Full Bloom Stage Research Articles

Ensiling Characteristics, Bacterial Community Structure, Co-Occurrence Networks, and Their Predicted Functionality in Alfalfa Haylage Silage with or Without Foliar Selenium Application

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in living systems. In this study, we applied a spray of 50 mg/kg sodium selenite to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at different stages of development (bud, initial bloom, and full bloom stages). After 0, 1, 3, 7, and 45 days of ensiling, we assessed the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and bacterial community of the alfalfa. Our findings indicated that the addition of Se led to an increase in the Se content and a decrease in the pH, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents. As ensiling fermentation progressed, the Se treatments increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, which was significantly greater than that in the control group (42.44% vs. 3.76%). In conclusion, the addition of sodium selenate to silage additive ensures the quality of the silage and reduces bacterial community diversity. This study provides valuable insights for the investigation of Se enrichment in alfalfa haylage silage.

Study on the Changes in the Microbial Community in Rhizosphere Soil of Blueberry Plants at Different Growth Stages

In order to clarify the relationship between mineral nutrients and rhizosphere microorganisms at different growth and development stages of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), this work studied the dynamic changes in element content and microbial quantity in different parts of blueberry plants. The test material was a 12-year-old half-highbush blueberry variety (‘Beilu’). The changes in the mineral nutrient elements in leaves, branches and the soil of blueberry plants were studied at the full bloom stage (T1), green fruit stage (T2), mature stage (T3) and late mature stage (T4), and the correlations of the average contents of mineral elements in the four periods were studied. The bacterial community in the rhizosphere soil was determined and analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the changes in other mineral elements in various parts of blueberry plants varied in different periods. Nitrogen (N) showed a downward trend in branches, leaves and soil, especially in leaves (p < 0.05). The N contents in T2, T3 and T4 decreased by 9.9%, 26.4% and 29.9%, respectively. The N contents in the leaves and branches showed a downward trend at different growth stages, especially in leaves. The phosphorus (P) content in leaves showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, while it continued to increase in branches. The content of potassium (K) in leaves changed significantly, where it increased first and then decreased. The content of calcium (Ca) in leaves decreased first and then increased, while the content of magnesium (Mg) in branches and leaves decreased first and then increased, and the relative change was significant. The contents of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in leaves decreased first and then increased, while the contents of manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) were relatively stable. Cu decreased first and then increased in leaves and soil, and it increased first and then decreased in branches. The mineral nutrients in different growth stages of blueberry showed significant correlation in leaves, branches and soil. Mn in leaves was significantly positively correlated with P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu and Zn in soil (p < 0.01). Nitrogen and calcium in leaves were significantly correlated with manganese and phosphorus in soil, respectively. Ca in branches was significantly positively correlated with N and K in soil and was significantly positively correlated with Zn in soil (p < 0.01). Magnesium was significantly negatively correlated with iron in soil. The bacterial community structure of the blueberry rhizosphere soil changed significantly over time (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance showed the following trend: T4 > T2 > T3 > T1. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Verrucomicrobia were the dominant bacteria in different periods. Candidatus solibacter and Bryobacter were significantly higher in T1 and T3 than in T1 and T4. Bradyrhizobium flora increased significantly at T3. Sphingomonas increased significantly at T1 (p < 0.05).

Identification of bHLH transcription factors and screening of anthocyanin-related genes in Lagerstroemia indica.

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family is one of the three major transcription factor families that play important transcriptional regulatory roles in plant growth and development. One of the most crucial elements in defining Lagerstroemia indica's decorative qualities is flower color. However, the function of the bHLH transcription factor family in L. indica anthocyanin glycoside synthesis has not been clarified. Using the transcriptome data of flower color, 79 LibHLH genes were found in this study. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the LibHLH genes can be divided into 16 subfamilies, and most of the genes in the same subfamily have similar conserved motifs. The total anthocyanin glycoside content of L. indica 'Zihua Guifei' petals was determined during three developmental stages of the petals' growth. The results showed that the total anthocyanin glycoside content grew gradually with growth and development, and that it accumulated most during the full bloom stage. By using gene expression analysis, protein interaction network analysis, and bioinformatics, it was possible to determine which member of the III f family, LibHLH29, is important for the synthesis of anthocyanin glycosides in L. indica. Its expression was confirmed by qRT-PCR, and the results were essentially compatible with the transcriptome data. It was more prominent in the light-colored bloom stage the color-transition stage of L. indica 'Zihua Guifei'. It can be further investigated as a major candidate gene for regulating anthocyanin glycoside synthesis in L. indica, thus laying the foundation for an in-depth study of the interactions among transcription factors.

Influence of Organic Manures and Integrated Nutrient Management on Floral Characteristics and Corm Yield in Gladiolus cv. Nova Lux

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Janta College Bakewar, Etawah, India, during 2021-22. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 10 treatments with replications. Different combinations of Vermi-compost, F.Y.M., and NPK were used as treatments. The results revealed that, amongst all the treatments, the application of N.P.K. 120:80:80 kg + V.C. 10 t/ha in treatment (T8) produced significant results. Average height of plant in (90 DAS)73.16cm, Average number of leaves per plant (60 DAS) 5.78, Average width of longest leaf in 5.77cm (final stage), Average length of florets in 9.88 cm (full blooming stage), Average Number of cormels 32.04 per plant, Average weight of corms 150.51 (g). It can be concluded that application of N.P.K. and vermi composed could be used as organic fertilizer for production of Gladiolus.

Metabolite and Transcriptome Profiling Analysis Provides New Insights into the Distinctive Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Flavonoids Biosynthesis in Rosa rugosa.

Although the petals of Rosa rugosa are rich in flavonoids and their bioactivity has a significant impact on human health, the flavonoid content decreases during flower development. In this study, R. rugosa 'Feng hua' was used to investigate the effects of the melatonin foliar spray on enhancing the quality of rose by focusing on major flavonoids. The results showed that the contents of total flavonoids in rose petals at the full bloom stage induced by melatonin obeyed a bell-shaped curve, with a maximum at 0.3 mM, indicating the concentration-dependent up-regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. In the treatment with 0.3 mM melatonin, metabolomic analyses showed that the concentrations of ten main flavonoids were identified to be increased by melatonin induction, with high levels and increases observed in three flavonols and two anthocyanins. KEGG enrichment of transcriptomic analysis revealed a remarkable enrichment of DEGs in flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, such as Rr4CL, RrF3H, and RrANS. Furthermore, functional validation using virus-induced gene silencing technology demonstrated that Rr4CL3 is the crucial gene regulating flavonoid biosynthesis in response to the stimulant of melatonin. This study provides insights into the exogenous melatonin regulation mechanism of biosynthesis of flavonoids, thereby offering potential industrial applications.

Sustainable experimental cultivation of the Greek endemic Helichrysum amorginum Boiss. and Orph.: Assessment of the total phenolic content at different flower harvest stages

Helichrysum amorginum Boiss. and Orph. constitutes a range-restricted, endemic species of Greece with known pharmaceutical potency. The current work presents the results of a targeted evaluation of the total phenolic content (TPC) of methanolic extracts of H. amorginum flower heads under cultivation conditions at three consecutive harvest stages in two separate cultivation locations across a period of two years (2018 and 2019). The harvested inflorescence tissue was assessed for TPC via the Folin–Ciocalteu method in three and four-year old H. amorginum individuals. Older plants, during the second evaluation year, generally showed higher flower TPC content throughout. The pooled analysis of the results indicated significant differences in TPC among samples of extracts prepared with plant material from different harvest stages with the early flowering stage (A) presenting higher TPC in both experimental cultivation locations (142.6-156 mg GAE g-1 extract on average among the two cultivation locations) followed by the full bloom stage (B) (139-145.7 mg GAE g-1 extract on average) and the late bloom or early post-anthesis stage (C) which showed the lowest TPC in all cases (130.3-131 mg GAE g-1 extract on average). The current results provide for the first-time basic information on the optimum inflorescence harvest stage during the prolonged flowering period of cultivated H. amorginum in terms of TPC. The proposed work can be incorporated into the establishment of a sustainable cultivation protocol for achieving polyphenol-rich extracts and ultimately contributes to the utilization of H. amorginum in the pharmaceutical/cosmetic sectors.

Effect of Liquid Organic Inputs on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) and Soil Properties

This experiment was carried out to investigate the Effect of Liquid Organic Inputs on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) and Soil Properties. The experiment was carried out during 2022-23 and laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with fourteen treatments including different combinations of concentrations, methods, and intervals of application of Jeevamrut and Panchagavya and control (only recommended dose of FYM 15 t/ha). Among the treatments, maximum growth and vegetative attributes viz., plant height at 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days after transplanting (29.47 cm, 42.33 cm, 50.83 cm, 54.80 cm and 56.53 cm, respectively), number of branches at full bloom stage (8.27) and average plant spread (27.22 cm) was recorded with 500 l/ha Jeevamrut drenching and 8 % Panchagavya foliar application alternatively at fifteen days interval. Earliness in flowering attributes viz., first bud initiation (63.20 days), first flower opening (84.53 days) and full blooming (99.13 days) were observed in the same treatment. Alternate application of 500 l/ha Jeevamrut as soil drenching and 8% Panchagavya as foliar application at 15 days interval also resulted in a number of flowers per plant (35.52), flower yield per plant (141.39 g), flower diameter (6.32 cm) and weight of individual flower (4.11 g). While, treatment consisting of only 500 l/ha Jeevamrut soil drenching at fifteen days interval resulted in maximum available nitrogen (196.52 kg/ha) and viable bacterial count (94.78 × 105 cfu/g of soil) in the soil.

Analysis of the Aging-Related AP2/ERF Transcription Factor Gene Family in Osmanthus fragrans.

Ethylene-Responsive Factor (ERF) is a key element found in the middle and lower reaches of the ethylene signal transduction pathway. It is widely distributed in plants and plays important roles in plant growth and development, hormone signal transduction, and various stress processes. Although there is research on AP/ERF family members, research on AP2/ERF in Osmanthus fragrans is lacking. Thus, in this work, AP2/ERF in O. fragrans was extensively and comprehensively analyzed. A total of 298 genes encoding OfAP2/ERF proteins with complete AP2/ERF domains were identified. Based on the number of AP2/ERF domains and the similarity among amino acid sequences between AP2/ERF proteins from A. thaliana and O. fragrans, the 298 putative OfAP2/ERF proteins were divided into four different families, including AP2 (45), ERF (247), RAV (5), and SOLOIST (1). In addition, the exon-intron structure characteristics of these putative OfAP2/ERF genes and the conserved protein motifs of their encoded OfAP2/ERF proteins were analyzed, and the results were found to be consistent with those of the population classification. A tissue-specific analysis showed the spatiotemporal expression of OfAP2/ERF in the stems and leaves of O. fragrans at different developmental stages. Specifically, 21 genes were not expressed in any tissue, while high levels of expression were found for 25 OfAP2/ERF genes in several tissues, 60 genes in the roots, 34 genes in the stems, 37 genes in young leaves, 34 genes in old leaves, 32 genes in the early flowering stage, 18 genes in the full flowering stage, and 37 genes in the late flowering stage. Quantitative RT-PCR experiments showed that OfERF110a and OfERF110b had the highest expression levels at the full-bloom stage (S4), and this gradually decreased with the senescence of petals. The expression of OfERF119c decreased first and then increased, while the expression levels of OfERF4c and OfERF5a increased constantly. This indicated that these genes may play roles in flower senescence and the ethylene response. In the subsequent subcellular localization experiments, we found that ERF1-4 was localized in the nucleus, indicating that it was expressed in the nucleus. In yeast self-activation experiments, we found that OfERF112, OfERF228, and OfERF23 had self-activation activity. Overall, these results suggest that OfERFs may have the function of regulating petal senescence in O. fragrans.

Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome to Elucidate the Mechanism of Aluminum-Induced Blue-Turning of Hydrangea Sepals

Hydrangea macrophylla is an ornamental plant with varied calyx colors. Interestingly, from red, to purple, to blue, the colors of all Hydrangea macrophylla are formed by unique delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and aluminum ions (Al3+) and 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid. The sepals of ‘Blue Mama’ changed from pink to blue, and the contents of delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and aluminum ions increased under 3 g/L aluminum sulfate treatment. However, the mechanism of the effect of aluminum ions on the synthesis and metabolism of anthocyanins in Hydrangea macrophylla is still unclear. In this project, transcriptome sequencing and anthocyanin metabolome analysis were performed on the sepals of ‘Blue Mama’ during flower development at the bud stage (S1), discoloration stage (S2) and full-bloom stage (S3) under aluminum treatment. It was found that delphinidin, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and delphinidin-3-O-galactoside were the main differential metabolites. The structural genes CHS, F3H, ANS, DFR and BZI in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway were up-regulated with the deepening in sepal color. There was no significant difference between the aluminum treatment and the non-aluminum treatment groups. However, seven transcription factors were up-regulated and expressed to regulate anthocyanin synthesis genes CHS, F3H, BZI and 4CL, promoting the sepals to turn blue. The KEGG enrichment pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that the glutathione metabolism and the ABC transporter pathway were closely related to anthocyanin synthesis and aluminum-ion transport. GST (Hma1.2p1_0158F.1_g069560.gene) may be involved in the vacuolar transport of anthocyanins. The expression of anthocyanin transporter genes ABCC1 (Hma1.2p1_0021F.1_g014400.gene), ABCC2 (Hma1.2p1_0491F.1_g164450.gene) and aluminum transporter gene ALS3 (Hma1.2p1_0111F.1_g053440.gene) were significantly up-regulated in the aluminum treatment group, which may be an important reason for promoting the transport of anthocyanin and aluminum ions to vacuoles and making the sepals blue. These results preliminarily clarified the mechanism of aluminum ion in the synthesis and transport of anthocyanin in Hydrangea macrophylla, laying a foundation for the further study of the formation mechanism of ‘blue complex’ in Hydrangea macrophylla.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a high-resolution cell atlas of petals in Prunus mume at different flowering development stages.

Prunus mume (mei), a traditional ornamental plant in China, is renowned for its fragrant flowers, primarily emitted by its petals. However, the cell types of mei petals and where floral volatile synthesis occurs are rarely reported. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the gene expression landscape in petals of P. mume 'Fenhong Zhusha' at budding stage (BS) and full-blooming stage (FS). Six major cell types of petals were identified: epidermal cells (ECs), parenchyma cells (PCs), xylem parenchyma cells, phloem parenchyma cells, xylem vessels and fibers, and sieve elements and companion cells complex. Cell-specific marker genes in each cell type were provided. Floral volatiles from mei petals were measured at four flowering development stages, and their emissions increased from BS to FS, and decreased at the withering stage. Fifty-eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in benzenoid/phenylpropanoid pathway were screened using bulk RNA-seq data. Twenty-eight DEGs expression increased from BS to FS, indicating that they might play roles in floral volatile synthesis in P. mume, among which PmBAHD3 would participate in benzyl acetate synthesis. ScRNA-seq data showed that 27 DEGs mentioned above were expressed variously in different cell types. In situ hybridization confirmed that PmPAL2, PmCAD1, PmBAHD3,5, and PmEGS1 involved in floral volatile synthesis in mei petals are mainly expressed in EC, PC, and most vascular tissues, consistent with scRNA-seq data. The result indicates that benzyl acetate and eugenol, the characteristic volatiles in mei, are mostly synthesized in these cell types. The first petal single-cell atlas was constructed, offering new insights into the molecular mechanism of floral volatile synthesis.

Optimal harvest period and quality control markers of cultivated Flos Chrysanthemi Indici using untargeted/targeted metabolomics, chemometric analysis and in vivo study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFlos Chrysanthemi Indici (FCI), the flower of Chrysanthemum Indicum L., is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of inflammatory diseases in China. FCI is also a functional food, and is widely used as herbal tea for clearing heat and detoxicating. Aim of the studyTo explore quality control markers of FCI based on the optimal harvest period. Materials and methodsFirst, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS based untargeted metabolomics was applied to explore the chemical profiles of FCIs collected at bud stages (BS), initial stages (IS), full bloom stages (FS) and eventual stages (ES) from eight cultivated regions in China. Subsequently, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model were used to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of FCIs collected at IS/FS. Then, UPLC-PDA targeted metabolomics was used to quantitatively analyze 9 constituents with anti-inflammatory activity (7 flavonoids and 2 phenolic acids) changed significantly (VIP > 4) during flowering stages. Finally, ROC curves combined with PCA analysis based on the variation of 9 active constituents in FCIs from different flowering stages were applied to screen the quality markers of FCI. ResultsFCIs at IS/FS had almost same chemical characteristics, but quite different from those at BS and ES. A total of 32 constituents in FCIs including flavonoids and phenolic acids were changed during flowering development. Most of the varied constituents had the highest or higher contents at IS/FS compared with those at ES, indicating that the optimal harvest period of FCI should be at IS/FS. FCI extract could effectively suppress nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and regulate the abnormal levels of cytokines and PGE2 in carrageenan-induced paw edema model rat. The results of quantitatively analysis revealed that the variation trends of phenolic acids and flavonoids in FCIs were different during flowering development, but most of them had higher contents at IS/FS than those at ES in all FCIs collected from eight cultivated regions, except one sample from Anhui. Finally, linarin, luteolin, apigenin and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were selected as the Q-markers based on the contribution of their AUC values in ROC and clustering of PCA analysis. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the optimal harvest period of FCI and specifies the multi-constituents Q-markers of FCI based on the influence of growth progression on the active constituents using untargeted/targeted metabolomics. The findings not only greatly increase the utilization rate of FCI resources and improve quality control of FCI products, but also offer new strategy to identify the Q-markers of FCI.

Influence of plant growth substances on reproductive growth, yield and fruit quality of pear (<i>Pyrus communis</i> L.) cv. Punjab Beauty

Under sub-tropical region, poor fruit set is a major constraint in semi-soft pears resulting in lower fruit yield. To study the effect of plant growth substances on fruit production and quality, the plants of pear cv. Punjab Beauty were sprayed with the plant growth substances viz., boric acid (200, 300 ppm), CPPU (5, 10 ppm), NAA (10, 20 ppm) and P-Ca (150, 300 ppm) at full bloom stage. Among all the applied treatments, boric acid @ 200 ppm proved to be most effective with maximum fruit set (6.91 %), fruit retention (59.9 %) and yield (57.8 kg/plant), while, maximum fruit weight (162.3 g) was observed with NAA (20 ppm). The highest internal fruit quality in terms of maximum TSS (12.4o Brix), TSS/acid ratio (53.4) and ascorbic acid (12.8 mg kg-1) was observed in 200 ppm boric acid. However, the total phenol (30.9 mg GAE/100 pulp) and flavonoid (36.1 mg CE/100 pulp) content was significantly higher with NAA (20 ppm). The plant growth substances reduced the polyphenol oxidase activity in fruits. Overall, the application of boric acid (200 ppm) resulted in improved fruit set, yield and quality in pear cv. Punjab Beauty.

Influence of plant growth substances on reproductive growth, yield and fruit quality of pear (<i>Pyrus communis</i> L.) cv. Punjab Beauty

Under sub-tropical region, poor fruit set is a major constraint in semi-soft pears resulting in lower fruit yield. To study the effect of plant growth substances on fruit production and quality, the plants of pear cv. Punjab Beauty were sprayed with the plant growth substances viz., boric acid (200, 300 ppm), CPPU (5, 10 ppm), NAA (10, 20 ppm) and P-Ca (150, 300 ppm) at full bloom stage. Among all the applied treatments, boric acid @ 200 ppm proved to be most effective with maximum fruit set (6.91 %), fruit retention (59.9 %) and yield (57.8 kg/plant), while, maximum fruit weight (162.3 g) was observed with NAA (20 ppm). The highest internal fruit quality in terms of maximum TSS (12.4o Brix), TSS/acid ratio (53.4) and ascorbic acid (12.8 mg kg-1) was observed in 200 ppm boric acid. However, the total phenol (30.9 mg GAE/100 pulp) and flavonoid (36.1 mg CE/100 pulp) content was significantly higher with NAA (20 ppm). The plant growth substances reduced the polyphenol oxidase activity in fruits. Overall, the application of boric acid (200 ppm) resulted in improved fruit set, yield and quality in pear cv. Punjab Beauty.

Agronomic Biofortification Increases Concentrations of Zinc and Storage Proteins in Cowpea Grains

Zinc (Zn) is crucial for both plant metabolism and human nutrition, with its deficiency being a global health concern. Strategies to increase its availability in food, such as agronomic biofortification, have gained prominence. This study evaluated the impact of foliar spraying of Zn [at full bloom stage: 0 (control) and 600 g ha−1, as ZnSO4⋅7H2O] on the nutritional quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) grains. Field experiments involving 20 cowpea genotypes were carried out over two seasons in a Typic Quartzipsamment under a no-tillage system. The photosynthetic responses of cowpea plants and the concentrations of Zn, amino acids, sucrose, total sugars, and storage proteins (glutelin, albumin, prolamin, and globulin) in grains were analyzed. All genotypes showed enrichment of Zn in grains in response to ZnSO4⋅7H2O application compared to untreated plants. Foliar spraying of ZnSO4⋅7H2O during initial grain filling was ideal for increasing Zn concentration in grains and improving plant physiological processes. Additionally, Zn fertilization led to higher concentrations of storage and total amino acids and proteins in the grains, supporting the rational application of Zn in cowpea production to improve the nutritional quality of grains and increase plant productivity.

Metabolite analysis reveals flavonoids accumulation during flower development in Rhododendron pulchrum sweet (Ericaceae).

The azalea (Rhododendron simsii Planch.) is an important ornamental woody plant with various medicinal properties due to its phytochemical compositions and components. However little information on the metabolite variation during flower development in Rhododendron has been provided. In our study, a comparative analysis of the flavonoid profile was performed in Rhododendron pulchrum sweet at three stages of flower development, bud (stage 1), partially open flower (stage 2), and full bloom (stage 3). A total of 199 flavonoids, including flavone, flavonol, flavone C-glycosides, flavanone, anthocyanin, and isoflavone were identified. In hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), the accumulation of flavonoids displayed a clear development stage variation. During flower development, 78 differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, and most were enriched to higher levels at the full bloom stage. A total of 11 DAMs including flavone (chrysin, chrysoeriol O-glucuronic acid, and chrysoeriol O-hexosyl-O-pentoside), isoflavone (biochanin A), and flavonol (3,7-di-O-methyl quercetin and isorhamnetin) were significantly altered at three stages. In particular, 3,7-di-O-methyl quercetin was the top increased metabolite during flower development. Furthermore, integrative analyses of metabolomic and transcriptomic were conducted, revealing that the contents of isoflavone, biochanin A, glycitin, and prunetin were correlated with the expression of 2-hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase (HIDH), which provide insight into the regulatory mechanism that controls isoflavone biosynthesis in R. pulchrum. This study will provide a new reference for increasing desired metabolites effectively by more accurate or appropriate genetic engineering strategies.

Tradeoffs among root functional traits for phosphorus acquisition in 13 soybean genotypes contrasting in mycorrhizal colonization.

Plants have adapted to acquire phosphorus (P) primarily through advantageous root morphologies, responsive physiological pathways, and associations with mycorrhizal fungi. Yet, to date, little information exists on how variation in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization is coordinated with root morphological and physiological traits to enhance P acquisition. Thirteen root functional traits associated with P acquisition were characterized at full bloom stage in pot cultures under low soil P availability conditions for 13 soybean genotypes contrasting in AM colonization. Significant variation in root functional traits was observed in response to low P stress among the 13 tested soybean genotypes contrasting in AM colonization. Genotypes with low AM colonization exhibited greater root proliferation but with less advantageous root physiological characteristics for P acquisition. In contrast, genotypes with high AM colonization exhibited less root growth but higher phosphatase activities and carboxylate content in the rhizosheath. Root dry weights, and contents of carbon and P were positively correlated with root morphological traits of different root orders and whole root systems, and were negatively correlated with AM colonization of fine roots and whole root systems, as well as, rhizosheath phosphatase activities and carboxylate contents. These results taken in combination with significant positive correlation between plant P content and root morphological traits indicate that root morphological traits play a primary role in soybean P acquisition. The results suggest that efficient P acquisition involves tradeoffs among carbon allocation to root proliferation, mycorrhizal symbiosis, or P-mobilizing exudation. Complementarity and complexity in the selection of P acquisition strategies was notable among soybean genotypes contrasting in AM colonization, which is closely related to plant C budgeting.

Improvement in Physiochemical Characteristics of ‘Prime Seedless’ Grapes by Basal Defoliation with Foliar-Sprayed Low-Biuret Urea and Cyanocobalamin under Mediterranean Climate

In viticulture, the main target is to achieve high yield and good fruit quality without compromising vine growth. Methods to achieve this balance will vary with regard to climate and cultivar. A two-year study was conducted on five-year-old ‘Prime Seedless’ grapevines to evaluate the effect of leaf defoliation and the foliar application of low-biuret urea (LBU) and cyanocobalamin (CCA) on berry set percentage, the compactness coefficient of the clusters and the overall quality of clusters and berries. The removal of the first four basal leaves was conducted at the full-bloom (FB) stage, while LBU (5 g·L−1) and CCA (40 mg·L−1) were sprayed at three phenological stages: (1) when the cluster length reached ~10 cm long, (2) at FB and (3) one week after the fruit set. The results demonstrated that the sole application of basal leaf removal (BLR) or in combination with LBU and/or CCA improved the vegetative growth, total yield and physiochemical characteristics of clusters and berries, whereas the same treatments decreased berry set and shot berry percentages and the compactness coefficient of the clusters, which in turn led to looser clusters compared to the control. The most pronounced effect was recorded for the combined application of BLR, LBU and CCA, which revealed the highest values of shoot length, leaf area and the contents of chlorophyll, proline, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn. The same treatment recorded the lowest berry set and shot berry percentages, compactness coefficient of clusters and decay percentage. Overall, this treatment was the best in terms of total yield, cluster weight, berry firmness, soluble solid content (SSC), the SSC/acid ratio, total sugars, total carotenoids, total phenols, phenylalanine ammonialyase and polyphenol oxidase.

Integrative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Mechanism of Petal Blotch Formation in Rosa persica.

Petal blotch is a specific flower color pattern commonly found in angiosperm families. In particular, Rosa persica is characterized by dark red blotches at the base of yellow petals. Modern rose cultivars with blotches inherited the blotch trait from R. persica. Therefore, understanding the mechanism for blotch formation is crucial for breeding rose cultivars with various color patterns. In this study, the metabolites and genes responsible for the blotch formation in R. persica were identified for the first time through metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses using LC-MS/MS and RNA-seq. A total of 157 flavonoids were identified, with 7 anthocyanins as the major flavonoids, namely, cyanidin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl) glucoside 5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin O-rutinoside-O-malonylglucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, and peonidin O-rutinoside-O-malonylglucoside, contributing to pigmentation and color darkening in the blotch parts of R. persica, whereas carotenoids predominantly influenced the color formation of non-blotch parts. Zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin mainly contributed to the yellow color formation of petals at the semi-open and full bloom stages. The expression levels of two 4-coumarate: CoA ligase genes (Rbe014123 and Rbe028518), the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene (Rbe013916), the anthocyanidin synthase gene (Rbe016466), and UDP-flavonoid glucosyltransferase gene (Rbe026328) indicated that they might be the key structural genes affecting the formation and color of petal blotch. Correlation analysis combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further characterized 10 transcription factors (TFs). These TFs might participate in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation in the blotch parts of petals by modulating one or more structural genes. Our results elucidate the compounds and molecular mechanisms underlying petal blotch formation in R. persica and provide valuable candidate genes for the future genetic improvement of rose cultivars with novel flower color patterns.

Maximizing Fruit Quality and Production of Mango cv Dashehari: The Impact of Micronutrient Treatments

Background: The research aims to enhance fruit quality and production of the Dashehari mango variety through micronutrient treatments in Rajasthan, India. Micronutrients play a crucial role in plant growth and development and their deficiency can lead to suboptimal yields and reduced fruit quality. This study seeks to investigate the effects of micronutrient application on mango trees, particularly focusing on the Dashehari variety, to improve both the quantity and quality of mango production. By understanding the impact of micronutrient treatments, the research aims to provide valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices that can optimize mango cultivation and contribute to increased agricultural productivity. Methods: The research administered borax, ferrous sulphate and zinc sulphate to soil and trees in 10 treatments. The soil of an 18-year-old mango variety named Dashehari was treated in the first week of October with foliar sprays throughout the flower bud initiation, full bloom and pea stage initiation stages. A three-replication randomized block design was employed for the investigation. Result: The results show that the treatment known as “T9”-Application of borax to the soil in the amount of 125 grams, followed by the application of borax to the foliar in the amount of 0.2 per cent-produced the highest quality and quantity of mango fruit. Additionally, treatments of soil application of ZnSO4 per tree 125 g, followed by foliar application of ZnSO4 0.4% and soil application of FeSO4 per tree 125 g, followed by foliar application of FeSO4 0.4%, also showed promising results.

Influencing factors of plant habitat, phenophase, and organ on the essential oil composition of Agastache rugosa

AbstractAgastache rugosa (Fisch. et Mey.) O. Ktze, also known as “Suhuoxiang” (SHX), has been cultivated for more than three hundred years as a valuable aromatic edible and medicinal plant in Jiangsu Province, China. The volatile compounds of SHX from various habitats were investigated by HS-SPME-GC-MS, detecting sixty-five chemical constituents with menthone, pulegone, and estragole being the major volatile compounds. Their relative contents showed various accumulation tendencies in different growth months by GC-MS, with the relative content of menthone gradually increasing, pulegone content decreasing, as well as estragole content climbing initially before declining. This tendency was supported by quantitative experiments using samples from various habitats, which also revealed that the full-bloom stages exhibited the highest total concentrations of menthone and pulegone. The volatile composition of SHX in various plant organs differed, with palmitic acid being the main volatile component of stems, while menthone and pulegone being the core volatile components of leaves and spikes, implying that leaves and spikes should be separated from the stem to obtain higher drug contents. The current findings provide new information for SHX cultivation and applications.