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Solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) is a proxy of ecosystem photosynthesis that often scales linearly with gross primary productivity (GPP) at the canopy scale. However, the mechanistic relationship between GPP and SIF is still uncertain, especially at smaller temporal and spatial scales. We deployed a ultra-hyperspectral imager over two grassland sites in California throughout a soil moisture dry down. The imager has high spatial resolution that limits mixed pixels, enabling differentiation between plants and leaves within one scene. We find that imager SIF correlates well with diurnal changes in leaf-level physiology and gross primary productivity under well-watered conditions. These relationships deteriorate throughout the dry down event. Our results demonstrate an advancement in SIF imaging with new possibilities in remotely sensing plant canopies from the leaf to the ecosystem. These data can be used to resolve outstanding questions regarding SIF's meaning and usefulness in terrestrial ecosystem monitoring.

The availability of nutrients in the soil is a dynamic process that can fluctuate between states of deficiency and excess, causing significant stress on plants. In response to this stress, plants have evolved several physiological strategies to adapt and cope with these fluctuations. These strategies are aimed at improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization while minimizing the negative impact of nutrient stress. In this paper we explore the important roles and regulation of nutrient transporters in plant adaptation, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and sulfur transporters. The paper discusses the mechanisms through which plants utilize these transporters to adapt to nutrient deficiencies and optimize nutrient uptake and utilization. The paper presents a comprehensive review of current understanding in these areas, highlighting their importance for plant growth and development, as well as their potential applications in agriculture. Additionally, the paper identifies research gaps and suggests future directions for research. In this review, we contribute to understanding the complex mechanisms that underpin plant adaptation and nutrition, and provides valuable insights for improving crop production and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Increasing drought events coupled with dwindling water reserves threaten global food production and security. This issue is exacerbated by the use of crops that overconsume water, undermining yield. We show here that microorganisms naturally associated with plant roots can undermine efficient water use, whereas modified bacteria can enhance it. We demonstrate that microbe‐encoded genes shape drought tolerance, likely by modulating plant hormonal balance. Specifically, we built a minimal holobiont out of Arabidopsis thaliana and either the bacterium Pseudomonas putida UW4 or its isogenic AcdS− mutant, lacking the enzyme ACC deaminase. This enzyme breaks down the precursor of ethylene, a key regulator in plant response to drought. This single mutation profoundly affected plant physiology and shifted the plant from a ‘water‐spender’ (with more growth under well‐watered conditions) to a ‘water‐spender’ phenotype. Under drought, plants associated with wild‐type bacteria consumed soil water faster, leading to a shorter period of growth followed by death. In contrast, plants associated with the AcdS− mutant managed to maintain growth by reducing water consumption via stomatal closure, thus conserving soil water. This allowed plants to survive severe water deficiency. We conclude that plant‐associated bacteria can modulate plant water use strategies, opening possibilities to engineer water‐savvy crop‐production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilless production systems (i.e hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics) have become commonplace in urban settings and controlled environments. They are efficient nutrient recyclers, space savers, and water conservers. However, they lack high levels of biological richness in the root microbiome when compared to soil production systems, which may affect plant health and nutrient uptake. To address this issue and incorporate more sustainable practices, beneficial microorganisms (i.e. Trichoderma spp., Bacillus sp.) can be added in the form of biofertilizers. However, many factors affect impacts of microorganisms and their interactions with plants. In this experiment, Black Summer Pac Choi (Brassica rapa var. Chinensis) was grown for two trials in a Deep-Water system (DWS) or a Nutrient Film Technique system (NFT) with commercial biofertilizers containing Trichoderma spp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , a combination of both, and a control. Plant physiology, nutrient composition, and nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE) were generally negatively affected by Trichoderma spp. both growing systems, indicating that Trichoderma may not be recommended for hydroponic production. However, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed promise as an effective biofertilizer in the NFT systems and had a positive influence on NUE in DWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breeding programs have developed high-yielding Coffea arabica F1-hybrids as an adaptation against adverse conditions associated with climate change. However, theresponse to drought of coffee F1 hybrids has seldom been assessed. Methods: A trial was established with five C. arabica genotypes (2 pure lines: Catimor and Marsellesa and 3 F1 hybrids: Starmaya, Centroamericano and Mundo Maya) planted under the leguminous tree species Leuceana leucocephala. Coffee growth, yield and physiological responses were assessed under a rain-fed (control: CON) and a rainfall reduction treatment (RR) for 2 years. Results: The RR treatment created a long-term rainfall deficit in a region with suboptimal temperature similar to those predicted by climate change scenarios. Moreover, the RR treatment reduced soil water content by 14% over 2 successive years of production and increased hydric stress of the three F1-hybrids (leaf water potentials averaged -0.8 MPa under RR compared with -0.4 MPa under CON). Under RR, coffee yields were reduced from 16 to 75% compared to CON. Mundo Maya F1 hybrid was the sole high-yielding genotype apable of sustaining its yield under RR conditions. Our results suggested that its significant increase in fine root density (CON = 300 and RR = 910 root.m-2) and its maintenance of photosynthetic rate (2.5 – 3.5 mmol CO2 m-2 s-1) at high evaporative demand might explain why this genotype maintained high yield under RR condition. Discussion: This work highlights a possible drought tolerance mechanism in fruit bearing adult coffee trees where the plant fine root number increases to intake more water in order to preserve turgor and sustainphotosynthesis at high ETo and therefore conserves high yield in dry conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphatidylinositol signaling system plays a crucial role in plant physiology and development, phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs) are one of the essential enzymes responsible for catalyzing the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) within this signaling pathway. However, its mechanism of signal transduction remains poorly exploited in plants. OsMBL1, a jacalin-related mannose-binding lectin in rice, plays a crucial role in plant defense mechanisms, acting as a key component of the pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) pathway. Here, a rice phosphatidylinositol-phosphate kinase FAB (OsPIPK-FAB), a member of the rice PIPKs family, as an interacting protein of OsMBL1 through yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) screening assay. And this interaction was confirmed by using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and pull-down assay techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the deletion of OsPIPK-FAB gene in plant enhanced resistance against rice blast while overexpression of OsPIPK-FAB increases sensitivity to the fungal infection. Additionally, through determination and measurement of the plant inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) contents and the plant phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) activity, we revealed that OsMBL1 inhibits the PIP5K kinase activity of OsPIPK-FAB as well as the plant IP3 contents in rice. Conclusively, these findings indicated that OsPIPK-FAB serves as a novel and critical component that is negatively involved in PTI activation and was inhibited by OsMBL1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Magnoliaceae family plants contain abundant essential oils (EOs), and these species can be used in many fields due to their high industrial, medicinal, and ornamental values. This study aims to identify the main compounds of the EOs from the leaves of five common Magnoliaceae species (Michelia maudiae, Michelia hedyosperma, Michelia macclurei, Manglietia lucida, Manglietia conifer) using hydrodistillation, GC–MS analysis, and in vitro tests. Additionally, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the EOs were also evaluated. The results show that 151 compounds were identified across five species, with sesquiterpenes being dominant. Some key compounds (such as β-caryophyllene, δ-amorphene, β-guaiene, globulol, and β-acorenol) were common among all the species, highlighting their crucial roles in plant physiology and resilience. Other compounds (like valeranone and nerolidol in M. maudiae and β-elemene in M. macclurei) were specific, indicating different functions. Among the five species, the essential oil of M. macclurei contains β-elemene and nerolidyl acetate, and it has the weakest antioxidant activity (IC50 value: 2918.61~21,341.98 μg/mL) but the strongest antibacterial activity (inhibition zone diameter: 8.55 ± 0.93~22.92 ± 0.46 mm; LC50 value: 0.02~0.78 mg/mL). Meanwhile, the EO of M. maudiae demonstrated the best antioxidant activity (the IC50 value was 1283.58~6258.32 μg/mL) and the second-best antibacterial activity (the inhibition zone diameter ranged from 7.61 ± 0.02 to 26.92 ± 0.46 mm, and the LC50 value was 0.03~2.28 mg/mL). Overall, the EO of M. maudiae had the best comprehensive performance. Therefore, the EOs of M. macclurei and M. maudiae showed different performances in biological activity categories, and they could be developed and used in different fields, with the possibility of discovering new applications. This brings inspiration to the potential commercial and industrial uses of sesquiterpenes in Magnoliaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines the effects of various complementary light spectra on the growth, development, antioxidant activity, and nutrient absorption in strawberry plants under stress conditions. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used to provide specific wavelengths, including monochromatic blue (460 nm), monochromatic red (660 nm), a dichromatic mix of blue and red (1:3 ratio), full-spectrum white light (400–700 nm), and ambient light as a control (no LED treatment). The stress treatments applied were: control (no stress), salinity (80 mM NaCl), alkalinity (40 mM NaHCO₃), and a combined salinity/alkalinity condition. Results: Our results indicated that complementary light spectra, especially red and blue/red, helped mitigate the adverse effects of stress on plant growth and development. These spectra improved plant tolerance by enhancing the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes and increasing starch accumulation in the leaves. Furthermore, under stress conditions, red and blue-red light significantly boosted fruit anthocyanin levels. Although stress elevated antioxidant activity, supplementary light reduced this activity by alleviating stress compared to ambient light. While stress led to increased Na and Cl ion concentrations in leaves, treatments with blue, red, and blue-red light minimized these harmful effects and promoted the absorption of beneficial ions such as K, Mg, Fe, and Cu. Conclusions: Adjusting light quality significantly influences the morphology and physiology of strawberry plants, underscoring the role of specific light spectra in promoting optimal growth under stress conditions. Clinical trial number: Not applicable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) impact the relationships between plants, aphids (insects that feed on plant phloem), and their natural enemies (insects that prey on or parasitize aphids). The presence of AMF influences the growth and population of different aphid species and affects the development of aphid‐killing wasps and their attraction to plants. This research has been conducted also considering the insects' feeding strategy and their feeding specialization. This study provides novel perspectives on how these fungi shape interactions in the natural world, offering potential insights for the development of sustainable pest management strategies in agriculture. Summary: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are major root symbionts regulating plant physiology. Their presence affects the performance of aboveground insect herbivores in relation to their feeding strategy and their feeding specialization. For example, the effect of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on chewing insects, positive for specialists and negative for generalists, has been previously demonstrated. Conversely, the impact of AMF on phloem‐suckers with relatively different levels of specialization remains unexplored.We tested the influence of the AM Funneliformis mosseae on the fitness of the specialist aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum and the generalist aphid Myzus persicae on Vicia faba plants. Further, we investigated the effects of AMF on the higher trophic level, the aphid parasitoids Aphidius ervi (specialist) and Aphidius colemani (generalist), by evaluating plant attractiveness and parasitoid fitness. To support the results of behavioral and biological bioassays we characterized the photosynthetic parameters, the volatilome and the transcriptome of tested plants.Mycorrhizal plants proved unsuitable for the generalist M. persicae but enhanced the fitness of the specialist A. pisum. The AM symbiosis had no effects on the behavioral response of A. colemani and enhanced the attraction and fitness of A. ervi.Volatilome and transcriptome profiling corroborated the results of bioassay highlighting a bottom‐up effect of the AMF across a plant–aphid–parasitoid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense pathogen, is a significant disease in oil palm-producing countries. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the disease attacks on a massive scale in oil palm plantations. Various methods of assessment have been explored on the disease in oil palm plantations. However, none of the measures have yielded an absolute solution. Therefore, this research analysed BSR disease and the resulting plant physiology reaction through water use efficiency (WUE) in oil palm trees to provide a comprehensive understanding of both conditions. The study sought to evaluate WUE performance for mature oil palm trees in varying BSR disease severity and suggested a novel model assessment from WUE for BSR disease severity. Based on the overall result, the WUE parameters were affected by BSR severity in different levels, especially when being compared between healthy (T0) and affected (T1, T2, T3) categories. Secondly, the correlation between WUE with different variables, Photosynthetic Rate (Pr), Transpiration Rate (Tr), Temperature Leaf (TempL), Intercellular CO2 Concentration (Ci), Stomata Conductance (gs), and Chlorophyll Content (F), for frond 9 and frond 17 corresponded to the BSR disease severity. By performing a correlation analysis, a high correlation (0.5 and −0.5) was observed between these variables in both frond levels except in the Chlorophyll Content (F) variables (positive low correlation). Thirdly, the variables that contributed significantly to the WUE performance in mature oil palm included Pr, Tr, and Ci. Specifically, Pr was the highest value in both frond levels while Tr and Ci were inconsistent and ranked second and third place in different frond levels, respectively. Finally, the WUE model developed provides a significant result in BSR disease severity with RMSE (0.54–0.19, 0.48–0.32) for training and validation models respectively. The model order is sorted into Model 1, Model 2, Model 3, and Model 4 in ascending order based on the RMSE accuracy assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous global escalation of soil salinization areas presents severe challenges to the stability and growth of agricultural development across the world. In-depth research on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), an important economic and sugar crop with salt tolerance characteristics, is crucial for to determine its salt-tolerance mechanisms, which has important practical implications for production. This review summarizes the multifaceted effects of salt stress on sugar beet, ranging from individual plant responses to cellular and molecular adaptations. Sugar beet exhibits robust salt-tolerance mechanisms, including osmotic regulation, ion balance management, and the compartmentalization of toxic ions. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, post-translational modification omics and metabolomics, have played crucial roles in elucidating these mechanisms. Key genes and pathways involved in salt tolerance in sugar beet have been identified, paving the way for targeted breeding strategies and biotechnological advancements. Understanding these mechanisms not only enhances our knowledge of sugar beet's adaptation strategies but also provides insights for improving salt tolerance in other crops. Future studies should focus on analyzing gene expression changes in sugar beet under salt stress to gain insight into the molecular aspects of its salt-tolerance mechanisms. Meanwhile, the effects of different environmental conditions on sugar beet adaptation strategies should also be investigated to improve their growth potential in salinized soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has garnered significant interest worldwide due to its wide-ranging applications across various industries. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are one type of nanoparticle that is commonly utilised in everyday use and can be synthesized by different techniques using physical, chemical and biological extracts. Green synthesis is an economical, environmentally benign and non-toxic method of synthesising nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have a positive impact on plant physiology, particularly in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, depending on various factors like size, concentration, exposure of the nanoparticles and other variables. Further, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have many applications, such as being used as nano-fertilizers, adsorption of heavy metal from industrial wastewater and antimicrobial activity, as discussed in this review paper. Previous studies investigated whether titanium dioxide nanoparticles also induce genotoxicity may be due to mishandling procedure, exposure time, size, concentration and other variables. This is still contradictory and requires more research. The present review is a pragmatic approach to summarize the synthesis, application, nanotoxicity, genotoxicity and eco-friendly method of nanoparticle synthesis and disposable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although recent studies have reported stimulatory effect of trinexapac-ethyl (TE) on eucalyptus growth, there is no consensus regarding the best dose to promote this response. Since TE acts in the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis pathway, the study of hormonal crosstalk between the leaves and the shoot apical bud (SAB) can provide important information for understanding the positive effect previously reported. We evaluate the TE dose–response curve for eucalyptus growth in different soil moisture conditions (well watered—WW and 40% of field capacity—40-FC) and its effects on plant physiology, as well as the hormonal crosstalk between the leaves and SAB. TE caused a 49% increase in WW eucalypt growth, but not to plants under 40-FC. Estimated dose for the greatest stimulatory effect on WW eucalypt plants is 202 g a.i. ha−1. TE did not cause an increase in the plants' photosynthetic characteristics up to 15 days after application (DAA), suggesting a later increase in the eucalypt's primary metabolism. Conversely to what have been reported for monocot crops, TE caused a fivefold increase in leaf GA1 as a short-term effect (05 DAA), but significantly decreased SAB-GA1 concentration. Leaf concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid, salicylic acid, abscisic acid and N6-isopentenyladenine also increased. TE caused changes in both 13-hydroxylated (GA20, GA1 and GA8) and non-13-hydroxylated (GA9, GA4 and GA34) GA metabolic pathways in an organ-specific manner. Our results provide information to support the use of this plant growth regulator in eucalyptus plantations, as well as insights into the hormonal crosstalk between leaves and SAB in response to TE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern agriculture, nano-priming represents an innovative approach, harnessing the power of nanotechnology to enhance crop yields and nutrition. However, to effectively harness the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) for agriculture applications, understanding their mode of action and optimal application rates for positive effects on microgreen growth and physiology is critical. In this interdisciplinary study, we investigated the priming of sunflower seeds with a range of concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles (FeNPs) and compared them with control samples. Our findings revealed a significant increase in plant biomass, leaf size, and photosynthetic activity in treated samples. The activities of photosystems I and II increased with higher FeNPs concentration. The treated samples exhibited elevated levels of total phenolics, anthocyanin, and antioxidant enzyme activity, along with increased macronutrients and micronutrients. These findings highlight the potential of FeNPs as a promising tool for enhancing plant growth and physiology in sunflower microgreens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are fascinating living systems, possessing starkly different morphology to mammals, yet they have still evolved ways to defend themselves, consume prey, communicate, and in the case of plants like Mimosa pudica even move in response to a variety of stimuli. The complex physiological pathways driving this are of great interest, though many questions remain. In this work, a known responsive plant, M. pudica is mechanically stimulated, in terms of wounding via removal of pinnae, nonwounding mechanical poking, and nonwounding pulses of air through a designed small nozzle approach. Removal of clusters called pinnae resulted in rapid, asymmetric response in the adjacent pinnae, while mechanical poking and air pulse responses are slower and more localized. Additionally, while the response from poking propagated across the plant, wind stimuli consistently resulted in the actuation of only the leaflets directly stimulated, suggesting unique sensing mechanisms. Mechanical damage may imply a potential predator, while mechanical stimulation from airflow may be processed as wind, which is of little danger. These findings demonstrate an intricate, stimulant‐dependent mechanical sensing process, which is important in plant physiology, mechanobiology, and future biohybrid soft robotic designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to access physiologically driven signals, such as surface temperature, photochemical reflectance index (PRI), and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), through remote sensing (RS) are exciting developments for vegetation studies. Accessing this ecophysiological information requires considering processes operating at scales from the top-of-the-canopy to the photosystems, adding complexity compared to reflectance index-based approaches. To investigate the maturity and knowledge of the growing RS community in this area, COST Action CA17134 SENSECO organized a Spatial Scaling Challenge (SSC). Challenge participants were asked to retrieve four key ecophysiological variables for a field each of maize and wheat from a simulated field campaign: leaf area index (LAI), leaf chlorophyll content (Cab), maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax,25), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). The simulated campaign data included hyperspectral optical, thermal and SIF imagery, together with ground sampling of the four variables. Non-parametric methods that combined multiple spectral domains and field measurements were used most often, thereby indirectly performing the top-of-the-canopy to photosystem scaling. LAI and Cab were reliably retrieved in most cases, whereas Vcmax,25 and NPQ were less accurately estimated and demanded information ancillary to RS imagery. The factors considered least by participants were the biophysical and physiological canopy vertical profiles, the spatial mismatch between RS sensors, the temporal mismatch between field sampling and RS acquisition, and measurement uncertainty. Furthermore, few participants developed NPQ maps into stress maps or provided a deeper analysis of their parameter retrievals. The SSC shows that, despite advances in statistical and physically based models, the vegetation RS community should improve how field and RS data are integrated and scaled in space and time. We expect this work will guide newcomers and support robust advances in this research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The primary vascular system of plants (the stele) has attracted interest from paleobotanists, developmental biologists, systematists, and physiologists for nearly two centuries. Ferns, with their diverse stelar morphology, deep evolutionary history, and prominent fossil record, have been a major focus in studies of the stele. To explain the diversity of stelar morphology, past adaptive hypotheses have invoked biomechanics, hydraulics, and drought tolerance as key selection pressures in the evolution of stelar complexity; but, these hypotheses often isolate the stele from a whole‐plant developmental context, ignoring potential covariation between vascular patterning and shoot morphology. Furthermore, incongruence between expected patterns and observed data challenge adaptive hypotheses, precluding a comprehensive explanation of stelar evolution. While ontogeny has been previously recognized as a factor in stelar diversification, it has not been fully integrated into a comprehensive framework. Here we synthesize 150‐years of research on stelar morphology, incorporating developmental, physiological, and phylogenetic data to present the ontogenetic hypothesis of stelar evolution. This hypothesis posits that stelar morphology is an integrated feature of whole‐plant ontogeny, not a trait shaped by direct selection for adaptive patterns. This shift in perspective provides an updated framework for understanding the determinants of stelar morphology and focusses future efforts to ask more incisive questions about the evolution and function of primary vascular architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If you ever forget to water your houseplant, you may find its leaves getting soft and droopy — if you water it again in time, the leaves may stiffen, spring back up, and resist gravity. During this recovery, plant cells absorb water and build up an intracellular pressure, called turgor pressure, similar to inflating a balloon. Turgor pressure is an intrinsic component of plant physiology, and its biomechanical role as the 'hydroskeleton' is generally appreciated either statically in structural stability, like leaves resisting gravity, or dynamically in rapid motions, like Venus flytrap snapping, Mimosa closing, or stomatal opening. Slow but non-static processes like plant cell expansion also rely on turgor pressure, and it has been increasingly realized that turgor pressure and water fluxes in plant tissues play active roles in plant growth and morphogenesis. But where does turgor pressure come from, and how does it interact with other biomechanical properties of a plant cell? This primer aims to answer these questions by taking a brief tour from osmosis, to pressure vessel theory, then plant cell rheology. Although this primer is centered around intracellular pressure in plant cells, the biomechanical concepts are generally applicable to other organisms like bacteria and fungi, and even animal cells, which do not have cell walls, but are either embedded in stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) or are contracting (see the following section). To explain some of these concepts, we included a few equations, most of which are not hard to derive at all. We encourage readers to check the included examples, try for themselves, and look up derivations in suggested further reading materials. Zhang et al. introduce intracellular pressure in plant cells and discuss how it affects and is affected by plant physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As identified by the research, it is imperative to develop effective ways to address the pressing problem of disease and pest susceptibility in chili agriculture and secure sustainable crop yield. The research examines the impact of various growing microclimates, watering regimens, and chili cultivars on disease incidence, pest attacks, and yield loss. Results: The study, which took place over a season, used a randomized complete block design to evaluate how well Tanjung, Unpad, and Osaka cultivars performed in four different watering regimens (100, 75, 50, and 25% ETc) and different microclimates (greenhouse, rain shelter, screen house, and open field). The findings exhibited that watering regimens and microclimates greatly influenced disease and pest occurrence, but cultivars had a minimal effect on these variables. Disease and pest attack rates were highest in the open field and lowest in the screen house. A correlation was found between lower disease and pest incidence and optimal irrigation levels (75% and 100% ETc). At lower watering regimens of 25% ETc and in the open field, yield loss was the greatest. Conclusion: The results emphasize how crucial controlled environments and appropriate irrigation techniques are to reducing crop loss and increasing production. Enhancing watering regimens and implementing screen house cultivation are two strategies for improving the productivity and sustainability of chili output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the relationship between flower longevity, size, and ecophysiological traits in a tropical montane ecosystem. It discusses how larger, more conspicuous flowers attract pollinators better, increasing outcrossing probability. The study found that flower longevity is positively correlated with petal mass per area and petal thickness, indicating that longer-lived flowers are more expensive to build. Additionally, the research suggests that flower biomass and water conservation traits are linked to flower longevity and size, impacting pollination success and potentially being influenced by abiotic factors. [Extracted from the article]

Tree trunks with thick bark can be expected to serve as the potential water storage capacity. Moisture content is one of the most important indicators to monitor the physiological condition of tree trunks in the development of agriculture and forestry. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately obtain the thickness and relative dielectric constant of the layered medium in tree trunks. The growth and health status of trees can be evaluated to optimize the water management strategies. To this end, this study aims to invert the dielectric parameters of tree trunk layered structure using radar detection. Non-invasive detection was realized for the internal structure of tree trunk. The electrical characteristics of different layers were obtained for the medium layers in the tree trunk. According to Snell's law, the physiological structure of tree trunks were combined to construct the propagation model of radar signals in the layered structure of tree trunks. Electromagnetic properties of different media layers in tree trunks were considered, such as the thickness and relative dielectric constant differences of bark, sapwood, and heartwood. These key parameters were then evaluated using radar echo signals. In addition, the accurate inversion was also performed on the dielectric parameters of tree trunks using sparse decomposition. K-SVD dictionary training was combined to process and analyze radar signals. A software defined radio (SDR) platform was used to build a tree trunk detection radar system in the experiment. The accuracy of detection was further improved to easily adjust the operating frequency of the radar, and then modify the signal processing under different environments. Layer stripping algorithm was selected to invert the dielectric constant and thickness of the layered structure in the tree trunks. The echo signals detected by radar were collected to evaluate the performance of the improved model. A comparative experiments were conducted on the radar detection under two conditions: aliasing and no aliasing in the echo signal. In the absence of aliasing, the inversion errors of the relative dielectric constant and layer thickness of the tree trunk were within 2.93% and 3.5%, respectively; In the case of echo aliasing, the inversion errors of relative dielectric constant and thickness were 7.52% and 7.61%, respectively. The experimental results show that the robustness and practicality were achieved to accurately estimate the thickness and relative dielectric constant of the layered medium in tree trunks under different signal environments. Application prospects were also offered to promote the plant physiology. The finding can provide the accurate data support to monitor the tree health status. Effective technical references can also be provided to promote the garden management and water control in the sustainable agriculture and forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, interest in Lonicera caerulea production has grown significantly because of its nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits, leading to rapid expansion in its cultivation. L caerulea var. emphyllocalyx is a lesser-known botanical variety. Due to differences between plants of the Lonicera genus and the lack of scientific reports on micropropagation, it is necessary to determine the possibilities of in vitro propagation. The aim of this study was to elaborate a micropropagation protocol of two new breeding clones of Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx: '21–17' and '139–24'. The experiments were carried out on in vitro cultures grown on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg·dm−3 BA or 1 mg·dm−3 mT. Two types of explants were used during the experiment: nodal fragments (NFs) and shoot-tips (STs). Before acclimatisation, some rooted microshoots were subjected to cooling at 4 °C for 4 weeks. Significantly more ST explants than NF explants started to grow at the proliferation stage. The application of BA resulted in much better proliferation and health of cultures. Cold storage of micropropagated '139–24' plantlets significantly increased their survival in acclimatisation in contrast to '21–17' plantlets but weakened further growth of the plants. In future in vitro studies on L. caerulea var. emphyllocalyx, BA can be used as the primary growth regulator due to its effectiveness and low cost. Nodal fragments should be considered as the main propagation material since they promote better growth rates. Additionally, further research is required to explore the effects of low-temperature storage on the growth and physiology of these plants. The results obtained in this research may contribute to the development of micropropagation technology in the future for L. caerulea var. emphyllocalyx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress that the space environment can induce on plant physiology is of both abiotic and biotic nature. The abiotic space environment is characterized by ionizing radiation and altered gravity, geomagnetic field (GMF), pressure, and light conditions. Biotic interactions include both pathogenic and beneficial interactions. Here, we provide an overall picture of the effects of abiotic and biotic space-related factors on plant physiology. The knowledge required for the success of future space missions will lead to a better understanding of fundamental aspects of plant physiological responses, thus providing useful tools for plant breeding and agricultural practices on Earth. A review summarizes the effects of abiotic (ionizing radiation, altered gravity, geomagnetic field, pressure, and light conditions) and both beneficial and pathogenic biotic space-related factors on plant physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the drought resistance mechanisms of different populations of Sporobolus ioclados (Poaceae), locally known as "Sawri," "Drabhri" and "Dhrbholi" native to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. These populations were grown in conventional nursery practices at Khawaja Fareed Government College in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, and subsequently subjected to four distinct levels of drought within carefully monitored experimental settings. The experiment was conducted in a two-factorial design involving populations and drought treatments and was repeated three times. The physiological and morphological responses of S. ioclados, including plant height, number of roots, root length, flag leaf area, stomatal features, proline concentration and nitrogen content, displayed significant variability in response to the imposed drought stress. Drought resulted in increases in proline concentration and nitrogen content. The number of roots decreased, while the length and width of the stomata increased in various populations. A combination of advanced statistical techniques, such as ANOVA, PCA, HCA, and DFA, provided a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of plant adaptation and the extent of population diversity within the species. The Yazman and Nwab Wala populations exhibited the highest rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, while S. ioclados demonstrated notable drought tolerance at the T4 level of drought stress. A negative correlation was found between proline levels, nitrogen contents, and photosynthesis, suggesting that proline has a protective role in drought. The diverse adaptation strategies indicated by S. ioclados populations have revealed the potential of this species for afforestation and climate change mitigation in dry environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High night-time temperatures (HNT) pose a threat to the sustainability of crop production, including rice. HNT can affect crop productivity and quality by influencing plant physiology, morphology, and phenology. The ethylene perception inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), can minimize HNT-induced damage to plant membranes, thereby preventing decrease in rice yield. In this study, we employed a transcriptome approach to investigate the effects of HNT, 1-MCP, and their interaction on two Texas rice varieties, Antonio and Colorado. The plants were exposed to temperatures of 25°C (ambient night-time temperature, ANT) and 30°C (HNT) using an infrared heating system from the booting stage until harvest, while 1-MCP was applied at the booting stage of rice development. Several physiological and agronomical traits were evaluated under each condition to assess plant responses. Leaf tissues were collected from the plants grown in the ANT and HNT conditions after the heat stress and 1-MCP treatments. Based on agronomic performance, Colorado was less negatively affected than Antonio under HNT, showing a slight reduction in spikelet fertility and leaf photosynthetic rate but no significant reduction in yield. The application of 1-MCP significantly mitigated the adverse effects of HNT in Antonio. However, no significant differences were observed in yield and leaf photosynthetic rate in Colorado. Furthermore, transcriptomic data revealed distinct responsive mechanisms in Antonio and Colorado in response to both HNT and 1-MCP. Several ethylene and senescence-related transcription factors (TFs) were identified only in Antonio, suggesting that 1-MCP affected the ethylene signaling pathway in Antonio but not in Colorado. These findings contribute to our understanding of the physiological differences between varieties exhibiting susceptible and tolerant responses to high night-time temperatures, as well as their response to 1-MCP and ethylene regulation under 1-MCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractNutrient constraints in salt-affected soils are one of the limiting factors for crop production. We investigated phosphorus (P) availability to wheat crop and its correlations with different fractions of P in salt-affected soils in response to various phosphatic fertilizer’s application. Three different types of soils having electrical conductivity of soil extract (ECe) < 4 dS m−1 and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) < 13.2 (mmol L−1)1/2, ECe 8 dS m−1 SAR 20 (mmol L−1)1/2 and ECe 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L−1)1/2 were used for this experiment. Different P fertilizers viz. control, diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and nitrophos (NP) were applied on these soils. The doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were remained same for all the treatments. The P fractions, agronomic parameters and P-availability to plants were determined. Results indicated increase in shoot dry weight (61%) and photosynthetic rate (9%) in SSP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2. The total P (7.6%) in soil and respiration rate (1.9%) in plant was recorded maximum in DAP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2, and membrane stability index (44%) in plant shoot, extractable P (23%) in soil and P concentration (22%) in shoot were recorded maximum in SSP treated soil at EC 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L)1/2. It was concluded that SSP fertilizer perform better in salt-affected soil for growth and yield of wheat compared to other phosphatic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Plant physiological responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration (iCO2), including enhanced photosynthesis and reduced stomatal conductance, impact regional and global climate. Here, I describe recent advances in understanding these effects through Earth system models (ESMs). Idealized simulations of a 1% annual iCO2 show that despite fertilization, CO2 physiological forcing contributes to 10% of warming and at least 30% of future precipitation decline in Amazonia. This reduces aboveground vegetation carbon storage and triggers positive carbon–climate feedback. ESM simulations indicate that reduced transpiration and increased heat stress from iCO2 could amplify meteorological drought and wildfire risks. Understanding these climate feedbacks is essential for improving carbon accounting in natural climate solutions, such as avoiding deforestation and reforestation, as iCO2 complicates assessing their climate benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the world grapples with increasing agricultural demands and unpredictable environmental stressors, there is a pressing need to improve plant resilience. Therefore, understanding the pioneering role of nanoparticles in alleviating plant stress is crucial for developing stress-resilient varieties to enhance food secure world. Nanoparticles have unique physical and chemical properties, and demonstrate their potential to enhance plant growth, nutrient utilization, and stress tolerance. This review delves into the mechanistic insights of nanoparticle-plant interactions, highlighting how these tiny particles can mitigate diverse stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. The action of different types of nanoparticles, including metal, carbon-based, and biogenic nanoparticles, are discussed in the context of their interaction with plant physiology and stress responses. Aims: This article also explores the potential drawbacks and environmental implications of nanoparticle use, emphasizing the need for responsible and sustainable applications. Therefore, this study aimed to offer exciting possibilities for managing both biotic and abiotic stress in plant species, from improving water-use efficiency and stress resilience via nanotechnology. Conclusions : Future research directions are suggested, focusing on nano-bioengineering and precision agriculture to create stress-resilient crops and enhance food security. Through the lens of interdisciplinary research, this paper underscores the significance of nanoparticles as innovative tools in the realm of agriculture, catalyzing a paradigm shift towards sustainable and stress-resilient farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on biohybrid systems—plants with biosensors and actuating mechanisms that enhance the ability of biological organisms to control environmental parameters, to optimize growth conditions or to cope with stress factors. Biofeedback-based phytoactuation represents the next step of development in hydroponics, vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture. The sensing part of the discussed approach uses (electro)physiological sensors. The hydrodynamics of fluid transport systems, estimated electrochemically, is compared with sap flow data provided by heat-based methods. In vivo impedance spectroscopy enables the discrimination of water, nutrient and photosynthates in the plant stem. Additionally to plant physiology, the system measures several air/soil and environmental parameters. The actuating part includes a multi-channel power module to control phytolight, irrigation, fertilization and air/water preparation. We demonstrate several tested in situ applications of a closed-loop control based on real-time biofeedback. In vertical farming, this is used to optimize energy and water consumption, reduce growth time and detect stress. Biofeedback was able to reduce the microgreen production cycle from 7 days to 4–5 days and the production of wheatgrass from 10 days to 7–8 days, and, in combination with biofeedback-based irrigation, a 30% increase in pea biomass was achieved. Its energy optimization can reach 25–30%. In environmental monitoring, the system performs the biological monitoring of environmental pollution (a low concentration of O3) with tomato and tobacco plants. In AI research, a complex exploration of biological organisms, and in particular the adaptation mechanisms of circadian clocks to changing environments, has been shown. This paper introduces a phytosensor system, describes its electrochemical measurements and discusses its tested applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into alternative vineyard practices is essential to maintain long-term viticulture sustainability. Organic mulching on the vine row improves vine cultivation properties, such as increasing soil water retention and nutrient availability. This study overviewed the effects of three organic mulches (spent mushroom compost (SMC), straw (STR), and grapevine pruning debris (GPD)) and two conventional soil practices (herbicide application (HERB) and tillage (TILL)) on grapevine physiology, agronomy, and grape quality parameters over three years. SMC mulch enhanced soil moisture and nutrient concentration. However, its mineral composition increased soil electrical conductivity (0.78 dS m⁻1) and induced grapevine water stress due to osmotic effects without significantly affecting yield plant development. Only minor differences in leaf physiological parameters were observed during the growing season. However, straw (STR) mulch reduced water stress and increased photosynthetic capacity, resulting in higher pruning weights. Organic mulches, particularly SMC and STR, increased grape pH, potassium, malic acid, and tartaric acid levels, while reducing yeast assimilable nitrogen. The effect of organic mulching on grapevine development depends mainly on soil and mulch properties, soil water availability, and environmental conditions. This research highlights the importance of previous soil and organic mulch analysis to detect vineyard requirements and select the most appropriate soil management treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato–legume intercropping has been confirmed to increase productivity in modern agricultural systems. However, the physiological and ecological mechanisms of potato–soybean intercropping for promoting tuber yield formation in potato remain unclear. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to explore the responses of tuber yield formation, rhizosphere soil quality, root growth, and plant physiology of potato in potato–soybean intercropping. The soil at the experimental site is Cambisols. The treatments included sole cropping potato, sole cropping soybean, and potato–soybean intercropping. Our results indicated that potato –soybean intercropping decreased the water content, increased the total K content and activities of urease and catalase in rhizosphere soil, and enhanced the root mean diameter, root projected area, and root length density in the 0–5 cm and 15–20 cm soil layers of potato. Moreover, potato–soybean intercropping improved the plant photosynthetically active radiation and light transmittance rate of the middle and lower layers as well as the leaf area index, enhanced the leaf chlorophyll b content and ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity, and increased the leaf net photosynthetic rate and organ dry matter accumulation amounts of potato. The changes in the above parameters resulted in an increased tuber weight per plant (19.4%) and commercial tuber number (42.5%) and then enhanced the equivalent tuber yield of potato (38.2%) and land equivalent ratio (1.31 in 2022 and 1.33 in 2023). Overall, potato–soybean intercropping greatly increased the equivalent tuber yield by improving the rhizosphere soil quality, root growth, and plant physiology of potato and then achieved a higher land equivalent ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of phytopathogenic organisms and plants generates physiological and biochemical changes in the latter. However, the effects on the plants are rarely visible in the infection first stages. Novel optical techniques can help to improve the early detection of phytopathogenic organisms in tomato without the plant sacrifice. In this work, infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods were used to determinate the effects of Fusarium oxysporum in tomato plants cultivated in pots, analyzing fully expanded leaves. Fusarium oxysporum was molecular identified and its pathogenicity was tested in vitro. Three plants treatments were evaluated for 55 days post infection in pots in greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions: control, water stress, and fungal inoculated (1 × 108 conidia/mL). Phenotypical results were followed twice a week for eight weeks; the phenotypical characteristics were very similar in almost all sampling times except in height, especially in the first 27 days post infection, after this time the height was similar in the three treatments. The stalk and root-dried matter analysis do not show statistical differences; however, the infrared results, acquired from the adaxial surface of leaves, show differences in peaks associated with salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and proline in the first 27 days post infection. The principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis were used to distinguish subtle biochemical changes between the three treatments, facilitating the early detection of the pathogen and its monitoring over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano- and micro-sized vesicular and colloidal structures mediate cell–cell communication. They are important players in the physiology of plants, animals, and humans, and are a subject of increasing interest. We investigated the effect of three surfactants, N-cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and Triton X-100 (TX100), and two anionic polyelectrolytes, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (NaPSS) and sodium polymethacrylate (NaPMA), on nanoliposomes. In addition, the effect of SDS and TX100 on selected biological membranes (erythrocytes and microalgae) was investigated. The liposomes were produced by extrusion and evaluated by microcalorimetry and light scattering, based on the total intensity of the scattered light (Itot), hydrodynamic radius (Rh), radius of gyration (Rg), shape parameter p (=Rh/Rg,0), and polydispersity index. The EPs shed from erythrocytes and microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta and Phaeodactylum tricornutum were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The Rh and Itot values in POPC liposome suspensions with added CPC, SDS, and TX100 were roughly constant up to the respective critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of the surfactants. At higher compound concentrations, Itot dropped towards zero, whereas Rh increased to values higher than in pure POPC suspensions (Rh ≈ 60–70 nm), indicating the disintegration of liposomes and formation of larger particles, i.e., various POPC–S aggregates. Nanoliposomes were stable upon the addition of NaPSS and NaPMA, as indicated by the constant Rh and Itot values. The interaction of CPC, SDS, or TX100 with liposomes was exothermic, while there were no measurable heat effects with NaPSS or NaPMA. The SDS and TX100 increased the number density of EPs several-fold in erythrocyte suspensions and up to 30-fold in the conditioned media of Dunaliella tertiolecta at the expense of the number density of cells, which decreased to less than 5% in erythrocytes and several-fold in Dunaliella tertiolecta. The SDS and TX100 did not affect the number density of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, while the number density of EPs was lower in the conditioned media than in the control, but increased several-fold in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results indicate that amphiphilic molecules need to be organized in nanosized particles to match the local curvature of the membrane for facilitated uptake. To pursue this hypothesis, other surfactants and biological membranes should be studied in the future for more general conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droughts can affect ecosystem CO2 fluxes directly or indirectly by changing plant community composition. However, it is unknown whether shifts in plant community composition buffer or amplify the response of ecosystem CO2 fluxes to droughts with different seasonal timing, as plant phenology and physiology of the different plant functional types respond differently to droughts.To identify the interaction of drought timing and plant community composition in regulating ecosystem CO2 fluxes, we conducted a three‐year manipulative experiment in which extreme droughts occurring in the early, mid and late growing seasons were separately imposed on experimental plot communities comprising graminoids, shrubs and their combination in a semi‐arid grassland of Inner Mongolia, China.Overall, mid‐season drought caused the largest negative effects regardless of plant community composition. In addition to decreasing aboveground biomass, mid‐season drought suppressed fluxes by reducing leaf photosynthetic rate, while early‐season and late‐season drought reduced fluxes mainly by shortening growing season length. All three community compositions had consistent responses to early‐season and mid‐season droughts. However, ecosystem CO2 fluxes in the combination community were less negatively affected by late‐season drought than in either shrub or graminoid communities because the growing season length was shortened less.Synthesis. Our results highlight that it is important to account for interactions of seasonal timing and plant community composition when predicting magnitude and pathways of drought effects on ecosystem carbon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of rootstocks tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), and nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) grafting on the growth and selenium (Se) accumulation of Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. seedlings were studied to identify the most suitable rootstock for increasing Se uptake of fruit trees grown in Se-contaminated soil. The rootstocks of tomato, eggplant, and nightshade grafting increased the scion biomass of C. betacea seedlings by 146.1%, 23.2%, and 94.5%, respectively, compared with the un-grafted seedlings. Moreover, tomato, eggplant, and nightshade rootstocks grafting increased the photosynthesis, superoxide dismutase activity, and peroxidase activity, while reducing the catalase activity and soluble protein content of C. betacea seedlings. Although all three rootstocks grafting decreased Se contents in rootstock roots and stems, only nightshade rootstock grafting increased Se content in the scions of C. betacea seedlings. Notably, root biomass, catalase activity, soluble protein content, rootstock root Se content, and rootstock stem Se content were closely related to the scion Se content. These findings suggest that only grafting onto nightshade rootstock significantly enhances Se uptake in C. betacea, whereas tomato and eggplant rootstocks grafting have no effect on Se uptake. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This study shows that under selenium (Se)-contaminated soil conditions, tomato, eggplant, and nightshade rootstocks can promote the growth of C. betacea seedlings and improve their stress resistance. The nightshade rootstock stands out for its ability to promote Se uptake in C. betacea seedlings, suggesting its suitability as a promising rootstock to enhance both growth and Se uptake in C. betacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals zinc (Zn) biofortification represents an effective strategy for alleviating human Zn malnutrition. However, understanding how to enhance Zn uptake in shoots by optimizing the soil–root interface, particularly considering Zn availability, microbiome interactions, and plant physiology, remains poorly understood, especially in high-pH soils. In this study, we investigated Zn rhizomobilization, plant Zn uptake, and the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere and roots of ten high-yielding wheat cultivars with consistently contrasting grain Zn concentrations, within calcareous fields. We found that a range of beneficial bacteria, fungi/mycorrhizas, and their interactions play crucial roles in Zn rhizomobilization and wheat Zn uptake. Zn-solubilizing rhizobacteria demonstrated the ability to enhance Zn rhizomobilization, leading to a 35.4% increase in available Zn concentration and a 0.11 units reduction of soil pH. Increased colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, along with reduced the presence of fungal pathogens, significantly promoted Zn uptake, ranging from 22 to 132% per unit of root biomass. Additionally, the enriched bacteria relevant with nitrogen cycle and plant growth-promotion not only optimized soil mineral-N/available-P supply but also potentially suppressed fungal pathogens in root and rhizosphere. Optimizing the microbiome to enhance soil nutrient supply and root health emerges as a promising strategy for improving Zn-efficient wheat cultivars' ability to uptake Zn in shoots. Combining Zn-efficient cultivars with specific soil bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere holds potential for realizing Zn biofortification in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most talked about issues of the 21st century is climate change, as it affects not just our health but also forestry, agriculture, biodiversity, the ecosystem, and the energy supply. Greenhouse gases are the primary cause of climate change, having dramatic effects on the environment. Climate change has an impact on the function and composition of the terrestrial microbial community both directly and indirectly. Changes in the prevailing climatic conditions brought about by climate change will lead to modifications in plant physiology, root exudation, signal alteration, and the quantity, makeup, and diversity of soil microbial communities. Microbiological activity is very crucial in organic production systems due to the organic origin of microorganisms. Microbes that benefit crop plants are known as plant growth‐promoting microorganisms. Thus, the effects of climate change on the environment also have an impact on the abilities of beneficial bacteria to support plant growth, health, and root colonization. In this review, we have covered the effects of temperature, precipitation, drought, and CO2 on plant–microbe interactions, as well as some physiological implications of these changes. Additionally, this paper highlights the ways in which bacteria in plants' rhizosphere react to the dominant climatic conditions in the soil environment. The goal of this study is to analyze the effects of climate change on plant–microbe interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal(loid) pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, threatening all living organisms. Metal(loid) stress adversely impacts plant growth, physiology, and overall productivity. Numerous physicochemical approaches have been developed and employed to counteract and reduce the detrimental effects of metal(loid)s. However, these methods have raised environmental concerns, leading to questions about their appropriateness and efficacy. Consequently, alternative and eco-friendly solutions, such as the application of biochar, have gained prominence. Biochar is a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis and hydrothermal processes of various organic materials. Due to its exceptional physicochemical properties, biochar is believed to enhance soil quality and fertility. Several global studies have underscored the positive role of biochar in reducing the uptake of metal(loid)s by plants in polluted soils. In this article, we explore various facets of plant reactions to metal(loid)s toxicity and attempt to draw links between biochar use and improvements in plant physiology and performance. We also review the effectiveness of biochar in phytoremediation, its influence on nutrient adsorption mechanisms, and its role in assisting plant growth and defense systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicum annuum L. has worldwide distribution, but drought has limited its production. There is a lack of research to better understand how this species copes with drought stress, whether it is reversible, and the effects of mitigating agents such as salicylic acid (SA). Therefore, this study aimed to understand the mechanisms of action of SA and rehydration on the physiology of pepper plants grown under drought conditions. The factorial scheme adopted was 3 × 4, with three water regimes (irrigation, drought, and rehydration) and four SA concentrations, namely: 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM. This study evaluated leaf water percentage, water potential of shoots, chlorophylls (a and b), carotenoids, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration at different times of day, water conditions (irrigation, drought, and rehydration), and SA applications (without the addition of a regulator (0) and with the addition of SA at concentrations equal to 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM). In general, exogenous SA application increased stomatal conductance (gs) responses and modified the fluorescence parameters (ΦPSII, qP, ETR, NPQ, D, and E) of sweet pepper plants subjected to drought followed by rehydration. It was found that the use of SA, especially at concentrations of 1 mM in combination with rehydration, modulates gs, which is reflected in a higher electron transport rate. This, along with the production of photosynthetic pigments, suggests that H2O2 did not cause membrane damage, thereby mitigating the water deficit in pepper plants. Plants under drought conditions and rehydration with foliar SA application at concentrations of 1 mM demonstrated protection against damage resulting from water stress. Focusing on sustainable productivity, foliar SA application of 1 mM could be recommended as a technique to overcome the adverse effects of water stress on pepper plants cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Agriculture is facing challenges to produce more food in a climate scenario that works in the opposite direction. To amend this, agriculture has to invent new ways of making more with less. Interest in using by-products and finding new ways to utilize them has been increasing in recent years. The use of protein-rich sources for protein hydrolyzation and the use of these protein hydrolysates as biostimulants in plant production have been increasing. These mixtures are mainly produced by chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis from agro-industrial protein-rich by-products of animal, plant, and algal origins. The application of PHs has the potential to alleviate environmental stress; improve plant growth; and increase productivity, fruit yield, and abiotic-stress tolerance in agricultural crops. The use of these biostimulants offers a way to reduce the use of agrochemicals and agrees with the "do more with less" task in the future of agricultural production. This review gives an insight into the production of PHs, referring to sources of raw materials and methods of hydrolysis, the uptake and translocation of PHs, their effect on plant growth, the development and physiology, their role in alleviating stressful conditions, and their use in agriculture. The beneficial effects of PHs on different aspects of plant physiology, metabolism, and plant functioning under stressful conditions are evident. Inconveniently, crops, and sometimes even cultivars, are affected differently based on the way that PH is applied, the timing, and the concentration applied. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which the components of PHs modify plant physiology and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) is the lightest metal in existence. Its effects on higher plants are still under discussion because both positive and toxic results have been reported in different species. In the last decade, the use of Li has increased considerably, and it is projected that Li waste will be an environmental problem in the near future, such that various organisms, including plants, may be altered by its presence. Interestingly, Li can trigger hormesis, with beneficial effects at low doses and inhibitory or harmful effects at high doses. Currently, numerous research groups are focusing their studies on agriculture to obtain crops fortified with Li, which represents a nutritional advantage in food if adequate concentrations are used. However, more studies are still needed in order to understand the biochemical mechanisms of the effects of Li on plants. This review describes the natural and anthropogenic sources of Li, as well as the concentrations of this element in different environments. Regarding the uses of Li in different areas, topics related to doses that cause toxicity and lethality in humans are addressed. Given its impact on crop production, mechanisms of Li uptake and transport in higher plants are reviewed, as well as the effects on plant metabolism and physiology. Likewise, the perspective on the controlled use of Li in biostimulation and biofortification of crops is addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is a matter of global concern and poses apprehension about how plants will adapt to the changing environment. Various studies have proved that under high CO2 levels, plant physiology alters and affects plant functioning. However, under elevated CO2, the stomatal characters and their relation with physiological responses are still not yet clear. To find out these changes in the stomatal parameters at ambient and two elevated CO2 (550 ppm and 700 ppm) levels, four genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) viz. DHM-117, Harsha, Varun and M-24 were grown in open-top chambers. In the study, it was observed that the stomatal density increased, stomatal size altered, stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) decreased under elevated CO2 (eCO2) while photosynthetic rate (Pn), water use efficiency (WUE), yield and biomass, of which especially the reproductive biomass increased. Under eCO2, stomatal and physiological changes were genotypic and CO2 concentration specific. Increased stomatal density at eCO2 was mainly due to increased abaxial stomatal density. The improved Pn and reduced Tr at 550 ppm improved the WUE in the plants, while this response was not observed at 700 ppm. These results elucidate that this C4 crop responded positively to up to 550 ppm of CO2 concentrations, and beyond this, the impact was minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses one of the current issues in education: the use of resources in biological disciplines classes that are required for students to develop meta-subject competencies. The incorporation of natural objects into educational content can create a favorable environment for teaching biology classes and assist students in developing necessary knowledge about regional flora. The authors created a set of integrated plant tasks that require knowledge of ecology, plant physiology, and evolution. The main goal of tasks is to learn about regional plant species and to control what students have learned. Certain activities are specifically created for hands-on engagement with nearby natural entities to determine their taxonomic classification, morphological characteristics, and adaptations. This approach, according to the authors, ensures productivity in biology teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) affects plant physiology. Plant responses to elevated CO2 typically include: (1) enhanced photosynthesis and increased primary productivity due to carbon fertilization and (2) suppression of leaf transpiration due to CO2‐driven decrease in stomatal conductance. The combined effect of these responses on the total plant transpiration and on evapotranspiration (ET) has a wide range of implications on local, regional, and global hydrological cycles, and thus needs to be better understood. Here, we investigated the net effect of CO2‐driven perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) physiological responses on transpiration and evapotranspiration by integrating physiological and hydrological (water budget) methods, under a controlled environment. Measurements of the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, leaf mass per area, aboveground biomass, and water balance components were recorded. Measured variables under elevated CO2 were compared with those of ambient CO2. As expected, our results show that elevated CO2 significantly decreases whole‐plant transpiration rates (38% lower in the final week) which is a result of lower stomatal conductance (57% lower in the final week) despite a slight increase in aboveground biomass. Additionally, there was an overall decline in evapotranspiration (ET) under elevated CO2, indicating the impact of CO2‐mediated suppression of transpiration on the overall water balance. Although studies with larger sample sizes are needed for more robust conclusions, our findings have significant implications for global environmental change. Reductions in ET from ryegrass‐dominated grasslands and pastures could increase soil moisture and groundwater recharge, potentially leading to increased surface runoff and flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercellular communication in plants, as in other multicellular organisms, allows cells in tissues to coordinate their responses for development and in response to environmental stimuli. Much of this communication is facilitated by plasmodesmata (PD), consisting of membranes and cytoplasm, that connect adjacent cells to each other. PD have long been viewed as passive conduits for the movement of a variety of metabolites and molecular cargoes, but this perception has been changing over the last two decades or so. Research from the last few years has revealed the importance of PD as signaling hubs and as crucial players in hormone signaling. The adoption of advanced biochemical approaches, molecular tools, and high-resolution imaging modalities has led to several recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the roles of PD, revealing the structural and regulatory complexity of these 'protoplasmic connecting threads'. We highlight several of these findings that we think well illustrate the current understanding of PD as functioning at the nexus of plant physiology, development, and acclimation to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gadolinium (Gd) is an increasingly found lanthanide element in soil; thus, understanding its impact on plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular responses is crucial. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Gd (150 mg kg− 1) impacts on guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) plant yield and metabolism and whether the symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can mitigate Gd toxicity of soil contamination. Results: AMF treatment improved mineral nutrient uptake and seed yield by 38–41% under Gd stress compared to non-inoculated stressed plants. Metabolic analysis unveiled the defense mechanisms adopted by AMF-treated plants, revealing carbon and nitrogen metabolism adaptations to withstand Gd contamination. This included an increase in the synthesis of primary metabolites, such as total sugar (+ 39% compared to control), soluble sugars (+ 29%), starch (+ 30%), and some main amino acids like proline (+ 57%) and phenylalanine (+ 87%) in the seeds of AMF-treated plants grown under Gd contamination. Furthermore, fatty acid and organic acid profile changes were accompanied by the production of secondary metabolites, including tocopherols, polyamines, phenolic acids, flavones, and anthocyanins. Conclusions: Overall, the coordinated synthesis of these compounds underscores the intricate regulatory mechanisms underlying plant-AMF interactions and highlights the potential of AMF to modulate plant secondary metabolism for enhanced Gd stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]