Molecular Mechanisms of Chlorophyll Deficiency in × 'Sunny Foster' Mutant.

× 'Sunny Foster' represents a yellow leaf mutant originating from × 'Foster#2', a popular ornamental woody cultivar. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this leaf color mutation remain unclear. Using a comprehensive approach encompassing cytological, physiological, and transcriptomic methodologies, notable distinctions were discerned between the mutant specimen and its wild type.

Cytological and Transcriptomic Analysis Provide Insights into the Formation of Variegated Leaves in 'Belgica Aurea'.

'Belgica Aurea' is an attractive ornamental plant bearing yellow-green variegated leaves. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation of leaf variegation in this species are still unclear. Here, the juvenile yellow leaves and mature variegated leaves of 'Belgica Aurea' were compared in terms of leaf structure, pigment content and transcriptomics.

Impacts of changes in vegetation on saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil in subtropical forests.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K) is one of the most important soil properties that determines water flow behavior in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the K of forest soils is difficult to predict due to multiple interactions, such as anthropological and geomorphic processes. In this study, we examined the impacts of vegetation type on K and associated mechanisms.

Leaf morphology and ultrastructure responses to elevated O3 in transgenic Bt (cry1Ab/cry1Ac) rice and conventional rice under fully open-air field conditions.

Background: Elevated tropospheric ozone severely affects not only yield but also the morphology, structure and physiological functions of plants. Because of concerns regarding the potential environmental risk of transgenic crops, it is important to monitor changes in transgenic insect-resistant rice under the projected high tropospheric ozone before its commercial release.

Methodology/principal Findings: Using a free-air concentration enrichment (FACE) system, we investigated the changes in leaf morphology and leaf ultrastructure of two rice varieties grown in plastic pots, transgenic Bt Shanyou 63 (Bt-SY63, carrying a fusion gene of cry1Ab and cry1Ac) and its non-transgenic counterpart (SY63), in elevated O3 (E-O3) versus ambient O3 (A-O3) after 64-DAS (Days after seeding), 85-DAS and 102-DAS.