Plant Physiol. Biochem. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Heterophyllous plants reorganize plant trait coordination between floating and emergent habitats.
Liu Y, Mangoi C, Dong Z … +4 more , Ma H, Li W, Iversen LL, Cao Y
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42102489 · Publisher ↗
Plant structures function as integrated modules, reflecting coordinated development and function across traits. In terrestrial plants, stomatal traits that regulate carbon uptake are tightly coordinated with xylem traits...
Plant structures function as integrated modules, reflecting coordinated development and function across traits. In terrestrial plants, stomatal traits that regulate carbon uptake are tightly coordinated with xylem traits supplying water, maintaining trade-offs between photosynthetic demand and hydraulic capacity. In aquatic plants, however, contrasting environments experienced by emergent and floating leaves may alter these coordination patterns. Whether heterophylly modifies fundamental scaling relationships among traits remains unclear. Here, we examined 15 heterophyllous aquatic species that produce both floating and emergent leaves within the same individual, allowing isolated effects from phylogeny. We found that emergent leaves exhibited greater leaf area, total stomatal area, and petiole thickness, indicating increased hydraulic and mechanical investment. Both leaf types followed hypoallometric scaling between leaf and petiole traits, but coordination regimes diverged. Emergent leaves showed tighter scaling between total stomatal area and petiole xylem area, reflecting strengthened coupling between transpirational demand and hydraulic supply. In contrast, floating leaves exhibited steeper scaling between leaf area and petiole transverse area and a more centralized trait network structure. These divergences persisted after accounting for phylogeny. Together, our results showed that heterophyllous plants could maintain core developmental proportionality while reorganizing trait coordination in response to different habitats.
Hormonal modulation by omeprazole improves tomato growth under single and combined water and nitrogen deficits.
Fernandes APG, Machado J, Bingobingo AB … +4 more , Vasconcelos MW, Vives-Peris V, Gómez-Cadenas A, Carvalho SMP
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42102488 · Publisher ↗
Omeprazole (OMP) has emerged as a promising protective compound against abiotic stress and a potential plant growth promoter, yet its role under combined stress and underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study asses...
Omeprazole (OMP) has emerged as a promising protective compound against abiotic stress and a potential plant growth promoter, yet its role under combined stress and underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study assessed the hormonal response of tomato plants to single and combined nitrogen (N) and water (W) deficits (50%N and/or 50%W) and the impact of OMP application to the root zone (0 and 1 μM) under these conditions. Combined deficit induced distinct hormonal shifts, including decreased shoots' abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-acetic acid (IAA), alongside increased salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and jasmonic acid-isoleucine (JA-Ile). OMP consistently improved plant performance irrespective of the growth conditions, increasing total dry weight by 23% and enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and water use efficiency by 23% and 17%, respectively. Root growth stimulation in OMP-treated plants correlated with higher root IAA under control (+9%), N deficit (+27%), and W deficit (+20%) conditions, while combined deficit plants exhibited 35% lower root ABA without significant root biomass gain. OMP also improved photosynthetic rates and decreased shoots' lipid peroxidation, suggesting a protective effect. Hormonal modulation by OMP included lowering stress-related hormones - restoring JA and JA-Ile to control levels and reducing phaseic acid and SA under W deficit - while promoting IAA, a growth-related hormone. Collectively, these findings indicate that the combined deficit triggers a distinct hormonal profile from single deficits, and that OMP acts as both a stress alleviator and a growth promoter under N and W limitations by modulating hormonal, physiological and biochemical responses in a condition-specific manner.
Integration of physiological and molecular analyses reveals that a plant-based biostimulant delays drought-induced leaf senescence & improves maize yield.
Kanojia A, Sujeeth N, Gupta S … +3 more , Alseekh S, Petrov V, Gechev TS
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42102487 · Publisher ↗
Drought-induced senescence is a major cause of maize yield loss. While biostimulant priming improves stress tolerance, its molecular basis is unclear. Here we demonstrate that priming maize with the plant-derived biostim...
Drought-induced senescence is a major cause of maize yield loss. While biostimulant priming improves stress tolerance, its molecular basis is unclear. Here we demonstrate that priming maize with the plant-derived biostimulant AgriPrime Stimulus (APS) delays drought-induced leaf senescence at reproductive-stage, resulting in improved cob weight and yield. Integrated physiological, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and phytohormone analyses revealed that APS priming preserves source leaf functionality by maintaining key metabolic processes. APS-primed drought-stressed leaves showed enrichment of photosynthesis-related genes and elevated levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, indicating maintained carbon metabolism. APS priming also strengthened cell wall through the induction of genes involved in cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, cutin, and wax biosynthesis, with increased structural metabolites such as xylose, mannose, and galactonic acid. Delayed senescence was further supported by enhanced redox homeostasis, with upregulation of antioxidant-related genes including superoxide dismutase (SOD3), peroxidases (PRXs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and ascorbate-associated genes (BX13), together with increased levels of protective metabolites such as proline, trehalose, and myo-inositol. In parallel, APS priming suppressed proteolysis and senescence-associated genes (NYC1, NYE1, SAG39, NAC042). Integration of phytohormone and transcriptomic data further revealed maintained growth-promoting hormones alongside reduced abscisic acid and ethylene biosynthesis. Consistent with this reduced catabolic state, APS-primed leaves accumulated amino acids linked to growth, while unprimed drought-stressed leaves accumulated amino acids related to protein degradation. Collectively, these findings show that APS priming preserves source-sink relationships during drought by maintaining leaf longevity, and strengthening sink support, which improves cob weight under water deficit.
Genome-wide identification of the Kunitz trypsin inhibitors in Nicotiana tabacum and functional characterization of NtKTI9, a pathogen-responsive member conferring resistance to Phytophthora nicotianae and Ralstonia solanacearum.
Li H, Yu Y, Chen F … +5 more , Zhu J, Zhang H, Gao W, Li X, Liu Y
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42096970 · Publisher ↗
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an important economic crop whose production is severely threatened by black shank and bacterial wilt, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae and Ralstonia solanacearum, respectively. Kunitz-t...
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an important economic crop whose production is severely threatened by black shank and bacterial wilt, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae and Ralstonia solanacearum, respectively. Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors (KTIs), as key components of plant innate immunity, play crucial roles in defense against biotic stress in various plant species. In this study, we systematically identified 22 KTI genes in N. tabacum genome and conducted a comprehensive analysis of their phylogenetic relationships, structural features, and expression patterns. By comparing transcriptomic profiles under colonization by the beneficial endophyte Piriformospora indica versus infection by the pathogenic fungus P. nicotianae, we identified a pathogen-specifically induced gene, NtKTI9. This gene was significantly activated upon infection by both P. nicotianae and R. solanacearum. Functional studies revealed that the NtKTI9 protein possesses trypsin inhibitory activity and exhibits antimicrobial capacity in vitro. Overexpression of NtKTI9 in tobacco activated the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway, which promoted lignin deposition in the roots and enhanced plant resistance against both pathogens. Further mechanistic analysis showed that the expression of NtKTI9 is induced by jasmonic acid (JA) signaling, while its overexpression, in turn, strengthens JA signaling by regulating α-linolenic acid metabolism, suggesting a potential positive feedback loop that synergistically amplify plant immune responses. Based on gain-of-function evidence, this study indicates that NtKTI9 positively contributes to immune regulation in tobacco, which not only deepens our understanding of how KTI genes participate in plant immunity but also provides a novel candidate gene and theoretical foundation for molecular breeding of disease-resistant tobacco.
PpbHLH14.1-PpCCD4a regulatory module modulates lutein accumulation and peel colouration in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia).
Zhang L, Cheng Y, Du W … +6 more , Dong X, Tu J, Zhu H, Kamran HM, Hussain SB, Li X
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42096969 · Publisher ↗
Lutein is a nutritionally important carotenoid that contributes to the peel colour and fruit quality in pear. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating lutein accumulation remain poorly understood. In this study, we i...
Lutein is a nutritionally important carotenoid that contributes to the peel colour and fruit quality in pear. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating lutein accumulation remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4a (PpCCD4a) as a key factor associated with variation in lutein content in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) fruit peel. Gene expression profiling and carotenoid analysis across multiple cultivars and fruit developmental stages revealed a strong negative relationship between PpCCD4a transcript levels and lutein accumulation. Functional analyses demonstrated that transient overexpression of PpCCD4a reduced lutein content and attenuated yellow peel colouration, whereas gene silencing resulted in increased lutein accumulation and enhanced pigmentation. Furthermore, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, PpbHLH14.1, was identified as an upstream regulator of PpCCD4a. Dual-luciferase assays showed that PpbHLH14.1 activates the PpCCD4a promoter, and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed its direct binding to E-box motifs within the promoter region. Manipulation of PpbHLH14.1 expression led to coordinated changes in PpCCD4a transcript levels, lutein accumulation, and peel colouration, supporting a regulatory relationship between these factors. Collectively, these results establish a PpbHLH14.1-PpCCD4a regulatory pathway that modulates lutein accumulation in pear fruit. This study provides new insights into the transcriptional regulation of carotenoid degradation and identifies potential targets for improving fruit nutritional and visual quality.
GhWRKY70-GhXDH1 module enhances drought tolerance in cotton by maintaining ROS homeostasis.
Xiao Y, Liu M, Chen L … +10 more , Feng Y, Wang Q, Shen Z, Chen J, Yu D, Liu Z, Sun Y, Wei X, Ge X, Zhao Y
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42090968 · Publisher ↗
WRKY transcription factors are key regulators of plant stress responses. However, functional characterization of cotton WRKY genes under drought stress has largely relied on omics-based predictions or heterologous expres...
WRKY transcription factors are key regulators of plant stress responses. However, functional characterization of cotton WRKY genes under drought stress has largely relied on omics-based predictions or heterologous expression, with few studies employing stable cotton transformants for direct validation. Here, we identified a drought-responsive gene, GhWRKY70, which is induced by simulated drought (PEG 6000). Overexpression of GhWRKY70 in cotton displayed enhanced drought tolerance, and its mutant ghwrky70 resulted in reduced drought tolerance. RNA-sequencing combined with physiological analyses showed that numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GhWRKY70 overexpression lines (OE) and wild type (WT) were involved in oxidative stress-related pathways. Under drought stress, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were significantly higher in GhWRKY70 OE lines compared to WT. We further identified GhXDH1, a xanthine dehydrogenase-like gene, as a direct downstream target of GhWRKY70. Silencing GhXDH1 through VIGS decreased drought tolerance, indicating its positive role in drought tolerance. Together, these findings reveal a GhWRKY70-GhXDH1 regulatory module that enhances drought resistance in cotton and offers a mechanistic basis for developing drought-tolerant cultivars.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of the jasmonic acid biosynthetic and signaling gene families in grapevine and the functional verification of VvLOX9 in resistance to cold.
Li B, Chen D, Fan Z … +4 more , Lu G, Li P, Sun L, Li G
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42090967 · Publisher ↗
Jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling genes are crucial for plant adaptation to environmental stress, but their systematic characterization and functional roles in cold stress tolerance in grapevine (Vitis vinife...
Jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling genes are crucial for plant adaptation to environmental stress, but their systematic characterization and functional roles in cold stress tolerance in grapevine (Vitis vinifera) remain largely unclear. In this study, we identified 62 JA-related genes in grapevine, including five allene oxide synthase (AOS), two allene oxide cyclase (AOC), 16 lipoxygenase (LOX), 11 12-oxophytodienoate reductase (OPR), seven coronatine-insensitive 1 (COI1), 11 myelocytomatosis (MYC), and 10 jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ). Their physicochemical properties, phylogeny, chromosomal locations, duplication patterns, conserved sequences, gene structure, motifs, cis-acting elements, and tissue-specific expression were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all JA-related gene families (except VvAOCs) clustered into three distinct groups, with genes of similar structural features grouping closely-supporting functional conservation within subclades. Evolutionary analysis indicated that segmental duplication was the major driver for the expansion of VvLOX, VvAOC, VvAOS, and VvJAZ families. Cis-acting elements and expression patterns analysis using RNA-seq and RT-qPCR demonstrated that VvMYC, VvJAZ, VvLOX, VvAOC, VvAOS, and VvJAZ genes were involved in abiotic stress responses. Given its strong induction under cold stress, VvLOX9 was isolated from 'Cabernet Sauvignon'. Transient transformation assays in grapevine leaves demonstrated that VvLOX9 positively regulates cold tolerance by promoting JA accumulation. Furthermore, transient transformation, yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that the cold-responsive transcription factor VvERF10 directly binds to the CCGAC cis-element in the VvLOX9 promoter and activates its expression. This study provides mechanistic insights into JA-mediated cold response and offers valuable genetic resources for grape cold-tolerant breeding.
Integrated physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses reveal changes in photosynthetic capacity of the endangered tree Cinnamomum chago under water stress.
Yang H, Wang Y, Shen S … +2 more , Yang L, Zhou X
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42090966 · Publisher ↗
Cinnamomum chago, an endangered tree endemic to Yunnan Province, China, is a valuable resource for edible nuts, timber, and oil, with both economic and ecological significance. However, natural regeneration of C. chago s...
Cinnamomum chago, an endangered tree endemic to Yunnan Province, China, is a valuable resource for edible nuts, timber, and oil, with both economic and ecological significance. However, natural regeneration of C. chago seedlings is challenging, and sustainable cultivation strategies are needed to balance economic development and ecological conservation. Here, we investigated physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic responses of C. chago seedlings to water stress. Net photosynthetic rate (5.136 to 0.322 μmol▪ms), transpiration rate (1.064 to 0.151 mmol▪ms), water-use efficiency (5.107 to 1.459 mmol▪molHO), Rubisco maximum carboxylation rate (21.269 to 1.393 μmol▪ms), and maximum electron transport rate (20.950 to 1.483 μmol m·s) decreased under drought. The reduction in photosynthetic rate under water stress was likely associated with non-stomatal limitations inferred from Ci patterns. In contrast, proline (1.198 to 10.977 umoles▪g), soluble sugars (0.272 to 0.448 umoles▪gFW), superoxide dismutase (25.901 to 59.966 U▪gFW), and malondialdehyde (0.036 to 0.043 μmol▪gFW) showed significant increases (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of photosynthesis, flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and hormone signaling pathways (p < 0.05), with downregulation of genes involved in light capture and energy conversion, which was consistent with reduced photosynthetic performance. Overall, these results indicate that drought stress significantly reduce photosynthetic capacity. Maintaining soil moisture at 75-80% appeared to be optimal under short-term greenhouse cultivation and may provide a reference for future studies. These findings provide insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying drought responses in C. chago and inform management of endangered woody plants.
The sunflower HaHB4 gene confers enhanced tolerance to heat stress at the pre-anthesis stage in three different wheat cultivars.
Murguía JP, Curin F, Chan RL … +1 more , González FG
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42090965 · Publisher ↗
The sunflower gene HaHB4 was previously described as conferring drought tolerance to Cadenza wheat plants, as assessed in 37 field trials. HaHB4-wheat is the first transgenic wheat trait approved for global markets. In t...
The sunflower gene HaHB4 was previously described as conferring drought tolerance to Cadenza wheat plants, as assessed in 37 field trials. HaHB4-wheat is the first transgenic wheat trait approved for global markets. In this work, we show that transgenic plants also exhibit heat tolerance in the pre-anthesis stage. During 2023 and 2024, the experiments were conducted in open-air conditions, using the modern cultivars Algarrobo and Feroz by introgression of the original Cadenza HaHB4. The newly obtained transgenic wheat plants, particularly Algarrobo, as well as the original Cadenza HaHB4, maintained stabilized grain yields under high-temperature stress applied at the pre-anthesis stage, whereas wild-type genotypes suffered severe productivity losses. This yield advantage was primarily driven by a higher grain number rather than grain weight. Interestingly, heat stress applied after anthesis showed no significant difference impact in yield, identifying pre-anthesis as the vital window for HaHB4 efficacy. HaHB4 plants exhibited a higher harvest index and a greater number of fertile florets and spikelets per spike, suggesting that the transgene protects the reproductive potential during early development. At the molecular level, HaHB4 wheat appears constitutively prepared for stress. Transcript levels analysis showed the differential regulation of heat shock proteins and stress-responsive transcription factors even before the onset of heat. Furthermore, the stability of transgenic plants was notably higher, showing significantly lower coefficients of variation across yield components compared to wild-type counterparts. This increased stability suggests that HaHB4 acts as a buffer against environmental variability, ensuring more predictable harvests under fluctuating thermal conditions.
Identification of AQP gene family with functional characterization of MaPIP2;1, MaTIP2;2 and MaPIP1;1 under salinity in Melilotus albus.
Xie Z, Zong X, Zhang C … +4 more , Wu F, Sun X, Wang S, Zhang J
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42090964 · Publisher ↗
Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint on global agricultural productivity. Elucidating plant responses to salt stress is crucial for developing crops resilient to salinity. Melilotus albus, a highly salt-tole...
Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint on global agricultural productivity. Elucidating plant responses to salt stress is crucial for developing crops resilient to salinity. Melilotus albus, a highly salt-tolerant legume widely used to improve saline-alkali soils, serves as a suitable species for investigating salt stress responses. In this work, 44 MaAQP genes were identified in the M. albus genome and grouped into five subfamilies: PIP, TIP, NIP, SIP, and XIP. Members of the same subfamily exhibited conserved NPA motifs and ar/R selectivity filters, and gene duplication analyses indicated that the family expanded under purifying selection. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that MaAQP genes responded to salt stresses, with salt-induced expression occurring predominantly in roots. Overexpression of MaPIP2;1, MaTIP2;2, and MaPIP1;1 was associated with improved yeast growth under salt stress. In transgenic hairy roots exposed to salt treatment, overexpression of these genes coincided with less severe salt-induced growth inhibition, with root length increasing by 14.8-25.0% and fresh weight by 26.2-53.2%, and with reduced salt-induced damage, as reflected by lower MDA content and electrolyte leakage, together with increased soluble sugar and soluble protein levels related to osmotic adjustment. This study presents initial evidence that AQPs are associated with salinity responses in M. albus, offering insights into AQP-related responses to salinity in this species and providing a basis for further functional investigation.
PmASMT1, an N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase gene of Prunus mume, promotes melatonin biosynthesis and enhances drought tolerance.
Yang Y, Li Y, Zhang T … +8 more , Wang Q, Sun Y, Chen S, Kong Z, Wang J, Cheng T, Ma K, Zhang Q
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42090963 · Publisher ↗
Prunus mume, one of the well-known flower and fruit tree species, is highly esteemed for its ornamental qualities and agricultural values. Drought significantly restricts the vigorous growth of P. mume and prevents its l...
Prunus mume, one of the well-known flower and fruit tree species, is highly esteemed for its ornamental qualities and agricultural values. Drought significantly restricts the vigorous growth of P. mume and prevents its large-scale cultivation, especially in dry and semi-dry areas. To discover the mechanism by which P. mume responds to drought stress, melatonin was firstly detected in P. mume. We found a 61.04 % increase of melatonin content in leaves of P. mume under drought conditions, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Integration of transcriptome analysis and melatonin detection indicated a significant positive correlation (Rho = 0.927, P < 0.05) between the expression profile of the PmASMT1 gene and melatonin content. The expression level of PmASMT1 was quickly increased under drought stress by using qRT-PCR method. In vitro enzyme assay discovered that the purified PmASMT1 effectively facilitated melatonin biosynthesis. When PmASMT1 was transformed into tobacco, the transgenic lines exhibited a 2.77-fold increase of melatonin levels compared to the empty vector plants. Under drought stress, the PmASMT1 transgenic lines displayed no wilting phenotype, but the melatonin content in these transgenic lines was enhanced. Moreover, overexpression of PmASMT1 in tobacco protected cells from damage by elevating APX, CAT, POD, and SOD activity, meanwhile reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content and relative electrolyte leakage (REL). Additionally, silencing PmASMT1 expression in P. mume decreased the drought tolerance, accompanied by significantly higher of HO and O in pTRV-PmASMT1 than WT and pTRV leaves under drought stress. This study indicates PmASMT1 is an important gene in catalyzing melatonin biosynthesis and enhancing drought tolerance, which provides a foundation for genetic improvement of drought tolerance in plants.
Identification of genomic loci and candidate genes underlying preharvest sprouting-induced alpha-amylase activity in barley through genome-wide association study.
Wang R, Kaur G, Izydorczyk MS … +4 more , Tuan PA, Beattie AD, Badea A, Ayele BT
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42070326 · Publisher ↗
Alpha-Amylase activity is the primary underlying factor for starch degradation and therefore yield and quality losses induced by preharvest sprouting (PHS) in barley. The present study identified genomic regions/candidat...
Alpha-Amylase activity is the primary underlying factor for starch degradation and therefore yield and quality losses induced by preharvest sprouting (PHS) in barley. The present study identified genomic regions/candidate causal genes associated with PHS-induced α-amylase (AMY) activity through genome-wide association study (GWAS) of highly diverse barley genotypes over four environments. The genotypes studied exhibited a wide variation in Rapid Visco Analysis (RVA) results, which served as indicators of differing AMY activity levels. Marker-trait association analysis detected six markers significantly associated with AMY activity based on false discovery rate (FDR) threshold of α = 0.05. The six markers explained 7.41% to 16.95% of the phenotypic variation and represented five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 1H (QAmy.umb-1H.1), 4H (QAmy.umb-4H.1), 5H (QAmy.umb-5H.1 and QAmy.umb-5H.2) and 7H (QAmy.umb-7H.1). Expression analysis of genes that harbour the significant single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers revealed their potential role in regulating PHS-induced AMY activity. Haplotype analysis of SNP markers within QAmy.umb-5H.2 identified a haplotype for low AMY activity or enhanced PHS resistance. Overall, this study identified genetic loci, SNP markers and novel candidate genes that control AMY activity and therefore have the potential to be applied for marker-assisted selection of low AMY activity and PHS resistant barley cultivars.
OsCIPK18 mediates nitrate-regulated rice root growth through the nitrogen metabolism pathway: Insights from quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses.
Hu Z, Wang D, Wan Y … +2 more , Yu C, Yang J
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42068595 · Publisher ↗
Nitrate acts as both a nutrient and a signaling molecule to regulate root growth, and this process is closely associated with protein abundance and protein phosphorylation within the nitrogen metabolism pathway. However,...
Nitrate acts as both a nutrient and a signaling molecule to regulate root growth, and this process is closely associated with protein abundance and protein phosphorylation within the nitrogen metabolism pathway. However, the relationship between nitrate-regulated root growth, protein expression and protein phosphorylation remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the function and underlying molecular mechanisms of the calcineurin B-like (CBL)-interacting protein kinase OsCIPK18 in nitrate-modulated rice root growth using phenotypic analyses together with quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of wild-type (WT) plants and cipk18 mutants. Knockdown of OsCIPK18 significantly inhibited rice root growth compared with WT plants. In contrast, 2 mM nitrate significantly promoted root growth in the cipk18 mutant, increasing lateral root length by 65% and radicle length by 24%, whereas these effects were not observed in WT plants. Consistently, knockdown of OsCIPK18 altered the accumulation of nitrogen-related proteins (including GS1;2, OsGS2, OsNADH-GOGAT2 and OsbetaCA2) and the phosphorylation status of the high-affinity nitrate transporter OsNRT2.2 in response to nitrate. Together, these findings reveal a central regulatory role of OsCIPK18 in nitrogen signaling and root development and provide a potential molecular target and theoretical basis for breeding rice varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency.
The Fusarium graminearum secreted protein FgARG3 promotes infection by manipulating plant polyamine metabolism.
Hu S, Zhao H, Zhou Z … +8 more , Wu Q, Deng M, Jiang Q, Ma J, Zhang Y, Qi P, Wei Y, Xu Q
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42068594 · Publisher ↗
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a critical virulence factor for Fusarium graminearum infection. Although DON biosynthesis is induced by the host polyamine putrescine (Put) during infection, the mechanisms driving Put accumulatio...
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a critical virulence factor for Fusarium graminearum infection. Although DON biosynthesis is induced by the host polyamine putrescine (Put) during infection, the mechanisms driving Put accumulation in the plant remain unknown. This study characterized four arginase genes (FgARGs) in F. graminearum. Among them, knockout of FgARG3 significantly attenuated pathogen pathogenicity on wheat. The complementary strain Δfgarg3/FgARG3 restored pathogenicity, but not in the enzymatically inactive FgARG3m. Exogenous Put application in spikes restored pathogenicity of the Δfgarg3 mutant, confirming its role as a pathogenicity factor. Transient overexpression of FgARG3 in wheat increased plant Put accumulation, which led to higher DON levels and greater susceptibility to F. graminearum. These findings establish a model wherein FgARG3 enables F. graminearum to degrade host arginine and elevate putrescine. This metabolic manipulation, in turn, stimulates DON biosynthesis and enhances the pathogen's virulence.
BAG co-chaperones and phytohormonal signaling in tomato: Molecular regulators of stress resilience, growth, and fruit quality.
Cao H, Mahmood N, Raza A … +5 more , Men S, Luo Q, Ghorbani A, Arif M, Li L
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42068593 · Publisher ↗
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major horticultural crop and an important model for studying fruit development and stress adaptation. Climate-induced stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, and oxidative damage,...
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major horticultural crop and an important model for studying fruit development and stress adaptation. Climate-induced stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, and oxidative damage, pose significant challenges to tomato productivity, emphasizing the need to understand molecular mechanisms that integrate stress responses with developmental processes. Bcl-2-associated athanogene (BAG) proteins, highly conserved co-chaperones, have emerged as key regulators at the intersection of proteostasis, signaling, and programmed cell death. However, despite their emerging importance, comprehensive studies reviewing BAG co-chaperones in tomato are still limited. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on BAG proteins in tomato, focusing on their structural features, evolutionary divergence from animal BAGs, and functional roles in development and stress tolerance. We examined how SlBAGs interact with Hsp70 chaperones, MAPK signaling cascades, calcium/calmodulin pathways, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system to coordinate cellular responses under diverse abiotic stresses. Special attention is given to their involvement in reactive oxygen species regulation, programmed cell death, senescence, and fruit ripening. Furthermore, we highlighted the gaps in functional characterization, post-translational regulation, and field-level validation of SlBAGs. Finally, we discussed the emerging strategies, including multi-omics approaches, genome editing, and translational breeding, to harness the genetic potential of SlBAGs for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and quality-enhanced tomato cultivars.
VvEXO70A1 acts as a positive regulator conferring dual tolerance to drought and cold in Arabidopsis and grape calli.
Feng Y, Wang H, Zhang C … +7 more , Shao M, Gou H, Wang N, Ma Z, Liang G, Chen B, Mao J
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42068592 · Publisher ↗
In grape, EXO70 subunits are essential components of the exocyst tethering complex, which is involved in complex assembly, plant growth and stress-related processes. However, the exact function it performs in facilitatin...
In grape, EXO70 subunits are essential components of the exocyst tethering complex, which is involved in complex assembly, plant growth and stress-related processes. However, the exact function it performs in facilitating tolerance to drought and cold conditions has yet to be clarified. In this study, we functionally characterized a grape EXO70 isoform, VvEXO70A1, which is predominantly localized at the plasma membrane. Evolutionary analysis of the EXO70 gene family across 11 species indicated that grape EXO70 genes share a conserved phylogenetic history with their orthologs from dicotyledons. The expression of VvEXO70A1 was elevated in overexpression (OE) lines Arabidopsis and grape calli exposed to water deficit and low-temperature treatments. Compared with wild type (WT), VvEXO70A1 overexpressing Arabidopsis and grape calli exhibited enhanced tolerance under these abiotic stresses, which was characterized by both lower levels of oxidative stress markers and a more active antioxidant machinery with substantially higher activities of major ROS-scavenging enzymes, including CAT, SOD, and POD. Notably, the transgenic plants were more sensitive to abscisic acid (ABA), displaying stronger ABA-induced stomatal closure. This phenomenon was further enhanced under drought stress, with the expression of the ABA signaling gene ABF4 being significantly upregulated. Cold stress-related genes (CBF1/2/3, ICE1/2, and ICE1a/b/c) were also strongly induced when the OE lines underwent low-temperature treatment. Overall, overexpression of VvEXO70A1 functions as a positive regulator, boosting tolerance to drought and cold conditions which was accompanied by reduced ROS damage and elevated expression levels of key stress-responsive genes associated with drought and cold in both transgenic Arabidopsis and grape calli.
Identification and functional analysis of the genic male-sterile mutant Ky335ms in maize.
Liu H, Duan X, Zhao C … +7 more , Hu L, Zhao Y, Wang C, Yu X, Shi H, Liao X, Ke Y
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42068591 · Publisher ↗
Genic male sterility (GMS) is a critical resource for heterosis application in crop breeding. Therefore, it is crucial to identify GMS candidate genes and uncover their regulatory mechanisms. Here, we identified a maize...
Genic male sterility (GMS) is a critical resource for heterosis application in crop breeding. Therefore, it is crucial to identify GMS candidate genes and uncover their regulatory mechanisms. Here, we identified a maize male-sterile mutant, Ky335ms, exhibiting stunted tassel development, shriveled anthers, and the absence of mature pollen grains. Cytological observations revealed that tapetal degradation in Ky335ms was notably delayed at stage S8b, leading to defective anther development. Meanwhile, we map-based cloned the candidate gene ms335 and identified this gene as a novel allelic mutation of the known male-sterile gene ZmMs2, containing a 340-bp insertion in its fifth exon. RNA in situ hybridization indicates that ZmMs2 is highly expressed in the anther tapetum during stages S8 to S10. Lipid metabolomics analysis revealed that the contents of multiple fatty acids in Ky335ms anthers were significantly reduced compared to the wild type. These results indicate that ZmMs2 plays a role in transporting lipid molecules from the tapetum to form the anther cuticle and pollen exine. This study provides valuable insights for further investigation into the function of ZmMs2 in anther development.
Rhizospheric regulation and antioxidative defense mediate species-specific phytoremediation efficiency in multi-metal contaminated soils.
Jiang PP, Lan XD, Lu YL … +6 more , Zhong X, Chen MY, Cui WT, You SH, Zhang XH, Ahmad KS
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42066707 · Publisher ↗
Effective phytoremediation of multi-metal contaminated soils requires understanding species-specific strategies that integrate rhizospheric engineering with physiological defense mechanisms. This study compared the phyto...
Effective phytoremediation of multi-metal contaminated soils requires understanding species-specific strategies that integrate rhizospheric engineering with physiological defense mechanisms. This study compared the phytoremediation responses of Medicago sativa, Bidens pilosa, and Celosia argentea under cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) co-contamination. B. pilosa and C. argentea exhibited higher shoot metal accumulation and translocation factors (TF > 1.5), attributed to efficient root-to-shoot transport and favorable rhizospheric conditions, including moderate pH and elevated β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. In contrast, M. sativa showed limited shoot accumulation due to sustained O release and rhizospheric alkalization, which reduced metal solubility and availability. At the physiological level, all species experienced metal-induced oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated root malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. However, shoot responses diverged markedly: B. pilosa maintained oxidative homeostasis with stable shoot MDA levels, while C. argentea and M. sativa showed progressive oxidative burden. Metallothionein-based detoxification strategies also varied tissue and species specifically. Root tissues generally upregulated glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatin (PC) biosynthesis, yet foliar responses differed: GSH predominated in B. pilosa leaves, whereas PCs dominated in C. argentea and M. sativa. Antioxidant enzyme profiles further distinguished species strategies: B. pilosa and C. argentea showed coordinated catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) upregulation in shoots, while M. sativa exhibited enzymatic imbalances indicative of compromised oxidative defense. These findings establish a mechanistic framework linking rhizosphere modification, metal translocation efficiency, and antioxidative capacity, providing critical insights for rational plant selection in tailored phytoremediation programs targeting multi-metal contaminated environments.
An annual gene expression atlas of tree peony identifies regulators of low-temperature-associated flowering.
Wu Z, Xue Y, Cui Y … +2 more , Tian C, Zhang X
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42066706 · Publisher ↗
Plant development relies on the coordinated expression of gene modules across developmental stages, shaping diverse organs and tissues. Woody perennials are highly responsive to seasonal cues and often enter dormancy in...
Plant development relies on the coordinated expression of gene modules across developmental stages, shaping diverse organs and tissues. Woody perennials are highly responsive to seasonal cues and often enter dormancy in winter. Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), renowned as the 'king of flowers', possesses significant ornamental, medicinal, and edible value, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing its seasonal flowering remain largely unknown. Here, we constructed a monthly transcriptomic atlas of tree peony flower buds over a complete annual cycle, generating a resource spanning key developmental phases from vegetative growth to dormancy and blooming. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified multiple gene modules with month- or season-specific enrichment patterns. We found that the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and subsequent blooming are distinctly but coordinately regulated at the transcriptional level. Critically, we identified and functionally characterized PsLIF (LOW-TEMPERATURE-INDUCED FACTOR), a transcription factor whose expression is specifically induced during cold acclimation. We demonstrate that PsLIF overexpression in Arabidopsis resulted in an early flowering phenotype following cold treatment. Furthermore, we found that PsLIF directly binds to the promoter of the florigen gene PsFT (FLOWERING LOCUS T) and activates its expression, thereby supporting its role in promoting flowering under low-temperature conditions. This annual transcriptome atlas not only provides a valuable resource for dissecting seasonal development in tree peony but also offers insights applicable to other perennial woody plants. Furthermore, the discovery of the PsLIF-PsFT regulatory module reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying low-temperature-induced flowering in perennials, providing a perspective for investigating recurrent flowering from a genome-wide view.
Molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in Lespedeza davurica: Identification and functional characterization of a novel ALDH family gene (LdALDH2-19) in drought stress adaptation.
Li J, Liu J, Zuo G … +3 more , Shi H, Yin L, Wang S
Plant Physiol Biochem · 2026 May · PMID 42066705 · Publisher ↗
Drought stress is a significant environmental challenge impacting plant growth and productivity. This study investigates the drought tolerance mechanisms of Lespedeza davurica, a drought-tolerant legume, by analyzing roo...
Drought stress is a significant environmental challenge impacting plant growth and productivity. This study investigates the drought tolerance mechanisms of Lespedeza davurica, a drought-tolerant legume, by analyzing root physiological responses and conducting RNA-Seq analysis under controlled drought conditions. Plants were subjected to drought stress for ten days and then rewatered to assess recovery. We measured key physiological parameters such as proline accumulation, antioxidative enzymes activity, and electrolyte leakage. RNA-Seq identified 6482 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under drought stress, with upregulated genes primarily involved in antioxidant processes (e.g., glutathione and ascorbate metabolism) and downregulated genes were linked to carbon metabolism. Following rewatering, gene expression was restored, with significant upregulation in nitrogen metabolism and amino sugar metabolism pathways, reflecting enhanced energy metabolism and accelerated recovery. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified 50 core drought-tolerance genes, with LdALDH2-19 selected for functional analysis. Overexpression of LdALDH2-19 in hairy roots (OE-LdALDH2-19) significantly alleviated oxidative damage under osmotic stress, as indicated by reduced MDA levels accompanied by increased antioxidant enzyme activity compared to the control (EV). These findings suggest that LdALDH2-19 plays a critical role in drought tolerance by mitigating oxidative stress and contributing ROS homeostasis, offering insights for improving drought resistance in leguminous crop breeding.
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