Plant Structure Research Articles

Genome-Wide Identification of GmPIF Family and Regulatory Pathway Analysis of GmPIF3g in Different Temperature Environments

Phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. However, studies on soybean PIFs are limited. Here, we identified 22 GmPIF genes from the soybean genome and classified the GmPIF proteins into 13 subfamilies based on amino acid sequence homology, secondary and tertiary structures, protein structure, and conserved motifs. Genome-wide collinearity analysis revealed that fragment duplication events play a dominant role in expanding the GmPIF gene family. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that the GmPIF gene family is involved in light response, hormone response, biotic–abiotic stress response elements, and plant growth and development. Gene expression analysis in different temperature environments showed that the GmPIF family was found to be induced by phytohormone treatments, with a significant increase in the expression level of GmPIF3g. GmPIF3g plays a key role in the regulation of the entire network, and in addition, 30 proteins interacting with the GmPIF3g promoter were identified through the use of a novel biofilm interference technique. This technique showed that the transcription factor Dof (DNA binding with one finger) binds to the GmPIF3g promoter, and Y1H assays indicated that Dof regulates its expression by binding to the PIF promoter. These results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the regulatory network of GmPIF genes to improve the structure of soybean plants under shade environments, as well as a new method for analyzing regulatory elements that interact with gene promoters.

Experiences with grassland aerator with blades in Karcag

In 2023-24, we examined the effects of a lawn aerator with blades on plant structure, nitrogen, and total organic carbon content in a near-natural grass association in Karcag, characterized by saline soil. Following the aeration in October, by the following May, the nitrogen and total organic carbon content of the grass soil decreased. There was a decline in species diversity and the cover value of leguminous grass species. In contrast, the cover proportion of moderately oligotrophic, community-forming Festuca pseudovina increased. Additionally, the cover value of the dominant grass species, Alopecurus pratensis, also rose due to the two-time intervention with the blade roller. Summarizing our results, the application of lawn aeration in sensitive plant structures of near-natural grass associations is justified with great care.

Analysis and Optimization of Hydraulic Calibration for Maximum Performance of Wastewater Treatment Plants

The hydraulic calibration of treatment units in wastewater treatment plants is a crucial task. It involves demonstrating the relative placement of these various units in relation to the water line that traverses the plant, and helps indicate the ground surface for establishing the optimal elevations of the plant's structures and hydraulic controls. This process is meticulous, complex, and prone to errors. Special attention must be given to the issue of varying hydraulic loads that the plant will receive, particularly at the inlet. Such variations can disrupt hydraulic operation and negatively impact the plant's performance. For these reasons, the hydraulic calibration of treatment units must always be verified and analyzed for most of the common hydraulic constraints encountered in practice. This article focuses on the different types of flow and their regimes commonly found in wastewater treatment plants, and aims to guide users on how to optimize the hydraulic profile. It highlights the impact of head losses and integrates a range of potential alternatives for achieving hydraulic efficiency in a wastewater treatment plant.

A new approach for spatial optimization of crop planting structure to balance economic and environmental benefits

A new approach for spatial optimization of crop planting structure to balance economic and environmental benefits

Research on the impact of irrigation facilities on agricultural planting structures under the risk of disaster loss

Research on the impact of irrigation facilities on agricultural planting structures under the risk of disaster loss

How does planting structure change affect the agricultural net carbon sink? Evidence from the Jiangsu coastal economic Belt

How does planting structure change affect the agricultural net carbon sink? Evidence from the Jiangsu coastal economic Belt

Planting Structures and Carbon Reduction Effects of Urban Greenspaces in Reclaimed Coastal Areas

Background and objective: In order to enhance the contribution of urban greenspaces to carbon uptake, it is essential to assess the carbon reduction effects of these areas. Accordingly, this study examined the planting structures and carbon reduction effects of urban greenspaces in reclaimed coastal areas (RCAs), which are characterized by unique growth conditions, such as high salinity, that distinguish them from inland areas.Methods: Field surveys were conducted across urban greenspaces in RCAs along the west and south coasts of Korea to document their planting structures and soil characteristics. Based on the obtained data, a quantitative analysis of the carbon reduction effect of trees and soil within these greenspaces was conducted.Results: It was found that the average tree cover in the surveyed greenspaces was 37.2%, while soil salinity and organic matter content were measured at 0.03% and 4.2%, respectively. The carbon storage per unit area of the greenspace, attributable to both trees and soil, reached 59.2 t/ha, with an estimated total annual carbon uptake of approximately 5.7 kt/year. This uptake is equivalent to offsetting the carbon emissions of about 153,000 people based on the energy consumption of residential buildings. Drawing on these results, this study proposed strategies to further enhance carbon reduction in reclaimed coastal greenspaces. The recommended strategies include optimizing soil conditions for plant growth, implementing multi-layered and clustered planting with medium and large trees, and selecting tree species that tolerate high salinity.Conclusion: Overall, this study makes a valuable contribution toward establishing a carbon uptake indicator for trees and soil in reclaimed coastal greenspaces, where relevant data are currently scarce. Future research should aim to include diverse types of greenspaces and larger sample sizes to more accurately capture annual soil carbon fluxes.

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS DAN FAKTOR TEMPAT TUMBUH MANGROVE DI DESA KOBI SADAR KECAMATAN SERAM UTARA TIMUR KOBI

This research was conducted in Kobi Sadar Village, North Seram Timur Kobi District in May 2024. With the aim of 1). To find out the types of mangroves in the mangrove forest in Kobi Sadar Village, North Seram Timur Kobi District 2). To find out the factors where mangroves grow in Kobi Sadar Village, North Seram Timur Kobi District. Data analysis and the approach used for measurements and observations in this study were descriptive qualitative methods and direct on-site surveys. Information collection regarding vegetation is carried out through vertical channels. The process of identifying specimens to find out the species name is carried out by comparing the morphological characteristics of the various types of mangroves found and referring to the guidebook for mangrove identification in Indonesia (MIC and JICA). Vegetation analysis is a step to explore the structure and composition of plants based on the shape and character of the plant collection. The various elements that make up vegetation structure include growth type, level, and canopy closure.

Impacts of planting structure adjustment on water saving in the Shiyang River Basin of Arid Region

Planting structure adjustment (PSA) affects agricultural water saving, and is an essential part of water-saving agricultural construction. This study introduced virtual water theory and innovatively constructed a model to assess the water-saving effects of PSA in Shiyang River Basin over the past 38 years, explore the relationship between planting structure and water saving, and clarify the most water-saving planting structure. The results showed that the sown area of economic crops consistently increased as food crop areas decreased in the four counties (districts) from 1980 to 2017. Being considered a “big water consumer”, wheat has lost its dominant position. The water requirements of major crops in the four counties and districts showed an increasing trend. The total area proportion of vegetables, wheat, corn, and oil-bearing crops (Abbreviated as TPVWCO) directly determined the water-saving amount. The lower the TPVWCO, the better the water-saving effect. Taking 1980 as the reference year, the most water-saving years in Gulang, Liangzhou, Yongchang, and Minqin were 2007, 1981, 2008, and 2005, respectively. Taking 2007 as the reference year, there were no water-saving years available after that due to the higher TPVWCO. Taking into account food security, ecological and economic benefits, it was recommended to control the TPVWCO at 40% in the Shiyang River Basin in the future. The land vacated should be planted with cotton in Minqin, while the land vacated in the other three counties should be planted with fruits. The research results would provide scientific basis for optimizing the planting structure and managing agricultural water resources in inland river basins in arid regions.

Chromatin Topological Domains Associate With the Rapid Formation of Tandem Duplicates in Plants.

In eukaryotes, chromatin is compacted within nuclei under the principle of compartmentalization. On top of that, condensin II establishes eukaryotic chromosome territories, while cohesin organizes the vertebrate genome by extruding chromatin loops and forming topologically associating domains (TADs). Thus far, the formation and roles of these chromatin structures in plants remain poorly understood. This study integrates Hi-C data from diverse plant species, demonstrating that nuclear DNA content influences large-scale chromosome conformation and affects the finer details of compartmental patterns. These contrasting compartmental patterns are distinguished by gene-to-gene loops and validated through cytological observations. Additionally, a novel chromatin domain type associated with tandem duplicate gene clusters is identified. These domains are independent of H3K27me3-mediated chromatin compartmentalization and exhibit evolutionary conservation across species. Gene pairs within TAD-like domains are younger and show higher levels of coexpression. These domains potentially promote the formation of tandem duplicates, a property appears unique to the Actinidia family. Overall, this study reveals functional chromatin domains in plants and provides evidence for the role of three-dimensional chromatin architecture in gene regulation and genome evolution.

L-DOPA yield in plants of local <i>Vicia faba</i> varieties from Puebla, Mexico

Significant quantities of 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA or levodopa) are present in the plant structures of <i>Vicia faba</i>, a compound utilized in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In Mexico, the cultivation and per capita consumption of <i>V. faba</i> is low, suggesting that exploiting the species through its biomass could enhance the utilization of this phytogenetic resource. The objectives were: (1) to evaluate the morphological characteristics of seeds from 24 local <i>V. faba</i> varieties originating from production areas, and (2) to analyze the content and yield of L-DOPA in the young plants of these 24 local varieties to assess the variation of this compound. The local varieties were collected in seven growing localities in Puebla, Mexico. Seed local varieties were measured for length, width, and weight of 100 seeds to determine their size. Subsequently, the seeds were sown in the field, and plants were harvested 20 days after emergence. The plant material was processed, and L-DOPA content was quantified using UV-visible spectrophotometry, and the yield per plant was obtained. L-DOPA content and yield ranged from 127.91 - 179.52 mg g<sup>-1</sup> DM and 223.27 - 584.21 mg plant<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Principal component and cluster analysis identified five groups differentiated by seed morphological variables, biomass and L-DOPA. It was shown that the L-DOPA content in the plant is not influenced by the place of origin of the seed, and that seed size can be an indicator of the amount and yield of L-DOPA. The production of this bioactive compound via <i>V. faba</i> biomass may be considered a natural resource with commercial potential.

Discrimination of structures in plant using deep learning models trained by 3D CAD semantics

Discrimination of structures in plant using deep learning models trained by 3D CAD semantics

Genome-wide identification, classification, and expression profiling of LAC gene family in sesame

BackgroundLaccases (LACs) are vital plant growth and development enzymes, participating in lignin biopolymerization and responding to stress. However, the role of LAC genes in plant development as well as stress tolerance, is still not well understood, particularly in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), an important oilseed crop.ResultsIn this study, 51 sesame LAC genes (SiLACs) were identified, which were unevenly distributed across different chromosomes. The phylogeny of Arabidopsis LAC (AtLACs) subdivided the SiLAC proteins into seven subgroups (Groups I-VII), of which Group VII contained only sesame LACs. Within the same subgroup, SiLACs exhibit comparable structures and conserved motifs. The promoter region of SiLACs harbors various cis-acting elements that are related to plant growth, phytohormones, and stress responses. Most SiLACs were expressed in the roots and stems, whereas some were expressed specifically in flowers or seeds. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 19 SiLACs exhibited down-regulation and three showed up-regulation in response to drought stress, while 15 SiLACs were down-regulated and four up-regulated under salt stress. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis showcased that certain SiLAC expression was significantly upregulated as a result of osmotic and salt stress. SiLAC5 and SiLAC17 exhibited the most significant changes in expression under osmotic and salt stresses, indicating that they may serve as potential targets for improving sesame resistance to various stresses.ConclusionsOur study offers a thorough comprehension of LAC gene structure, classification, evolution, and abiotic stress response in sesame plants. Furthermore, we provide indispensable genetic resources for sesame functional characterization to enhance its tolerance to various abiotic stresses.

Методика проведения агротехнических исследований в опытах с люцерной

There are stated methodic peculiarities of investigations in experiments with alfalfa. There are presented plant structure, growth, and development of the crop; necessary observations and accounts in the field ex-periments: phenology and biometrics; analytic observations in laboratory; yield account and the calculation of nutrient consumption. The article is based on the published book “Methodology of agricultural and technical investigations in field experiments with main field crops” by Lukomets V.M., Tishkov N.M., Semerenko S.A. (Krasnodar, 2022).

Resilience of the Miombo Woodland to Different Fire Frequencies in the LevasFlor Forest Concession, Central Mozambique

Fires play a significant role in shaping the Miombo woodlands. Understanding how fire affects the Miombo region’s resilience is crucial for ensuring its sustainability. This study evaluated plant composition and structure across different fire frequencies in the Miombo woodlands of the LevasFlor Forest Concession (LFC), central Mozambique. Fire frequency clusters-high (HFF), moderate (MFF), and low (LFF)-were identified using a 21-year remote-sensing dataset. In each cluster, 90 random sampling plots were established (30 per cluster). In each plot, the diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height of the saplings and trees were measured. Subplots were used to count and identify seedlings, herbs, climbers, and grasses. Plant species richness, evenness,—diversity, the importance value index (IVI), and similarity were computed to assess plant composition. For the structure, stem density, biomass, basal area, diameter, and height were assessed. A total of 124 plant species-including trees, saplings, seedlings, herbs, climbers, and grasses-were identified across the three clusters. The Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity Index, tested with an ANOSIM similarity test, revealed significant differences in plant species composition among clusters (p < 0.0003), with an overall average dissimilarity of 71.98%. In the HFF cluster, fire-tolerant species were among the five species with the highest IVI, while fire-sensitive species predominated in the LFF. Additionally, the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in seedling stem density (p < 0.005) between the LFF and other clusters. However, overall, the composition and structure attributes suggested that current fire regime does not significantly compromise the plant species resilience of the Miombo woodlands in the LFC. Still, it is essential to concentrate management and conservation efforts on seedlings of some key Miombo species, such as Brachystegia spiciformis, whose ecology is particularly affected by fire.

Augmented Reality as a Tool in Plant Research for Medicinal Purposes

Plants are organisms that grow by utilizing photosynthesis to convert light into food energy. The structure of plants includes roots that absorb nutrients and water, stems that transport them, and leaves that capture light for the photosynthesis process. Additionally, plants have flowers and fruits that function in reproduction. Examples of plants that are often studied and utilized include Aloe Vera, Celandine, and Betel Leaf. However, public understanding of information about medicinal plants remains limited. To address this issue, Augmented Reality (AR) technology can be utilized to provide education on the importance of medicinal plant information. Augmented Reality is a technology that integrates the virtual world with the real world. In this context, the Marker-based Tracking method is applied, which is an AR technique using two-dimensional markers with specific patterns that can be read by a mobile device camera. With this technology, people will find it easier to learn about various plants that can be used as medicine.

Body size mediates the role of insect seed predators as ecosystem engineers for arthropod communities

Abstract Arthropods that interact with host plants can function as allogenic ecosystem engineers by modifying plant structures, thereby influencing the availability of resources for other organisms. This study examined the role of insect seed predators as ecosystem engineers within arthropod communities and assessed how body size affects this facilitation process. We hypothesised that fruits with more and larger cavities would be more colonised, since they would increase the probability of colonisation and allow a wider range of sizes of arthropod species to access the fruits, respectively. We collected tamarind (Tamarindus indica, Fabaceae) fruits infested by different seed predators. Following the emergence of these organisms, we categorised 200 fruits into five categories (40 per category) based on the number and size of entrance/emergence cavities: absent (fruits without cavities), small (one small cavity), medium (one medium cavity), large (one large cavity), and multiple (two or more cavities). The fruits were then taken back to the field for 2 and 4 months at the beginning of rainy season to allow colonisation by secondary arthropods. We recorded 5237 secondary colonisers from 50 morphospecies and 12 different orders. Ants were the most abundant group (4356 individuals) and utilised the fruits mainly as nesting sites (17 nests). Overall, tamarind fruits in the absent category had a lower species richness and abundance of arthropods compared to fruits with cavities present. Additionally, fruits with large cavities (medium and large categories) supported greater species richness and abundance than those in the small and absent categories. Finally, multiple cavities in fruits facilitate more arthropod species to colonise them compared with those with just one cavity. Our findings underscore the critical role of seed predators as ecosystem engineers, significantly shaping the structure of plant‐dwelling arthropod communities. We conclude that the cavity diameter and number of cavities in fruits are key factors influencing this facilitation process.

Chlorine disinfectant significantly changed microfauna habitat, community structure, and colonization mode in wastewater treatment plants.

This study revealed that chlorine disinfectant significantly changed microfauna habitat, community structure, and colonization mode in wastewater treatment plants during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Chlorine disinfectant could destroy the structure and stability of sludge flocs, reduce the abundance of beneficial microfauna in activated sludge, and even affect the colonization of sedentary ciliates on sludge. In addition, chlorine disinfectants might induce environmental and ecological risks related to microfauna, such as elevated suspended solids and release of bacteria and microfauna in the effluents.

Plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services in rainforest, traditional and industrial oil palm cultivation systems in Liberia, West Africa

Societal Impact StatementOil palm is native to the west African forest, where industrial production is expanding. We assessed differences in plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services across 54 forest, community agriculture and oil palm plots in Sinoe County, Liberia. Traditional cultivation systems have lower ecological impacts in terms of species richness, composition, canopy height and structural complexity compared with industrial production, though yields per hectare are likely to be lower. Traditional systems can inspire improved management of industrial plantations, including choice of cover crop, intercropping with locally valued species and reduced clearance and pesticide regimes, increasing biodiversity and local food security.Summary Tropical agriculture contributes to national and global food security, but the conversion of natural habitats to agriculture has severe consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and society. Significant research efforts have focussed on improving the sustainability of palm oil production in Asia, but less research has been conducted in the African forest zone, where oil palm is native and production is expanding. Working within the Sustainable Oil Palm in West Africa (SOPWA) Project (Sinoe County, Liberia), we surveyed canopy trees and understorey plants in 54 plots distributed equally across three ecological systems ‐ rainforest, traditionally‐cultivated oil palm (“country palm”) and industrially‐managed oil palm ‐ to assess differences in plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services. Traditionally‐cultivated oil palm systems had intermediate plant biodiversity (species richness, weighted endemism) and structure (canopy height, complexity) compared with industrial production or rainforest. Provisioning services (proportion of species supplying non‐timber forest products) did not differ by the system on average, though the absolute number of useful species recorded was highest for the forest. Of surveyed plant species, 81% had a local name (Sapo or Kru); a smaller proportion of forest species were named compared with either traditional or industrial oil palm systems. Our study emphasises the higher ecological value per hectare of traditional oil palm production compared with industrial production methods, though yields are likely to be lower, leading to implications for industrial management such as growing alternative cover crop species, intercropping with non‐timber forest products or locally valued crops and implementing reduced clearance and pesticide regimes.

One-step annealing in situ synthesis of low tortuosity corn straw cellulose biochar/Fe3C: Application for cathode catalyst in microbial fuel cell.

Synthesis of microbial fuel cell (MFC) cathode catalysts using corn straw with natural multi-channel structure is an useful measure for developing sustainable energy sources and making creative use of agricultural waste. The catalytic performance of nanomaterial catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is clearly influenced by porosity and channel structure. Mesopores usually contribute to the enhancement of reaction kinetics and mass transfer. Therefore, in this paper, we have devised a method for the in situ synthesis of Fe3C/B (CIP) using cold isostatic pressure (CIP), which is inspired by the natural channel structures in plants that conduct water, salt and organic matter. The low tortuosity in materials due to this special structure can make it easier to create continuous electron channels and direct ion transfer channels. In addition, Fe3C/B (CIP) has amorphous characteristic defects (ID/IG=0.82), high specific surface area (817.04m2g-1), and mesoporous structure (3.240nm). When Fe3C/B (CIP) was used as the cathode catalyst, the maximum power density of the MFC (1370.31mW/m2) was 44.79% higher than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (946.40mW/m2). The present study offers an MFC cathode catalyst with a long cycling stability and high power density.