Biochemical Traits Research Articles

Optimization of soybean physiochemical, agronomic, and genetic responses under varying regimes of day and night temperatures.

Soybean is an important oilseed crop worldwide; however, it has a high sensitivity to temperature variation, particularly at the vegetative stage to the pod-filling stage. Temperature change affects physiochemical and genetic traits regulating the soybean agronomic yield. In this regard, the current study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effects of varying regimes of day and night temperatures (T1=20°C/12°C, T2=25°C/17°C, T3=30°C/22°C, T4=35°C/27°C, and T5=40°C/32°C) on physiological (chlorophyll, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and membrane damage) biochemical (proline and antioxidant enzymes), genetic (GmDNJ1, GmDREB1G;1, GmHSF-34, GmPYL21, GmPIF4b, GmPIP1;6, GmGBP1, GmHsp90A2, GmTIP2;6, and GmEF8), and agronomic traits (pods per plant, seeds per plant, pod weight per plant, and seed yield per plant) of soybean cultivars (Swat-84 and NARC-1). The experiment was performed in soil plant atmosphere research (SPAR) units using two factorial arrangements with cultivars as one factor and temperature treatments as another factor. A significant increase in physiological, biochemical, and agronomic traits with increased gene expression was observed in both soybean cultivars at T4 (35°C/27°C) as compared to below and above regimes of temperatures. Additionally, it was established by correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and heatmap analysis that the nature of soybean cultivars and the type of temperature treatments have a significant impact on the paired association of agronomic and biochemical traits, which in turn affects agronomic productivity. Furthermore, at corresponding temperature regimes, the expression of the genes matched the expression of physiochemical traits. The current study has demonstrated through extensive physiochemical, genetic, and biochemical analyses that the ideal day and night temperature for soybeans is T4 (35°C/27°C), with a small variation having a significant impact on productivity from the vegetative stage to the grain-filling stage.

Polyploidization: A Biological Force That Enhances Stress Resistance.

Organisms with three or more complete sets of chromosomes are designated as polyploids. Polyploidy serves as a crucial pathway in biological evolution and enriches species diversity, which is demonstrated to have significant advantages in coping with both biotic stressors (such as diseases and pests) and abiotic stressors (like extreme temperatures, drought, and salinity), particularly in the context of ongoing global climate deterioration, increased agrochemical use, and industrialization. Polyploid cultivars have been developed to achieve higher yields and improved product quality. Numerous studies have shown that polyploids exhibit substantial enhancements in cell size and structure, physiological and biochemical traits, gene expression, and epigenetic modifications compared to their diploid counterparts. However, some research also suggested that increased stress tolerance might not always be associated with polyploidy. Therefore, a more comprehensive and detailed investigation is essential to complete the underlying stress tolerance mechanisms of polyploids. Thus, this review summarizes the mechanism of polyploid formation, the polyploid biochemical tolerance mechanism of abiotic and biotic stressors, and molecular regulatory networks that confer polyploidy stress tolerance, which can shed light on the theoretical foundation for future research.

The biochemical and growth-associated traits of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) affected by silver nanoparticles and silver

BackgroundThe biochemical and growth changes resulting from exposure of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seedlings to silver nanoparticles and silver were investigated. Over a two-week period, seedlings were exposed to different concentrations (0, 40, and 80 ppm) of silver nanoparticles and silver.ResultsOur findings revealed that at concentrations of 40 and 80 ppm, both silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate led to decreased weight, root and shoot length, as well as chlorophyll a and b content. Conversely, these treatments triggered an increase in key biochemical properties, such as total phenols, carotenoids and anthocyanins, with silver nanoparticles showing a more pronounced effect compared to silver nitrate. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) rose proportionally with treatment concentration, with the nanoparticle treatment exhibiting a more substantial increase. Silver content showed a significant upswing in both roots and leaves as treatment concentrations increased.ConclusionsApplication of varying concentrations of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate on basil plants resulted in reduced growth and lower chlorophyll content, while simultaneously boosting the production of antioxidant compounds. Notably, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and total phenol increased significantly. However, despite this increase in antioxidant activity, the plant remained unable to fully mitigate the oxidative stress induced by silver and silver nanoparticles.

Underlying plant trait strategies for understanding the carbon sequestration in Banj oak Forest of Himalaya

Plant functional attributes are subjected to environmental adjustments, which lead to modulations in forest processes under environmental changes. However, a comprehensive assessment of the relationships between plant traits and carbon stock remains subtle. The present study attempted to accomplish the gap of knowledge by examining the linkages between forest carbon with plant traits within the Banj Oak forest in the Garhwal Himalaya. Twelve individuals from three major species in the Banj Oak forest were randomly selected for trait measurements, and soil samples were collected randomly across the area for evaluation of soil nutrients and carbon. Forest biomass and soil carbon were estimated following standard protocols. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to establish the relationship between above ground carbon (AGC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) with leaf and stem traits, and soil nutrients. Stem traits were tree height and tree diameter; whereas leaf morphological traits were leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content; leaf physiological traits were photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate; and leaf biochemical traits were leaf carbon concentration, leaf nitrogen concentration, and leaf phosphorus concentration. Soil nutrients were available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium. Based on SEM results, AGC of the forest was positively correlated with stem traits and leaf physiological traits, while negatively correlated with leaf morphological traits. SOC was positively correlated with soil nutrients and leaf biochemical traits, whereas negatively correlated with stem traits. These findings may support for precise quantification of forest carbon and modeling of forest carbon stocks besides providing inputs to forest managers for devising effective forest management strategies.

Study on the effects of pollen sources on the agronomic, biochemical, mineral, and pomological traits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv 'Deglet Nour' fruits in Degache Oases (Tunisia)

AbstractGiven the dioecious nature of date palms, selecting an effective pollinizer bearing a substantial quantity of high-quality pollen is imperative. In this study, we investigated the effects of 11 male date palm cultivars from Tunisia on the production of female trees, fruit sets, and the characteristics of 'Deglet Nour' cultivar dates. The comparison of pollen germination rates showed that ABD1 and P169 pollens exhibited outstanding viability, with 98.7% and 98.3%, respectively. On the other hand, P169 pollen had the highest germination rate, at 86.3%. The most remarkable fruit set (90.7%) and retention rate (69.7%) were observed in response to P13 pollen. In response to the P165 pollinator, the fruit stood out among the resulting fruits for their notable weight, averaging 11.6 g. In addition, pollination with P90 increased total soluble solids (measured at 74.4°Brix in the Tamr stage), whereas P7-pollinated fruits recorded the highest levels of reducing sugars, reaching 41%. Notably, the highest acidity levels were found in P7-pollinated fruits (0.29%), and pollen sources significantly influenced the fruits' mineral content.Moreover, regarding pomological characteristics, fruits pollinated with P4 attained maximum size, measuring 4.10 cm. Conversely, P7-pollinated fruits had a notable width of 2.02 cm. These findings illustrate the possibility of the selective application of high-value pollinizers and emphasize the direct influence of pollen sources on fruit quantity and quality.

Diversity in morpho-pomological attributes and biochemical profiling of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa) genotypes of North-Western India

Bael is a medicinal cum fruit tree with multipurpose utility and propagated mostly through seeds. The present study aimed to assess and analyse the morpho-pomological and biochemical traits of eighty seedlings grown bael genotypes comparison with two commercial cultivars (NB-5 and NB-9) of bael. The significant differences were detected among the genotypes based on the measured morpho-pomological and biochemical traits. The morpho-pomological and biochemical traits of bael exhibited variation ranging from 6.17% to 133.65%. Trunk girth ranged from 29.50 to 63.40 cm and tree spread (N–S) varied 1.00–6.30 m. Fruit length ranged from 4.60 to 12.05 cm and fruit width ranged from 4.64 to 11.72 cm. Moreover, fruit weight ranged from 56.33 to 917.65 g and pulp percentage varied from 58.64 to 81.38%. Soluble Solid Content ranged from 25.90 to 36.77 0brix and ascorbic acid varied from 14.38 to 25.45 mg/100 g. Fruit length was positively correlated with fruit width, fruit weight, pulp percentage, seed length, seed diameter and number of seeds per fruit, while it was negatively correlated with fruit surface and total number of fruit per plant. Principal component analysis showed that 76.66% of the variability observed was explained by the 13 components. Ward cluster analysis using Euclidean distance classified the genotypes into two main clusters. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the diversity and relationships among the studied genotypes, aiding future breeding and selection programs for improved bael cultivation.

Effects of light qualities on growth and physiological-biochemical traits of Scutellaria baicalensis.

Canopy spectral composition significantly affects growth and functional traits of understory plants. In this study, we explored the optimal light condition suitable for enhancing Scutellaria baicalensis's yield and quality, aiming to provide scientific reference for the exploitation and utilization of medicinal plant resources in the understory of forests. We measured the responses of growth, morphology, biomass allocation, physiological traits, and secon-dary metabolites of S. baicalensis to different light qualities. S. baicalensis was cultured under five LED-light treatments including full spectrum light (control), ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation, blue, green, and red light. Results showed that UV-A significantly reduced plant height, base diameter, leaf thickness, leaf area ratio, and biomass of each organ. Red light significantly reduced base diameter, biomass, effective quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ (ФPSⅡ), and total flavonoid concentration. Under blue light, root length and total biomass of S. baicalensis significantly increased by 48.0% and 10.8%, respectively, while leaf number and chlorophyll content significantly decreased by 20.0% and 31.6%, respectively. The other physiological and biochemical traits were consistent with their responses in control. Our results suggested that blue light promoted photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and secondary metabolite synthesis of S. baicalensis, while red light and UV-A radiation negatively affected physiological and biochemical metabolic processes. Therefore, the ratio of blue light could be appropriately increased to improve the yield and quality of S. baicalensis.

A unified framework to investigate and interpret hybrid and allopolyploid biodiversity across biological scales.

Hybridization and polyploidization are common in vascular plants and important drivers of biodiversity by facilitating speciation and ecological diversification. A primary limitation to making broad synthetic discoveries in hybrid and allopolyploid biodiversity research is the absence of a standardized framework to compare data across studies and biological scales. Here, I present a new quantitative framework to investigate and interpret patterns in hybrid and allopolyploid biology called the divergence index (DI). The DI framework produces standardized data that are comparable across studies and variables. To show how the DI framework can be used to synthesize data, I analyzed published biochemical, physiological, and ecological trait data of hybrids and allopolyploids. I also apply key ecological and evolutionary concepts in hybrid and polyploid biology to translate nominal outcomes, including transgression, intermediacy, expansion, and contraction, in continuous DI space. Biochemical, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary data can all be analyzed, visualized, and interpreted in the DI framework. The DI framework is particularly suited to standardize and compare variables with very different scales. When using the DI framework to understand niche divergence, a metric of niche overlap can be used to complement insights to centroid and breadth changes. The DI framework is an accessible framework for hybrid and allopolyploid biology and represents a flexible and intuitive tool that can be used to reconcile outstanding problems in plant biodiversity research.

Mitigating Salinity Stress in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) through Biochar and NPK Fertilizers: Impacts on Physio-Biochemical Behavior and Grain Yield

Increased soil salinity significantly inhibits crop production around the world. Over the last decade, biochar has been used in agriculture to improve plant productivity, soil quality, and as an alternative to plant amendment. This study was aimed to study the effect of biochar, NPK, and their combination on the growth, physio-biochemical traits, mineral contents, and grain yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Thus, a pot factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was performed. Experimental treatments included four levels of biochar (0, 2, 5 and 10% of total pot mass), four different NaCl levels (0, 75, 125, and 200 mmol L−1), and with or without NPK fertilizer. The results showed that a negative effect on gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic pigments, SPAD value, minerals contents, and grain yield of barley under salinity treatments. In addition, our funding showed the negative effect on biochemical traits such as proline, soluble sugars, individual sugar, and phenolic compounds. The use of biochar, combined with NPK fertilizers, considerably increases these parameters and especially improves barley grains yield under severe salinity conditions (200 mM) with a dose of 2% and 5% (394.1 and 280.61 g m−2, respectively) of total pot mass. It is concluded that biochar amendment could be a promising practice to enhance barley growth under severe saline irrigation and NPK fertilization regimes.

Characterization and Preliminary Safety Evaluation of Akkermansia muciniphila PROBIO

In addition to providing certain health advantages to the host, a bacterial strain must possess a clearly defined safety profile to be regarded as a probiotic. In this study, we present a thorough and methodical assessment of the safety of a novel strain of bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila PROBIO, which was isolated from human feces. Firstly, we examined the strain’s overall features, such as its gastrointestinal tolerance and its physiological and biochemical traits. Next, we verified its genotoxic properties through bacterial reverse mutation and in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus assays. The drug sensitivity of A. muciniphila PROBIO was subsequently examined through an analysis of its antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, the toxicological impact was verified through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. A genome-based safety assessment was conducted to gain further insights into gene function, including potential virulence factors and pathogenic properties. Finally, we assessed whether moxifloxacin resistance in A. muciniphila PROBIO is transferred using in vitro conjugation experiments. A. muciniphila PROBIO exhibited superior gastrointestinal tolerance, with no observed hematological or histopathological abnormalities. Moreover, the outcomes pertaining to mutagenic, clastogenic, or toxic impacts were found to be negative, even at exceedingly high dosages. Moreover, no adverse effects associated with the test substance were observed during the examination of acute and sub-chronic toxicity. Consequently, it was plausible to estimate the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) to be 6.4 × 1011 viable bacteria for an average individual weighing 70 kg. Additionally, only three potential drug resistance genes and one virulence factor gene were annotated. A. muciniphila PROBIO is naturally resistant to moxifloxacin, and resistance does not transfer. Collectively, the data presented herein substantiate the presumed safety of A. muciniphila PROBIO for its application in food.

Genetics of biochemical attributes regulating morpho-physiology of upland cotton under high temperature conditions

BackgroundCotton is a strategically important fibre crop for global textile industry. It profoundly impacts several countries' industrial and agricultural sectors. Sustainable cotton production is continuously threatened by the unpredictable changes in climate, specifically high temperatures. Breeding heat-tolerant, high-yielding cotton cultivars with wide adaptability to be grown in the regions with rising temperatures is one of the primary objectives of modern cotton breeding programmes. Therefore, the main objective of the current study is to figure out the effective breeding approach to imparting heat tolerance as well as the judicious utilization of commercially significant and stress-tolerant attributes in cotton breeding. Initially, the two most notable heat-susceptible (FH-115 and NIAB Kiran) and tolerant (IUB-13 and GH-Mubarak) cotton cultivars were spotted to develop filial and backcross populations to accomplish the preceding study objectives. The heat tolerant cultivars were screened on the basis of various morphological (seed cotton yield per plant, ginning turnout percentage), physiological (pollen viability, cell membrane thermostability) and biochemical (peroxidase activity, proline content, hydrogen peroxide content) parameters.ResultsThe results clearly exhibited that heat stress consequently had a detrimental impact on every studied plant trait, as revealed by the ability of crossing and their backcross populations to tolerate high temperatures. However, when considering overall yield, biochemical, and physiological traits, the IUB-13 × FH-115 cross went over particularly well at both normal and high temperature conditions. Moreover, overall seed cotton yield per plant exhibited a positive correlation with both pollen viability and antioxidant levels (POD activity and proline content).ConclusionsSelection from segregation population and criteria involving pollen viability and antioxidant levels concluded to be an effective strategy for the screening of heat-tolerant cotton germplasms. Therefore, understanding acquired from this study can assist breeders identifying traits that should be prioritized in order to develop climate resilient cotton cultivars.

Combined Effect of Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizbacteria on Physiological Responses of Canola (Brassica napus L.) Subjected to Drought Stress

Biochar (BC) and plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPR) could represent a suitable agronomical strategy to mitigate the impacts of drought in arid agro-environmental conditions. However, there is currently little understanding of the synergistic benefit of combining BC and PGPR to increase drought tolerance in oilseeds. In this study, the physiological response of two water-stressed canola (Brassica napus L.) plants subjected to the application of BC obtained from waste wood of Morus alba applied solely or in combination with PGPR strains (Pseudomonas sp.) was evaluated. The experiment consists of two genotypes and nine treatments [(C-Control, T1-15 days drought (15DD), T2-30 days drought (30DD), T3-15 days of drought + PG (15DD + PG), T4-30 days of drought + PG (30DD + PG), T5-15 days drought + biochar (15DD + BC), T6-30 days drought + biochar (30DD + BC), T7-15 days drought + biochar + PG (15DD + BC + PG), T8-30 days drought + biochar + PG (30DD + BC + PG)]. Drought stress decreased emergence energy (EE), leaf area index (LAI), leaf area ratio (LAR), root shoot ratio (RSR), moisture content of leaves (MCL), percent moisture content (%MC), moisture content of shoot (MCS) and moisture content of root (MCR), and relative water content (RWC) in both varieties of Brassica napus L., which in contrast, it is increased by the collective application of both biochar and PGPR. In both varieties, N, P, K, Mg, and Ca concentrations were highest in all the biochar and PGPRs separate and combined treatments, while lowest in 15 and 30 days drought treatments. Osmolyte contents like Glycine betaine (GB) and sugar remarkably increased in the stress condition and then reduced due to the synergistic application of biochar and PGPR. Drought stress has a repressive effect on the antioxidant enzymatic system like Peroxidase (POD), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as total flavonoids, phenolics, and protein content. The antioxidant enzymes and phenolic compounds were dramatically increased by the combined action of biochar and PGPRs. A significant increase in EE, LAR, RSR, and RWC under 15 and 30 days drought conditions, evidently highlighting the synergistic effect of BC and PGPR. The results conclude a substantial and positive effect of the combined use of BC and PGPR strains on canola's response to induced drought stress, by regulating the physiological, biochemical, and agronomic traits of the plants.Graphical

Estimation of the Bio-Parameters of Winter Wheat by Combining Feature Selection with Machine Learning Using Multi-Temporal Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Multispectral Images

Accurate and timely monitoring of biochemical and biophysical traits associated with crop growth is essential for indicating crop growth status and yield prediction for precise field management. This study evaluated the application of three combinations of feature selection and machine learning regression techniques based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral images for estimating the bio-parameters, including leaf area index (LAI), leaf chlorophyll content (LCC), and canopy chlorophyll content (CCC), at key growth stages of winter wheat. The performance of Support Vector Regression (SVR) in combination with Sequential Forward Selection (SFS) for the bio-parameters estimation was compared with that of Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and Random Forest (RF) regression with internal feature selectors. A consumer-grade multispectral UAV was used to conduct four flight campaigns over a split-plot experimental field with various nitrogen fertilizer treatments during a growing season of winter wheat. Eighteen spectral variables were used as the input candidates for analyses against the three bio-parameters at four growth stages. Compared to LASSO and RF internal feature selectors, the SFS algorithm selects the least input variables for each crop bio-parameter model, which can reduce data redundancy while improving model efficiency. The results of the SFS-SVR method show better accuracy and robustness in predicting winter wheat bio-parameter traits during the four growth stages. The regression model developed based on SFS-SVR for LAI, LCC, and CCC, had the best predictive accuracy in terms of coefficients of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and relative predictive deviation (RPD) of 0.967, 0.225 and 4.905 at the early filling stage, 0.912, 2.711 μg/cm2 and 2.872 at the heading stage, and 0.968, 0.147 g/m2 and 5.279 at the booting stage, respectively. Furthermore, the spatial distributions in the retrieved winter wheat bio-parameter maps accurately depicted the application of the fertilization treatments across the experimental field, and further statistical analysis revealed the variations in the bio-parameters and yield under different nitrogen fertilization treatments. This study provides a reference for monitoring and estimating winter wheat bio-parameters based on UAV multispectral imagery during specific crop phenology periods.

Drought tolerance in tough lovegrass (Eragrostis plana): Understanding mechanisms and competitive ability

AbstractEragrostis plana Nees is a perennial grass weed, native to South Africa and an invasive species of dry rangelands across Asia, Australia, and South America. We hypothesise that E. plana has evolved mechanisms of acclimation to drought conditions to a greater extent than bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), an important native grass forage species of livestock rangelands of Brazil, leading to a competitive advantage. We measured morphological, physiological, and biochemical response traits in E. plana and P. notatum to water deficit and competition. Levels of drought tolerance in the two species were greatest at the tillering growth stage, driven by low levels of leaf relative water content in E. plana and early stomatal regulation to avoid water loss in P. notatum. The mechanisms used to dissipate energy excess under drought are associated with an efficient antioxidant system and the biosynthesis of compatible osmolytes (proline). Despite reductions in fitness, both species survived a series of drought cycles, where E. plana showed a competitive advantage over P. notatum. These results help to explain the invasion success of E. plana in rangelands and demonstrate its potential threat to native biodiversity, particularly under drought conditions.

Investigation of The Alleviating Effect of Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer on Lavandula officinalis under Salt Stress.

Sustainable practices in plant production involve various environmental methods that improve the urban ecosystem by preserving both natural resources and biological diversity. Organic material application against salt stress is one of the most important sustainable practices. The purpose of this study was to explore how various traits of Lavandula officinalis under salt stress were affected by seaweed liquid. To this end, the experiment was performed as a completely randomized experimental design with two factors including four replications under greenhouse conditions. In the experiments, salt concentrations were prepared as control (distilled water), 40mM and 80mM NaCl, and seaweed liquid levels were applied as control (0%) - 0.5%-1%-2% and 4%. L. officinalis was considerably negatively affected by salt stress in terms of its quality, growth, photosynthetic and biochemical traits. According to the results of this empirical research, seaweed liquid application was the alleviating factor in negative effects in all traits resulting from the increase in NaCl concentrations. Seaweed liquid also revealed the highest values of all traits in the absence of salt stress. Photosynthetic and biochemical traits without proline, Relative water content, and chlorophyll a/b declined more than other quality and growth traits with a rise in salt content from 0 to 40mM. Further research will be needed to test the beneficial effects of seaweed liquid on traits of L. officinalis seedlings in outdoor landscaping that includes salty spaces.

Effects of CO2 Treatments on Functional Carbon Efficiencies and Growth of Forest Tree Seedlings: A Study of Four Early-Successional Deciduous Species

Atmospheric CO2 levels have been increasing, and these changes may result in differential adaptive responses in both genera and species and highlight the need to increase carbon sequestration. Ecophysiological and morphological responses of four early-successional deciduous species were examined under ambient CO2 (aCO2, 400 ppm) and elevated CO2 (eCO2, 800 ppm) treatments. The four species, all of which are used in restoration, were Alnus viridis subsp. crispa (Ait.) Turrill (green alder), A. incana subsp. rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. Clausen (speckled alder), Betula populifolia (Marshall) (gray birch), and B. papyrifera (Marshall) (white birch); all are from the same phylogenetic family, Betulaceae. We examined biochemical efficiencies, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll concentrations, foliar nitrogen (N), and growth traits. A general linear model, analysis of variance, was used to analyze the functional carbon efficiency and growth differences, if any, among genera, species, and provenances (only for growth traits). The alders had greater biochemical efficiency traits than birches, and alders upregulated these traits, whereas birches mostly downregulated these traits in response to eCO2. In response to eCO2, assimilation either remained the same or was upregulated for alders but downregulated for birches. Stomatal conductance was downregulated for all four species in response to eCO2. Intrinsic water use efficiency was greater for alders than for birches. Alders exhibited a consistent upregulation of stem dry mass and height growth, whereas birches were somewhat lower in height and stem dry mass in response to eCO2. Foliar N played an important role in relation to ecophysiological traits and had significant effects relative to genus (alders > birches) and CO2 (aCO2 > eCO2), and a significant genus × CO2 interaction, with alders downregulating foliar N less than did birches. Covariate analysis examining carbon efficiency traits in relation to foliar N showed clear functional responses. Both species in both genera were consistent in their ecophysiological and morphological responses to CO2 treatments. There was supporting evidence that assimilation was sink-driven, which is related to a plant organ’s ability to continue to grow and incorporate assimilates. The alders used in this study are actinorhizal, and the additional available foliar N, paired with increased stem dry mass sink activity, appeared to be driving upregulation of the carbon efficiencies and growth in response to eCO2. Alders’ greater carbon efficiencies and carbon sequestration in impoverished soils demonstrate that alders, as opposed to birches, should be used to accelerate ecological restoration in a world of increasing atmospheric CO2.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into the Hyperaccumulator Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. Responses to Cadmium Stress.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that causes serious damage to plant and human health. Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. has a large amount of aboveground biomass and a rapid growth rate, and it has been identified as a novel type of Cd hyperaccumulator that can be harnessed for phytoremediation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of P. acinosa to Cd2+ stress remain largely unclear. In this study, the phenotype, biochemical, and physiological traits of P. acinosa seeds and seedlings were analyzed under different concentrations of Cd2+ treatments. The results showed higher Cd2+ tolerance of P. acinosa compared to common plants. Meanwhile, the Cd2+ content in shoots reached 449 mg/kg under 10 mg/L Cd2+ treatment, which was obviously higher than the threshold for Cd hyperaccumulators. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the adaptability of P. acinosa to Cd stress, RNA-Seq was used to examine transcriptional responses of P. acinosa to Cd stress. Transcriptome analysis found that 61 genes encoding TFs, 48 cell wall-related genes, 35 secondary metabolism-related genes, 133 membrane proteins and ion transporters, and 96 defense system-related genes were differentially expressed under Cd2+ stress, indicating that a series of genes were involved in Cd2+ stress, forming a complex signaling regulatory mechanism. These results provide new scientific evidence for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of P. acinosa response to Cd2+ stress and new clues for the molecular breeding of heavy metal phytoremediation.

Investigating the association of previously identified genome-wide significant loci (rs10739076 and rs1784692) with PCOS susceptibility and its related traits in Indian women

Objective(s)Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrinopathy with an enigmatic etiology. Hallmark features include irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia and affected women are prone to development of adverse reproductive and cardiometabolic outcomes like anovulatory infertility, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Genetic underpinnings of PCOS have been investigated extensively using genome-wide association studies, which have led to the identification of several novel susceptibility loci. However, as ethnic diversity contributes to phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, we undertook the first genetic association study to determine the association of rs10739076 of PLGRKT and rs1784692 of ZBTB16 with PCOS susceptibility and its related traits in Indian women. Study DesignThe present case-control study comprised 497 women with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria and 233 age matched healthy women as controls. All participants were characterized in terms of anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters and the variants were investigated by direct sequencing. Genotypic and genotype-phenotype association of these variants with PCOS susceptibility and its related biochemical and hormonal traits was analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. ResultsThe genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs1784692 of ZBTB16 were significantly decreased in lean women with PCOS only, and this variant was associated with lowered insulin levels, HOMA-IR, LH:FSH ratio along with increased ApoA1 levels and QUICKI in them. Although, the PLGRKT variant, rs10739076, showed similar frequency distribution in both lean and obese groups, it was found to be associated with reduced fasting glucose in all women with PCOS. Conclusion(s)To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that ZBTB16 variant showed significant association with reduced PCOS susceptibility in lean rather than obese Indian women, highlighting the impact of obesity on determining genetic predisposition to PCOS in Indian women. In contrast, PLGRKT variant did not influence PCOS risk in lean or obese women. Importantly, both variants exerted a protective effect on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, gonadotropin and lipid levels in women with PCOS. Determination of susceptibility variants for PCOS demand population specific replication studies to ascertain best candidate loci for PCOS.

Vermicompost application upregulates morpho-physiological and antioxidant defense to conferring drought tolerance in wheat

Drought stress is an ever‐present threat to wheat growth, development, and productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid areas where rainfall is an essential aid to agriculture. The application of vermicompost has been proven to be an efficient approach to combat the drought-induced growth and developmental limitation of wheat plants and to promote cost-effective and sustainable crop production. A wire-house pot experiment was conducted to examine the effects of cow manure vermicompost on morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of wheat seedlings under different deficit water levels. The treatments were included: three drought levels; control (70 % of field capacity (FC, D0)), mild drought (45 % of FC, D1), and severe drought (30 % of FC, D1), four vermicompost application rates; control, 4, 6 and 8 t ha−1 (designated as VT0, VT1, VT2 and VT3, respectively), and two contrasting wheat cultivars; Faisalabad-08 (drought tolerant) and Galaxy-13 (drought sensitive). Results showed that vermicompost application improved crop performance under control and drought stress conditions where VT2 depicted significantly higher values in both cultivars, particularly under drought stress. Under severe drought, VT2 increased root fresh weight by 6.13 and 10.63 %, shoot fresh weight by 15.62 % and 23.58 %, root dry weight by 40.81 % and 50 % and shoot dry weight by 20.68 and 22.22 % in Faisalabad-08 and Galaxy-13, respectively. Also, VT2-treated seedlings exhibited significantly higher gas exchange attributes, chlorophyll pigments and antioxidative enzyme activities under drought conditions. Among cultivars, Faisalabad-08 was found comparatively more drought tolerant than Galaxy-13. Our findings demonstrated that drought severely affects morphological, physiological, and biochemical attributes of wheat. However, soil applied vermicompost proved beneficial for improved morphophysiological and biochemical traits under the regime of drought stress in wheat.

Wild fennel seeds from Valle Agricola (Southern Italy): Biochemical and antioxidant traits in minced pork meat

Here, we report the nutritional (crude proteins, total and free amino acids, fatty acids, minerals) and biochemical (protease inhibitors and antioxidant enzymes) characterization of wild fennel seeds from ‘Valle Agricola’ (Caserta, Italy), typical local products used as a food flavouring and preservative. The comparative analysis with commercial fennel seeds revealed the higher antioxidant activity of wild fennel seeds and the considerable ability of the latter in food preservation. In light of this, both wild and commercial fennel seeds were added to minced pork meat to evaluate the effect of flavouring treatment at 0, 1, 3 and 7 days. The analysis revealed that free amino acids, fatty acids and glycosidically bound volatile compounds responsible for meat taste and aroma were mainly released following wild fennel seeds addition.Overall, these data encourage the local consumption of traditional spices, usually added to traditional dry-cured meat and open new opportunities for the niche market.