Exploring the power of nitric oxide and nanotechnology for prolonging postharvest shelf-life and enhancing fruit quality.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a versatile signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in regulating postharvest fruit quality. The utilization of NO donors to elevate endogenous NO levels and induce NO-mediated responses represents a promising strategy for extending fruit shelf-life after harvest. However, the effectiveness of NO treatment is influenced by various factors, including formulation and application methods. In this review, we investigate the impact of NO supply on different fruits, aiming to prolong postharvest shelf-life and enhance fruit quality. Furthermore, we delve into the underlying mechanisms of NO action, particularly its interactions with ethylene and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excitingly, we also highlight the emerging field of nanotechnology in postharvest applications, discussing the use of nanoparticles as a novel approach for achieving sustained release of NO and enhancing its effects. By harnessing the potential of nanotechnology, our review is a starting point to help identify gaps and future directions in this important, emerging field.

Unraveling the mechanisms controlling Cd accumulation and Cd-tolerance in Brachiaria decumbens and Panicum maximum under summer and winter weather conditions.

We evaluated the mechanisms that control Cd accumulation and distribution, and the mechanisms that protect the photosynthetic apparatus of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. cv. Basilisk and Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Massai from Cd-induced oxidative stress, as well as the effects of simulated summer or winter conditions on these mechanisms. Both grasses were grown in unpolluted and Cd-polluted Oxisol (0.63 and 3.6 mg Cd kg-1 soil, respectively) at summer and winter conditions. Grasses grown in the Cd-polluted Oxisol presented higher Cd concentration in their tissues in the winter conditions, but the shoot biomass production of both grasses was not affected by the experimental conditions. Cadmium was more accumulated in the root apoplast than the root symplast, contributing to increase the diameter and cell layers of the cambial region of both grasses. Roots of B. decumbens were more susceptible to disturbed nutrients uptake and nitrogen metabolism than roots of P. maximum. Both grasses translocated high amounts of Cd to their shoots resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in the leaves of both grasses was higher in summer than winter, but only in P. maximum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were increased. However, CO2 assimilation was not affected due to the protection provided by reduced glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs) that were more synthesized in shoots than roots. In summary, the root apoplast was not sufficiently effective to prevent Cd translocation from roots to shoot, but GSH and PCs provided good protection for the photosynthetic apparatus of both grasses.

Phytotoxic effects of plastic pollution in crops: what is the size of the problem?

Plastic pollution is one of the most impactful human interferences in our planet. Fragmentation of plastic leads to nano- and microplastics (NP/MP) formation, which accumulate in agricultural lands, representing an increasing risk for crop production and food safety. It has been shown that MP promote damage in plant tissues by several direct and indirect ways, and that NP can enter the tissues/cells and accumulate in edible organs. Investigation of the phytotoxic effects of NP/MP in plants started only in 2016, with most of the studies performed with crops. Since contradictory results are often observed, it is important to review the literature in order to identify robust effects and their possible mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the potential of NP/MP in damaging crop species, with focus on the physiological changes described in the literature. We also performed scientometrics analyses on research papers in this field during 2016-2021, to reveal the research situation of phytotoxic effects of plastic pollution in crops. Our review is as a starting point to help identify gaps and future directions in this important, emerging field.

Enhanced Nitric Oxide Synthesis Through Nitrate Supply Improves Drought Tolerance of Sugarcane Plants.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule associated with many biochemical and physiological processes in plants under stressful conditions. Nitrate reductase (NR) not only mediates the reduction of NO3 - to NO2 - but also reduces NO2 - to NO, a relevant pathway for NO production in higher plants. Herein, we hypothesized that sugarcane plants supplied with more NO3 - as a source of N would produce more NO under water deficit. Such NO would reduce oxidative damage and favor photosynthetic metabolism and growth under water limiting conditions. Sugarcane plants were grown in nutrient solution and received the same amount of nitrogen, with varying nitrate:ammonium ratios (100:0 and 70:30). Plants were then grown under well-watered or water deficit conditions. Under water deficit, plants exhibited higher root [NO3 -] and [NO2 -] when supplied with 100% NO3 -. Accordingly, the same plants also showed higher root NR activity and root NO production. We also found higher photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance in plants supplied with more NO3 -, which was associated with increased root growth. ROS accumulation was reduced due to increases in the activity of catalase in leaves and superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase in roots of plants supplied with 100% NO3 - and facing water deficit. Such positive responses to water deficit were offset when a NO scavenger was supplied to the plants, thus confirming that increases in leaf gas exchange and plant growth were induced by NO. Concluding, NO3 - supply is an interesting strategy for alleviating the negative effects of water deficit on sugarcane plants, increasing drought tolerance through enhanced NO production. Our data also provide insights on how plant nutrition could improve crop tolerance against abiotic stresses, such as drought.

Extracellular and Intracellular NO Detection in Plants by Diaminofluoresceins.

Many assays focus on determining NO content within plant tissues to assess the actual concentration that impacts on cellular processes. Diaminofluorescein fluorescent dyes (DAFs) have been very widely used by plant scientists to reveal likely sites of NO production inside and outside cells. In general, DAFs dyes react with N2O3, a byproduct of NO oxidation, resulting in fluorescence. It is initially available in the form of diacetate (DAF-2DA), which allowed the ready absorption by the cells. The diacetate group is removed by cell esterases leaving the membrane impermeable to DAF-2 and available for N2O3 nitration to generate the highly fluorescent triazole (DAF-2T). Here, we describe two methods for detection of NO by fluorescence, one for NO extracellular detection by DAF-2 and the other one for NO intracellular detection, in this case using DAF-2DA.

Análise bioquímica de calos de pinhão-manso / Biochemical analysis of callus from physic nut

O pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) vem ganhando importância por seu potencial como insumo ao biodiesel. Estudos visam à adequação agronômica e a cultura de tecidos contribui indiretamente com este aspecto, auxiliando em pesquisas aplicadas como em biotecnologia, em situações que visam à regeneração de plantas. Nesse intuito, é fundamental avaliar, durante os períodos de cultivo dos calos, o comportamento dos metabólitos primários. A massa calogênica, por ocasião da inoculação, não apresentou reserva na forma de carboidratos. Aos 42 dias iniciou a absorção da sacarose do meio, enquanto o acúmulo no explante ocorreu a partir dos 98 dias de cultivo. O teor de aminoácidos foi alto no dia da inoculação e, por volta dos 98 dias, tanto os níveis de aminoácidos quanto os de proteínas decresceram.

The physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) is gaining importance because of its potential as raw material for biodiesel. Studies aiming the adequacy of agronomic techniques and tissue culture contribute, indirectly, to this aspect, helping applied research as biotechnology, in situations that aim plant regeneration. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate, the behavior of primary metabolites during the callus growing season. The callus mass at the inoculation time showed no carbohydrates reserve. At the 42nd day the sucrose absorption started in the medium, while the accumulation in the explant occurred from the 98th day of cultivation. Amino acid content was high at the inoculation's day and around the 98th day, both amino acids and protein levels decreased.

Características fisiológicas e anatômicas de plantas de sibipiruna submetidas à hipoxia / Physiological and anatomical characteristics of Sibipiruna plants under hipoxia

Plantas em seu ambiente natural estão sujeitas a condições adversas, passando por períodos de estresse breves ou duradouros. Algumas espécies desenvolvem mecanismos que as fazem suportar as condições adversas, permitindo sua sobrevivência. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e anatômicas no desenvolvimento inicial de plantas de sibipiruna submetidas à hipoxia. Plantas com três a quatro folhas completamente expandidas foram submetidas a três tratamentos: plantas sem alagamento, alagadas nas raízes e totalmente alagadas. Foram realizadas avaliações dos teores de amido, açúcares solúveis totais e redutores em folhas e raízes coletadas a cada cinco dias, durante 30 dias. Características anatômicas foram avaliadas 15 dias após o início de cada tratamento. A maior redução nos teores de amido nas folhas e raízes foi observada nas plantas totalmente alagadas. Para açúcares solúveis totais e redutores, foi observado comportamento semelhante ao obtido em amido; porém, as plantas alagadas nas raízes apresentaram, em alguns períodos de avaliação, teores, principalmente nas raízes, superiores aos observados nas plantas sem alagamento. Essas plantas também apresentaram maior densidade estomática em relação aos demais tratamentos. Para a espessura do córtex e do cilindro vascular das raízes, foi observada uma redução para os tratamentos alagados, cujas plantas totalmente alagadas apresentaram uma maior barreira apoplástica imposta pelo espessamento em fi caracterizada pela formação de septos nas células próximas à endoderme.

Plants in their natural environment are subject to adverse conditions, and the stress periods can be short or long. Some species develop mechanisms that make them bear the adverse conditions, allowing their survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic and physiological responses in the initial development of Sibipiruna plants submitted to hypoxia. Plants with three to four leaves fully expanded were subjected to three treatments: plants without flooding, flooded on roots and totally flooded. Evaluations were carried out in the starch, total soluble sugars and reducing sugars levels in the leaves and roots collected every five days, for 30 days. Anatomical characteristics were evaluated 15 days after the beginning of each treatment. The largest reduction in starch level in leaves and in roots was observed in plants completely flooded. For total soluble sugars and reducing sugars were observed behavior similar to that achieved in starch However, the plants which had flooded roots, in some periods of assessment, had levels, mainly in the roots, higher than the plants without flooding. These plants also showed higher stomatal density than the other treatments. For the thickness of the cortex and the cylinder vascular roots, a reduction was observed for the flooded treatment, which completely flooded plants had a higher apoplastic barrier imposed by thickening in phi, which is characterized by the formation of septa in cells near the endodermis.