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Summary: The greater duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza 7498) exhibits trophic diversity (photoautotrophic, heterotrophic, photoheterotrophic, and mixotrophic growth) depending on the availability of exogenous organic carbon sources and light.Here, we show that the ability to transition between various trophic growth conditions is an advantageous trait, providing great phenotypic plasticity and metabolic flexibility in S. polyrhiza 7498.By comparing S. polyrhiza 7498 growth characteristics, metabolic acclimation, and cellular ultrastructure across these trophic modes, we show that mixotrophy decreases photosynthetic performance and relieves the CO2 limitation of photosynthesis by enhancing the CO2 supply through the active respiration pathway. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses corroborated that S. polyrhiza 7498 increases its intracellular CO2 and decreases reactive oxygen species under mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions, which substantially suppressed the wasteful photorespiration and oxidative‐damage pathways. As a consequence, mixotrophy resulted in a higher biomass yield than the sum of photoautotrophy and heterotrophy.Our work provides a basis for using trophic transitions in S. polyrhiza 7498 for the enhanced accumulation of value‐added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweeds is the most promising nonfood feedstock for sustainable bioenergy production. Mixotrophy is the best growth mode compared to photoautotrophy and heterotrophy for biomass and starch accumulation in duckweed. This work investigated the impacts of light intensities (3,000, 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, 15,000, and 20,000 lux) and exogenous glucose concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 g L−1) on the biomass and starch accumulation of mixotrophic duckweed. The results showed that increasing light intensity and the initially applied concentration of glucose enhanced both growth and starch content. However, high concentrations of glucose (15–40 g L−1) resulted in a higher biomass yield but concurrently greatly inhibited photosynthesis. Moreover, excess carbon was redirected into starch biosynthesis under high glucose. The maximum starch yield of 655.4 g m−2 was obtained at 40 g L−1 glucose, with a maximum starch content of 72.7% of dry biomass and a biomass yield of 1024.6 g m−2. The optimum light intensity for starch accumulation was 20,000 lux, with a maximum starch yield of 236.2 g m−2. These results indicated that high organic carbon levels are a robust way to promote starch production in mixotrophic duckweed. • High glucose levels and light intensities boosted biomass and starch production. • Higher glucose levels provided a higher biomass while inhibiting photosynthesis. • More carbon was allocated to starch biosynthesis with higher glucose levels. • 20,000 lux was the optimum light condition for duckweed starch accumulation. • The maximum starch yield of 95.7 t/ha/year was generated at 40 g/L of glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweeds contain high levels of starch and are environmentally sustainable and economically viable feedstock for biofuel production. Here, the biomass and starch yield of three duckweed species under three different nutrient-limited conditions were analyzed to investigate the possible ways of further increasing the efficiency of starch production. The results showed that sulfur limitation resulted in the highest starch yield, which was 42% and 73% higher than in nitrogen or phosphorus limitation conditions, respectively. The high yield of sulfur-limited duckweed is largely due to the combinations of little effects on biomass and high accumulations of starch. Although nitrogen limitation led to higher starch content (67.4%), it severely reduced biomass production. Besides, this work revealed the mechanism of starch accumulation induced by sulfur limitation in duckweed based on transcriptomic analysis. In summary, sulfur limitation is a practical approach to increase starch yields in duckweed without affecting growth or biomass production. • Sulfur limitation induces starch production without inhibiting growth of duckweed. • Starch content was as high as 56.2% of dry weight under sulfur limitation. • Sulfur limitation results in the highest starch yield in three duckweed species. • SDI1 and bZIP17 were identified for improving starch yield by genetic engineering. • The mechanism of sulfur limitation-induced starch accumulation was elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Duckweed growth under mixotrophy, heterotrophy and photoautotrophy was compared. • Duckweed metabolized glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose and maltose. • Mixotrophy was best for biomass production and pollutant uptake. • Heterotrophy is a feasible method for starch induction. • Mixotrophic-heterotrophic cultivation strategy should enhance starch accumulation. Duckweed is a potential biomass source for alternative energy production. This work reports the effects of trophic modes on growth rates, biomass accumulation, and removal rates of pollutant by duckweed. Glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, and maltose all supported heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth of duckweed. The mixotrophic growth rate was 4.98 and 6.22 times higher than those in heterotrophic and photoautotrophic conditions, respectively. Notably, mixotrophy produced more biomass than the simple sum of the biomass accumulation during heterotrophy and photoautotrophy. Mixotrophy was also superior in starch and protein production, as well as in removal rates of nutrients and organic carbon from the growth medium. However, the starch content of duckweed grown heterotrophically was 2.06 times higher than in mixotrophy, suggesting a combination of mixotrophy and heterotrophy as an effective strategy for starch-rich biomass production. This study thus provides a paradigm for future studies supporting duckweed-based biomass production and organic wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate transporters (PHTs) mediate the uptake and translocation of phosphate in plants. A comprehensive analysis of the PHT family in aquatic plant is still lacking. In this study, we identified 73 PHT members of six major PHT families from four duckweed species. The phylogenetic analysis, gene structure and protein characteristics analysis revealed that PHT genes are highly conserved among duckweeds. Interaction network and miRNA target prediction showed that SpPHTs could interact with the important components of the nitrate/phosphate signaling pathway, and spo-miR399 might be a central regulator that mediates phosphate signal network in giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza). The modeled 3D structure of SpPHT proteins shared a high level of homology with template structures, which provide information to understand their functions at proteomic level. The expression profiles derived from transcriptome data and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that SpPHT genes are respond to exogenous stimuli and remarkably induced by phosphate starvation, phosphate is absorbed from aquatic environment by the whole duckweed plant. This study lays the foundation for further functional studies on PHT genes for genetic improvement and the promotion of phosphate uptake efficiency in duckweeds. • A total of 73 PHT genes were identified in four duckweeds. • The 3D structures of 17 SpPHT proteins were predicted using homology modeling method. • The heatmap of 19 SpPHT genes in different tissues and stresses was established. • The expression profile of SpPHTs explain the efficient Pi uptake through fronds and roots in giant duckweed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GARP transcription factors perform critical roles in plant development and response to environmental stimulus, especially in the phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) sensing and uptake. Spirodela polyrhiza (giant duckweed) is widely used for phytoremediation and biomass production due to its rapid growth and efficient N and P removal capacities. However, there has not yet been a comprehensive analysis of the GRAP gene family in S. polyrhiza. Results: We conducted a comprehensive study of GRAP superfamily genes in S. polyrhiza. First, we investigated 35 SpGARP genes which have been classified into three groups based on their gene structures, conserved motifs, and phylogenetic relationship. Then, we identified the duplication events, performed the synteny analysis, and calculated the Ka/Ks ratio in these SpGARP genes. The regulatory and co-expression networks of SpGARPs were further constructed using cis-acting element analysis and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Finally, the expression pattern of SpGARP genes were analyzed using RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR, and several NIGT1 transcription factors were found to be involved in both N and P starvation responses. Conclusions: The study provides insight into the evolution and function of GARP superfamily in S. polyrhiza, and lays the foundation for the further functional verification of SpGARP genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GARP transcription factors perform critical roles in plant development and response to environmental stimulus, especially in the phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) sensing and uptake. Spirodela polyrhiza (giant duckweed) is widely used for phytoremediation and biomass production due to its rapid growth and efficient N and P removal capacities. However, there has not yet been a comprehensive analysis of the GRAP gene family in S. polyrhiza. Results: We conducted a comprehensive study of GRAP superfamily genes in S. polyrhiza. First, we investigated 35 SpGARP genes which have been classified into three groups based on their gene structures, conserved motifs, and phylogenetic relationship. Then, we identified the duplication events, performed the synteny analysis, and calculated the Ka/Ks ratio in these SpGARP genes. The regulatory and co-expression networks of SpGARPs were further constructed using cis-acting element analysis and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Finally, the expression pattern of SpGARP genes were analyzed using RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR, and several NIGT1 transcription factors were found to be involved in both N and P starvation responses. Conclusions: The study provides insight into the evolution and function of GARP superfamily in S. polyrhiza, and lays the foundation for the further functional verification of SpGARP genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WRKY is one of the largest transcription factor families across higher plant species and is involved in important biological processes and plant responses to various biotic/abiotic stresses. However, only a few investigations on WRKYs have been conducted in aquatic plants. This study first systematically analyzed the gene structure, protein properties, and phylogenetic relationship of 693 WRKY s in nine aquatic and two wetland plants at the genome-wide level. The pattern of WRKY groups in two aquatic ferns provided new evidence for the origin and evolution of WRKY genes. ARE cis -regulatory elements show an unusual high frequency in the promoter region of WRKY genes, indicating the adaptation to the aquatic habitat in aquatic plants. The WRKY gene family experienced a series of gene loss events in aquatic plants, especially group III. Further studies were conducted on the interaction network of SpWRKYs, their target genes, and non-coding RNAs. The expression profile of SpWRKYs under phosphate starvation, cold, and submergence conditions revealed that most SpWRKYs are involved in the response to abiotic stresses. Our investigations lay the foundation for further study on the mechanism of WRKYs responding to abiotic stresses in aquatic plants. • 630 WRKYs in 8 aquatic plants and 2 wetland plants were identified or re-identified. • Environmental stress is the main driver in the evolution of WRKYs in aquatic plants. • Segmental/WGD duplication is the major driver of expansion of WRKY gene family. • Contraction is most common form in aquatic/wetland plants, especially the group III members. • Most SpWRKYs were involved in abiotic stresses (phosphate starvation, cold. submergence) under aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global anthropogenic changes are altering the temperature and nutrients of the ecosystem, which might also affect the extent of cadmium (Cd) toxicity in organisms. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of temperature and nutrient availability (here, nitrogen [N] and phosphorus [P]) on Cd toxicity in duckweed (Lemna aequinoctialis). The growth parameters, nutrient uptake, and Cd tolerance of plantlets reached their highest values for duckweed grown in medium with 28 mg/L N and 2.4 mg/L P (N:P = 11.67) at 25 °C under 1 mg/L CdCl 2 exposure. Raising the temperature (from 18 °C to 25 °C) and levels of N and P (from 0.01 N/P to 2 N/P) enhanced photosynthetic capacity and nutrient uptake, thus promoting plant growth and diluting the toxic effects of Cd. Although Cd uptake increased with increasing temperature, duckweed with relatively high biomass exhibited a lower accumulation of the toxic metal because their growth rate exceeded Cd uptake rate. Increasing N and P supply also enhanced the tolerance of duckweed to Cd by limiting Cd bioavailability. Our study therefore suggests the importance of combined effects from temperature and nutrients for Cd toxicity and provides novel insights for a comprehensive analysis of Cd toxicity associated with the environmental factors of a particular ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Duckweeds obtained the highest biomass and Cd tolerance when grown at 25 ℃. • Nutrients uptake and Cd contents reached their highest values when the N/P ratio was 11.67. • The high N/P ratio (17.5–583.33) and cold stress (18 ℃) exacerbated Cd toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the last decade, technological innovation and changes in the economic and regulatory environment have resulted in increased attention to distributed energy systems (DES). Combined cooling heating and power (CHP) systems based on the gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) are increasingly used as small-scale distribution co-generators. This paper describes an innovative ICE–CHP system with an exhaust-gas-driven absorption heat pump (AHP) that has been set up at the energy-saving building in Beijing, China. The system is composed of an ICE, an exhaust-gas-driven AHP, and a flue gas condensation heat exchanger (CHE), which could recover both the sensible and latent heat of the flue gas. The steady performance and dynamic response of the innovative CHP system with different operation modes were tested. The results show that the system’s energy utilization efficiency could reach above 90% based on lower heating value (LHV) of natural gas; that is, the innovative CHP system could increase the heat utilization efficiency 10% compared to conventional CHP systems, and the thermally activated components of the system have much more thermal inertia than the electricity generation component. The detailed test results provide important insight into CHP performance characteristics and could be valuable references for the control of CHP systems. The novel CHP system could take on a very important role in the CHP market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (Nramps) are specific metal transporters in plants with different functions among various species. The evolutionary and functional information of the Nramp gene family in Spirodela polyrhiza has not been previously reported in detail. To identify the Nramp genes in S. polyrhiza, we performed genome-wide identification, characterization, classification, and cis-elements analysis among 22 species with 138 amino acid sequences. We also conducted chromosomal localization and analyzed the synteny relationship, promoter, subcellular localization, and expression patterns in S. polyrhiza. β-Glucuronidase staining indicated that SpNramp1 and SpNramp3 mainly accumulated in the root and joint between mother and daughter frond. Moreover, SpNramp1 was also widely displayed in the frond. SpNramp2 was intensively distributed in the root and frond. Quantitative real-time PCR results proved that the SpNramp gene expression level was influenced by Cd stress, especially in response to Fe or Mn deficiency. The study provides detailed information on the SpNramp gene family and their distribution and expression, laying a beneficial foundation for functional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]