National botanical gardens at the forefront of global plant conservation

Global changes in land use driven by demands on food,energy,and other resources in response to a rapidly increasing human population have collectively led to escalating environmental challenges,including biodiversity loss,global warming,environmental pollution,and ecosystem degradation.At present,biodiversity is seriously threatened at global,regional,and local scales,which,in turn,threatens our own survival.Biodiversity is a global asset of immense material and non-material value,providing us with food,medicine,building materials,fiber,and the ecological environment required for our well-being and health.

Rosemary extract improves egg quality by altering gut barrier function,intestinal microbiota and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens

Background Rosemary extract(RE)has been reported to exert antioxidant property.However,the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality,intestinal barrier and microbiota,and oviductal function has not been systematically studied.This study was investigated to detect the potential effects of RE on performance,egg quality,serum parameters,intestinal heath,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens.A total of 21065-week-old“Jing Tint 6”laying hens were randomly allocated into five treatments with six replicates and seven birds per replicate and fed basal diet(CON)or basal diet supplemented with chlortetracycline at 50 mg/kg(CTC)or RE at 50 mg/kg(RE50),100 mg/kg(RE100),and 200 mg/kg(RE200).Results Our results showed that RE200 improved(P<0.05)Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk,serum superoxide dismutase(SOD)compared with CON.No significant differences were observed for Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk among CTC,RE50,RE100 and RE200 groups.Compared with CTC and RE50 groups,RE200 increased serum SOD activity on d 28 and 56.Compared with CON,RE supplementation decreased(P<0.05)total cholesterol(TC)level.CTC,RE100 and RE200 decreased(P<0.05)serum interleukin-6(IL-6)content compared with CON.CTC and RE200 increased jejunal m RNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin compared with CON.The biomarkers of cecal microbiota and metabolite induced by RE 200,including Firmicutes,Eisenbergiella,Paraprevotella,Papillibacter,and butyrate,were closely associated with Haugh unit,n-6/n-3,SOD,IL-6,and TC.PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that RE altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism of cecal microbiota and increased butyrate synthesizing enzymes,including 3-oxoacid Co A-transferase and butyrate-acetoacetate Co A-transferase.Moreover,transcriptomic analysis revealed that RE200 improved gene expressions and functional pathways related to immunity and albumen formation in the oviductal magnum.Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg RE could increase egg quality of late-phase laying hens via modulating intestinal barrier,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal function.Overall,RE could be used as a promising feed additive to improve egg quality of laying hens at late stage of production.

Structure,bioavailability and physicochemical properties of icariin-soymilk nanoparticle

Soymilk is a natural nanocarrier.However,the performance of flavonoid-soymilk nano-complex remains unclear.In this work,icariin-soymilk nano-complexes(ISNCs)were successfully fabricated and characterized.The effects of high-pressure homogenization(HPH)treatment on structure and physicochemical properties of soymilk and nano-complexes were investigated.HPH treatment could significantly improve the surface hydrophobicity and interfacial activity of soymilk.The soymilk with HPH treatment could significantly improve the water solubility(20 folds),thermal stability and bioavailability of icariin.The highest encapsulation efficiency(93.28%),loading capacity(39.09μg/mg),ζ-potentia(absolute value,31.20 mV)and bioavailability(72.14%)were observed in HSI-200(200 bar of homogenization pressure).While HSI-500(500 bar of homogenization pressure)showed the smallest particle size(183.73 nm).ISNCs showed a rougher surface and an irregular lamellar structure with large amount of fine particles by using Cryo-SEM,suggesting that icariin was encapsulated in soymilk.These data supplied a novel strategy to improve the performance of icariin in functional foods.

The wheat sucrose synthase gene TaSus1 is a determinant of grain number per spike

Some haplotypes of the sucrose synthase gene TaSus1 are associated with thousand-grain weight(TGW)in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.).However,no mutations have been identified within the gene to test this association.The effects of TaSus1 on grain number per spike(GNS)also are largely unknown.Our previous genome-wide association study identified TaSus-A1 as a candidate gene controlling fertile spikelet number per spike(FSN).In the present study,we generated two independent mutants for the three TaSus1 homoeologs by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing.The triple mutants displayed lower FSN,GNS,grain number per spikelet(GNST),and TGW than wild-type plants.In 306 hexaploid wheat accessions,two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TaSus-A1 contributed differently to GNS.Introgression of the two alleles into a wheat genetic background confirmed their effects.The alleles differed in geographical distribution among the accessions.

Direct somatic embryogenesis and related gene expression networks in leaf explants of Hippeastrum ‘Bangkok Rose’

Hippeastrum, a highly diverse genus in the Amaryllidaceae family, is a valuable ornamental bulbous flowering plant. Somatic embryogenesis(SE) is an efficient method for mass production of Hippeastrum plantlets. Previous studies have been devoted to the in vitro propagation of Hippeastrum, but the SE and its regulatory networks are rarely reported. In this study, we established a direct SE method of Hippeastrum Bangkok Rose' using leaf bases as explants. MS supplemented with 1.00 mg·L^(-1)NAA +1.00 mg·L^(-1)KT + 0.25 mg·L^(-1)TDZ was the optimal medium for SE. Histological observations showed that the bipolar somatic embryo originated from the epidermal cell layer and underwent initiation,globular, scutellar and coleoptile stages. During SE, endogenous hormones of IAA, CTK, ABA, and SA were highly accumulated. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the genes encoding auxin biosynthesis/metabolic enzymes and efflux carriers were induced, while the auxin receptor of TIR1 and ARF transcriptional repressor of Aux/IAA were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, leading to suppression of auxin signaling. In contrast, cytokine signaling was promoted at the early stage of SE, as biosynthesis, transport, and signaling components were up-regulated.Various stress-related genes were up-regulated at the early or late stages of SE. Chromatin remodeling could also be dynamically regulated via distinct expression enzymes that control histone methylation and acetylation during SE. Moreover, key SE regulators, including WOXs and SERKs were highly expressed along with SE. Overall, the present study provides insights into the SE regulatory mechanisms of the Hippeastrum.

Variation in Plant Functional Traits along Altitudinal Gradient and Land Use Types in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal

Functional traits are predictors of plants in response to environmental stimuli. They represent specific functional adaptations to various environmental stresses. This study deals with the variation in plant functional traits along elevation gradient and land-use types in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal. Two field investigations in April and September, 2011 were made to collect samples. Sampling was done from 2200 - 3800 m asl varying approx. 400 m. East and west facing aspects of each valley were chosen. In each aspect four land-use type categories including disturbed (cultivated land, exploited forest and meadow) and less disturbed natural forest were selected. A transect of 25 m long and 2.5 m wide was laid. Different eight traits of plants including lifeform, plant height, clonality, spinescence, leaf dry matter content, stem specific density, twig dry matter content and twig drying time were examined for 60 plant species belonging to 31 families, collected from 40 sampled plots. Nine different types of growth forms were recorded. Plant height of the investigated species ranged from 0.03 - 15 m. The stolon consisting species were dominant in exploited forests. Diversity of clonal species was more in meadow and non-clonal species were dominant in all the altitudes. Only eight species consisted of spines. In the disturbed land-use categories, we found high variation in a particular trait. Correlation analyses revealed the significant relationship (p < 0.01) among different traits. Herbs and shrubs were dominant at higher elevation and in disturbed land-use categories. Species from high altitude were mostly short basal herbs, while spinescence and tall trees were observed at lower altitudes. Species recorded in meadows and exploited forests showed high variation in traits due to disturbance mainly grazing, fire, litter collection and trampling. Altitudinal variation, climatic conditions and disturbance most strongly influence trait expression in the study area.

Invasive alien plants in China: An update

China is the largest country in eastern Asia and contains habitats that range from cold temperate to tropical rainforest.The Chinese have a long history of plant cultivation and domestication.Although most cultivated plants in China are native species,many are non-native plants introduced throughout Chinese history for food,medicine,horticulture or ornamental purposes(Xie et al.,2001;Axmacher and Sang,2013).The Catalogue of Alien Plants in China records a total of 14,710 alien plants(Lin and Ma,2022).Among these,some,such as corn and potato,are used as food to meet the demands of China’s large population.Non-native plants that have established populations and colonized local environments are called naturalized plants.Previous studies indicate that the number of naturalized plant species in China ranges from 861(Jiang et al.,2011)to 933(Yan et al.,2019).

Telomere-to-telomere haplotype-resolved reference genome reveals subgenome divergence and disease resistance in triploid Cavendish banana

Banana is one of the most important crops of the world.Cavendish-type bananas,which have a monospecific Musa acuminata origin(AAA),account for around half of the global banana production,thereby are of great significance for human societies.However,until now,the high-quality haplotype-resolved reference genome was still undecoded for banana cultivars.Here,we reported the telomere-to-telomere(T2T)and haplotype-resolved reference genome of‘Baxijiao’(Cavendish)consisting of three haploid assemblies.The sizes of the three haploid assemblies were estimated to be 477.16 Mb,477.18 Mb,and 469.57 Mb,respectively.Although with monospecific origins,the three haploid assemblies showed great differences with low levels of sequence collinearity.Several large reciprocal translocations were identified among chromosomes 1,4,and 7.An expansion of gene families that might affect fruit quality and aroma was detected,such as those belonging to sucrose/disaccharide/oligosaccharide catabolic processes,sucrose metabolic process,starch metabolic process,and aromatic compound biosynthetic process.Besides,an expansion of gene families related to anther and pollen development was observed,which could be associated with parthenocarpy and sterility of the Cavendish cultivar.Finally,much fewer resistance genes were identified in‘Baxijiao’than in M.acuminata,particularly in the gene clusters in chromosomes 3 and 10,providing potential targets to explore for molecular analysis of disease resistance in banana.This T2T haplotype-resolved reference genome will thus be a valuable genetic resource for biological studies,molecular breeding,and genetic improvement of banana.

Biogenesis of flavor-related linalool is diverged and genetically conserved in tree peony (Paeonia × suffruticosa)

Floral scent is an important and genetically complex trait in horticultural plants.Tree peony(Paeonia×suffruticosa)originates in the Pan-Himalaya and has nine wild species divided into two subsections,Delavayanae and Vaginatae.Their f lowers are beloved worldwide for their sweet f loral fragrance,yet the f lavor-related volatiles and underlying biosynthetic pathways remain unknown.Here,we characterized the volatile blends of all wild tree peony species and found that the flavor-related volatiles were highly divergent,but linalool was a unique monoterpene in subsect.Delavayanae.Further detection of volatiles in 97 cultivars with various genetic backgrounds showed that linalool was also the characteristic aroma component in Paeonia delavayi hybrid progenies,suggesting that linalool was conserved and dominant within subsect.Delavayanae and its hybrids,instead of species and cultivars from subsect.Vaginatae.Global transcriptome analysis of all wild tree peony species and 60 cultivars revealed five candidate genes that may be involved in key steps of linalool biosynthesis;especially the expressions of three TPS genes,PdTPS1,PdTPS2,and PdTPS4,were significantly positively correlated with linalool emissions across tree peony cultivars.Further biochemical evidence demonstrated that PdTPS1 and PdTPS4were the pivotal genes determining the species-specific and cultivar-specific emission of linalool.This study revealed a new insight into floral scent divergence in tree peony and would greatly facilitate our understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of Paeonia.

The miR5810/OsMRLP6 regulatory module affects rice seedling photosynthesis

Photosynthesis affects crop growth and yield.The roles of microRNAs(miRNAs)in photosynthesis are little known.In the present study,the role of the OsNF-YB7–OsMIR5810–OsMRLP6 regulatory module in photosynthesis was investigated.The malectin-like protein gene OsMRLP6 was identified as a target gene of osa-miR5810(miR5810).Overexpression in rice of miR5810 or down-expression of OsMRLP6 resulted in reduced expression of genes involved in chloroplast development and photosynthesis and decreased net photosynthetic rate,finally leading to lower shoot biomass and grain yield.Down-expression of miR5810 and overexpression of OsMRLP6 showed the opposite effect.Overexpression of transcription factor OsNF-YB7 elevated expression of OsMIR5810 in rice seedlings by binding to its promoter.The OsNFYB7–OsMIR5810–OsMRLP6 regulatory module affects photosynthesis to mediate growth and grain yield.

The combination of DNA methylation and positive regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis by MYB and bHLH transcription factors contributes to the petal blotch formation in Xibei tree peony

Xibei tree peony is a distinctive cultivar group that features red–purple blotches in petals.Interestingly,the pigmentations of blotches and non-blotches are largely independent of one another.The underlying molecular mechanism had attracted lots of attention from investigators,but was still uncertain.Our present work demonstrates the factors that are closely related to blotch formation in Paeonia rockii‘Shu Sheng Peng Mo’.Non-blotch pigmentation is prevented by the silencing of anthocyanin structural genes,among which PrF3H,PrDFR,and PrANS are the three major genes.We characterized two R2R3-MYBs as the key transcription factors that control the early and late anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways.PrMYBa1,which belongs to MYB subgroup 7(SG7)was found to activate the early biosynthetic gene(EBG)PrF3H by interacting with SG5 member PrMYBa2 to form an‘MM’complex.The SG6 member PrMYBa3 interacts with two SG5(IIIf)bHLHs to synergistically activate the late biosynthetic genes(LBGs)PrDFR and PrANS,which is essential for anthocyanin accumulation in petal blotches.The comparison of methylation levels of the PrANS and PrF3H promoters between blotch and non-blotch indicated a correlation between hypermethylation and gene silencing.The methylation dynamics of PrANS promoter during flower development revealed a potential early demethylating reaction,which may have contributed to the particular expression of PrANS solely in the blotch area.We suggest that the formation of petal blotch may be highly associated with the cooperation of transcriptional activation and DNA methylation of structural gene promoters.

Histology, physiology, and transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveal the developmental dynamics of annual shoots in tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)

The development of tree peony annual shoots is characterized by“withering”,which is related to whether there are bud points in the leaf axillaries of annual shoots.However,the mechanism of“withering”in tree peony is still unclear.In this study,Paeonia ostii‘Fengdan’and P.suffruticosa‘Luoyanghong’were used to investigate dynamic changes of annual shoots through anatomy,physiology,transcriptome,and metabolome.The results demonstrated that the developmental dynamics of annual shoots of the two cultivars were comparable.The withering degree of P.suffruticosa‘Luoyanghong’was higher than that of P.ostii‘Fengdan’,and their upper internodes of annual flowering shoots had a lower degree of lignin deposition,cellulose,C/N ratio,showing no obvious sclerenchyma,than the bottom ones and the whole internodes of vegetative shoot,which resulted in the“withering”of upper internodes.A total of 36 phytohormone metabolites were detected,of which 33 and 31 were detected in P.ostii‘Fengdan’and P.suffruticosa‘Luoyanghong’,respectively.In addition,302 and 240 differentially expressed genes related to lignin biosynthesis,carbon and nitrogen metabolism,plant hormone signal transduction,and zeatin biosynthesis were screened from the two cultivars.Furtherly,36 structural genes and 40 transcription factors associated with the development of annual shoots were highly co-expressed,and eight hub genes involved in this developmental process were identified.Consequently,this study explained the developmental dynamic on the varied annual shoots through multi-omics,providing a theoretical foundation for germplasm innovation and the mechanized harvesting of tree peony annual shoots.

Grapevine plantlets respond to different monochromatic lights by tuning photosynthesis and carbon allocation

The quality of planting materials is the foundation for productivity,longevity,and berry quality of perennial grapevines with a long lifespan.Manipulating the nursery light spectrum may speed up the production of healthy and high-quality planting vines but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.Herein,the effects of different monochromatic lights(green,blue,and red)on grapevine growth,leaf photosynthesis,whole-plant carbon allocation,and transcriptome reprograming were investigated with white light as control.Results showed that blue and red lights were favorable for plantlet growth in comparison with white light.Blue light repressed excessive growth,significantly increased the maximum net photosynthetic rate(Pn)of leaves by 39.58%and leaf specific weight by 38.29%.Red light increased the dry weight of the stem by 53.60%,the starch content of the leaf by 53.63%,and the sucrose content of the stem by 230%.Green light reduced all photosynthetic indexes of the grape plantlet.Photosynthetic photon flux density(PPFD)/Ci–Pn curves indicated that blue light affected photosynthetic rate depending on the light intensity and CO2 concentration.RNA-seq analysis of different organs(leaf,stem,and root)revealed a systematic transcriptome remodeling and VvCOP1(CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1),VvHY5(ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5),VvHYH(HY5 HOMOLOG),VvELIP(early light-induced protein)and VvPIF3(PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 3)may play important roles in this shoot-to-root signaling.Furthermore,the correlation network between differential expression genes and physiological traits indicated that VvpsbS(photosystem II subunit S),Vvpsb28(photosystem II subunit 28),VvHYH,VvSUS4(sucrose synthase 4),and VvALDA(fructose-bisphosphate aldolase)were pertinent candidate genes in responses to different light qualities.Our results provide a foundation for optimizing the light recipe of grape plantlets and strengthen the understanding of light signaling and carbon metabolism under different monochromatic lights.

Combined genome-wide association studies and expression quantitative trait locus analysis uncovers a genetic regulatory network of floral organ number in a tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews) breeding population

Great progress has been made in our understanding of floral organ identity determination and its regulatory network in many species;however,the quantitative genetic basis of floral organ number variation is far less well understood for species-specific traits from the perspective of population variation.Here,using a tree peony(Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews,Paeoniaceae)cultivar population as a model,the phenotypic polymorphism and genetic variation based on genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and expression quantitative trait locus(eQTL)analysis were analyzed.Based on 24 phenotypic traits of 271 representative cultivars,the transcript profiles of 119 cultivars were obtained,which indicated abundant genetic variation in tree peony.In total,86 GWAS-related cis-eQTLs and 3188 trans-eQTL gene pairs were found to be associated with the numbers of petals,stamens,and carpels.In addition,19 floral organ number-related hub genes with 121 cis-eQTLs were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis,among which five hub genes belonging to the ABCE genes of the MADS-box family and their spatial–temporal co-expression and regulatory network were constructed.These results not only help our understanding of the genetic basis of floral organ number variation during domestication,but also pave the way to studying the quantitative genetics and evolution of flower organ number and their regulatory network within populations.

Effect of the biosynthesis of the volatile compound phenylacetaldehyde on chloroplast modifications in tea (Camellia sinensis) plants

Plant volatile compounds have important physiological and ecological functions.Phenylacetaldehyde(PAld),a volatile phenylpropanoid/benzenoid,accumulates in the leaves of tea(Camellia sinensis)plants grown under continuous shading.This study was conducted to determine whether PAld production is correlated with light and to elucidate the physiological functions of PAld in tea plants.Specifically,the upstream mechanism modulating PAld biosynthesis in tea plants under different light conditions as well as the effects of PAld on chloroplast/chlorophyll were investigated.The biosynthesis of PAld was inhibited under light,whereas it was induced in darkness.The structural gene encoding aromatic amino acid aminotransferase 1(CsAAAT1)was expressed at a high level in darkness,consistent with its importance for PAld accumulation.Additionally,the results of a transcriptional activation assay and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated CsAAAT1 expression was slightly activated by phytochrome-interacting factor 3-2(CsPIF3-2),which is a light-responsive transcription factor.Furthermore,PAld might promote the excitation of chlorophyll in dark-treated chloroplasts and mediate electron energy transfer in cells.However,the accumulated PAld can degrade chloroplasts and chlorophyll,with potentially detrimental effects on photosynthesis.Moreover,PAld biosynthesis is inhibited in tea leaves by red and blue light,thereby decreasing the adverse effects of PAld on chloroplasts during daytime.In conclusion,the regulated biosynthesis of PAld in tea plants under light and in darkness leads to chloroplast modifications.The results of this study have expanded our understanding of the biosynthesis and functions of volatile phenylpropanoids/benzenoids in tea leaves.

The class B heat shock factor HSFB1 regulates heat tolerance in grapevine

Grape is a widely cultivated crop with high economic value.Most cultivars derived from mild or cooler climates may not withstand increasing heat stress.Therefore,dissecting the mechanisms of heat tolerance in grapes is of particular significance.Here,we performed comparative transcriptome analysis of Vitis davidii‘Tangwei’(heat tolerant)and Vitis vinifera‘Jingxiu’(heat sensitive)grapevines after exposure to 25°C,40°C,or 45°C for 2 h.More differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were detected in‘Tangwei’than in‘Jingxiu’in response to heat stress,and the number of DEGs increased with increasing treatment temperatures.We identified a class B Heat Shock Factor,HSFB1,which was significantly upregulated in‘Tangwei’,but not in‘Jingxiu’,at high temperature.VdHSFB1 from‘Tangwei’and VvHSFB1 from‘Jingxiu’differ in only one amino acid,and both showed similar transcriptional repression activities.Overexpression and RNA interference of HSFB1 in grape indicated that HSFB1 positively regulates the heat tolerance.Moreover,the heat tolerance of HSFB1-overexpressing plants was positively correlated to HSFB1 expression level.The activity of the VdHSFB1 promoter is higher than that of VvHSFB1 under both normal and high temperatures.Promoter analysis showed that more TATA-box and AT∼TATA-box cis-elements are present in the VdHSFB1 promoter than the VvHSFB1 promoter.The promoter sequence variations between VdHSFB1 and VvHSFB1 likely determine the HSFB1 expression levels that inf luence heat tolerance of the two grape germplasms with contrasting thermotolerance.Collectively,we validated the role of HSFB1 in heat tolerance,and the knowledge gained will advance our ability to breed heat-tolerant grape cultivars.

VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 form a regulatory feedback loop to balance anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape

Anthocyanins are essential for the quality of perennial horticultural crops,such as grapes.In grapes,ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5(HY5)and MYBA1 are two critical transcription factors that regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis.Our previous work has shown that Vitis vinifera B-box protein 44(VvBBX44)inhibits anthocyanin synthesis and represses VvHY5 expression in grape calli.However,the regulatory mechanism underlying this regulation was unclear.In this study,we found that loss of VvBBX44 function resulted in increased anthocyanin accumulation in grapevine callus.VvBBX44 directly represses VvMYBA1,which activates VvBBX44.VvMYBA1,but not VvBBX44,directly modulates the expression of grape UDP flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase(VvUFGT).We demonstrated that VvBBX44 represses the transcriptional activation of VvUFGT and VvBBX44 induced by VvMYBA1.However,VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 did not physically interact in yeast.The application of exogenous anthocyanin stimulated VvBBX44 expression in grapevine suspension cells and tobacco leaves.These findings suggest that VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 form a transcriptional feedback loop to prevent overaccumulation of anthocyanin and reduce metabolic costs.Our work sheds light on the complex regulatory network that controls anthocyanin biosynthesis in grapevine.

The telomere-to-telomere gap-free reference genome of wild blueberry (Vaccinium duclouxii) provides its high soluble sugar and anthocyanin accumulation

Vaccinium duclouxii,endemic to southwestern China,is a berry-producing shrub or small tree belonging to the Ericaceae family,with high nutritive,medicinal,and ornamental value,abundant germplasm resources,and good edible properties.In addition,V.duclouxii exhibits strong tolerance to adverse environmental conditions,making it a promising candidate for research and offering wide-ranging possibilities for utilization.However,the lack of V.duclouxii genome sequence has hampered its development and utilization.Here,a high-quality telomere-to-telomere genome sequence of V.duclouxii was de novo assembled and annotated.All of 12 chromosomes were assembled into gap-free single contigs,providing the highest integrity and quality assembly reported so far for blueberry.The V.duclouxii genome is 573.67 Mb,which encodes 41953 protein-coding genes.Combining transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses,we have uncovered the molecular mechanisms involved in sugar and acid accumulation and anthocyanin biosynthesis in V.duclouxii.This provides essentialmolecular information for further research on the quality of V.duclouxii.Moreover,the high-quality telomere-to-telomere assembly of the V.duclouxii genome will provide insights into the genomic evolution of Vaccinium and support advancements in blueberry genetics and molecular breeding.

GrapevineXL reliably predicts multi-annual dynamics of vine water status, berry growth, and sugar accumulation in vineyards

Climate and water availability greatly affect each season’s grape yield and quality.Using models to accurately predict environment impacts on fruit productivity and quality is a huge challenge.We calibrated and validated the functional-structural model,GrapevineXL,with a data set including grapevine seasonal midday stem water potential(�xylem),berry dry weight(DW),fresh weight(FW),and sugar concentration per volume([Sugar])for a wine grape cultivar(Vitis vinifera cv.Cabernet Franc)in field conditions over 13 years in Bordeaux,France.Our results showed that the model could make a fair prediction of seasonal�xylem and good-to-excellent predictions of berry DW,FW,[Sugar]and leaf gas exchange responses to predawn and midday leaf water potentials under diverse environmental conditions with 14 key parameters.By running virtual experiments to mimic climate change,an advanced veraison(i.e.the onset of ripening)of 14 and 28 days led to significant decreases of berry FW by 2.70%and 3.22%,clear increases of berry[Sugar]by 2.90%and 4.29%,and shortened ripening duration in 8 out of 13 simulated years,respectively.Moreover,the impact of the advanced veraison varied with seasonal patterns of climate and soil water availability.Overall,the results showed that the GrapevineXL model can predict plant water use and berry growth in field conditions and could serve as a valuable tool for designing sustainable vineyard management strategies to cope with climate change.

多瑙河流域沙棘群体——沙棘雄株品种遴选

在多瑙河三角洲,沙棘组成了那里复杂而独特的生物群落,沙棘群落是主要的生物主体,并主要分布于多瑙河三角洲。目前的研究成果,主要集中在优良个体的选择、沙棘父本性状的描述,繁殖能力的大小以及苗木标准等。父本选择关注的特性主要有:冠形、叶片的大小和色泽、枝条每年增加的长度和萌条数、10cm长的萌芽的数目、开花期花粉的大小和活力。对于选出来的优良个体,大量用于选种、园艺、林木培育(公园的绿化)、植物改良、林业等。这种沙棘具有较高的发芽率,叶产量高的特性,因此是制药行业非常好的贮备材料。