Abscission Rate Research Articles

Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: Arastichus gallicola (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Araceae)

In the complex dynamics of plant–insect interactions, the specialized galling of reproductive structures presents unique evolutionary adaptations. This study investigates the parasitic relationship between Arastichus gallicola (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an ovary-galling wasp, and the inflorescences of Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Araceae). We employed field experiments and histological analyses to investigate the mechanisms driving this interaction. We reveal that ovule fertilization is not required for gall formation; however, pollination substantially enhances gall retention by reducing inflorescence abscission. Inflorescences exposed solely to galling presented a 64% abscission rate, whereas those with both galling and pollination experienced 33% abscission, underscoring pollination’s role in mitigating inflorescence loss. Detailed observations of A. gallicola oviposition and larval development reveal the intricate gall formation process characterized by progressive tissue hypertrophy surrounding the larva. Galling and seed development were mutually exclusive, with only 9% of fruits containing both. This mutual exclusivity suggests a competitive interaction for developmental resources within the ovary. Our findings underscore the specialized larval biology of galling chalcid wasps, illustrating how interactions between gall formation and host reproductive strategies shape the evolution of gall induction in floral tissues. Our study advances the understanding of ovary-galling adaptations and the selective pressures shaping antagonistic and mutualistic interactions in plant reproductive structures.

Transcription Factor VlbZIP14 Inhibits Postharvest Grape Berry Abscission by Directly Activating VlCOMT and Promoting Lignin Biosynthesis.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the most effective preservative for table grapes as it reduces the respiratory intensity of berries and inhibits mold growth. However, excessive SO2 causes berry abscission during storage, resulting in an economic loss postharvest. In this study, grapes were exogenously treated with SO2, SO2 + 1.5% chitosan, SO2 + 1.5% eugenol, and SO2 + eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SN). In comparison to SO2 treatment, SN treatment reduced the berries' abscission rate by 74% while maintaining the quality of the berries. Among the treatments, SN treatment most effectively inhibited berry abscission and maintained berry quality. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that SN treatment promoted the expression of genes related to cell wall metabolism. Among these genes, VlCOMT was detected as the central gene, playing a key role in mediating the effects of SN. Dual luciferase and yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays demonstrated that VlbZIP14 directly activated VlCOMT by binding to the G-box motif in the latter's promoter, which then participated in lignin synthesis. Our results provide key insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the SN-mediated inhibition of berry abscission and could be used to improve the commercial value of SO2-treated postharvest table grapes.

Shortage of storage carbohydrates mainly determines seed abscission in Torreya grandis ‘Merrillii’

Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii is a well-known nut in South China with high nutritional value. Severe premature seed abscission limits the industrial development of T. grandis by causing serious economic losses. However, the physiological mechanisms of seed abscission in T. grandis remain poorly understood. To gain insight into the relationships between carbohydrate status and seed abscission, three-year-old seed-bearing branches were taken as representative materials for the entire tree. Furthermore, the time course of changes in the photosynthetic rate and the non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics were monitored in the main sources (the one-year-old and two-year-old shoots), and the dry weight and NSC levels of sinks (the seeds, current female cone cluster, and current vegetative cluster) across all seed development stages were recorded. The cumulative seed abscission rate significantly increased, reaching 91.5% from 0 to 72 days after seed protrusion time (SPT). NSC levels in the main sources significantly decreased by 56%–79%, accompanied by a significantly increased photosynthesis rate of 17.1%–49.1% during that period and increased NSC levels in the three sinks. The gene expression level of cell wall invertase (TgCWIN) was significantly correlated with sucrose, fructose, and glucose levels. The carbon storage capacity of the main sources significantly decreased from 6.03 to 3.14 mmol C · d−1, with a stable photosynthetic capacity, from 0 to 72 days after SPT, whereas the carbon demand of the three sinks showed a continuously increasing trend from 3.14 to 7.71 mmol C · d−1. In addition, sucrose supplementation significantly decreased the cumulative seed abscission rate. These results suggest that storage carbohydrates play a major role in the regulatory mechanism of seed abscission in T. grandis. Our study provides a theoretical basis for improving T. grandis yield through establishing a better carbon balance between sources and sinks using timely fertilization or proper pruning procedures.

Preparation and characterization of Iturin A/chitosan microcapsules and their application in post-harvest grape preservation

Iturin A (IA) encapsulated in chitosan (CS) microcapsules (IA/CS) underwent thorough physicochemical characterization using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM confirmed the smooth, spherical morphology of the IA/CS microcapsules, while FTIR revealed complex intermolecular interactions between IA and CS. TGA demonstrated thermal stability within the 0–100 °C range, while particle size analysis revealed an average diameter of 553.4 nm. To evaluate IA/CS efficacy in post-harvest grape preservation, grapes were treated with sterile water (CK), 10 g/L CS, 0.1 g/L IA/CS, and 0.1 g/L chitosan empty microcapsules (CKM), then stored at 25 °C for 16 days. IA/CS significantly reduced decay and respiration intensity by 52.3 % and 23.8 %, respectively, compared to CK. IA/CS treatment also inhibited abscission rate, weight loss, firmness reduction, total soluble solids consumption, titratable acidity consumption, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase activities on par with CS treatment (p > 0.05), but performed better than CK (reductions of 26.9 %, 41.2 %, 25.8 %, 27.2 %, 24.2 %, 19.4 %, and 17.4 %, respectively) and CKM (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation confirmed that IA/CS effectively suppressed decay, slowed post-harvest metabolic activity, and maintained grape quality. Therefore, IA/CS microcapsules offer a promising method for extending grape shelf life and preserving quality.

Light-responsive transcription factors VvHYH and VvGATA24 mediate wax terpenoid biosynthesis in Vitis vinifera.

The cuticular wax that covers the surfaces of plants is the first barrier against environmental stresses and increasingly accumulates with light exposure. However, the molecular basis of light-responsive wax biosynthesis remains elusive. In grape (Vitis vinifera), light exposure resulted in higher wax terpenoid content and lower decay and abscission rates than controls kept in darkness. Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing and RNA-seq data were integrated to draw the chromatin accessibility and cis-elements regulatory map to identify the potential action sites. Terpenoid synthase 12 (VvTPS12) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase 2 (VvHMGR2) were identified as grape wax biosynthesis targets, while VvHYH and VvGATA24 were identified as terpenoid biosynthesis activators, as more abundant wax crystals and higher wax terpenoid content were observed in transiently overexpressed grape berries and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The interaction between VvHYH and the open chromatin of VvTPS12 was confirmed qualitatively using a dual luciferase assay and quantitatively using surface plasma resonance, with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 2.81 nm identified via the latter approach. Molecular docking simulation implied the structural nature of this interaction, indicating that 24 amino acid residues of VvHYH, including Arg106A, could bind to the VvTPS12 G-box cis-element. VvGATA24 directly bound to the open chromatin of VvHMGR2, with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 8.59 nm. Twelve amino acid residues of VvGATA24, including Pro218B, interacted with the VvHMGR2 GATA-box cis-element. Our work characterizes the mechanism underlying light-mediated wax terpenoid biosynthesis and provides gene targets for future molecular breeding.

Selective Retention of Cross-Fertilised Fruitlets during Premature Fruit Drop of Hass Avocado

The productivity of many tree crops is limited by low yield, partly due to high rates of fruitlet abscission during early fruit development. Early studies suggested that cross-pollinated fruitlets may be selectively retained during fruit development, although paternity testing of fruitlets to test this hypothesis was technically challenging. We used MassARRAY genotyping to determine the effects of pollen parentage on fruitlet retention and fruit quality of Hass avocado. We identified the paternity of abscised and retained fruitlets at 6 and 10 weeks, and mature fruit at 36 weeks, after peak anthesis. We measured the embryo mass, pericarp mass, total mass and nutrient concentrations of fruitlets, and the seed mass, flesh mass, total mass, diameter, length, nutrient concentrations and fatty-acid composition of mature fruit. The percentages of progeny on the tree that were cross-fertilised increased from 4.6% at 6 weeks after peak anthesis to 10.7% at fruit maturity. Only 1.0% of freshly abscised fruitlets on the ground at 10 weeks after peak anthesis were cross-pollinated even though 6.5% of retained fruitlets on the tree were cross-pollinated. At this stage, cross-pollinated fruitlets had similar nutrient concentrations to self-pollinated fruitlets, but they had higher total contents of P, K, Al, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn due to having greater fruitlet mass. At maturity, cross-pollinated fruit were 6% heavier and had 2% greater diameter than self-pollinated fruit, without significant differences in flesh nutrient concentrations or fatty acid composition. The results demonstrate that Hass avocado trees selectively retain cross-pollinated fruitlets, which are larger than self-pollinated fruitlets and ultimately produce larger mature fruit. Avocado growers can increase fruit size and yield by improving the opportunities for cross-pollination, possibly by closely interplanting type A and type B cultivars and introducing more beehives into orchards.

Identification of SSR markers linked to the abscission of cotton boll traits and mining germplasm in Cotton

BackgroundCotton is an economically important crop. It is crucial to find an effective method to improve cotton yield, and one approach is to decrease the abscission of cotton bolls and buds. However, the lack of knowledge of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cotton boll abscission traits has hindered genetic improvements.ResultsPearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between boll abscission rates 1 (AR1) and boll abscission rates 2 (AR2). A genome-wide association study was conducted on 145 loci that exhibited high polymorphism and were uniformly distributed across 26 chromosomes (pair). The study revealed 18, 46, and 62 markers that were significantly associated with boll abscission, fiber quality, and yield traits (P < 0.05), explaining 1.75%–7.13%, 1.16%–9.58%, and 1.40%–5.44% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Notably, the marker MON_SHIN-1584b was associated with the cotton boll abscission trait, whereas MON_CGR5732a was associated with cotton boll abscission and fiber quality traits. Thirteen of the marker loci identified in this study had been previously reported. Based on phenotypic effects, six typical cultivars with elite alleles related to cotton boll abscission, fiber quality, and yield traits were identified. These cultivars hold great promise for widespread utilization in breeding programs.ConclusionsThese results lay the foundation for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of cotton boll abscission and provide data for the future improvement of cotton breeding.

The transcriptional control of LcIDL1-LcHSL2 complex by LcARF5 integrates auxin and ethylene signaling for litchi fruitlet abscission.

At the physiological level, the interplay between auxin and ethylene has long been recognized as crucial for the regulation of organ abscission in plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we identified transcription factors involved in indoleacetic acid (IAA) and ethylene (ET) signaling that directly regulate the expression of INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) and its receptor HAESA (HAE), which are key components initiating abscission. Specifically, litchi IDA-like 1 (LcIDL1) interacts with the receptor HAESA-like 2 (LcHSL2). Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we determined that the auxin response factor LcARF5 directly binds and activates both LcIDL1 and LcHSL2. Furthermore, we found that the ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3-like transcription factor LcEIL3 directly binds and activates LcIDL1. The expression of IDA and HSL2 homologs was enhanced in LcARF5 and LcEIL3 transgenic Arabidopsis plants, but reduced in ein3 eil1 mutants. Consistently, the expressions of LcIDL1 and LcHSL2 were significantly decreased in LcARF5- and LcEIL3-silenced fruitlet abscission zones (FAZ), which correlated with a lower rate of fruitlet abscission. Depletion of auxin led to an increase in 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (the precursor of ethylene) levels in the litchi FAZ, followed by abscission activation. Throughout this process, LcARF5 and LcEIL3 were induced in the FAZ. Collectively, our findings suggest that the molecular interactions between litchi AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 5 (LcARF5)-LcIDL1/LcHSL2 and LcEIL3-LcIDL1 signaling modules play a role in regulating fruitlet abscission in litchi and provide a long-sought mechanistic explanation for how the interplay between auxin and ethylene is translated into the molecular events that initiate abscission.

Early silique-shedding wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) phenotypes persist in a long-term harvest weed seed control managed field in Western Australia.

This study introduces a wild radish population collected from Yelbeni in the Western Australian grainbelt that evolved an early silique abscission (shedding) trait to persist despite long-term harvest weed seed control (HWSC) use. In 2017, field-collected seed (known herein as Yelbeni) was compared to surrounding ruderal and field-collected populations in a fully randomized common garden study. The Yelbeni population exhibited a higher rate of silique abscission when compared to the ruderal populations collected from the site before wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest (assessed at soft dough stage, Zadoks 83). A similar common garden study was conducted in the subsequent season (2018) using progeny reproduced on a single site without stress. The HWSC-selected progeny (Yelbeni P) shed 1048 (±288) siliques before wheat maturity at the soft dough stage (Zadoks 83) compared to 25 (±7) siliques from the pooled control populations. The Yelbeni P population only flowered 6 days earlier (FT50 as determined by log-logistic analysis) than pooled control populations, which is unlikely to fully account for the increased rate of silique abscission. The Yelbeni P population also located its lowest siliques below the lowest height for harvest interception (10 cm), which is likely to increase HWSC evasion. The mechanism inducing early silique-shedding is yet to be determined; however, wild radish is known for its significant genetic variability and has demonstrated its capacity to adapt to environmental and management stresses. This study demonstrates that the repeated use of HWSC can lead to the selection of HWSC-avoidance traits including early silique-shedding before harvest and/or locating siliques below the harvest cutting height for interception. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Jointly Revealed the Regulation and Pathway of Flower and Pod Abscission Caused by Shading in Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Flowers and pod abscission significantly reduces soybean yield. This study aims to identify the main signaling pathways and key candidate genes in soybean leaves that affect flower and pod abscission under shade conditions. This information will be useful for the localization and cloning of genes related to abscission. Two soybean cultivars with different abscission rates (Liaodou 32 and Shennongdou 28) were used in this experiment. The soybean leaves were subjected to 50% shading treatment and the transcriptome and metabolome was sequenced during the light-sensitive period. The effects of weak light at different growth stages on the metabolic pathways of soybean leaves and organ abscission were investigated by analyzing plant phenotype and physiological changes. The results showed that both two cultivars triggered the same molecular mechanism and similar metabolite accumulation mode by shading, but the regulations of the two cultivars were different. The key candidate genes identified for soybean flower and pod abscission caused by shading were DIV, MYB06, MYB44, MY1R1, MYBS3, WRKY6, WRK53, WRK70, WRK40, DOF14, CDF3, CDF2, GATA5, DREB3 and ERF3; the differentially expressed genes that caused the variation between the cultivars were SRM1, MYB16, WRK24, COL16, MYB61 and TRB1. The main metabolic pathways involved in soybean flower and pod abscission caused by shading were secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathway, metabolic pathway, cofactor biosynthesis pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis pathway and amino acid biosynthesis pathway; the DEMs that caused the differences among the cultivars were carbon metabolism, glutathione metabolism, biotin metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, purine metabolism, plant hormone signaling, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, lysine degradation, arginine and proline metabolism, amino sugars and nucleotide sugars metabolism, etc. In conclusion, shading treatment in the light-sensitive period of soybean changed the physiological response and gene expression level of leaves, inhibited carbohydrate metabolism and transport and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and thereby leading to increased competition and hormonal disruption, which promoted the abscission of soybean flowers/pods and reduced grain yield.

Studies on crossability in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) genotypes

Successful hybridization primarily depends on the crossability of the parents involved as well as development of the F1 hybrids and their derivatives. In the present study, 12 crosses were attempted to study the crossability relationship among cashew genotypes. Among the crosses, the highest crossability was recorded in the cross H-303 x VTH 711/4 (17.16%), whereas, high rate of abscission of young fruits was observed in crosses involving NRCC Selection -2 as female parent. The genotype VTH 711/4 has shown substantially high per cent of crossability and better nut set with different genotypes of cashew.

Effects of Ethrel and auxin applications on date palm fruit abscission during development

'Medjoul' is a large semidry date cultivar that is marketed as a special elite product. Fruit size and quality are determined by fruit load, which is dependent on the level of fruit set, fruitlet thinning protocols and natural drop. Currently there is no information on the process of natural fruit abscission in date palms and specifically not on abscission of 'Medjoul'. In the present study abscission levels were characterized through fruit development in vivo and in vitro. Fruit abscise throughout development. During two stages, at an 'Early fruitlet drop' and a 'June drop' (at 25–45 and 80–100 days after pollination respectively), specifically high rates of abscission were observed. The level of fruit set and the fruit load affects these two peaks respectively. Ethrel treatment, an ethylene releasing chemical, significantly induced fruitlet drop while Auxin (2,4-D) treatment reduced the rate of natural fruit drop in vitro, especially during the developmental stages with high natural abscission. A specific abscission zone located at the base of the fruit, just between the calyx and spikelet was detected. Following Ethrel treatment, breaks and cracks in this tissue were detected. This data will enable better understanding of fruitlet and fruit abscission in date palm, which is extremely important for a high quality production of 'Medjoul' dates.

Studying the Effect of Dense Planting on the Mechanism of Flower Abscission in Soybean through Combined Transcriptome-Metabolome Analysis

A high pod abscission rate in soybean plants results in a significant decrease in the yield per plant. Under dense planting conditions, dense tolerant soybean cultivars had a relatively low rate of pod abscission, thereby facilitating higher yield. In this experiment, two planting densities were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes and metabolites between the abscised and non-abscised flowers of two soybean cultivars on the basis of transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. The flower abscission rate of LD32 was significantly lower than that of SND28. Both cultivars were enriched in the photosynthesis, sugar, and starch metabolism; MAPK signaling; and phenylalanine metabolism pathways at different planting densities. However, under dense planting, the trend of differential gene changes in the density-tolerant CV LD32 was opposite to that of the conventional CV SND28. The results of the joint analysis indicated that the co-regulation of cytokinin dehydrogenase 6 (CKX6) and cis-zeatin riboside monophosphate (CZRM) in the zeatin biosynthesis pathway of LD32 under dense planting conditions was the main factor for the relatively low rate of pod abscission under dense planting conditions.

Apple Fruitlet Abscission Prediction. II. Characteristics of Fruitlets Predicted to Persist or Abscise by Reflectance Spectroscopy Models

Apple (Malus ×domestica L. Borkh.) growers need tools to predict the efficacy of chemical thinners that are applied to induce fruitlet abscission to aid in crop load management decisions. Recently, reflectance spectroscopy-based models to predict fruitlet abscission rates were developed. Using spectroscopy, persisting fruitlets had lower reflectance in the red-light (∼600 nm) and near infrared (∼950 nm) regions than abscising fruitlets. The goal of this study was to better understand how reflectance models distinguished between fruitlets that ultimately persisted or abscised. Individual models for the difference and ratio of each combination of wavelengths were developed to identify key wavelengths for abscission prediction from reflectance models. Accuracy for wavelength difference and ratio models was improved for all model prediction dates when reflectance (R) from R640–675 was subtracted from or divided by R675–696. This spectra region indicates differences in chlorophyll content between persisting and abscising fruitlets. Calculation of the chlorophyll concentration index (R522–579:R640–700) from nondestructively measured spectra supported this result. Chlorophyll concentration index was higher for fruitlets that ultimately persisted than abscised fruitlets (P &lt; 0.01) for all measurement dates –1 to 9 days after thinner (DAT) in both years, except –1 DAT in 2021 (P = 0.468). Plant water index (R950–970:R890–900) was lower for persisting than abscising fruitlets for 3 to 9 DAT in 2021 (P &lt; 0.001) and on –1 (P &lt; 0.01) and 9 DAT (P &lt; 0.001) in 2022. The relationship of fruit size and plant pigment (anthocyanins or chlorophyll) content in fruitlets to reflectance spectra between persisting and abscising fruitlets was also followed. Fruitlet persistence or abscission was predicted from developed models for destructively sampled fruitlets using measured reflectance spectra. Whole-fruit chlorophyll content was numerically higher in fruitlets predicted to persist than abscise for all collection dates. Higher total chlorophyll was correlated to a larger fruit size in persisting than abscising fruitlets. This higher chlorophyll content led to a lower reflectance of red light and was a key factor in model development. These results indicate that chlorophyll and water content can distinguish physiological parameters between persisting and abscising fruitlets.

Acetylcholine (ACh) enhances Cd tolerance through transporting ACh in vesicles and modifying Cd absorption in duckweed (Lemna turionifera 5511)

Acetylcholine (ACh), an important neurotransmitter, plays a role in resistance to abiotic stress. However, the role of ACh during cadmium (Cd) resistance in duckweed (Lemna turionifera 5511) remains uncharacterized. In this study, the changes of endogenous ACh in duckweed under Cd stress has been investigated. Also, how exogenous ACh affects duckweed's ability to withstand Cd stress was studied. The ACh sensor transgenic duckweed (ACh 3.0) showed the ACh signal response under Cd stress. And ACh was wrapped and released in vesicles. Cd stress promoted ACh content in duckweed. The gene expression analysis showed an improved fatty acid metabolism and choline transport. Moreover, exogenous ACh addition enhanced Cd tolerance and decreased Cd accumulation in duckweed. ACh supplement reduced the root abscission rate, alleviated leaf etiolation, and improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under Cd stress. A modified calcium (Ca2+) flux and improved Cd2+ absorption were present in conjunction with it. Thus, we speculate that ACh could improve Cd resistance by promoting the uptake and accumulation of Cd, as well as the response of the Ca2+ signaling pathway. Also, plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) were extracted during Cd stress. Therefore, these results provide new insights into the response of ACh during Cd stress.

Effects of Low Temperature on Pedicel Abscission and Auxin Synthesis Key Genes of Tomato.

Cold stress usually causes the abscission of floral organs and a decline in fruit setting rate, seriously reducing tomato yield. Auxin is one of the key hormones that affects the abscission of plant floral organs; the YUCCA (YUC) family is a key gene in the auxin biosynthesis pathway, but there are few research reports on the abscission of tomato flower organs. This experiment found that, under low temperature stress, the expression of auxin synthesis genes increased in stamens but decreased in pistils. Low temperature treatment decreased pollen vigor and pollen germination rate. Low night temperature reduced the tomato fruit setting rate and led to parthenocarpy, and the treatment effect was most obvious in the early stage of tomato pollen development. The abscission rate of tomato pTRV-Slfzy3 and pTRV-Slfzy5 silenced plants was higher than that of the control, which is the key auxin synthesis gene affecting the abscission rate. The expression of Solyc07g043580 was down-regulated after low night temperature treatment. Solyc07g043580 encodes the bHLH-type transcription factor SlPIF4. It has been reported that PIF4 regulates the expression of auxin synthesis and synthesis genes, and is a key protein in the interaction between low temperature stress and light in regulating plant development.

Potential role of exogenous melatonin involved in postharvest quality maintenance of Vitis labrusca × vinifera 'Kyoho'.

Melatonin is an endogenous free radical scavenger with antioxidant activity that preserves the commercial value of postharvest fruits and delays fruit senescence. To explore the effect of exogenous melatonin on antioxidants and aroma volatile compounds of grapes (Vitis labrusca × vinifera 'Kyoho'), the grapes were treated with distilled water (control), 50 μmol L-1 of melatonin (M50), and 100 μmol L-1 of melatonin (M100) for 30 min and were then stored at 4 °C for 25 days. Exogenous melatonin decreased the rachis browning index, the decay development, the weight loss rate, the berry abscission rate, and the respiration rate, promoted the accumulation of total phenolics and total flavonoids, and delayed the reduction of anthocyanins and total soluble solids. In volatile compounds, the accumulation of esters, aldehydes, and alcohols in grapes was promoted, and the terpenes content was reduced by exogenous melatonin. Exogenous melatonin had potentially positive effects on the postharvest life and quality maintenance of grapes. These findings provide theoretical support for the application of melatonin in grape storage and preservation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potassium Application Alleviated Negative Effects of Soil Waterlogging Stress on Photosynthesis and Dry Biomass in Cotton

Soil waterlogging is one of the most serious abiotic stresses on plant growth and crop productivity. In this study, two potassium application levels (0 and 150 kg K2O hm−2) with three types of soil waterlogging treatments (0 d, 3 d and 6 d) were established during cotton flowering and boll-forming stages. The results showed that soil waterlogging markedly reduced RWC (relative water content), gas exchange parameters and cotton biomass. However, potassium application considerably improved the aforementioned parameters. Specifically, 3 d soil waterlogging with potassium increased Pn (net photosynthetic rate), Gs (stomatal conductance), Ci (intercellular CO2 concentration) and Tr (transpiration rate) by 4.55%, 27.27%, 5.74% and 3.82%, respectively, compared with 3 d soil waterlogging under no potassium, while the abscission rate reduced by 2.96%. Additionally, the number of bolls and fruit nodes under 6 d soil waterlogging with potassium increased by 16.17% and 4.38%, compared with 6 d soil waterlogging under no potassium. Therefore, it was concluded that regardless of 3 d or 6 d soil waterlogging, potassium application alleviated the negative effects of waterlogging by regulating the plant water status, photosynthetic capacity and plant growth in cotton. These results are expected to provide theoretical references and practical applications for cotton production to mitigate the damage of soil waterlogging.

Effects of Mechanical Stirring and Ultrasound Treatment on the Separation of Graphite Electrode Materials from Copper Foils of Spent LIBs: A Comparative Study

In this paper, mechanical stirring and ultrasonic treatment are used to separate graphite electrode materials from copper foils in recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Firstly, the effects of ultrasonic power (60–180 W), ultrasonic time (1–8 min), stirring speed (420–2000 rpm), and stirring time (1–8 min) on the abscission rate of active material on copper foil were studied. It was found that the peeling-off ratio of electrode material under ultrasonic treatment was 91.34% compared with stirring treatment (84.22%). The removal of electrode material from copper foil during stirring was mainly through mechanical scrubbing. As a comparison, the generation of the microjets induced by ultrasound, the local high-temperature and high-pressure environment, and the free radicals during ultrasonic treatment are the key factors to further improve electrode material removal efficiency. An integrated ultrasound-mechanical stirrer technique can achieve a high-efficient separation performance (approximately 100% peeling-off ratio) of anode electrode materials from copper foils. The effects of mechanical stirring speed, temperature, and treatment time on the peeling-off ratios of the ultrasound-mechanical stirrer-assisted system were investigated. Finally, the results of XRF (X-ray fluorescence spectrometer), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) showed that the as-separated graphite electrode material had high purity and contained almost no copper foil impurities. Numerical simulation analyses briefly showed that the difference between pressure and ultrasonic temperature changes in the boundary between different anode layers (graphite on copper foil in aqueous solution) was the main effective factor in the considerable separation of graphite from copper anode foil under ultrasonic-assisted delamination.

The transcription factor MebHLH18 in cassava functions in decreasing low temperature-induced leaf abscission to promote low-temperature tolerance.

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) signal regulates stress-induced leaf abscission in cassava. The relationship between the function of the cassava transcription factor bHLH gene and low temperature-induced leaf abscission is still unclear. Here, we report that MebHLH18, a transcription factor, involved in regulating low temperature-induced leaf abscission in cassava. The expression of the MebHLH18 gene was significantly related to low temperature-induced leaf abscission and POD level. Under low temperatures, the levels of ROS scavengers in different cassava genotypes were significantly different in the low temperature-induced leaf abscission process. Cassava gene transformation showed that MebHLH18 overexpression significantly decreased the low temperature-induced leaf abscission rate. Simultaneously, interference expression increased the rate of leaf abscission under the same conditions. ROS analysis showed a connection between the decrease in the low temperature-induced leaf abscission rate caused by MebHLH18 expression and the increase in antioxidant activity. A Genome-wide association studies analysis showed a relationship between the natural variation of the promoter region of MebHLH18 and low temperature-induced leaf abscission. Furthermore, studies showed that the change in MebHLH18 expression was caused by a single nucleotide polymorphism variation in the promoter region upstream of the gene. The high expression of MebHLH18 led to a significant increase in POD activity. The increased POD activity decreased the accumulation of ROS at low temperatures and the rate of leaf abscission. It indicates that the natural variation in the promoter region of MebHLH18 increases antioxidant levels under low temperatures and slows down low temperature-induced leaf abscission.