Shoot Growth Research Articles

A maize landrace introgression library reveals a negative effect of root-to-shoot ratio on water-use efficiency.

Novel sources of genetic variability for water-use efficiency (WUE) are needed in order to breed varieties more suitable to sustainable cropping systems. Here, a maize (Zea mays L.) introgression library of the landrace Gaspé Flint into the reference line B73 was characterized in high-throughput phenotyping platforms, both in well-watered and moderate water-deficit conditions, for water use, WUE, and root and shoot growth. Traits heritability ranged from 0.77 to 0.93. The introgression of Gaspé Flint chromosome segments into the B73 genome significantly altered several traits. Some introgression lines exhibited a faster shoot biomass accumulation than B73, resulting in higher WUE at the expense of root growth. Quantitative trait loci (QTL)mapping identified seven major QTL clusters affecting shoot growth and WUE, two of which overlapped, with opposite effects, with QTLs for root biomass known to include root developmental genes. These results support the non-intuitive hypothesis that reduced root-to-shoot ratio positively affects maize WUE.

Temporal dynamics of shoot and xylem growth in Chinese fir: Implications for carbon allocation

Temporal dynamics of shoot and xylem growth in Chinese fir: Implications for carbon allocation

Electrocultivation of Arabidopsis thaliana increases water and mineral absorption, electric charge and auxin accumulation, enhancing growth and development.

Electrocultivation of Arabidopsis thaliana increases water and mineral absorption, electric charge and auxin accumulation, enhancing growth and development.

Microbial inoculants modulate the rhizosphere microbiome, alleviate plant stress responses, and enhance maize growth at field scale

Abstract Background Field inoculation of crops with beneficial microbes is a promising sustainable strategy to enhance plant fitness and nutrient acquisition. However, effectiveness can vary due to environmental factors, microbial competition, and methodological challenges, while their precise modes of action remain uncertain. This underscores the need for further research to optimize inoculation strategies for consistent agricultural benefits. Results Using a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, we investigate the effects of a consortium of beneficial microbes (BMc) (Pseudomonas sp. RU47, Bacillus atrophaeus ABi03, Trichoderma harzianum OMG16) on maize (Zea mays cv. Benedictio) through an inoculation experiment conducted within a long-term field trial across intensive and extensive farming practices. Additionally, an unexpected early drought stress emerged as a climatic variable, offering further insight into the effectiveness of the microbial consortium. Our findings demonstrate that BMc root inoculation primarily enhanced plant growth and fitness, particularly by increasing iron uptake, which is crucial for drought adaptation. Inoculated maize plants show improved shoot growth and fitness compared to non-inoculated plants, regardless of farming practices. Specifically, BMc modulate plant hormonal balance, enhance the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and increase root exudation of iron-chelating metabolites. Amplicon sequencing reveals shifts in rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities mediated by the consortium. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing indicates enrichment of genes related to antimicrobial lipopeptides and siderophores. Conclusions Our findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of BMc inoculation on plant fitness, significantly influencing metabolism, stress responses, and the rhizosphere microbiome. These improvements are crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing plant resilience and productivity.

The Vulnerability of Plantation Crops to Climate Change: Insights from India's Tea Production

Climate change has emerged as a significant challenge for agriculture globally, with profound implications for plantation crops, which are economically vital for many developing countries, including India. Changes in temperature, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events have raised concerns about the sustainability and productivity of plantation crops. Plantation crops are particularly sensitive to climatic variations due to their long gestation period, dependence on stable environmental conditions, and vulnerability to extreme weather events. The study examines the impact of climate change on tea production by selecting the major tea producing state Assam from northern part of India, Kerala and Tamil Nadu from southern part of India. The data for the study is collected from Indiastat and Economic Review (2021) for the period 2011 to 2020. High humidity and rainfall increased year round tea production in Assam, while Kerala’s tea production is affected by a more seasonal climate, with a distinct dry season leading to fluctuation in tea production. Tea production in Kerala and Tamil Nadu is increasingly vulnerable to climate variability, especially changes in temperature and rainfall. While moderate deviations in rainfall can be managed, sustained high temperatures above the optimal threshold critically limit shoot growth and yield. Therefore, adaptive measures, including shade management, irrigation scheduling, and selection of heat-resilient cultivars, are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of climatic stress on tea production.

In Vitro Growth Response of Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) Bulbil to Kinetin Concentration

The plant known as porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) has a high glucomannan content in its tubers. The availability of porang seeds is one of the elements influencing porang production, hence tissue culture must be developed to improve seed procurement. For porang seed propagation to be successful in vitro, growth regulators must be added. This study aims to determine the effect of adding kinetin concentration on porang shoot induction. Five treatments the addition of kinetin at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg/L were included in the Non-Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. All observation variables, including explant growth, shoot emergence time, percentage of shoots created, total number of shoots, and number of shoots per explant, were found to be significantly impacted by the addition of kinetin. With a shoot emergence time of 21.86 days after inoculation, 96% of the shoots produced, a total number of 108.80 shoots, and a number of shoots of 22.75 per explant, kinetin 4 mg/L was the optimal concentration for porang shoot induction.

Isolation and Activity Evaluation of Callus-Specific Promoters in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Background/Objectives: In crop genetic engineering, morphogenic genes have attracted increasing attention, given their ability to facilitate the transformation of a broad range of otherwise nontransformable cultivars. However, few callus-specific promoters have been identified to date that can be employed to avoid the adverse effects resulting from the ectopic expression of morphogenic genes on shoot regeneration and growth. Methods: A set of potential callus-specific genes were initially selected based on publicly available data. These genes were then screened using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), followed by promoter activity evaluation using a transgenic approach with the GUS gene serving as a reporter. Results: Of the 24 evaluated promoters, 12 were verified as being callus-specific using qPCR. Five genes (Os11g0295900, Os10g0207500, Os01g0300000, Os02g0252200, and Os04g0488100) were chosen, and their promoters were cloned. Based on GUS staining, the pOsTDL1B (Os10g0207500) promoter showed strong callus-specific expression, pOsEDC (Os01g0300000) was a medium-level callus-specific promoter, and pOsDLN53 (Os02g0252200) was strictly callus-specific, although its activity was low. Quantification of GUS activity indicated that all three pOsTDL1B:GUS transgenic lines exhibited strong callus specificity relative to the various tissues tested. Conclusions: A callus-specific promoter was identified that can be used to drive the expression of morphogenic genes in crop transformation.

Response of seed germination and seedling growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to drought, salinity, and pH in Karst regions

Seed germination and seedling growth are crucial for the successful establishment and reproduction of plants in heterogeneous environments, especially in the ecologically fragile karst regions. Despite the ecological importance of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as a forage resource and its role in mitigating rocky desertification, studies addressing the effects of karst-specific environmental factors on its early growth stages are limited. This study is the first to simulate karst soil conditions to evaluate the impacts of drought (0–0.53 MPa), salinity (0–150 mM), and pH (pH 3–9) on seed germination and seedling growth of perennial ryegrass. The results showed that under different drought stresses, water potentials ranging from 0 to − 0.32 MPa had no significant effect on seed germination. However, water potentials of − 0.06 MPa and − 0.17 MPa significantly promoted root and shoot growth, as well as increased biomass. In the salt stress experiment, CaCl2 concentrations of 5–10 mM favored seed germination; specifically, 5 mM CaCl2 increased the germination rate to 96.5%, and root and shoot lengths exceeded those of the control. pH levels ranging from 3 to 9 had little effect on germination, but extremely acidic conditions (pH 3) significantly inhibited root and shoot elongation. Therefore, optimal growth conditions were determined to be drought stress from 0 to − 0.17 MPa, calcium salt stress from 0 to 25 mM, and a pH of 4 to 9. These findings identify optimal growth conditions for perennial ryegrass, providing a scientific basis for seed cultivation, pasture management, and ecological restoration in karst regions. Our study contributes to the understanding of plant responses to environmental stresses in karst systems and supports sustainable agricultural and conservation practices.

Disruption of the Karrikin Receptor DWARF 14 LIKE (D14L) Gene Leads to Distinct Effects on Root and Shoot Growth, and Reprogramming of Central Metabolism in Rice.

The rice (Oryza sativa L.) α/β hydrolase D14 LIKE (D14L), a paralog of the strigolactone receptor D14, is essential for the establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis and responses to karrikins, smoke-derived compounds that regulate several developmental processes. It is supposed that D14L is the receptor for a yet unidentified endogenous growth regulator. Herein, we determined the effects of disrupting the D14L on rice growth and metabolism. Our results revealed that the D14L loss of function altered rice architecture, leading to a significant increase in root growth and mesocotyl elongation, while hindering shoot growth, and a notable decrease in the number of tillers, especially under phosphate limiting conditions. Furthermore, d14l mutants exhibited significant reduction in the total grain yield. Metabolomics analysis revealed a notable shift of key metabolites, such as carbohydrates and amino acids involved in energy production and growth, from shoots to roots. This redistribution likely reflects an adaptive strategy to enhance nutrient acquisition and increase root biomass, albeit at the cost of shoot growth and productivity. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of D14L in regulating the root-to-shoot growth ratio and in coordinating the metabolism and allocation of resources across the rice plant.

OsSL10, a candidate gene for a major and stable QTL, positively regulates the shoot growth of rice seedlings

OsSL10, a candidate gene for a major and stable QTL, positively regulates the shoot growth of rice seedlings

Effect of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Leaf extract on Seed germination and Seedling growth of Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench.

North Karnataka is known for the horticultural crops like grapes, lemon, pomegranate etc. and also popular for the cultivation of cereals and pulses. These horticultural crops have allelophathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of various crop plants. In the present study, the aqueous leaves extract of Citrus limon was used to test the efficacy of seed germination and seedling growth of prime cereal crop of north Karnataka Sorghum bicolor. 20%, 40%, 80% and 100% of aqueous leaf extract of citrus limon was treated to cereal crop. Treated seeds were incubated at blotter for seed germination and seedling growth. The study revealed that, the aqueous leaf extract has significant effect on seed germination and plant growth. In all concentrations inhibitory effect was observed on seed germination. The maximum inhibitory effect was observed in both the crops at 100% concentration. The Inhibitory effect was much pronounced in root development in all concentrations as compared to the seed germination. Shoot and root growth is inversely proportional to the concentrations of leaf extract.

Effects of Iso-Osmotic Potential of NaCl and PEG6000 Solutions on Germination and Initial Seedling Growth of Sweet White Lupin (Lupinus albus L)

Sweet white lupin has a growing importance as a staple crop due to its rich protein and mineral content. Investigation of unfavorable environmental conditions at the seedling stage is critical for understanding and overcoming the challenges during germination and initial growth. In this study, the effects of salt and drought stress were investigated upon induction of NaCl and PEG6000 osmotic agents at iso-osmotic potential (0, -0.3 and -0.6 MPa) on seed germination and initial seedling growth in sweet white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). The research was carried out for 21 days under laboratory conditions according to a completely randomized plot design with 4 replicates. In order to assess the growth upon stress, germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index, shoot and root length, root/shoot length, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, shoot and root dry matter content, root/shoot dry matter content, shoot and root water content and seedling vigor index parameters were measured. The results demonstrated that NaCl and PEG6000 solutions applied at the same osmotic potential had statistically significant effects on the measured germination and growth parameters. PEG6000 treatments at the same osmotic potential had more adverse effects on germination and initial seedling growth than NaCl treatments. In addition, shoot growth was more adversely affected than root growth in PEG6000 and NaCl treatments. The germination was limited in -0.6 MPa PEG6000 treatment and no subsequent seedling growth was observed. In this study, we documented that the white lupine's tolerance to drought during germination and initial seedling growth periods was lower than salinity at the same iso-osmotic potential and saline and arid soils showing an osmotic water potential of -0.6 MPa (12.7 dS m-1 EC and 22% PEG6000) are inhibitory for lupin germination and growth. This study lays the ground for further physiological and molecular studies on the effects of salt and osmotic stress on white lupins.

Seasonality in Apple Leaf Molybdenum Contents During the Growing Season and Stages of Greatest Need in This Nutrient

Molybdenum (Mo) is an important nutrient participating in nitrogen, sulfur, iron, and copper metabolism, as well as a cofactor in the biosynthesis of auxin and abscisic acid. Apple leaf Mo seasonality and periods of apple tree demand remain unclear due to insufficient data. This study aimed to identify peak leaf Mo levels throughout the growing season to distinguish when apple trees require the most Mo. To analyze seasonal patterns, we determined the leaf Mo contents 11–12 times per season on untreated and Mo-treated apple trees over four seasons in 2020–2023. Foliar fertilizing stimulated a significant increase in leaf Mo status. The Mo contents in untreated tree leaves were significantly lower than in trees after foliar fertilizing. However, in fertilized trees, nutrient contents were low after ten-day periods of heavy precipitation. High leaf Mo levels coincided with periods of intense apple shoot and fruit growth (average Mo level of 0.305 mg kg−1 in untreated trees and 0.386 mg kg−1 in fertilized ones) and apple fruit development and ripening (average Mo level of 0.754 mg kg−1 in untreated tree leaves and 1.069 mg kg−1 in fertilized ones). Mo application via foliar fertilizing in July’s heat is essential for apple tree fruit growth and development to counter negative weather effects. Foliar fertilizing significantly increased tree yields in 2020, 2022, and 2023, resulting in substantially higher overall productivity (169.7 kg/tree−1 without vs. 215.6 kg/tree−1 with fertilizer).

Leaf transcriptomic responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses exerting growth depressions in tomato.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play important roles in sustainable agriculture, given that they provide multiple benefits for numerous crops. Conversely, negative plant growth effects induced by AM fungi are also occasionally observed. However, little information is available regarding the responses of symbiosis. In this study, compared with an absence of AM fungus inoculation, tomato seedlings inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae or Rhizophagus intraradices were characterized by reduced shoot and root growth. The two AM fungi decreased the carbon contents and the carbon-nitrogen ratios in shoots. To gain further insights into the underlying mechanisms, transcriptomic analyses were performed in the study. A total of 190 and 870 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the F. mosseae vs. control and R. intraradices vs. control comparisons, respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis of the former 190 DEGs revealed significant enrichment of the "Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum," "Flavonoid biosynthesis," "Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis," and "Stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis" pathways, whereas "DNA replication," "Photosynthesis - antenna proteins," "Cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis," "Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum," and "Glycerophospholipid metabolism" were identified as pathways significantly enriched with the latter 870 DEGs. GO functional analysis revealed that among both groups of DEGs, large numbers of genes were assigned the "Response to stimulus" term. Moreover, many of the enriched terms were associated with stimulus and stress response processes, including response to salt stress, heat, and reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the findings indicated that AM fungi may trigger defense-related responses in hosts, even though the symbioses performed growth depressions. These findings will contribute to advancing our current understanding of AM fungi.

Интродукция рода Picea A. Dietr. в ботаническом саду Уральского федерального университета

The collection of woody plants is containing 12 species, 3 varieties and 7 cultivars of spruces (Picea A. Dietr.) in the botanical garden of the Ural Federal University. This collection can be the source of a new ornamental plants for landscaping, and also for carbon sequestration, for example, to creating carbon farms in the Middle Urals. The conifers can be a reliable system for reducing the greenhouses effect by long-term storage the carbon in their wood. The studies of shoots growth showed that species are not uniform in reaction on a variability of weather condition. The analysis indicated that main meteorological parameters to influence on beginning of shoots growth is sum of effective tempera-tures, but in time the ending of growth is determinate by sum of precipitation in addition to temperatures. The cluster analysis indicated that taxonomically relative species had a similar pigments composition of needles. The various age needles contained a different sums of the pigments. The three-years needles contained in 1.3 times more chlorophylls than one-years needles, so one gives a more functional contribution in the photosynthesis activity. The maximum con-tain of chlorophyll was found in the three-years needles of Korean spruce (Picea koraiensis Nakai) – 2.96 mg/g on dry weight. The ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b in the most measures more than 1.5, so it means a sufficient light regime for plants under conditions in the botanical garden. The eight species of spruces can be recommended for land-scaping in Yekaterinburg and the native species for a carbon farms.

The rootstock type affecting fruit yield, and quality, and fire blight resistance of ‘Dargazi’ and ‘Beyrouti’ pear genotypes

Finding and developing pear genotypes, with superior fruit production and disease resistance is of significant health and economic importance. Therefore, this study investigated the growth, fruit yield, and disease resistance of the ‘Dargazi’ and ‘Beyrouti’ (Louise Bonne) pear genotypes grafted onto PyroDwarf and OH × F 69 rootstocks. The two-year experiment (2019–2020 and 2020–2021) was performed at the Garden of Astan Quds Razavi, Mashhad, Iran. The results showed variation in growth and bearing properties of different combinations of PyroDwarf and OH × F 69 rootstocks with ‘Beyrouti’ and ‘Dargazi’ genotypes throughout the experimental years. The OH × F 69 rootstock, significantly increased tree height (by 12%), shoot growth and internode length of the experimental genotypes, related to the PyroDwarf rootstock. However, higher trunk diameter (by 20%) and leaf area density of both genotypes were found in PyroDwarf rootstock. Although the time of blooming and fruit ripening were different between the ‘Dargazi’ and ‘Beyrouti’ genotypes, they were not influenced by the rootstock type. ‘Dargazi’ genotype and PyroDwarf rootstock produced the highest number (35.53 per tree), weight (195.04 g, 96.20% higher than ‘Beyrouti’) and yield (4.95 kg per tree, 2.1 times higher than ‘Beyrouti’) of pear fruit significantly enhancing yield attributes in both genotypes. The quality of fruits was also affected by the combination of genotypes and rootstocks. The grafted ‘Dargazi’ genotype on PyroDwarf rootstock showed lower tree infection by fire blight and psylla. The ‘Dargazi’ genotype grafted on the PyroDwarf rootstock may be recommendable to achieve high pear fruit yield and quality.

Effect of cultivar differences in seed size on early season growth and physiology of cotton under low and high‐temperature extremes

AbstractExtreme temperatures and cultivar variation in seed characteristics affect stand establishment, early‐season growth, and photosynthetic processes. However, studies addressing temperature responses of similarly adapted cultivars of contrasting seed traits are needed. This study assessed the effect of temperature and cultivar on growth, physiological responses, and photosynthetic thermotolerance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings and identified important plant traits contributing to seedling vigor. Two similarly adapted cotton cultivars with contrasting seed sizes were grown in a controlled environment under 4 day/night temperature regimes, 20/15, 30/20, 35/25, and 40/30°C, for 4 weeks. Growth analysis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas exchange data were collected. Rapid induction fluorescence × incubation temperature experiments were used to define temperature thresholds, causing a 15% decline in photosynthetic efficiencies (T15). The large‐seeded cotton cultivar exhibited higher values for most growth traits. The 20/15°C temperature had the lowest values for all growth traits, and 30/20 and 35/25°C were optimal for shoot growth. Leaf area was the most important driver of seedling vigor, and whole‐canopy photosynthesis could be a more accurate predictor of biomass accumulation than net carbon assimilation per unit leaf area. Plants grown at 20/15°C had the lowest net carbon assimilation rates, primarily due to metabolic impairment. Photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) had greater heat tolerance than inter‐photosystem electron transport. The thermotolerance of all thylakoid responses increased as the early‐season growth temperature increased, and there were cultivar differences in acclimation potential for PSI.

A Comprehensive Review on High-Density Planting in Fruit Crops and Its Outcomes

The average productivity of fruits in India is low when compared to horticulturally developed countries, the main reasons being old and senile orchards, low yielding genotypes, poor orchard management and inadequate technological interventions. Presently, the increasing costs of land and energy, along with shrinking cultivable land and the rising demand for fruits, have collectively led to the adoption of High-Density Planting (HDP) system in fruits. HDP aims to optimize vertical and horizontal space, accommodating more plants per unit area to reduce the gestation period, increase productivity, improve fruit quality, and maximize returns while maintaining soil fertility. The effectiveness of this technology relies on employing methods to regulate shoot growth and optimize light interception as the trees start to produce fruits. The main aim of this review is to focus upon contemporary information about the spacing, suitable varieties and plant population of different fruit crops under HDP systems and how to control tree size by adopting various techniques.

Wild Cicer species exhibit superior leaf photosynthetic phosphorus- and water-use efficiencies compared with cultivated chickpea under low-phosphorus conditions.

Domesticated chickpea cultivars exhibit limited genetic diversity. This study evaluated the effects of chickpea domestication on phosphorus (P)-use efficiency (PUE) under low-P conditions, using a diverse Cicer collection, including wild species. Two wild Cicer species - 54 C. reticulatum accessions and 15 C. echinospermum accessions, and seven domesticated C. arietinum accessions were grown in low-P soil. All three species exhibited significant variation in physiological PUE, leaf gas exchange characteristics, photosynthetic PUE (PPUE), and photosynthetic N-use efficiency (PNUE), with greater variation in wild Cicer species than in domesticated C. arietinum. Domestication increased shoot growth and total leaf area but reduced root mass ratio. Compared with domesticated C. arietinum, wild Cicer species had lower stomatal conductance and higher leaf mass per area, associated with lower intercellular CO2 concentrations and higher water-use efficiency (WUE). Elevated leaf nitrogen concentrations in wild Cicer were likely associated with enhanced photosynthetic capacity, partially compensating for reduced stomatal conductance. Wild Cicer species demonstrated higher PPUE but lower PNUE than domesticated chickpea, with increased WUE exhibiting a trade-off with PNUE. These findings highlight the potential of wild Cicer species as valuable genetic resources for enhancing PPUE in chickpea improvement programmes.

Constant distance between leaf initiation sites permits nondestructive analysis of apical meristem activity during cactus shoot growth.

Constant distance between leaf initiation sites permits nondestructive analysis of apical meristem activity during cactus shoot growth.