adaptation of management practices to tree crop load changes in alternate bearing species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Marino
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Paula Guzmán-Delgado
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Emily Santos
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jaclyn A. Adaskaveg
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Bárbara Blanco-Ulate
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Louise Ferguson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Maciej A. Zwieniecki
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Suela
- Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario, Madrid, Spain
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Du W, Ding J, Li J, Li H, Ruan C. Co-regulatory effects of hormone and mRNA-miRNA module on flower bud formation of Camellia oleifera. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1109603. [PMID: 37008468 PMCID: PMC10064061 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1109603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Few flower buds in a high-yield year are the main factors restricting the yield of Camellia oleifera in the next year. However, there are no relevant reports on the regulation mechanism of flower bud formation. In this study, hormones, mRNAs, and miRNAs were tested during flower bud formation in MY3 ("Min Yu 3," with stable yield in different years) and QY2 ("Qian Yu 2," with less flower bud formation in a high-yield year) cultivars. The results showed that except for IAA, the hormone contents of GA3, ABA, tZ, JA, and SA in the buds were higher than those in the fruit, and the contents of all hormones in the buds were higher than those in the adjacent tissues. This excluded the effect of hormones produced from the fruit on flower bud formation. The difference in hormones showed that 21-30 April was the critical period for flower bud formation in C. oleifera; the JA content in MY3 was higher than that in QY2, but a lower concentration of GA3 contributed to the formation of the C. oleifera flower bud. JA and GA3 might have different effects on flower bud formation. Comprehensive analysis of the RNA-seq data showed that differentially expressed genes were notably enriched in hormone signal transduction and the circadian system. Flower bud formation in MY3 was induced through the plant hormone receptor TIR1 (transport inhibitor response 1) of the IAA signaling pathway, the miR535-GID1c module of the GA signaling pathway, and the miR395-JAZ module of the JA signaling pathway. In addition, the expression of core clock components GI (GIGANTEA) and CO (CONSTANS) in MY3 increased 2.3-fold and 1.8-fold over that in QY2, respectively, indicating that the circadian system also played a role in promoting flower bud formation in MY3. Finally, the hormone signaling pathway and circadian system transmitted flowering signals to the floral meristem characteristic genes LFY (LEAFY) and AP1 (APETALA 1) via FT (FLOWERING LOCUS T) and SOC1 (SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO 1) to regulate flower bud formation. These data will provide the basis for understanding the mechanism of flower bud alternate formation and formulating high yield regulation measures for C. oleifera.
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Kaur H, Sidhu GS, Mittal A, Yadav IS, Mittal M, Singla D, Singh N, Chhuneja P. Comparative transcriptomics in alternate bearing cultivar Dashehari reveals the genetic model of flowering in mango. Front Genet 2023; 13:1061168. [PMID: 36704344 PMCID: PMC9871253 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1061168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Flowering is a complex developmental process, with physiological and morphological phases influenced by a variety of external and internal factors. Interestingly, many mango cultivars tend to bear fruit biennially because of irregular flowering, and this has a negative impact on mango flowering and the subsequent yield, resulting in significant economic losses. In this article, transcriptome analysis was carried out on four tissues of mango cv. Dashehari (bearing tree leaf, shoot apex, inflorescence, and non-bearing tree leaf). De novo transcriptome assembly of RNA-seq reads of Dashehari using the Trinity pipeline generated 67,915 transcripts, with 25,776 genes identified. 85 flowering genes, represented by 179 transcripts, were differentially expressed in bearing vs. non-bearing leaf tissues. Gene set enrichment analysis of flowering genes identified significant upregulation of flowering related genes in inflorescence tissues compared to bearing leaf tissues. The flowering genes FT, CO, GI, ELF 4, FLD, FCA, AP1, LHY, and SCO1 were upregulated in the bearing leaf tissues. Pathway analysis of DEGs showed significant upregulation of phenylpropanoid and sucrose and starch pathways in non-bearing leaf tissue compared with bearing leaf tissue. The comparative transcriptome analysis performed in this study significantly increases the understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the flowering process as well as alternative bearing in mango.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Gurupkar Singh Sidhu
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India,*Correspondence: Gurupkar Singh Sidhu, ; Amandeep Mittal,
| | - Amandeep Mittal
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India,*Correspondence: Gurupkar Singh Sidhu, ; Amandeep Mittal,
| | - Inderjit Singh Yadav
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Meenakshi Mittal
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Deepak Singla
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Navprem Singh
- Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Parveen Chhuneja
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
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Milyaev A, Kofler J, Moya YAT, Lempe J, Stefanelli D, Hanke MV, Flachowsky H, von Wirén N, Wünsche JN. Profiling of phytohormones in apple fruit and buds regarding their role as potential regulators of flower bud formation. Tree Physiol 2022; 42:2319-2335. [PMID: 35867427 PMCID: PMC9912367 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cropping behavior, if not regulated, is often manifested by high yields of small-sized fruit in so called ON-years, which are usually followed by strongly reduced crop loads in OFF-years. Such cropping pattern is defined as biennial bearing and causes significant losses in apple production. The growth of apple fruit overlaps with the formation of flower buds, which remain dormant until the following spring. Earlier works proposed that some fruit-derived mobile compounds, as e.g., phytohormones, could suppress flower bud formation that thereby leads to biennial bearing. We addressed this hypothesis by analyzing 39 phytohormones in apple seeds, fruit flesh and by measuring phytohormone export from the fruits of the biennial bearing cultivar 'Fuji' and of the regular bearing cultivar 'Gala'. Moreover, we analyzed the same compounds in bourse buds from fruiting (ON-trees) and non-fruiting (OFF-trees) spurs of both apple cultivars over the period of flower bud formation. Our results showed that apple fruit exported at least 14 phytohormones including indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellin A3; however, their influence on flower bud formation was inconclusive. A gibberellin-like compound, which was detected exclusively in bourse buds, was significantly more abundant in bourse buds from ON-trees compared with OFF-trees. Cultivar differences were marked by the accumulation of trans-zeatin-O-glucoside in bourse buds of 'Gala' ON-trees, whereas the levels of this compound in 'Gala' OFF were significantly lower and comparable to those in 'Fuji' ON- and OFF-trees. Particular phytohormones including five cytokinin forms as well as abscisic acid and its degradation products had higher levels in bourse buds from OFF-trees compared with ON-trees and were therefore proposed as potential promotors of flower bud initiation. The work discusses regulatory roles of phytohormones in flower bud formation in apple based on the novel and to date most comprehensive phytohormone profiles of apple fruit and buds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Kofler
- Institute of Crop Science, Section of Crop Physiology of Specialty Crops (340f), University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Street 25, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Yudelsy Antonia Tandron Moya
- Department Molecular Plant Nutrition, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Stadt Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Janne Lempe
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Pillnitzer Platz 3a, 01326 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dario Stefanelli
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia, Locked Bag 7, 6258 Manjimup, Australia
| | - Magda-Viola Hanke
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Pillnitzer Platz 3a, 01326 Dresden, Germany
| | - Henryk Flachowsky
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Pillnitzer Platz 3a, 01326 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicolaus von Wirén
- Department Molecular Plant Nutrition, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Stadt Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Jens-Norbert Wünsche
- Institute of Crop Science, Section of Crop Physiology of Specialty Crops (340f), University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Street 25, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Mesejo C, Marzal A, Martínez-Fuentes A, Reig C, de Lucas M, Iglesias DJ, Primo-Millo E, Blázquez MA, Agustí M. Reversion of fruit-dependent inhibition of flowering in Citrus requires sprouting of buds with epigenetically silenced CcMADS19. New Phytol 2022; 233:526-533. [PMID: 34403516 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In Citrus, the response to environmental floral inductive signals is inhibited by the presence of developing fruits. The mechanism involves epigenetic activation of the CcMADS19 locus (FLC orthologue), encoding a floral repressor. To understand how this epigenetic regulation is reverted to allow flowering in the following season, we have forced precocious sprouting of axillary buds in fruit-bearing shoots, and examined the competence to floral inductive signals of old and new leaves derived from them. We have found that CcMADS19 is enriched in repressive H3K27me3 marks in young, but not old leaves, revealing that axillary buds retain a silenced version of the floral repressor that is mitotically transmitted to the newly emerging leaves, which are able to induce flowering. Therefore, we propose that flowering in Citrus is necessarily preceded by vegetative sprouting, so that the competence to respond to floral inductive signals is reset in the new leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mesejo
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, 46022, Spain
| | - Andrés Marzal
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, 46022, Spain
| | - Amparo Martínez-Fuentes
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, 46022, Spain
| | - Carmina Reig
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, 46022, Spain
| | - Miguel de Lucas
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Domingo J Iglesias
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, IVIA-GV, Moncada, València, 46113, Spain
| | - Eduardo Primo-Millo
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, IVIA-GV, Moncada, València, 46113, Spain
| | - Miguel A Blázquez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-UPV, València, 46022, Spain
| | - Manuel Agustí
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, 46022, Spain
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Garcia G, Re B, Orians C, Crone E. By wind or wing: pollination syndromes and alternate bearing in horticultural systems. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200371. [PMID: 34657465 PMCID: PMC8520786 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclical fluctuations in reproductive output are widespread among perennial plants, from multi-year masting cycles in forest trees to alternate bearing in horticultural crops. In natural systems, ecological drivers such as climate and pollen limitation can result in synchrony among plants. Agricultural practices are generally assumed to outweigh ecological drivers that might synchronize alternate-bearing individuals, but this assumption has not been rigorously assessed and little is known about the role of pollen limitation as a driver of synchrony in alternate-bearing crops. We tested whether alternate-bearing perennial crops show signs of alternate bearing at a national scale and whether the magnitude of national-scale alternate bearing differs across pollination syndromes. We analysed the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations time series (1961-2018) of national crop yields across the top-producing countries of 27 alternate-bearing taxa, 6 wind-pollinated and 21 insect-pollinated. Alternate bearing was common in these national data and more pronounced in wind-pollinated taxa, which exhibited a more negative lag-1 autocorrelation and a higher coefficient of variation (CV). We highlight the mutual benefits of integrating ecological theory and agricultural data for (i) advancing our understanding of perennial plant reproduction across time, space and taxa, and (ii) promoting stable farmer livelihoods and global food supply. This article is part of the theme issue 'The ecology and evolution of synchronized seed production in plants'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Garcia
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Bridget Re
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Colin Orians
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Elizabeth Crone
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford MA 02155 USA
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Salimonti A, Forgione I, Sirangelo TM, Puccio G, Mauceri A, Mercati F, Sunseri F, Carbone F. A Complex Gene Network Mediated by Ethylene Signal Transduction TFs Defines the Flower Induction and Differentiation in Olea europaea L. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:545. [PMID: 33918715 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is a typical Mediterranean crop, important for olive and oil production. The high tendency to bear fruits in an uneven manner, defined as irregular or alternate bearing, results in a significant economic impact for the high losses in olives and oil production. Buds from heavy loaded (‘ON’) and unloaded (‘OFF’) branches of a unique olive tree were collected in July and the next March to compare the transcriptomic profiles and get deep insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating floral induction and differentiation. A wide set of DEGs related to ethylene TFs and to hormonal, sugar, and phenylpropanoid pathways was identified in buds collected from ‘OFF’ branches. These genes could directly and indirectly modulate different pathways, suggesting their key role during the lateral bud transition to flowering stage. Interestingly, several genes related to the flowering process appeared as over-expressed in buds from March ‘OFF’ branches and they could address the buds towards flower differentiation. By this approach, interesting candidate genes related to the switch from vegetative to reproductive stages were detected and analyzed. The functional analysis of these genes will provide tools for developing breeding programs to obtain olive trees characterized by more constant productivity over the years.
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Benny J, Marra FP, Giovino A, Balan B, Caruso T, Martinelli F, Marchese A. Transcriptome Analysis of Pistacia vera Inflorescence Buds in Bearing and Non-Bearing Shoots Reveals the Molecular Mechanism Causing Premature Flower Bud Abscission. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E851. [PMID: 32722492 PMCID: PMC7465039 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The alteration of heavy ("ON/bearing") and light ("OFF/non-bearing") yield in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) has been reported to result from the abscission of inflorescence buds on high yielding trees during the summer, but the regulatory mechanisms involved in this bud abscission remain unclear. The analysis provides insights into the transcript changes between inflorescence buds on bearing and non-bearing shoots, that we indicated as "ON" and "OFF", and shed light on the molecular mechanisms causing premature inflorescence bud abscission in the pistachio cultivar "Bianca" which can be related to the alternate bearing behavior. In this study, a transcriptome analysis was performed in inflorescence buds of "ON" and "OFF" shoots. A total of 14,330 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), most of which are involved in sugar metabolism, plant hormone pathways, secondary metabolism and oxidative stress pathway, were identified. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying inflorescence bud abscission in pistachio and we proposed a hypothetical model behind the molecular mechanism causing this abscission in "ON" shoots. Results highlighted how changes in genes expressed in nutrient pathways (carbohydrates and mineral elements) in pistachio "ON" vs. "OFF" inflorescence buds triggers a cascade of events involving trehalose-6-phosphate and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling, SnRK1 complex, hormones, polyamines and ROS which end, through programmed cell death and autophagy phenomena, with the abscission of inflorescence buds. This is the first study reporting gene expression profiling of the fate of "ON" and "OFF" inflorescence buds associated with the alternate bearing in the pistachio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jubina Benny
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (J.B.); (B.B.); (T.C.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Marra
- Department of Architecture (DARCH), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovino
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification (CREA-DC), 90011 Bagheria, Italy;
| | - Bipin Balan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (J.B.); (B.B.); (T.C.)
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Tiziano Caruso
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (J.B.); (B.B.); (T.C.)
| | - Federico Martinelli
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Marchese
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (J.B.); (B.B.); (T.C.)
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12
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Agustí M, Mesejo C, Muñoz-Fambuena N, Vera-Sirera F, de Lucas M, Martínez-Fuentes A, Reig C, Iglesias DJ, Primo-Millo E, Blázquez MA. Fruit-dependent epigenetic regulation of flowering in Citrus. New Phytol 2020; 225:376-384. [PMID: 31273802 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In many perennial plants, seasonal flowering is primarily controlled by environmental conditions, but in certain polycarpic plants, environmental signals are locally gated by the presence of developing fruits initiated in the previous season through an unknown mechanism. Polycarpy is defined as the ability of plants to undergo several rounds of reproduction during their lifetime, alternating vegetative and reproductive meristems in the same individual. To understand how fruits regulate flowering in polycarpic plants, we focused on alternate bearing in Citrus trees that had been experimentally established as fully flowering or nonflowering. We found that the presence of the fruit causes epigenetic changes correlating with the induction of the CcMADS19 floral repressor, which prevents the activation of the floral promoter CiFT2 even in the presence of the floral inductive signals. By contrast, newly emerging shoots display an opposite epigenetic scenario associated with CcMADS19 repression, thereby allowing the activation of CiFT2 the following cold season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Agustí
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Mesejo
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Natalia Muñoz-Fambuena
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Vera-Sirera
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-UPV, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel de Lucas
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Amparo Martínez-Fuentes
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Reig
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Domingo J Iglesias
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, IVIA-GV, 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Primo-Millo
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, IVIA-GV, 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel A Blázquez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-UPV, 46022, Valencia, Spain
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Hoijemberg
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, 1405-Buenos, Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428-Buenos, Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo D Cerdán
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, 1405-Buenos, Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428-Buenos, Aires, Argentina
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14
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Conde-Innamorato P, Arias-Sibillotte M, Villamil JJ, Bruzzone J, Bernaschina Y, Ferrari V, Zoppolo R, Villamil J, Leoni C. It Is Feasible to Produce Olive Oil in Temperate Humid Climate Regions. Front Plant Sci 2019; 10:1544. [PMID: 31850032 PMCID: PMC6893176 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide olive industry has expanded into new climatic regions outside the Mediterranean basin due to an increase in extra virgin olive oil demand posing new challenges. This is the case of Uruguay, South America, where the olive crop area reached 10,000 hectares in the last 15 years and is intended to the production of EVOO. Uruguay has a temperate humid climate with mean precipitations above 1,100 mm per year but unequally distributed, mild winters, and warm summers, with mean annual temperatures of 17.7°C. Different agroecological conditions require local knowledge to achieve good productivity whereby the objective of this work was to show the feasibility and potential of olive oil production under our climatic conditions. For this the agronomic performance of Arbequina, Barnea, Frantoio, Leccino, Manzanilla de Sevilla, and Picual cultivars was evaluated along 10 years of full production. Phenology behavior, vegetative growth rate, productive efficiency, alternate bearing, and oil yield were determined. Sprouting and flowering processes occur in a wide window within the annual cycle between the months of August to November with great interannual variation. More than 8 t/ha fruit yield and 40% oil yields in dry weight basis were obtained in promising cultivars. However, alternate bearing arose as the main production limiting factor, with ABI values greater than 0.60 for most cultivars. We conclude that olive oil production in humid climate regions is feasible and the most promising cultivars based on productive efficiency are Arbequina and Picual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Conde-Innamorato
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Mercedes Arias-Sibillotte
- Unidad de Ecofisiología de Frutales, Departamento de Producción Vegetal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan José Villamil
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Juliana Bruzzone
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Yesica Bernaschina
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Virginia Ferrari
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Roberto Zoppolo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - José Villamil
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Leoni
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Investigación en Producción Frutícola, Estación Experimental INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
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15
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Fan S, Gao X, Gao C, Yang Y, Zhu X, Feng W, Li R, Mobeen Tahir M, Zhang D, Han M, An N. Dynamic Cytosine DNA Methylation Patterns Associated with mRNA and siRNA Expression Profiles in Alternate Bearing Apple Trees. J Agric Food Chem 2019; 67:5250-5264. [PMID: 31008599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cytosine DNA methylation plays an important role in plants: it can mediate gene expression to affect plant growth and development. However, little is known about the potential involvement of cytosine DNA methylation in apple trees as well as in response to alternate bearing. Here, we performed whole-genome bisulfate sequencing to investigate genomic CG, CHG, and CHH methylation patterns, together with their global mRNA accumulation and small RNA expression in "Fuji" apple trees. Results showed that "Fuji" apple trees have a higher CHH methylation than Arabidopsis. Moreover, genomic methylation analysis revealed that CG and CHG methylation were robustly maintained at the early stage of flower induction. Additionally, differentially methylated regions (DMRs), including hypermethylated and hypomethylated DMRs, were also characterized in alternate bearing (AB) apple trees. Intriguingly, the DMRs were enriched in hormones, redox state, and starch and sucrose metabolism, which affected flowering. Further global gene expression evaluation based on methylome analysis revealed a negative correlation between gene body methylation and gene expression. Subsequent small RNA analyses showed that 24-nucleotide small interfering RNAs were activated and maintained in non-CG methylated apple trees. Our whole-genome DNA methylation analysis and RNA and small RNA expression profile construction provide valuable information for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Fan
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Xiuhua Gao
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Cai Gao
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Yang Yang
- Innovation Experimental College , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Xinzheng Zhu
- Innovation Experimental College , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Wei Feng
- Innovation Experimental College , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Ruimin Li
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Muhammad Mobeen Tahir
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Mingyu Han
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
| | - Na An
- College of Horticulture , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
- College of Life Science , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , Shaanxi , China
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16
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Haberman A, Bakhshian O, Cerezo-Medina S, Paltiel J, Adler C, Ben-Ari G, Mercado JA, Pliego-Alfaro F, Lavee S, Samach A. A possible role for flowering locus T-encoding genes in interpreting environmental and internal cues affecting olive (Olea europaea L.) flower induction. Plant Cell Environ 2017; 40:1263-1280. [PMID: 28103403 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Olive (Olea europaea L.) inflorescences, formed in lateral buds, flower in spring. However, there is some debate regarding time of flower induction and inflorescence initiation. Olive juvenility and seasonality of flowering were altered by overexpressing genes encoding flowering locus T (FT). OeFT1 and OeFT2 caused early flowering under short days when expressed in Arabidopsis. Expression of OeFT1/2 in olive leaves and OeFT2 in buds increased in winter, while initiation of inflorescences occurred i n late winter. Trees exposed to an artificial warm winter expressed low levels of OeFT1/2 in leaves and did not flower. Olive flower induction thus seems to be mediated by an increase in FT levels in response to cold winters. Olive flowering is dependent on additional internal factors. It was severely reduced in trees that carried a heavy fruit load the previous season (harvested in November) and in trees without fruit to which cold temperatures were artificially applied in summer. Expression analysis suggested that these internal factors work either by reducing the increase in OeFT1/2 expression or through putative flowering repressors such as TFL1. With expected warmer winters, future consumption of olive oil, as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet, should benefit from better understanding these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnon Haberman
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Ortal Bakhshian
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Sergio Cerezo-Medina
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora', IHSM-UMA-CSIC, Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Judith Paltiel
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Chen Adler
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Giora Ben-Ari
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Jose Angel Mercado
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora', IHSM-UMA-CSIC, Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Fernando Pliego-Alfaro
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora', IHSM-UMA-CSIC, Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Shimon Lavee
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
- Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Alon Samach
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
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17
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Haberman A, Ackerman M, Crane O, Kelner JJ, Costes E, Samach A. Different flowering response to various fruit loads in apple cultivars correlates with degree of transcript reaccumulation of a TFL1-encoding gene. Plant J 2016; 87:161-173. [PMID: 27121325 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In many perennial fruit trees, flowering in the year following a year with heavy fruit load can be quite limited. This biennial cycle of fruiting, termed alternate bearing, was described 170 years ago in apple (Malus domestica). Apple inflorescences are mainly found on short branches (spurs). Bourse shoots (BS) develop from the leaf axils of the spur. BS apices may terminate ~100 days after flowering, with formation of next year's inflorescences. We sought to determine how developing fruit on the spur prevents the adjacent BS apex from forming an inflorescence. The presence of adjacent fruit correlated with reaccumulation of transcript encoding a potential flowering inhibitor, MdTFL1-2, in BS apices prior to inflorescence initiation. BS apices without adjacent fruit that did not flower due to late fruitlet removal, neighbouring fruit on the tree, or leaf removal, also reaccumulated the MdTFL1-2 transcript. Fruit load and gibberellin (GA) application had similar effects on the expression of MdTFL1-2 and genes involved in GA biosynthesis and metabolism. Some apple cultivars are less prone to alternate bearing. We show that the response of a BS apex to different numbers of adjacent fruit differs among cultivars in both MdTFL1-2 accumulation and return flowering. These results provide a working model for the further study of alternate bearing, and help clarify the need for cultivar-specific approaches to reach stable fruit production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnon Haberman
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Ackerman
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Omer Crane
- Migal-Galilee Technological Center, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Jean-Jacques Kelner
- INRA, UMR AGAP, AFEF team (Architecture and functioning of fruit species), Montpellier, France
| | - Evelyne Costes
- INRA, UMR AGAP, AFEF team (Architecture and functioning of fruit species), Montpellier, France
| | - Alon Samach
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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18
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Guitton B, Kelner JJ, Celton JM, Sabau X, Renou JP, Chagné D, Costes E. Analysis of transcripts differentially expressed between fruited and deflowered 'Gala' adult trees: a contribution to biennial bearing understanding in apple. BMC Plant Biol 2016; 16:55. [PMID: 26924309 PMCID: PMC4770685 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-016-0739-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition from vegetative to floral state in shoot apical meristems (SAM) is a key event in plant development and is of crucial importance for reproductive success. In perennial plants, this event is recurrent during tree life and subject to both within-tree and between-years heterogeneity. In the present study, our goal was to identify candidate processes involved in the repression or induction of flowering in apical buds of adult apple trees. RESULTS Genes differentially expressed (GDE) were examined between trees artificially set in either 'ON' or 'OFF' situation, and in which floral induction (FI) was shown to be inhibited or induced in most buds, respectively, using qRT-PCR and microarray analysis. From the period of FI through to flower differentiation, GDE belonged to four main biological processes (i) response to stimuli, including response to oxidative stress; (ii) cellular processes, (iii) cell wall biogenesis, and (iv) metabolic processes including carbohydrate biosynthesis and lipid metabolic process. Several key regulator genes, especially TEMPRANILLO (TEM), FLORAL TRANSITION AT MERISTEM (FTM1) and SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) were found differentially expressed. Moreover, homologs of SPL and Leucine-Rich Repeat proteins were present under QTL zones previously detected for biennial bearing. CONCLUSIONS This data set suggests that apical buds of 'ON' and 'OFF' trees were in different physiological states, resulting from different metabolic, hormonal and redox status which are likely to contribute to FI control in adult apple trees. Investigations on carbohydrate and hormonal fluxes from sources to SAM and on cell detoxification process are expected to further contribute to the identification of the underlying physiological mechanisms of FI in adult apple trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Guitton
- INRA, UMR AGAP, CIRAD-INRA-SupAgro, AFEF team (Architecture et Fonctionnement des Espèces Fruitières) TA 108/03, Avenue Agropolis, 34398, Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France.
- ICRISAT, Samanko station, BP320, Bamako, Mali.
- CIRAD, UMR AGAP, CIRAD-INRA-SupAgro, TA 108/03, Avenue Agropolis, 34398, Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France.
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - J J Kelner
- SupAgro, UMR AGAP, CIRAD-INRA-SupAgro, AFEF team (Architecture et Fonctionnement des Espèces Fruitières) TA 108/03, Avenue Agropolis, 34398, Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France.
| | - J M Celton
- INRA, UMR1345 IRHS, Institut de Recherche en Horticulture et Semences, AgroCampus-Ouest-INRA- QUASAV, Bretagne-Loire University, 49071, Beaucouzé, France.
| | - X Sabau
- CIRAD, UMR AGAP, CIRAD-INRA-SupAgro, TA 108/03, Avenue Agropolis, 34398, Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France.
| | - J P Renou
- INRA, UMR1345 IRHS, Institut de Recherche en Horticulture et Semences, AgroCampus-Ouest-INRA- QUASAV, Bretagne-Loire University, 49071, Beaucouzé, France.
| | - D Chagné
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - E Costes
- INRA, UMR AGAP, CIRAD-INRA-SupAgro, AFEF team (Architecture et Fonctionnement des Espèces Fruitières) TA 108/03, Avenue Agropolis, 34398, Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France.
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19
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Shalom L, Shlizerman L, Zur N, Doron-Faigenboim A, Blumwald E, Sadka A. Molecular characterization of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) gene family from Citrus and the effect of fruit load on their expression. Front Plant Sci 2015; 6:389. [PMID: 26074947 PMCID: PMC4443640 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
We recently identified a Citrus gene encoding SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factor that contained a sequence complementary to miR156. Genes of the SPL family are known to play a role in flowering regulation and phase transition. In Citrus, the mRNA levels of the gene were significantly altered by fruit load in buds; under heavy fruit load (ON-Crop trees), known to suppress next year flowering, the mRNA levels were down-regulated, while fruit removal (de-fruiting), inducing next-year flowering, resulted in its up-regulation. In the current work, we set on to study the function of the gene. We showed that the Citrus SPL was able promote flowering independently of photoperiod in Arabidopsis, while miR156 repressed its flowering-promoting activity. In order to find out if fruit load affected the expression of additional genes of the SPL family, we identified and classified all SPL members in the Citrus genome, and studied their seasonal expression patterns in buds and leaves, and in response to de-fruiting. Results showed that two additional SPL-like genes and miR172, known to be induced by SPLs in Arabidopsis, were altered by fruit load. The relationships between these factors in relation to the fruit-load effect on Citrus flowering are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Shalom
- Department of Fruit Tree Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani CenterBet Dagan, Israel
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of JerusalemRehovot, Israel
| | - Lyudmila Shlizerman
- Department of Fruit Tree Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani CenterBet Dagan, Israel
| | - Naftali Zur
- Department of Fruit Tree Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani CenterBet Dagan, Israel
| | - Adi Doron-Faigenboim
- Department of Fruit Tree Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani CenterBet Dagan, Israel
| | - Eduardo Blumwald
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, DavisDavis, CA, USA
| | - Avi Sadka
- Department of Fruit Tree Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani CenterBet Dagan, Israel
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20
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Shalom L, Samuels S, Zur N, Shlizerman L, Doron-Faigenboim A, Blumwald E, Sadka A. Fruit load induces changes in global gene expression and in abscisic acid (ABA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) homeostasis in citrus buds. J Exp Bot 2014; 65:3029-44. [PMID: 24706719 PMCID: PMC4071824 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eru148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Many fruit trees undergo cycles of heavy fruit load (ON-Crop) in one year, followed by low fruit load (OFF-Crop) the following year, a phenomenon known as alternate bearing (AB). The mechanism by which fruit load affects flowering induction during the following year (return bloom) is still unclear. Although not proven, it is commonly accepted that the fruit or an organ which senses fruit presence generates an inhibitory signal that moves into the bud and inhibits apical meristem transition. Indeed, fruit removal from ON-Crop trees (de-fruiting) induces return bloom. Identification of regulatory or metabolic processes modified in the bud in association with altered fruit load might shed light on the nature of the AB signalling process. The bud transcriptome of de-fruited citrus trees was compared with those of ON- and OFF-Crop trees. Fruit removal resulted in relatively rapid changes in global gene expression, including induction of photosynthetic genes and proteins. Altered regulatory mechanisms included abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism and auxin polar transport. Genes of ABA biosynthesis were induced; however, hormone analyses showed that the ABA level was reduced in OFF-Crop buds and in buds shortly following fruit removal. Additionally, genes associated with Ca(2+)-dependent auxin polar transport were remarkably induced in buds of OFF-Crop and de-fruited trees. Hormone analyses showed that auxin levels were reduced in these buds as compared with ON-Crop buds. In view of the auxin transport autoinhibition theory, the possibility that auxin distribution plays a role in determining bud fate is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Shalom
- Department of Fruit Trees Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sivan Samuels
- Department of Fruit Trees Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Naftali Zur
- Department of Fruit Trees Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Lyudmila Shlizerman
- Department of Fruit Trees Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Adi Doron-Faigenboim
- Department of Fruit Trees Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Eduardo Blumwald
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Avi Sadka
- Department of Fruit Trees Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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Muñoz-Fambuena N, Mesejo C, González-Mas MC, Primo-Millo E, Agustí M, Iglesias DJ. Fruit load modulates flowering-related gene expression in buds of alternate-bearing 'Moncada' mandarin. Ann Bot 2012; 110:1109-18. [PMID: 22915579 PMCID: PMC3478051 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcs190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gene determination of flowering is the result of complex interactions involving both promoters and inhibitors. In this study, the expression of flowering-related genes at the meristem level in alternate-bearing citrus trees is analysed, together with the interplay between buds and leaves in the determination of flowering. METHODS First defruiting experiments were performed to manipulate blossoming intensity in 'Moncada' mandarin, Citrus clementina. Further defoliation was performed to elucidate the role leaves play in the flowering process. In both cases, the activity of flowering-related genes was investigated at the flower induction (November) and differentiation (February) stages. KEY RESULTS Study of the expression pattern of flowering-genes in buds from on (fully loaded) and off (without fruits) trees revealed that homologues of FLOWERING LOCUS T (CiFT), TWIN SISTER OF FT (TSF), APETALA1 (CsAP1) and LEAFY (CsLFY) were negatively affected by fruit load. CiFT and TSF activities showed a marked increase in buds from off trees through the study period (ten-fold in November). By contrast, expression of the homologues of the flowering inhibitors of TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (CsTFL), TERMINAL FLOWER 2 (TFL2) and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) was generally lower in off trees. Regarding floral identity genes, the increase in CsAP1 expression in off trees was much greater in buds than in leaves, and significant variations in CsLFY expression (approx. 20 %) were found only in February. Defoliation experiments further revealed that the absence of leaves completely abolished blossoming and severely affected the expression of most of the flowering-related genes, particularly decreasing the activity of floral promoters and of CsAP1 at the induction stage. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the presence of fruit affects flowering by greatly altering gene-expression not only at the leaf but also at the meristem level. Although leaves are required for flowering to occur, their absence strongly affects the activity of floral promoters and identity genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Muñoz-Fambuena
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Mesejo
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Carmen González-Mas
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, E-46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Primo-Millo
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, E-46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Agustí
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Domingo J. Iglesias
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, E-46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
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Muñoz-Fambuena N, Mesejo C, Carmen González-Mas M, Primo-Millo E, Agustí M, Iglesias DJ. Fruit regulates seasonal expression of flowering genes in alternate-bearing 'Moncada' mandarin. Ann Bot 2011; 108:511-9. [PMID: 21856639 PMCID: PMC3158683 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcr164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The presence of fruit has been widely reported to act as an inhibitor of flowering in fruit trees. This study is an investigation into the effect of fruit load on flowering of 'Moncada' mandarin and on the expression of putative orthologues of genes involved in flowering pathways to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying alternate bearing in citrus. METHODS The relationship between fruit load and flowering intensity was examined first. Defruiting experiments were further conducted to demonstrate the causal effect of fruit removal upon flowering. Finally, the activity of flowering-related genes was investigated to determine the extent to which their seasonal expression is affected by fruit yield. KEY RESULTS First observations and defruiting experiments indicated a significant inverse relationship between preceding fruit load and flowering intensity. Moreover, data indicated that when fruit remained on the tree from November onwards, a dramatic inhibition of flowering occurred the following spring. The study of the expression pattern of flowering-genes of on (fully loaded) and off (without fruits) trees revealed that homologues of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), SUPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1), APETALA1 (AP1) and LEAFY (LFY) were negatively affected by fruit load. Thus, CiFT expression showed a progressive increase in leaves from off trees through the study period, the highest differences found from December onwards (10-fold). Whereas differences in the relative expression of SOC1 only reached significance from September to mid-December, CsAP1 expression was constantly higher in those trees through the whole study period. Significant variations in CsLFY expression only were found in late February (close to 20 %). On the other hand, the expression of the homologues of TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) did not appear to be related to fruit load. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest for the first time that fruit inhibits flowering by repressing CiFT and SOC1 expression in leaves of alternate-bearing citrus. Fruit also reduces CsAP1 expression in leaves, and the significant increase in leaf CsLFY expression from off trees in late February was associated with the onset of floral differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Muñoz-Fambuena
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Mesejo
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Carmen González-Mas
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, E-46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Primo-Millo
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, E-46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Agustí
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Domingo J. Iglesias
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, E-46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
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LI CHUN, WEISS DAVID, GOLDSCHMIDT ELIEZERE. Girdling affects carbohydrate-related gene expression in leaves, bark and roots of alternate-bearing citrus trees. Ann Bot 2003; 92:137-43. [PMID: 12763756 PMCID: PMC4243633 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcg108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Effects of girdling on carbohydrate status and carbohydrate-related gene expression in citrus trees were investigated. Alternate-bearing 'Murcott' (a Citrus reticulata hybrid of unknown origin) trees were girdled during autumn (25 Sep. 2001) and examined 10 weeks later. Girdling brought about carbohydrate (soluble sugar and starch) accumulation in leaves and shoot bark above the girdle, in trees during their fruitless, 'off' year. Trees during their heavy fruit load, 'on' year did not accumulate carbohydrates above the girdle due to the high demand for carbohydrates by the developing fruit. Girdling caused a strong decline in soluble sugar and starch concentrations in organs below the girdle (roots), in both 'on' and 'off' trees. Expression of STPH-L and STPH-H (two isoforms of starch phosphorylase), Agps (ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, small subunit), AATP (plastidic ADP/ATP transporter), PGM-C (phosphoglucomutase) and CitSuS1 (sucrose synthase), all of which are associated with starch accumulation, was studied. It was found that gene expression is related to starch accumulation in all 'off' tree organs. RNA levels of all the genes examined were high in leaves and bark that accumulated high concentrations of starch, and low in roots with declining starch concentrations. It may be hypothesized that changes in specific sugars signal the up- and down-regulation of genes involved in starch synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- CHUN‐YAO LI
- The Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - DAVID WEISS
- The Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - ELIEZER E. GOLDSCHMIDT
- The Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- * For correspondence. E‐mail
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