Transcription factor CabHLH035 promotes cold resistance and homeostasis of reactive oxygen species in pepper

Plant basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH)transcription factors(TFs)play central roles in various abiotic stresses.However,its role in plant cold resistance is largely unknown.Previously,we characterised CaNAC035 in pepper,which positively regulates tolerance to cold,salt and drought stresses tolerance.Here,we identified CabHLH035,a CaNAC035-interacting protein in pepper.To explore its functions in cold stress tolerance,we silenced the gene in pepper via virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)and overexpressed the gene in Arabidopsis.The results showed that CabHLH035 expression was induced by cold treatment,and silencing of CabHLH035 decreased cold stress tolerance.Conversely,overexpression of CabHLH035 in Arabidopsis increased cold stress tolerance.To investigate homologs genes of C-repeat binding factor(CBF)pathway proteins and reactive oxygen species(ROS)marker gene expression blocking by CabHLH035,we performed yeast one-hybrid(Y1H),dual luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assay experiments.The results showed that CabHLH035 bound to the region upstream of the CaCBF1A and CaAPX promoters.Additionally,CaCBF1A bound to the CaDHN4 promoter.Taken together,our results showed that CabHLH035 plays a crucial role in cold stress tolerance and its potential as a target for breeding cold-resistant crops.The findings provide a basis for studying the functions and regulatory network of cold stress tolerance in pepper.

UV-B irradiation enhances the accumulation of beneficial glucosinolates induced by melatonin in Chinese kale sprout

Cruciferous sprout is a new form of vegetable product rich in bioactive compounds,especially glucosinolates.Previous studies have focused on increasing the accumulation of glucosinolates in cruciferous sprouts by applying different chemical regulators,with a particular focus on their contribution to nutritional quality and health benefits.Nevertheless,the effects of melatonin and UV-B irradiation on glucosinolate biosynthesis remain unclear.In this study,it was found that changes in melatonin concentrations significantly affected the contents of individual as well as total aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates.The 5μmol·L^(-1)melatonin was decided as the optimum concentration that could increase the content of beneficial glucosinolates including glucoraphanin and 4-methoxy glucobrassicin in Chinese kale sprouts.Notably,the enhancement of glucosinolate accumulation by melatonin treatment could be further amplified by UV-B irradiation.Furthermore,our results showed that R2R3-MYB transcription factor BoaMYB28 and BoaMYB51,which are central regulators of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolate biosynthesis respectively,were both involved in the regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis by melatonin and UV-B irradiation.Additionally,the expression of glucosinolate biosynthetic genes,including BoaCYP79F1,BoaCYP83A1,BoaSUR1,BoaUGT74B1,BoaCYP79B2,BoaCYP79B3,and BoaCYP83B1 participated in the formation of core structures and BoaFMOGS-OX5,BoaAOP2,BoaCYP81F2,and BoaIGMT1 involved in the sidechain modification of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolate,was regulated by melatonin or UV-B irradiation.Taken together,these findings provide a potential strategy for improving the nutritional quality and resistance of Chinese kale sprouts.

Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Growth and Biomass Accumulation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) is gaining interest in agriculture because of their impact on many aspects of plant growth. The present study examines the effects of nTiO2 (5 nm and 10 nm) applied to seeds and the seedlings as a foliar application on various aspects of growth characteristics and biomass accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv. Grand Rapids). Application of 10 nm nTiO2 to seeds through imbibition resulted in a significant reduction in shoot biomass accumulation while 5 nm nTiO2 did not affect the biomass accumulation in lettuce. The application of 10 nm nTiO2 reduced the fresh shoot biomass accumulation by about 18% compared to the control plants. Other growth characteristics such as shoot dry biomass, root fresh and dry biomass, plant height, and leaf area were not affected by the application of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. In addition, foliar application of these nanoparticles to the lettuce seedlings did not have a significant effect on most of the growth parameters examined, and the increasing concentration ranging from 5 nm/L to 400 mg/L did not produce a consistent response in lettuce. Thus, nTiO2 application to lettuce seeds had a notable negative impact on shoot growth while foliar application did not have a significant effect on many plant growth characteristics. However, foliar applications produced some symptoms of toxicity to the foliage in the form of necrotic or chlorotic patches on the leaves, which were more pronounced with increasing concentrations of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. However, these symptoms were apparent at a concentration as low as 50 mg/L of nTiO2. Thus, foliar application of nTiO2 may not have a significant impact on many of the growth characteristics in lettuce, but it can result in foliar toxicity.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Two Tomato Cultivars with Different Shelf-Life Traits

Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)is a perishable fruit because of its fast water loss and susceptibility to pathogens in the post-harvest stage,which leads to huge economic losses every year.In this study,firstly from 19 tomato cultivars,we screened out two cultivars,Riogrand and SalarF1,having long and short shelf-life spans,respectively.Secondly,shelf-life analysis was carried out for both cultivars at room temperature.Results exhibited that Riogrand showed higher firmness and less weight loss than SalarF1.The ethylene production was higher in SalarF1,compared with Riogrand during post-harvest storages.We performed transcriptomic analysis of both cultivars in different storage stages.We discovered 2913,2188,and 11,119 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)for three post-harvest stages(0,20,and 40 Days Post-Harvest(DPH)),respectively.These genes are enriched in ethylene biosynthesis and response,as well as cell wall-related genes.Ethylene response factor(ERF)ERF2 and ERF4 were highly expressed in SalarF1 with a short shelf life in 40 DPH,and the ethylene biosynthetic genes ACO1,ACO4,ACS6,and ACS2 were significantly upregulated in SalarF1.Regarding cell wall loosening and cell wall-related genes XTH3,XTH7,XTH23,1,3;1,4-β-D-Gluc-like,pGlcT1,Cellulase,PGH1,PL5,PL-like 1,PL-like 2 exhibited the highest levels of significance,being notably upregulated in the last stage of SalarF1.The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)analysis validated these gene expressions,which is in line with the transcriptome analysis.The findings suggested that the extension of tomato fruit shelf life is mostly dependent on ethylene biosynthesis,signaling pathway genes,cell wall loosening,and cell wall-associated genes.

Grasshopper Incidence and Severity of Damage as Influenced by Cyanogenic Potential in Leaf Tissue of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

This study assessed the effect of cyanogenic potential (CNP) in leaf tissue on grasshopper incidence and severity of damage in cassava for the identification of parents with desired complementary traits for crossing. The experiment was conducted at the Foya Wulleh, Njala experimental site in Sierra Leone during 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A total of 30 genotypes comprising 26 breeding lines, two improved and two local genotypes were assessed. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) linear relationship between leaf CNP and grasshopper infestation (incidence and severity of damage) among cassava genotypes. Findings showed that the higher leaf CNP, the lower the grasshopper infestation in cassava genotypes. About two genotypes (Cooksoon and Cocoa) had low leaf CNP;three genotypes (TR0020, TR0037 and TR0013) CNP had moderately low leaf CNP;eight genotypes (SLICASS 6, TR0029, TR0032, TR0011, TR0012, TR0016-1/17, TR0002 and TR0010) had intermediate leaf CNP;seven (TR0009, TR0015-1/17, TR0036, TR0022-1/17, SLICASS 4, TR0007 and TR0026-1/17) had moderately high leaf CNP;eight (TR0008, TR0019-1/17, TR0006, TR0005, TR0021, TR0021-1/17, TR0022 and TR0024-1/17) had high leaf CNP;and two genotypes (TR0001 and TR0018-1/17) had very high leaf CNP. This suggests the indirect dependence of leaf cyanogenic potential on grasshopper infestation (incidence and severity of damage) in cassava that could be exploited for the genetic improvement of cassava for improved resistance to grasshopper infestation, nutrition and utilization of the crop.

Effect of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Growth, Mineral Composition, and Nutritional Value of Wheat & Lentil Sprouts

Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.

Effect of Variety and Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield of Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of variety and plant spacing on yield and growth of groundnuts. The field experiment was laid in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The factor A included three (3) groundnut varieties (Nkatie Sari, Sum Nutt 22 and Yenyawoso) and Factor B was the three (3) spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm and 30 cm × 40 cm. All recommended agronomic practices were followed. Data was collected from eight (8) tagged plants. Growth data were recorded on plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, and the number of flowers while yield data were collected on the number of flowers, number of pods per plant, 100 seeds weight and the pod yield (kg/ha). The plant spacing significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the growth and yield parameters. Groundnut grown at a spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm produced the maximum plant height, whereas the maximum number of leaves, number of branches and number of flowers were produced from 30 cm × 40 cm. Yenyawoso variety with a wider plant spacing performed better vegetatively among all the varieties. The Yenyawoso variety produced the highest number of pods, 100 seeds weight and pod yield as compared to the other varieties. Also, Yenyawoso at 30 cm × 40 cm spacing and Nkatie Sari at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing produced the maximum pod yield.

High Dimension Multivariate Data Analysis for Small Group Samples of Chemical Volatile Profiles of African Nightshade Species

Quantitative headspace analysis of volatiles emitted by plants or any other living organisms in chemical ecology studies generates large multidimensional data that require extensive mining and refining to extract useful information. More often the number of variables and the quantified volatile compounds exceed the number of observations or samples and hence many traditional statistical analysis methods become inefficient. Here, we employed machine learning algorithm, random forest (RF) in combination with distance-based procedure, similarity percentage (SIMPER) as preprocessing steps to reduce the data dimensionality in the chemical profiles of volatiles from three African nightshade plant species before subjecting the data to non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). In addition, non-parametric methods namely permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) were applied to test hypothesis of differences among the African nightshade species based on the volatiles profiles and ascertain the patterns revealed by NMDS plots. Our results revealed that there were significant differences among the African nightshade species when the data’s dimension was reduced using RF variable importance and SIMPER, as also supported by NMDS plots that showed S. scabrum being separated from S. villosum and S. sarrachoides based on the reduced data variables. The novelty of our work is on the merits of using data reduction techniques to successfully reveal differences in groups which could have otherwise not been the case if the analysis were performed on the entire original data matrix characterized by small samples. The R code used in the analysis has been shared herein for interested researchers to customise it for their own data of similar nature.

Oviposition Site Preference and Its Effects on Subsequent Development of Variegated Grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus L.) under Laboratory Conditions

Female grasshoppers can affect the fitness of their offspring through their selection of oviposition site. Knowledge of soil type on oviposition, and its effects on subsequent development can provide guidelines for habitat manipulations that reduce the harmful effects of these pests on farmers fields. The influence of soil types on the oviposition site preference of variegated grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus L.) reared some cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties, was investigated in a cage trial carried out at the Bio factory laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, Sierra Leone during 2022/2023. The treatments comprised three soil types (Sandy, Loamy and Clay), each with three replications laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in wooden cages. Data were collected on the following development parameters including, Net reproductive growth ratio (R0), Generation time (Tc), Intrinsic rate of increase (rm), Finite rate of increase (), Doubling time (Dt), and overall survivorship. Findings revealed that, Z. variegatus L. preferred sandy soil in which, on average, most eggs were deposited (338, 6.62 4.40), followed by loamy soil, 286 (5.53 3.96), and then, clayey soil, 200 (3.91 3.85);though, the differences were not significant. This study established that Z. variegatus deposited more eggs in sandy soil > loamy soil > clayey soil, respectively;and subsequent survivorship of the immature unto mature adult insect, revealed a similar order. This indicates that the sandy soil is the most preferred substrate for oviposition and subsequent development into adult insects.

Perspectives of CRISPR/Cas-mediated cisengineering in horticulture:unlocking the neglected potential for crop improvement

Directed breeding of horticultural crops is essential for increasing yield,nutritional content,and consumer-valued characteristics such as shape and color of the produce.However,limited genetic diversity restricts the amount of crop improvement that can be achieved through conventional breeding approaches.Natural genetic changes in cisregulatory regions of genes play important roles in shaping phenotypic diversity by altering their expression.Utilization of CRISPR/Cas editing in crop species can accelerate crop improvement through the introduction of genetic variation in a targeted manner.The advent of CRISPR/Cas-mediated cis-regulatory region engineering(cis-engineering)provides a more refined method for modulating gene expression and creating phenotypic diversity to benefit crop improvement.Here,we focus on the current applications of CRISPR/Cas-mediated cis-engineering in horticultural crops.We describe strategies and limitations for its use in crop improvement,including de novo cis-regulatory element(CRE)discovery,precise genome editing,and transgene-free genome editing.In addition,we discuss the challenges and prospects regarding current technologies and achievements.CRISPR/Cas-mediated cis-engineering is a critical tool for generating horticultural crops that are better able to adapt to climate change and providing food for an increasing world population.

Multiple-model GWAS identifies optimal allelic combinations of quantitative trait loci for malic acid in tomato

Malic acid(MA)is an important flavor acid in fruits and acts as a mediator in a series of metabolic pathways.It is important to understand the factors affecting MA metabolism for fruit flavor improvement and to understand MA-mediated biological processes.However,themetabolic accumulation of MA is controlled by complex heredity and environmental factors,making it difficult to predict and regulate the metabolism of MA.In this study,we carried out a genome-wide association study(GWAS)on MA using eight milestone models with two-environment repeats.A series of associated SNP variations were identified from the GWAS,and 15 high-confidence annotated geneswere further predicted based on linkage disequilibrium and lead SNPs.The transcriptome data of candidate geneswere explored within different tomato organs as well as various fruit tissues,and suggested specific expression patterns in fruit pericarp.Based on the genetic parameters of population differentiation and SNP distribution,tomato MA content has been more influenced by domestication sweeps and less affected by improvement sweeps in the long-term history of tomato breeding.In addition,genotype×environment interaction might contribute to the difference in domestication phenotypic data under different environments.This study provides new genetic insights into how tomato changed its MA content during breeding and makes available function-based markers for breeding by marker-assisted selection.

Genome of tetraploid sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) ‘Montmorency’ identifies three distinct ancestral Prunus genomes

Sour cherry(Prunus cerasus L.)is a valuable fruit crop in the Rosaceae family and a hybrid between progenitors closely related to extant Prunus fruticosa(ground cherry)and Prunus avium(sweet cherry).Here we report a chromosome-scale genome assembly for sour cherry cultivar Montmorency,the predominant cultivar grown in the USA.We also generated a draft assembly of P.fruticosa to use alongside a published P.avium sequence for syntelog-based subgenome assignments for‘Montmorency’and provide compelling evidence P.fruticosa is also an allotetraploid.Using hierarchal k-mer clustering and phylogenomics,we show‘Montmorency’is trigenomic,containing two distinct subgenomes inherited from a P.fruticosa-like ancestor(A and A’)and two copies of the same subgenome inherited from a P.avium-like ancestor(BB).The genome composition of‘Montmorency’is AA’BB and little-to-no recombination has occurred between progenitor subgenomes(A/A’and B).In Prunus,two known classes of genes are important to breeding strategies:the self-incompatibility loci(S-alleles),which determine compatible crosses,successful fertilization,and fruit set,and the Dormancy Associated MADS-box genes(DAMs),which strongly affect dormancy transitions and flowering time.The S-alleles and DAMs in‘Montmorency’and P.fruticosa were manually annotated and support subgenome assignments.Lastly,the hybridization event‘Montmorency’is descended from was estimated to have occurred less than 1.61 million years ago,making sour cherry a relatively recent allotetraploid.The‘Montmorency’genome highlights the evolutionary complexity of the genus Prunus and will inform future breeding strategies for sour cherry,comparative genomics in the Rosaceae,and questions regarding neopolyploidy.

4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) enhances drought tolerance of apple by regulating rhizosphere microbial diversity and root architecture

The dwarfing rootstocks-mediated high-density apple orchard is becoming the main practice management.Currently,dwarfing rootstocks are widely used worldwide,but their shallow root system and drought sensitivity necessitate high irrigation requirements.Here,the root transcriptome and metabolome of dwarfing(M9-T337,a drought-sensitive rootstock)and vigorous rootstocks(Malus sieversii,a drought-tolerant species,is commonly used as a rootstock)showed that a coumarin derivative,4-Methylumbelliferon(4-MU),was found to accumulate significantly in the roots of vigorous rootstock under drought condition.When exogenous 4-MU was applied to the roots of dwarfing rootstock under drought treatment,the plants displayed increased root biomass,higher root-to-shoot ratio,greater photosynthesis,and elevated water use efficiency.In addition,diversity and structure analysis of the rhizosphere soil microbial community demonstrated that 4-MU treatment increased the relative abundance of putatively beneficial bacteria and fungi.Of these,Pseudomonas,Bacillus,Streptomyces,and Chryseolinea bacterial strains and Acremonium,Trichoderma,and Phoma fungal strains known for root growth,or systemic resistance against drought stress,were significantly accumulated in the roots of dwarfing rootstock after 4-MU treatment under drought stress condition.Taken together,we identified a promising compound—4-MU,as a useful tool,to strengthen the drought tolerance of apple dwarfing rootstock.

Ecofriendly Management of Wheat Panicle Blast Caused by Magnaporthe oryzae triticum

In this study, three wheat varieties were tested to determine seed germination and the incidence of Magnaporthe oryzae triticum (MoT). Among these varieties, BARI Gom 24 (Prodip) wheat seed exhibited the highest seed germination rate (93%) but also had the highest incidence (30%) of MoT. To manage blast disease in an ecofriendly manner, seven treatments were employed: T1 = Control, T2 = Garlic clove extracts, T3 = Aloe vera leaf extracts, T4 = Black cumin seed extracts, T5 = Neem leaf extracts, T6 = Nativo 75 WG, and T7 = Provax 200 WP. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) layout with three replications using Prodip wheat variety that exhibited highest MoT infection severity based on laboratory analysis among collected varieties. Data were collected on blast disease incidence (%), disease severity, and various growth and yield parameters of wheat. The experiment’s results indicated that among all the treatments, T7 (Seed treatment with Provax 200 WP) and T5 (Foliar spraying with Neem leaf extract) performed better in controlling blast disease in wheat. The lowest blast disease incidence (%) was observed with T7 (Provax 200 WP), with values of 7.86, 9.86, and 10.19 recorded during the milking stage, soft dough stage, and hard dough stage of wheat, respectively. T5 (Neem leaf extract) also demonstrated a statistically equivalent reduction in blast disease incidence (%). In terms of disease severity, T7 (Seed treatment with Provax 200 WP) showed the lowest values of 1.03, 1.23, and 1.63 during the milking stage, soft dough stage, and hard dough stage of wheat, respectively. Foliar spraying with neem leaf extract also exhibited similar result as of Provax 200 WP regarding panicle blast severity. As a result of these findings, it can be concluded that T5 (Neem leaf extract) is recommended as an ecofriendly management approach for blast disease in wheat.

SLAF marker based QTL mapping of fruit-related traits reveals a major-effect candidate locus ff2.1 for flesh firmness in melon

Flesh firmness(FF) is an important and complex trait for melon breeders and consumers. However, the genetic mechanism underlying FF is unclear. Here, a soft fruit melon(P5) and a hard fruit melon(P10) were crossed to generate F2, and the FF and fruit-related traits were recorded for two years. By performing quantitative trait locus(QTL) specificlocus amplified fragment(SLAF)(QTL-SLAF) sequencing and molecular marker-linkage analysis, 112 844 SLAF markers were identified, and 5 919 SNPs were used to construct a genetic linkage map with a total genetic distance of1 356.49 cM. Ten FF-and fruit-related QTLs were identified. Consistent QTLs were detected for fruit length(FL) and fruit diameter(FD) in both years, and QTLs for single fruit weight(SFW) were detected on two separate chromosomes in both years. For FF, the consistent major locus(ff2.1) was located in a 0.17-Mb candidate region on chromosome 2. Using 429 F2individuals derived from a cross between P5 and P10, we refined the ff2.1 locus to a 28.3-kb region harboring three functional genes. These results provide not only a new candidate QTL for melon FF breeding but also a theoretical foundation for research on the mechanism underlying melon gene function.

X-ray imaging of 30 year old wine grape wood reveals cumulative impacts of rootstocks on scion secondary growth and Ravaz index

Annual rings from 30 year old vines in a California rootstock trial were measured to determine the effects of 15 different rootstocks on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon scions.Viticultural traits measuring vegetative growth,yield,berry quality,and nutrient uptake were collected at the beginning(1995 to 1999)and end(2017 to 2020)of the lifetime of a vineyard initially planted in 1991 and removed in 2021.X-ray Computed Tomography(CT)was used to measure ring widths in 103 vines.Ring width was modeled as a function of ring number using a negative exponential model.Early and late wood ring widths,cambium width,and scion trunk radius were correlated with 27 traits.Modeling of annual ring width shows that scions alter the width of the first rings but that rootstocks alter the decay of later rings,consistently shortening ring width throughout the lifetime of the vine.Ravaz index,juice pH,photosynthetic assimilation and transpiration rates,and instantaneous water use efficiency are correlated with scion trunk radius.Ultimately,our research indicates that rootstocks modulate secondary growth over years,altering physiology and agronomic traits.Rootstocks act in similar but distinct ways from climate to modulate ring width,which borrowing techniques from dendrochronology,can be used to monitor both genetic and environmental effects in woody perennial crop species.

Responses of Wheat Production, Quality, and Soil Profile Properties to Biochar Applied at Different Seasons in a Rice-Wheat Rotation

In the rice-wheat rotation system,biochar(BC)can be applied at the initiation of the rice or wheat season.Here,we compared the effects of BC that were applied at two different crop seasons on wheat production,quality,and soil profile properties in a rice-wheat rotation system with nitrogen(N)fertilizer applied at 280 kg/ha rate.Results showed that both wheat grain production and N recovery use efficiency were influenced by BC applied at two crop seasons.Biochar application did not affect the total non-essential amino-acid,but when applied during wheat season,BC significantly(p<0.05)increased total essential amino acid in grain by 12.3%,particularly for the valine(+48.2%),methionine(+43.8%),and isoleucine(+10.3%).We found that BC significantly(p<0.05)decreased the pH of soil at 0–6 cm and 20–30 cm by 0.14–0.18 and 0.05–0.08 units,respectively.The NH4+-N content of the whole observed soil profile were reduced by BC application,however,the effect of BC on NO3–-N content varied with the application season and profile depth.Interestingly,BC applied at wheat and rice season significantly(p<0.05)improved topsoil N contents by 48.4%and 19.7%,respectively.In addition,data suggested that BC applied during wheat season performed better in enhancing soil available phosphorus,potassium,and organic matter contents.In conclusion,we suggest that the optimum application time of BC for enhancing crop production and quality(take amino-acid content for example)and improving soil fertility is at the initiation of the wheat season.

Construction of SNP genetic maps based on targeted next-generation sequencing and QTL mapping of vital agronomic traits in faba bean(Vicia faba L.)

Owing to the limitation of a large genome size(~13 Gb),the genetic and gene mapping studies on faba bean(Vicia faba L.)are lagging far behind those for other legumes.In this study,we selected three purified faba bean lines(Yundou 8137,H0003712,and H000572)as parents and constructed two F2 populations.These two F2 populations,namely 167 F2 plants in Pop1(Yundou 8137×H0003712)and 204 F2 plants in Pop2(H000572×Yundou 8137),were genotyped using a targeted next-generation sequencing(TNGS)genotyping platform,and two high-density single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)genetic linkage maps of faba bean were constructed.The map constructed from Pop1 contained 5103 SNPs with a length of 1333.31 cM and an average marker density of 0.26 cM.The map constructed from Pop2 contained 1904 SNPs with a greater length of 1610.61 cM.In these two F2 populations,QTL mapping identified 98 QTLs for 14 agronomic traits related to the flowers,pods,plant types and grains.The two maps were then merged into an integrated genetic linkage map containing 6895 SNPs,with a length of 3324.48 cM.These results not only lay the foundation for fine mapping and map-based cloning of related genes,but can also accelerate the molecular marker-assisted breeding of faba bean.

Biochemical Mechanism Unlocking Their Potential Role in Salt Tolerance Mechanism of Zizyphus Germplasm

Salinity is one of the major constraints reducing plant growth and yield.Irrigation with poor quality and brackish water to orchards is a major cause of stunted growth and low yield.The salt tolerance mechanism is one of the complicated genomic characters that is very problematic to develop in fruit trees and becomes much more severe at any growth and developmental stage.Osmotic stress and hormonal imbalances are major constraints causing low biomass production.Fruit tree tolerance/sensitivity is chiefly based on the activation of a defense system comprised of super-oxidase dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD)and catalases(CAT),non-enzymatic compounds including ascorbic acid,phenolics,flavonoids,stress indicators[i.e.,hydrogen peroxide(H2O2),lipid peroxidation,malondialdehyde(MDA),reactive oxygen species(ROS)and osmolytes containing proline,glycine-betaine(GB),ascorbates(APX),glutathione peroxidase(GPX)and glutathione reductase(GR)].Tolerant genotypes must have higher antioxidant assays to cope with the adverse effects of salinity stress because their defense system had the potential to scavenge toxic ROS and protect from membrane leakage.Some work is conducted on agronomic and horticultural crops;however,underutilized fruit crops are still neglected and need serious consideration from plant researchers.Minor fruit crops especially Zizyphus had excellent nutritional aspects.The current study provides detailed insights into the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Zizyphus species to cope with the adverse effects of salinity by improving their plant defense system.The development of salt-tolerant germplasm is a requisite and can be developed by utilization of physiological,biochemical,and molecular mechanisms.Application of different molecular approaches(i.e.,genome mapping,genome editing,genetic transformation,proteomics,transcriptomics,and metabolites)are effective for higher yield by improving tolerance mechanisms.

The role of DNA methylation in the maintenance of phenotypic variation induced by grafting chimerism in Brassica

Grafting facilitates the interaction between heterologous cells with different genomes,resulting in abundant phenotypic variation,which provides opportunities for crop improvement.However,how grafting-induced variation occurs and is transmitted to progeny remains elusive.A graft chimera,especially a periclinal chimera,which has genetically distinct cell layers throughout the plant,is an excellent model to probe the molecular mechanisms of grafting-induced variation maintenance.Here we regenerated a plant from the T-cell layer of a periclinal chimera,TCC(where the apical meristem was artificially divided into three cell layers–from outside to inside,L1,L2,and L3;T=Tuber mustard,C=red Cabbage),named rTTT0(r=regenerated).Compared with the control(rsTTT,s=self-grafted),rTTT0 had multiple phenotypic variations,especially leaf shape variation,which could be maintained in sexual progeny.Transcriptomes were analyzed and 58 phenotypic variation-associated genes were identified.Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analyses revealed that the methylome of rTTT0 was changed,and the CG methylation level was significantly increased by 8.74%.In rTTT0,the coding gene bodies are hypermethylated in the CG context,while their promoter regions are hypomethylated in the non-CG context.DNA methylation changes in the leaf shape variation-associated coding genes,ARF10,IAA20,ROF1,and TPR2,were maintained for five generations of rTTT0.Interestingly,grafting chimerism also affected transcription of the microRNA gene(MIR),among which the DNA methylation levels of the promoters of three MIRs associated with leaf shape variation were changed in rTTT0,and the DNA methylation modification of MIR319 was maintained to the fifth generation of selfed progeny of rTTT0(rTTT5).These findings demonstrate that DNA methylation of coding and non-coding genes plays an important role in heterologous cell interaction-induced variation formation and its transgenerational inheritance.