Saline-alkali tolerant rice germplasm and associated genetic information from our research represent a significant resource for future functional genomic research and breeding programs seeking to develop superior salt and alkali tolerance in rice at the germination stage.
Our investigation unearthed saline-alkali tolerant rice germplasm and vital genetic data, pivotal for future functional genomic and breeding initiatives to enhance rice's salt and alkali tolerance at the seed germination stage.
Widely employed as a solution to lessen dependence on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer and ensure food security, replacing synthetic N fertilizer with animal manure is a crucial practice. Replacing synthetic N fertilizer with animal manure's impact on crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) stays uncertain when considering varied fertilization practices, weather conditions, and soil compositions. This meta-analysis, drawn from 118 published studies in China, specifically examined wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The results of the study clearly demonstrated that substituting synthetic nitrogen fertilizer with manure led to an increased yield of 33%-39% for the three grain crops, and nitrogen use efficiency improved by 63%-100%. Nitrogen application rates at 120 kg ha⁻¹, and substitution rates above 60%, were not effective in significantly increasing crop yields or nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). For upland crops (wheat and maize) in temperate monsoon and continental climates, there was a higher increase in yields and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) when the average annual rainfall was lower and the mean annual temperature was also lower. Rice, meanwhile, showed a greater rise in yield and NUE in subtropical monsoon climates with higher average annual rainfall and higher mean annual temperature. In soils lacking abundant organic matter and readily available phosphorus, the substitution of manure led to enhanced effects. Our analysis shows the optimal substitution level to be 44% when substituting synthetic nitrogen fertilizer with manure, necessitating a minimum total nitrogen fertilizer application of 161 kg per hectare. Beyond that, the particular conditions of the location need to be evaluated.
Developing drought-tolerant bread wheat cultivars necessitates a crucial comprehension of the genetic architecture of drought stress tolerance at both the seedling and reproductive stages. 192 diverse wheat genotypes, drawn from the Wheat Associated Mapping Initiative (WAMI) panel, were subjected to hydroponic assessments of chlorophyll content (CL), shoot length (SLT), shoot weight (SWT), root length (RLT), and root weight (RWT) during the seedling stage, under both drought and optimal growing conditions. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was initiated after the hydroponics experiment, utilizing both the recorded phenotypic data from this experiment and data from past, multi-location field trials, encompassing both optimal and drought-stressed conditions. Previously, the panel's genotyping was performed with the Infinium iSelect 90K SNP array, encompassing 26814 polymorphic markers. GWAS analyses, incorporating both single- and multi-marker approaches, revealed 94 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to seedling-stage traits, and a further 451 associated with traits observed during reproduction. Several novel, significant, and promising MTAs for different traits were included among the significant SNPs. The average decay distance for linkage disequilibrium spanned approximately 0.48 megabases across the entire genome, with the shortest distance being 0.07 megabases (chromosome 6D) and the longest 4.14 megabases (chromosome 2A). Ultimately, several promising SNPs demonstrated substantial differences in haplotype structure affecting traits like RLT, RWT, SLT, SWT, and GY, particularly in the presence of drought stress. Analysis of gene function and in silico expression patterns highlighted significant candidate genes within the identified stable genomic regions. These included protein kinases, O-methyltransferases, GroES-like superfamily proteins, and NAD-dependent dehydratases, and others. To enhance yield potential and drought resilience, the present study's findings offer valuable insights.
The dynamic shifts in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) levels across the organs of Pinus yunnanenis during different seasons are not well understood. The stoichiometric ratios of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the organs of P. yunnanensis are evaluated over the four seasons in this study. Within central Yunnan province, China, research selected *P. yunnanensis* forests, categorized as middle-aged and young, and the concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in their fine roots (less than 2 mm in diameter), stems, needles, and branches were quantified. Significant correlations were observed between seasonality, organ type, and the C, N, and P contents and their ratios in P. yunnanensis, demonstrating a less pronounced effect of age. During the period from spring to winter, a steady decrease in C content was observed in the middle-aged and young forests, contrasting with the N and P contents, which, after an initial decrease, saw an increase. In young and middle-aged forests, no discernible allometric growth was observed for the P-C in branches and stems. In contrast, a clear allometric growth relationship was found for the N-P of needles in young stands. This signifies varying P-C and N-P nutrient distribution patterns across organ levels, depending on stand age. P allocation to different organs within stands exhibits a correlation with stand age, where more P is allocated to needles in middle-aged stands, in contrast to young stands, where more P is allocated to fine roots. Needle tissue nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios were observed to be below 14, which strongly indicates that *P. yunnanensis* growth is primarily restricted by nitrogen availability. The implementation of increased nitrogen fertilization would consequently positively impact the productivity of this stand. The results are likely to positively influence nutrient management within P. yunnanensis plantations.
Plants produce a broad array of secondary metabolites, playing critical roles in fundamental processes like growth, defense, adaptability, and reproduction. Plant secondary metabolites, acting as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, are advantageous to mankind. Targeting metabolite engineering requires a deep understanding of metabolic pathways and their regulatory mechanisms. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, leveraging the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system, has become a widely adopted technology due to its high accuracy, efficiency, and capability for simultaneous targeting of multiple locations. This method, alongside its crucial role in genetic improvement, further enables a complete characterization of functional genomics, with a focus on identifying genes associated with various plant secondary metabolic pathways. Despite its widespread use, the CRISPR/Cas approach faces significant challenges in achieving targeted genome editing within plant systems. This review explores the recent advancements in CRISPR/Cas-driven metabolic engineering of plants and the hurdles that remain.
Solanum khasianum, a plant with significant medicinal properties, yields steroidal alkaloids such as solasodine. Various industrial applications exist, encompassing oral contraceptives and diverse pharmaceutical uses. An investigation into the consistency of economically significant traits, such as fruit yield and solasodine content, was conducted on a selection of 186 S. khasianum germplasms. The CSIR-NEIST experimental farm in Jorhat, Assam, India, hosted three replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) plantings of the gathered germplasm during the Kharif seasons of 2018, 2019, and 2020. Cytokine Detection To establish stable S. khasianum germplasm for financially significant traits, a multivariate stability analysis methodology was utilized. Across three distinct environments, the germplasm was subjected to assessments using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), GGE biplot, multi-trait stability index, and Shukla's variance. The AMMI ANOVA procedure highlighted a significant genotype-by-environment interaction across all traits under study. The AMMI biplot, GGE biplot, Shukla's variance value, and MTSI plot analysis collectively pointed towards a stable and high-yielding germplasm. Line numbers, presented in order. HNF3 hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 Lines 90, 85, 70, 107, and 62 demonstrated a stable and high fruit yield, while lines 1, 146, and 68 were identified as reliably producing high solasodine content. Given the combined characteristics of high fruit yield and significant solasodine content, MTSI analysis indicated that lines 1, 85, 70155, 71, 114, 65, 86, 62, 116, 32, and 182 exhibit qualities suitable for use in a plant breeding program. Therefore, the identified genetic resource warrants further consideration for its use in varietal improvement and integration into a breeding program. This study's findings offer considerable value for optimizing the S. khasianum breeding program.
Heavy metal concentrations in excess of permissible limits critically endanger human life, plant life, and all other forms of life. Toxic heavy metals are introduced into the environment via a variety of natural and human-originated sources, including soil, air, and water. Plants accumulate toxic heavy metals through their root and leaf systems. Heavy metals' impact on plant biochemistry, biomolecules, and physiological processes often manifests as morphological and anatomical alterations. BMS-986397 Multiple techniques are used to manage the adverse effects of heavy metal presence. Heavy metal toxicity is mitigated by strategies including the containment of heavy metals within the cell wall, their vascular sequestration, and the creation of various biochemical compounds, such as phyto-chelators and organic acids, designed to bind free heavy metal ions and lessen their damaging effects. This review examines the interplay of genetic elements, molecular processes, and cell signaling pathways, illustrating their combined effect in coordinating a response to heavy metal toxicity, and interpreting the specific strategies for heavy metal stress tolerance.