Synthesis Of Photosynthetic Pigments Research Articles

The Dual Role of Zinc in Spinach Metabolism: Beneficial × Toxic

The effects of zinc (Zn) on the physiology of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) were investigated in a pot experiment with increasing Zn contents in the horticultural substrate (0, 75, 150, and 300 mg Zn kg−1). Interactions among nutrients in the substrate solution affected plant vitality, biomass yield, and nutrient content in plants. The water-soluble Zn fraction increased with the Zn dose, rising from 0.26 mg kg−1 in the Control to 0.98 mg kg−1 in the Zn300 treatment. The most pronounced effects of elevated Zn content were observed for Ca, Mg, and Mn. In spinach, the dual role of Zn was evident through its impact on yield, particularly regarding aboveground biomass. The positive effects of Zn doses up to 150 mg kg−1 were supported by the tolerance index (TI). In contrast, the 300 mg kg−1 Zn dose exhibited toxic effects, resulting in a 33.3% decrease in the yield of aboveground biomass and a TI value of 0.7. The effects of Zn on nutrient content in aboveground biomass varied with the dose, and the relationship between Zn and P, Fe, Mn, Ca, and K content confirmed a correlation. The toxic effect of the Zn300 treatment was evidenced by a decrease in Ca, Cu, and Fe contents. Additionally, the results of the Zn300 treatment indicated a negative effect on the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and photosynthesis, likely due to induced oxidative stress. The production of oxalic acid also suggested a toxic effect of the highest Zn dose on spinach.

Developing an off-site bicarbonation absorber system to promote microalgal fixation of CO2 in exhaust gas from biogas upgrading

In order to address the risk of explosion due to CH4 from exhaust gas produced during biogas upgrading in closed carbon fixation systems employing photosynthetic microalgae, an off-site bicarbonation absorber system was developed to promote microalgal CO2 fixation under atmospheric pressure. The abundant CO2 in the biogas upgrading exhaust gas (≥90 vol% CO2, ≤10 vol% CH4) reacted with a Na2CO3 solution in the off-site bicarbonation absorber to produce NaHCO3, which was used as carbon source for microalgal growth in enclosed column photobioreactors. After the reaction, CH4 was discharged outside the bicarbonation absorber because it did not react with the Na2CO3 solution and was extremely difficult to dissolve in water, thereby avoiding the explosion risk due to accumulated CH4 in the enclosed column photobioreactors. The experimental results showed that the Spirulina growth rate first increased 1.7 times, peaking at 0.6 g/L/d, and then decreased when the bicarbonation reaction time (optimal 50 min), absorber diameter (optimal 10 cm), initial Na2CO3 concentration (optimal 173 mM), and exhaust gas aeration rate (optimal 100 sccm) increased. The optimal molar ratio of NaHCO3 to total inorganic carbon in the bicarbonation absorber solution reached 79 %. The sufficient HCO3- supply and suitable pH of the microalgal solution improved the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in the microalgal cells and enhanced their photochemical efficiency and carbon sequestration rates.

Enhancing cold tolerance in tobacco through endophytic symbiosis with Piriformospora indica.

Tobacco, a warm-season crop originating from the Americas, is highly susceptible to cold stress. The utilization of symbiotic fungi as a means to bolster crops' resilience against abiotic stresses has been proven to be a potent strategy. In this study, we investigated the effect of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica on the cold resistance of tobacco. When exposed to cold stress, the colonization of P.indica in tobacco roots effectively stimulates the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). This, in turn, reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby mitigating oxidative damage. Additionally, P. indica elevates the levels of osmolytes, such as soluble sugars, proline, and soluble proteins, thus facilitating the restoration of osmotic balance. Under cold stress conditions, P. indica also induces the expression of cold-responsive genes. Furthermore, this fungus not only enhances photosynthesis in tobacco by stimulating the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, strengthening Rubisco activity, and elevating PSII efficiency, but also fortifies tobacco's nitrogen assimilation by inducing the expression of nitrate transporter gene and activating enzymes related to nitrogen assimilation. Consequently, this synergistic optimization of nitrogen and carbon assimilation provides a solid material and energetic foundation for tobacco plants to withstand cold stress. Our study demonstrates that a mycorrhizal association between P. indica and tobacco seedlings provides multifaceted protection to tobacco plants against low-temperature stress and offers a valuable insight into how P. indica enhances the cold tolerance of tobacco.

Sll1019 and slr1259 encoding glyoxalase II improve tolerance of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to methylglyoxal- and ethanol- induced oxidative stress by glyoxalase pathway.

The glyoxalase pathway is the primary detoxification mechanism for methylglyoxal (MG), a ubiquitous toxic metabolite that disrupts redox homeostasis. In the glyoxalase pathway, glyoxalase II (GlyII) can completely detoxify MG. Increasing the activity of the glyoxalase system can enhance the resistance of plants or organisms to abiotic stress, but the relevant mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the physiological functions of GlyII genes (sll1019 and slr1259) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under MG or ethanol stress based on transcriptome and metabolome data. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that proteins Sll1019 and Slr1259 had GlyII activity. Under stress conditions, sll1019 and slr1259 protected the strain against oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of the glyoxalase pathway and raising the contents of antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. In the photosynthetic system, sll1019 and slr1259 indirectly affected the light energy absorption by strains, synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and activities of photosystem I and photosystem II, which was crucial for the growth of the strain under stress conditions. In addition, sll1019 and slr1259 enhanced the tolerance of strain to oxidative stress by indirectly regulating metabolic networks, including ensuring energy acquisition, NADH and NADPH production, and phosphate and nitrate transport. This study reveals the mechanism by which sll1019 and slr1259 improve oxidative stress tolerance of strains by glyoxalase pathway. Our findings provide theoretical basis for breeding, seedling, and field production of abiotic stress tolerance-enhanced variety.IMPORTANCEThe glyoxalase system is present in most organisms, and it is the primary pathway for eliminating the toxic metabolite methylglyoxal. Increasing the activity of the glyoxalase system can enhance plant resistance to environmental stress, but the relevant mechanism is poorly understood. This study revealed the physiological functions of glyoxalase II genes sll1019 and slr1259 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under abiotic stress conditions and their regulatory effects on oxidative stress tolerance of strains. Under stress conditions, sll1019 and slr1259 enhanced the activity of the glyoxalase pathway and the antioxidant system, maintained photosynthesis, ensured energy acquisition, NADH and NADPH production, and phosphate and nitrate transport, thereby protecting the strain against oxidative stress. This study lays a foundation for further deciphering the mechanism by which the glyoxalase system enhances the tolerance of cells to abiotic stress, providing important information for breeding, seedling, and selection of plants with strong stress resistance.

Synthesis, characterization, and ameliorative effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on saline-stressed Zea mays

High soil salinity induces osmotic and ionic stress that threaten crop production worldwide and affect food security. This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on salinized Zea mays. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of Diodella sarmentosa, and the results of the characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–visible spectrophotometer, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the presence of polydisperse spherical iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) with a light absorption peak at 290 nm, and a size ranging from 3.03 nm to 87.04 nm. Daily foliar application of FeONPs on the salinized Zea mays for 10 days, significantly (p < 0.05) improved the plant’s photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyl (175.71 %), chlorophyll a (256.34 %), chlorophyll b (77.01 %), carotenoid (39.36 %), root length (9.87 %), and antioxidant enzyme activities, compared to the untreated and bulk FeCl3·6H2O-treated controls. Since iron is known to promote photosynthetic pigment synthesis, the enhanced photosynthetic indices observed in the FeONPs-treated pot compared to the bulk FeCl3·6H2O-treated pot, may have resulted from the size-aided absorption of the FeONPs more than FeCl3·6H2O From the findings, it can be deduced that FeONPs can improve the growth and development of saline-stressed Zea mays by enhancing the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, while improving the photosynthetic pigments of the plant.

Application Techniques and Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid to Reduce Saline Stress in Passion Fruit

Salinity restricts the growth of irrigated fruit crops in semi-arid areas, making it crucial to find ways to reduce salt stress. One effective strategy is using eliciting substances like ascorbic acid. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of application methods and concentrations of ascorbic acid on the morphophysiology and production of sour passion fruit irrigated with saline water. The experiment was organized using a factorial randomized block design (3 × 3 × 2) with three application methods (soaking, spraying, and soaking and spraying), three concentrations of ascorbic acid (0, 0.8, and 1.6 mM) and two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water—ECw (0.8 and 3.8 dS m−1). Foliar spraying of ascorbic acid at a concentration of 0.8 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on the relative water content of leaves, the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, and total production of sour passion fruit when irrigated with ECw of 3.8 dS m−1. Plants grown with water of 0.8 dS m−1 and under foliar application of 0.8 mM of ascorbic acid achieved the maximum growth in stem diameter and the greatest volume of pulp in the fruits.

Functional variations in efficiency of PSII during leaf ontogeny in the tropical plant Saraca asoca

Leaf ontogeny of tropical evergreen tree species lasts several months with changes in size, shape, colouration and internal tissue distribution of leaves. Leaf initiation in Saraca asoca generally occurs once in a year during February–April, followed by very limited leafing thereafter. We measured the rate of photosynthesis, chlorophyll a fluorescence, energy quenching and PSII functions during the leaf ontogeny process. Observations were taken up to 35 days after opening of lamina (DAOL). Significant increase in the synthesis and accumulation of photosynthetic pigments but negative net photosynthesis was noticed during initial days of the ontogeny. The leaf moved from heterotrophy to autotrophy with gradual improvement of PSII functions. The ratio of intercellular CO2 (Ci) and ambient CO2 (Ca) showed significant change at ≥11 DAOL. Increase in the age of the leaf (between 5 and 28 DAOL) caused decrease in O-J rise and corresponding increase in J-I and I-P rise as well as of fluorescence maximum (FM) of the OJIP curve. The improvement of the electron transport components of the donor side of PSII was seen with increase in the functional oxygen evolving complex. The functional improvements of the donor and acceptor side of PSII during leaf ontogeny are discussed.

Hermetic effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract mitigates salinity stress in maize by modulating photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant activities

Salinity poses a significant constraint to cereal productivity particularly in arid and semiarid regions. The application of allelochemical has shown promising results in mitigating the intensity of abiotic stresses. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of different concentrations of aqueous allelopathic extract derived from moringa leaves in mitigating the adverse impacts of salinity on the germination and growth of maize cultivars via seed priming. The study involved three variables: two cultivars of maize, ‘Pioneer 30Y87’ (salt tolerant) and ‘Pioneer 30T60’ (salt sensitive) e seed priming with moringa leaf extract (MLE) at varying concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, and hydro-priming as control; and different salinity levels of 0, 6, and 12 dS m-1. Salinity had a negative impact on the germination process, leading to delayed and suboptimal growth of seedlings. Additionally, salinity reduced the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments (20-50%), photosynthesis, transpiration, internal carbon, and stomatal conductance. Further, MLE also improved the antioxidant activities (catalase: CAT and peroxidase: POD) by 22-56% which reduced the hydrogen peroxide production. Moreover, ‘P-30Y87’ exhibited favorable performance in terms of better germination, growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant activities. The application of moringa leaf extract (3%) resulted in a more notable hermetic effect in elevating salinity stress thereby enhancing germination, growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant activities. In the conclusion, application of MLE (3%) is a promising approach to mitigate the adverse impacts of salinity by improving germination, growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant activities.

Benzophenone-4 inhibition in marine diatoms: Physiological and molecular perspectives

Benzophenone-4 (BP-4), a widely utilized organic ultraviolet (UV) filter, is recognized as a pseudo-persistent contaminant in aquatic environments. To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of BP-4 on marine diatoms, an investigation was conducted on the growth rate, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cellular structure, and transcriptome profile of the model species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The results showed a pronounced inhibition of algal growth upon exposure to BP-4, with a 144 h-EC50 value of 201 mg·L−1. In addition, BP-4 exposure resulted in a significant reduction in biomass, disruption of cell membrane integrity, and increased MDA accumulation, with levels escalating 3.57-fold at 125 mg·L−1 of BP-4. In the BP-4-treated samples, 1556 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 985 were upregulated and 571 were downregulated. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the carbon fixation and carbon metabolism processes in P. tricornatum were disrupted in response to BP-4 exposure, along with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The upregulation of genes associated with photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll and carotenoids) synthesis, phospholipid synthesis, ribosome biogenesis, and translation-related pathways may be regarded as a component of P. tricornatum's tolerance mechanism towards BP-4. These results provide preliminary insights into the toxicity and tolerance mechanisms of BP-4 on P. tricornatum. They will contribute to a better understanding of the ecotoxicological impacts of BP-4 on the marine ecosystem and provide valuable information for elimination of BP-4 in aquatic environment by bioremediation.

The effects of polypropylene microplastics on the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from water by Acorus calamus, Iris tectorum and functional microorganisms

Polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs), an emerging pollutant, adversely affect the ability of aquatic plants to restore water bodies, thereby compromising the functionality and integrity of wetland ecosystems. This study examines the effects of microplastic stress on the nitrogen and phosphorus removal capacities of Acorus calamus and Iris tectorum, as well as on functional microorganisms within the aquatic system. The findings indicate that under PP-MP stress, the nitrogen and phosphorus absorption capabilities of both plants were diminished. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the metabolic enzyme activities related to nitrogen and phosphorus in the plants, alongside a notable decrease in leaf nitrogen content. PP-MPs hinder the nutrient uptake of plants, affecting their growth and indirectly reducing their ability to utilize nitrogen and phosphorus. Specifically, in the 10 mg L−1 treatment group, A. calamus and I. tectorum showed reductions in leaf nitrogen content by 23.1% and 31.0%, respectively, and by 14.8% and 27.7% in the 200 mg L−1 treatment group. Furthermore, I. tectorum had higher leaf nitrogen levels than A. calamus. Using fluorescent tagging, the distribution of PP-MPs was traced in the roots, stems, and leaves of the plants, revealing significant growth impairment in both species. This included a considerable decline in photosynthetic pigment synthesis, enhanced oxidative stress responses, and increased lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. PP-MP exposure also significantly reduced the abundance of functional microorganisms involved in denitrification and phosphorus removal at the genus level in aquatic systems. Ecological function predictions revealed a notable decrease in nitrogen cycling functions such as nitrogen respiration and nitrite denitrification among water microorganisms in both treatment groups, with a higher ecological risk potential in the A. calamus treatment group. This study provides new insights into the potential stress mechanisms of PP-MPs on aquatic plants involved in water body remediation and their impacts on wetland ecosystems.

Effect of different timing of water deficit combined with foliar application of ascorbic acid on physiological variables of sour passion fruit

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of deficit irrigation treatments during different phenological stages and foliar application of ascorbic acid on gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, electrolyte leakage, relative water content and yield of ‘BRS GA1’ sour passion fruit. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, in a split-plot scheme, with plots consisting of six deficit irrigation treatments, based on crop evapotranspiration – ETc (irrigation with 100% ETc - FULL; irrigation with 50% ETc in the vegetative stage - VEG; flowering stage - FLO; fruiting stage - FRU; successively in the vegetative/flowering stages - VEG + FLO and vegetative/fruiting stages - VEG + FRU) and subplots represented by three concentrations of ascorbic acid - AsA (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mM). Water deficit induces changes in photosynthetic activity across all developmental stages of sour passion fruit, resulting in reduced yield in the period of 160 and 200 days after transplanting. Notably, flowering exhibits the greatest physiological acclimatization to water deficit conditions, albeit with more pronounced losses in the yield. When water deficit occurs during the vegetative and fruiting stages and is coupled with foliar application of ascorbic acid at 0.5 mM, there is an enhancement in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in ‘BRS GA1’ sour passion fruit. Overall, foliar application of ascorbic acid at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mM emerges as a viable strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of water deficit on the physiology and yield of sour passion fruit at 200 days after transplanting.

Physiological and Transcriptome Responses of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] to Weak-Light Stress.

In the relay intercropping system of maize/sweet potato, the growth of the sweet potatoes is seriously limited by weak light stress in the early stage due to shade from maize plants. However, it is not clear how the weak light affects sweet potatoes and causes tuberous root loss. By setting two light intensity levels (weak light = 30% transmittance of normal light), this study evaluated the responses of two sweet potato cultivars with different tolerances to weak light in a field-based experiment and examined the divergence of gene expression related to light and photosynthesis in a pot-based experiment. The results showed that under weak light, the anatomic structure of functional leaves changed, and the leaf thickness decreased by 39.98% and 17.32% for Yuhongxinshu-4 and Wanshu-7, respectively. The ratio of S/R increased, and root length, root superficial area, and root volume all decreased. The photosynthetic enzyme rubisco was weakened, and the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) declined as well. The level of gene expression in Wanshu-7 was higher than that of Yuhongxinshu-4. The KEGG analysis showed that differentially expressed genes from the two cultivars under weak-light stress used the same enrichment pathway, mainly via glutathione metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. After full light levels were restored, the differentially expressed genes were all enriched in pathways such as photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigment synthesis, and carbon metabolism. These findings indicated that weak light changed the plant morphology, photosynthetic physiology and gene expression levels of sweet potatoes, which eventually caused losses in the tuberous root yield. The more light-sensitive cultivar (Wanshu-7) had stronger reactions to weak light. This study provides a theoretical basis and strategy for breeding low-light-tolerant varieties and improving relay intercropping production in sweet potatoes.

Use of Proline to Induce Salt Stress Tolerance in Guava.

Guava is a fruit tree with high potential in the semi-arid region of northeast Brazil. However, qualitative and quantitative water scarcity is a limiting factor for the expansion of irrigated agriculture. Thus, it is necessary to use techniques to mitigate the effects of salt stress, such as foliar application of proline. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of proline as a mitigator of salt stress effects on the morphophysiology of guava cv. Paluma. The experiment was carried out under field conditions at the 'Rolando Enrique Rivas Castellón' Experimental Farm in São Domingos, PB, Brazil, using a randomized block design in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme referring to five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water, ECw (0.8, 1.5, 2.2, 2.9, and 3.5 dS m-1) and four concentrations of proline (0, 8, 16, and 24 mM). Salinity above 0.8 dS m-1 compromised gas exchange, photosynthetic pigment synthesis, photochemical efficiency, and growth of guava plants at 360 days after transplanting. Foliar application of proline at a concentration of 24 mM mitigated the effect of salt stress on the relative water content, stomatal conductance, and carotenoid contents in plants irrigated with 3.6 dS m-1 water. Meanwhile, a proline concentration of up to 18 mM resulted in higher transpiration, CO2 assimilation rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and absolute growth rate in stem diameter under ECw of 0.8 dS m-1. Proline concentration of up to 24 mM increased the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments and the relative growth rate in stem diameter of guava in the period from 190 to 360 days after transplanting.

Effects of water temperature on growth of invasive Myriophyllum aquaticum species

This study sought to investigate the invasive mechanism of Myriophyllum aquaticum by subjecting it to simulation experiments in varying water temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 30 °C. The results showed that water temperature considerably affected both the growth and reproduction of M. aquaticum. The optimal temperature range for the growth of M. aquaticum was 25‒30 °C. Although the growth of M. aquaticum was inhibited at temperatures between 0‒5 °C, this did not result in mortality. The stem nodes, branches, and diameter reached maximum values over a temperature range of 20‒25 °C. High-temperature stress at 30 °C led to a gradual decrease or disappearance of branches. Compared to the 0 °C, 5 °C, and 30 °C treatment groups, a temperature of 20 °C led to biomass accumulation and significantly higher values. M. aquaticum’s physiological activities were affected by temperature. Except for 10 °C and 15 °C, the catalase activity varied among different water temperatures. M. aquaticum catalase activity was maximal at 5 °C and minimal at 25 °C. Conversely, the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments was highest at 10 °C and 15 °C. The plant’s optimal temperature for growth was between 20 °C and 25 °C. When the temperature was &amp;lt;10 °C, M. aquaticum adapted to the water temperature’s potential damage. This plant has a notable ability to tolerate various temperatures.

Opportunistic pathogenicity observed for the endophytic fungus Diaporthe ueckerae on Gossypium hirsutum plants

AbstractCotton crops are routinely threatened by emerging fungal diseases. Fungal endophytes also can be considered latent phytopathogens. In this study we tested the hypothesis that an endophytic strain of Diaporthe, isolated from chlorotic leaves of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), could trigger physiological effects of biotic stress in this oilseed plant. We also assessed the histopathological aspects of the mycelial interaction of the endophyte with the adaxial surface of G. hirsutum leaves. Thus, we studied the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, pattern of gas exchange, and photochemistry of cotton plants subjected to inoculation with Diaporthe ueckerae via root and leaf at three different phenological stages (vegetative, reproductive, and maturation). Additionally, we histopathologically analyzed infected leaves using electron microscopy to study the process of leaf colonization by this endophytic fungus. We evidenced that D. ueckerae inoculation negatively affected the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in plants at vegetative and reproductive stages. Moreover, inoculation also negatively affected the photosynthetic rate and carboxylation efficiency of these plants. We also found that the presence of the endophyte increased transpiration and decreased water use efficiency in the plants. Furthermore, foliar inoculation negatively affected stomatal conductance, whereas inoculation via leaf or root reduced the photochemical performance of cotton. We also observed that D. ueckerae colonizes the leaf tissues of G. hirsutum via glandular trichomes and forces penetration into the epidermis using appressoria, and the plant responds by closing the stomata. The observed physiological alterations are indicative of biotic stress, confirming the hypothesis that D. ueckerae may be an opportunistic phytopathogen for cotton plants.

Identification and Functional Analysis of 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate Synthase Gene in Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) is a rate-limiting enzyme in terpene synthesis that can affect the accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants. In this study, three DXS gene family members were identified in the tomato genome-wide database. Using bioinformatics methods, we analyzed the gene structure, evolutionary affinities, and cis-acting elements of the SlDXS gene family members. Promoters of SlDXS genes contain plant hormone-responsive elements such as the CGTCA-motif, TGACG-motif, ABRE, TCA-element, TGA-element, ERE, CAT-box, and AACA-motif, which suggested that the SlDXS gene family may play an important role in hormone response. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that the tomato DXS2 gene was able to respond upon exposure to methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The construction of a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector for the SlDXS gene showed that the SlDXS2 gene was also able to respond to MeJA in silenced plants, but the induction level was lower relative to that of wild-type plants. The SlDXS1 gene is associated with the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. This study provides a reference for the further elucidation of the DXS gene’s biological function in the terpenoid synthesis pathway in tomatoes.

Integrated physio-biochemical and transcriptomic analysis reveals the joint toxicity mechanisms of two typical antidepressants fluoxetine and sertraline on Microcystis aeruginosa

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are of increasing concern worldwide due to their ubiquitous occurrence and detrimental effects on aquatic organisms. However, little is known regarding their effects on the dominant bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa. Here, we investigated the individual and joint effects of two typical SSRIs fluoxetine (FLX) and sertraline (SER) on M. aeruginosa at physio-biochemical and molecular levels. Results showed that FLX and SER had strong growth inhibitory effects on M. aeruginosa with the 96-h median effect concentrations (EC50s) of 362 and 225 μg/L, respectively. Besides, the mixtures showed an additive effect on microalgal growth. Meanwhile, both individual SSRIs and their mixtures can inhibit photosynthetic pigment synthesis, cause oxidative damage, destroy cell membrane, and promote microcystin−leucine−arginine (MC-LR) synthesis and release. Moreover, the mixtures enhanced the damage to photosynthesis, antioxidant system, and cell membrane and facilitated MC-LR synthesis and release compared to individuals. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that the dysregulation of the key genes related to transport, photosystem, protein synthesis, and non-ribosomal peptide structures was the fundamental molecular mechanism underlying the physio-biochemical responses of M. aeruginosa. These findings provide a better understanding of the toxicity mechanisms of SSRIs to microalgae and their risks to aquatic ecosystems.

Preventive effect of Cleome spinosa against cucumber Fusarium wilt and improvement on cucumber growth and physiology.

Cucumber wilt is an important soil borne disease in cucumber production, which seriously affects the development of the cucumber industry. Cleome spinosa also has pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and insect repellent. To study the control effect and mechanism of Cleome spinosa fumigation on cucumber wilt disease, different concentrations of Cleome spinosa fragments were applied on cucumber plants infected with Fusarium oxysporum. Cleome spinosa fumigation significantly reduced the incidence rate of cucumber Fusarium wilt. Under the fumigation treatment of 7.5gkg-1 Cleome spinosa fragments, the preventive effects were 74.7%. Cleome spinosa fragments fumigation can promote cucumber growth and synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, thereby improving individual plant yield and fruit quality. At 7.5gkg-1 Cleome spinosa fragments fumigation treatment, the plant height and individual plant yield of cucumber increased by 20.3% and 34.3%, respectively. Cleome spinosa fumigation can enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes in cucumber, maintain a balance of reactive oxygen species metabolism, and enhance the plant disease resistance. Moreover, Cleome spinosa can also regulate the activities of Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase, enhancing its resistance to Fusarium oxysporum. Moreover, number of bacteria and fungi significantly decreased under Cleome spinosa fumigation. Those results suggested that Cleome spinosa could effectively restrain cucumber Fusarium wilt. This study will provide a new idea for the further use of biological fumigation to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Formação de mudas de goiabeira sob estresse salino e aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio

ABSTRACT The occurrence of water with high concentrations of salts hinders the expansion of irrigated agriculture in the semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast, making it necessary to adopt strategies capable of minimizing the effects of salt stress on plants. In this context, the objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of hydrogen peroxide application on water relations, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and growth of guava cv. Paluma under irrigation with saline waters in the seedling formation stage. A randomized block design was used, in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with three replicates, with five levels of electrical conductivity of water - ECw (0.3, 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, and 4.3 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0, 25, 50, and 75 µM). Irrigation water salinity above 0.3 dS m-1 increased electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade and reduced the relative water content, synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, and growth of seedlings of guava cv. Paluma, at 80 days after sowing. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of up to 75 µM reduces the relative water content in the leaf blade of guava seedlings and did not mitigate the effects of salt stress on guava plants in the seedling formation stage.

Changes in Biologically Active Compounds in Pinus sylvestris Needles after Lymantria monacha Outbreaks and Treatment with Foray 76B.

Due to climate warming, the occurrence of Lymantria monacha outbreaks is predicted to become more frequent, causing repeated and severe damage to conifer trees. Currently, the most effective way to control the outbreaks is aerial spraying with the bioinsecticide Foray 76B. The present study aimed to determine the impact of both: (i) L. monacha outbreaks and (ii) treatment with Foray 76B on tree resistance through the synthesis of polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and soluble sugars (TSS) in Pinus sylvestris needles. Samples were collected from visually healthy (control), damaged/untreated, and damaged/Foray 76B-treated plots in 2020 and 2021 (following year after the outbreaks). The results revealed that L. monacha outbreaks contributed to the increase in TPC by 34.1% in 2020 and 26.7% in 2021. TFC negatively correlated with TPC, resulting in 17.6% and 11.1% lower concentrations in L. monacha-damaged plots in 2020 and 2021, respectively. A decrease in MDA was found in the damaged plots in both 2020 and 2021 (10.2% and 23.3%, respectively), which was associated with the increased synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in 2021. The research results also showed that in the following year after the outbreaks, the increase in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments was also affected by the treatment with Foray 76B. Moreover, the increase in the synthesis of TPC and photosynthetic pigments in the damaged plots in 2021 illustrates the ability of pines to keep an activated defense system to fight biotic stress. Meanwhile, a higher synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in Foray 76B-treated plots indicates a possible effect of the treatment on faster tree growth and forest recovery after L. monacha outbreaks.