Increased Disease Resistance Research Articles

Modern Insights into Breeding of Medicinal Plants for Health and Industry

An essential source of natural medicines, medicinal plants have a long history of usage in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses. Some of the secondary metabolites produced by plants as a defence mechanism against biotic and abiotic challenges are used to treat health affections. Considering the importance of medicinal plants primarily for their therapeutic qualities, this paper reviews the traditional and modern breeding methods of medicinal plants. Most plant cultivars today are products of traditional breeding techniques, such as selection, hybridization, mutagenesis, and polyploidy. Nevertheless nowadays, the use of molecular markers assisted selection or genetic editing techniques are promising tools in improving plant resistance to environmental stress factors and increasing concentrations of bioactive compounds. Integrating modern breeding technologies with ecological cultivation and conservation strategies is the key to the long-term sustainability of medicinal plants. Some examples of these include increasing genetic variety in crops grown for medicinal purposes, protecting natural habitats, and using sustainable forms of agriculture. To maintain the original identity and characteristics of local plants, research must focus on using local genetic resources as the initial material for use in breeding programs. Improved varieties of medicinal plants can hence be created that display increased disease resistance, higher productivity, and/or improved efficiencies in bioactive compound synthesis, which would greatly influence the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Polymorphism of Genes Potentially Affecting Growth and Body Size Suggests Genetic Divergence in Wild and Domestic Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) Populations.

Background/Objectives: A combination of increased human presence in the Arctic zone alongside climate change has led to a decrease in the number of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). Studying the genetic potential of this species will aid in conservation efforts, while simultaneously promoting improved meat productivity in domestic reindeer. Alongside reducing feed costs, increasing disease resistance, etc., acquiring genetic variation information is a crucial task for domestic reindeer husbandry. This study thus identified highly informative molecular genetic markers usable for assessing genetic diversity and breeding purposes in reindeer. Methods: We analyzed gene polymorphism that may potentially affect animal growth and development in populations of wild (Taimyr Peninsula) and domestic reindeer, including Nenets and Evenk breeds. We screened these populations for polymorphisms by sequencing the GH, GHR, LCORL and BMP2 genes. Results: Following generation of gene sequences, we compared the alleles frequency in the surveyed populations and their genetic divergence. Some loci lacked polymorphism in wild reindeer, unlike domestic breeds. This could suggest a selection-driven microevolutionary divergence in domestic reindeer populations. An isolated domestic population from Kolguyev Island appeared to be genetically remote from continental reindeer. Conclusions: Molecular genetic markers associated with economically important traits in reindeer can be further developed using the data obtained. Monitoring wild reindeer populations and better utilizing the genetic potential of domestic animals will depend on a panel of these marker genes. By using this marker panel, the amount of time spent on selection efforts will be greatly reduced to enhance meat performance during reindeer breeding.

Enhanced Growth, Haematological and Biochemical Performance in Hybrid Catfish of Clarias gariepinus x Clarias cavernicola

This study evaluated the growth performance, haematological indices, and biochemical parameters of four catfish breeds, including two purebreds (Clarias cavernicola and Clarias gariepinus) and two hybrids (female C. cavernicola x male C. gariepinus and female C. gariepinus x male C. cavernicola). Over four months, growth was assessed by measuring body weight, total length, and standard length. Haematological and biochemical analyses were conducted to assess the health and immune status of the different breeds. The results indicated that the hybrid of female C. cavernicola x male C. gariepinus exhibited the highest growth performance, with significant increases in body weight and length compared to the other breeds. This hybrid also demonstrated the highest white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts, suggesting a stronger immune response, which was statistically significant (p<0.05) compared to the purebreds. Granulocyte levels were consistent across all breeds, while red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts showed no significant differences, indicating stability in these parameters. Biochemical analysis revealed that the female C. cavernicola x male C. gariepinus hybrid had the highest total protein and globulin levels, which are indicative of better health and immune function. Albumin levels were higher in both hybrids compared to the purebreds, while cholesterol, creatinine, and glucose levels were similar across all breeds. The alleles associated with better immunity are likely present in the maternal line of C. cavernicola, leading to the superior vigour observed in the C. cavernicola (female) x C. gariepinus (male) hybrid. This enhanced vigour results in improved growth, hematological, and biochemical profiles. Compared to purebred breeds, this hybrid demonstrates better health, increased disease resistance, and a higher potential for productivity in aquaculture.

Insights into lncRNA-mediated regulatory networks in Hevea brasiliensis under anthracnose stress

In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in plant biology, governing complex gene regulatory networks. In the context of disease resistance in Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree, significant progress has been made in understanding its response to anthracnose disease, a serious threat posed by fungal pathogens impacting global rubber tree cultivation and latex quality. While advances have been achieved in unraveling the genetic and molecular foundations underlying anthracnose resistance, gaps persist in comprehending the regulatory roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs under such stress conditions. The specific contributions of these non-coding RNAs in orchestrating molecular responses against anthracnose in H. brasiliensis remain unclear, necessitating further exploration to uncover strategies that increase disease resistance. Here, we integrate lncRNA sequencing, miRNA sequencing, and degradome sequencing to decipher the regulatory landscape of lncRNAs and miRNAs in H. brasiliensis under anthracnose stress. We investigated the genomic and regulatory profiles of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network in response to pathogenic infection. Additionally, we elucidated the functional roles of HblncRNA29219 and its antisense hbr-miR482a, as well as the miR390-TAS3-ARF pathway, in enhancing anthracnose resistance. These findings provide valuable insights into plant-microbe interactions and hold promising implications for advancing agricultural crop protection strategies. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on non-coding RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in H. brasiliensis under pathogen stress, establishing a foundation for innovative approaches aimed at enhancing crop resilience and sustainability in agriculture.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Used as Functional Feed Supplement or Alternative Protein Source: A Review of the Effects of Different Dietary Inclusion Levels on Production Performance, Health Status, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens.

The broiler industry is pivotal in meeting the growing global demand for highly nutritious animal protein foods. Hence, there is a continuous interest in identifying novel, alternative, and even unconventional feed resources that could help sustainably support chicken meat production and quality. In this view, the microalga Spirulina (Arthrospira, formerly Spirulina, platensis), due to its unique chemical composition and some ecological advantages offered by its cultivation over traditional agriculture, has attracted great attention in the poultry sector for potential application in broiler diets, either as a functional supplement or a replacer of conventional protein sources such as soybean meal. The studies conducted so far seem to have confirmed many of the initial expectations regarding the advantages that may derive from dietary Spirulina supplementation, documenting its capacity to positively influence the intestinal and general health status of broiler chickens, leading to improved or preserved productive performance (under normal or challenging conditions, respectively), as well as to increased disease resistance and survivability. Furthermore, dietary Spirulina supplementation has been shown to induce positive changes in some important traits of broiler meat quality. However, at present, the inclusion of Spirulina in broiler diet, especially but not solely in relation to the use as an alternative protein source, presents several technical and economic limitations. To increase the overall awareness around the actual usefulness and practical usability of Spirulina as a novel natural component of the broiler diet, this review paper seeks to provide a comprehensive and integrated presentation of what is currently known about this topic, highlighting critical issues that are still pending and would require further research efforts.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Molecular Defense Mechanisms of Poa pratensis Against Powdery Mildew Fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. Poae

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a valuable cool-season turfgrass widely utilized for forage, turf, and ecological purposes; however, its productivity and ornamental value are significantly compromised by powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. Poae, which negatively affects turf quality. In the present study, we examined the interactions between P. pratensis varieties and B. graminis, focusing on primary haustorium formation at 24 h post-inoculation and the formation of germ tubes at 48 h post-inoculation. We explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of different P. pratensis varieties at 48 h post-inoculation via transcriptomic techniques. Our results revealed that the primary haustorium formation rate in ‘Taihang’ at 24 h after B. graminis inoculation was significantly lower than that in ‘Explorer’ and ‘Black Jack’. The conidia of B. graminis could form two to five germ tubes, and the proportion of conidia that formed five germ tubes in ‘Taihang‘ at 48 h post-inoculation was significantly lower than that in the other two varieties. Transcriptome analysis revealed 680,765 transcripts as unigenes. A total of 9983 unigenes were identified as differentially expressed genes in one or more varieties of P. pratensis after inoculation with powdery mildew compared with the control. In total, 6284 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in ‘Taihang’, which was substantially greater than those in ‘Black Jack’ (4530) and ‘Explorer’ (4666). Moreover, 2843 differentially expressed genes were specific to ‘Taihang’, whereas 1644 and 1590 unique differentially expressed genes were specific to ‘Explorer’ and ‘Black Jack’, respectively. The specifically expressed genes play crucial roles in determining the disease resistance of powdery mildew. Notably, the expression of genes encoding chitinase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase 1, UDP-arabinopyranose mutase 1, oxalate oxidase 2, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1-like, tryptophan decarboxylase, and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase was closely related to powdery mildew resistance in ‘Taihang’, making them promising candidate genes for studying resistance to powdery mildew in P. pratensis. This study identified critical genes involved in powdery mildew resistance in P. pratensis, providing a basis for future gene mining and molecular breeding to increase disease resistance in P. pratensis.

Evaluation on the Efficacy of Farrerol in Inhibiting Shoot Blight of Larch (Neofusicoccum laricinum).

Neofusicoccum laricinum is the causal agent of larch shoot blight, a fungal disease affecting several species of larch. It causes severe damage, including stunting and mortality. This study aims to address the severe impact of larch shoot blight by evaluating the effect of farrerol on the inhibition of Neofusicoccum laricinum in Larix olgensis. We used LC-MS/MS and weighted gene co-expression network analysis to investigate farrerol's effects on Neofusicoccum laricinum and identify associated genes in resistant and susceptible larch. Our study identified significant differences in metabolite profiles between resistant and susceptible cultivars, with higher concentrations of farrerol showing complete inhibition of N. laricinum. Additionally, specific genes associated with farrerol content were up-regulated in resistant larch. Farrerol at higher concentrations completely inhibited N. laricinum, showing a strong correlation with increased disease resistance. This research suggests that farrerol enhances disease resistance in larch and provides a foundation for developing disease-resistant larch varieties based on antifungal metabolite traits.

Synergistic interactions of biocontrol agents and chemical fungicides enhance the disease resistance in Vigna radiata (L.) against Macrophomina phaseolina-associated with dry root rot

Macrophomina phaseolina, a necrotrophic fungus responsible for dry root rot disease in Vigna radiata L. (greengram) causes extensive yield losses. Biocontrol agents are reported to suppress phytopathogens, mitigate biotic stress, and improve growth and yield of plants. Here, Bacillus subtilis PSB-5 and Trichoderma sp. TD-6 along with chemical fungicides; mancozeb (MZB) and carbendazim (CBZM) were evaluated alone/or in combination for their effectiveness against M. phaseolina-induced root rot disease in greengram. B. subtilis and Trichoderma sp. suppressed phyto-fungal growth by 72 and 78 %, respectively. Both bioagents synthesized indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, and solubilized insoluble phosphate, released antimicrobial substances including siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, and various extracellular lytic enzymes. Further, efficacy of bioagents and fungicides (at 50 and 100 ppm) were tested (single and combined) against M. phaseolina-infected greengram cultivated in pot soils. While evaluating, bioagents and fungicides increased plant height, biomass, and vigor indices of infected greengram in order: PSB-5 + TD-6 > PSB-5 > TD-6 > MZB + CBZM (100 ppm) > CBZM (100 ppm) > MZB (100 ppm). Further, among treatment, dual inoculation of bioagents (B. subtilis + Trichoderma), maximally increased total chlorophyll (59.4 %), carotenoid (68 %), root phosphorous (69.6 %), root nitrogen (65.7 %), total soluble protein (80 %), soluble sugar (76 %), pod yield (82.3 %) and seed protein (68 %) over infected plants. Moreover, biotic stress-induced oxidative stress biomarkers (proline, malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage) and reactive oxygen species were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lowered in fungal-infected greengram following fungicides and bioagents application. Furthermore, combined inoculation of bioagents significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced percent disease index (PDI) and increased % protection in biotic-stressed greengram. Besides, bioagents potentially increased disease resistance in M. phaseolina-infected greengram plants by modulating defense responses such as activities of β-1, 3 glucanase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase which significantly protected plants from fungal pathogen. Soil populations of pathogen and bioagents declined and considerably increased, respectively, at harvest. Application of antagonistic bacterial and fungal strains enhances greengram resistance to M. phaseolina while concurrently offering agriculture an environmentally friendly choice. Also, these strains can be applied as biocontrol agents in disease suppression over chemical fungicides.

The response of microbiome assembly within different niches across four stages to the cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant and conventional soybean varieties.

Plants are inherently connected with the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in regulating various host plant biological processes, including immunity, nutrient acquisition, and resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. Many factors affect the interaction between plants and microbiome. In this study, microbiome samples were collected from five niches (bulk soil, rhizoplane, root endosphere, phylloplane, and leaf endosphere) across four developmental stages (seedling, flowering, podding, and maturity) of various soybean varieties. Composition and structure of bacterial and fungal communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene and ITS (Internally Transcribed Spacer) region amplicon sequencing. It was observed that both niches and developmental stages significantly impact on the assembly and composition of soybean microbiome. However, variety, presence of a transgene, and glyphosate application had minimal effects on microbial communities. The dominant microbiome varied across the five niches, with most containing beneficial microbial communities capable of promoting plant growth or increasing disease resistance. Types and abundance of the dominant microbes affected network stability, potentially resulting in functional changes in different ecological niches. This study provides theoretical evidence for microbial protection of plants against diseases and demonstrates that systematic analysis of the composition and diversity of soybean microbiomes can contribute to the development of biological control technologies.

What's the beef with gene editing? An investigation of factors influencing U.S. consumers’ acceptance of beef from gene-edited cattle

Gene-editing technology provides promising opportunities for livestock industries by enabling precise genetic modifications that enhance desirable traits such as increased disease resistance, heat tolerance, and nutritional quality. With gene-edited beef products entering the market soon, understanding consumers’ acceptance is critical. Using structural equation modeling, the study aimed to determine how key psychological and social factors influence U.S. consumers’ attitudes toward gene editing and their behavioral intentions toward ground beef from gene-edited cattle. Results indicate that knowledge, subjective social norms, and perceived benefits positively influenced attitudes, while perceived risks and food technology neophobia negatively influenced attitudes. Subjective social norms, perceived benefits, and attitudes positively influenced behavioral intentions, while perceived risks and food technology neophobia negatively influenced intentions. Attitudes acted as a partial mediator, significantly mediating the effects of subjective social norms, perceived benefits, perceived risks, and food technology neophobia on behavioral intentions. Improving consumers’ behavioral intentions toward ground beef from gene-edited cattle hinges on cultivating more favorable attitudes toward the technology. Thus, collaborative efforts by scientists, producers, policymakers, extension agents, and agricultural communicators should seek to increase consumers’ perceived benefits and improve subjective social norms, as these factors were most influential.

Current Advances in the Black Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon Culture: A Review

ABSTRACTThe increasing high‐end market demand for the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon has brought tremendous industry opportunities. Although the industry has tried its best to increase production, according to the report data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), annual global production has shown no significant upward trend over the past decade. Besides that, newly implemented policies such as seafood safety and food security negatively impacted the industry and reduced production. However, P. monodon cultivation is still promising due to its larger body size and higher market acceptance as a premium product. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to increase the production of P. monodon by optimizing its culture conditions, implementing new culture system, increasing disease resistance to disease such as WSSV, AHPND, WFD, implementation of pre‐ and probiotics in feed, and selective breeding programs to increase genetic diversity and population of P. monodon broodstock. This review provides an overview of the current advances in P. monodon broodstock cultivation, thereby providing an essential baseline for P. monodon aquaculture. Areas needing urgent research focus are also highlighted. Future research should take great strides and take into account the impact of future climate change scenario during P. monodon culture and optimization, and increase biosecurity measures to prevent its introduction as an alien species in wild settings.

Experimental evolution for improved postinfection survival selects for increased disease resistance in Drosophila melanogaster.

Disease resistance (defined as the host capacity to limit systemic infection intensity) and disease tolerance (defined as the host capacity to limit infection-induced damage) are 2 complementary defense strategies that help the hosts maximize their survival and fitness when infected with pathogens and parasites. In addition to the underlying physiological mechanisms, the existing theory postulates that these 2 strategies differ in terms of the conditions under which each strategy evolves in the host populations, their evolutionary dynamics, and the ecological and epidemiological consequences of their evolution. Here, we explored if one or both of these strategies evolve when host populations are subjected to selection for increased postinfection survival. We experimentally evolved Drosophila melanogaster populations, selecting for the flies that survived an infection with the entomopathogen Enterococcus faecalis. We found that the host populations evolved increased disease resistance in response to selection for increased survival. This was despite the physiological costs associated with increased resistance, the expression of which varied with the phase of infection. We did not find evidence of any change in disease tolerance in the evolved host populations.

Assessment of breeding and genetic parameters of milk productivity indicators of zebu cows-a prominent type of black-and-white breed

The article presents the results of an evaluation of the breeding and genetic parameters of milk productivity and breeding qualities of zeboid-type black-and-white cows. The level of coefficient of variability, interrelation and coefficient of heritability of indicators of dairy productivity of cows for the first, third and highest lactation in the herd of the Experimental station “Snegiri” — a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science “N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences” (Istra district, Moscow region) has been established. Currently, the herd at the experimental station consists of hybrid cattle created by crossbreeding black-and-white cattle with various zeboid subspecies (New Zealand, Indian, Azerbaijani, and Cuban), as well as with purebred Holstein-Friesians. As a result of extensive breeding work involving distant hybridization, unique animals have been developed that exhibit increased disease resistance, significant adaptive potential, and are undemanding in terms of feed and housing conditions under intensive milk production technology. Generally, the milk from zeboidtype black-and-white cattle is characterized by a comparatively higher concentration of nutrients — fats, proteins, milk sugar, and essential amino acids. The high nutritional value of the milk, combined with the enhanced adaptive abilities, characterizes the zeboid-type black-and-white cattle as potentially valuable animals, making breeding work with them justifiably highly relevant. The evaluation of breeding and genetic parameters will help uncover the potential for milk productivity, determine the directions for breeding work, and adjust selection methods to further enhance production and improve the breeding qualities of this type of dairy cattle.

Plant Cell Wall Polysaccharide O-Acetyltransferases.

Plant cell walls are largely composed of polysaccharide polymers, including cellulose, hemicelluloses (xyloglucan, xylan, mannan, and mixed-linkage β-1,3/1,4-glucan), and pectins. Among these cell wall polysaccharides, xyloglucan, xylan, mannan, and pectins are often O-acetylated, and polysaccharide O-acetylation plays important roles in cell wall assembly and disease resistance. Genetic and biochemical analyses have implicated the involvement of three groups of proteins in plant cell wall polysaccharide O-acetylation: trichome birefringence-like (TBL)/domain of unknown function 231 (DUF231), reduced wall acetylation (RWA), and altered xyloglucan 9 (AXY9). Although the exact roles of RWAs and AXY9 are yet to be identified, members of the TBL/DUF231 family have been found to be O-acetyltransferases responsible for the O-acetylation of xyloglucan, xylan, mannan, and pectins. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the occurrence of O-acetylated cell wall polysaccharides, the biochemical properties, structural features, and evolution of cell wall polysaccharide O-acetyltransferases, and the potential biotechnological applications of manipulations of cell wall polysaccharide acetylation. Further in-depth studies of the biochemical mechanisms of cell wall polysaccharide O-acetylation will not only enrich our understanding of cell wall biology, but also have important implications in engineering plants with increased disease resistance and reduced recalcitrance for biofuel production.

Altering cold-regulated gene expression decouples the salicylic acid-growth trade-off in Arabidopsis.

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), overproduction of salicylic acid (SA) increases disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance but penalizes growth. This growth-defense trade-off has hindered the adoption of SA-based disease management strategies in agriculture. However, investigation of how SA inhibits plant growth has been challenging because many SA-hyperaccumulating Arabidopsis mutants have developmental defects due to the pleiotropic effects of the underlying genes. Here, we heterologously expressed a bacterial SA synthase gene in Arabidopsis and observed that elevated SA levels decreased plant growth and reduced the expression of cold-regulated (COR) genes in a dose-dependent manner. Growth suppression was exacerbated at below-ambient temperatures. Severing the SA-responsiveness of individual COR genes was sufficient to overcome the growth inhibition caused by elevated SA at ambient and below-ambient temperatures while preserving disease- and abiotic-stress-related benefits. Our results show the potential of decoupling SA-mediated growth and defense trade-offs for improving crop productivity.

Melatonin as a modulator of MAPK cascade and ROS-RNS feedforward loop during plant pathogen interaction

Sustainable agricultural practices encounter formidable obstacles posed by a diverse array of biotic stressors, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, phytoplasma, and nematodes, which are widespread across the globe. The severity of these stressors is shaped by variables such as weather patterns, cropping techniques, cultivation methodologies, crop varieties, and their resistance capabilities. Melatonin, a multifunctional compound present in various organisms, plays vital roles, especially in enhancing plant resilience to environmental challenges. Its use can alleviate the negative effects of abiotic factors on plants. Recent research indicates its positive influence on plant defense against biotic stresses. In this review, we discuss the contributions of melatonin in enhancing plant resilience against pathogenic attacks by initiating early defense responses, regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) levels, and interacting with signaling pathways involved in plant defense mechanisms. Following pathogenic attacks, ROS and RNS are rapidly generated, forming an interconnected loop with melatonin, termed the melatonin-ROS-RNS feedforward loop. We discuss how the loop, which may be present in the mitochondria and chloroplasts, increases disease resistance at the earliest possible stage of pathogen entry while providing on-site defense. We also consider the development of the melatonin receptor-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade and the emergence of phytohormone pathways in plants, and how melatonin interacts with these signaling pathways to drive defense responses. This multifunctional compound holds promise for sustainable agricultural practices by potentially mitigating the negative impacts of various biotic stressors on crop yield and quality.

Protection of pine plantations in Ukrainian Polissia

The protection of pine plantations in Ukrainian Polissia is one of the most significant environmental problems that have a significant impact on biodiversity, ecological balance and climatic conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the bioorganic composition “Meganit Nirbator” on the growth and development of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) planting material. The methods used in the study were: field method and laboratory method. According to the results of the study, it was found that for the period 2022-2024, a positive impact on the growth of seedlings and young pine trees was recorded on the territory of the Volodymyr-Volyn Forestry branch of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”. It was found that the bioorganic composition based on biochemical fractions of basidiomycetes stimulated the growth and development of seedlings and young trees of Scots pine. According to the results of laboratory and field studies, it was noted that an increase in the solution concentration contributed to a significant improvement in plant growth parameters: height, boot diameter, number of new shoots and chlorophyll content. The most effective were solution concentrations of 2% and 5%, which indicated increased resistance to diseases and a decrease in the number of pests. A decrease in the level of disease infections and the number of pests was noted, which indicated the high efficiency of the composition as a biofungicide and insecticide. It was demonstrated that a 5% solution of the biopreparation contributed to a 90% increase in disease resistance 12 months after the field studies, while after 24 months the resistance rate was 80%. The results of the study can be used to develop and implement environmental measures and programmes aimed at restoring Scots pine trees in the Volyn Region

Multigenerational Adaptation Can Enhance the Pathogen Resistance of Plants via Changes in Rhizosphere Microbial Community Assembly.

Plants withstand pathogen attacks by recruiting beneficial bacteria to the rhizosphere and passing their legacy on to the next generation. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. In our study, we combined microbiomic and transcriptomic analyses to reveal how the rhizosphere microbiome assembled through multiple generations and defense-related genes expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana under pathogen attack stress. Our results showed that continuous exposure to the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 led to improved growth and increased disease resistance in a third generation of rps2 mutant Arabidopsis thaliana. It could be attributed to the enrichment of specific rhizosphere bacteria, such as Bacillus and Bacteroides. Pathways associated with plant immunity and growth in A. thaliana, such as MAPK signaling pathways, phytohormone signal transduction, ABC transporter proteins, and flavonoid biosynthesis, were activated under the influence of rhizosphere bacterial communities. Our findings provide a scientific basis for explaining the relationship between beneficial microbes and defense-related gene expression. Understanding microbial communities and the mechanisms involved in plant responses to disease can contribute to better plant management and reduction of pesticide use.

Rice SRO1a Contributes to Xanthomonas TAL Effector-mediated Expression of Host Susceptible Genes.

Xanthomonas species infect many important crops and cause huge yield loss. These pathogens deliver transcription activator-like (TAL) effectors into the cytoplasm of plant cells. TAL effectors move to host nuclei, directly bind to the promoters of host susceptible genes, and activate their transcription. However, the molecular mechanisms by which TAL effectors induce host transcription remain unclear. We herein demonstrated that TAL effectors interacted with the SIMILAR TO RCD ONE (SRO) family proteins OsSRO1a and OsSRO1b in nuclei. A transactivation assay using rice protoplasts indicated that OsSRO1a and OsSRO1b enhanced the activation of the OsSWEET14 promoter by the TAL effector AvrXa7. The AvrXa7-mediated expression of OsSWEET14 was significantly reduced in ossro1a mutants. However, the overexpression of OsSRO1a increased disease resistance by up-regulating the expression of defense-related genes, such as WRKY62 and PBZ1. This was attributed to OsSRO1a and OsSRO1b also enhancing the transcriptional activity of WRKY45, a direct regulator of WRKY62 expression. Therefore, OsSRO1a and OsSRO1b appear to positively contribute to transcription mediated by bacterial TAL effectors and rice transcription factors.

Overexpression of NB-LRR Gene AtRPM1(D505V) Improved Drought and Salt Resistance and Decreased Cold Tolerance in Transgenic Rice

Abiotic stimuli severely restrict the growth and development of plants, resulting in massive losses in the quality and yield of crops. Exploring genes that can improve crop tolerance to abiotic stress is important. In a previous study, we found that overexpression of the Arabidopsis nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) gene AtRPM1(D505V) increased disease resistance in rice. In this research, we found that AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants were more sensitive to abscisic acid (ABA) than wild type (WT) plants. Abiotic-stress resistance in AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants was investigated. We found that AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants exhibited improved resistance to drought and salt stress; the phonotype and survival rates of transgenic rice were better than WT plants. The expression of stress responsive genes including OsDREB2A, OsDREB2B, OsRD22, and OsRD29A were significantly upregulated in AtRPM1(D505V) overexpressed plants than in WT plants. Moreover, the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) were significantly increased in AtRPM1(D505V) overexpressed plants than in WT plants under drought and salt stress. Under cold stress, the expression of stress responsive genes and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in AtRPM1(D505V) transgenic plants were significantly lower than in WT plants. Our research demonstrated that AtRPM1(D505V) confers drought and salt resistance to transgenic rice. Therefore, AtRPM1(D505V) could act as a potential candidate gene to cultivate drought- and salt-tolerant plants.