Acta Physiologiae Plantarum

Abo-Hamed, Sammy; Elghareeb, Eman M.; El-Shahaby, Omar; Ibraheem, Farag

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03775-8pmid: N/A

During maize grain filling, effective coordination between a high source capacity and a robust sink significantly enhances yield. These source–sink relationships are primarily influenced by genotype and nitrogen availability, and achieving a balance between them has been a challenge in modern maize hybrids. In this study, three maize hybrids (B73 × Mo17, B73 × Sids7, and B73 × NC358), sharing B73 as the female parent, were produced, field-grown, and maintained till maturity under limited and sufficient soil nitrogen. The impact of the developing reproductive sink on growth, yield, and dynamic changes in ear-leaf physiology was monitored at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after pollination. Under limited and adequate N conditions, B73 × NC358 outperformed B73 × Mo17 and B73 × Sids7 in yield and most tested traits. The enhanced yield in B73 × NC358 was associated with increased sink-strength traits and improved source capacity-related morpho- physiological characteristics. As grain filling progressed, B73 × NC358 consistently demonstrated higher biomass accumulation, leaf nitrogen, stover nitrogen, chlorophyll content, total soluble proteins, and elevated activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) compared to the other hybrids. Nitrogen limitation curtails grain yield, growth, and leaf metabolites; however, it induces starch accumulation and increased protease and asparaginase (ASNase) activities in all hybrids. Our findings suggest that B73 × NC358 optimizes leaf nitrogen and balances source capacity and sink strength to enhance biomass, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and grain yield. The alleles from B73 and NC358 interact effectively to support a stay-green-like phenotype, promoting growth and grain yield across nitrogen conditions.

Ye, Zhenfeng; Yao, Daozhi; Liu, Qi; Chen, Lingxia; Dou, Lindong; Yu, Jinhui; Deng, Jie; Wu, Zixiao; Cao, Li; Liu, Li; Heng, Wei

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03782-9pmid: N/A

The outer layer of russet pear fruit skin is coated with suberin, a key protective barrier that deters pests and minimizes water loss, making it an important trait for fruit cultivation. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying russet formation in the pear exocarp, focusing on the ‘Dangshansuli variety’ with yellow-green skin and its russeted mutant ‘Dangshanjinsu variety’ through proteomic analysis. The results revealed numerous differentially expressed proteins associated with the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, suberin and wax synthesis pathways, and sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid synthesis pathways. Specifically, six PbSQE genes, encoding squalene epoxidases involved in triterpenoid synthesis, showed distinct expression patterns in the exocarp of ‘Dangshansuli variety’ and ‘Dangshanjinsu variety’ during fruit development. Notably, PbSQE4, PbSQE5, and PbSQE6 displayed a similar expression pattern across the three stages, with lower expressions observed at 25 and 175 DAFB but higher expressions at 100 DAFB in the exocarp of ‘Dangshanjinsu variety’. The expression of PbSQE3 in the exocarp of ‘Dangshanjinsu variety’ at 100 and 175 DAFB was significantly lower than that in ‘Dangshansuli variety’. Based on this, selected PbSQE3 and PbSQE6 to stably transform Arabidopsis thaliana. Overexpression of PbSQE3 and PbSQE6 in transgenic Arabidopsis significantly increased triterpenoid compounds, including ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, α-amyrin, and β-amyrin. These findings highlight the roles of PbSQE3 and PbSQE6 in triterpenoid biosynthesis and suggest they contribute to the downregulation of suberin deposition in the russet pear exocarp.

Darwish, Majd; Ouhibi, Chayma; Abboud, Habib Issa; Alajouria, Hala Adnan; Lopez-Lauri, Félicie; Sallanon, Huguette

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03778-5pmid: N/A

Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Virginie vk51 seedlings at the three-leaf stage were grown in a hydroponic culture system. Those seedlings were subjected to a photoperiod priming treatment with alternating light/dark periods (AL) (16 min light/8 min dark cycles and a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 50 μmol photons m−2 s−1) for 3 days. After 2 weeks, the plantlets were transferred to two soil types with 0 (control) or 100 µM clomazone. Compared with the non-primed plants, the AL-primed plants exhibited greater clomazone tolerance with respect to all of the growth parameters and during all of the growth stages. This AL priming effect was demonstrated by increases in plant leaf area and dry and fresh plant weights, which might have been related to increases in the CO2 assimilation rate (Pn and Pmax). Furthermore, the reduced photon absorption (ABS/RC) and heat dissipation (DI0/RC) rates as well as the observed increase in photosystem II (PSII) efficiency (the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), actual PSII efficiency (ФPSII)) and electron transport (the light-saturated electron transport rate (ETR) and electron flux beyond the first quinone electron acceptor of PSII (QA) evaluated as (1–VJ)) provide strong evidence of a higher tolerance to clomazone. Collectively, these results suggest that AL priming treatment could potentially improve the protection or production of other transplanted species.

Basu, Amrita; Roychowdhury, Dipasree; Joshi, Raj Kumar; Jha, Sumita

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03787-4pmid: N/A

Ahmad, Abrar; Akram, Nudrat Aisha; Ashraf, Muhammad

doi: 10.1007/s11738-024-03758-1pmid: N/A

Phytoextracts as a cheap source of growth promoters as well as synthetic chemicals are being widely used these days to treat plants subjected to stress conditions. To compare the effects of natural growth regulators and synthetic ones, a pot experiment was conducted using natural [moringa leaf extract (MLE)] and synthetic (vitamins B1 and B2) sources to appraise the mitigating of drought-induced adverse effects on maize (Zea mays L.) plants. Seeds of both differentials stress tolerant maize cultivars (YH-1898 and Sahiwal Gold) were primed with natural (MLE), synthetic (thiamin and riboflavin), and their combination (MLE, thiamin, and riboflavin) and subjected to 100% field capacity [F.C. (control)] and 60% F.C. (drought) conditions. Drought stress (60% F.C.) significantly decreased plant biomass and total soluble proteins (TSP), whereas no significant alteration was observed in chlorophyll contents. However, in contrast, it improved glycine betaine (GB), proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenolics, and ascorbic acid as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) enzymes in both maize cultivars. Priming seeds with different sources enhanced growth attributes, chlorophyll pigments, osmolyte concentration, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, and the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes (SOD, POD, and CAT), but it reduced the accumulation of H2O2 and MDA. Overall, a natural source, MLE as a plant growth regulator, remarkably reduced the adverse effects of drought stress and enhanced the growth of maize cultivars, whereas riboflavin among the synthetic PGRs was more effective in upregulating the oxidative defense and osmoprotectant accumulation.

Ajila-Celi, Gabriela Eugenia; Lata-Tenesaca, Luis Felipe; Calzada, Kolima Peña; de Cassia Alves, Rita; da Cruz, Mara Cristina Pessôa; Junior, José Sidnaldo Pinzetta; Carrega, Willians César; Gratão, Priscila Lupino

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03770-zpmid: N/A

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is one of the most abundant antioxidants, and can modulate several functions in plants under abiotic stress conditions. However, little is known about the mechanism of limiting harmful effects of salt stress through different exogenous AsA application methods. This study evaluated the effect of AsA application via a nutrient solution, foliar spray, and a combination there of on the adverse effects of salt stress in soybean plants. Two experiments using a 4 × 2 factorial scheme under a randomized block design included a salt-tolerant (M 8372) and salt-sensitive (M-Soy 8222) soybean cultivar. The plants of both cultivars were subjected to 0 and 100 mmol L−1 of NaCl and 0.85 mmol L−1 and 100 mmol L−1 of AsA via the root and leaves. Salt stress reduced the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and photosynthetic rate and increased Na+ accumulation and lipid peroxidation in both cultivars. However, AsA application via the roots and leaves in M 8372 and leaves in M-Soy 8222 limited the adverse effects of salt stress by increasing the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX, EC 1.11.1.7), as well as proline and endogenous AsA levels, thereby reducing Na+ accumulation in the tissues. In addition, AsA limited damage to the photosynthetic apparatus, as evidenced by the increased photosynthetic pigment content and photosynthetic rate, promoting plant growth. These results provide a new perspective on AsA delivery methods in soybean development under salt stress.

Mourya, Suraj Kumar; Mohil, Praveen; Bhati, Jyotsana; Kumar, Anil

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03786-5pmid: N/A

Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient for plants and is required for normal growth and metabolism. Many enzymes involved in primary metabolism like respiration, photosynthesis, and biosynthesis of plant hormones, possess Zn as a cofactor for their moiety. Zn at elevated concentrations in soil has hazardous effects on plants and leads to retarded cell division and elongation, affects growth and biomass production, impairs photosynthesis, and is often linked with oxidative stress by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Andrographis paniculata is one of the popular medicinal herbs in Asia. It serves a pivotal role in Ayurveda as a traditional medicine and a source of anti-cancerous drug andrographolide (AG). The current study focused on exploring the enhancement of AG content within the plant under zinc stress. The study highlights the impact of various concentrations of Zn (50, 100, and 150 mg kg−1) as zinc sulphate (ZnSO4 × 7H2O) on plant health, antioxidative enzymes and elicitation of AG biosynthesis in A. paniculata in a pot experiment with sandy loam soil in the greenhouse. Growth attributes such as plant height and fresh and dry biomass of seedlings were reduced with consistent increases in concentrations of Zn. The activities of enzymes such as catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase rose with increasing concentrations of Zn. The maximum applied concentration (150 mg Zn kg−1) showed the maximum activity of all studied antioxidative enzymes. Elevated zinc concentrations in soil correlate with increased total phenolic content, MDA content, electrolytic leakage, and H2O2 levels in A. paniculata. As the Zn content in soil increased, the AG contents in A. paniculata leaves increased and was maximum recorded at 150 mg kg−1 of Zn. The Zn levels in root and shoot demonstrated a marked linear correlation with the concentrations of Zn applied to the soil. Results suggest that A. paniculata confer Zn tolerance by modulating antioxidative enzymes and increased synthesis of AG. The present finding is the first report on Zn-mediated AG production in A. paniculata.

Kamble, Vittal; Narayana, C. K.; Karunakaran, G.; Rao, D. V. Sudhakar; Sriram, S.; Laxman, R. H.

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03777-6pmid: N/A

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of different storage temperatures on physiology, quality, antioxidant activity and shelf life of avocado fruits. The optimum mature avocado fruits were harvested (150 days after fruit set) from accession CHES-HA-I/I and CHES-HA-VII/I, and brought to the laboratory. These fruits were stored at 5, 9 and 12 °C with 90–95% relative humidity (RH) and at ambient condition (26–32 °C with 55–62% RH). The results showed that, low-temperature storage significantly reduced the physiologic and biochemical processes in the fruit. Lower physiologic loss in weight (PLW), slower rate of ripening, reduced respiration and ethylene production and higher carbohydrates, protein and crude fat content were recorded in low-temperature storage, whereas higher antioxidant activity in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) was found in avocado fruits stored at ambient temperature. It was also observed that chilling injury (CI) developed in fruits stored at 5 °C. From the present study, it is concluded that among different low temperatures, fruits stored at 9 °C had better storage life with more fruit quality, higher antioxidant activity and least spoilage as compared to other temperatures.

Petrovská, Beáta; Libantová, Jana; Salaj, Terézia; Matušíková, Ildikó; Mikitová, Veronika; Klubicová, Katarína; Salaj, Ján

doi: 10.1007/s11738-025-03772-xpmid: N/A

Key messageThe accumulation of mRNA transcripts of chitinases class VII and beta-1,3-glucanases class II decreases as embryo development progresses. In later stages, it occurs mainly in actively proliferating meristems.AbstractBesides being considered pathogenesis-related proteins, chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases are involved in many physiological and developmental processes. In this study, we investigated the potential role of specific β-1,3-glucanases class II and chitinases class VII in zygotic and somatic embryogenesis using in situ hybridization (ISH). The ISH experiments revealed that the mRNA transcripts of LuChitVII and LuGlucII, along with closely related chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases, accumulated during zygotic embryo development. In the earlier stages of embryo development, both probes showed uniform and relatively strong hybridization signals throughout the embryo. However, as development progressed, the signal intensity decreased. In the cotyledonary stage, the studied mRNA transcripts were more abundant in the meristems, with predominant accumulation in the basal part of the embryo. These structures are known for their high proliferation rates, suggesting the involvement of chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases in cell division. A similar expression pattern of both hydrolases was observed during somatic embryo development.