Chilling or chemical induction of dormancy release in blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) buds is associated with characteristic shifts in metabolite profiles.

This study reveals striking differences in the content and composition of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds in blackcurrant buds (Ribes nigrum L., cv. Ben Klibreck) resulting from winter chill or chemical dormancy release following treatment with ERGER, a biostimulant used to promote uniform bud break. Buds exposed to high winter chill exhibited widespread shifts in metabolite profiles relative to buds that experience winter chill by growth under plastic. Specifically, extensive chilling resulted in significant reductions in storage lipids and phospholipids, and increases in galactolipids relative to buds that experienced lower chill. Similarly, buds exposed to greater chill exhibited higher levels of many amino acids and dipeptides, and nucleotides and nucleotide phosphates than those exposed to lower chilling hours. Low chill buds (IN) subjected to ERGER treatment exhibited shifts in metabolite profiles similar to those resembling high chill buds that were evident as soon as 3 days after treatment. We hypothesise that chilling induces a metabolic shift which primes bud outgrowth by mobilising lipophilic energy reserves, enhancing phosphate availability by switching from membrane phospholipids to galactolipids and enhancing the availability of free amino acids for de novo protein synthesis by increasing protein turnover. Our results additionally suggest that ERGER acts at least in part by priming metabolism for bud outgrowth. Finally, the metabolic differences presented highlight the potential for developing biochemical markers for dormancy status providing an alternative to time-consuming forcing experiments.

The Response of Hormones, Reactive Oxygen Species and Nitric Oxide in the Polyethylene-Glycol-Promoted, Salt-Alkali-Stress-Induced Embryo Germination of Sorbus pohuashanensis.

Polyethylene glycol can abrogate plant seed dormancy and alleviate salt-alkali stress damage to plants, but its role in embryonic dormancy abrogation and germination in Sorbus pohuashanensis is not yet clear. The mechanism by which polyethylene glycol promotes the release of embryonic dormancy may be related to the synthesis and metabolism of endogenous hormones, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen. In this article, germination in indoor culture dishes was used, and the most suitable conditions for treating S. pohuashanensis embryos, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), were selected. Germination was observed and recorded, and related physiological indicators such as endogenous hormones, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen were measured and analyzed to elucidate the mechanism of polyethylene glycol in alleviating salt-alkali stress in S. pohuashanensis embryos. The results showed that soaking seeds in 5% PEG for 5 days is the best condition to promote germination, which can increase the germination rate of embryos under salt-alkali stress by 1-2 times and improve indicators such as germination speed and the germination index. Polyethylene glycol led to an increase in gibberellin (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ethylene (ETH), cytokinin (CTK), nitric oxide (NO), soluble protein and soluble sugar in the embryos under salt-alkali stress; increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the embryos; a reduction in the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Therefore, it is suggested that the inhibitory effect of polyethylene glycol on the salt-alkali-stress-induced germination of S. pohuashanensis embryos is closely related to the response of endogenous hormones, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide signalling.

Overexpression of a wheat α-amylase type 2 impact on starch metabolism and abscisic acid sensitivity during grain germination.

Despite being of vital importance for seed establishment and grain quality, starch degradation remains poorly understood in organs such as cereal or legume seeds. In cereals, starch degradation requires the synergetic action of different isoforms of α-amylases. Ubiquitous overexpression of TaAmy2 resulted in a 2.0-437.6-fold increase of total α-amylase activity in developing leaf and harvested grains. These increases led to dramatic alterations of starch visco-properties and augmentation of soluble carbohydrate levels (mainly sucrose and α-gluco-oligosaccharide) in grain. Interestingly, the overexpression of TaAMY2 led to an absence of dormancy in ripened grain due to abscisic acid (ABA) insensitivity. Using an allosteric α-amylase inhibitor (acarbose), we demonstrated that ABA insensitivity was due to the increased soluble carbohydrate generated by the α-amylase excess. Independent from the TaAMY2 overexpression, inhibition of α-amylase during germination led to the accumulation of soluble α-gluco-oligosaccharides without affecting the first stage of germination. These findings support the hypotheses that (i) endosperm sugar may overcome ABA signalling and promote sprouting, and (ii) α-amylase may not be required for the initial stage of grain germination, an observation that questions the function of the amylolytic enzyme in the starch degradation process during germination.

Identification of potential post-ethylene events in the signaling cascade induced by stimuli of bud dormancy release in grapevine.

Ethylene signaling appears critical for grape bud dormancy release. We therefore focused on identification and characterization of potential downstream targets and events, assuming that they participate in the regulation of dormancy release. Because ethylene responding factors (ERF) are natural candidates for targets of ethylene signaling, we initially characterized the behavior of two VvERF-VIIs, which we identified within a gene set induced by dormancy release stimuli. As expected, these VvERF-VIIs are localized within the nucleus, and are stabilized upon decreases in oxygen availability within the dormant buds. Less expected, the proteins are also stabilized upon hydrogen cyanamide (HC) application under normoxic conditions, and their levels peak at deepest dormancy under vineyard conditions. We proceeded to catalog the response of all bud-expressed ERFs, and identified additional ERFs that respond similarly to ethylene, HC, azide and hypoxia. We also identified a core set of genes that are similarly affected by treatment with ethylene and with various dormancy release stimuli. Interestingly, the functional annotations of this core set center around response to energy crisis and renewal of energy resources via autophagy-mediated catabolism. Because ERF-VIIs are stabilized under energy shortage and reshape cell metabolism to allow energy regeneration, we propose that: (i) the availability of VvERF-VIIs is a consequence of an energy crisis within the bud; (ii) VvERF-VIIs function as part of an energy-regenerating mechanism, which activates anaerobic metabolism and autophagy-mediated macromolecule catabolism; and (iii) activation of catabolism serves as the mandatory switch and the driving force for activation of the growth-inhibited meristem during bud-break.

miR169 and PmRGL2 synergistically regulate the NF-Y complex to activate dormancy release in Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.).

KEY MESSAGE: This study is the first to demonstrate that GA4-induced dormancy release is associated with the NF-Y complex, which interacts with gibberellin inhibitor RGL2 in Japanese apricot. Seasonal dormancy is not only vital for the survival in cold winter but also affects flowering of temperate fruit trees and the dormancy release depends on the accumulation of the cold temperatures (Chilling requirement-CR). To understand the mechanism of dormancy release in deciduous fruit crops, we compared miRNA sequencing data during the transition stage from paradormancy to dormancy release in the Japanese apricot and found that the miR169 family showed significant differentially up-regulated expression during dormancy induction and was down-regulated during the dormancy release periods. The 5' RACE assay and RT-qPCR validated its target gene NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y subunit A (NF-YA), which exhibited the opposite expression pattern. Further study showed that exogenous GA4 could inhibit the expression of the gibberellic acid (GA) signal transduction suppressor PmRGL2 (RGA-LIKE 2) and promote the expression of NF-Y. Moreover, the interaction between the NF-Y family and GA inhibitor PmRGL2 was verified by the yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) system and a bimolecular fluorescence complementarity (BiFC) experiment. These results suggest that synergistic regulation of the NF-Y and PmRGL2 complex leads to the activation of dormancy release induced by GA4. These findings will help to elucidate the functional and regulatory roles of miR169 and NF-Y complex in seasonal bud dormancy induced by GA in Japanese apricot and provide new insights for the discovery of dormancy release mechanisms in woody plants.

Rice GERMIN-LIKE PROTEIN 2-1 Functions in Seed Dormancy under the Control of Abscisic Acid and Gibberellic Acid Signaling Pathways.

Seed dormancy is a natural phenomenon in plants. It ensures that seeds complete the grain-filling stage before germination and prevents germination in unsuitable ecological conditions. In this study, we determined the previously unknown function of the rice (Oryza sativa) gene GERMIN-LIKE PROTEIN 2-1 (OsGLP2-1) in seed dormancy. Using artificial microRNA and CRISPR/CAS9 approaches, suppression of OsGLP2-1 expression in rice resulted in the release of dormancy in immature seeds. Conversely, overexpression of OsGLP2-1 driven by the OsGLP2-1 native promoter led to greater seed dormancy. Seed scutellum-specific expression of OsGLP2-1 was increased by exogenous abscisic acid, but decreased with gibberellic acid treatment. We provide evidence that OsGLP2-1 is antagonistically controlled at the transcriptional level by ABA INSENSITIVE5 and GAMYB transcription factors. We conclude that OsGLP2-1 acts as a buffer, maintaining appropriate equilibrium for the regulation of primary dormancy during seed development in rice.

Developmental analysis of the early steps in strigolactone-mediated axillary bud dormancy in rice.

By contrast with rapid progress in understanding the mechanisms of biosynthesis and signaling of strigolactone (SL), mechanisms by which SL inhibits axillary bud outgrowth are less well understood. We established a rice (Oryza sativa L.) hydroponic culture system to observe axillary buds at the critical point when the buds enter the dormant state. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that cell division stops in the leaf primordia of the buds entering dormancy. We compared transcriptomes in the axillary buds isolated by laser capture microdissection before and after entering the dormant state and identified genes that are specifically upregulated or downregulated in dormant buds respectively, in SL-mediated axillary bud dormancy. Typically, cell cycle genes and ribosomal genes are included among the active genes while abscisic acid (ABA)-inducible genes are among the dormant genes. Application of ABA to the hydroponic culture suppressed the growth of axillary buds of SL mutants to the same level as wild-type (WT) buds. Tiller number was decreased in the transgenic lines overexpressing OsNCED1, the gene that encodes ABA biosynthesis enzyme. These results indicated that the main site of SL function is the leaf primordia in the axillary bud and that ABA is involved in SL-mediated axillary bud dormancy.

ABA-responsive ABRE-BINDING FACTOR3 activates DAM3 expression to promote bud dormancy in Asian pear.

Bud dormancy is indispensable for the survival of perennial plants in cold winters. Abscisic acid (ABA) has essential functions influencing the endo-dormancy status. Dormancy-associated MADS-box/SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE-like genes function downstream of the ABA signalling pathway to regulate bud dormancy. However, the regulation of DAM/SVP expression remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we confirmed that endo-dormancy maintenance and PpyDAM3 expression are controlled by the ABA content in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) buds. The expression of pear ABRE-BINDING FACTOR3 (PpyABF3) was positively correlated with PpyDAM3 expression. Furthermore, PpyABF3 directly bound to the second ABRE in the PpyDAM3 promoter to activate its expression. Interestingly, both PpyABF3 and PpyDAM3 repressed the cell division and growth of transgenic pear calli. Another ABA-induced ABF protein, PpyABF2, physically interacted with PpyABF3 and disrupted the activation of the PpyDAM3 promoter by PpyABF3, indicating DAM expression was precisely controlled. Additionally, our results suggested that the differences in the PpyDAM3 promoter in two pear cultivars might be responsible for the diversity in the chilling requirements. In summary, our data clarify the finely tuned regulatory mechanism underlying the effect of ABA on DAM gene expression and provide new insights into ABA-related bud dormancy regulation.

Type-B cytokinin response regulators link hormonal stimuli and molecular responses during the transition from endo- to ecodormancy in apple buds.

KEY MESSAGE: Cytokinin together with MdoBRR1, MdoBRR8 and MdoBRR10 genes participate in the downregulation of MdoDAM1, contributing to the transition from endo- to ecodormancy in apple buds. The final step of cytokinin (CK) signaling pathway culminates in the activation of type-B response regulators (BRRs), important transcriptional factors in the modulation of CK-responsive genes. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis aiming to identify apple BRR family members and understand their involvement in bud dormancy control. The investigation identified ten MdoBRR protein-coding genes. A higher expression of three MdoBRR (MdoBRR1, MdoBRR9 and MdoBRR10) was observed in dormant buds in comparison to other developmental stages. Interestingly, in ecodormant buds these three MdoBRR genes were upregulated in a CK-dependent manner. Transcription profiles, determined during dormancy cycle under field and artificially controlled conditions, revealed that MdoBRR1 and MdoBRR8 played important roles in the transition from endo- to ecodormancy, probably mediated by endogenous CK stimuli. The expression of MdoBRR7, MdoBRR9, and MdoBRR10 was induced in ecodormant buds exposed to warm temperatures, indicating a putative role in growth resumption after chilling requirement fulfillment. Contrasting expression patternsin vivo between MdoBRRs and MdoDAM1, an essential dormancy establishment regulator, were observed during dormancy cycle and in CK-treated buds. Thereafter, in vivo transactivation assays showed that CK stimuli combined with transient overexpression of MdoBRR1, MdoBRR8, and MdoBRR10 resulted in downregulation of the reporter gene gusA driven by the MdoDAM1 promoter. These pieces of evidences point to the integration of CK-triggered responses through MdoBRRs that are able to downregulate MdoDAM1, contributing to dormancy release in apple.

Alleviating dormancy in Brassica oleracea seeds using NO and KAR1 with ethylene biosynthetic pathway, ROS and antioxidant enzymes modifications.

BACKGROUND: Seed dormancy is a prevailing condition in which seeds are unable to germinate, even under favorable environmental conditions. Harvested Brassica oleracea (Chinese cabbage) seeds are dormant and normally germinate (poorly) at 21 °C. This study investigated the connections between ethylene, nitric oxide (NO), and karrikin 1 (KAR1) in the dormancy release of secondary dormant Brassica oleracea seeds. RESULTS: NO and KAR1 were found to induce seed germination, and stimulated the production of ethylene and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), and both ethylene biosynthesis enzyme ACC oxidase (ACO) [1] and ACC synthase (ACS) [2]. In the presence of NO and KAR1, ACS and ACO activity reached maximum levels after 36 and 48 h, respectively. The inhibitor of ethylene 2,5-norbornadiene (NBD) had an adverse effect on Brassica oleracea seed germination (inhibiting nearly 50% of germination) in the presence of NO and KAR1. The benefits from NO and KAR1 in the germination of secondary dormant Brassica oleracea seeds were also associated with a marked increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) (H2O2 and O2˙-) and antioxidant enzyme activity at early germination stages. Catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity increased 2 d and 4 d, respectively, after treatment, while no significant changes were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity under NO and KAR1 applications. An increase in H2O2 and O2˙- levels were observed during the entire incubation period, which increasing ethylene production in the presence of NO and KAR1. Abscisic acid (ABA) contents decreased and glutathione reductase (GA) contents increased in the presence of NO and KAR1. Gene expression studies were carried out with seven ethylene biosynthesis ACC synthases (ACS) genes, two ethylene receptors (ETR) genes and one ACO gene. Our results provide more evidence for the involvement of ethylene in inducing seed germination in the presence of NO and KAR1. Three out of seven ethylene biosynthesis genes (BOACS7, BOACS9 and BOACS11), two ethylene receptors (BOETR1 and BOETR2) and one ACO gene (BOACO1) were up-regulated in the presence of NO and KAR1. CONCLUSION: Consequently, ACS activity, ACO activity and the expression of different ethylene related genes increased, modified the ROS level, antioxidant enzyme activity, and ethylene biosynthesis pathway and successfully removed (nearly 98%) of the seed dormancy of secondary dormant Brassica olereace seeds after 7 days of NO and KAR1 application.

Involvement of ethylene biosynthesis and perception during germination of dormant Avena fatua L. caryopses induced by KAR1 or GA3.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Germination of primary dormant wild oat caused by KAR1 or GA3 is associated with ACC accumulation and increased ethylene production shortly before radicle protrusion as a result of the non-transcriptional and transcriptional activation of ACS and ACO enzymes, respectively. Response to both compounds involves the modulation of ethylene sensitivity through ethylene receptor genes. Harvested Avena fatua caryopses are primary dormant and, therefore, germinated poorly at 20 °C. Karrikin 1 (KAR1), which action probably requires endogenous gibberellins (GAs), and gibberellin A3 (GA3) was found to induce dormant caryopses to germinate. The stimulatory effects were accompanied by the activation of the ethylene biosynthesis pathway and depended on undisturbed ethylene perception. KAR1 and GA3 promoted 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) accumulation during coleorhizae emergence and ethylene production shortly prior to the radicle protrusion, which resulted from the enhanced activity of two ethylene biosynthesis enzymes, ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO). The inhibitor of ACS adversely affected beneficial impacts of both KAR1 and GA3 on A. fatua caryopses germination, while the inhibitor of ACO more efficiently impeded the GA3 effect. The inhibitors of ethylene action markedly lowered germination in response to KAR1 and GA3. Gene expression studies preceded by the identification of several genes related to ethylene biosynthesis (AfACS6, AfACO1, and AfACO5) and perception (AfERS1b, AfERS1c, AfERS2, AfETR2, AfETR3, and AfETR4) provided further evidence for the engagement of ethylene in KAR1 and GA3 induced germination of A. fatua caryopses. Both AfACO1 and AfACO5 were upregulated, whereas AfACS6 remained unaffected by the treatment. This suggests the existence of different regulatory mechanisms of enzymatic activity, transcriptional for ACO and non-transcriptional for ACS. During imbibition in water, AfERS1b was stronger expressed than other receptor genes. In the presence of KAR1 or GA3, the expression of AfETR3 was substantially induced. Differential expression of ethylene receptor genes implies the modulation of caryopses sensitivity adjusted to ethylene availability and suggests the functional diversification of individual receptors.

Nitric Oxide-Induced Dormancy Removal of Apple Embryos Is Linked to Alterations in Expression of Genes Encoding ABA and JA Biosynthetic or Transduction Pathways and RNA Nitration.

Short-term (3 h) treatment of embryos isolated from dormant apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) seeds with NO donors stimulates their transition from dormancy to germination. Seed dormancy is maintained by ABA, while germination is controlled mainly by gibberellins (GAs) and jasmonic acid (JA). NO-induced dormancy removal correlates with low ABA concentration in embryonic axes and reduced embryo sensitivity to ABA. We analyzed the expression of genes encoding key enzymes of ABA degradation (CYP707A1, CYP707A2), biosynthesis (NCED3, NCED9), and elements of the ABA transduction pathway (PYL1, PYL2, RCAR1, RCAR3, PP2CA, ABI1, ABI2, SNRK2, ABI5, AREB3, ABF). A role for JA in the regulation of germination led us to investigate the expression of genes encoding enzymes of JA biosynthesis (AOS1, JMT, JAR1) and the transduction pathway (COI1, MYC2, JAZ3, JAZ12). The expression profiles of the genes were estimated in embryonic axes isolated from dormant or NO fumigated apple embryos. The analyzed genes were differentially regulated during dormancy alleviation, the main modifications in the transcription level were detected for NCED3, NCED9, CYP707A2, RCAR1, ABF, AOS1, JMT, JAR1 and JAZ3. A regulatory role of NO in the removal of seed dormancy is associated with the stimulation of expression of genes related to ABA degradation, down-regulation of genes responsible for ABA synthesis, an increase of expression level of genes engaged in JA synthesis and modification of the expression of genes engaged in signaling pathways of the hormones. To confirm a signaling role of NO during dormancy breakage, an increased RNA nitration level in embryonic axes was demonstrated.

Molecular mechanism of seed dormancy release induced by fluridone compared with cod stratification in Notopterygium incisum.

BACKGROUND: Notopterygium incisum is an important Chinese medicinal plant. Its mature seeds have underdeveloped embryos and are physiological dormant. We found the seeds with full developed embryos can germinate after treated by fluridone (FL), an inhibitor of abscisic acid (ABA). In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying seed dormancy release by FL, we compared the transcriptomic changes in dormancy release induced by two different methods, FL and cold stratification (CS) in N. incisum. We further analyzed the gene expression patterns involved in seed germination and dormancy using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. RESULTS: RNA-sequence analysis revealed more dramatic changes in the transcriptomes of FL than those in CS, particularly for genes involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of gibberellins (GAs) and ABA. The down-regulation of ABA biosynthesis genes and the dramatic up-regulation of NiCYP707As, an ABA catabolic gene, contributed to the reduced ABA levels in FL. The increased GA3 levels in CS-treated seeds were due to the up-regulation of NiGA3OX. Both NiABI5 (a positive ABA regulator) and NiGAI (a negative regulator of GA) were down-regulated in FL and CS. The upregulation of strigolactones (SLs; the metabolites with the same precursor as ABA) biosynthesis and regulatory genes in both FL- and CS-treated seeds indicates that SLs contribute positively to seed dormancy release in N. incisum. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that FL- and CS-seed dormancy release possibly depends on two totally different mechanisms: alleviation of the effects of ABA and potentiation of the effects of GA, respectively. However, NiABI5 and NiGAI probably function as common factors integrating the effects of ABA and GA on seed dormancy release.

Storage lipid accumulation is controlled by photoperiodic signal acting via regulators of growth cessation and dormancy in hybrid aspen.

The signalling pathways that control seasonal modulation of carbon metabolism in perennial plants are poorly understood. Using genetic, metabolic and natural variation approaches, we identify factors mediating photoperiodic control of storage lipid accumulation in the model tree hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides). We characterized lipid accumulation in transgenic hybrid aspen with impaired photoperiodic and hormonal responses. Genome-wide association mapping was performed in Swedish aspen (P. tremula) genotypes to determine genetic loci associated with genotype variation in lipid content. Our data show that the storage lipid triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulates in cambial meristem and pith rays of aspen in response to photoperiodic signal controlling growth cessation and dormancy induction. We show that photoperiodic control of TAG accumulation is mediated by the FLOWERING LOCUS T/CONSTANS module, which also controls the induction of growth cessation. Hormonal and chromatin remodelling pathways also contribute to TAG accumulation by photoperiodic signal. Natural variation exists in lipid accumulation that is controlled by input from multiple loci. Our data shed light on how the control of storage metabolism is temporally coordinated with growth cessation and dormancy by photoperiodic signal, and reveals that storage lipid accumulation between seeds and perennating organs of trees may involve distinct regulatory circuits.

Combined transcriptome and translatome analyses reveal a role for tryptophan-dependent auxin biosynthesis in the control of DOG1-dependent seed dormancy.

The importance of translational regulation during Arabidopsis seed germination has been shown previously. Here the role of transcriptional and translational regulation during seed imbibition of the very dormant DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1) near-isogenic line was investigated. Polysome profiling was performed on dormant and after-ripened seeds imbibed for 6 and 24 h in water and in the transcription inhibitor cordycepin. Transcriptome and translatome changes were investigated. Ribosomal profiles of after-ripened seeds imbibed in cordycepin mimic those of dormant seeds. The polysome occupancy of mRNA species is not affected by germination inhibition, either as a result of seed dormancy or as a result of cordycepin treatment, indicating the importance of the regulation of transcript abundance. The expression of auxin metabolism genes is discriminative during the imbibition of after-ripened and dormant seeds, which is confirmed by altered concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid conjugates and precursors.

Zebularine treatment is associated with deletion of FT-B1 leading to an increase in spikelet number in bread wheat.

The number of rachis nodes (spikelets) on a wheat spike is a component of grain yield that correlates with flowering time. The genetic basis regulating flowering in cereals is well understood, but there are reports that flowering time can be modified at a high frequency by selective breeding, suggesting that it may be regulated by both epigenetic and genetic mechanisms. We investigated the role of DNA methylation in regulating spikelet number and flowering time by treating a semi-spring wheat with the demethylating agent, Zebularine. Three lines with a heritable increase in spikelet number were identified. The molecular basis for increased spikelet number was not determined in 2 lines, but the phenotype showed non-Mendelian inheritance, suggesting that it could have an epigenetic basis. In the remaining line, the increased spikelet phenotype behaved as a Mendelian recessive trait and late flowering was associated with a deletion encompassing the floral promoter, FT-B1. Deletion of FT-B1 delayed the transition to reproductive growth, extended the duration of spike development, and increased spikelet number under different temperature regimes and photoperiod. Transiently disrupting DNA methylation can generate novel flowering behaviour in wheat, but these changes may not be sufficiently stable for use in breeding programs.

Heat stress affects carbohydrate metabolism during cold-induced sweetening of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Tolerance to heat stress for retention of low-temperature sweetening-resistant phenotype in potato is conferred by insensitivity of acid invertase activity to cold induction. Heat stress exacerbated cold sweetening (buildup of reducing sugars) of the LTS (low-temperature sweetening)-susceptible potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars, Ranger Russet and Russet Burbank, and completely abolished the resistance to cold sweetening in the LTS-resistant cultivars/clones, Sage Russet, GemStar Russet, POR06V12-3 and A02138-2. Payette Russet and EGA09702-2, however, demonstrated considerable tolerance to heat stress for retention of their LTS-resistant phenotype. Heat-primed Payette Russet and EGA09702-2 tubers accumulated fourfold more sucrose when subsequently stored at 4 °C, while reducing sugar concentrations also increased marginally but remained low relative to the non-heat-tolerant LTS-resistant clones, resulting in light-colored fries. By contrast, sucrose concentrations in heat-primed tubers of the non-heat-tolerant clones remained unchanged during LTS, but reducing sugars increased fivefold, resulting in darkening of processed fries. Acid invertase activity increased in the LTS-susceptible and non-heat-tolerant LTS-resistant cultivars/clones during cold storage. However, Payette Russet tubers maintained very low invertase activity regardless of heat stress and cold storage treatments, as was the case for Innate® Russet Burbank (W8) tubers, where silenced invertase conferred robust tolerance to heat stress for retention of LTS-resistant phenotype. Importantly, heat-stressed tubers of Payette Russet, EGA09702-2 and Innate® Russet Burbank (W8) demonstrated similar low reducing sugar and high sucrose-accumulating phenotypes when stored at 4 °C. Tolerance to heat stress for retention of LTS-resistant phenotype in Payette Russet and likely its maternal parent, EGA09702-2, is, therefore, conferred by the ability to maintain low invertase activity during cold storage of heat-stressed tubers.

Transcriptome and Degradome Sequencing Reveals Dormancy Mechanisms of Cunninghamia lanceolata Seeds.

Seeds with physiological dormancy usually experience primary and secondary dormancy in the nature; however, little is known about the differential regulation of primary and secondary dormancy. We combined multiple approaches to investigate cytological changes, hormonal levels, and gene expression dynamics in Cunninghamia lanceolata seeds during primary dormancy release and secondary dormancy induction. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that protein bodies in the embryo cells coalesced during primary dormancy release and then separated during secondary dormancy induction. Transcriptomic profiling demonstrated that expression of genes negatively regulating gibberellic acid (GA) sensitivity reduced specifically during primary dormancy release, whereas the expression of genes positively regulating abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis increased during secondary dormancy induction. Parallel analysis of RNA ends revealed uncapped transcripts for ∼55% of all unigenes. A negative correlation between fold changes in expression levels of uncapped versus capped mRNAs was observed during primary dormancy release. However, this correlation was loose during secondary dormancy induction. Our analyses suggest that the reversible changes in cytology and gene expression during dormancy release and induction are related to ABA/GA balance. Moreover, mRNA degradation functions as a critical posttranscriptional regulator during primary dormancy release. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for understanding physiological dormancy in seeds.

A laboratory simulation of Arabidopsis seed dormancy cycling provides new insight into its regulation by clock genes and the dormancy-related genes DOG1, MFT, CIPK23 and PHYA.

Environmental signals drive seed dormancy cycling in the soil to synchronize germination with the optimal time of year, a process essential for species' fitness and survival. Previous correlation of transcription profiles in exhumed seeds with annual environmental signals revealed the coordination of dormancy-regulating mechanisms with the soil environment. Here, we developed a rapid and robust laboratory dormancy cycling simulation. The utility of this simulation was tested in two ways: firstly, using mutants in known dormancy-related genes [DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1), MOTHER OF FLOWERING TIME (MFT), CBL-INTERACTING PROTEIN KINASE 23 (CIPK23) and PHYTOCHROME A (PHYA)] and secondly, using further mutants, we test the hypothesis that components of the circadian clock are involved in coordination of the annual seed dormancy cycle. The rate of dormancy induction and relief differed in all lines tested. In the mutants, dog1-2 and mft2, dormancy induction was reduced but not absent. DOG1 is not absolutely required for dormancy. In cipk23 and phyA dormancy, induction was accelerated. Involvement of the clock in dormancy cycling was clear when mutants in the morning and evening loops of the clock were compared. Dormancy induction was faster when the morning loop was compromised and delayed when the evening loop was compromised.

Effects of Parental Temperature and Nitrate on Seed Performance are Reflected by Partly Overlapping Genetic and Metabolic Pathways.

Seed performance is affected by the seed maturation environment, and previously we have shown that temperature, nitrate and light intensity were the most influential environmental factors affecting seed performance. Seeds developed in these environments were selected to assess the underlying metabolic pathways, using a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics. These analyses revealed that the effects of the parental temperature and nitrate environments were reflected by partly overlapping genetic and metabolic networks, as indicated by similar changes in the expression levels of metabolites and transcripts. Nitrogen metabolism-related metabolites (asparagine, γ-aminobutyric acid and allantoin) were significantly decreased in both low temperature (15 °C) and low nitrate (N0) maturation environments. Correspondingly, nitrogen metabolism genes (ALLANTOINASE, NITRATE REDUCTASE 1, NITRITE REDUCTASE 1 and NITRILASE 4) were differentially regulated in the low temperature and nitrate maturation environments, as compared with control conditions. High light intensity during seed maturation increased galactinol content, and displayed a high correlation with seed longevity. Low light had a genotype-specific effect on cell surface-encoding genes in the DELAY OF GERMINATION 6-near isogenic line (NILDOG6). Overall, the integration of phenotypes, metabolites and transcripts led to new insights into the regulation of seed performance.