Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1111/plb.70065
A Künstler, K Füzék, I Schwarczinger, J K Nagy, J Fodor, L Király
{"title":"Heat shock confers enhanced susceptibility of barley to a necrotrophic pathogen, Pyrenophora teres f. teres, leading to a more pronounced redox imbalance.","authors":"A Künstler, K Füzék, I Schwarczinger, J K Nagy, J Fodor, L Király","doi":"10.1111/plb.70065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High temperature-induced plant stress affects defence responses to pathogens. Susceptibility of plants to biotrophic and hemibiotrophic infections are mostly enhanced by short-term heat shock (HS), but little is known about HS effects on plants infected by necrotrophic pathogens. Here we evaluated the effects of HS in susceptible barley (Hordeum vulgare cvs. Ingrid and Himalaya) infected with the necrotrophic Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt) by monitoring disease symptoms, Ptt biomass, plant defence components (ROS, antioxidants and defence-related gene expression). Ptt biomass was assessed by qPCR, hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) levels using DAB histochemical staining, enzyme activities and glutathione levels with spectrophotometric methods, and gene expression using reverse transcription qPCR. HS suppressed defence responses to Ptt in both barley cultivars, resulting in increased necrotization and fungal biomass. HS-induced enhanced susceptibility was accompanied by significant increases in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production. Activities of GR and GST enzymes were induced by Ptt inoculation in both cultivars, but HS further elevated GST activity only in cv. Ingrid. Glutathione concentrations increased in cv. Ingrid due to combined effects of HS and Ptt inoculation. Expression of HvPR-1b encoding pathogenesis-related (PR) protein-1b increased primarily in response to Ptt infection; however, HS-treated plants had higher transcript levels along with enhanced susceptibility. HS induces enhanced susceptibility of barley to Ptt, associated with elevated ROS levels and expression of plant defence-related genes encoding antioxidants and PR-1b. Our results contribute to elucidating the influence of HS on barley defence responses to necrotrophic pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144525707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-24DOI: 10.1111/plb.70061
H D Safford
{"title":"Testing predictions of spatial segregation of the sexes and life-history theory in three species of the dioecious genus Baccharis L. from southeastern Brazil.","authors":"H D Safford","doi":"10.1111/plb.70061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>I report results of a field study testing predictions of life history theory and spatial segregation of the sexes in three dioecious shrub species of Baccharis (L.) that co-occur in the eastern Brazilian Highlands. Baccharis is one of the most speciose genera of dioecious plants, yet the ecological implications of dioecy are poorly understood in the genus. I conducted statistical analyses to evaluate three hypotheses related to: (1) sex ratios and their relationship to spatial environmental gradients, (2) differences in reproductive and vegetative allocation among the sexes and their relationship to environmental gradients, and (3) the potential for notable divergence in response, based on Baccharis biology. I found that one species, B. opuntioides, met almost all theoretical expectations of life history theory and spatial segregation of the sexes, while another, B. platypoda, met some of them but did not meet others. The third species, B. myriocephala, met none of the theoretical expectations. For both B. myriocephala and B. platypoda, relationships between plant size and allocation to reproductive or vegetative biomass in males or females sometimes ran counter to life history predictions. Earlier studies suggested inconsistency in Baccharis' adherence to predictions of dioecy-driven resource allocation and spatial segregation patterns, perhaps driven by idiosyncrasies of genus biology. My study broadly supports that notion, but more robust testing of theoretical expectations in Baccharis will require more attention to the nature and length of resource gradients that are studied, and other complicating factors like intraspecific variance in peak flowering times.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144482724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-23DOI: 10.1111/plb.70060
A Adit, S D Johnson
{"title":"Anther mimicry in an African orchid pollinated by pollen-feeding beetles.","authors":"A Adit, S D Johnson","doi":"10.1111/plb.70060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Flowers of many species have yellow markings that appear to mimic anthers or pollen and attract the attention of pollen-seeking insects (usually female bees). We investigated a putative case of anther mimicry in Disa similis, an orchid with nectarless mauve flowers and conspicuous yellow markings on the tips of the labellum and lateral petals. We studied D. similis in grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, by directly observing floral visitors. Spectral reflectance of floral parts of the orchid and sympatric species were analysed using spectrometry. Pollination success was recorded in relation to colour manipulation and florivory of the petal apices. Overall pollen transfer efficiency and breeding system was estimated to determine pollinator dependence for fruit set. The flowers of D. similis lack scent and are pollinated by the pollen-feeding beetle Isoplia lasiosoma which chews on the yellow petal apices. Overall flower colour resembles that of co-flowering plants that are visited by beetles for pollen-feeding, and the yellow UV-absorbing colour of the petal apices matches that of anthers and pollen. By covering the yellow markings with purple paint or removing them led to reduced pollination success. Pollen removal and deposition were strongly associated with florivory. Plants are self-compatible and dependent on pollinator visits for fruit set. Previous studies of orchids and other plants that deploy mimicry of anthers and pollen have reported bees or flies as pollinators without physical damage to flowers. Pollination of D. similis by pollen-feeding beetles and their consumption of anther-like apices of the petals are thus unexpected and novel findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144473571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-16DOI: 10.1111/plb.70066
S Haberstroh, A Christen, M Sulzer, F Scarpa, C Werner
{"title":"Recurrent hot droughts cause persistent legacy effects in a temperate Scots Pine forest.","authors":"S Haberstroh, A Christen, M Sulzer, F Scarpa, C Werner","doi":"10.1111/plb.70066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent hot-dry events have caused significant impacts and legacy effects in temperate ecosystems. Here, we investigate legacy effects of the 2018 hot drought on a Pinus sylvestris L. forest in southwestern Germany and the effects of post-2018 recurrent hot-droughts on ecosystem carbon fluxes. We combined ecophysiological, remote sensing (Enhanced Vegetation Index, EVI) and micrometeorological (Net Ecosystem Carbon Exchange, NEE) measurements to assess past and present ecosystem functioning. We found strong and persistent legacy effects and high tree mortality of P. sylvestris, with deciduous understorey trees slowly replacing P. sylvestris. After 2018, EVI clearly followed the pattern of a deciduous-dominated forest, indicating changes in canopy structure, type and seasonality in NEE. Significant legacy effects in NEE were found and the ecosystem shifted from a carbon sink (NEE = -391 ± 204 g C m<sup>-2</sup> year<sup>-1</sup>, 2003-2006) to carbon neutral (NEE = +13 ± 28 g C m<sup>-2</sup> year<sup>-1</sup>) in 2021, a cold and wet year. All other years post-2018 were hotter and drier than the long-term average (1991-2020), and the ecosystem was turning into a carbon source, with highest values in 2022 (NEE = +329 ± 19 g C m<sup>-2</sup> year<sup>-1</sup>). These compound events of atmospheric and edaphic drought led to strong ecosystem carbon release post-2018. Our data show that the ecosystem most likely experienced strong drought legacy effects, such as 2018, at species, community and ecosystem scales. These negative effects were further exacerbated by recurrent atmospheric and edaphic droughts, shifting the ecosystem to a net carbon source after 2018.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144309371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-16DOI: 10.1111/plb.70058
C A Hackmann, S S Paligi, M Mund, D Hölscher, C Leuschner, K Pietig, C Ammer
{"title":"Root water uptake depth in temperate forest trees: species-specific patterns shaped by neighbourhood and environment.","authors":"C A Hackmann, S S Paligi, M Mund, D Hölscher, C Leuschner, K Pietig, C Ammer","doi":"10.1111/plb.70058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Root water uptake regulates plant transpiration and internal water supply. Forests in Central Europe increasingly face water limitations, highlighting the need to understand tree water sources and consumption. However, knowledge about water uptake depth and how it varies with tree species identity, neighbourhood, site, and environmental conditions remains scarce. We used stable water isotopes to study water uptake depth in pure and mixed stands of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Investigations included natural abundance sampling at four sites, and a weekly subsoil tracer experiment (1 m mineral soil depth) at one of these sites. European beech and Douglas fir accessed relatively deeper water than Norway spruce. Beech used deeper water in mixtures with both conifers, while spruce shifted to shallower layers in mixture with beech. Douglas fir showed no significant difference between pure and mixed stand. Deepest uptake occurred on well-drained, sandy soil, while shallowest uptake was on an occasionally stagnic soil. The tracer experiment revealed a relatively low contribution from subsoil water (>1 m, ca. 9%); the organic layer contributed similar magnitudes, but varied more dynamically with tree water consumption. Our results emphasize the importance of species-specific traits and mixture effects in forest water cycles, and how they are mediated by site and environmental conditions. Douglas fir appears more drought resistant than Norway spruce, by accessing deeper water sources. We conclude that beech and Douglas fir may equally coexist, while beech presence exacerbates the drought exposure of spruce.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144309373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-16DOI: 10.1111/plb.70064
A Diot, G Madignier, O Di Valentin, A Djari, E Maza, Y Chen, S Blanchet, C Chervin
{"title":"Responses of grapevine cells to physiological doses of ethanol, including induced resistance to heat stress.","authors":"A Diot, G Madignier, O Di Valentin, A Djari, E Maza, Y Chen, S Blanchet, C Chervin","doi":"10.1111/plb.70064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Grapevine is naturally exposed to stresses like heat, drought, and hypoxia. A recent study found very low oxygen levels inside grape berries, linked to ethanol content. Other studies have established a link between ethanol and tolerance to various stresses: heat, drought and high salinity. The causes of such tolerances are not well understood. In our study, 3-week-old Gamay calli, Vitis vinifera, were characterized for endogenous oxygen and ethanol concentrations. A global transcriptomic study was conducted to explore the response of grapevine cells to ethanol, which, to our knowledge, is the first such analysis in plants. RNA-seq analysis was performed on cells at 6 and 24 h after treatment with 1 mM ethanol. After 6 h, ethanol addition led to 386 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with notable upregulation of genes related to heat response, especially small Heat Shock Proteins (sHSPs). Further experiments showed that ethanol priming in grape cells or in Arabidopsis seedlings reduced pigment and electrolyte leakage under heat stress, respectively. This study supports the idea that ethanol priming helps protect plants against heat stress and provides a valuable RNA-seq dataset for further research into the underlying mechanisms, where sHSPs play a potentially crucial role in this adaptive response.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144309372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-04DOI: 10.1111/plb.70059
M Takagawa, R Yokoyama
{"title":"Current understanding of the role of the cell wall in Cuscuta parasitism.","authors":"M Takagawa, R Yokoyama","doi":"10.1111/plb.70059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The plant cell wall (CW) plays a crucial role in many aspects of parasitism by the obligate stem parasite, Cuscuta. Cuscuta parasitism begins with tight coiling around the host stem by the strong tensile force of the thickened inner cell wall layers, and attachment to the host surface using secretory CW components. Subsequently, invasion of a feeding structure called the haustorium is facilitated by degradation and modification of host CWs. Furthermore, haustoria-derived search hyphae transdifferentiate into tracheary elements of the secondary cell walls (SCW). SCW provides mechanical strength and hydrophobicity to the tracheary element. Therefore, Cuscuta can draw fluids from the host through the tracheary element. Thus, the parasitic processes in Cuscuta are closely linked to their CW structures and functions. In this review, we comprehensively summarise the role of the CW in each parasitic process of Cuscuta and provide details on the current understanding of Cuscuta parasitism.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144223866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-03DOI: 10.1111/plb.70042
E Boccato, D Porrelli, C G Ametrano, F Candotto Carniel, M Tretiach
{"title":"Zoospore diversity and sexual reproduction in the lichen-forming genus Trebouxia: From neglected evidence to new facts.","authors":"E Boccato, D Porrelli, C G Ametrano, F Candotto Carniel, M Tretiach","doi":"10.1111/plb.70042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trebouxia is one of the most frequent genera of green microalgae that occur as photobionts in lichens. However, its life cycle is still poorly understood. The contradictory information about the flagellate cells impairs our knowledge of possible sexual reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour and fate of flagellate cells in four Trebouxia species, to better understand their role in the life cycle. Axenic cultures of Trebouxia were grown under controlled conditions. The cell cycle of flagellate cells was observed using a novel technique for real-time monitoring with light microscopy, validated in more detail by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, a molecular approach was used to investigate genomic evidence of sexual reproduction. The zoospores had two significantly different morphotypes, elongated and subspherical, suggesting that this dimorphism should be recognised in future species descriptions. Fusions of elongated gametes were observed in three species, with formation and development of a zygote documented in one case. SEM images provided further evidence of plasmogamic events in unprecedented detail. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of key meiotic genes in eight genomes and one transcriptome of Trebouxia, providing further strong evidence of sexual reproduction in this genus. This study provides a new method to monitor the fate of flagellate cells over time which allowed demonstration of the presence of two types of flagellate cell: zoospores with two well-defined morphologies which are involved in asexual reproduction, and gametes involved in sexual reproduction.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144214419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-06-03DOI: 10.1111/plb.70054
C Wang, W Zhang, Y Liao, J Ye, F Xu, Q Wang
{"title":"Ginkgo biloba flavonoids: Analysis of functions, regulatory mechanisms, and extraction.","authors":"C Wang, W Zhang, Y Liao, J Ye, F Xu, Q Wang","doi":"10.1111/plb.70054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ginkgo biloba L. is a protected relict species of the genus Ginkgo in the Ginkgoaceae family that is valued for its ornamental, economic, and medicinal properties. Flavonoids, the primary medicinal components in G. biloba, have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. They specifically inhibit xanthine oxidase and platelet-activating factor receptors, making them effective in treating Alzheimer's disease and hypertension. The breeding of G. biloba typically focuses on selecting and cultivating tree varieties with high flavonoid content. At the molecular level, structural genes and regulatory factors (transcription factors and noncoding RNA) can directly control flavonoid biosynthesis, whereas external environmental factors indirectly regulate it. From a production perspective, improving extraction techniques can effectively address current low flavonoid yields. Advanced extraction technologies, which reduce solvent use and increase both efficiency and yield to meet market demand, are emerging. This review highlights structural genes and regulatory factors (noncoding RNAs and transcription factors) involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, explores how abiotic factors influence flavonoid accumulation, and outlines optimal extraction methods for increasing the flavonoid content in G. biloba. Ultimately, this research aims to provide valuable insights for future production practices and scientific research that will enhance the medicinal and commercial value of G. biloba.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144214418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant BiologyPub Date : 2025-05-30DOI: 10.1111/plb.70045
V Jandova, J Dolezal
{"title":"Ontogenetic shifts in biomass allocation and xylem structure of the world's highest-occurring plants: balancing growth, storage, and resilience in the extreme Himalayan subnival zone.","authors":"V Jandova, J Dolezal","doi":"10.1111/plb.70045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding how plants allocate biomass to different organs and tissue types is essential for revealing their adaptive strategies across life stages and environments. This study investigates ontogenetic shifts in biomass allocation in Ladakiella klimesii, a long-lived alpine forb in the Himalayan subnival zone at 5900 m, to understand how plants adapt to extreme environments. Biomass distribution to roots, stems, and leaves, plus xylem tissue composition were measured in 205 individuals to determine how plant size and age influence resource prioritization across development stages. Root collar cross-sections were examined to determine plant age, annual growth increments, and tissue fractions. Smaller plants prioritized roots for nutrient uptake, while larger plants allocated more biomass to parenchyma for storage and metabolic activities. Lignified tissues decreased with increasing size, reflecting reduced structural requirements, while vessel fraction and radial growth were higher in younger plants to support water transport. Age modulated these patterns independently, with younger plants focusing on establishing structures and older plants emphasizing storage tissues for resilience. Ladakiella klimesii adapts to the extreme subnival zone through narrow xylem vessels to prevent freezing-induced embolism, the absence of fibres to minimize freezing risks, and high leaf mass fractions to optimize photosynthesis during short growing seasons. Its simplified xylem structure, dominated by parenchyma and single-lignified vessel rows, reflects thermal constraints and functional efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of integrating plant size and age in ecological studies and underscore this species' specialized strategies to thrive in a challenging subnival environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":220,"journal":{"name":"Plant Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144179829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}