Growth Regulators Research Articles

Differential growth regulates asymmetric size partitioning in Caulobacter crescentus.

Cell size regulation has been extensively studied in symmetrically dividing cells, but the mechanisms underlying the control of size asymmetry in asymmetrically dividing bacteria remain elusive. Here, we examine the control of asymmetric division in Caulobacter crescentus, a bacterium that produces daughter cells with distinct fates and morphologies upon division. Through comprehensive analysis of multi-generational growth and shape data, we uncover a tightly regulated cell size partitioning mechanism. We find that errors in division site positioning are promptly corrected early in the division cycle through differential growth. Our analysis reveals a negative feedback between the size of daughter cell compartments and their growth rates, wherein the larger compartment grows slower to achieve a homeostatic size partitioning ratio at division. To explain these observations, we propose a mechanistic model of differential growth, in which equal amounts of growth regulators are partitioned into daughter cell compartments of unequal sizes and maintained over time via size-independent synthesis.

Overexpression of MtIPT gene enhanced drought tolerance and delayed leaf senescence of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.)

BackgroundIsopentenyltransferases (IPT) serve as crucial rate-limiting enzyme in cytokinin synthesis, playing a vital role in plant growth, development, and resistance to abiotic stress.ResultsCompared to the wild type, transgenic creeping bentgrass exhibited a slower growth rate, heightened drought tolerance, and improved shade tolerance attributed to delayed leaf senescence. Additionally, transgenic plants showed significant increases in antioxidant enzyme levels, chlorophyll content, and soluble sugars. Importantly, this study uncovered that overexpression of the MtIPT gene not only significantly enhanced cytokinin and auxin content but also influenced brassinosteroid level. RNA-seq analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between transgenic and wild type plants were closely associated with plant hormone signal transduction, steroid biosynthesis, photosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, oxidation-reduction process, cytokinin metabolism, and wax biosynthesis. And numerous DEGs related to growth, development, and stress tolerance were identified, including cytokinin signal transduction genes (CRE1, B-ARR), antioxidase-related genes (APX2, PEX11, PER1), Photosynthesis-related genes (ATPF1A, PSBQ, PETF), flavonoid synthesis genes (F3H, C12RT1, DFR), wax synthesis gene (MAH1), senescence-associated gene (SAG20), among others.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the MtIPT gene acts as a negative regulator of plant growth and development, while also playing a crucial role in the plant’s response to abiotic stress.

Stage-specific expression of Toll-like receptors in the seminiferous epithelium of mouse testis.

Genes encoding Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed by germ cells in the mouse testis. Nevertheless, the expression of TLRs by germ cells has only been demonstrated for TLR-3, TLR-9, and TLR-11. Furthermore, the expression of each TLR in relation to the stage of spermatogenesis remains uncertain. We aimed in the present study to examine the expression pattern of all TLRs in germ cells throughout the cycle of seminiferous epithelium in the adult mouse testis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TLRs. Results of the present study reveal the expression of TLRs by specific populations of germ cells. Expression of TLRs, except for TLR-7, at endosomal compartments, acrosomes, and/or residual bodies was another interesting and novel finding of the present study. We further demonstrate that the expression of TLR-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, -11, -12, and -13 follows a distinct spatiotemporal pattern throughout the cycle of seminiferous epithelium. While TLR-1, -3, -5, -11, and -12 are expressed in all stages, TLR-4 is expressed only in early and middle stages of spermatogenic cycle. On the other hand, TLR-2, -7, and -13 are expressed only in early stage of spermatogenic cycle. Evidence demonstrating the expression of TLRs in a stage specific manner throughout spermatogenesis strengthen the hypothesis that the expression of various TLRs by germ cells is a developmentally regulated process. However, if TLRs play a role in the regulation of proliferation, growth, maturation, and differentiation of germ cells throughout the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium warrants further investigations.

Characterization, evolution, and abiotic stress responses of leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinases (LRR-RLK) in Liriodendron chinense

BackgroundLiriodendron chinense is susceptible to extinction due to the increasing severity of abiotic stresses resulting from global climate change, consequently impacting its growth, development, and geographic distribution. However, the L. chinense remains pivotal in both socio-economic and ecological realms. The LRR-RLK (leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase) genes, constituting a substantial cluster of receptor-like kinases in plants, are crucial for plant growth and stress regulation and are unexplored in the L. chinense.Result233 LchiLRR-RLK genes were discovered, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and 24 contigs. Among these, 67 pairs of paralogous genes demonstrated gene linkages, facilitating the expansion of the LchiLRR-RLK gene family through tandem (35.82%) and segmental (64.18%) duplications. The synonymous and nonsynonymous ratios showed that the LchiLRR-RLK genes underwent a purifying or stabilizing selection during evolution. Investigations in the conserved domain and protein structures revealed that the LchiLRR-RLKs are highly conserved, carrying conserved protein kinase and leucine-rich repeat-like domians that promote clustering in different groups implicating gene evolutionary conservation. A deeper analysis of LchiLRR-RLK full protein sequences phylogeny showed 13 groups with a common ancestor protein. Interspecies gene collinearity showed more orthologous gene pairs between L. chinense and P. trichocarpa, suggesting various similar biological functions between the two plant species. Analysis of the functional roles of the LchiLRR-RLK genes using the qPCR demonstrated that they are involved in cold, heat, and salt stress regulation, especially, members of subgroups VIII, III, and Xa.ConclusionConclusively, the LRR-RLK genes are conserved in L. chinense and function to regulate the temperature and salt stresses, and this research provides new insights into understanding LchiLRR-RLK genes and their regulatory effects in abiotic stresses.

In-vitro Regeneration of An Endangered Medicinal Plant Anodendron paniculatum (Apocynaceae)

Objectives: The present study aims to establish a standardized and efficient regeneration protocol for Anodendron paniculatum A. DC. (Apocynaceae) by optimizing the effect of various plant growth regulators as it is categorized globally as an endangered medicinal plant. Methods: MS medium fortified with 3% sucrose (w/v) and different concentrations of cytokinins 6-benzylamino purine (BAP), kinetin, thidiazuron either alone or in combination with auxins, indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and GA3. For the in vitro root induction, individual and healthy shoots (3-4 cm in length) were excised in the 7th week and were cultured onto basal and half-strength MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of auxins and incubated in the culture room. Findings: MS medium supplemented with thidiazuron (2.5 𝜇M) in combination with indole 3-acetic acid (2.5 𝜇M) and GA3 (1.25 𝜇M) was most effective, providing multiple shoot regeneration for 79.33% of cotyledonary leaf explants associated with a high number of shoots per explant (20.00 ± 1.15) and length of shoot (2.66 ± 0.08 cm). Whereas, the frequency of response, mean number of shoots, and respective lengths were varied with different concentrations of 6-benzylamino purine when used in combination with IAA or NAA and BAP (5.0 𝜇M) along with IAA (2.5 𝜇M) at the frequency of 47.66%. Whereas, the addition of GA3 (1.25 𝜇M) in combination with BAP (5.0 𝜇M) and IAA (2.5 𝜇M) has shown a maximum number of multiple shoot formation/explant (12.33) with length of shoot (1.53 ± 0.08 cm). MS medium supplemented with 10 𝜇M 6-benzyl amino purine and 2.5 𝜇M naphthalene acetic acid recorded the highest response (53.66%) with more number of the shoot (9.66) and length of the shoot (1.83 ± 0.03 cm) per explant. The maximum percentage of response (84.33%) was recorded at 1 2 strength MS medium with 5.0 𝜇M NAA, whereas the highest number of roots per shoot (6.66 ± 0.33) was induced at MS + 5.0 𝜇M NAA. The highest length of roots (3.66 cm) was recorded at basal MS medium fortified with 5.0 𝜇M NAA and 7.5 𝜇M NAA. Novelty: The standardized protocol method is of first of its kind, a quick and suitable approach for the high quantity production of Anodendron paniculatum with appropriate concentrations of plant growth regulators that meet thecommercial demand of endangered medicinal plants. Keywords: Anodendron paniculatum; Endangered plant; Plant growth regulators; Regeneration; Protocol standardization

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. Bidhan Chilli-4

Present experiment entitled “Effect of plant growth regulators on yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. Bidhan Chilli-4" was conducted at experimental farm of Horticulture and Post-harvest Technology, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Palli Shikhsha Bhavana Visva Bharati West Bengal during rabi season of 2020. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and ten treatments. The concentrations of treatments were T1 =NAA 25 ppm, T2 = NAA 50 ppm, T3 = NAA 75 ppm, T4 = GA3 5 ppm, T5 = GA3 15 ppm, T6 = GA3 30 ppm, T7 = CCC 200 ppm), T8= CCC 400 ppm, T9 = CCC 600 ppm and T10 Control. The result of the study revealed that maximum plant height (30.96, 44.40, 54.06 and 67.01cm at 30,60, 90 and 120 DAT respectively), number of branches per plant (8.96, 13.43, 18.00 and 23.53 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT respectively), plant spread (19.50, 30.96, 40. 10 and 54.73 cm at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT respectively), flowers per plant ( 400.20), fruits per plant (144.33), fruit length ( 9.63 cm), breadth of fruit (1.93 cm ), yield per plant ( 399.43 g), yield per plot ( 98.74 kg/ plot) , yield per hectare (134.53 q/ha), ascorbic Acid (190.76mg/100g), capsaicin ( 0.38 %) capsanthin content (296.109 ASTA Unit), Oleoresin content (11.57%) and minimum days required to 50% flowering (41.68 DAT), were recorded in treatment T3- NAA (75 ppm). Therefore, it is recommended to employ the NAA 75 ppm to chilli growing farmers to enhance growth and maximize yield.

Comparison of in-vitro orchid media solutions for Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E. Higgins vars. diandra and triandra

Prosthechea cochleata or clamshell orchid is recognized as a species of both conservation and commercial importance. It has long been prized by orchid breeders and growers for its unique flower and hardy disposition. The commercial market has failed to meet the demand for this species since it is still targeted for illegal collection in the wild. This study examines the effectiveness of the banana powder on two variants (var. diandra and var. triandra) with disparate home ranges and levels of genetic diversity using two commercially available agar-based media (PhytoTechnology P668 and P748). Undifferentiated protocorms of the two variants were monitored for shoot growth and differentiation across a period of 156 days. The growth media with 3% banana powder supplement (P748) was more effective in initiating shoot formation in both P. cochleata variants compared to control media (P668) (F = 27.15, p < 0.001, df = 81). The diandrous variant grown with banana showed the highest mean shoot count (28.67 shoots/flask) at the end of the monitoring period. Results suggest that banana supplement is an effective source of plant growth regulators and organic nutrients necessary to promote shoot formation and seedling development in this species. This research is important for the conservation of P. cochleata as it identifies an effective and cost-efficient method for in vitro propagation, which can aid in increasing the ex-situ and in situ populations of this threatened species. Additionally, the findings have implications for commercial orchid production, as it can potentially improve the cultivation and yield of this species for economic purposes.

Circadian Rhythm and Nitrogen Metabolism Participate in the Response of Boron Deficiency in the Root of Brassica napus

Boron (B) deficiency has been shown to inhibit root cell growth and division. However, the precise mechanism underlying B deficiency-mediated root tip growth inhibition remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of BnaA3.NIP5;1, a gene encoding a boric acid channel, in Brassica napus (B. napus). BnaA3.NIP5;1 is expressed in the lateral root cap and contributes to B acquisition in the root tip. Downregulation of BnaA3.NIP5;1 enhances B sensitivity in B. napus, resulting in reduced shoot biomass and impaired root tip development. Transcriptome analysis was conducted on root tips from wild-type B. napus (QY10) and BnaA3.NIP5;1 RNAi lines to assess the significance of B dynamics in meristematic cells during seedling growth. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in plant circadian rhythm and nitrogen (N) metabolism pathways. Notably, the circadian-rhythm-related gene HY5 exhibited a similar B regulation pattern in Arabidopsis to that observed in B. napus. Furthermore, Arabidopsis mutants with disrupted circadian rhythm (hy5/cor27/toc1) displayed heightened sensitivity to low B compared to the wild type (Col-0). Consistent with expectations, B deficiency significantly disrupted N metabolism in B. napus roots, affecting nitrogen concentration, nitrate reductase enzyme activity, and glutamine synthesis. Interestingly, this disruption was exacerbated in BnaA3NIP5;1 RNAi lines. Overall, our findings highlight the critical role of B dynamics in root tip cells, impacting circadian rhythm and N metabolism, ultimately leading to retarded growth. This study provides novel insights into B regulation in root tip development and overall root growth in B. napus.

Preserving Nature’s Treasure: A Journey into the In Vitro Conservation and Micropropagation of the Endangered Medicinal Marvel—Podophyllum hexandrum Royle

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, also known as Podophyllum emodi Wall, holds significant ecological, ornamental, and medicinal values. However, it has become endangered due to overexploitation, prolonged seed dormancy, slow natural regeneration, and climate change. This study developed an efficient in vitro protocol for callogenesis and micropropagation of P. hexandrum to conserve germplasm in in vitro conditions. Callus formation from various plant parts, including the leaf, stem, rhizome, radicle, and cotyledon, was induced using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators. The combination of benzyladenine at 1 mg L−1 and 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid at 3 mg L−1 was optimal for biomass production, yielding 215.88 ± 0.31 mg, with growth per gram at 8.32 ± 0.32 and a growth rate of 13.62 ± 0.25 mg/day on MS medium. For shoot proliferation, benzyladenine (3.5 mg L−1) and naphthalene acetic acid (0.5 mg L−1) combined with activated charcoal showed the highest shoot induction percentage per explant. For shoot regeneration from calluses, 6-benzylaminopurine (0.5 mg L−1) and thidiazuron (2 mg L−1) were most effective, producing superior shoot length, number of regenerations, and regeneration percentage. Root induction was successful with α-naphthalene acetic acid supplementation (0.5 to 1.5 mg L−1) in MS medium, resulting in the highest number per explant (4.08 ± 0.08), length (5.45 ± 0.15 cm), and rooting rate (87.00 ± 1.66%) of roots in plantlets. Subculturing for callus culture was performed every 28 days for up to four subcultures to prevent nutrient depletion and toxic metabolite accumulation, ensuring tissue health and viability. Continuous subculturing of callus on MS medium maintained healthy P. hexandrum germplasm in vitro. Overall, this micropropagation protocol provides a rapid system for conserving P. hexandrum germplasm.

Murcs Association: A most severe form of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome, case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is a congenital abnormality of sexual development characterized by an aplastic or hypoplastic uterus, as well as the absence of the cervix and the upper third of the vagina. It may be limited to the reproductive tract (MRKH type 1), or in association with abnormalities of the extragenital tract, usually of renal and skeletal origin (MRKH type 2). The presence of a pattern of multiple anomalies has been described, specifically characterized by aplasia of the Müller ducts (MU), renal aplasia (R), and alterations of the cervicothoracic somite (CS), which has been called the MURCS association. METHODOLOGY A search was performed in the Medline database via PubMed using the following terms: “Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser Syndrome”, “Mullerian anomalies”, “genetics of agenesis/hypoplasia of the uterus and vagina”, “uterine cervical aplasia and agenesis”, from 1979 to 2023, a total of 316 studies were found, 58 studies were selected that included women with a diagnosis of MRKH or MURCS association. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old woman attends a gynecologist evaluation presenting primary amenorrhea, with external genitalia with normal development, but has multiple spinal abnormalities. The image reports the absence of the uterus and the superior two-thirds of the vagina, renal aplasia, scoliosis, and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Mullerian abnormalities are a set of abnormalities of sexual development in which the development of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina are mainly affected. Within this group, there is MRKH syndrome. In these variants of GREB1L (estrogen growth regulation gene in breast cancer type 1 gene), variants have been reported in familiar cases of bilateral renal agenesis. Establishing the cause of these clinical entities is controversial, making it difficult to deny or affirm whether the atypical forms of the MRKH syndrome and the MURCS association belong to the same phenotypic spectrum originating from common or related causes or simply different entities.

Зависимость качества винопродукции сорта Красностоп АЗОС от подкормок разными группами веществ

Abstraсt. The impact of climatic changes in external conditions on the terroirs of the planet forces the grape plant to acquire new properties and characteristics that can negatively affect the quality of the wine made from them. Many countries around the world are faced with the problem of producing grape raw materials with high sugar content and insufficient ripening of phenols. One of the effective methods of reducing the negative impact of unfavorable terroir factors is the use of various fertilizers, including foliar fertilizers. In viticulture at the present stage, there is no systematic scientific knowledge about the mechanisms of action of certain drugs on the quality parameters of grapes and wine. The objects of study are preparations of various spectrums of foliar action: complex amino acid-humic fertilizer with vitamins and microelements of the CAGS brand; Chlorella extract (amino acid complex, highly effective natural biostimulator of plant growth.); Agrumax (mineral complex); biodux – growth regulator arachidonic acid, a complex of biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids of the fungus Mortierella alpina; must and wine from the Krasnostop AZOS variety. The work used: modern instrumental and analytical methods for studying fruit crops and grapes; methods of technochemical and microbiological control in winemaking; wine parameters were determined according to GOST methods and original certified methods of the winemaking center of the NCFSCHVW; polyphenolic and anthocyanin substances in wine were studied using the technique of V.G. Gerzhikova, Research Institute "Magarach". Agricultural technology is generally accepted, adapted to the local terroir. Work on studying the impact of foliar preparations on the quality of must and wine, analysis of wine materials from the Krasnostop AZOS variety and their organoleptic evaluation, allows us to conclude that with an increase in the concentration of the extract, phenolic substances, and the total content of biologically active substances in it, the hygienic value and general quality of the wine itself; the highest tasting score was given to wine samples from the variants of treating grapes with foliar preparations from the group of biologically active substances: Chlorella algae extract and Biodux. Keywords: grape quality, microfertilizers, microwinemaking, wine quality, tasting analysis Financing source: The research was carried out within the State Task of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for the FSBSI NCFSCHVW.

Effect of Vitis vinifera zygotic embryo cryopreservation and post-cryopreservation on the gene expression of DNA demethylases

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) crops are continuously exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses, which can cause genetic and epigenetic alterations. To determine the possible effects of grapevine cryopreservation on the regulation of DNA demethylase genes, this work studied the expression of DNA demethylase genes in cryopreserved and post-cryopreserved grapevine tissues. V. vinifera DNA demethylases were characterized by in silico analysis, and gene expression quantification was conducted by RT‒qPCR. Three DNA demethylase sequences were found: VIT_13s0074g00450 (VvDMT), VIT_08s0007g03920 (VvROS1), and VIT_06s0061g01270 (VvDML3). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences from V. vinifera and A. thaliana had a common ancestry. In the promoters of responsive elements to transcription factors such as AP-2, Myb, bZIP, TBP, and GATA, the conserved domains RRM DME and Perm CXXC were detected. These responsive elements play roles in the response to abiotic stress and the regulation of cell growth. These data helped us characterize the V. vinifera DNA demethylase genes. Gene expression analysis indicated that plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2) treatment does not alter the expression of DNA demethylase genes. The expression levels of VvDMT and VvROS1 increased in response to cryopreservation by vitrification. Furthermore, in post-cryopreservation, VvROS1 was highly induced, and VvDML3 was repressed in all the treatment groups. Gene expression differences between different treatments and tissues may play roles in controlling methylation patterns during gene regulation in tissues stressed by cryopreservation procedures and in the post-cryopreservation period during plant growth and development.

A Transcriptomic Analysis of Bottle Gourd-Type Rootstock Roots Identifies Novel Transcription Factors Responsive to Low Root Zone Temperature Stress

The bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] is often utilized as a rootstock for watermelon grafting. This practice effectively mitigates the challenges associated with continuous cropping obstacles in watermelon cultivation. The lower ground temperature has a direct impact on the rootstocks’ root development and nutrient absorption, ultimately leading to slower growth and even the onset of yellowing. However, the mechanisms underlying the bottle gourd’s regulation of root growth in response to low root zone temperature (LRT) remain elusive. Understanding the dynamic response of bottle gourd roots to LRT stress is crucial for advancing research regarding its tolerance to low temperatures. In this study, we compared the physiological traits of bottle gourd roots under control and LRT treatments; root sample transcriptomic profiles were monitored after 0 h, 48 h and 72 h of LRT treatment. LRT stress increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, relative electrolyte permeability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, especially H2O2 and O2−. Concurrently, LRT treatment enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). RNA-Seq analysis revealed the presence of 2507 and 1326 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after 48 h and 72 h of LRT treatment, respectively. Notably, 174 and 271 transcription factors (TFs) were identified as DEGs compared to the 0 h control. We utilized quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to confirm the expression patterns of DEGs belonging to the WRKY, NAC, bHLH, AP2/ERF and MYB families. Collectively, our study provides a robust foundation for the functional characterization of LRT-responsive TFs in bottle gourd roots. Furthermore, these insights may contribute to the enhancement in cold tolerance in bottle gourd-type rootstocks, thereby advancing molecular breeding efforts.

Effect of plant growth regulators and fertilizers on the growth and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of foliar application of plant growth regulators and fertilizers on the growth, yield attributes and grain yield of black gram. The results revealed that the application of RDF + DAP 2% + NAA 60 ppm recorded significantly higher growth attributes viz., plant height (47.87 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (34.22), number of primary branches plant-1 (7.06) and number of secondary branches plant-1 (19.63), as well as yield and yield attributes including number of pods plant-1 (34.39), pod length (6.82 cm), number of grains pod-1 (6.61), test weight (38.67g), grain yield (1234.19 kg ha-1) and straw yield (3640 kg ha-1). The net returns and benefitcost ratio (Rs. 75667.66 and 2.17, respectively) were also recorded substantially higher with the application of RDF + DAP 2% + NAA 60 ppm over the rest of the treatments. Based on the present findings it was concluded that the application of RDF + DAP 2% + NAA 60 ppm in black gram crop is profitable.

Dynamic alternations of three-dimensional chromatin architecture contribute to phenotypic characteristics of breast muscle in chicken

Breast muscle growth rate and intramuscular fat (IMF) content show apparent differences between fast-growing broilers and slow-growing indigenous chickens. However, the underlying genetic basis of these phenotypic characteristics remains elusive. In this study, we investigate the dynamic alterations of three-dimensional genome architecture and chromatin accessibility in breast muscle across four key developmental stages from embryo to starter chick in Arbor Acres (AA) broilers and Yufen (YF) indigenous chickens. The limited breed-specifically up-regulated genes (Bup-DEGs) are embedded in breed-specific A compartment, while a majority of the Bup-DEGs involving myogenesis and adipogenesis are regulated by the breed-specific TAD reprogramming. Chromatin loops allow distal accessible regions to interact with myogenic genes, and those loops share an extremely low similarity between chicken with different growth rate. Moreover, AA-specific loop interactions promote the expression of 40 Bup-DEGs, such as IGF1, which contributes to myofiber hypertrophy. YF-specific loop interactions or distal accessible regions lead to increased expression of 5 Bup-DEGs, including PIGO, PEMT, DHCR7, TMEM38B, and DHDH, which contribute to IMF deposition. These results help elucidate the regulation of breast muscle growth and IMF deposition in chickens.

Impact of cutting types and commercial plant growth regulators on the propagation of red star begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)

Begonia is an ornamental plant known for its beautiful, variegated leaves. Propagation of this plant via vegetative means, particularly using leaves, often encounters challenges such as drying, rotting, and mortality of cuttings, necessitating the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to support their development. This study aims to determine the optimal combination of cutting type and commercial PGR concentration for the growth of red star begonia leaf cuttings. A factorial completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with two factors: cutting type (whole leaves and leaf slices) and PGR concentration (250 ppm, 300 ppm, 350 ppm, and 400 ppm), each replicated three times. The results indicated that the best combination for leaf number, root length, primary root number, and survival rate was whole leaves with a PGR concentration of 400 ppm. For the earliest sprout emergence, the best treatment was a PGR concentration of 350 ppm. These findings can enhance the efficiency of vegetative propagation of red star begonia, reduce propagation failure rates, and provide practical guidance for growers and ornamental plant enthusiasts in selecting optimal methods and PGR concentrations.

A dual-channel sensing platform for the cross-interference-free detection of tetracycline and copper ion

Tetracycline (TC) and copper ion (Cu2+), as important additives in animal feed, play a crucial role in disease prevention and growth regulation. However, the abuse leads to concentration accumulation, which seriously threatens human health and the ecological environment. There is an urgent need to develop a detection method to achieve fast and synchronous detection of these pollutants without cross-interference. Here, a carbon dots-doped lanthanide-based fluorescent nanosensor (CDs@Tb-MOFs@SiO2–NH2-Eu) was synthesized, which can detect TC in the 380 nm channel by “antenna effect” and internal filtering effects (IFE), and identify Cu2+ in the 320 nm channel. The sensor was highly sensitive to TC within 0–4 μM with a detection limit as low as 3.64 nM, and Cu2+ could be detected within 0–40 μM with a detection limit of 38 nM. A portable dual-channel visual fluorescence sensor was obtained by loading the probes onto test paper and cotton swabs in food samples, which indicates the practicability of this sensing strategy.

Effect of physiologically active substances on the growth, development and yield of soybeans

The results of research on the influence of physiologically active substances on the growth, development and yield of soybean in the conditions of the Middle Volga region are presented. The study of preparations was carried out on the released soybean variety Yuzhanka. The preparations Mival Agro, Vitanol NP (N 10%, P 30%), Vitanol NP (N 30%, P 10%) and NanoSilica were applied at the dosages recommended by the manufacturers. The experiment scheme included four variants of treatments with preparations and control (water). The preparations were applied for pre-sowing seed treatment and spraying of vegetative plants. The growth regulator Mival Agro (seed and plant treatment) provided a 23.1% increase in yield. Treatment with Vitanol NP (N 10%, P 30%) gave an 18.3% yield increase compared to the control. The highest yield was obtained in the variant with Vitanol NP treatment (N 30%, P 10%), which exceeded the control variant by 68.8%. The yield increase when treated with NanoSilicon exceeded the control variant by 29.4%. Application of all physiologically active substances had a positive effect on the growth, development and productivity of soybean plants. Application of Vitanol NP (N 10%, P 30%) had a positive effect on the yield structure parameters such as plant height (527 cm) and lower bean attachment height (15.8 cm). Vitanol NP (N 30%, P 10%) and NanoSilica preparations contributed to the increase in the number of beans (18.1–18.2 pcs). Also, the studied preparations had a positive effect on 1000 seed weight, plant height and height of the lower bean attachment, compared to the control.

Double-Heading Produces Larger Fruit via Inhibiting EjFWLs Expression and Promoting Cell Division at the Early Stage of Loquat Fruit Development

Loquat is an evergreen fruit crop which blooms from autumn–winter, and supports human beings with juicy fruit from late spring to early summer. However, the most traditional cultivars of this crop produce small fruit and bear a much lower yield than its relatives like apple, pear and peach. Large-size cultivars have long been a cherished aim of breeders for improving the production yield of loquat. Agronomic practices like panicle thinning, fruit thinning, growth regulator application, fertilization and so on are easier and more accessible ways for growers to produce large-size loquat fruit on existing production trees. Here, we develop a novel pruning method with an annual double back-cut, which provides vigorous shoot with more leaves and thicker branches for bearing much larger loquat fruit. Cellular observation determined that the vigorous shoot training method motivated cell division to produce larger loquat fruit, and that most of these cell layers were proliferated before the appearance of flower blossoms. Gene expression data of four development stages showed that EjFWL1 and EjFWL2 were notably downregulated in flower buds of the vigorously pruned tree. The data here further confirmed that the cell division capacity during flower development greatly influenced both the flower and fruit size of loquat. More importantly, we developed a novel pruning method to inhibit cell division repressors, promote cell proliferation and enlarge fruit size in loquat.

Revealing mechanistic basis of ameliorating detrimental effects of cadmium in cherry tomatoes by exogenous application of melatonin and brassinosteroids

Increased anthropogenic activities over the last decades have led to a gradual increase in cadmium content in the soil, which, due to its high mobility in soil, makes Cd accumulation in plants a serious threat to the health of animals and humans. Plant hormones including melatonin (Mel) and brassinosteroids (BR) are known to provide tolerance against various abiotic stresses. In this work, the role of combined and separate exogenous application of Mel and BR on Cd stress in cherry tomato plants was examined. Cd stress significantly reduced tomato growth by inducing oxidative stress and reduced K+ uptake in roots and shoots. Combined application of Mel and BR reduced detrimental effects of Cd in tomato by (i) reducing Cd accumulation in the shoot; (ii) increasing the activities of different antioxidants (SOD, CAT, APX, GR); (iii) triggering higher expression of genes relating to Cd vacuolar sequestration (Na+/H+ EXCHANGER, SlNHX1; NATURAL RESISTANCE-ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGE PROTEIN 6, SlNRAMP6), and Cd transport and detoxification (HEAVY-METAL-ASSOCIATED 3, SlHMA3; PLANT CADMIUM RESISTANT 2, SlPCR2); and (iv) improving plant K+ homeostasis and contents in root and shoot. The latter trait was associated with the reduced gene expression of K+-permeable outward rectifying channel (SlGORK3), and transcriptional upregulation of high affinity potassium transporter 5 (SIHAK5) under Cd stress. A separate application of Mel and BR showed tissue-specific regulation of tomato growth and Cd tolerance by regulating antioxidant activities, K+ uptake, Cd uptake, and translocation from root to shoot and their endogenous contents. Melatonin per se was more effective in improving Cd tolerance in shoot while beneficial BR effects were more pronounced in roots, and their combined application was effective in both tissues. Taken together, reported results show tissue-specific regulation of Cd tolerance by Mel and BR in cherry tomato plants and demonstrate the efficiency of combined Mel + BR treatment as a practical tool to reduce Cd accumulation and mitigate its negative effects on plant growth.