Early Root Research Articles

Correction: Polyamines and Their Metabolism Play Pivotal Role in ROS-Mediated Regulation of Early Root Growth in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Correction: Polyamines and Their Metabolism Play Pivotal Role in ROS-Mediated Regulation of Early Root Growth in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Overexpression of Cassava MeSTP7 Promotes Arabidopsis Seedling Development.

The sugar transporter (STP) gene family is a key regulator of plant development, which is crucial for the efficient transport and utilization of sugars during plant growth and development. In this study, we identified the MeSTP7 gene, which is highly expressed in cassava fibrous roots, early storage roots, and under hormonal treatment, including IAA, MeJA, ABA, and GA3, and abiotic stressors, such as mannitol and NaCl. A strong response was observed with exoqenous IAA. Transfecting MeSTP7 into Arabidopsis promoted early seedling growth, particularly in lateral root development. The content of endogenous hormones (IAA and MeJA) as well as soluble sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose) was elevated in transgenic Arabidopsis. Hormone treatments with IAA, MeJA, GA3, and ABA on transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that transgenic Arabidopsis responded positively to added 20 μM IAA. They also exhibited co-induced regulation of lateral root formation by GA3, MeJA, and ABA. qRT-PCR analysis showed that overexpression of MeSTP7 upregulated the expression of IAA14, ARF7, and ARF19 in Arabidopsis. Under IAA treatment, the expression of these genes was similarly upregulated but downregulated under MeJA treatment. These results suggest that MeSTP7 may promote Arabidopsis seedling development by increasing the content of sucrose, glucose, and fructose in roots, which in turn influences IAA-based hormonal signaling.

Dynamic Landscapes of Long Noncoding RNAs During Early Root Development and Differentiation in Glycine max and Glycine soja.

Soybean (Glycine max) is an important crop for its nutritional value. Its wild relative, Glycine soja, provides a valuable genetic resource for improving soybean productivity. Root development and differentiation are essential for soybean plants to take up water and nutrients, store energy and anchor themselves. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in various biological processes. However, the spatiotemporal landscape of lncRNAs during early root development and differentiation in soybeans is scarcely characterized. Using RNA sequencing and transcriptome assembly, we identified 1578 lncRNAs in G. max and 1454 in G. soja, spanning various root portions and time points. Differential expression analysis revealed 82 and 69 lncRNAs exhibiting spatiotemporally differential expression patterns in G. max and G. soja, respectively, indicating their involvement in the early stage of root architecture formation. By elucidating multiple competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks involving lncRNAs, microRNAs and protein-coding RNAs, we unveiled intricate regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA in early root development and differentiation. Our efforts significantly expand the transcriptome annotations of soybeans, unravel the dynamic landscapes of lncRNAs during early root development and differentiation, and provide valuable resources into the field of soybean root research.

Biochemical and physiological effects of propagule type and auxin concentration on adventitious root formation in novel Jasmine genotypes

Jasmine is primarily propagated through asexual methods, and bio-stimulants can improve soil fertility around plant roots. Some jasmine genotypes are mainly propagated through cuttings; however, the rooting process is slow and inconsistent. Specific jasmine genotypes are primarily propagated through cuttings, but the rooting process is slow and uneven. This study evaluated the regeneration potential of stem cuttings by investigating the effects of auxins and various propagule types on adventitious root formation, along with associated biochemical changes. A field experiment conducted by the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping at TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, from December 2023 to June 2024, during the winter monsoon, investigated the rooting of stem cuttings in three Jasminum genotypes using auxin. Stem cuttings of J. sambac Double Flower type (DF), J. grandiflorum White Flower type (WF) and a new cultivar of J. multiflorum CO.1 Winter Jasmine (CO.1 WJ) were treated with three Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 g L-1) and distilled water as control. Utilizing a Factorial, Completely Randomized Design for terminal and semi-hardwood cuttings, the study found that rooting hormone significantly enhanced root formation and stem and shoot growth. Semi-hardwood cuttings of J. sambac (DF) treated with 1g L-1 IBA had the highest rooting rate (88.60%), number of roots (9.34), root length (12.74 cm), shoot length (10.26 cm) and number of leaves (6.60). The highest rooting rate of 48.15% was obtained from the terminal cuttings of J. grandiflorum (WF) that had been treated with 1g L-1 IBA, in addition to other parameters such as number of roots (13.52), root length (12.03 cm), shoot length (14.30 cm), and number of leaves (13.48). On the other hand, J. multiflorum (CO.1 WJ) recorded the highest rooting rate of 72.23%, root number of 16.52, root length of 17.22 cm, shoot length of 14.14 cm and number of leaves, which was pegged at 31.70 when terminal cuttings were treated with 1g L-1 IBA. The current findings indicate that the application of auxins is crucial for promoting early root initiation and achieving higher rooting success, making it advantageous for vegetative propagation.

The potential of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum C. Koch.) to improve early shoot and root traits of cultivated barley

The potential of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum C. Koch.) to improve early shoot and root traits of cultivated barley

Exclusive breastfeeding mitigates the association between prenatal maternal pandemic-related stress and children sleep problems at 24 months of age.

Infant sleep quality is increasingly regarded as an important factor for children long-term functioning and adaptation. The early roots of sleep disturbances are still poorly understood and likely involve a complex interplay between prenatal and postnatal factors. This study investigated whether exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months moderated the association between maternal prenatal pandemic-related stress (PRS) and sleep problems in 24-months children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explored the potential contribution of maternal postnatal anxiety in these relations. Seventy-eight infants (50% males) and their mothers provided complete data from birth to 24 months. Between 12 and 48 h from birth, maternal PRS during pregnancy was retrospectively reported as well as maternal anxiety and exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal anxiety and exclusive breastfeeding were also reported at 3 and 6 months after childbirth. Children sleep disturbances were reported at 24 months. Bayesian analyses revealed that maternal PRS was positively associated with sleep problems in children who were not exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months. Findings add to the growing literature on the lasting impact of early pre- and postnatal experiences on child well-being and development.

Tetracycline but not sulfamethazine inhibits early root growth of wild grassland species, while seed germination is hardly affected by either antibiotic

Seed germination and early growth of grassland species might be influenced by veterinary antibiotics that are extensively released into agricultural habitats. Therefore, we tested impacts of the commonly used antibiotics tetracycline and sulfamethazine, single and in mixture, on seed germination and seedling root growth of six typical species of temperate European grasslands (Carum carvi, Centaurea jacea, Galium mollugo, Plantago lanceolata, Silene latifolia, Dactylis glomerata). In standardised germination experiments, we assessed three germination variables (germination percentage, mean germination time, synchrony of germination) and one post-germination variable (seedling root length) under different environmentally realistic antibiotic concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 mg l−1 and a water control). While the germination variables were only irregularly and weakly affected by both antibiotics, seedling root length was strongly reduced by tetracycline, but not by sulfamethazine. Among the test species, D. glomerata was most sensitive to tetracycline with the average root length reduced up to 81 % in the 10 mg l−1 treatment. Its germination behaviour, however, was almost insensitive to the two antibiotics. Mixture effects were only shown in relation to the germination of single species, where the binary mixture produced effects but not the two single antibiotics or, conversely, effects of single antibiotics were lost in the mixture. These findings highlight the potential threat of plant regeneration from seed by veterinary antibiotics, particularly affecting early root growth and potentially influencing plant population growth in natural habitats.

A virulent milRNA inhibits host immunity by silencing a host receptor-like kinase MaLYK3 and facilitates infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

MicroRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) play a significant role in the infection process by plant-pathogenic fungi. However, the specific functions and regulatory mechanisms of fungal milRNAs remain insufficiently elucidated. This study investigated the function of Foc-milR138, an infection-induced milRNA secreted by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), which is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of banana. Initially, through precursor gene knockout and phenotypic assessments, we confirmed that Foc-milR138 acts as a virulent milRNA prominently upregulated during the early stages of Foc infection. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses and transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves identified a host receptor-like kinase gene, MaLYK3, as the direct target of Foc-milR138. Functional investigations of MaLYK3 revealed its pivotal role in triggering immune responses of N. benthamiana by upregulating a suite of resistance genes, bolstering reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and callose deposition, thereby fortifying disease resistance. This response was markedly subdued upon co-expression with Foc-milR138. Expression pattern analysis further verified the specific suppression of MaLYK3 by Foc-milR138 during the early root infection by Foc. In conclusion, Foc secretes a virulent milRNA (Foc-milR138) to enter the host banana cells and inhibit the expression of the plant surface receptor-like kinase MaLYK3, subverting the disease resistance activated by MaLYK3, and ultimately facilitating pathogen invasion. These findings shed light on the roles of fungal milRNAs and their targets in resistance and pathogenicity, offering promising avenues for the development of disease-resistant banana cultivars.

Physical Therapy Comes to British Columbia, Canada: Modernity, Movement, and the Press for the Professional Regulation of Purposive Exercise in the Early 20th Century

This article explores the early roots of physical therapy as a professional field of expertise in British Columbia during the first decades of the twentieth century. It points to the importance of Pehr Henrik Ling's earlier work at the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in Sweden and traces the movement of Ling trained female gymnasts and physiotherapists to Canada and their role in the development of rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers returning from WW1, first in Ontario and Quebec and later in British Columbia. We trace the efforts of a small group of female physiotherapists in British Columbia to engage with an emergent female-dominated profession of physiotherapy in Canada while aligning with and remaining firmly linked to the authority of the male dominated medical profession. In this sense, women were both winners and losers in their efforts to gain access to and control over early developments in Canadian physical therapy.

RMD and Its Suppressor MAPK6 Control Root Circumnutation and Obstacle Avoidance via BR Signaling.

Helical growth of the root tip (circumnutation) that permits surface exploration facilitates root penetration into soil. Here, we reveal that rice actin-binding protein RMD aids in root circumnutation, manifested by wavy roots as well as compromised ability to efficiently explore and avoid obstacles in rmd mutants. We demonstrate that root circumnutation defects in rmd depend on brassinosteroid (BR) signaling, which is elevated in mutant roots. Suppressing BR signaling via pharmacological (BR inhibitor) or genetic (knockout of BR biosynthetic or signaling components) manipulation rescues root defects in rmd. We further reveal that mutations in MAPK6 suppress BR signaling and restore normal root circumnutation in rmd, which may be mediated by the interaction between MAPK6, MAPKK4 and BR signaling factor BIM2. Our study thus demonstrates that RMD and MAPK6 control root circumnutation by modulating BR signaling to facilitate early root growth.

Early root architectural traits and their relationship with yield in Ipomoea batatas L

Early root architectural traits and their relationship with yield in Ipomoea batatas L

ANCIENT ROOTS TO MODERN SOCIETY: INDIAS SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Indias social transformation is a journey marked by the interplay of ancient traditions and modern influences. This paper explores the evolution of Indias social fabric from its early Vedic roots to its current standing as a dynamic and diverse society. The analysis delves into the enduring impact of religious, cultural, and philosophical traditions on contemporary social structures, highlighting how these ancient legacies have shaped the modern Indian ethos. By examining key historical milestones, such as the contribution of empires, colonialism, and the independence movement, the study reveals the complex ways in which India has navigated the challenges of modernity while preserving its rich heritage. The discussion also addresses the ongoing struggles and adaptations within Indian society, including caste dynamics, gender roles, and the quest for social equity, emphasizing the continuous process of negotiation between tradition and modernity. Through this exploration, the paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Indias social transformation, underscoring the nations ability to adapt and innovate while remaining rooted in its ancient cultural wisdom.Indias social transformation encompasses changes in various societal aspects, including institutions, structure, culture, and philosophy. The goals of social transformation in India are evolutionary in strategy but revolutionary in content. Leaders of the Indian independence movement understood that social structure, history, and tradition form the foundation of society, setting the parameters for social reform plans, objectives, and methods.

Comparison of long-term outcomes of the Bentall procedure between patients with and without Marfan syndrome.

The Bentall procedure, using a composite valve graft, has become one of the standard therapies for aortic root disease. Patients with Marfan syndrome are prone to aortic annular dilatation and dissection and often undergo aortic root replacement, including the Bentall procedure. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of the Bentall procedure between Japanese patients with and without Marfan syndrome. Data from 294 patients who underwent the Bentall procedure over 37years were retrospectively analyzed. The study compared the data of patients with Marfan syndrome (n = 94) and those without it (n = 200). Patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with early mortality, late mortality, reoperation, and aortic root reoperation. The early mortality rate was 4.1%, with no significant difference between patients with and without Marfan syndrome. The long-term survival rates at 10, 20, and 30years were 81.0%, 66.5%, and 49.1%, respectively, with no significant between-group differences. Aortic reoperations were more frequent in patients with Marfan syndrome; however, the number did not differ significantly between the groups. Risk factors for late mortality included diabetes and coronary reimplantation with an inclusion technique. Aortic dissection, Marfan syndrome, and smoking were risk factors for aortic reoperation. Late mortality after the Bentall procedure was comparable between Japanese patients with and without Marfan syndrome although aortic reoperation was significantly frequent in patients with Marfan syndrome. Continuous monitoring and management, including the prevention of aortic dissection and dilation of residual aorta, are crucial for patients with Marfan syndrome undergoing the Bentall procedure.

RACK1 links phyB and BES1 to coordinate brassinosteroid-dependent root meristem development.

Light and brassinosteroids (BR) are indispensable for plant growth and control cell division in the apical meristem. However, how external light signals cooperate with internal brassinosteroids to program root meristem development remains elusive. We reveal that the photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) guides the scaffold protein RACK1 to coordinate BR signaling for maintaining root meristematic activity. phyB and RACK1 promote early root meristem development. Mechanistically, RACK1 could reinforce the phyB-SPA1 association by interacting with both phyB and SPA1, which indirectly affects COP1-dependent RACK1 degradation, resulting in the accumulation of RACK1 in roots. Subsequently, RACK1 interacts with BES1 to repress its DNA-binding activity toward the target gene CYCD3;1, leading to the release of BES1-mediated inhibition of CYCD3;1 transcription, and hence the promotion of root meristem development. Our study provides mechanistic insights into the regulation of root meristem development by combination of light and phytohormones signals through the photoreceptors and scaffold proteins.

Differences in Early Root Endophytic Bacterial Communities between Japanese Sake Rice Cultivars and Table Rice Cultivars

Sake, which is produced mainly from japonica rice (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica), is one of the most important alcohol products in Japan. In this study, we aimed to investigate a hypothesis that the early root endophytic bacterial communities in Japanese sake rice cultivars would be distinct from those in table rice cultivars, comparing four sake rice cultivars and two table rice cultivars. Rice roots in the vegetative stage were collected 0, 3, and 6 weeks after transplanting, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed significant differences in bacterial community composition diversity between the sake and table rice cultivars. The root endophytic bacterial communities at the transplanting differed significantly between the rice cultivars, indicating differences in each seed-derived endophytic community. After an overall dominance of Pantoea and Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum at the transplanting, the endophytic community was gradually replaced by soil-derived bacteria that varied by the rice cultivars. Notably, PERMANOVA results showed that the rice endophytic bacterial community composition differed significantly between the sake and table rice cultivars (p < 0.001). These results highlight the distinct root endophytic bacterial composition in the sake rice cultivars compared to those in the table rice cultivars, supporting our hypothesis.

Genetic diversity of Cotton leafroll dwarf virus from the Southwestern United States, and its implications for the multi-introduction event hypothesis and future evolution.

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is a viral agent recently identified in the United States (US) in 2017 in Alabama. Since its identification, CLRDV has spread to every cotton-growing state east of New Mexico. Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas comprise the westernmost border of reported CLRDV incidence, making monitoring of these states vital for proper control. Additionally, as the virus evolves, mutations that alter symptomology, such as mutations in the F-box-like motif in ORF0/P0, may occur and need to be monitored thoroughly during the growing seasons. Using High-throughput sequencing (HTS) and PCR-derived Sanger sequencing, four CLRDV genomes and 21 P0 gene isolates were sequenced from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas from 2019 to 2021 to determine the genetic diversity among CLRDV isolates. Phylogenetic analyses of the complete genomes revealed seven clades while ORF0 gene analyses resulted in large polytomic clusters. BEAST analyses of the 114 total P0 sequences from GenBank, downloaded before 2024, revealed a lower mean substitution rate than previously reported as well as an earlier root year (1914). In addition, using all available CLRDV genome sequences, 11 likely recombination events were determined. Examination of the P0 amino acid sequences revealed 13 mutations unique to the isolates collected in this study. Based on the phylogenetic and amino acid analyses, the CLRDV isolates from Texas (TX clade) may represent evidence for the multi-introduction event hypothesis into the US. Additionally, based on our analyses in this study, we propose the Asian CLRDV isolates should be constituted as a potentially separate strain of CLRDV.

Near‐infrared spectroscopy and deep neural networks for early common root rot detection in wheat from multi‐season trials

AbstractIn Australia, the soil‐borne disease common root rot (Bipolaris sorokiniana) (CRR) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leads to substantial yield losses, yet has limited visible aboveground symptoms, making detection and identification labor intensive. Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers an early potential identification solution for CRR in wheat and has previously been reported with success for crop disease detection. This study investigated the ability of nondestructive NIR spectroscopy in combination with deep neural networks (DNN), logistic regression (LR), and principal component analysis combined with support vector machines (PCA‐SVM) for early‐stage CRR detection in wheat. NIR spectra of five different wheat varieties with varying resistance to CRR were collected in two seasons of glasshouse and three seasons of field trials using a portable spectrometer. Results demonstrated that DNN outperformed LR and PCA‐SVM, achieving 66%–91% average classification accuracy in glasshouse trials and an average accuracy of 73% with up to 87% in field trials, effectively distinguishing inoculated and non‐inoculated wheat plants from seedling to anthesis stages. Validation with a third season of field data achieved an average of 77% accuracy for the most susceptible variety during the stem elongation stage. NIR reflectance within 1600–1700 nm was identified as most important for estimating CRR presence, with initial detection occurring 35 days after sowing (DAS) in the glasshouse and 46 DAS in the field. In conclusion, a NIR spectrometer with a DNN model successfully performed disease classification, with the potential as a portable early disease detection tool to assist farm management decisions.

Effects of varieties and pot sizes on the early shoot and root growth of enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw) Cheesman)

Effects of varieties and pot sizes on the early shoot and root growth of enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw) Cheesman)

Determination of genomic regions associated with early storage root formation and bulking in cassava.

Early cassava storage root formation and bulking is a medium of escape that farmers and processors tend to adopt in cases of abiotic and biotic stresses like drought, flood, and destruction by domestic animals. In this study, 220 cassava genotypes from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), local farmers (from farmer's field), and NextGen project were evaluated in three locations (Umudike, Benue, and Ikenne). The trials were laid out using a split plot in a randomized incomplete block design (alpha lattice) with two replications in 2 years. The storage roots for each plant genotype were sampled or harvested at 3, 6, 9, and 12 month after planting (MAP). All data collected were analyzed using the R-statistical package. The result showed moderate to high heritability among the traits, and there were significant differences (p< 0.05) among the performances of the genotypes. The genome-wide association mapping using the BLINK model detected 45 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers significantly associated with the four early storage root bulking and formation traits on Chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, and 18.A total of 199 putative candidate genes were found to be directly linked to early storage root bulking and formation. The functions of these candidate genes were further characterized to regulate i) phytohormone biosynthesis, ii) cellular growth and development, and iii) biosynthesis of secondary metabolites for accumulation of starch and defense. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) also revealed the presence of four pleiotropic SNPs, which control starch content, dry matter content, dry yield, and bulking and formation index. The information on the GWAS could be used to develop improved cassava cultivars by breeders. Five genotypes (W940006, NR090146, TMS982123, TMS13F1060P0014, and NR010161) were selected as the best early storage root bulking and formation genotypes across the plant age. These selected cultivars should be used as sources of early storage root bulking and formation in future breeding programs.

The Saudi Epistolary Novel: A Study in the Formation and Transformation of a Literary Genre

Abstract The importance of the topic of this article lies in the fact that it is so rarely explored in the context of the Arabic novel and almost never in that of the Saudi novel, except for passing references. The article aims to clarify the concept of the epistolary novel—that is, the novel based on letters—and its earliest roots. It seeks to establish a concept of the Saudi epistolary novel and its value in Arabic fiction, highlighting the earliest Saudi examples and their impact on the Arabic novel in general. It also discusses some of the functions that the letter plays in a novel and observes the recent development of the Saudi epistolary novel, which has facilitated its openness to the new literature.