Fleshy Roots Research Articles

Physiological and biochemical responses of Isatis indigotica to deficit irrigation in a cold and arid environment.

Water shortage and wastage are critical challenges to sustainable agricultural development, especially in arid and semiarid regions worldwide. Isatis indigotica (woad), as a traditional Chinese herb, was planted in a large area in a cold and arid environment of Hexi. Regulated deficit irrigation can reduce the growth of some vegetative organs by changing the accumulation and distribution of photosynthetic products in crops, thus increasing the economic yield of crops. In agricultural production, crop productivity may be improved by mulched drip irrigation and deficit irrigation. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the responses of photosynthesis, malondialdehyde, osmotic regulators, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the yield of woad to water deficit at different growth stages. The growth stage of woad was divided in four stages: seedling, vegetative growth, fleshy root growth, and fleshy root maturity. During vegetative growth, fleshy root growth, and fleshy root maturity, three water gradients were set for plants with mild (65-75% in field water capacity, FC), moderate (55-65% in FC), and severe (45-55% in FC) deficits, respectively. In contrast, an adequate water supply (75-85% in FC) during the growth period was designed as the control (CK). The net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of woad significantly decreased (P< 0.05) by moderate and severe water deficits. Still, rehydration after the water deficit could produce a noticeable compensation effect. In contrast, malondialdehyde and proline accumulation significantly increased under moderate and severe water deficits. At the same time, the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase all had high activities (increased significantly by 19.87-39.28%, 19.91-34.26%, and 10.63-16.13% compared with CK, respectively), but yields were substantially lower, compared to CK. Additionally, the net photosynthetic rate was negatively correlated with antioxidant enzyme activity. The economic yield of plants subjected to continuous mild water deficit during both vegetative and fleshy root growth was not significantly different from that in CK. Still, the water use efficiency improved significantly. Therefore, the continuous mild water deficit during vegetative and fleshy root growth could improve the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of the plant, representing an optimal irrigation strategy for woad in cold and arid areas.

PacBio full-length sequencing integrated with RNA-seq reveals the molecular mechanism of waterlogging and its recovery in Paeonia ostii.

Paeonia ostii, a widely cultivated tree peony species in China, is a resourceful plant with medicinal, ornamental and oil value. However, fleshy roots lead to a low tolerance to waterlogging in P. ostii. In this study, P. ostii roots were sequenced using a hybrid approach combining single-molecule real-time and next-generation sequencing platforms to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the response to this sequentially waterlogging stress, the normal growth, waterlogging treatment (WT), and waterlogging recovery treatment (WRT). Our results indicated that the strategy of P. ostii, in response to WT, was a hypoxic resting syndrome, wherein the glycolysis and fermentation processes were accelerated to maintain energy levels and the tricarboxylic acid cycle was inhibited. P. ostii enhanced waterlogging tolerance by reducing the uptake of nitrate and water from the soil. Moreover, transcription factors, such as AP2/EREBP, WRKY, MYB, and NAC, played essential roles in response to WT and WRT. They were all induced in response to the WT condition, while the decreasing expression levels were observed under the WRT condition. Our results contribute to understanding the defense mechanisms against waterlogging stress in P. ostii.

Deficit mulched drip irrigation improved yield and quality while reduced water consumption of isatis indigotica in a cold and arid environment.

Deficit irrigation is an effective alternative to traditional irrigation, as it improves crop productivity and conserves water. However, crops may be sensitive to deficit irrigation-induced water stress at different periods. To access the effect of deficit irrigation on the growth, water consumption characteristics, yield, and quality of Isatis indigotica (woad), we performed a three-year (2017-2019) mulched drip irrigation field experiment. Woad plants were provided adequate water supply at the seedling stage but were subjected to mild (65–75% field water capacity FC), moderate (55–65% FC), and severe (45–55% FC) water deficit at the vegetative growth, fleshy root growth and fleshy root maturity stages, respectively; plants supplied with adequate water throughout the growth period served as a control (CK, 75–85% FC). The water consumption characteristics, agronomic traits, dry matter content and distribution, yield, and quality of these plants were measured at various growth stages. The results showed that the total water consumption in water deficit was significantly less than that in CK by 4.44–10.21% (P< 0.05). The dry matter content of plants treated with moderate (WT2 and WT5) and severe (WT3) water deficit was reduced by 12.83–28.75%. The economic yield of mild water deficit-treated plants was higher during vegetative growth (WT1) and fleshy root growth (WT4), while the water use efficiency of these plants was significantly increased by 7.84% and 6.92% at the two growth stages, respectively. Continuous mild water deficit (WT4) enhanced the contents of indigo, indirubin, (R,S)-goitrin, polysaccharides, and soluble proteins during vegetative growth and fleshy root growth, while moderate and severe water deficit were detrimental to the quality of woad plants. Thus, continuous mild water deficit during vegetative and fleshy root growth periods (WT4) is optimal for the cultivation of woad in the cold and cool irrigation district of the Hexi Oasis region.

Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of lipoxygenase gene family in turnip (Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa).

Turnip (Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa) is an important crop with edible and medicinal values, and various stresses, especially salt stress and drought stress, seriously threaten the yield of turnips. LOXs play important roles in regulating plant growth and development, signal transduction, and biotic and abiotic stress responses through secondary metabolites produced by the oxylipin metabolic pathway, and although the turnip genome has been published, however, the role of LOX family genes in various abiotic stress responses has not been systematically studied in turnips. In this study, a total of 15 LOX genes (BrrLOX) were identified in turnip, distributed on six chromosomes. Phylogenetic tree analysis classified these LOX genes into two classes: three 9-LOX proteins and 12 13-LOX type II proteins. Gene duplication analysis showed that tandem and segmental duplication were the main pathways for the expansion of the BrrLOX gene family. The Ka and Ks values of the duplicated genes indicate that the BrrLOX gene underwent strong purifying selection. Further analysis of the cis-acting elements of the promoters suggested that the expression of the BrrLOX gene may be influenced by stress and phytohormones. Transcriptome data analysis showed that 13 BrrLOX genes were expressed at one or more stages of turnip tuber development, suggesting that LOX genes may be involved in the formation of turnip fleshy roots. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that four stresses (salt stress, drought stress, cold stress, and heat stress) and three hormone treatments (methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid) affected the expression levels of BrrLOX genes and that different BrrLOX genes responded differently to these stresses. In addition, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of BrrLOX revealed seven co-expression modules, and the genes in these co-expression modules are collectively involved in plant growth and development and stress response processes. Thus, our results provide valuable information for the functional identification and regulatory mechanisms of BrrLOX in turnip growth and development and stress response.

Pharmacological and Chemical Potential of Spiranthes sinensis (Orchidaceae): A Narrative Review.

Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants with more than 27,000 accepted species, and more than 31,000–35,000 species are estimated to exist in total. The orchid Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames, having ornamental and medicinal value, is widely distributed throughout Asia and Oceania. S. sinensis (Shou Tsao) is also known as Panlongshen among the common folk herbs. It has a fleshy root similar to ginseng, and the entire plant is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Owing to overexploitation and habitat destruction in recent years, the wild population has become scarce. The traits of this species show obvious differences in different countries. In the Taiwanese climate, it flowers during the Ching Ming Festival, also called the ching ming tsao. Previous investigations into S. sinensis have revealed the presence of flavonoids, homocyclotirucallane, dihydrophenanthrenes, ferulic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. Phenolic constituents of structural and biological interest, including phenanthrenes and flavonoids, have been isolated and identified from S. sinensis. This natural product possesses extensive bioactivity, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. In this review, we outline the herbal medicine formulations and plant-derived natural products of S. sinensis.

Effects of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Quality of Isatis indigotica in a Cold and Arid Environment

Although regulated deficit irrigation may improve crop yields, little research has been conducted on the effects of water deficits on Isatis indigotica, a popular herbal medicine. Field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to study the effects of regulated deficit irrigation on the net photosynthetic rate, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and quality of I. indigotica in northwest China. Plants at the vegetative and fleshy root growth stages were subjected to mild, moderate, and severe water deficits, and their photosynthetic physiological indexes, yield, and WUE were measured. Moderate and severe deficits, but not a mild deficit, significantly decreased the net photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation. The yield and WUE under mild deficit were markedly higher, reaching 8239.56 kg·ha−2 and 8390.80 kg·ha−2, respectively, in the vegetative stage and 24.11 kg·ha−2·mm−1 and 23.62 kg·ha−2·mm−1, respectively, in the fleshy root growth stage, while severe deficits significantly reduced yield and WUE. Mild and moderate deficits increased the content of (R,S)-goitrin, indirubin, and indigo, improving root quality, but severe deficits decreased these compounds. Therefore, a mild water deficit in the vegetative and fleshy root growth stages is optimal and can reduce water consumption and improve I. indigotica quality and WUE without reducing yield.

Depicting Precise Temperature and Duration of Vernalization and Inhibiting Early Bolting and Flowering of Angelica sinensis by Freezing Storage.

Angelica sinensis is a perennial rhizomatous herb that is widely used for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, which largely rely on metabolites, such as alkylphthalides, polysaccharides, and ferulic acid. This plant must experience low-temperature vernalization and long-day conditions for the occurrence of early bolting and flowering (EBF) that reduces yield and quality of fleshy root. In current commercial planting, the EBF of more than 40% is mainly attributed to the completion of vernalization of seedlings during overwinter storage. While effects of storage temperatures [vernalization temperature (0–10°C) and freezing temperature (−2 to −12°C)] and seedling sizes on the EBF have been observed in previous studies, the precise vernalization temperature and duration for different size seedlings, the effective freezing storage to avoid vernalization of seedlings, and physiological characteristics have not been systematically investigated. Here, the EBF rate, the anatomical structure of shoot apical meristem (SAM), and physiological characteristics of different size seedlings at different storage temperatures (0, 3, 5, −3, and −5°C) and durations (14–125 d) are reported. The vernalization duration of seedlings was predicated from 57 to 85 d with temperatures ranging from 0 to 5°C based on the linearization regression analysis via Matrix Laboratory software. The EBF can be effectively inhibited by freezing storage. The anatomical structure of SAM, levels of primary metabolites (soluble sugar, starch, amino acid, and protein), and endogenous hormones (GA3, IAA, and ABA), exhibited a dynamical change in the seedlings at different storage temperatures. These findings will provide useful information for predicting the vernalization of seedlings and inhibiting the EBF in large-scale commercial cultivation.

Comparative analysis of anatomical structure, assimilate accumulation and gene expression in lignin and carbohydrate metabolism pathway during taproot thickening of taicai and pak choi

Taicai (Brassica rapa L.ssp. chinensis Makino var. tai-tsai Hort) is a type of brassica vegetable that can form edible fleshy roots, and is a variant of pak choi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt). Its expanded taproot is an important nutrient storage organ. To better understand the changes and their regulation during taproot formation in taicai, we compared and analyzed the anatomical structure, lignin synthesis, carbohydrate accumulation and mRNA expression profile in the axial roots of taicai and pak choi, respectively. Compared with pak choi, the taproot of taicai had more developed phloem, a more scattered distribution of xylem vessels, and more sucrose and amylopectin accumulation. Comparison results based on RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR also reflected a greater reduction in lignin synthesis in taicai. Two genes encoding α-glucan phosphorylase 2 (BrPHS2) and glucan-6-phosphate/phosphate translocator 2 (BrGPT2) were suggested to play a noteworthy role in the starch accumulation during the taproot formation in taicai. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis identified two modules highly associated with the increase of root diameter; these modules contain genes related to sucrose starch metabolism as well as cell proliferation. Several transcription factors from four families in the module may regulate the genes related to carbohydrate metabolism and cell development in taicai taproot. These results contributed to a better understanding of the differences in root development among brassicas, and provide valuable resources for further exploring the regulation of the formation of modified organ in brassicas.

Identification of starch with assorted shapes derived from the fleshy root tuber of Phoenix sylvestris: extraction, morphological and techno-functional characterization

Identification of starch with assorted shapes derived from the fleshy root tuber of Phoenix sylvestris: extraction, morphological and techno-functional characterization

Photosynthetic Characteristics and Yield Response of Isatis indigotica to Regulated Deficit Irrigation in a Cold and Arid Environment

Water resource scarcity is an important factor restricting the sustainable development of agriculture in Northwest China. Regulated deficit irrigation can conserve water while maintaining high crop yields. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of regulated deficit irrigation on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and water use efficiency of woad (Isatis indigotica) under mulched drip irrigation from 2017 to 2019 in a cold and arid area of the Hexi Oasis irrigation region, China. Sufficient water was supplied during the seedling stage. The control consisted of adequate water supplied during the other growth stages, whereas mild, moderate, and severe water deficits were imposed during the vegetative growth period, and a mild and moderate water deficit was imposed during the fleshy root growth stage. A mild water deficit was imposed during the fleshy root maturity period. The results showed that the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance under moderate and severe water deficit were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased compared with the control, respectively, during the vegetative growth period. The economic yield of mild water deficit during the vegetative growth and mild water deficit during the vegetative growth and fleshy root growth did not differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05) from that of the control. Other treatments caused a 6.74–17.74% reduction in the economic yield of woad. The water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency were the highest in the mild water deficit during the vegetative growth period and the fleshy root growth period. Therefore, the application of a continuous mild deficit from the vegetative growth stage to the fleshy root growth stage with sufficient water supplied during other growth periods is recommended as the optimal irrigation regime for maximum yield, water use efficiency, and water-saving of woad.

Identification of QTLs and Candidate Genes Related to Flower Traits and Bolting Time in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Radish flower color, bolting time, and flowering time are important traits for attracting certain pollinators and affect fleshy root quality. In this study, an analysis of the anthocyanidins in radish flowers by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that differences in the cyanidin content are likely to be associated with the variability in radish flower colors (i.e., purple and white petals). A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified nine QTLs on three Raphanus sativus linkage groups. Three QTLs—qRFC1, qRBT1, and qRFT1—which were consistently detected and explained a high proportion of the observed variation (10.30% to 34.57%), were considered as the major QTLs responsible for flower color, bolting time, and flowering time, respectively. A total of 16 and 11 candidate genes within the major QTL regions for flower color and bolting/flowering times, respectively, were preliminarily annotated. Six genes (Rs018140, Rs018950, Rs019220, Rs020080, Rs020590, and Rs021450) related to flower color were differentially expressed in the parental lines. On the basis of nucleotide and amino acid sequence diversity between the parental lines, Rs314940, Rs315000, Rs315310, and Rs315960 were identified as candidate genes mediating the radish bolting and flowering times. This study revealed the genetic complexity of the radish flower color, bolting time, and flowering time traits. The identified candidate genes in the QTL regions may be useful for radish breeding programs and also for functional characterization in radish.

Integrated Evaluation of the Water Deficit Irrigation Scheme of Indigowoad Root under Mulched Drip Irrigation in Arid Regions of Northwest China Based on the Improved TOPSIS Method

Limited water resources and low water productivity limit the sustainable development of agriculture in northwest China. In this study, drip irrigation under plastic film was used to achieve an optimal water deficit irrigation (WDI) scheme for the cultivation of indigowoad root (Isatis tinctoria L.). Field water control experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017. Evaluation of WDI schemes was carried out by considering five indices: water consumption, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), indigo, and (R,S)-goitrin. To enhance the reliability of results, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EWM) were adopted to calculate the combined weight of the evaluation index. Finally, an improved technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) that integrated AHP–EWM weights was used to construct a unified, comprehensive evaluation model of indigowoad root under mulched drip irrigation that would produce high yield while saving water. The evaluation results indicated that mild WD (specifically, the V1G1 treatment) was continuously exerted during the vegetative and fleshy root growth periods, which enhanced the WUE and improved the quality of indigowoad root to a certain extent without significantly reducing the yield. These results provide a scientific basis for irrigation of indigowoad in northwest China and other areas with a similar environment.

Transcriptomic dynamics changes related to anthocyanin accumulation in the fleshy roots of carmine radish (Raphanus sativus L.) characterized using RNA-Seq.

Carmine radish is famous for containing a natural red pigment (red radish pigment). However, the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes during the dynamic development stages of the fleshy roots in carmine radish has not been fully investigated. Here, based on HPLC quantification of anthocyanin levels from our previous study, young fleshy roots of the carmine radish “Hongxin 1” obtained at the dynamic development stages of fleshy roots (seedling stage (SS), initial expansion (IE), full expansion (FE), bolting stage (BS), initial flowering stage (IFS), full bloom stage (FBS) and podding stage (PS)) were used for RNA-Seq. Approximately 126 comodulated DEGs related to anthocyanin biosynthesis (common DEGs in the dynamic growth stages of fleshy roots in carmine radish) were identified, from which most DEGs appeared to be likely to participate in anthocyanin biosynthesis, including two transcription factors, RsMYB and RsRZFP. In addition, some related proteins, e.g., RsCHS, RsDFR, RsANS, RsF′3H, RsF3GGT1, Rs3AT1, RsGSTF12, RsUFGT78D2 and RsUDGT-75C1, were found as candidate contributors to the regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin synthesis in the fleshy roots of carmine radish. In addition, 11 putative DEGs related to anthocyanin synthesis were evaluated by qRT-PCR via the (2-ΔΔCT) method; the Pearson correlation analysis indicated excellent concordance between the RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR results. Furthermore, GO enrichment analysis showed that “anthocyanin-containing compound biosynthetic process” and “anthocyanin-containing compound metabolic process” were commonly overrepresented in the dynamic growth stages of fleshy roots after the initial expansion stage. Moreover, five significantly enriched pathways were identified among the DEGs in the dynamic growth stages of fleshy roots in carmine radish, namely, flavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, diterpenoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and benzoxazinoid biosynthesis. In conclusion, these results will expand our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the fleshy roots of carmine radish and the putative candidate genes involved in this process.

QTL Mapping and Candidate Gene Identification of Swollen Root Formation in Turnip.

The swollen root is an important agronomic trait and is a determinant of yield for turnips, which are cultivated as both vegetables and fodder. However, the genetic mechanism of swollen root formation is poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the F2 and BC1P2 populations derived from a cross between “10601” (European turnip with swollen root, Brassica rapa ssp. rapifera, AA, 2n = 2× = 20) and “10603” (Chinese cabbage with normal root, Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis, AA, 2n = 2× = 20), and suggested that the swollen root is a quantitative trait. Two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs), FR1.1 (Fleshy root 1.1) and FR7.1 (Fleshy root 7.1), were identified by QTL-seq analysis and further confirmed by QTL mapping in F2 and BC1P2 populations. The QTL FR1.1 with a likelihood of odd (LOD) of 7.01 explained 17.2% of the total phenotypic variations for root diameter and the QTL FR7.1 explained 23.0% (LOD = 9.38) and 31.0% (LOD = 13.27) of the total phenotypic variations in root diameter and root weight, respectively. After a recombinant screening, the major QTL FR7.1 was further narrowed down to a 220 kb region containing 47 putative genes. A candidate gene, Bra003652, which is a homolog of AT1G78240 that plays an essential role in cell adhesion and disorganized tumor-like formation in Arabidopsis thaliana, was identified in this region. In addition, expression and parental allele analysis supported that Bra003652 was a possible candidate gene of QTL FR7.1 for swollen root formation in turnip. Our research may provide new insight into the molecular mechanism of swollen root formation in root crops.

The influence of chosen organic fertilizers on qualitative parameters of three Daucus carota L. varieties

In rational nutrition, vegetables play an important role due to their high biological and low energy value. The most widespread vegetables in our country belong to root vegetables. They are grown mainly for bulbs, corms, rhizomes, fleshy roots, and hypocotyl tubers. Root vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked. Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a basic representative of root vegetables. For the most valuable components counts beta-carotene – the major component of total carotenoids. This paper evaluates changes in total carotenoids, refractometric dry matter, and gravimetric dry matter in three varieties of carrot (Kamaran F1, Komarno F1, Romosa) grown in soil and climatic conditions ex-situ in Nitra. We have evaluated roots grown in non-fertilized soil, soil after application of manure, horticultural compost, and their combinations. The results show that the variants fertilized with compost and a mixture of compost and manure had the most considerable influence on the synthesis and content of total carotenoids as well as the content of dry matter and refractometric dry matter

Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Characterization of the Cation Proton Antiporter (CPA) Family Related to Salt Stress Response in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

The CPA (cation proton antiporter) family plays an essential role during plant stress tolerance by regulating ionic and pH homeostasis of the cell. Radish fleshy roots are susceptible to abiotic stress during growth and development, especially salt stress. To date, CPA family genes have not yet been identified in radish and the biological functions remain unclear. In this study, 60 CPA candidate genes in radish were identified on the whole genome level, which were divided into three subfamilies including the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHX), K+ efflux antiporter (KEA), and cation/H+ exchanger (CHX) families. In total, 58 of the 60 RsCPA genes were localized to the nine chromosomes. RNA-seq. data showed that 60 RsCPA genes had various expression levels in the leaves, roots, cortex, cambium, and xylem at different development stages, as well as under different abiotic stresses. RT–qPCR analysis indicated that all nine RsNHXs genes showed up regulated trends after 250 mM NaCl exposure at 3, 6, 12, and 24h. The RsCPA31 (RsNHX1) gene, which might be the most important members of the RsNHX subfamily, exhibited obvious increased expression levels during 24h salt stress treatment. Heterologous over-and inhibited-expression of RsNHX1 in Arabidopsis showed that RsNHX1 had a positive function in salt tolerance. Furthermore, a turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV)-induced gene silence (VIGS) system was firstly used to functionally characterize the candidate gene in radish, which showed that plant with the silence of endogenous RsNHX1 was more susceptible to the salt stress. According to our results we provide insights into the complexity of the RsCPA gene family and a valuable resource to explore the potential functions of RsCPA genes in radish.

Daikon Radish Cultivation Guide for Florida

Daikon radish is a versatile vegetable crop in the mustard family. It produces a large, white, cylindrical fleshy root weighing up to 4-7 lb. Daikon radish is an especially common vegetable in Asia, particularly Japan, and it tends to be less spicy than other garden types of radish. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department provides a primer on cultivation of daikon in Florida, including sections on propagation, growing conditions, pests and diseases, and agricultural, culinary, and medicinal uses. Written by Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1370

A new species of the genus Portulaca L. (Portulacaceae) from the Eastern Ghats, India

Portulaca laljii (Portulacaceae), a new species from the Eastern Ghats (Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh), India, is described and illustrated along with conservation status. Perennial prostrate-decumbent much branched herb with tuberous fleshy roots, glabrous, stem without scaly bark, nodal axils without hairs, lanate nature of narrowly lanceolate, flat leaves, glabrous, leaf axis without hairs, solitary, bracteate flowers with very short pedicel and 2–3 bracteoles, petals with emarginate, sometimes mucronate apex, pistil with trifid style, prolate-shaped capsule, bilobular to subglobular, conspicuously beaked seeds without golden luster and with slightly elongated seed testa distinguishes it from all previously known species. A key to the species of Portulaca from India is also provided.

Uncarina roeosliana Rauh ontomorphogenesis in early stages of development

The aim. To find out the morphology of the seeds and the features of its germination and to study the development of Uncarina roeoesliana Rauh (Pedaliaceae) plants in the early stages of ontogeny in connection with the problem of a seed germination and their cultivation under introduction.Materials and methods. The latent and pregenerative periods of the ontomorphogenesis of Uncarina roeoesliana plants under growing conditions in the protected soils of the Botanical garden named after acad. O.V. Fomin were investigated. Biomorphological, introducting, histological methods were used in this work.Results. A method of accelerating the germination of freshly harvested seeds has been developed. Uncarina roeoesliana seeds are large (about 7x5 mm), mostly wide-triangular, brown in colour with little-noticed wing around the perimeter of the seed. The dorsal side forms folds, the hem is on the micropillary part of the seed. The periclinal walls are convex and often with papillae. The embryo is large, occupies most of the seed, the endosperm has a lot of lipids, which is typical for the representative of the same family Sesamum indicum L. The presence of papillae probably contributes to the moisture accumulation to increase the enzymatic activity when the seeds are swell. All of these features of seed germination are consistent with the environmental conditions of Uncarina's natural habitats: high temperatures, low rainfall and significant dry periods. Probably the plants of this species belong to macrobiotics, that is, they can retain seed germination for a long time. The germination is aboveground. During the 24 weeks of development, the plants reach the virginal stage of development: they form radish roots, 5-6 pairs of leaves, of which only two pairs remain in the young plants at this stage, and a thickened basal part of the stem .Conclusions. Comparing Uncarina roeoesliana with other caudiciform plants, we can conclude that this plant has a high potential for survival in arid conditions due to the ability of seeds to germinate only in conditions of considerable moisture and the ability of the plant to accumulate moisture in the basal part of the stem and in fleshy roots. In this case, the plant is adapted to exist both in the mode of a dormancy and in the mode of an active growth, but in the latter case only in the presence of sufficient moisture in the soil

Identification of differential expression genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in carmine radish (Raphanus sativus L.) fleshy roots using comparative RNA-Seq method.

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.), is an important root vegetable crop grown worldwide, and it contains phyto-anthocyanins. However, only limited studies have been conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in the different color variants of the radish fleshy root. In this study, Illumina paired-end RNA-sequencing was employed to characterize the transcriptomic changes in seven different types of radish fleshy roots. Approximately, 126 co-modulated differentially expressed genes were obtained, and most DEGs were more likely to participate in anthocyanin biosynthesis, including two transcription factors RsMYB_9 and RsERF070, and four functional genes RsBRICK1, RsBRI1-like2, RsCOX1, and RsCRK10. In addition, some related genes such as RsCHS, RsCHI, RsANS, RsMT2-4, RsUF3GT, glutathione S-transferase F12, RsUFGT78D2-like and RsUDGT-75C1-like significantly contributed to the regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the radish cultivars. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis revealed that the anthocyanin-containing compound biosynthetic process, anthocyanin-containing compound metabolic process, and significantly enriched pathways of the co-modulated DEGs were overrepresented in these cultivars. These results will expand our understanding of the complex molecular mechanism underlying anthocyanin synthesis-related genes in radish.