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SUMMARY: Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) is an essential minor millet of southeast Asia and Africa's temperate and subtropical regions. The plant is stress‐tolerant, has a short life cycle, and has a mineral‐rich nutritional profile associated with unique health benefits. We report the developmental gene expression atlas of little millet (genotype JK‐8) from ten tissues representing different stages of its life cycle, starting from seed germination and vegetative growth to panicle maturation. The developmental transcriptome atlas led to the identification of 342 827 transcripts. The BUSCO analysis and comparison with the transcriptomes of related species confirm that this study presents high‐quality, in‐depth coverage of the little millet transcriptome. In addition, the eFP browser generated here has a user‐friendly interface, allowing interactive visualizations of tissue‐specific gene expression. Using these data, we identified transcripts, the orthologs of which in Arabidopsis and rice are involved in nutrient acquisition, transport, and response pathways. The comparative analysis of the expression levels of these transcripts holds great potential for enhancing the mineral content in crops, particularly zinc and iron, to address the issue of "hidden hunger" and to attain nutritional security, making it a valuable asset for translational research. Significance Statement: We have mapped the transcriptome of little millet, revealing tissue‐specific gene expression patterns and identifying mineral transporter genes crucial for its nutritional profile. This resource provides insights into mineral uptake pathways, aiding efforts to enhance climate resilience and combat "hidden hunger." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Intra- and transgenerational plasticity may provide substantial phenotypic variation to cope with environmental change. Since assessing the unique contribution of the maternal environment to the offspring phenotype is challenging in perennial, outcrossing plants, little is known about the evolutionary and ecological implications of transgenerational plasticity and its persistence over the life cycle in these species. We evaluated how intra- and transgenerational plasticity interplay to shape the adaptive responses to drought in two perennial Mediterranean shrubs. Methods We used a novel common garden approach that reduced within-family genetic variation in both the maternal and offspring generations by growing the same maternal individual in two contrasting watering environments, well-watered and drought, in consecutive years. We then assessed phenotypic differences at the reproductive stage between offspring reciprocally grown in the same environments. Key Results Maternal drought had an effect on offspring performance only in Helianthemum squamatum. Offspring of drought-stressed plants showed more inflorescences, less sclerophyllous leaves and higher growth rates in both watering conditions, and heavier seeds under drought, than offspring of well-watered maternal plants. Maternal drought also induced similar plasticity patterns across maternal families, showing a general increase in seed mass in response to offspring drought, a pattern not observed in the offspring of well-watered plants. In contrast, both species expressed immediate adaptive plasticity, and the magnitude of intragenerational plasticity was larger than the transgenerational plastic responses. Conclusions Our results highlight that adaptive effects associated with maternal drought can persist beyond the seedling stage and provide evidence of species-level variation in the expression of transgenerational plasticity. Such differences between co-occurring Mediterranean species in the prevalence of this form of non-genetic inheritance may result in differential vulnerability to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salt tolerance in plants is defined as their ability to grow and complete their life cycle under saline conditions. Staple crops have limited salt tolerance, but forage grass can survive in large unexploited saline areas of costal or desert land. However, due to the restriction of self-incompatible fertilization in many grass species, vegetative propagation via stem cuttings is the dominant practice; this is incompatible with current methodologies of salt-tolerance phenotyping, which have been developed for germination-based seedling growth. Therefore, the performance of seedlings from cuttings under salt stress is still fuzzy. Moreover, the morphological traits involved in salt tolerance are still mostly unknown, especially under experimental conditions with varying levels of stress. Results: To estimate the salt tolerance of cutting propagation-dependent grasses, a reliable and low-cost workflow was established with multiple saline treatments, using Paspalum vaginatum as the material and substrate as medium, where cold stratification and selection of stem segments were the two variables used to control for experimental errors. Average leaf number (ALN) was designated as the best criterion for evaluating ion-accumulated salt tolerance. The reliability of ALN was revealed by the consistent results among four P. vaginatum genotypes, and three warm-season (pearl millet, sweet sorghum, and wild maize) and four cold-season (barley, oat, rye, and ryegrass) forage cultivars. Dynamic curves simulated by sigmoidal mathematical models were well-depicted for the calculation of the key parameter, Salt50. The reliability of the integrated platform was further validated by screening 48 additional recombinants, which were previously generated from a self-fertile mutant of P. vaginatum. The genotypes displaying extreme ALN-based Salt50 also exhibited variations in biomass and ion content, which not only confirmed the reliability of our phenotyping platform but also the representativeness of the aerial ALN trait for salt tolerance. Conclusions: Our phenotyping platform is proved to be compatible with estimations in both germination-based and cutting propagation-dependent seedling tolerance under salt stresses. ALN and its derived parameters are prone to overcome the species barriers when comparing salt tolerance of different species together. The accuracy and reliability of the developed phenotyping platform is expected to benefit breeding programs in saline agriculture. Key message: A novel phenotyping system was developed to screen for salt tolerance of erect stems of Paspalum vaginatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole plant senescence represents the final stage in the life cycle of annual plants, characterized by the decomposition of aging organs and transfer of nutrients to seeds, thereby ensuring the survival of next generation. However, the transcriptomic profile of vegetative organs during this death process remains to be fully elucidated, especially regarding the distinctions between natural programmed death and artificial sudden death induced by herbicide. Results: Differential genes expression analysis using RNA-seq in leaves and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that natural senescence commenced in leaves at 45–52 days after planting, followed by roots initiated at 52–60 days. Additionally, both organs exhibited similarities with artificially induced senescence by glyphosate. Transcription factors Rap2.6L and WKRY75 appeared to serve as central mediators of regulatory changes during natural senescence, as indicated by co-expression networks. Furthermore, the upregulation of RRTF1, exclusively observed during natural death, suggested its role as a regulator of jasmonic acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) responses, potentially triggering nitrogen recycling in leaves, such as the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) shunt. Root senescence was characterized by the activation of AMT2;1 and GLN1;3, facilitating ammonium availability for root-to-shoot translocation, likely under the regulation of PDF2.1. Conclusions: Our study offers valuable insights into the transcriptomic interplay between phytohormones and ROS during whole plant senescence. We observed distinct regulatory networks governing nitrogen utilization in leaf and root senescence processes. Furthermore, the efficient allocation of energy from vegetative organs to seeds emerges as a critical determinant of population sustainability of annual Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) modify the amino-terminal tails of the core histone proteins via acetylation, regulating chromatin structure and transcription. GENERAL CONTROL NON-DEREPRESSIBLE 5 (GCN5) is a HAT that specifically acetylates H3K14 residues. GCN5 has been associated with cell division and differentiation, meristem function, root, stem, foliar, and floral development, and plant environmental response. The flowers of gcn5 plants display a reduced stamen length and exhibit male sterility relative to the wild-type plants. We show that these effects may arise from gibberellin (GA)-signaling defects. The signaling pathway of bioactive GAs depends on the proteolysis of their repressors, DELLA proteins. The repressor GA (RGA) DELLA protein represses plant growth, inflorescence, and flower and seed development. Our molecular data indicate that GCN5 is required for the activation and H3K14 acetylation of genes involved in the late stages of GA biosynthesis and catabolism. We studied the genetic interaction of the RGA and GCN5; the RGA can partially suppress GCN5 action during the whole plant life cycle. The reduced elongation of the stamen filament of gcn5–6 mutants is reversed in the rga–t2;gcn5–6 double mutants. RGAs suppress the GCN5 effect on the gene expression and histone acetylation of GA catabolism and GA signaling. Interestingly, the RGA and RGL2 do not suppress ADA2b function, suggesting that ADA2b acts downstream of GA signaling and is distinct from GCN5 activity. In conclusion, we propose that the action of GCN5 on stamen elongation is partially mediated by RGA and GA signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the summer of 2021, a federal law concerning the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions appeared in the Russian Federation - Federal Law No. 296 dated 02.07.2021 "On Limitation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions". The law defines the basis of legal regulation of relations in the sphere of activities accompanied by greenhouse gas emissions and carried out on the territory of Russia, as well as on the continental shelf, in the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation, in the Russian sector of the Caspian Sea. The law on limiting greenhouse gas emissions introduces the following concepts: (a) greenhouse gases; (b) climate projects; (c) carbon units; (d) carbon footprint as the total volume of greenhouse gas emissions and their absorption in the course of production/provision of a service. The concept of hydrogen civilization, the foundations of which were laid by the romanticist and pioneer of the Hydrogen Era, Prof. T.N. Vesiroglu, attracts attention of more and more scientists and engineers.The hydrogen civilization will require a significant amount of hydrogen for its implementation. For the current stage of development of civilization, the volume of hydrogen generated annually must be at least 560 million tons. The most interesting is the combination of renewable and environmentally friendly non-renewable energy sources to obtain the universal energy carrier hydrogen (Concept of alternative energy and ecology, A.L. Gusev and T.N. Veziroglu, 2000). In particular, wind-hydrogen energy is of great interest as a promising area of innovation in the field of energy at remote sites. The hydrogen civilization will require a significant amount of hydrogen for its implementation. For the current stage of development of civilization, the volume of hydrogen generated annually must be at least 560 million tons. Wind-hydrogen energy can make a great contribution to the implementation of the hydrogen energy concept. It is important that power supply to remote areas requires significant financial costs, and wind energy in this regard is the optimal solution. Thus, the cost of 1 km of power line can range from 20 to 50,000 euros. For remote sites, the cost of creating such a line, as well as the cost of its maintenance in harsh climates, will be extremely high. At the same time, the cost of a wind turbine is equal to the cost of 1 km of power line, and its service life can reach 30 years. However, to optimize the use of wind turbines and wind-hydrogen power plants, it is important to take into account the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere during the production of elements of wind power plants and wind-hydrogen power plants (WPP). The article outlines the main provisions of a new method for determining emissions of pollutants during the life cycle of wind power plants (wind farms) using aggregated indicators. The rationale for the use of aggregated indicators is given. An algorithm is described for determining emissions of pollutants CO 2 eq (carbon dioxide), SO 2 eq (sulfur dioxide) and PO 4 eq (phosphates) during the production of elements of wind turbines and wind farms. The results of calculations of emissions of CO 2 eq, SO 2 eq and PO 4 eq during the life cycle for onshore wind farms (Cossack wind farm and Arkhangelsk wind farm) with an installed capacity of 100 and 340 MW are presented and the environmental effect of their use is determined. Calculated emissions of pollutants, which can be prevented when choosing the wind farms as power sources and determined the environmental effect of their use when comparing with thermal power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Plants encounter numerous biotic and abiotic challenges during their life cycle. Biotic stressors pose serious threats to crop yield, causing food security issues. Different signaling pathways such as recognition receptors help to recognize pathogen invasion and activate the plant defense response. Understanding the plant–pathogen interaction at a molecular level is crucial for developing strategies to enhance resistance and to mitigate the impact of plant diseases on agriculture productivity. Biotic stressors pose significant threats to crop yield, jeopardizing food security and resulting in losses of over USD 220 billion per year by the agriculture industry. Plants activate innate defense mechanisms upon pathogen perception and invasion. The plant immune response comprises numerous concerted steps, including the recognition of invading pathogens, signal transduction, and activation of defensive pathways. However, pathogens have evolved various structures to evade plant immunity. Given these facts, genetic improvements to plants are required for sustainable disease management to ensure global food security. Advanced genetic technologies have offered new opportunities to revolutionize and boost plant disease resistance against devastating pathogens. Furthermore, targeting susceptibility (S) genes, such as OsERF922 and BnWRKY70, through CRISPR methodologies offers novel avenues for disrupting the molecular compatibility of pathogens and for introducing durable resistance against them in plants. Here, we provide a critical overview of advances in understanding disease resistance mechanisms. The review also critically examines management strategies under challenging environmental conditions and R-gene-based plant genome-engineering systems intending to enhance plant responses against emerging pathogens. This work underscores the transformative potential of modern genetic engineering practices in revolutionizing plant health and crop disease management while emphasizing the importance of responsible application to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change influences the emergence, spread, and severity of rust diseases that affect crops and forests. In Korea, the rust diseases that affect Wisteria floribunda and its alternate host Corydalis incisa are rapidly spreading northwards. Through morphological, molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenicity approaches, Neophysopella kraunhiae was identified as the causal agent, alternating between the two host plants to complete its life cycle. Using the maximum entropy model (Maxent) under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), the results of this study suggest that by the 2050s, C. incisa is likely to extend its range into central Korea owing to climate shifts, whereas the distribution of W. floribunda is expected to remain unchanged nationwide. The generalized additive model revealed a significant positive correlation between the presence of C. incisa and the incidence of rust disease, highlighting the role that climate-driven expansion of this alternate host plays in the spread of N. kraunhiae. These findings highlight the profound influence of climate change on both the distribution of a specific plant and the disease a rust fungus causes, raising concerns about the potential emergence and spread of other rust pathogens with similar host dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Antagonistic expression of Flowering locus T proteins and the ageing pathway via miRNAs and sugar metabolism regulate the initiation of flowering in A. tequilana. Flowering in commercial plantations of Agave tequilana signals that plants are ready to harvest for tequila production. However, time of flowering is often unpredictable and a detailed understanding of the process would be beneficial in the field, for breeding and for the development of future research. This report describes the functional analysis of A. tequilana FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) genes by heterologous expression in A. thaliana and in situ hybridization in agave plants. The gene structures of the Agave tequilana FT family are also described and putative regulatory promoter elements were identified. Most Agave species have monocarpic, perennial life cycles that can last over 25 years during which plants do not respond to the normal environmental signals which induce flowering, suggesting that the ageing pathway as described in Arabidopsis may play an important role in determining flowering time in these species. Elements of this pathway were analyzed and in silico data is presented that supports the regulation of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING LIKE proteins (SPL), APETALA2 (AP2) proteins and members of Plant Glycoside Hydrolase Family 32 (PGHF32) by interactions with miRNAs 156, 172 and 164 during the initiation of flowering in A. tequilana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Click beetle larvae have been observed to cause crop damage in various regions worldwide; however, accurate prediction of plant damage is hindered by their subterranean life cycle and the associated challenges in sampling. Melanotus senilis, a beetle belonging to the subfamily Elaterinae (tribe Melanotini) within the family Elateridae, is a destructive agricultural pest that harms maize, hops, and ginger. Our study presents novel evidence indicating the attraction of M. senilis larvae to Citrus natsudaidai (Japanese name "Natsumikan" or "Natsudaidai"). Through a field experiment involving different citrus fruits, namely natsumikan, oranges, and grapefruits, we found that C. natsudaidai attracted the highest number of M. senilis larvae. Furthermore, in a separate experiment in which C. natsudaidai and potatoes were placed in the field, C. natsudaidai significantly outperformed potatoes in attracting M. senilis larvae. These findings suggest that C. natsudaidai fruit placed on the soil surface attracts M. senilis larvae. C. natsudaidai fruits used in this study were sourced from those that remained unharvested until August. Therefore, it is possible that the C. natsudaidai fruits used for comparison were more mature than the citrus fruits used in this study. It is possible that the ripening of C. natsudaidai may have led to changes in CO2 and ethylene emissions, potentially attracting a greater number of M. senilis larvae. Further research is required to explore these aspects in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring native grassland vegetation can substantially improve ecosystem service outcomes from agricultural watersheds, but profitable pathways are needed to incentivize conversion from conventional crops. Given growing demand for renewable energy, using grassy biomass to produce biofuels provides a potential solution. We assessed the techno‐economic feasibility and life cycle outcomes of a "grass‐to‐gas" pathway that includes harvesting grassy (lignocellulosic) biomass for renewable natural gas (RNG) production through anaerobic digestion (AD), expanding on previous research that quantified ecosystem service and landowner financial outcomes of simulated grassland restoration in the Grand River Basin of Iowa and Missouri, United States. We found that the amount of RNG produced through AD of grassy biomass ranged 0.12–45.04 million gigajoules (GJ), and the net present value (NPV) of the RNG ranged −$97 to $422 million, depending on the combination of land use, productivity, and environmental credit scenarios. Positive NPVs are achieved with environmental credits for replacement of synthetic agricultural inputs with digestate and clean fuel production (e.g., USEPA D3 Renewable Identification Number, California Low Carbon Fuel Standard). Producing RNG from grassy biomass emits 15.1 g CO2‐eq/MJ, which compares favorably to the fossil natural gas value of 61.1 g CO2‐eq/MJ and exceeds the US Environmental Protection Agency's requirement for cellulosic biofuel. Overall, this study demonstrates opportunities and limitations to using grassy biomass from restored grasslands for sustainable RNG production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-stage models for cohort data are popular statistical models in several fields such as disease progressions, biological development of plants and animals, and laboratory studies of life cycle development. A Bayesian approach on adopting deterministic transformations in the Metropolis–Hastings (MH) algorithm was used to estimate parameters for these stage structured models. However, the biases in later stages are limitations of this methodology, especially the accuracy of estimates for the models having more than three stages. The main aim of this paper is to reduce these biases in parameter estimation. In particular, we conjoin insignificant previous stages or negligible later stages to estimate parameters of a desired stage, while an adjusted MH algorithm based on deterministic transformations is applied for the non-hazard rate models. This means that current stage parameters are estimated separately from the information of its later stages. This proposed method is validated in simulation studies and applied for a case study of the incubation period of COVID-19. The results show that the proposed methods could reduce the biases in later stages for estimates in stage structured models, and the results of the case study can be regarded as a valuable continuation of pandemic prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has profound impacts on ecosystems, and one critical aspect is its effect on seed germination, a crucial stage in plant life cycles. Various studies have explored the responses of plant species to rising temperatures, and there is now a pressing need to integrate this wealth of information into a coherent framework. The aim of this study was to survey literature about seed traits and thence to evaluate germination responses to climate change and to propose functional groups for germination. Increased temperature affects seed traits, particularly germinability. Many species show increased germination percentages in warmer temperatures, although the extent varies among species and temperature ranges. Some maintain a consistent percentage, whereas others reduce it to retain seeds in the seed bank. Temperature changes also affect the timing and season of germination, with some species accelerating germination, others delaying it, thereby influencing competition and exposure to adverse conditions. Shifts in temperature can alter seed requirements, affecting responses to temperature, humidity, light, chemical stimuli, and dormancy. Modifications in germination have profound effects on seed bank and seedling bank dynamics, affecting plant populations and ecological community resilience. Changes in germination can disrupt competitive dynamics, favoring some over others, altering community composition, and potentially impairing ecosystem functionality. Germination niche, germination potential, and germination phenology are fundamental concepts in the evaluation of climate change's implications for germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreased production of crops due to climate change has been predicted scientifically. While climate-resilient crops are necessary to ensure food security and support sustainable agriculture, predicting crop growth under future global warming is challenging. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of realistic global warming conditions on rice cultivation. We developed a crop evaluation platform, the agro-environment (AE) emulator, which generates diverse environments by implementing the complexity of natural environmental fluctuations in customized, fully artificial lighting growth chambers. We confirmed that the environmental responsiveness of rice obtained in the fluctuation of artificial environments is similar to those exhibited in natural environments by validating our AE emulator using publicly available meteorological data from multiple years at the same location and multiple locations in the same year. Based on the representative concentration pathway, real-time emulation of severe global warming unveiled dramatic advances in the rice life cycle, accompanied by a 35% decrease in grain yield and an 85% increase in quality deterioration, which is higher than the recently reported projections. The transcriptome dynamism showed that increasing temperature and CO2 concentrations synergistically changed the expression of various genes and strengthened the induction of flowering, heat stress adaptation, and CO2 response genes. The predicted severe global warming greatly alters rice environmental adaptability and negatively impacts rice production. Our findings offer innovative applications of artificial environments and insights for enhancing varietal potential and cultivation methods in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sessile organisms, plants must respond constantly to ever-changing environments to complete their life cycle; this includes the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive development. This process is mediated by photoperiodic response to sensing the length of night or day through circadian regulation of light-signaling molecules, such as phytochromes, to measure the length of night to initiate flowering. Flowering time is the most important trait to optimize crop performance in adaptive regions. In this review, we focus on interplays between circadian and light signaling pathways that allow plants to optimize timing for flowering and seed production in Arabidopsis, rice, soybean, and cotton. Many crops are polyploids and domesticated under natural selection and breeding. In response to adaptation and polyploidization, circadian and flowering pathway genes are epigenetically reprogrammed. Understanding the genetic and epigenetic bases for photoperiodic flowering will help improve crop yield and resilience in response to climate change. A review synthesizes interplays between photoperiodism and circadian regulation of the vegetative to reproductive transition in Arabidopsis and crops in responses to changing day lengths that ensures optimal timing for flowering and seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attractive technique for removing CO2 from the environment is sequestration within stable carbonate solids (e. g., calcite). However, continuous addition of alkalinity is required to achieve favorable conditions for carbonate precipitation (pH>8) from aqueous streams containing dissolved CO2 (pH<4.5) and Ca2+ ions. In this study, a pH‐swing process using ion exchange was demonstrated to process 300 L of produced water brine per day for CO2 mineralization. Proton titration capacities were quantified for aqueous streams in equilibrium with gas streams at various concentrations of CO2 (pCO2=0.03–0.20 atm) and at various flow rates (0.5–2.0 L min−1). Energy intensities for the process were determined to be between 30 and 65 kWh per tonne of CO2 sequestered depending on the composition of the brine stream. A life cycle assessment was performed to analyze the net carbon emissions of the technology which indicated a net CO2 reduction for pCO2≥0.12 atm (−0.06–−0.39 kg CO2e per kg precipitated CaCO3) utilizing calcium‐rich brines. The results from this study indicate the ion exchange process can be used as a scalable method to provide alkalinity necessary for the capture and storage of CO2 in Ca‐rich waste streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an invasive agricultural pest, has significantly impacted crop yields across Africa. This study investigated the relationship between temperature and FAW life history traits, employing life cycle modeling at temperatures of 20, 25, 28, 30, and 32°C. The development time for eggs, larvae, and pupae varied from 0–3 days, 10–18 days, and 7–16 days, respectively. The optimal temperature range for immature stage survival and female fecundity was identified as 21–25°C, with the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and gross reproductive rate (GRR) peaking at 25–28°C. Model validation confirmed the accuracy of these findings. The research further projected the Establishment Risk Index (ERI), Activity Index (AI), and Generation Index (GI) for FAW under current and future climates (2050 and 2070) using RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Results indicate that RCP 2.6 leads to a reduction in high-risk FAW areas, particularly in central Africa. Conversely, RCP 8.5 suggests an increase in areas conducive to FAW activity. These findings highlight the impact of climate policy on pest dynamics and the importance of incorporating climatic factors into pest management strategies. The study predicts a potential decrease in FAW prevalence in West Africa by 2070 under aggressive climate mitigation, providing a basis for future FAW management approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) breeding for improved fruit quality emphasizes selecting for desirable taste and characteristics, as well as enhancing disease resistance and yield. Seed germination is the initial step in the plant life cycle and directly affects crop productivity and yield. ERECTA (ER) is a receptor-like kinase (RLK) family protein known for its involvement in diverse developmental processes. We characterized a Micro-Tom EMS mutant designated as a knock-out mutant of sler. Our research reveals that SlER plays a central role in controlling critical traits such as inflorescence development, seed number, and seed germination. The elevation in auxin levels and alterations in the expression of ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3) and ABI5 in sler seeds compared to the WT indicate that SlER modulates seed germination via auxin and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Additionally, we detected an increase in auxin content in the sler ovary and changes in the expression of auxin synthesis genes YUCCA flavin monooxygenases 1 (YUC1), YUC4, YUC5, and YUC6 as well as auxin response genes AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 5 (ARF5) and ARF7, suggesting that SlER regulates fruit development via auxin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the recognition of the qualities of plants that promote life, the study proposes these characteristics as necessary for the generation of living environments in education and research. Autopoietically, we identify relationships of sensitivity, collaboration, movement, travel, communication, memory and care. We value these qualities for the learning, change and transformation environments necessary in Education, which constitute dynamic, self-organized, changing and complex environments that are recognized as narrative environments. This work contributes to the understanding of life-research as an investigative and narrative experience, which from bioinspired research models, makes research possible as an experience of life itself that happens in its future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and metabolism. SULTR2;1 is a low-affinity sulfate transporter facilitating the long-distance transport of sulfate in Arabidopsis. The physiological function of SULTR2;1 in the plant life cycle still needs to be determined. Therefore, we analyzed the sulfate transport, S-containing metabolite accumulation and plant growth using Arabidopsis SULTR2;1 disruption lines, sultr2;1–1 and sultr2;1–2 , from seedling to mature growth stages to clarify the metabolic and physiological roles of SULTR2;1. We observed that sulfate distribution to the stems was affected in sultr2;1 mutants, resulting in decreased levels of sulfate, cysteine, glutathione (GSH) and total S in the stems, flowers and siliques; however, the GSH levels increased in the rosette leaves. This suggested the essential role of SULTR2;1 in sulfate transport from rosette leaves to the primary stem. In addition, sultr2;1 mutants unexpectedly bolted earlier than the wild-type without affecting the plant biomass. Correlation between GSH levels in rosette leaves and the bolting timing suggested that the rosette leaf GSH levels or limited sulfate transport to the early stem can trigger bolting. Overall, this study demonstrated the critical roles of SULTR2;1 in maintaining the S metabolite levels in the aerial part and transitioning from the vegetative to the reproductive growth phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weedy rice is a major problem in paddy fields around the world. It is well known that weedy rice appears to grow faster and mature earlier than cultivated rice. It is possible that differences in the root microbial genetics are correlated with this characteristic. This study incorporated 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to study the microbial composition in the rhizosphere and endosphere of rice root. No significant difference was found between the microbiota associated with weedy and cultivated rice lines grown in the same field. It was found that the endosphere had less microbial diversity compared to the rhizosphere. The major groups of bacteria found in the endosphere are from the phylum Proteobacteria, Myxococcota, Chloroflexota, and Actinobacteria. In addition, by analyzing the microbiome of japonica rice grown in the field in a temperate climate, we found that despite differences in genotype and location, some bacterial taxa were found to be common and these members of the putative rice core microbiome can also be detected by in situ hybridization. The delineation of a core microbiome in the endosphere of rice suggests that these bacterial taxa might be important in the life cycle of a wide range of rice types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Led by the manufacturing industry, virtual replicas of production systems also known as digital twins (DTs) are gradually moving into all areas of industry. Their advantages are characterized by the possibility of product optimization, simulations, improved monitoring and prediction of downtimes and optimized maintenance, to name just a few. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of process plants as mechatronic systems is characterized by a high degree of project-specific modifications and interdisciplinary engineering effort with low reusability, in contrast to unit-production-driven areas such as automotive. This results in a high cost-benefit ratio for the creation of DTs over the life cycle of process plants, especially when suppliers are integrated into the value chain. The objective of this paper is to analyze the state of plant lifecycle management, data exchange and the possibilities of optimized supplier integration during the planning and EPC of process plants regarding DT creation and usage. Three research questions (RQs) were used to narrow down a total of 356 identified publications to 54, which were then examined. The papers covered a variety of topics, including combining discipline-specific models, plant management approaches and the combination of both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global agriculture is heavily dependent on sustainable plant protection. Worldwide, the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) is being followed. IPM utilizes a range of strategies, with chemical synthetic pesticides being employed only as a last resort. However, in agricultural practice, farmers continue to rely primarily on this option. To further reduce this dependence, new strategies are being sought to strengthen the use of biological control within the IPM approach including the identification of novel non-synthetic natural compounds. Here, we discuss and report on the state of the art in biological control research in areas such as biocontrol agents and application of ecological principles. These practices can help to establish sustainable plant protection systems, with the greatest impact achieved when they are used in appropriate combinations. We highlight the conditions that currently prevent or hinder the increased use of biocontrol measures. On the background of agroecological experiences, we discuss why additional advancements in plant protection practices are imperative to more effectively break the life cycles of pests, diseases and weeds. We emphasize the significance of a judicious application of chemical control technologies, adapted to local conditions. Additionally, we highlight the key role and expertise of operators in implementing these practices and their knowledge thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rust disease poses a major threat to global agriculture and forestry. It is caused by types of Pucciniales, which often require alternate hosts for their life cycles. Nyssopsora cedrelae was previously identified as a rust pathogen on Toona sinensis in East and Southeast Asia. Although this species had been reported to be autoecious, completing its life cycle solely on T. sinensis, we hypothesized that it has a heteroecious life cycle, requiring an alternate host, since the spermogonial and aecial stages on Aralia elata, a plant native to East Asia, are frequently observed around the same area where N. cedrelae causes rust disease on T. sinensis. Upon collecting rust samples from both A. elata and T. sinensis, we confirmed that the rust species from both tree species exhibited matching internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU) rDNA, and cytochrome oxidase subunit III (CO3) mtDNA sequences. Through cross-inoculations, we verified that aeciospores from A. elata produced a uredinial stage on T. sinensis. This study is the first report to clarify A. elata as an alternate host for N. cedrelae, thus providing initial evidence that the Nyssopsora species exhibits a heteroecious life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

QuerySeed germination is a vital step in the life cycle of a plant, playing a significant role in seedling establishment and crop yield potential. It is also an important factor in the conservation of plant germplasm resources. This complex process is influenced by a myriad of factors, including environmental conditions, the genetic makeup of the seed, and endogenous hormones. The perception of these environmental signals triggers a cascade of intricate signal transduction events that determine whether a seed germinates or remains dormant. Despite considerable progress in uncovering the molecular mechanisms governing these processes, many questions remain unanswered. In this review, we summarize the current progress in the molecular mechanisms underlying the perception of environmental signals and consequent signal transduction during seed germination, and discuss questions that need to be addressed to better understand the process of seed germination and develop novel strategies for germplasm improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources are the most effective and cheapest method for combating climate change. Biomass, which is one of the renewable energy sources, is also one of the raw materials for biofuels. Sorghum x Sudan grass hybrid, which is drought tolerant and has a short vegetation period, is a biomass source. This study was carried out to determine the ethanol yield of sorghum x Sudan grass hybrid plants grown in an area with a semi-humid climate and to determine the environmental impacts of biomass. Environmental impacts were assessed using the life cycle assessment method. Environmental impact categories are divided into 11 categories according to the CML-IA Baseline model. As a result, the biomass yield was 49888 kg ha-1 and the ethanol yield was 1674.1 l ha-1. According to the life cycle impact category of sorghum x Sudan grass hybrid biomass production, the highest environmental impact was 79.21%, causing marine aquatic ecotoxicity. According to the life cycle interpretation, it caused a global effect with a rate of 83.87%. In addition, the global warming value was calculated as 0.195 kg CO2-eq kgbiomass -1 (9728.16 kg CO2-eq ha-1). The agricultural phases with the most negative impact on the environment are irrigation and fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Faster vegetative growth and early maturity/harvest reduce plant life cycle time and are important agricultural traits facilitating early crop rotation. GA is a key hormone governing developmental transitions that determine growth speed in plants. An EAR‐motif repressor, SlERF36 that regulates various growth transitions, partly through regulation of the GA pathway and GA levels, was identified in tomato. Suppression of SlERF36 delayed germination, slowed down organ growth and delayed the onset of flowering time, fruit harvest and whole‐plant senescence by 10–15 days. Its over‐expression promoted faster growth by accelerating all these transitions besides increasing organ expansion and plant height substantially. The plant life cycle and fruit harvest were completed 20–30 days earlier than control without affecting yield, in glasshouse as well as net‐house conditions, across seasons and generations. These changes in life cycle were associated with reciprocal changes in expression of GA pathway genes and basal GA levels between suppression and over‐expression lines. SlERF36 interacted with the promoters of two GA2 oxidase genes, SlGA2ox3 and SlGA2ox4, and the DELLA gene, SlDELLA, reducing their transcription and causing a 3–5‐fold increase in basal GA3/GA4 levels. Its suppression increased SlGA2ox3/4 transcript levels and reduced GA3/GA4 levels by 30%–50%. SlERF36 is conserved across families making it an important candidate in agricultural and horticultural crops for manipulation of plant growth and developmental transitions to reduce life cycles for faster harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black squash mirid, Pycnoderes quadrimaculatusGuérin-Méneville, 1857, was recently found feeding on chayote squash, Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae), under cultivation in Campo Grande, Veracruz, Mexico. Based on the economic importance of this plant in the region, research under laboratory conditions was initiated to study essential aspects of the biology (duration of life cycle and survival) and basic morphology of this pest insect. The duration of the egg, immature (instars 1—5), and adult stages lasted 14.2, 14.1, and 31 days, respectively. Elongated, slightly curved eggs, without respiratory projections, were inserted in the main and secondary veins of chayote leaves. All nymphal instars were yellowish to pale greenish with distinct black regions and black setae scattered over the dorsum, except for the hyaline to whitish and smooth first instar. Sexual dimorphism was not present in P. quadrimaculatus. The probability of survival for males and females feeding on chayote squash was estimated to be 100% at 3 and 21 days, respectively. Subsequently, survival decreased without significant differences between the sexes. This is the first report of aspects of the life cycle, morphology, and survival of P. quadrimaculatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural diversification and high-quality products deriving from sustainable crops such as hemp can represent a solution to revitalize marginal areas and reverse land abandonment. This study aimed at comparing four different hemp cultivars (Carmagnola Selezionata, "CS"; Futura 75, "FUT"; Felina 32, "FEL"; Secuieni Jubileu, "JUB") to provide information to select the best suited cultivar for cultivation in mountain marginal areas and for specific end-use applications. Hemp cultivars were cultivated in a single experimental field to compare their ecological and agronomic behavior (duration of life cycle phases, plant size and biomass allocation, and plant resource-use strategies). Through metabolomic analysis of both vegetative and reproductive parts of the plants we tested the presence of substances of nutraceutical interest and traced seed nutritional profile. The four cultivars had different ecological and agronomic behavior, and nutritional profile. We found several compounds with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical values in all parts of the plant (leaves, inflorescences, and stems). JUB resulted the most suitable for seed production while CS showed the highest content of bioactive compounds in flowers and leaves. FUT, showed the best suitability for multi-purpose cultivation, while FEL seemed to be not appropriate for the cultivation in mountain area. The multi-disciplinary approach we adopted was effective in distinguish across hemp cultivars and provided information to farmers for the selection of the best hemp cultivar to select. Hemp had a high potential for cultivation in marginal lands, demonstrating to be an economic resource due to its multi-purpose use and to the possibility to generate high-added values products. Our results could serve as a stimulus for the reintroduction of this culture in the study area and in other similar environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant viruses must move through plasmodesmata (PD) to complete their life cycles. For viruses in the Potyviridae family (potyvirids), three viral factors (P3N-PIPO, CI, and CP) and few host proteins are known to participate in this event. Nevertheless, not all the proteins engaging in the cell-to-cell movement of potyvirids have been discovered. Here, we found that HCPro2 encoded by areca palm necrotic ring spot virus (ANRSV) assists viral intercellular movement, which could be functionally complemented by its counterpart HCPro from a potyvirus. Affinity purification and mass spectrometry identified several viral factors (including CI and CP) and host proteins that are physically associated with HCPro2. We demonstrated that HCPro2 interacts with both CI and CP in planta in forming PD-localized complexes during viral infection. Further, we screened HCPro2-associating host proteins, and identified a common host protein in Nicotiana benthamiana–Rubisco small subunit (NbRbCS) that mediates the interactions of HCPro2 with CI or CP, and CI with CP. Knockdown of NbRbCS impairs these interactions, and significantly attenuates the intercellular and systemic movement of ANRSV and three other potyvirids (turnip mosaic virus, pepper veinal mottle virus, and telosma mosaic virus). This study indicates that a nucleus-encoded chloroplast-targeted protein is hijacked by potyvirids as the scaffold protein to assemble a complex to facilitate viral movement across cells. Author summary: Potyviridae is the largest family of RNA viruses in the plant kingdom, consisting of genetically diverse members that adversely affect agriculturally and economically important crops. However, viral and host components in the local movement of potyvirids, an essential step for viruses to spread through the whole plant, are still not fully understood. Thus far, three viral factors (P3N-PIPO, CI and CP) and several host proteins are known to be engaged coordinately in this event. Here, we found that another viral protein, HCPro2, also aids a potyvirid in the intercellular movement. HCPro2 facilitates the virus to move through plasmodesmata (PD), the gate between two plant cells, by forming a complex with CI and CP. More intriguingly, we found that NbRbCS, one of the most abundant proteins in a plant cell, interacts with all the above viral factors in mediating viral movement across plant cells. Reduction of NbRbCS levels greatly impairs the intercellular movement of four tested potyvirids. These data suggest that a common chloroplast protein is co-opted as a pro-viral factor in assembling a complex for viral movement. This finding provides a new insight in our understanding of potyvirids' movement in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds (PCs) are a prominent class of secondary metabolites produced by plants and are essential for the natural role of the entire plant life cycle. PCs are formed in plants under both favorable and unfavorable conditions and have essential functions in signaling pathways, such as cell division, nutrient mineralization, hormone control, and reproduction. Under abiotic stress conditions, plants produce more polyphenols, which aid them in adapting to their environment. The phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway is activated under various environmental stress conditions, such as drought, heavy metal toxicity, salinity, and high/low temperatures, resulting in the deposition of compounds. These compounds can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in excessive amounts in crops under stressful conditions and adversely affect plants. It is imperative to investigate the functions of PCs in response to several abiotic stresses, as the phenylpropanoid pathway plays a crucial role in the metabolic pathway in crop plants, leading to the biosynthesis of a wide range of PCs. These compounds play various roles in plant growth, development, and response to environmental stress. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of PCs and their exchanges with other cellular components, which is crucial for harnessing their potential to improve crop resilience to environmental stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual differentiation is a fundamental process in the life cycles of land plants, ensuring successful sexual reproduction and thereby contributing to species diversity and survival. In the dioicous liverwort Marchantia polymorpha , this process is governed by an autosomal sex-differentiation locus comprising FEMALE GAMETOPHYTE MYB (FGMYB), a female-promoting gene, and SUPPRESSOR OF FEMINIZATION (SUF), an antisense strand-encoded long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). SUF is specifically transcribed in male plants and suppresses the expression of FGMYB , leading to male differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Here, we show that SUF acts through its transcription to suppress FGMYB expression. Transgene complementation analysis using CRISPR/Cas9D10A-based large-deletion mutants identified a genomic region sufficient for the sex differentiation switch function in the FGMYB-SUF locus. Inserting a transcriptional terminator sequence into the SUF- transcribed region resulted in the loss of SUF function and allowed expression of FGMYB in genetically male plants, leading to conversion of the sex phenotype from male to female. Partial deletions of SUF had no obvious impact on its function. Replacement of the FGMYB sequence with that of an unrelated gene did not affect the ability of SUF transcription to suppress sense-strand expression. Taken together, our findings suggest that the process of SUF transcription, rather than the resulting transcripts, is required for controlling sex differentiation in M. polymorpha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of high-performant varieties could help to improve the production of food legumes and thus meet the demand of the growing world population. However, long periods needed to develop new varieties through traditional breeding are a major obstacle. Thus, new techniques allowing faster genetic advance are needed. Speed breeding using longer periods of light exposure on plants, appears to be a good solution for accelerating plant life cycles and generation turnover. However, applying extended photoperiod causes plant stress and mortality due to lack of information on the adequate intensity to be used in speed breeding protocol. This study examines the impact of light intensity under speed breeding conditions on the development and growth of lentils and chickpeas, with a keen interest in enhancing genetic gain in these key food legumes. Four distinct levels of light intensity (T1: Green-house: 2000 µmol/m2/s; T2: 148–167 µmol/m2/s; T3: 111–129 µmol/m2/s; T4: 74–93 µmol/m2/s) under a photoperiod of 18 h of light and 6 h of darkness were tested in a growth chamber. Significant variation depending on light intensity was observed for plant height, total biomass, number of secondary stems, pods number, number of seeds per plant, growth rate, green canopy cover, time to flowering, time of pod set, time to maturity, vegetative stage length, reproduction stage length and seed filling stage length. Light intensity significantly influenced flowering/maturity and plant's stress compared to normal conditions in green-house where flowering/maturity were around 67/97 days for lentil and 79/111 days for chickpea. Therefore, lentils in treatment 2 flowered and reached maturity in 30/45 days respectively, with high stress, while chickpeas in the same treatment did not flower. In contrast, treatment 4 showed interesting results, promoting optimal growth with low stress, and flowering/maturity in 27/46 days and 28/54 days, respectively for lentils and chickpeas. These results underline the crucial importance of light management in speed breeding to accelerate vegetative growth and phenology while allowing healthy growth conditions for plants to produce enough seeds for generation turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tecoma stans is a widely distributed tall ornamental shrub in the plains of Indian subcontinent and is considered an invasive species across Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Pacific Islands and tropical regions of Asia. Besides having an ornamental significance, T. stans has been extensively investigated for its pharmaceutical applications as a source of bioactive compounds. In addition, the shrub is cultivated commercially as a potted flowering plant. We believe that T. stans, being a hardy, invasive and aggressively growing species, holds a considerable potential and a promising solution for re-greening waste and degraded lands outside its invasive range, due to its wider adaptability and drought tolerant characteristics. The shrub is an excellent source of pollen and nectar, that attracts diverse insect-pollinators and several species of birds. The prudent plantation of this shrub has the potential to restore the ecology of barren landscapes, that can change its perspective of 'being invasive' to 'being ecologically healthy' across the tropical, semi-arid and subtropical regions worldwide. This paper reviews the current updates on ecology, life cycle including morphology, plant growth characteristics, flowering phenology, reproductive biology, breeding system and fruiting of T. stans. In addition, details on insect-pollinator diversity and natural regeneration potential have also been discussed, besides highlighting its therapeutic and landscape use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brilliant red Lilioceris merdigera (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) can spend its entire life cycle on the cardenolide-containing plant Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley) and forms stable populations on this host. Yet, in contrast to many other insects on cardenolide-containing plants L. merdigera does not sequester these plant toxins in the body but rather both adult beetles and larvae eliminate ingested cardenolides with the feces. Tracer feeding experiments showed that this holds true for radioactively labeled ouabain and digoxin, a highly polar and a rather apolar cardenolide. Both compounds or their derivatives are incorporated in the fecal shields of the larvae. The apolar digoxin, but not the polar ouabain, showed a deterrent effect on the generalist predatory ant Myrmica rubra, which occurs in the habitat of L. merdigera. The deterrent effect was detected for digoxin both in choice and feeding time assays. In a predator choice assay, a fecal shield derived from a diet of cardenolide-containing C. majalis offered L. merdigera larvae better protection from M. rubra than one derived from non-cardenolide Allium schoenoprasum (chives) or no fecal shield at all. Thus, we here present data suggesting a new way how insects may gain protection by feeding on cardenolide-containing plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a major migratory and polyphagous pest. Overwintering, migrating and colonizing characters of FAW are closely related to vegetation and host adaptation. In this study, we investigated oviposition preference, feeding preference of FAW, as well as fitness, cold tolerance of FAW larvae fed on spring and summer crop (corn) and two winter crops (cabbage, Brassica campestris and rape, B. napus). The results showed that FAW could complete their life cycle by feeding on cabbage and rape, although fitness was not as good as corn. FAW fed on cabbage had higher survival, female pupal mass and host suitability index than rape while larvae preferred to feed on rape leaves and females preferred to lay eggs on rape plants. In addition, FAW larvae fed on cabbage had the shortest recovery time from chill coma compared to corn and rape, indicating that cold tolerance of FAW larvae was improved by feeding on cabbage. Consequently, cabbage could be an ideal host for FAW which needed to survive and reproduce in winter. These results improve our understanding of host selection and adaption of FAW, as well as lay a foundation for predicting winter breeding areas of FAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All animals and plants respond to changes in the environment during their life cycle. This flexibility is known as phenotypic plasticity and allows organisms to cope with variable environments. A common source of environmental variation is predation risk, which describes the likelihood of being attacked and killed by a predator. Some species can respond to the level of predation risk by producing morphological defences against predation. A classic example is the production of so‐called 'neckteeth' in the water flea, Daphnia pulex, which defend against predation from Chaoborus midge larvae. Previous studies of this defence have focussed on changes in pedestal size and the number of spikes along a gradient of predation risk. Although these studies have provided a model for continuous phenotypic plasticity, they do not capture the whole‐organism shape response to predation risk. In contrast, studies in fish and amphibians focus on shape as a complex, multi‐faceted trait made up of different variables. In this study, we analyse how multiple aspects of shape change in D. pulex along a gradient of predation risk from Chaoborus flavicans. These changes are dominated by the neckteeth defence, but there are also changes in the size and shape of the head and the body. We detected change in specific modules of the body plan and a level of integration among modules. These results are indicative of a complex, multi‐faceted response to predation and provide insight into how predation risk drives variation in shape and size at the level of the whole organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi pass all or at least a part of their life cycle inside or between host cells in living plant tissues. These fungi are not capable of causing disease in the host plants, however, they are deemed to be associated with the production of some secondary metabolites in plants. Therefore, this study was laid out to shed light on how fungicides are involved in the formation of key metabolites of yew (Taxus baccata L.), especially taxol. Through the symbiotic fungal endophyte activities and population changes an experiment was conducted as a completely randomized block design using two foliar application treatments of Rovral‐TS and Fosetyl aluminium fungicides. Plants sprayed with distilled water were used as a control. The findings revealed that the diversity of endophytic fungi declined with the application of systemic fungicides, leading to a decrease in the production of certain secondary metabolites. Specifically, the levels of paclitaxel decreased by 35%, while the photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll‐a, chlorophyll‐b and total chlorophyll decreased by 26%, 20.6% and 19.6%, respectively. Additionally, the levels of carotenoids, total phenol and total flavonoids decreased by 18%, 15% and 21.8%, respectively. The highest amount of these compounds was observed in the control treatment. An increase in antioxidant activity, soluble sugars and proline content was observed soon after fungicides application. The variation in the content of soluble sugars, proline and antioxidant activity was fungicide‐dependent. Compared to Fosetyl aluminium fungicide, the numerical value of the above parameters in plants treated with Rovral‐TS was 14.4%, 11.7% and 25.4% higher, respectively. The fungicide‐mediated induction of Taxol production—key secondary metabolites in yew—was to a great extent associated with the change in endophytic fungi. This further establishes the role of fungal endophytes in the stimulation of secondary metabolite formation in yew plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytomanagement of heavy metal polluted soils with woody plants is considered a sustainable management option for restoring polluted sites while preserving the soil resource. Like any plant, woody plants establish complex interactions with soil microbiome by shaping the microbial community composition through rhizodepositions, which select microbial physiological groups which increase the nutrients available in the rhizosphere. Beside the fundamental role in nutrient cycling, the rhizosphere microbiome improves water and nutrient uptake, produces plant promoting factors such as phytohormones, and protects plants from pathogens. Plant microbe interactions in the rhizosphere of woody plants are more complex than those of herbaceous plants because they create a more complex phytosphere effect, due to their longer life cycles, deeper rooting, and by creating a persistent canopy conditioned micro-environment. While woody plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere have been studied in forest ecosystems or their effects on forest productions, interactions during phytomanagement interventions are less known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lotus corniculatus L. is one of the agronomically and economically important perennial legume forage species with moderately salt-tolerant. It is well known that even the cultivars of the same species in plants have different responses in salinity. However, studies on the salt response of L. corniculatus and its cultivars, which are more advantageous than other forage crops such as white clover (Trifolium repens) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), in the use of marginal agricultural lands affected by abiotic stress factors such as salinity, are limited. Under salt stress, the most crucial phases of the plant life cycle that are directly related to the survival of the plant are seed germination, growth, and vigour. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the germination and growth responses of L. corniculatus cultivar 'Leo', which is known to have higher tannin content than other cultivars, under NaCl-derived salt stress in vitro. For this purpose, L. corniculatus seeds were cultured in MS (Murashige and Skoog/Gamborg) medium containing 0, 40, and 80 mM NaCl for 14 days. Seed germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index, shoot-root length, root to shoot length ratio, shoot-root fresh dry weight, shoot-root dry matter, the ratio of root to shoot dry matter, shoot-root water content and seedling vigour index parameters were measured. According to the results of the research, the germination percentage did not change in the applied NaCl treatments, but the germination rate decreased. However, shoot length decreased and root length increased. Although there was no statistically significant change in shoot and root fresh-dry weight, both decreased in 80 mM NaCl treatment. The shoot and root dry matter increased and the water content decreased. Also, the seedling viability index decreased. In 40 mM NaCl treatment, on the other hand, there was an increase in shoot fresh-dry weight, dry matter ratio and seedling viability index with the positive effect of low dose. Within the scope of this study, comprehensive information was presented for L. corniculatus (cultivar 'Leo'), an important forage plant, in terms of germination and seedling growth under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit fly species are important pests of fruit trees and vegetables.They cause significant economic losses due to the damage they cause to fruit and quarantine regulations preventing fruit export. This review was divided into two sections: a general world summary of the currently available literature on fruit flies and a more focused summary of fruit flies in Oman and neighboring countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The world summary covered the latest available information about fruit flies in terms of their general taxonomy, feeding patterns, life cycle, host plants, natural enemies, economic importance, and management tactics. Information was presented about the most recent management techniques, such as augmentoriums, chemosterilants, Wolbachia caused sterility, and auto-dissemination devices. This review also examined the available information about fruit flies in Oman and the Arabian Peninsula in terms of the fauna, economic species, bioecology, and pest management. Twenty tephritid species are known from Oman, and total number of described species from the Arabian Peninsula is 115, with most of the species belonging to the less economic subfamily Tephritinae. Most of the research works about bioecology and pest management of fruit flies comes from Oman, with only three articles from the rest of Arabia. The available regional literature examined are fruit fly surveys based on sampling of fruits and lure traps, and identifications of fruit fly species, their host plants, and parasitoids. It also included population dynamics of the common peach fruit fly in AlBatinah using lure traps, difference in infestations among fruit types, and a comparison of the effectiveness of different lures and trap designs. Finally, we present a summary of research from Oman and the Arabian Peninsula about insecticide trials and physical barriers (fruit bagging and row covers). Researchers in this region should focus on the less touched aspects alluded to in the general review such as biological control using natural enemies, sterile insect methods including the promising use of chemosterilants, and area-wide integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family are the causal agents of Botryosphaeria dieback (BD), a worldwide grapevine trunk disease. Because of their lifestyle and their adaptation to a wide range of temperatures, these fungi constitute a serious threat to vineyards and viticulture, especially in the actual context of climate change. Grapevine plants from both nurseries and vineyards are very susceptible to infections by botryosphaeriaceous fungi due to several cuts and wounds made during their propagation process and their entire life cycle, respectively. When decline becomes chronic or apoplectic, it reduces the longevity of the vineyard and affects the quality of the wine, leading to huge economic losses. Given the environmental impact of fungicides, and their short period of effectiveness in protecting pruning wounds, alternative strategies are being developed to fight BD fungal pathogens and limit their propagation. Among them, biological control has been recognized as a promising and sustainable alternative. However, there is still no effective strategy for combating this complex disease, conditioned by both fungal life traits and host tolerance traits, in relationships with the whole microbiome/microbiota. To provide sound guidance for an effective and sustainable integrated management of BD, by combining the limitation of infection risk, tolerant grapevine cultivars, and biological control, this review explores some of the factors conditioning the expression of BD in grapevine. Among them, the lifestyle of BD-associated pathogens, their pathogenicity factors, the cultivar traits of tolerance or susceptibility, and the biocontrol potential of Bacillus spp. and Trichoderma spp. are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field-grown rice plants are exposed to various stresses at different stages of their life cycle, but little is known about the effects of stage-specific stresses on phenomes and transcriptomes. In this study, we performed integrated time-course multiomics on rice at 3-d intervals from seedling to heading stage under six drought conditions in a well-controlled growth chamber. Drought stress at seedling and reproductive stages reduced yield performance by reducing seed number and setting rate, respectively. High temporal resolution analysis revealed that drought response occurred in two steps: a rapid response via the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway and a slightly delayed DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN (DREB) pathway, allowing plants to respond flexibly to deteriorating soil water conditions. Our long-term time-course multiomics showed that temporary drought stress delayed flowering due to prolonged expression of the flowering repressor gene GRAIN NUMBER, PLANT HEIGHT AND HEADING DATE 7 (Ghd7) and delayed expression of the florigen genes HEADING DATE 3a (Hd3a) and RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T 1 (RFT1). Our life-cycle multiomics dataset on rice shoots under drought conditions provides a valuable resource for further functional genomic studies to improve crop resilience to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for insects as biological control agents for the water primrose, the delphacid Pissonotus paraguayensis (Delphacidae) was found on Ludwigia grandiflora subsp. hexapetala (Onagraceae) in a wetland of Central East Argentina. The morphology of the unknown females (brachypterous and macropterous) and immature stages are described and illustrated. Adults and nymphs were collected in wetlands of Del Plata River Basin, from Buenos Aires to the northeastern part of Argentina. A rearing methodology was developed to perform biological studies. Both winged forms and structural features of the female genitalia are described for the first time at the genus level. Eggs and immature stages are described and keyed; fifth nymphal instars may be easily recognised by the yellowish colouration, blackish on dorsal of head, thorax and abdomen with conspicuous yellowish pits, ventrally only darkened on base of frons extended to lower level of eyes and dorsal surface of antennomeres I and II, and legs with distinctive black marks at femoro-tibial joint and apex. The geographical distribution is updated, expanding its range into Argentina, making Buenos Aires the southernmost limit of the genus in America. Biological information of the species is also reported here: life cycle, fecundity, oviposition behaviour, and host plant. Field observations showed that P. paraguayensis breeds, feeds, and causes damage to L. g. subsp. hexapetala. This delphacid presents a certain degree of specificity to the Ludwigia species in the Jussiaea section in host specificity tests. More studies are required to test this species as a potential biological control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field and laboratory investigations were carried out during 2022-23 to study the bioecology and efficacy of plant extracts for the phytophagous coccinellid, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) for understanding them properly to devise ecology based management techniques. Besides damaging the brinjal a significant population of H. vigintioctopunctata beetle was recorded from the solanaceous weeds like Solanum nigrum and Physalis spp. Biology of H. vigintioctopunctata on S. nigrum under laboratory conditions was conducted and the results revealed that the beetle completed its life cycle in 23.1±3.5 days and the mean fecundity was 220 ± 33.0 revealing that the beetle can very successfully breed on this host plant. Morphological and taxonomical descriptions of the immature as well as adult stages of these beetles were studied and for proper identification the male genitalia was dissected. The population fluctuation of H. vigintioctopunctata in relation to weather parameters was also monitored under field conditions and was observed to have significant influence altogether on the pest population in brinjal but not in alternate hosts. The methanolic extracts of Polygonum hydropiper and tobacco decoction were found moderately effective in lowering the leaf damage by the beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of cereals is one of the primary activities that is responsible for most of the environmental degradation that is caused by agricultural activities. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the ecosystem & resource emissions along with emissions affecting human health, causing due to agricultural activities. LCA is used to conduct an analysis of 17 types of emissions caused by rice and wheat production per hectare in Madhya Pradesh. Based on LCIA and Monte Carlo simulation, the study provides valuable insights into the regional environmental emissions associated with direct seeded rice (DSR), irrigated wheat (IW) and rainfed wheat (RW). Study shows that except for Marine eutrophication (MEUT) and Agricultural land use (ALU), rice production has relatively higher impact than wheat production. Irrigated wheat production found with higher potential of causing non-cancerous diseases caused by air pollution, whereas rice production has the potential to contribute to cancer disease. The production of rice and wheat in Madhya Pradesh state cumulatively contributes 0.008 Gt CO2 eq. (0.10% of global total) to the global agrifood system GHG emission within farmgate. Since majority of the emissions are caused by soil & crop nutrients and fuel consumption, here it became important to adopt sustainable agricultural practices & biofuel to lessen the environmental impact of wheat & rice production and make sustainable agro-food system of Madhya Pradesh. Based on study results emission mitigation policies have been suggested taking the existing policies into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial pathogens exhibit a remarkable ability to persist and thrive in diverse ecological niches. Understanding the mechanisms enabling their transition between habitats is crucial to control dissemination and potential disease outbreaks. Here, we use Ralstonia solanacearum, the causing agent of the bacterial wilt disease, as a model to investigate pathogen adaptation to water and soil, two environments that act as bacterial reservoirs, and compare this information with gene expression in planta. Gene expression in water resembled that observed during late xylem colonization, with an intriguing induction of the type 3 secretion system (T3SS). Alkaline pH and nutrient scarcity—conditions also encountered during late infection stages–were identified as the triggers for this T3SS induction. In the soil environment, R. solanacearum upregulated stress-responses and genes for the use of alternate carbon sources, such as phenylacetate catabolism and the glyoxylate cycle, and downregulated virulence-associated genes. We proved through gain- and loss-of-function experiments that genes associated with the oxidative stress response, such as the regulator OxyR and the catalase KatG, are key for bacterial survival in soil, as their deletion cause a decrease in culturability associated with a premature induction of the viable but non culturable state (VBNC). This work identifies essential factors necessary for R. solanacearum to complete its life cycle and is the first comprehensive gene expression analysis in all environments occupied by a bacterial plant pathogen, providing valuable insights into its biology and adaptation to unexplored habitats. Author summary: Most bacterial pathogens have environmental populations outside their hosts that cause disease outbreaks. Very little is known about the genes necessary for adaptation and survival in these conditions because research on pathogenic bacteria has focused on their interaction with the eukaryotic host. In this work, we investigate global gene expression of the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum in the two key environmental habitats that it occupies: water and soil. We describe extensive transcriptional reprogramming in response to each environment and unveil a number of candidate genes for adaptation to these harsh conditions. We discover that a costly virulence determinant (the type III secretion system) is transiently induced when bacteria are incubated in natural waters and identify pH as the main signal triggering this response. We propose that water conditions mimic those encountered in the plant xylem fluid and this enables the bacterium to be primed for infection. We also show for the first time that R. solanacearum induces in the soil the degradation of aromatic compounds and stress-response genes. We demonstrate that the oxidative stress response is essential for survival in this habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]