Constitutive basis of root system architecture: uncovering a promising trait for breeding nutrient- and drought-resilient crops.

Unlabelled: Root system architecture (RSA) plays a pivotal role in efficient uptake of essential nutrients, such as phosphorous (P), nitrogen (N), and water. In soils with heterogeneous nutrient distribution, root plasticity can optimize acquisition and plant growth. Here, we present evidence that a constitutive RSA can confer benefits for sorghum grown under both sufficient and limiting growth conditions.

Dynamic transcriptome analysis unravels key regulatory genes of maize root growth and development in response to potassium deficiency.

Integrated root phenotypes and transcriptome analysis have revealed key candidate genes responsible for maize root growth and development in potassium deficiency. Potassium (K) is a vital macronutrient for plant growth, but our understanding of its regulatory mechanisms in maize root system architecture (RSA) and K uptake remains limited. To address this, we conducted hydroponic and field trials at different growth stages.

Asymmetric gene expression in grain development of reciprocal crosses between tetraploid and hexaploid wheats.

Production of viable progeny from interploid crosses requires precise regulation of gene expression from maternal and paternal chromosomes, yet the transcripts contributed to hybrid seeds from polyploid parent species have rarely been explored. To investigate the genome-wide maternal and paternal contributions to polyploid grain development, we analyzed the transcriptomes of developing embryos, from zygote to maturity, alongside endosperm in two stages of development, using reciprocal crosses between tetraploid and hexaploid wheats. Reciprocal crosses between species with varied levels of ploidy displayed broad impacts on gene expression, including shifts in alternative splicing events in select crosses, as illustrated by active splicing events, enhanced protein synthesis and chromatin remodeling.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9-generated diallelic mutants reveal Arabidopsis actin-related protein 2 function in the trafficking of syntaxin PEN1.

In plants, the actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role in defense against diverse pathogens. The formation of actin patches is essential for the intracellular transport of organelles and molecules toward pathogen penetration sites and the formation of papillae for an early cellular response to powdery mildew attack in . This response process is regulated by the actin-related protein (ARP)2/3 complex and its activator, the WAVE/SCAR complex (W/SRC).

TpIRT1 from Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L.) enhances the accumulation of Fe, Mn, Co, and Cd in Arabidopsis.

Uptake and internal transport of micronutrients are essential for plant growth, development, and yield. In this regard, Iron Regulated Transporters (IRTs) from the Zinc Regulated Transporter (ZRT)/IRT-related protein (ZIP) family play an important role in transition metal uptake. Most studies have been focused on IRT1-like proteins in diploid species.

YSL3-mediated copper distribution is required for fertility, seed size and protein accumulation in Brachypodium.

Addressing the looming global food security crisis requires the development of high-yielding crops. In agricultural soils, deficiency in the micronutrient copper significantly decreases grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum), a globally important crop. In cereals, grain yield is determined by inflorescence architecture, flower fertility, grain size, and weight.

Arabidopsis Pollen Fertility Requires the Transcription Factors CITF1 and SPL7 That Regulate Copper Delivery to Anthers and Jasmonic Acid Synthesis.

A deficiency of the micronutrient copper (Cu) leads to infertility and grain/seed yield reduction in plants. How Cu affects fertility, which reproductive structures require Cu, and which transcriptional networks coordinate Cu delivery to reproductive organs is poorly understood. Using RNA-seq analysis, we showed that the expression of a gene encoding a novel transcription factor, CITF1 (Cu-DEFICIENCY INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR1), was strongly upregulated in flowers subjected to Cu deficiency.

High Nitrogen Supply Induces Physiological Responsiveness to Long Photoperiod in Barley.

Photoperiod and nutrient nitrogen (N) supply influence the growth, development, and productivity of crops. This study examined the physiological, biochemical, and morpho-anatomical traits of NA5 and NA9, two barley cultivars with contrasting photoperiod lengths, under the combined treatment of photoperiod regime and N supply. Under long photoperiod, high N supply decreased net photosynthesis; decreased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll a/b; decreased ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities; decreased ascorbate, glutathione, soluble protein, and soluble sugar; destroyed mesophyll cell integrity; and increased [Formula: see text], malondialdehyde, and proline in both NA5 and NA9.

Sulfur Mediated Alleviation of Mn Toxicity in Polish Wheat Relates to Regulating Mn Allocation and Improving Antioxidant System.

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient that has been proved to play an important role in regulating plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of S status on polish wheat plant response to Mn toxicity. Results showed that Mn stress inhibited plant growth, disturbed photosynthesis and induced oxidative stress.