Exploring the genetic basis of pre-harvest sprouting in rice through a genome-wide association study-based haplotype analysis

Pre-harvest sprouting(PHS)poses a significant global challenge to cereal production,impacting both yield and quality.In this study,we employed genome-wide association studies(GWAS)on diverse rice accessions to identify novel PHS-associated haplotypes.An assessment of 127 cultivated accessions for panicle germination(PHS)and detached grain germination(germination rate of detached grains at the 14th day(D14))revealed considerable phenotypic variation among rice ecotypes.GWAS analysis identified 91 significant signals at–log10(P-value)>5,including 15SNPs for PHS and 76 SNPs for D14.A subsequent linkage disequilibrium(LD)block-based GWAS analysis detected 227 significant SNPs for both traits,consisting of 18 nonsynonymous substitutions located on the coding regions of nine genes.Further haplotype analysis identified 32 haplotypes,with 10 specific to cultivated accessions,19 specific to the wild type,and three shared between them.A phenotypic assessment of major haplotypes revealed significant differences between resistant(Hap1 and Hap2)and susceptible haplotypes(Hap5,Hap27,and Hap28),distinguished by a G/A SNP within a novel gene,Os04g0545200.The identified haplotypes offer promising prospects for haplotypebased breeding aimed at enhancing PHS resistance in rice.

Advances in the study of waterlogging tolerance in plants

Waterlogging is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening crop yields globally.Under waterlogging stress,plants suffer from oxidative stress,heavy metal toxicity and energy deficiency,leading to metabolic disorders and growth inhibition.On the other hand,plants have evolved waterlogging-tolerance or adaptive mechanisms,including morphological changes,alternation of respiratory pathways,antioxidant protection and endogenous hormonal regulation.In this review,recent advances in studies on the effects of waterlogging stress and the mechanisms of waterlogging tolerance in plants are presented,and the genetic differences in waterlogging tolerance among plant species or genotypes within a species are illustrated.We also summarize the identified QTLs and key genes associated with waterlogging tolerance.

Relationship between Seed Priming Mediated Seedling Vigor and Yield Performance of Spring Wheat

Seed priming is a pre-germinated technique that can enhance seed germination percentage,faster and synchro-nized germination,better seedling growth,and yield under stress conditions.To ascertain the most effective seed priming method that would ensure the potential yield of wheat in Bangladesh,two experiments were carried out from December 2021 to March 2022 at the Department of Agronomy,Bangladesh Agricultural University.Two wheat varieties namely BARI Gom-28 and BWMRI Gom-1 were subjected to a range of priming chemicals in both lab and pot tests.These compounds included the following:control(no priming),hydropriming(distilled water),10000 ppm KNO_(3),15000 ppm KNO_(3),40000 ppm Mannitol,60000 ppm Mannitol,10000 ppm NaCl,20000 ppm NaCl,100 ppm PEG,150 ppm PEG,500 ppm NaOCl,1000 ppm NaOCl,10000 ppm CaCl_(2),20000 ppm CaCl_(2),10000 ppm KCl and 20000 ppm KCl.A complete randomized design(CRD)with three repli-cations was used to set up the experiments.The results showed that BARI Gom-28 and BWMRI Gom-1 responded best to KCl priming in terms of rapid seed germination and strong seedling development.On the other hand,the best priming agents for plant growth and productivity turned out to be CaCl_(2) and KCL.The results of this study support the possibility of using seed priming as a technique to improve wheat plant development and output by raising seed emergence and survival rates.

Exogenous application of bio-stimulants and growth retardants improve nutrient absorption and fiber quality in upland cotton

Background Natural and synthetic plant growth regulators are essential for plant health,likewise these regulators also play a role in increasing organic production productivity and improving quality and yield stability.In the present study,we have evaluated the effects of foliar applied plant growth regulators,i.e.,moringa leaf extract(MLE)and mepiquat chloride(MC)alone and in combination MC and MLE on the conventional cotton cultivar(CIM 573)and transgenic one(CIM 598).The growth regulators were applied at the start of bloom,45 and 90 days after blooming.Results The application of MC and MLE at 90 days after blooming significantly improved the relative growth rate,net assimilation rate,the number of bolls per plant,and seed cotton yield.Likewise,the combined application of MLE and MC at 90 days after blooming significantly boosted the nitrogen uptake in locules,as well as the phosphorus and potassium uptake in the leaves of both cotton cultivars.The application of MLE alone has considerably improved the nitrogen uptake in leaves,and phosphorus and potassium contents in locules of Bt and conventional cotton cultivars.Similarly,Bt cotton treated with MLE at 90 days after blooming produced significantly higher ginning out turn and oil contents.Treatment in combination(MLE+MC)at 90 days after blooming produced considerably higher micronaire value,fiber strength,and staple length in conventional cultivar.Conclusion The natural growth enhancer,MLE is a rich source of minerals and zeatin,improving the nutrient absorption and quality of cotton fiber in both conventional and Bt cotton cultivars.

Deciphering the fiber quality of Gossypium barbadense L.var.brasiliensis in La Convención,Cusco,Perú

Background The quality of cotton fiber determines its value in the textile market,influencing agricultural profitability and the efficiency of textile processing.The selection of genotypes with superior fibers is a key factor for genetic improvement programs seeking adaptability and sustainability in the face of climate change.This demonstrates the strategic importance of this plant for sustainable agriculture and the global textile industry.The objective of this research was to decipher the fiber quality of Gossypium barbadense var.brasiliensis in the native Amazonian communities of La Convención,Cusco-Perú,and to evaluate other critical aspects of native cotton that have not yet been identified.The methodology included non-probability sampling for accessibility,qualitative and quantitative analyses,and multivariate analyses.The fiber length(mm),micronaire index(maturity/fineness),fiber strength(gf/tex),length uniformity index(%),fiber elongation(%),maturation index(%),and short fiber index(%)were the fiber characteristics evaluated using the HVI method in cotton genotypes.Results Cotton accessions collected from Koribeni(Gossypium spp.)and Shivankoreni(Gossypium barbadense var.brasiliensis)stood out for their fiber quality properties,especially length,strength,and uniformity,which highlights their relevance for advanced textile applications and potential for use in plant genetic improvement programs.Conclusion These findings reinforce the need to conserve and study these native cotton accessions from the Peruvian Amazon region,which can offer promising perspectives for the textile industry and agricultural biodiversity.

Various Organic Nutrient Sources in Combinations with Inorganic Fertilizers Influence the Yield and Quality of Sweet Corn(Zea mays L.saccharata)in New Alluvial Soils of West Bengal,India

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in the yield and quality of sweet corn.A field experiment was conducted in consecutive two kharif seasons in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effect of various organic sources of nutrients in combination with inorganic sources on the yield and quality of sweet corn under new alluvial soils of West Bengal,India.Treatments were:T_(1):Control(without fertilizers);T_(2):100%recommended dose(RDF)of chemical fertilizers(CF)(RDF CF_(100%));T_(3):100%recommended dose of N(RDN)through vermicompost(VC)(RDN VC_(100%));T_(4):50 RDN through CF+50%RDN through VC(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN VC50%);T_(5):50%RDF through CF+50%RDN through organic source(OS)1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS_(150%));T6:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 2,Bioenzyme(liquid)(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS250%);T7:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 3,Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate[RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS350%];T8:50%RDN through VC+50%RDF through OS 1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN VC50%+RDN OS_(150%)).The OS of fertilizers were VC,SoliGro Gr(OS1)(Ascophyllum nodosum),Bioenzyme liquid(OS2),and Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate(OS3).The inorganic source was traditional CF applied at the RDF(150:75:75 kg ha^(−1) of N:P2O5:K2O).The VC was used to supply 100%RDN as one source or 50%RDN when combined with CF or OS.Maximum fruit yield(10.75 and 10.79 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)was recorded when RDF was substituted through CF only,being statistically at par with 50%CF+50%VC on a nitrogen equivalent basis(9.92 and 10.00 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)and 100%VC(8.22 and 8.32 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively).Compared to chemical sources of nutrients,VC-based treatments produced a larger percentage of large-size cob(>25 cm).The 100%VC increased antioxidant(8.35 and 8.45 mg g^(−1)),carotenoid(0.59 and 0.61 mg/100 g),and phenol(55.06 and 55.02 mg 100 g^(−1))content compared with its 50%dose in combination with other sources.The study revealed the potentiality of organic sources towards achieving improved cob quality of sweet corn.

Combining ability of Egyptian cotton(Gossypium barbadense L.)reveals genetic potential for improved yield and fiber quality

Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop,cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties.A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits,such as high yield and fine fiber quality.In this study,the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA)of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents(six lines and three testers)and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line×tester mating design were analyzed.Results The results revealed significant effects of genotypes,parents,crosses,and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits.Moreover,the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes.The F1 hybrids of(Giza 90×Aust)×Giza 86,Uzbekistan 1×Giza 97,and Giza 96×Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics.Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield,while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield.Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield,fiber quality,and other agronomic traits.Conclusion This study provides insights into identifying potential single-and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics,laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.

Exploring the impact of high density planting system and deficit irrigation in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.):a comprehensive review

Lessons learned from past experiences push for an alternate way of crop production.In India,adopting high density planting system(HDPS)to boost cotton yield is becoming a growing trend.HDPS has recently been considered a replacement for the current Indian production system.It is also suitable for mechanical harvesting,which reducing labour costs,increasing input use efficiency,timely harvesting timely,maintaining cotton quality,and offering the potential to increase productivity and profitability.This technology has become widespread in globally cotton growing regions.Water management is critical for the success of high density cotton planting.Due to the problem of freshwater availability,more crops should be produced per drop of water.In the high-density planting system,optimum water application is essential to control excessive vegetative growth and improve the translocation of photoassimilates to reproductive organs.Deficit irrigation is a tool to save water without compromising yield.At the same time,it consumes less water than the normal evapotranspiration of crops.This review comprehensively documents the importance of growing cotton under a high-density planting system with deficit irrigation.Based on the current research and combined with cotton production reality,this review discusses the application and future development of deficit irrigation,which may provide theoretical guidance for the sustainable advancement of cotton planting systems.

Higher Grain-Filling Rate in Inferior Spikelets of Tolerant Rice Genotype Offset Grain Yield Loss under Post-Anthesis High Night Temperatures

Increased nighttime respiratory losses decrease the amount of photoassimilates available for plant growth and yield. We hypothesized that the increased respiratory carbon loss under high night temperatures(HNT) could be compensated for by increased photosynthesis during the day following HNT exposure. Two rice genotypes, Vandana(HNT-sensitive) and Nagina 22(HNT-tolerant), were exposed to HNT(4 ℃ above the control) from flowering to physiological maturity. They were assessed for alterations in the carbon balance of the source(flag leaf) and its subsequent impact on grain filling dynamics and the quality of spatially differentiated sinks(superior and inferior spikelets). Both genotypes exhibited significantly higher night respiration rates. However, only Nagina 22 compensated for the high respiration rates with an increased photosynthetic rate, resulting in a steady production of total dry matter under HNT. Nagina 22 also recorded a higher grain-filling rate, particularly at 5 and 10 d after flowering, with 1.5- and 4.0-fold increases in the translocation of ^(14)C sugars to the superior and inferior spikelets, respectively. The ratio of photosynthetic rate to respiratory rate on a leaf area basis was negatively correlated with spikelet sterility, resulting in a higher filled spikelet number and grain weight per plant, particularly for inferior grains in Nagina 22. Grain quality parameters such as head rice recovery, high-density grains, and gelatinization temperature were maintained in Nagina 22. An increase in the rheological properties of rice flour starch in Nagina 22 under HNT indicated the stability of starch and its ability to reorganize during the cooling process of product formation. Thus, our study showed that sink adjustments between superior and inferior spikelets favored the growth of inferior spikelets, which helped to offset the reduction in grain weight under HNT in the tolerant genotype Nagina 22.

Influence of Topography on the Distribution and Structure of Woody Plants in the Senegalese Sahel (Sandy Ferlo)

This study describes the floristic composition and structure of a woody stand in the Senegalese Sahel, paying particular attention to the edaphic factors of its floristic composition. A stratified inventory considering the different relief units was adopted. Woody vegetation was surveyed using a dendrometric approach. The results obtained show that the flora is dominated by a few species adapted to drought, such as Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Calotropis procera Ait. and Boscia senegalensis (Pers.). The distribution of this flora and the structure of the ligneous plants are linked to the topography. In the lowlands, the flora is more diversified and the ligneous plants reach their optimum level of development compared with the higher relief areas. In the lowlands, there are a few woody species which, in the past, were indicative of better climatic conditions. These are Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.), Commiphora africana (A. Rich.), Feretia apodanthera Del., Loeseneriella africana (A. Smith), Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich). It is important that their reintroduction into reforestation projects takes account of their edaphic preference.

Genome-Wide Analysis for Yield-Related Agronomic and Biochemical Traits of Chinese and Bangladeshi Grass Pea Genotypes Using SSR Markers

Grass pea(Lathyrus sativus L.)is an imperative food crop cultured in dryland agricultural ecology.It is a vital source of dietary protein to millions of populaces living in low-income countries in South-East Asia and Africa.This study highlights the improvement of genomic properties and their application in marker-trait relationships for 17 yield-related characters in 400 grass pea genotypes from China and Bangladesh.These characters were assessed via 56 polymorphic markers using general linear model(GLM)(P+G+Q)and mixed linear model(MLM)(P+G+Q+K)in the tassel software based on the linkage disequilibrium and population structure analysis.Population structure analysis showed two major groups and one admixed group in the populace.Statistically significant loci pairs of linkage disequilibrium(LD)mean value(D′)was 0.479.A total of 99 and 61 marker-trait associations in GLM and MLM models allied to the 17 traits were accepted at a 5%level of significance.Among these markers,21 markers were associated with more than one trait;12 marker-trait associations passed the Bonferroni correction threshold.Both models found six markers C41936,C39067,C34100,C47146,C47638,and C43047 significantly associated with days to maturity,flower color,plant height,and seed per pod were detected in the Hebei and Liaoyang location(p≤0.01),and the interpretation rate(R^(2)value)11.2%to 43.6%.Conferring to the consequences,the association analysis methodology may operative system for quantitative,qualitative,and biochemical traits related to gene position mapping and support breeders in improving novel approaches for advancing the grass pea quality.

Genetic Enhancement of Indigenous Cowpea with Gamma-Ray Induced Trait Variation

Production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), a staple legume crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, faces challenges due to biotic and abiotic constraints. Induced mutagenesis was deployed to create genetic variation in two cowpea varieties (KVX396-4-5-2D and Moussa local). The radio-sensitivity tests led to determe the lethal dose 50 (LD50) corresponding to 230 Gy and 220 Gy for KVX396-4-5-2D and Moussa local varieties, respectively. Dried seeds (M0) of each variety were gamma-ray irradiated with LD50 − 50, LD50 and LD50 + 50. M1 seeds were advanced to generate M2, M3 and M4 mutants using the single-seed-descent method. M4 mutant lines were evaluated in rain-fed conditions using a randomized complete block design to assess phenotypic differences. Data on seven qualitative and eleven quantitative traits were collected. The results indicated that the mutation induced variability in three qualitative traits: in KVX 396-4-5-2D mutant lines, with flower and seed color frequencies at 2.61% and 0.56% respectively, and pod dehiscence at a frequency of 0.24%. While in Moussa local mutants, a pod color changed at a frequency of 17%. ANOVA results revealed significant differences between mutants of both varieties for all quantitative traits, including photosynthetic parameters. Positive correlations were observed between leaf diameter and 100-seed weight, and between branch number and 100-seed weight. Hierarchical clustering revealed three clusters among KVX 396-4-5-2D mutants and six clusters among Moussa local mutants. Early maturity and high foliage were induced traits in Cluster 3 of KVX 396-4-5-2D mutants while high hundred-seed weight was induced in Cluster 6 of Moussa local mutants.

Perception of the Mechanization of Rice Cultivation and Its Effects on the Soil in the Senegal River Valley

In Senegal, particularly in the Senegal River valley, agricultural mechanization remains limited, mainly due to a lack of agricultural equipment, a lack of expertise in agricultural machinery and an apprehension of the consequences on soil quality. To better understand agricultural mechanization of rice cultivation, this survey study has been carried out in the Senegal river valley. Precisely, this work aimed to characterize farm machinery and its effects on soil and rice cultivation. A questionnaire was administered to 304 out of 1270 farmers, spread over 8 rice-growing areas, 4 of which are located in the Podor department, three in Dagana and one in Saint-Louis. The results showed that 99.3% of farmers used motorized equipment, with 95.7% using tractor and 3.6% a power tiller. Offset tillage, which is a shallow cultivation practice carried out to break up hard soil without turning it over, was most widespread among growers (95.4%). 78.3% of the valley’s farmers felt that the machinery used to carry out tillage operations was inefficient. According to the farmers, the main constraints on the use of agricultural machinery in the valley were: the upkeep and maintenance of equipment (57%), the lack of expertise in mechanization (31%), and issues adapting machinery to local conditions (12%). Those constraints have contributed to a drop in yields in recent years, the spread of weeds on cultivated plots and the gradual degradation of the soil in the area according to 78% of farmers.

Agronomic evaluation of eight 41 B×110 richter grapevine genotypes as rootstock candidates for mediterranean viticulture

Choosing the most appropriate rootstock(s)is a key decision for the profitability of vineyards;therefore,there must be a sufficient range of rootstocks in the market adapted to different environmental conditions and production objectives.However,rootstock-breeding programs have been scarce in recent decades,and most of the rootstocks used today were bred a century ago,when the needs of the sector were very different from today.In this work,we aimed to evaluate new rootstock candidates before their introduction in the market.An agronomic evaluation was conducted on eight novel rootstock genotypes obtained from the first generation of the cross-pollination of 41 B Millardet et de Grasset(41 B)and 110 Richter(110 R)grafted with‘Syrah’and‘Tempranillo’and planted in a typical vineyard of the Ebro Valley in Spain.During the four consecutive growing seasons(2016–2019),growth,yield and berry composition parameters at harvest were collected.A linear mixed-effects model was constructed,considering year and block as random effects.Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components were performed to establish clusters of genotypes with similar behaviour.The rootstock candidates showed a very wide performance range compared to their parents.The trial allowed us to identify two very promising candidates(RG8 and RG10),whose registration as commercial rootstocks is already in progress.

Effect of the dietary supplementation with extracts of chestnut wood and grape pomace on performance and jejunum response in female and male broiler chickens at different ages

Background:Recently,interest in the use of herbs and phytogenic compounds has grown because of their potential role in the production and health of livestock animals.Among these compounds,several tannins have been tested in poultry,but those from chestnut wood and grape-industry byproducts have attracted remarkable interest.Thus,the present study aimed to gain further insights into the mechanisms involved in the response to the dietary supplementation with extracts of chestnut wood or grape pomace.To this purpose,864 broiler chickens were fed a control diet(C)or the same diet supplemented 0.2%chestnut wood(CN)extract or 0.2%grape pomace(GP)extract from hatching until commercial slaughtering(at 45 days of age)to assess their effects on performance,meat quality,jejunum immune response and whole-transcriptome profiling in both sexes at different ages(15 and 35 d).Results:Final live weight and daily weight gain significantly increased(P<0.01)in chickens fed GP diets compared to CN and C diets.The villi height was lower in chickens fed the CN diet than in those fed the C diet(P<0.001);moreover,a lower density of CD45~+cells was observed in chickens fed the CN diet(P<0.05)compared to those fed the C and GP diets.Genes involved in either pro-or anti-inflammatory response pathways,and antimicrobial and antioxidant responses were affected by GP and CN diets.There was no effect of the dietary treatment on meat quality.Regarding sex,in addition to a lower growth performance,females showed a lower occurrence of wooden breast(16.7%vs.55.6%;P<0.001)and a higher occurrence of spaghetti meat(48.6%vs.4.17%;P<0.001)in pectoralis major muscles after slaughtering than those in males.Based on the results of whole-transcriptome profiling,a significant activation of some molecular pathways related to immunity was observed in males compared with those of females.Conclusions:The GP supplementation improved chicken performance and promoted immune responses in the intestinal mucosa;moreover,age and sex were associated with the most relevant transcriptional changes.

Seed Priming and Foliar Supplementation withβ-aminobutyric Acid Alleviates Drought Stress through Mitigation of Oxidative Stress and Enhancement of Antioxidant Defense in Linseed(Linum usitatissimum L.)

Drought is one of the critical limitations to agricultural soils and crop plants.Scarcity of water is increasing due to climate change that lead to increasing threats to global food security.Therefore,ecofriendly and cost effective strategies are highly desirable for mitigating drought stress along with sustainable and smart agricultural production.The aim of the study was to mitigate DS using seed priming and exogenous supplementation ofβ-aminobutyric acid(BABA)in linseed(Linum usitatissimum L.).Different doses(0,50,100 and 150μM)of BABA were used for seed priming agent and foliar spraying under three soil moisture levels viz.,25%(SM25),45%(SM45)and 65%(SM65).The response variables of both experiments included different agro-botanical traits and oxidative stress indicators such as melondialdehyde content,free proline accumulation,and antioxidant defense in plants.The linseed plants showed water stress at SM25 that reduced plant height,number of branches per plant,time taken to flower initiation and heading,and root and shoot dry weights.Additionally,the number of capsules and seeds per capsule showed a significant decline at SM25,which led to a drastic reduction in 100-seed weight yield in linseed plants in both experiments.However,seed priming and foliar supplementation with of BABA(50–100μM)significantly improved these morpho-agronomical attributes in linseed plants under DS.The results revealed that the BABA was fully active in linseed plants at SM25.Interestingly,the combination of SM25 with BABA significantly improved the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),ascorbate peroxidase(APX),and peroxidase(POD)activity,which significantly enhanced DS tolerance in linseed plants.These findings might be useful to oil seed breeders and farmers linseed for breeding program in linseed plants as well as sustainable agricultural production of oil seed crop plants.

Advances in studies on the physiological and molecular regulation of barley tillering

Tillering is a crucial trait closely associated with yield potential and environmental adaptation in cereal crops,regulated by the synergy of endogenous(genetic)and exogenous(environmental)factors.The physiological and molecular regulation of tillering has been intensively studied in rice and wheat.However,tillering research on barley is scarce.This review used the recent advances in bioinformatics to map all known and potential barley tiller development genes with their chromosomal genetic and physical positions.Many of them were mapped for the first time.We also discussed tillering regulation at genetic,physiological,and environmental levels.Moreover,we established a novel link between the genetic control of phytohormones and sugars with tillering.We provided evidence of how environmental cues and cropping systems help optimize the tiller number.This comprehensive review enhances the understanding of barley’s physiological and genetic mechanisms controlling tillering and other developmental traits.

Phosphorylation regulation of nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium uptake systems in plants

The uptake of ammonium,nitrate,phosphorus,and potassium ions by roots is mediated by specific ion transporter or channel proteins,and protein phosphorylation regulation events occurring on these proteins and their regulators determine their ultimate activity.Elucidating the mechanism by which protein phosphorylation modification regulates nutrient uptake will advance plant breeding for high nutrientuse efficiency.In this review,it is concluded that the root nutrient absorption system is composed of several,but not all,members of a specific ion transporter or channel family.Under nutrient-starvation conditions,protein phosphorylation-based regulation of these proteins and associated transcription factors increases ion transporter-or channel-mediated nutrient uptake capacity via direct function activity enhancement,allowing more protein trafficking to the plasma membrane,by strengthening the interaction of transporters and channels with partner proteins,by increasing their protein stability,and by transcriptional activation.Under excessive nutrient conditions,protein phosphorylation-based regulation suppresses nutrient uptake by reversing these processes.Strengthening phosphorylation regulation items that increase nutrient absorption and weakening phosphorylation modification items that are not conducive to nutrient absorption show potential as strategies for increasing nutrient use efficiency.

Elicitation-Based Modulation of Shelf Life in Fruits: Physiological and Molecular Insights

The process of ripening involves physiological and biochemical events that become a concern during postharvest storage.We have documented different approaches for the preservation and maintenance of fruit quality during the postharvest period that are biocompatible and fully safe for consumption.Chemical residues that sustain sensory characteristics,such as color,flavor,aroma,and texture,are considered.In fruit ripening,both physical and chemical elicitors are described that regulate ethylene biosynthesis or its signaling for gene expression.The key regulatory enzymes,such as ACC synthase and ACC oxidase,for ethylene biosynthesis,are important for both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits.Anti-oxidizing genes that retain sensory characteristics are concerns in this respect.Chemical elicitors,including chitosan,polyamine,phenolics,lipopolysaccharide,silver derivatives,and nanocomposites,are described.Gas pressure,light wavelengths,relative humidity,cooling,and other environmental factors are important for improved postharvest storage.These elicitors maintain redox status by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)or their lysis.Growth regulators,including abscisic acid,auxin,brassinosteroids,jasmonic acid,and salicylic acid,are important for the regulation of ripening.Mechanical injuries,ionic imbalances,temperature variations,and tissue dehydration can occur irrespective of ripening cate-gories.The use of synthetic physiochemically active compounds is discussed in terms of physiological,metabolic,cellular,and molecular functions.Ethylene-induced autocatalytic processes,antioxidant cascades,epigenetic regulation,and homeodomain gene expression are discussed.Sugar–acid metabolism,dissolution of the cell wall,and direct or indirect production of secondary metabolites related to postharvest storage are mentioned regarding chilling storage.Elicitors and agrochemicals that trigger plant defense to increase secondary metabolite production are discussed for reducing fruit senescence during postharvest storage.

Drought Tolerance in Mung Bean is Associated with the Genotypic Divergence, Regulation of Proline, Photosynthetic Pigment and Water Relation

Drought is one of the critical conditions for the growth and productivity of many crops including mung bean(Vigna radiata L.Wilczek).Screening of genotypes for variations is one of the suitable strategies for evaluating crop adaptability and global food security.In this context,the study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of four drought tolerant(BARI Mung-8,BMX-08010-2,BMX-010015,BMX-08009-7),and four drought sensitive(BARI Mung-1,BARI Mung-3,BU Mung-4,BMX-05001)mung bean genotypes under wellwatered(WW)and water deficit(WD)conditions.The WW treatment maintained sufficient soil moisture(22%±0.5%,i.e.,30%deficit of available water)by regularly supplying water.Whereas,the WD treatment was maintained throughout the growing period,and water was applied when the wilting symptom appeared.The drought tolerant(DT)genotypes BARI Mung-8,BMX-08010-2,BMX-010015,BMX-08009-7 showed a high level of proline accumulation(2.52–5.99 mg g^(−1) FW),photosynthetic pigment(total chlorophyll 2.96–3.27 mg g^(−1) FW at flowering stage,and 1.62–2.38 mg g^(−1) FW at pod developing stage),plant water relation attributes including relative water content(RWC)(82%–84%),water retention capacity(WRC)(12–14)as well as lower water saturation deficit(WSD)(19%–23%),and water uptake capacity(WUC)(2.58–2.89)under WD condition,which provided consequently higher relative seed yield.These indicate that the tolerant genotypes gained better physiobiochemical attributes and adaptability in response to drought conditions.Furthermore,the genotype BMX-08010-2 showed superiority in terms of those physio-biochemical traits,susceptibility index(SSI)and stress tolerance index(STI)to other genotypes.Based on the physiological and biochemical responses,the BMX-08010-2 was found to be a suitable genotype for sustaining yield under drought stress,and subsequently,it could be recommended for crop improvement through hybridization programs.In addition,the identified traits can be used as markers to identify tolerant genotypes for drought-prone areas.