Understanding the chemical language mediating maize immunity and environmental adaptation.

Diverse networks of specialized metabolites promote plant fitness by mediating beneficial and antagonistic environmental interactions. In maize (Zea mays), constitutive and dynamically formed cocktails of terpenoids, benzoxazinoids, oxylipins, and phenylpropanoids contribute to plant defense and ecological adaptation. Recent research has highlighted the multifunctional nature of many specialized metabolites, serving not only as elaborate chemical defenses that safeguard against biotic and abiotic stress but also as regulators in adaptive developmental processes and microbiome interactions. Great strides have also been made in identifying the modular pathway networks that drive maize chemical diversity. Translating this knowledge into strategies for enhancing stress resilience traits has the potential to address climate-driven yield losses in one of the world's major food, feed, and bioenergy crops.

Effect of Nutrient Solution Flow on Lettuce Root Morphology in Hydroponics: A Multi-Omics Analysis of Hormone Synthesis and Signal Transduction.

This study examined how the nutrient flow environment affects lettuce root morphology in hydroponics using multi-omics analysis. The results indicate that increasing the nutrient flow rate initially increased indicators such as fresh root weight, root length, surface area, volume, and average diameter before declining, which mirrors the trend observed for shoot fresh weight. Furthermore, a high-flow environment significantly increased root tissue density. Further analysis using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Weighted Protein Co-expression Network Analysis (WPCNA) identified modules that were highly correlated with phenotypes and hormones. The analysis revealed a significant enrichment of hormone signal transduction pathways. Differences in the expression of genes and proteins related to hormone synthesis and transduction pathways were observed among the different flow conditions. These findings suggest that nutrient flow may regulate hormone levels and signal transmission by modulating the genes and proteins associated with hormone biosynthesis and signaling pathways, thereby influencing root morphology. These findings should support the development of effective methods for regulating the flow of nutrients in hydroponic contexts.

Genome-wide identification of the GDSL-type esterase/lipase protein (GELP) gene family in Ricinus communis and its transcriptional regulation during germination and seedling establishment under different abiotic stresses.

GDSL-type esterase/lipase protein (GELP) genes are crucial in the specialized lipid metabolism, in the responses to abiotic stresses, and in the regulation of plant homeostasis. R. communis is an important oilseed crop species that can sustain growth and productivity when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Herein, we raised the question of whether the GELP gene family could be involved in the acquisition of R. communis tolerance to abiotic stresses during seed germination and seedling establishment. Thus, we used bioinformatics and transcriptomics to characterize the R. communis GELP gene family. R. communis genome possesses 96 GELP genes that were characterized by extensive bioinformatics, including phylogenetic analysis, subcellular localization, exon-intron distribution, the analysis of regulatory cis-elements, tandem duplication, and physicochemical properties. Transcriptomics indicated that numerous RcGELP genes are readily responsive to high-temperature and salt stresses and might be potential candidates for genome editing techniques to develop abiotic stress-tolerant crops.

Environmental context of phenotypic plasticity in flowering time in sorghum and rice.

Phenotypic plasticity is an important topic in biology and evolution. However, how to generate broadly applicable insights from individual studies remains a challenge. Here, with flowering time observed from a large geographical region for sorghum and rice genetic populations, we examine the consistency of parameter estimation for reaction norms of genotypes across different subsets of environments and searched for potential strategies to inform the study design. Both sample size and environmental mean range of the subset affected the consistency. The subset with either a large range of environmental mean or a large sample size resulted in genetic parameters consistent with the overall pattern. Furthermore, high accuracy through genomic prediction was obtained for reaction norm parameters of untested genotypes using models built from tested genotypes under the subsets of environments with either a large range or a large sample size. With 1428 and 1674 simulated settings, our analyses suggested that the distribution of environmental index values of a site should be considered in designing experiments. Overall, we showed that environmental context was critical, and considerations should be given to better cover the intended range of the environmental variable. Our findings have implications for the genetic architecture of complex traits, plant-environment interaction, and climate adaptation.

An overview of secretion in floral bracts of Tillandsioideae (Bromeliaceae), with emphasis on the secretory scales.

Bromeliaceae display many water-use strategies, from leaf impounding tanks to Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis and absorbing trichomes. Recent studies show that trichomes in inflorescences of bromeliads can exude viscous secretions, protecting against various stresses, including excessive water loss. In light of this, and considering the knowledge gap regarding inflorescence trichomes in bromeliads, we aimed to investigate the presence, source and chemical nature of inflorescence secretions in species of the Tillandsioideae (Bromeliaceae) and to describe the anatomy of their floral bracts focusing on trichome structure and position. We conducted a prospection of secretory activity and anatomy in floral bracts in 52 species of Tillandsioideae and 1 early divergent Bromeliaceae species. We used histochemical tests to investigate the presence and nature of secretion combined with standard light microscopy methods. Secretion appears in all studied species of tribe Vrieseeae, in Guzmania species, Wallisia cyanea, Tillandsia streptopylla (Tillandsieae) and Catopsis morreniana (Catopsideae). It is absent in Vriesea guttata (Vrieseeae), Racinaea crispa and various Tillandsia species (Tillandsieae). Secretion is produced by peltate trichomes on the adaxial surface of young bracts and comprises hydrophilic and lipophilic substances. Bract anatomy revealed an internal mucilage-secreting tissue with wide distribution within the subtribe Vrieseinae. Our results point to a broad occurrence of secretion associated with bracteal scales in inflorescences of Tillandsioideae. Secretory function is strongly related to trichomes of the adaxial surface, whereas the indumentum of the abaxial side is lacking or likely associated with water absorption; the latter case is especially related to small, xeric plants. Exudates might engage in colleter-like roles, protecting against desiccation, high-radiation and herbivores. Directions for future research are presented.

Time-resolved systems analysis of the induction of high photosynthetic capacity in Arabidopsis during acclimation to high light.

Induction of high photosynthetic capacity is a key acclimation response to high light (HL) for many herbaceous dicot plants; however, the signaling pathways that control this response remain largely unknown. Here, a systems biology approach was utilized to characterize the induction of high photosynthetic capacity in strongly and weakly acclimating Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. Plants were grown for 5 wk in a low light (LL) regime, and time-resolved photosynthetic physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic responses were measured during subsequent exposure to HL. The induction of high nitrogen (N) assimilation rates early in the HL shift was strongly predictive of the induction of photosynthetic capacity later in the HL shift. Accelerated N assimilation rates depended on the mobilization of existing organic acid (OA) reserves and increased de novo OA synthesis during the induction of high photosynthetic capacity. Enhanced sucrose biosynthesis capacity increased in tandem with the induction of high photosynthetic capacity, and increased starch biosynthetic capacity was balanced by increased starch catabolism. This systems analysis supports a model in which the efficient induction of N assimilation early in the HL shift begins the cascade of events necessary for the induction of high photosynthetic capacity acclimation in HL.

The plant noncoding transcriptome: a versatile environmental sensor.

Plant noncoding RNA transcripts have gained increasing attention in recent years due to growing evidence that they can regulate developmental plasticity. In this review article, we comprehensively analyze the relationship between noncoding RNA transcripts in plants and their response to environmental cues. We first provide an overview of the various noncoding transcript types, including long and small RNAs, and how the environment modulates their performance. We then highlight the importance of noncoding RNA secondary structure for their molecular and biological functions. Finally, we discuss recent studies that have unveiled the functional significance of specific long noncoding transcripts and their molecular partners within ribonucleoprotein complexes during development and in response to biotic and abiotic stress. Overall, this review sheds light on the fascinating and complex relationship between dynamic noncoding transcription and plant environmental responses, and highlights the need for further research to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms and exploit the potential of noncoding transcripts for crop resilience in the context of global warming.

Dynamic response of photorespiration in fluctuating light environments.

Photorespiration is a dynamic process that is intimately linked to photosynthetic carbon assimilation. There is a growing interest in understanding carbon assimilation during dynamic conditions, but the role of photorespiration under such conditions is unclear. In this review, we discuss recent work relevant to the function of photorespiration under dynamic conditions, with a special focus on light transients. This work reveals that photorespiration is a fundamental component of the light induction of assimilation where variable diffusive processes limit CO2 exchange with the atmosphere. Additionally, metabolic interactions between photorespiration and the C3 cycle may help balance fluxes under dynamic light conditions. We further discuss how the energy demands of photorespiration present special challenges to energy balancing during dynamic conditions. We finish the review with an overview of why regulation of photorespiration may be important under dynamic conditions to maintain appropriate fluxes through metabolic pathways related to photorespiration such as nitrogen and one-carbon metabolism.

Extranuptial nectaries in bromeliads: a new record for Pitcairnia burchellii and perspectives for Bromeliaceae.

Nectar plays important roles in the relationship between plants and other organisms, both within pollination systems and as a defense mechanism. In the latter case, extranuptial nectaries (ENNs) usually attract patrolling arthropods that reduce herbivory. ENNs have been frequently reported within the "xeric clade" of Bromeliaceae, but their occurrence in other groups of bromeliads is largely unexplored, especially considering their position, secretory activity and structure. After observing the presence of ants constantly patrolling the inflorescences of Pitcairnia burchellii Mez, we searched for the presence, secretory activity, and structure of ENNs in this species. We also provide a brief review of the occurrence ENNs in Bromeliaceae. The distribution of nectaries was assessed using ant-exclusion experiments, while structural analysis was performed using standard methods for light and scanning electron microscopy. The presence of sugars in the secretion was assessed by thin-layer chromatography and glucose strip tests. Nectaries in P. burchelli are non-structured glands on the adaxial surface of floral bracts and sepals. Bracts and sepals are distinct spatial units that act over time in the same strategy of floral bud protection. Literature data reveals that ENNs might be more common within Bromeliaceae than previously considered, comprising a homoplastic feature in the family. Future perspectives and evolutionary and taxonomic implications are discussed.

Plant GDSL Esterases/Lipases: Evolutionary, Physiological and Molecular Functions in Plant Development.

GDSL esterases/lipases (GELPs), present throughout all living organisms, have been a very attractive research subject in plant science due mainly to constantly emerging properties and functions in plant growth and development under both normal and stressful conditions. This review summarizes the advances in research on plant GELPs in several model plants and crops, including Arabidopsis, rice, maize and tomato, while focusing on the roles of GELPs in regulating plant development and plant-environment interactions. In addition, the possible regulatory network and mechanisms of GELPs have been discussed.

Plant sizes and shapes above and belowground and their interactions with climate.

Although the above and belowground sizes and shapes of plants strongly influence plant competition, community structure, and plant-environment interactions, plant sizes and shapes remain poorly characterized across climate regimes. We investigated relationships among shoot and root system size and climate. We assembled and analyzed, to our knowledge, the largest global database describing the maximum rooting depth, lateral spread, and shoot size of terrestrial plants - more than doubling the Root Systems of Individual Plants database to 5647 observations. Water availability and growth form greatly influence shoot size, and rooting depth is primarily influenced by temperature seasonality. Shoot size is the strongest predictor of lateral spread, with root system diameter being two times wider than shoot width on average for woody plants. Shoot size covaries strongly with rooting system size; however, the geometries of plants differ considerably across climates, with woody plants in more arid climates having shorter shoots, but deeper, narrower root systems. Additionally, estimates of the depth and lateral spread of plant root systems are likely underestimated at the global scale.

The Chemical Ecology of Benzoxazinoids.

Benzoxazinoids are specialized metabolites that modulate plant physiology and plant interactions with their environment. In this review, we synthesize their multiple functions and ecological relevance. We first provide an overview of benzoxazinoid biosynthesis and highlight known regulatory elements involved in modulating their production. We then outline the role of benzoxazinoids in plant nutrition, vegetative and reproductive growth, and defense. We further summarize benzoxazinoid response to environmental factors such as temperature, drought, CO2, light, or nutrient levels and emphasize their potential role in tolerating abiotic stresses. Finally, we argue that benzoxazinoids act as a strong selective force on different trophic levels by shaping the plant interactions with microbes, insect herbivores, and competitor plants. Understanding the pivotal role of benzoxazinoids in plant biology is crucial to apprehend their impact on (agro)ecosystem functioning and diversity.

cis-prenyltransferase 3 and α/ß-hydrolase are new determinants of dolichol accumulation in Arabidopsis.

Dolichols (Dols), ubiquitous components of living organisms, are indispensable for cell survival. In plants, as well as other eukaryotes, Dols are crucial for post-translational protein glycosylation, aberration of which leads to fatal metabolic disorders in humans and male sterility in plants. Until now, the mechanisms underlying Dol accumulation remain elusive. In this study, we have analysed the natural variation of the accumulation of Dols and six other isoprenoids among more than 120 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. Subsequently, by combining QTL and GWAS approaches, we have identified several candidate genes involved in the accumulation of Dols, polyprenols, plastoquinone and phytosterols. The role of two genes implicated in the accumulation of major Dols in Arabidopsis-the AT2G17570 gene encoding a long searched for cis-prenyltransferase (CPT3) and the AT1G52460 gene encoding an α/ß-hydrolase-is experimentally confirmed. These data will help to generate Dol-enriched plants which might serve as a remedy for Dol-deficiency in humans.

Data Management and Modeling in Plant Biology.

The study of plant-environment interactions is a multidisciplinary research field. With the emergence of quantitative large-scale and high-throughput techniques, amount and dimensionality of experimental data have strongly increased. Appropriate strategies for data storage, management, and evaluation are needed to make efficient use of experimental findings. Computational approaches of data mining are essential for deriving statistical trends and signatures contained in data matrices. Although, current biology is challenged by high data dimensionality in general, this is particularly true for plant biology. Plants as sessile organisms have to cope with environmental fluctuations. This typically results in strong dynamics of metabolite and protein concentrations which are often challenging to quantify. Summarizing experimental output results in complex data arrays, which need computational statistics and numerical methods for building quantitative models. Experimental findings need to be combined by computational models to gain a mechanistic understanding of plant metabolism. For this, bioinformatics and mathematics need to be combined with experimental setups in physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. This review presents and discusses concepts at the interface of experiment and computation, which are likely to shape current and future plant biology. Finally, this interface is discussed with regard to its capabilities and limitations to develop a quantitative model of plant-environment interactions.

Predictive Chromatography of Leaf Extracts Through Encoded Environmental Forcing on Phytochemical Synthesis.

Environment fluctuations can influence a plant's phytochemical profile via phenotypic plasticity. This adaptive response ensures a plant's survival under fluctuating growth conditions. However, the resulting plant extract composition becomes unpredictable, which is a problem for highly standardized medicinal applications. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the feasibility of tracking the changes in the phytochemical profile based on real-time measurements of a few environment and extract-preparation variables. As a result, we predicted the chromatograms of Blumea balsamifera extracts through an imputation-augmented convolutional neural network, which uses the image-transformed temporal measurements of the variables. We developed a sensor network that collected data in a greenhouse and a training algorithm that concurrently generated a data representation of the implicit plant-environment interactions leading to the mutable chromatograms of leaf extracts. We anticipate the generic applicability of the method for any plant and recognize its potential for addressing the standardization problems in plant therapeutics.

Structural and histochemical attributes of secretory ducts and cavities in leaves of four species of Calophyllaceae J. Agardh in Amazonian savannas.

This study represents an important contribution to the structural, histochemical and biological understanding of ducts and cavities in leaves of four species of Calophyllaceae that occur in Amazonian savannas. Samples of adult leaves were processed using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as per usual methods for plant anatomy. In paradermal sections, the lumina of ducts are elongated while those of cavities are short. Ducts occur exclusively in the central rib and are abundant in Kielmeyera rubriflora Cambess and Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. and Zucc and larger than in Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess and Caraipa densifolia Mart. In mesophyll, the type of secretory structure and distribution pattern of the ducts and cavities are distinct. In most species, the secreted metabolites are similar and consist of phenolic compounds, lipids, essential oils with oleoresins, mucilage, neutral polysaccharides, proteins and alkaloids, except in K. coriacea, which does not contain oleoresin. The secretion is probably synthesized by mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes and dictyosomes and is externalized toward the lumen by granulocrine and eccrine processes. In addition to being of diagnostic value for species identification, the attributes of the lumen shape, type of secretory structure, distribution pattern, identified metabolites and secretion mechanism are important for understanding the biological roles of ducts and cavities. The identified metabolites reveal a capacity for adaptation, resistance and protection from the action of herbivores and pathogens, and in water retention.