Hairy Leaf Research Articles

Investigating physiological responses and fine particulate matter retention of urban trees in Budapest

The urban environment is posing substantial challenges to both human well-being and the growth of plantations. Deploying advanced urban trees that effectively interact with atmospheric pollution will be a crucial step in urban planning. However, there is a paucity of knowledge in Hungary regarding these aspects. We studied the photosynthesis activities of three commonly planted trees (Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, and Tilia tomentosa) from two locations in Budapest, as well as their potential of capturing fine particulate matter on leaf surfaces. Our results reveal that T. tomentosa has developed a denser canopy and better photosynthetic activities, hence enhancing its adaptation to the urban environment in Budapest. F. excelsior showed a higher amount of fine PM wash-off, as it has a smoother leaf surface and was subjected to influences from wind speed and precipitation, making the captured particles more easily dislodged. Whereas fine PM concentration of A. platanoides and T. tomentosa were influenced by ambient PM10 and PM2.5, which might retain on their rough and hairy leaf surfaces. Approximately 38.17 tons of fine PM could be retained on urban greenery of Budapest at any given moment, highlighting the significant ecological and economic benefits of urban greenery. However, more accurate and long-term modeling is needed to develop a sustainable strategy for maximizing these benefits.

A new species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Southern Xizang, China with supplementary knowledge on I. leptocarpa Hook. f.

A new species, Impatiens lhunzeensis (Balsaminaceae), and a new record of I. leptocarpa from southern Xizang, China are reported and described in this study. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, both I. lhunzeensis and I. leptocarpa are assigned to I. sect. Racemosae. The new species forms a clade with I. drepanophora, I. eubotrya and I. principis, while I. leptocarpa is phylogenetically close to I. radiata and I. harae. The new species has a sympatric distribution with and is morphologically similar to both I. radiata and I. harae, but differs by the hairy stem, the densely hairy leaf blade, the raceme inflorescence, the reniform dorsal petals, the navicular lower sepal, the broadly ovate to sub-orbicular upper petals and the triangular oblong lower petals.

Development of Specific Molecular and Phenotypic Marker-Based Haploid Inducers in Rice

Doubled haploid (DH) technology is an efficient strategy for producing completely homozygous lines for breeding programs. Mutations in the MATRILINEAL (MTL) phospholipase trigger intraspecific haploid induction in cereals. Although an in vivo haploid induction system based on OsMTL-edited plants has been established in rice (Oryza sativa), DH technology is still limited by other factors, such as haploid identification, which is one of the essential steps required for DH technology. In the study, we addressed this technical challenge by integrating specific molecular and phenotypic markers into rice haploid inducers. We first generated large fragment insertion or deletion mutations within the OsMTL gene and designed a pair of primers flanking the mutational sites to be used as the specific and universal molecular markers between wild-type and Osmtl plants. Next, we screened for hairy leaf as a single dominant trait and integrated it into specific molecular marker-based haploid inducers using the cross and self-cross method. When crossing cytoplasmic male sterile lines with these haploid inducers, we utilized the specific InDel marker and hairy leaf phenotypic marker to identify putative haploids (or double haploids). These putative haploids were further confirmed through ploidy and phenotypic analysis, demonstrating the high efficiency of haploid identification using these markers. The haploid induction rate (HIR) of the developed specific molecular and phenotypic marker-based haploid inducers ranged from 3.7% to 12.5%. We have achieved successful integration of distinct molecular and phenotypic markers into rice haploid inducers. Our advanced marker-based system has significantly enhanced the accuracy of haploid identification, thereby expediting the adoption of DH technology in rice breeding.

Unraveling the secrets of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.: a comprehensive study of morpho-anatomy and DNA barcoding.

Safety regarding herbal products is very necessary; therefore, routine identification of raw materials should be performed to ensure that the raw materials used in pharmaceutical products are suitable for their intended use. In order for the identification-related data obtained to be accurate, the identification of various kinds of markers is also very necessary. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. based on qualitative morpho-anatomical markers and quantitative DNA coding. The morphology of this plant has herbaceous habit with a taproot and a stem with branches that appear from the middle. Leaves are single type imperfectly arranged oppositely, lanceolatus, finely serrated on the edges, tapered at the base, pointed at the end, and have a pinnate and hairy leaf surface. The flowers consist of ray flowers and tube flowers with a cup shape. Meanwhile, in terms of anatomy, E. alba has aerenchyma, which are scattered in the cortex of the root and stem. In addition, there are anisocytic stomata, glandular trichomes, and non-glandural trichomes with an elongated shape accompanied by ornamentation found on the leaf epidermis. The results of sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction show that the sample plants are closely related to species in the genus Eclipta.

Less hairy leaf 1, an RNaseH-like protein, regulates trichome formation in rice through auxin

The trichomes of rice leaves are formed by the differentiation and development of epidermal cells. Plant trichomes play an important role in stress resistance and protection against direct ultraviolet irradiation. However, the development of rice trichomes remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS)-mediated mutagenesis on the wild-type (WT) indica rice ‘Xida 1B’. Phenotypic analysis led to the screening of a mutant that is defective in trichome development, designated lhl1 (less hairy leaf 1). We performed map-based cloning and localized the mutated gene to the 70-kb interval between the molecular markers V-9 and V-10 on chromosome 2. The locus LOC_Os02g25230 was identified as the candidate gene by sequencing. We constructed RNA interference (LHL1-RNAi) and overexpression lines (LHL1-OE) to verity the candidate gene. The leaves of the LHL1-RNAi lines showed the same trichome developmental defects as the lhl1 mutant, whereas the trichome morphology on the leaf surface of the LHL1-OE lines was similar to that of the WT, although the number of trichomes was significantly higher. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that the expression levels of auxin-related genes and positive regulators of trichome development in the lhl1 mutant were down-regulated compared with the WT. Hormone response analysis revealed that LHL1 expression was affected by auxin. The results indicate that the influence of LHL1 on trichome development in rice leaves may be associated with an auxin pathway.

Gynmema sylvestre - A Potentional Medicinal Herb

Gymnema sylvestre (Gs) is a well proven anti diabetic plant and used in Indian system of medicine for long period. A new variant of Gs was identified having hairy leaf. This Gs hairy variant species was subjected for pharmacognostical studies and screened for phytochemical analysis and correlated with the previous work done normal non hairy species. The leaves were analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic characteristics by taking microtome sectioning and stained for viewing in slides. The dried powdered leaf was subjected to fluorescent study using chemical reagents and viewed under visible and UV light to study the coloring pattern of the powdered particles interacting with the reagents. The powder was subjected for physicochemical studies using Indian Ayurvedic Pharamacopoeia procedure. The different extractions were done by using 100%, 50% ethanol and water. These extracts were subjected for preliminary qualitative analysis, quantitative estimation of terpenoides, alkaloids and marker compound Glycemnic acid.

Six new species of Alchemilla series Calycinae (Buser) Rothm. (Rosaceae) from the Caucasus

Descriptions and illustrations of the key morphological characters for six new species of Alchemilla ser. Calycinae (A. bezengiensis, A. kazbekensis, A. longipedicellata, A. muldaschevii, A. pseudotranscaucasica, A. ptyschensis) are presented. A. bezengiensis (A. aggr. ellenbergiana) differs from related species by hairy stems throughout and/or densely hairy hypanthia, and/or hairy lower leaf surface. A. kazbekensis (A. aggr. dura) is formally close to A. ser. Elatae by having patent indumentum of stems and petioles that differs it from all other Calycinae. A. longipedicellata (A.aggr. abchasica) is distinguished from most members of the aggregate by fewer leaf lobes and/or glabrous hypanthia, from other Calycinae – by numerous teeth of leaf blades and/or slightly dissected leaves. The three last species belong to A. aggr. transcaucasica being quite similar by appearance. A. muldaschevii differs from relatives by having entirely glabrous stems and orbicular upper radical leaves with overlapped basal lobes. A. pseudotranscaucasica, in comparison with others, has evenly hairy leaves beneath and stems hairy throughout, but glabrous hypanthia. A. ptyschensis is distinguished from other species of the aggregate by stems hairy only at the lowermost internode; from other Calycinae – besides the stem indumentum by longer truncate leaf lobes and glabrous at the base main veins of leaf blades.

Identifikasi Daun Sangkareho (Callicarpa longifolia Lam) secara Makroskopis dan Mikroskopis

The utilization and development of traditional plants is a big investment for the sustainability of Indonesia society. Traditional medicine has its own requirements in order to guarantee the authenticity or correctness of the raw materials used. Sangkareho (Callicarpa longifolia Lam.) Is a family of Lamiaceae and a species of the genus Callicarpa. This study aims to provide scientific information data about the macroscopic and microscopic leaves of Sangkareho. The examination was carried out by observing the fresh leaves and the simplicia powder on the leaves of Sangkareho. The organoleptic results of the fresh Sangkareho leaves are hijua color, the distinctive smell of Sangkareho leaves is weak, and the taste is bitter, while the simplicia powder is slightly brownish in color, the distinctive smell of Sangkareho leaves is strong, and the taste is bitter. Macroscopic obtained by Sangkareho leaves are dark green on the upper surface and light green on the underside of the leaves, bitter taste, distinctive smell of Sangkareho leaves, oval elongated leaf shape, slightly hairy leaf surface, 11-17 cm long, 3 5-6 cm, the leaves are rather thin, the edges of the leaves are serrated, and the tips of the leaves are tapered, while for the simplicia powder it has a dense, smooth, non-stringy and dry texture, slightly brownish green, bitter taste, and has a distinctive smell of sangkareho leaves.

Youngiahangii (Asteraceae, Crepidinae), a new species from Hubei, China.

Youngiahangii T.Deng, D.G.Zhang, Qun Liu & Z.M.Li, sp. nov., a new species of Asteraceae, is described and illustrated. It was collected in Wufeng County, Hubei Province, Eastern Central China. Youngiahangii is morphologically most similar to Y.rubida, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by capitula with 8–10 florets and the hairy leaf surface. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and one chloroplast marker (rps16), showed that Y.hangii and Y.rubida were sister species with good support. The results of both phylogenetic analysis and the morphological data support the specific rank of Y.hangii.

<p><strong>Revision of <em>Begonia</em> (Begoniaceae) in Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Southern Vietnam, including two new species</strong></p>

The Begonia species occurring in Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam) are reviewed based on recent floristic field surveys. Five species were recognized from the montane forests, and two of which are new to science. The new species belong to Begonia sect. Platycentrum and are named as B. hongiaoensis C.W.Lin, T.C.Hsu & Luu and B. lamdongiana C.W.Lin, T.C.Hsu & Luu, repectively. Begonia hongiaoensis most closely resembles B. siamensis Gagnep from northern Thailand. Both species have a rhizomatous habit and bear ovate leaves. However, the new species differs by its stoloniferous habit, shallowly cordate leaf base and 5-tepaled pistillate flowers. Begonia lamdongiana is similar to B. coelocentroides Y.M.Shui & Z.D.Wei, a hairy leaf species of the same section in Yunnan of China, but is markedly distinct in its glabrous petioles, inflorescences, pedicels and ovaries, and larger bracts.

Paper New Allele of HL6 Regulates Trichome Elongation in Rice

Trichomes are specialized epidermal cells that play multiple roles in plant development. However, knowledge about the molecular mechanism of trichome development in rice is limited. In this study, a hairy leaf locus HL6SWWR of rice variety Suwangwanger (SWWR) was identified by map-based cloning. Transgenic complementation and knock-out mutation demonstrated that HL6SWWR regulated trichomes on leaves and expression levels of HL6SWWR affected trichome elongation. Transgenic experiments of PROSWWR:HL6NIP and PRONIP:HL6SWWR indicated that the promoter and coding sequences of HL6SWWR were indispensable for trichome regulation. Sequencing alignment of the promoter and coding regions of HL6 in 22 varieties showed that some cis-binding elements in the promoter region may be related to trichome development, while no decisive variation was found in the coding sequence. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that 1 415 differential expression genes (DEGs) were detected in hl6SWWR mutant vs wild type and that 1 010 DEGs were found in HL6SWWR complementary transgenic line vs wild type. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that most of the DEGs were involved in metabolite pathway, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, plant pathogen interaction and phytohormone signal transduction in both the two groups. The results indicated that these enhanced pathways are critical during trichome development in rice. Taken together, our results provided new views into the regulatory mechanism of trichome formation in rice.

Echinops sahyadricus sp. nov. (Asteraceae: Cardueae), from the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India

The new species Echinops sahyadricus is discovered and described from northern Western Ghats, India. It is endemic to the Maharashtra state and probably restricted to few high mountain peaks in Western Maharashtra. The new species is distinguished from the related E. echinatus by adaxially glabrous to sparsely elgandular hairy leaf surfaces, larger non‐cornigerous synflorescences up to 9 cm in diameter and numerous (19–24) glabrous phyllaries up to 27 mm long. An identification key to all Indian taxa of Echinops, illustration and colour plates are provided.

A new species of Bredia (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) from Sichuan, China.

Bredia hispida (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), a species occurring in southeastern Sichuan, China, is newly described based on morphological and molecular data. The generic placement of B. hispida is well supported by phylogenetic analysis and morphological characters, including basally cordate, hairy leaf blade, cymose inflorescence, basally gibbous anthers and enlarged ovary crown enclosing an inverted frustum-shaped depression. Both molecular and morphological divergence showed that B. hispida is well separated from its close relatives, justifying its recognition as a distinct species. The new species resembles B. repens, B. changii and B. guidongensis in the prostrate habit and isomorphic stamens but differs markedly in the unequal opposed leaves, the 2–4 mm long, stout bristles on the adaxial surface of leaf blade and acuminate leaf apex. Bredia hispida co-occurs with B. esquirolii in the wild. No morphologically putative hybrids between them were observed despite their overlap in flowering season. The isolating mechanism remains unclear, pending further investigation.

Flowering weeds and Coccinellids species in white maize field

The use of pesticides as a pest control in conventional cropping systems has caused various adverse effects such as pest resistance, resurgence and death of natural enemies. One of the best solutions is to use of natural enemies as biological control agents. Natural enemies can multiply quickly on flowering weed. The purpose of this research was to identify Coccinellids species and flowering weeds as a food source for them surrounding the maize field. Survey on the presence of Coccinellids species was conducted at maize field in Ta’deang, Maros district, South Sulawesi (5°2’7”S, Π9°41’6”E) in June until July 2019. Visual observation of Coccinellids species was conducted every weekend in the early morning. The survey was forming diagonally in fivesampling point (used 5 maize per sampling point) inside the maize field. Observation of Coccinellids species with interval 7 days. Flowering weeds were collected from similar field with Coccinellids species. The five sample of every flowering weeds were identified and recorded. The observations in white maize field from 35 to 56 days after planting indicate the common pest is grasshopper (Valanga sp.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and caterpillar hairy leaf Orgyia antiqua (Lepidoptera :Erebidae). Based on the identification of Coccinellids species in the white maize field, there are two lady bird beetle species such as Verania discolor and Menochilus sexmaculatus. Based on visual observations found flowering weeds such as :meniran/Phyllanthus niruri (Phyllanthaceae); Cleome rutidosperma (Capparidaceae); patikan/Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbiaceae), krokot/Portulaca sp. (Portulacaceae) and Eleusine indica (Poaceae). The results indicated that two types of Coccinellids were found living in four types of the flowering weeds in white maize field.

Reduction of urban traffic-related particulate matter-leaf trait matters.

Particulate matter in European cities, especially in urban areas, is mainly from urban road traffic and constitutes a great threat to the health of inhabitants. Therefore, understanding of the role of common urban roadside plant plays for particulate matter (PM) reduction would have important meaning for the mitigation of urban air pollution. The leaf surface PM capturing capacity of 12 representative urban plants (five shrubs and seven trees) alongside one main street in Hanover Germany was explored in this study. Significant differences for the amount of captured PM (both PM10 and PM2.5) on the leaf surface were found between plant species. Leaves of Taxus baccata, Berberis thunbergii, Pinus nigra, and Quercus robur showed the highest capturing capacity, while leaves of Prunus laurocerasus and Carpinus betulus showed the lowest value. Leaf shape is an important factor which affects the capturing capacity of the tested plant species. Needle-leaved pants were relatively more effective than broad-leaved species. Besides, species with small leaf surface area (0-10cm2) showed a notably higher capacity than species with large leaf surface area (over 100cm2). Additionally, by the observation of leaf surface characteristics, plant species with rough and hairy leaf surface tended to be more effective than species with smooth leaf surface. More PM was found distributed on the upper leaf surface close to the midrib rather than on the surface area away from it. At last, no significant correlation was found between the leaf surface contact angle and its PM capturing capacity for the 12 tested plant species in September. In summary, leaf traits including leaf form, leaf shape, leaf surface area, leaf surface hydrophilicity and leaf surface characteristics all have notable effects on the PM capturing capacity of the roadside plant species. This study provides a scientific basis for roadside plants as an eco-friendly solution for the reduction of urban traffic-related PM and stresses the importance of leaf traits as criteria for the plant selection.

Identification of genetic loci for leaf hair development in rice through genome-wide association study

As the staple food source for more than one half of the world’s population, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Leaf hair derives from the epidermal cell of leaf and has the functions of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in rice. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify genetic loci related to leaf hair development and then subsequently isolate corresponding genes in rice. In recent years, genome-wide association study (GWAS) has been adopted to study complex agronomic traits of crops. Here, we selected 149 rice varieties with abundant phenotypic and genetic variations to detect genetic loci related to development of leaf hairs with GWAS. Total of 13 genetic loci were found significantly associated with leaf hair development. Upstream and downstream of 120 kb to these loci (240 kb) was considered as the interval for candidate genes. Among those loci, qHL6-2 included the gene LOC_Os06g44750, which was recently reported involved in the formation of rice leaf hair. Real time RT-PCR demonstrated that transcript amounts of the gene in hairy leaf varieties were significantly higher than those with less leaf hair. Overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 analysis of LOC_Os06g44750 confirmed its biological function in leaf hair development. Haplotype analysis on the coding region of HL6-2 in 149 rice cultivars indicated that two haplotypes were dominant among at least 7 haplotypes. In addition, the number of root hairs was found decreased in CRISPR/Cas9 plants. Our study not only verifies that combined with gene annotation, GWAS can be utilized to rapidly identify candidate genes related to leaf hair, but also provides genetic basis for dissecting molecular mechanism underlie leaf hair and root hair formation.

Stigmellamultispicata Rociene. & Stonis, an Asian leafminer on Siberian elm, now widespread in eastern North America (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae).

Stigmellamultispicata Rocienė & Stonis, 2014, previously known from the single male holotype from Primorye, Russia, is reported as a new invasive species mining leaves of Siberian elm, Ulmuspumila L., in eastern North America. Both adults and leafmines have been reported from many sites as unidentified Nepticulidae since 2010. Crucial for the identification was a match of the DNA barcode of a single larva collected on Ulmuspumila in Beijing with adults from North America. The single larva constitutes a new record for China. Stigmellamultispicata is closely related to the European S.ulmivora (Fologne, 1860), feeding likewise on Ulmus, but differs in details of external morphology and genitalia, particularly in the female, where S.multispicata has a remarkable elongated narrow ovipositor, suitable for oviposition in underside hairy leaf vein axils, where all mines start. In North America S.multispicata is the only Ulmus-feeding nepticulid with green larvae. Currently the species is known from USA: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Canada: Ontario and Québec. In Sagaponack, on Long Island, New York, larvae have been reported to occur en masse on Siberian elms from at least two sites. The current distribution could be reconstructed thanks also to many online photographs from observation websites. The species is redescribed, with the first descriptions of female, larva, and leafmine, and compared with S.ulmivora, which is fully redescribed. The two native North American nepticulid Ulmus leafminers, S.apicialbella (Chambers, 1873) and Ectoedemiaulmella (Braun, 1912), are diagnosed and new provincial and state records are provided. A key to linear mines on Ulmus in North America is provided. We suspect that trade of live plants through nurseries played a role in the sudden spread of this invasive species.

Development and studying of Triticum aestivum L. material with introgressions from Aegilops biuncialis Vis.

Aim. The aim of the study was to develop and study T. aestivum material with introgressions from Ae. biuncialis. Methods. Quantitative traits of F4 lines from crossing wheat with Crimean accessions of Ae. biuncialis were studied. SDS and APAG electrophoreses of storage proteins were used to identify alleles at the Glu-1 and Gli-1 loci, including introgressed ones. Results. F4 lines from crosses of wheat with Ae. biuncialis showed a wide range of yield traits. Some lines had a clavate spike and a hairy leaf blade. Using storage proteins as genetic markers the presence of chromosome 1U was identified among the progeny of plants analyzed; some of them had translocation of arm 1UL. Lines with introgressions of chromosome 1M were not revealed. Conclusions. T. aestivum lines with introgressions from Ae. biuncialis were developed without amphidiploid production. Lines with chromosome 1U were selected, including lines with translocations of arm 1UL.
 Keywords: Triticum aestivum L., Aegilops biuncialis Vis., introgression.

Impact of Cotton Leaf and Bract Characteristics on Cotton Leaf Grade

Core Ideas Cultivars with higher trichome densities resulted in higher leaf grade values. Leaf area and bract length had no relation with leaf grading. Industry leaf hairiness ratings are not consistent with observed leaf hairiness ratings. The remnants of leaf material in harvested cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) can significantly increase leaf grade values, resulting in discounts to the producers and increased ginning cost. The impacts of leaf and bract pubescence and leaf and bract area of different cotton cultivars were studied on cotton leaf grade during 2011 and 2012, and the accuracy of industry leaf hairiness rating was evaluated. Three replicated trials were conducted during 2011 in Texas in the Lower and Upper Coastal Bend and the Blackland Prairie, and Tifton, GA was added as a fourth location in 2012. Two separate commercial‐scale (multi‐acre) trials were conducted during 2011 and 2012 to compare leaf grade values of a smooth leaf cultivar Deltapine 0935 B2RF and a hairy leaf cultivar Deltapine 0949 B2RF. Results demonstrated that increased leaf and bract trichome density increased the propensity for greater leaf grades in small‐plot and commercial field trials. Leaf area and bract length were not different among the cultivars at most of the locations, suggesting minimal relation with leaf grade. Pubescence quantification indicated substantial variation in cultivars, and discrepancies between company‐based rating systems; for example, semi‐smooth cultivar Phytogen 499 WRF was found to have denser trichomes compared with all smooth, semi‐smooth, and hairy cultivars. Overall, this study identified a detrimental relationship between leaf pubescence and leaf grade while other plant characteristics studied contributed little to greater leaf grades. Standardizations of leaf pubescence ratings among cotton cultivars will allow producers interested in improving leaf grade to accurately select their cultivar.

The biochemical composition and transcriptome of cotyledons from Brassica napus lines expressing the AtGL3 transcription factor and exhibiting reduced flea beetle feeding

BackgroundPreviously, transgenic trichome-bearing (hairy leaf) Brassica napus lines expressing either the Arabidopsis thaliana GL3 gene (line AtGL3+) [1] or the AtGL3 gene in combination with an RNAi construct to down-regulate TTG1 (line K-5-8) [2] were developed. The leaves of these lines exhibited altered insect feeding (flea beetle) and oviposition (diamondback moth) behaviour compared to the non-transgenic semi-glabrous leaves of B. napus cv. Westar. Interestingly, the cotyledons of these lines remained glabrous, but also showed reduced feeding by flea beetles. Here we examine the composition and global transcriptome of the glabrous cotyledons from these transgenic lines to ascertain the mechanism(s) underlying this unexpected phenomenon.ResultsApproximately, 7500 genes were up-regulated in cotyledons of each hairy line, compared with < 30 that were down-regulated. The up-regulated genes included those involved in cell wall synthesis, secondary metabolite production, redox, stress and hormone-related responses that have the potential to impact host plant cues required to elicit defense responses toward insect pests. In particular, the expression of glucosinolate biosynthetic and degradation genes were substantially altered in the glabrous cotyledons of the two hairy leaf lines. The transcriptomic data was supported by glucosinolate and cell wall composition profiles of the cotyledons. Changes in gene expression were much more extreme in the AtGL3+ line compared with the K-5-8 line in terms of diversity and intensity.ConclusionsThe study provides a roadmap for the isolation and identification of insect resistance compounds and proteins in the glabrous cotyledons of these hairy leaf lines. It also confirms the impact of mis-expression of GL3 and TTG1 on types of metabolism other than those associated with trichomes. Finally, the large number of up-regulated genes encoding heat shock proteins, PR proteins, protease inhibitors, glucosinolate synthesis/breakdown factors, abiotic stress factors, redox proteins, transcription factors, and proteins required for auxin metabolism also suggest that these cotyledons are now primed for resistance to other forms of biotic and abiotic stress.