Anna Carolina Gressler Bressan, Sara Adrián López de Andrade
{"title":"Arbuscular mycorrhizae in metalliferous and aluminum-rich soils.","authors":"Anna Carolina Gressler Bressan, Sara Adrián López de Andrade","doi":"10.1071/FP26100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP26100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metalliferous and aluminium (Al)-rich soils represent restrictive terrestrial environments where high concentrations of potentially toxic elements act as edaphic filters on plant communities. Since arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis can alleviate several environmental constraints, it may play an important role in plant performance in metalliferous and Al-rich soils. Here, we review current knowledge on the mechanisms and ecological relevance of AM symbiosis in naturally metalliferous and Al-rich ecosystems worldwide. Available evidence indicates that AM fungi (AMF) mitigate both trace metal and Al phytotoxicity through mechanisms including element sequestration, glomalin production, modulation of rhizosphere processes, and improvements in plant nutritional status and antioxidant responses. Cross-referencing global records of hyperaccumulator plants with genus-level mycorrhizal classifications further revealed that most trace metal- and Al-hyperaccumulating genera are potentially mycorrhizal, with AM being predominant in both groups. However, direct confirmation of these associations under natural conditions remains limited. The expression and effectiveness of AM symbiosis are also context dependent and vary with fungal identity, ecotypic differentiation, host-fungal compatibility, and environmental conditions. Current studies also indicate that metalliferous and Al-rich soils influence AMF community composition, although evidence for adaptive differentiation remains much more developed for metalliferous systems than for Al-rich systems. We conclude that identifying gaps in the knowledge of AMF diversity and function in metal- and Al-accumulating plants will benefit conservation and restoration efforts under environmental change.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149069447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Identification of root system architecture associated genes, regulatory network, and expression analysis under abiotic stress in maize.","authors":"Garudapalya Muniswamy Keerthi, Mallana Gowdra Mallikarjuna, Hirenallur Chandappa Lohithaswa, M B Arun Kumar, Shailendra Kumar Jha, Abhijeet Mudhale, Deepak Singh Bisht, Viswanathan Chinnusamy","doi":"10.1071/FP26030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP26030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optimising root system architecture (RSA) is essential for improving maize resilience to drought, salinity, and nutrient stress, yet its regulatory landscape remains fragmented. Here, we integrated gene mining, cross-species orthology, in silico expression profiling, and gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis to identify RSA regulators under abiotic stress. Curated literature and comparative genomics identified 127 non-redundant maize RSA-associated genes (v5; 69 transcription factor (TF)-coding, 58 non-TF) enriched for lateral root formation, adventitious root development, root system development, hormone-mediated signalling, and cytokinin metabolism, indicating representation of RSA-shaping developmental processes. Spatial and stress-specific transcriptomes revealed expression of root-system-modulating genes, that is Zm00001eb091920 (AASR2), Zm00001eb429540 (CCDP), Zm00001eb405590 (NACTF25), Zm00001eb256650 (CCAAT-HAP2), and Zm00001eb121500 (CKO1), preferentially in the root cortex and elongation zone. The GRN comprised 616 unique nodes and 3295 regulatory edges, identifying KN1 (Zm00001eb055920), EREB147 (Zm00001eb150840), and D8 (Zm00001eb054480) as major transcriptional hubs and miR167d-3p as the most connected miRNA, supporting hormone- and auxin-linked RSA plasticity. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed co-expression of Zm00001eb234120 (WRKY48), Zm00001eb212120 (NACTF6), and Zm00001eb386990 (TIPD1) with regulators Zm00001eb051660 (EREB142), D8, and KN1 in drought- and salinity-stressed CML579. Expression modules further suggest that Zm00001eb403030 (RTCL1) and auxin-associated regulators modulate post-embryonic root initiation and branching. The current investigation outlines a stress-responsive maize RSA network and identifies targets for functional validation, genome editing, and breeding climate-resilient cultivars.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hongyuan Lan, Hongyu Gao, Chu Shi, Xin Li, Xiaoqian Hu, Bo Zhou, Haifang Yan
{"title":"Unveiling the role of BrREM1.4: a key regulator in plant growth and abiotic stress adaptation in turnip (Brassica rapa).","authors":"Hongyuan Lan, Hongyu Gao, Chu Shi, Xin Li, Xiaoqian Hu, Bo Zhou, Haifang Yan","doi":"10.1071/FP25182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP25182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Remorins (REMs) are plant-specific proteins known for their diverse biological functions. However, their roles in plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stress remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the function of BrREM1.4 (PQ810929), a protein isolated from the turnip (Brassica rapa) cv. Tsuda in growth, development, and resistance to saline-alkaline stress. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that BrREM1.4 showed tissue-specific expression, with the highest levels detected in the petals. The transcription levels of BrREM1.4 in turnip seedlings (1-7 days old) were significantly higher under natural light conditions compared with dark conditions. Furthermore, the expression of BrREM1.4 was upregulated in response to extreme temperatures, saline-alkaline stress, and drought stress. Heterologous overexpression of BrREM1.4 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) resulted in increased plant height, leaf number, root length, branching, and 100-grain weight although it significantly reduced the seed setting rate. Compared with wild-type tobacco, plants overexpressing BrREM1.4 exhibited enhanced tolerance to salt (NaCl) and alkali (NaHCO3) stresses. These findings suggest that BrREM1.4 plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, as well as in the adaptation to various abiotic stresses.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdelrahman R Ahmed, Mohammad Danish, Mohammad Shahid, Lukman Ahamad, Mohammad Amir, Haiam O Elkatry, Khaled M A Ramadan, Hossam S El-Beltagi
{"title":"Rhizosphere-driven integrated management of Meloidogyne incognita in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using Arthrobotrys oligospora and salicylic acid through enhanced plant defense responses.","authors":"Abdelrahman R Ahmed, Mohammad Danish, Mohammad Shahid, Lukman Ahamad, Mohammad Amir, Haiam O Elkatry, Khaled M A Ramadan, Hossam S El-Beltagi","doi":"10.1071/FP26121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP26121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) is a major group of plant-parasitic nematode that severely reduce crop productivity by hijacking host root resources. Environmental and toxicological risks associated with chemical nematicides drive the need of eco-friendly management strategies. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the single/joint suppressive effects of Arthrobotrys oligospora and salicylic acid (SA) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants infected with Meloidogyne incognita. Compared to single treatment, combined (A. oligospora + SA) application exhibited pronounced improvement in growth, biochemical parameters, and yield attributes in nematode-infected tomatoes. The combined treatment significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced β-1,3-glucanase, phenylamine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, while significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content when compared with nematode-infected plants. The combined treatment of A. oligospora and SA significantly decreased nematode infection parameters, disease index, and reproduction factor in nematode-infected tomato. Histological analysis showed that A. oligospora reduced nematode penetration and feeding site development, whereas roots infected solely with M. incognita displayed pronounced vascular bundle damage. These findings demonstrate that the combined application of A. oligospora and SA effectively suppressed M. incognita infection and enhanced tomato defence responses under greenhouse conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anthea Challis, Collin W Ahrens, Margaret Byrne, Paul D Rymer, David T Tissue
{"title":"Higher growth temperatures compound heatwave recovery of photosynthesis in different populations of Corymbia calophylla.","authors":"Anthea Challis, Collin W Ahrens, Margaret Byrne, Paul D Rymer, David T Tissue","doi":"10.1071/FP26011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP26011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Global temperature rise is leading to increased stress and mortality in forests globally and is driving more frequent and intense heatwaves; however, the interaction between growth temperatures and heatwave events on tree populations remains poorly understood. We aimed to determine if gas exchange performance during and after heatwaves was determined by growth temperature, climate origin, and heatwave intensity in Corymbia calophylla saplings from four contrasting temperature-rainfall climate regions. Saplings were grown under warm and cool growth temperatures and exposed to a moderate or extreme heatwave under well-watered conditions. Upon initial heatwave exposure, saplings responded similarly in photosynthesis. Cool-grown saplings were more resilient in heatwave recovery in gas exchange traits compared to warm-grown saplings. There was some support for local adaptation in heatwave recovery with modest differences in responses between climate regions. Transpirational cooling was likely an important factor in maintaining gas exchange rates during the heatwaves and influencing recovery. These findings illustrate how a sustained increase in growth temperatures could exacerbate the effects of heatwaves in the future. This study provides insight into intraspecific variation in heatwave resistance and resilience and the role of growth temperature on performance during heatwaves.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nataliya Moiseeva, Tanya Churilova, Tatiana Efimova, Evgeny Khvalkov, Elena Skorokhod
{"title":"Daily dynamics of phytoplankton photosynthetic parameters in the surface layer.","authors":"Nataliya Moiseeva, Tanya Churilova, Tatiana Efimova, Evgeny Khvalkov, Elena Skorokhod","doi":"10.1071/FP25270","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP25270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Study of the daily dynamics (DD) of photosynthesis quantum yield (φ) is relevant for estimation of primary production. Dependence of the DD of the maximum quantum yield of the photochemistry of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the light saturation coefficient (Ik) on the photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) in the surface layer was analysed in the Black Sea. The Fv/Fm decreased (10% and 50%) at midday, whereas the Ik increased (two- and threefold) at midday on 11 and 20 June 2024, correspondingly. We proposed to retrieve the Ik DD based on the Ik value at the reference time (t0) and the sun DD. The most accurate retrieval of the Ik DD was at t0 close to midday, when the Ik reached maximum values. The proposed approaches for calculation of the φ daily average (φ¯) are based on: (1) Fv/Fm and PAR measured at t0 and retrieved Ik DD; (2) PAR measured at t0, measured Fv/Fm DD and retrieved Ik DD, and (3) measured Fv/Fm and Ik at t0 and measured daily PAR. All proposed approaches provided correct assessment of the φ¯ for all times of day except for early morning and late evening.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of redox state in regulating plant secondary metabolism under stress.","authors":"Simeng Wan, Lihua Yao, Hu Su","doi":"10.1071/FP25221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP25221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cell redox state serves as an indicator of plant health and plays a central role in maintaining vital functions across all living organisms. Various redox couples, such as glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG), reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+), are essential for maintaining redox homeostasis, which is necessary for plants to smoothly perform many biological functions, including secondary metabolism. Plant secondary metabolites are a group of non-essential metabolites during growth and development, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and nitrogen-containing compounds. These low-molecular-weight compounds act as defenders under environmental stress. Redox state can dynamically regulate plant secondary metabolism by modulating transcription factors, enzymes, and cross-talk with signal molecules involved in metabolic pathways, thereby prompting plant adaptation to environmental stress through fine-tuned secondary metabolism. In this review, we provided an overview of major redox couples, key classes of secondary metabolites, and how redox state regulates secondary metabolism under stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Shahbaz, Nuzhat Majeed, Muhammad Saleem Kashif, Usman Hassan, Ghulam Farid, Muhammad Shafqat, Memoona Shehzadi, Muhammad Tariq, Ishtiaq Hassan, Muhammad Yousaf Nadeem, Jameel Al-Tamimi
{"title":"Corrigendum to: Sequential herbicide strategies for mitigating weed stress in direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) systems.","authors":"Muhammad Shahbaz, Nuzhat Majeed, Muhammad Saleem Kashif, Usman Hassan, Ghulam Farid, Muhammad Shafqat, Memoona Shehzadi, Muhammad Tariq, Ishtiaq Hassan, Muhammad Yousaf Nadeem, Jameel Al-Tamimi","doi":"10.1071/FP25393_CO","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/FP25393_CO","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Shahbaz, Nuzhat Majeed, Muhammad Saleem Kashif, Usman Hassan, Ghulam Farid, Muhammad Shafqat, Memoona Shehzadi, Muhammad Tariq, Ishtiaq Hassan, Muhammad Yousaf Nadeem, Jameel Al-Tamimi
{"title":"Sequential herbicide strategies for mitigating weed stress in direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) systems.","authors":"Muhammad Shahbaz, Nuzhat Majeed, Muhammad Saleem Kashif, Usman Hassan, Ghulam Farid, Muhammad Shafqat, Memoona Shehzadi, Muhammad Tariq, Ishtiaq Hassan, Muhammad Yousaf Nadeem, Jameel Al-Tamimi","doi":"10.1071/FP25393","DOIUrl":"10.1071/FP25393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Effective sequential herbicide strategies are required for stable productivity in the cultivation of direct-seeded rice (DSR; Oryza sativa). A field experiment was conducted in Sheikhupura, Pakistan to evaluate sequential pre-emergence (PRE) and post-emergence (POST) herbicides in DSR. A split plot experiment was arranged with three PRE herbicides treatments, which were the main plots: (1) M1, Pendimethalin 30 EC @ 2500 mL ha-1; (2) M2, Triafamone + Ethoxysulfuron-ethyl 30% WP @ 185 g ha-1; and (3) M3, No PRE (control). There were also seven POST herbicide treatments, which were the sub-plots: (1) T1, Bispyribac-sodium + Bensulfuron-methyl @ 250 g ha-1 + Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl @ 500 mL ha-1; (2) T2, Bispyribac-sodium + Cyhalofop-butyl @ 250 g ha-1 + Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl @ 500 mL ha-1; (3) T3, Metamifop + Cyhalofop-butyl 20% EC @ 1000 mL ha-1; (4) T4, Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl + Penoxsulam @ 625 mL ha-1; (5) T5, Penoxsulam + Cyhalofop-butyl @ 2000 mL ha-1; (6) T6, Florpyrauxifen-benzyl + Cyhalofop-butyl @ 2750 mL ha-1; and (7) T7, untreated weedy check (control). Sequential herbicide application significantly improved weed control and crop growth. The combination M2T6 recorded lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency. Weed index declined to 12%, while rice grain yield reached 6752 kg ha-1. Sequential herbicide integration proved effective for sustainable weed management and yield improvement in direct seeded rice.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148430246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahamed Ashiq I, Ravikumar Hosamani, Ramesh S Bhat, Uday G Reddy, Akbar S Md
{"title":"Mechanistic basis and field-level implications of hypergravity-induced root growth enhancement in wheat.","authors":"Mahamed Ashiq I, Ravikumar Hosamani, Ramesh S Bhat, Uday G Reddy, Akbar S Md","doi":"10.1071/FP25414","DOIUrl":"10.1071/FP25414","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Our previous work demonstrated that hypergravity can induce beneficial phenotypes - most notably enhanced root growth - yet the anatomical and molecular basis of this response has remained unclear. In the present study, root anatomical studies and related parameters revealed that hypergravity-induced growth enhancement is driven by increased cell proliferation coupled with upregulation of transcripts associated with cell division and cell wall biosynthesis. Enhanced root growth and improved abiotic stress resilience observed in our laboratory studies suggest translational potential for agriculture. However, validation across genotypes and field environments is essential to establish their agronomic value. Here, we evaluated the effects of hypergravity treatment on phenotypic and yield-related traits in wheat genotypes - UAS 347, UAS 375, and UAS 446 - under greenhouse and field conditions. Hypergravity consistently enhanced seedling performance in the greenhouse and persisted in the field. Field evaluations across two winter cropping seasons further demonstrated that hypergravity significantly increases key agronomic traits. Specifically, grain yield was increased in UAS 347 and UAS 446, whereas no change was observed in UAS 375. Overall, this study confirms hypergravity's genotype-independent enhancement of root growth, identifies key cellular and molecular drivers of this response, and provides field-level evidence to improve yield in wheat.</p>","PeriodicalId":12483,"journal":{"name":"Functional Plant Biology","volume":"53 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}