A bHLH transcription factor,CsSPT,regulates high-temperature resistance in cucumber

High-temperature stress threatens the growth and yield of crops. Basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH) transcription factors(TFs) have been shown to play important roles in regulating high-temperature resistance in plants. However, the bHLH TFs responsible for high-temperature tolerance in cucumbers have not been identified. We used transcriptome profiling to screen the high temperature-responsive candidate bHLH TFs in cucumber. Here, we found that the expression of 75 CsbHLH genes was altered under high-temperature stress. The expression of the CsSPT gene was induced by high temperatures in TT(Thermotolerant) cucumber plants. However, the Csspt mutant plants obtained by the CRISPR-Cas9 system showed severe thermosensitive symptoms, including wilted leaves with brown margins and reduced root density and cell activity.The Csspt mutant plants also exhibited elevated H_(2)O_(2) levels and down-regulated photosystem-related genes under normal conditions.Furthermore, there were high relative electrolytic leakage(REC), malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH), and superoxide radical(O_(2)^(·-)) levels in the Csspt mutant plants, with decreased Proline content after the high-temperature treatment. Transcriptome analysis showed that the photosystem and chloroplast activities in Csspt mutant plants were extremely disrupted by the high-temperature stress compared with wildtype(WT) plants. Moreover, the plant hormone signal transduction, as well as MAPK and calcium signaling pathways were activated in Csspt mutant plants under high-temperature stress. The HSF and HSP family genes shared the same upregulated expression patterns in Csspt and WT plants under high-temperature conditions. However, most bHLH, NAC, and bZIP family genes were significantly down-regulated by heat in Csspt mutant plants. Thus, these results demonstrated that CsSPT regulated the high-temperature response by recruiting photosynthesis components, signaling pathway molecules, and transcription factors. Our results provide important insights into the heat response mechanism of CsSPT in cucumber and its potential as a target for breeding heat-resistant crops.

Genetics,resistance mechanism,and breeding of powdery mildew resistance in cucumbers(Cucumis sativus L.)

Cucumber is an important vegetable worldwide,and powdery mildew(PM)is a common and serious disease of cucumbers.Breeding disease-resistant cucumber varieties is the most advantageous strategy to control this disease.In recent years,exploration and identification of cucumber PM resistance genes have achieved great advancement,and many genes have been cloned and verified using different methods.However,the resistance mechanism of cucumber PM is still unclear,and many ambiguities need to be elucidated urgently.In this review,we summarized the research advances in PM resistance in cucumbers,including genetic analysis,quantitative trait locus mapping,map-based cloning,transcriptomics,mlo-mediated PM resistance,and mining of noncoding RNAs involved in resistance.Finally,the research directions and the problems that need to be solved in the future were discussed.

The intrinsic developmental age signal defines an age-dependent climbing behavior in cucumber

The tendril is a climbing organ in cucurbits and functions in physical support and to avoid shading by neighboring vegetation.However,how cucurbits produce tendrils to obtain climbing ability is largely unknown.In this study,tendril phenotypes were investigated during different developmental stages.Our results revealed that tendril growth exhibited an age-dependent pattern in cucurbits.Tendril growth was inhibited,and the tendril was formed as a short tendril[nonfunctional tendril(nonF-tendril),approximately 0.1 cm]during the seedling stage.In contrast,enhanced cell proliferation and cell expansion led to rapid elongation of the tendril during the climbing stage,and the tendril formed as a functional tendril(F-tendril,approximately 30 cm)to obtain climbing ability.RT-qPCR detection showed that age-dependent tendril growth correlated negatively with the abundance of the conserved age regulator CsmiR156.Defoliation induced CsmiR156 to inhibit CsSPLs,and F-tendril formation and climbing ability were delayed in defoliated cucumbers,which confirmed the role of CsmiR156 in regulating tendril growth in vivo.Additionally,exogenous gibberellin(GA)treatment showed that GA positively regulated tendril growth,and RT-qPCR detection showed that the GA bio-synthetic genes and metabolic genes were affected by age pathway,suggesting that the age pathway depended on GA bio-synthetic and metabolic pathway to regulate cell expansion to determine tendril growth.In summary,our work reveals that change in tendril type is an important marker of phase transition in cucumber,and tendril growth is regulated by an intrinsic developmental age signal,ensuring that the cucumber obtains climbing ability at a suitable age.

A mutation in the promoter of the yellow stripe-like transporter gene in cucumber results in a yellow cotyledon phenotype

Leaf color mutants in higher plants are considered to be ideal materials for studying the chlorophyll biosynthesis,photosynthesis mechanism and chloroplast development.Herein,we identified a spontaneous mutant,yc412,in cultivated cucumber that exhibited yellow cotyledons.The yellow-lethal mutant was diagnosed with an abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure,and reduced photosynthetic capacity and pigment content.Through bulked segregant analysis-based whole-genome sequencing and fine genetic mapping,we narrowed the yellow cotyledons (yc) locus to a 96.8 kb interval on chromosome 3.By resequencing and molecular cloning,we showed that Csyc is a potential candidate gene,which encodes a yellow stripe-like (YSL) transporter.The T to C mutation in the promoter region of Csyc caused the yellow cotyledon phenotype in yc412.Compared to YZU027A (WT),the expression of Csyc was significantly downregulated in the cotyledons of yc412.Silencing of Csyc in cucumber via virus-induced gene silencing resulted in chlorotic leaves,mainly by suppressing the chlorophyll content.Furthermore,a comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that chloroplast-related genes and chlorophyll biosynthesis genes were significantly downregulated in yc412 cotyledons.Our results provide new insights into the molecular function of the YSL transporter in plant chloroplast development and chlorophyll synthesis.

Sea Cucumber Fishery in Aurora, Philippines

This study was conducted to provide a preliminary assessment of the sea cucumber fishery in Aurora, Philippines. This was conducted from February to June 2013. All sea cucumber gatherers and traders, obtained through snowball sampling, in each identified sea cucumber fishery area in six coastal municipalities (Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag and Dingalan) were interviewed using a structured interview schedule and focused group discussions (FGD). Results revealed that gathering sea cucumbers were accomplished by handpicking, skin diving or compressor diving. A total of 15 commercial species were regularly gathered. Out of this, three species are of very high economic value (≥Php 4000/kg) (Holothuria nobilis, Holothuria scabra, and Actinopyga lecanora). The average number of kilograms harvested per hour per trip ranges from 0.21 (Holothuria fuscopunctata) to 2.71 (Holothuria scabra), while the average size of commonly gathered sea cucumber varies among species with Holothuria lecanora showed an average length (29.26 cm) greater than recorded 24 cm. Processing mainly involves washing, slicing, boiling, drying and packing. Processed sea cucumbers or trepan were sold to middlemen or direct buyers who usually offered higher prices (36.36% up to 69.20%) than the former. Problems encountered by sea cucumber gatherers and traders include a decline in total catch, a shift in area of collection from intertidal zones to deeper waters, an increase in the number of hours spent in finding and gathering sea cucumbers, the use of compressors in gathering, the decline of larger species and gathering of smaller sizes in huge amount, the absence of conservation program for sea cucumber, and the lenient implementation of government policies with regards to coastal resources management.

Effects of Exogenous Glycine Betaine on Oxidation Metabolism in Cucumbers during Low-temperature Storage

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the effects of different concentrations of glycine betaine（GB） on oxidation metabolism in cucumbers under low-temperature stress and to investigate the possible mechanism of low-temperature resistance in cucumber during low-temperature storage. [Method] Cucumber cultivar Zhongnong No.8 was treated with 0, 5, 10 and 15 mmol/L GB solutions for 15 min and stored at 4 ℃. Changes in oxidative metabolism-related parameters were observed. [Result] Increasing exogenous GB concentration could enhance GB content in cucumbers, decline lipoxygenase（LOX） activity, improve peroxidase（POD） and catalase（CAT） activities, remove effectively hydrogen peroxide（H2O2） and reduce the accumulation of malondialdehyde（MDA）. [Conclusion] Treating cucumbers with10 mmol/L GB exhibited the most remarkable effect.

Determination of Forchlorfenuron Dissipation and Residue in Cucumbers and Red Soil

To assess the risks of forchlorfenuron after application, a residue analysis method for ferchlorfenuron in cucumbers and the red soil of Southern China was established, and the dissipation behavior and residue characteristics of forchlorfenuron were studied under field conditions. The field trials, including dissipation and residue experiments, were conducted in Hunan, Yunnan and Hainan Provinces. Forchlorfenuron was applied at 32 a.i.g ha^-1 rate for the dissipation study and both 21 and 32 a.i.g ha^-1 for the residue study. Representative cucumbers and soil samples were collected at predetermined intervals for HPLC for UV- detector analysis. The average recoveries of the method were 80.8%-92.0% with coefficients variation （CV） between 0.4% and 11.8%. The detection limit of forchlorfenuron in cucumbers and soil samples was 0.003 mg·kg^-1 and the minimum detectable amount was 3.0× 10^-10 g. The half life of forchlorfenuron in cucumbers in the three provinces changed as： Yunnan （5.50 days）, Hunan （5.88 days）, and Hainan （6.53 days） and in the soil was observed： Hainan （6.54 days）, Hunan （7.64 days）, and Yunnan （8.39 days）. The maximum terminal residue in cucumbers at 32 a.i.g ha^-1 rate after 5 days was 0.009 mg·kg^-1 （Yunnan） followed by 0.0085 mg·kg^-1 （Hainan） and 0.0082 mg·kg^-1（Hunan） which was below MRL value of 0.01 mg·kg^-1 established by the USA, EPA. So a waiting period of 5 days should be established after spaying on cucumbers to avoid hazard to human beings.

Bioactive compounds of sea cucumbers and their therapeutic effects

Abstract Sea cucumbers belong to the Class Holothuroidea of marine invertebrates. They are commercially valuable and prized as a food and folk medicine in Asia. Nutritionally, sea cucumbers have an impressive profile of valuable nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. A number of unique biological and pharmacological activities/properties, including anticancer, anticoagulant/antithrombotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertension and radioprotective, have been ascribed to various compounds isolated from sea cucumbers. The therapeutic properties and medicinal benefits of sea cucumbers can be linked to the presence of a wide array ofbioactives, especially triterpene glycosides, acid mucopolysaccharide, sphingoid bases, glycolipids, fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, polysaccharides, phospholipids, cerebrosides, phosphatidylcholines, and other extracts and hydrolysates. This review highlights the valuable bioactive components as well as the multiple therapeutic properties of sea cucumbers with a view to exploring their potential uses as functional foods and a natural source of new multifunctional drugs.

Effects of Neodymium Application Mode on Resistance to Fusarium Wilts in Cucumbers

The effects of neodymium application mode on the disease index, PAL, POD and PPO activity, content of lignin and generation rate of ·O2^- in cucumbers were investigated by pot experiment. The results suggest that the disease index decreases after spraying Nd^3＋. Relative protection effects of at-the-same-time-group, induced-group and therapy-group are 7.51%, 27.14% and 11.51%. The PAL activity of Nd ＋ Fo treatment in at-the-same-time-group, induced-group and therapy-group increases by 9.86%, 48.57% and 4.97% respectively compared with that of Fo treatment. The POD activity decreases by 27.52%, 35.87% and 7.67%. The PPO activity increases by 5.75%, 36.58% and 52.19%. The ·O2^- generation rate decreases by 9.49%, 28.08% and 25. 21%.

A novel mutation in ACS11 leads to androecy in cucumber

Sex determination in plants gives rise to unisexual flowers. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the production of unisexual flowers will help to clarify the process of sex determination in plants and allow researchers and farmers to harness heterosis. Androecious cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.) plants can be used as the male parent when planted alongside a gynoecious line to produce heterozygous seeds, thus reducing the cost of seed production. The isolation and characterization of additional androecious genotypes in varied backgrounds will increase the pool of available germplasm for breeding. Here, we discovered an androecious mutant in a previously generated ethyl methanesulfonate(EMS)-mutagenized library of the cucumber inbred line ‘406’. Genetic analysis, whole-genome resequencing, and molecular marker-assisted verification demonstrated that a nonsynonymous mutation in the ethylene biosynthetic gene 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE SYNTHASE 11(ACS11) conferred androecy. The mutation caused an amino acid change from serine(Ser) to phenylalanine(Phe) at position 301(S301F). In vitro enzyme activity assays revealed that this S301F mutation leads to a complete loss of enzymatic activity. This study provides a new germplasm for use in cucumber breeding as the androecious male parent, and it offers new insights into the catalytic mechanism of ACS enzymes.

Insights into flavonoid biosynthesis during cucumber fruit peel coloration based on metabolite profiling and transcriptome analyses

The fruit peel color is a crucial trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cucumber peel coloration,we compared the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based flavonoid metabolomic and RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic profiling of the brown peeled cucumber line‘PW’at six developmental stages.A total of 210 flavonoid metabolites were identified.Of which,117 flavonoid metabolites were differentially accumulated.In this study,weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed key genes coding for seven enzymes and eight transcription factors(TFs)associated with flavonoid biosynthesis.Among them,the R2R3MYB CsaV3_4G001130 is the best candidate gene that is responsible for controlling mature fruit colors in cucumber.Sanger sequencing revealed one nonsynonymous SNP in the exon of CsaV3_4G001130 among the selected 11 cucumber lines,which introduced a premature stop codon,generating a truncated protein in pale yellow or creamy peeled fruits.Yeast two-hybrid assays showed a direct interaction of CsaV3_4G001130 with the bHLH TF CsaV3_1G002260 and the WD40 protein CsaV3_5G001800.However,the interactions were influenced by the nonsynonymous SNP we identified.Our finding revealed that the integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis further demonstrated that the abundance of some pigmented flavonoids(especially anthocyanins and chalcones)contributed to the coloration of‘PW’fruits.These findings pave the way for elucidation of flavonoid biosynthesis and improvement of cucumber peel color in the future.

Comparison of Physiological Properties Between Dwarf and Vinetype Cucumbers(Cucumis sativus Linn.)

Dwarfism is one of the most important traits in crop breeding. In this study, a dwarf cucumber D0462 and a vine NA129 were taken as experimental materials. The metabolism of hydrogen peroxide （H2O2） and superoxide anion radical （O2-·, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and the levels of endogenous hormones of the two cultivars were compared. In the whole growth period, D0462 maintained higher H2O2 and O2-· levels than NA129. The activities of SOD （superoxide dismutase）, CAT （catalase）, APX （ascorbate peroxidase） and IAAO （indoleacetic acid oxidase） in D0462 were found higher than those in NA129. The contents of gibberellic acid （GA3）, indole-3-acetic acid （IAA）, zeatin riboside （ZR） and jasmonic acid （JA） in intemode were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The intemode ofD0462 remained lower levels of GA3, IAA, and ZR. In contrast, JA level in internode of D0462 was higher than that of NA129. Compared with NA129, the cell mumbers in intemode of D0462 did not change, but cell size evidently decreased. The chloroplasts in mature mesophyll D0462 exhibited swollen filled with starch grains instead of regular oval ones, and thylakoids of chloroplast swelled and became ambiguous.

Species Distribution, Diversity, and Abundance of Sea Cucumbers in Tropical Intertidal Zones of Aurora, Philippines

The distribution, diversity, and abundance of sea cucumbers in intertidal zones of Aurora were studied from February to June 2013 to obtain baseline data. A one-hour timed-search survey covering an approximate one kilometer over a ten-meter wide area was conducted in six coastal municipalities to obtain a comprehensive list of sea cucumber species found in the zones. Only four sampling stations (Baler, Dipaculao, Dilasag, and Dingalan) were selected for belt transect survey, 50 × 50 m, based on the availability of coralline, sandy, muddy sand, and rocky habitats which were laid perpendicular and parallel to each intertidal zone. Timed-search survey revealed a total of 15 species of sea cucumbers distributed among two Orders (Order Aspidochirotida and Order Apodida) and four Families (Family Holothuriidae, Family Stichopodidae, Family Synaptidae, and Family Chirotidae) were recorded. Synapta maculata is most common and has widespread distribution. Belt-tranect surveys showed Holothuria leucospilota is among the most frequently occurring species both during day time (58%) and night time (75%). The Dilasag sampling station had the most diverse species (0.71) while the Dipaculao sampling station had the densest species of Holothuria leucospilota (10,014 in∙ha−1) and abundant (95.91%) species.

Genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes for gummy stem blight resistance in cucumber

Gummy stem blight(GSB),caused by Didymella bryoniae,is a serious fungal disease that leads to decline in cucumber yield and quality.The molecular mechanism of GSB resistance in cucumber remains unclear.Here,we investigated the GSB resistance of cucumber core germplasms from four geographic groups at the seedling and adult stages.A total of 9 SNPs related to GSB resistance at the seedling stage and 26 SNPs at the adult stage were identified,of which some are co-localized to previously mapped Quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for GSB resistance(gsb3.2/gsb3.3,gsb5.1,and gsb-s6.2).Based on haplotype analysis and expression levels after inoculation,four candidate genes were identified within the region identified by both Genome-wide association study(GWAS)and previous identified QTL mapping,including Csa3G129470 for gsb3.2/gsb3.3,Csa5G606820 and Csa5G606850 for gsb5.1,and Csa6G079730 for gsb-s6.2.The novel GSB resistant accessions,significant SNPs,and candidate genes facilitate the breeding of GSB resistant cucumber cultivars and provide a novel idea for understanding GSB resistance mechanism in cucumber.

Bacterial community composition in gut content and ambient sediment of two tropical wild sea cucumbers(Holothuria atra and H.leucospilota)

Sea cucumbers play an important role in sediment bioturbation in coral reef and rocky intertidal ecosystems,and bacteria were a commonly-reported component of holothuroid diets.Bacterial community composition in the foregut and hindgut of two common tropical sea cucumbers(Holothuria atra and H.leucospilota)and the ambient surface sediment were investigated using high throughput sequencing based on 16S rRNA gene analysis.A total of 5584 operational taxonomic units(OTUs)were obtained from 25 samples based on a 97%threshold,and more than half of the OTUs(n=3694,66.2%)were shared by the gut contents of two species of sea cucumbers and surrounding sediments.Bacterial richness and diversity in sediment samples were signifi cantly higher than those in the gut content samples(P<0.05).Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in most samples showing 45.69%±8.61%,70.09%±4.03%,45.88%±5.38%,and 55.19%±0.79%reads in the foregut of H.leucospilota,hindgut of H.leucospilota,hindgut of H.atra,and sediment libraries,respectively,but Bacteroidetes was the predominant phylum with the relative content of 34.98%±5.52%in the foregut of H.atra.Among the dominant genera,reads related to the genera Anderseniella,Ilumatobacter,and Ruegeria were detected in all the gut contents and sediment libraries.A comparison of gut bacteria community between the two species of sea cucumbers suggested that H.atra had stronger feeding preference than H.leucospilota,and the same types of microbes escaped digestion of the two sea cucumber species.Obvious diff erent bacterial community composition in the foreguts of the two species of sea cucumbers and the surrounding sediments might result from the animal’s selective feeding for sediment patches.Bacterial community structure in hindgut contents of H.atra and H.leucospilota both diff ered clearly from adjacent sediments,which indicated feeding activity of deposit-feeding sea cucumbers could change the sedimental bacterial composition.In conclusion,from the perspective of bacteria,sea cucumber H.atra and H.leucospilota had diff erent feeding preferences,yet they could both aff ect bacterial composition in sediments by feeding activity.The motivation for selective feeding and sea cucumber-sediment interaction might be explored in the future.

An optimized protocol using Steedman’s wax for high-sensitivity RNA in situ hybridization in shoot apical meristems and flower buds of cucumber

In situ mRNA hybridization(ISH)is a powerful tool for examining the spatiotemporal expression of genes in shoot apical meristems and flower buds of cucumber.The most common ISH protocol uses paraffin wax;however,embedding tissue in paraffin wax can take a long time and might result in RNA degradation and decreased signals.Here,we developed an optimized protocol to simplify the process and improve RNA sensitivity.We combined embedding tissue in low melting-point Steedman’s wax with processing tissue sections in solution,as in the whole-mount ISH method in the optimized protocol.Using the optimized protocol,we examined the expression patterns of the CLAVATA3(CLV3)and WUSCHEL(WUS)genes in shoot apical meristems and floral meristems of Cucumis sativus(cucumber)and Arabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis).The optimized protocol saved 4–5 days of experimental period compared with the standard ISH protocol using paraffin wax.Moreover,the optimized protocol achieved high signal sensitivity.The optimized protocol was successful for both cucumber and Arabidopsis,which indicates it might have general applicability to most plants.

Development of novel microsatellite markers for Holothurian scabra (Holothuriidae), Apostichopusjaponicas (Stichopodidae) and cross-species testing in other sea cucumbers

Thirty-five new microsatellite loci from the sea cucumbers Holothurian scabra （Jaeger, 1833） and Apostichopus japonicas （Selenka, 1867） were screened and characterized using the method of magnetic bead enrichment. Of the twenty-four polymorphic loci tested, eighteen were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after a modified false discovery rate （B-Y FDR） correction, whereas six showed statistically significant deviations （CHS2 and CHSll： P〈0.014 790; FCS1, FCS6, FCS8 and FCS14：P〈0.015 377）. Furthermore, four species ofplesiomorphous and related sea cucumbers （Holothurian scabra, Holothuria leucospilota, Stichopus horrens and Apostichopus japonicas） were tested for mutual cross-amplification using a total of ninety microsatellite loci. Although transferability and universality of all loci were generally low, the results of the cross-species study showed that the markers can be applied to identify individuals to species according to the presence or absence of specific microsatellite alleles. The microsatellite markers reported here will contribute to the study of genetic diversity, assisted breeding, and population conservation in sea cucumbers, as well as allow for the identification of individuals to closely related species,

Ameliorating Effect of <i>Cucumis sativus</i>(Cucumbers) against Arsenic Induced Toxicity in Mice

In the entire world, about 200 million populations are exposed to arsenic poisoning in groundwater. Arsenic is a very poisonous metalloid and has three allotropic forms. The toxic inorganic arsenic is converted and utilized metabolically into organic form. It is primarily eliminated out from the human body through metabolic wastes like urine and is also deposited in the hair, nails and skin of the affected ones. Arsenic is known to be a carcinogen as Carcinogen category 1 in the forms of arsenic trioxide, arsenic pentoxide, arsenous acids, arsenic acid and their salts. The arsenic also affects the epidermal system, the nervous system and the vascular system of humans. In the present investigation for toxicological evaluation of arsenic Liver Function Tests & Kidney Function Tests have been considered. It is presumed that medicinal plants have significance in the present day in view of the lethal diseases like AIDS, cancer, hepatitis, nephritis sterility too for which no effective drugs are found till today in modern system of medicine. Medicinal plant based drugs generally have no side effects or the least side effect. Thus to evaluate an ameliorating effect, if any, to mitigate the arsenic toxicity in mice, for which Cucumis sativus (cucumbers) has been taken as curative measure. Sodium arsenite at the dose of 3 mg/kg body weight was administered for 4 weeks followed by the administration of Cucumis sativus (cucumbers) for 4 and 6 weeks at dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. Their biochemical levels like liver and kidney function tests were assayed and were found with elevated levels. But, after administration of aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus (cucumbers), there was significant amelioration in the biochemical levels. The protective effect of Cucumis sativus (cucumbers) was shown in the form of normalization of enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities represented by normalization of liver and kidney functions.

Comparative Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Genes Related to Spine Development in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Fruit spine is an important quality trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular basis of cucumber spine development and function,RNA-Seq was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in fruit spines of different development stages,namely,8 days before anthesis(SpBA8),anthesis(SpA)and 8 days after anthesis(SpAA8).Stage-wise comparisons obtained 2,259(SpBA8 vs.SpA),4,551(SpA vs.SpAA8),and 5,290(SpBA8 vs.SpAA8)DEGs.All the DEGs were classified into eight expression clusters by trend analysis.Among these DEGs,in addition to the Mict,Tril,CsTTG1,CsMYB6,NS,and Tu genes that have been reported to regulate fruit spine formation,we found that the CsHDG11,CsSCL8,CsSPL8,CsZFP6 and CsZFP8 may also be involved in spine development in cucumber.Our study provides a theoretical basis for further research on molecular mechanisms of spine development in cucumber.

Underwater Sea Cucumber Target Detection Based on Edge-Enhanced Scaling YOLOv4

Sea cucumber detection is widely recognized as the key to automatic culture.The underwater light environment is complex and easily obscured by mud,sand,reefs,and other underwater organisms.To date,research on sea cucumber detection has mostly concentrated on the distinction between prospective objects and the background.However,the key to proper distinction is the effective extraction of sea cucumber feature information.In this study,the edge-enhanced scaling You Only Look Once-v4(YOLOv4)(ESYv4)was proposed for sea cucumber detection.By emphasizing the target features in a way that reduced the impact of different hues and brightness values underwater on the misjudgment of sea cucumbers,a bidirectional cascade network(BDCN)was used to extract the overall edge greyscale image in the image and add up the original RGB image as the detected input.Meanwhile,the YOLOv4 model for backbone detection is scaled,and the number of parameters is reduced to 48%of the original number of parameters.Validation results of 783images indicated that the detection precision of positive sea cucumber samples reached 0.941.This improvement reflects that the algorithm is more effective to improve the edge feature information of the target.It thus contributes to the automatic multi-objective detection of underwater sea cucumbers.