Moxibustion with seed-size moxa cones alleviates colonic injury in mice with ulcerative colitis by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. / 麦粒灸调控TLR4/MyD88/NF-κBä¿¡å·é€šè·¯å‡è½»æºƒç–¡æ€§ç»“è‚ ç‚Žå°é¼ ç»“è‚ æŸä¼¤çš„æœºåˆ¶ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of moxibustion with seed-size moxa cones on the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC), so as to explore the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion with seed-size moxa cones on colonic injury in UC. METHODS: Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, moxibustion group, and western medicine group, with 10 mice in each group. The UC mouse model was established by 3% DSS solution by free drinking for 7 consecutive days. Mice in the moxibustion group were treated with seed-size moxa cones at "Zhongwan"(CV12), "Tianshu"(ST25) and "Shangjuxu"(ST37), 3 moxa cones per point, with each cone applied for approximately 30 s, while mice in the western medicine group were orally administered with 300 mg/kg mesalazine solution, which were both conducted once a day for 7 consecutive days. The general condition of mice was observed every 2 days, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was calculated. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue in mice. ELISA was used to detect the serum interleukin(IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-8 contents. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in colonic tissue of mice. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 mRNAs in colonic tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, varying degrees of soft or watery stools were observed, colon length and body weight were decreased(P<0.01) in mice of the model group, while DAI score, colon weight index, mucosal damage score, colonic pathological score, serum IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 contents, positive expressions of TLR4 and MyD88, and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 mRNA expressions in colonic tissue were increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, improved fecal characteristics were observed, colon length and body weight were increased(P<0.01) in mice of the moxibustion group and western medicine group, while DAI scores, colon weight indexes, mucosal damage scores, colonic pathological score, serum contents of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, positive expressions of TLR4 and MyD88, and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 mRNA expressions in colonic tissue were decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the above indicators between the moxibustion group and the western medicine group. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion with seed-size moxa cones may alleviate colonic injury in UC mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the release of inflammatory factors.

Co-Occurrence of Fusarium and Alternaria Metabolites in Brewing Barley Monitored during Two Consecutive Years (2019-2020).

Known mycotoxins have been investigated for years. They have been included in legislation and are meticulously controlled in most cereals, cereal-related products, and raw materials of animal origin. However, there are still mycotoxins that need to be addressed by regulations and subsequently are not monitored but can still occur in relatively high concentrations. This research aimed to assess the occurrence of common Fusarium mycotoxins in hulled barley. Samples of hulled barley were treated in the field with two protective treatments, alongside a control sample sans treatment. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the occurrence of Alternaria mycotoxins in the chosen samples. The results have shown that Fusarium mycotoxins were mostly determined by climatic conditions (no mycotoxins in 2020, except siccanol). Most interesting was the appearance of infectopyron, an Alternaria toxin that was detected in all samples in 2019 and in the majority of samples in 2020. The highest concentration was detected in 2019 in hulled barley with 536 µg/kg, while in 2020, the highest concentration of this mycotoxin reached 350 µg/kg. These findings depict the need for further research on food safety regarding mycotoxins, and the need for additional changes in legislation. This investigation shows that fungicide application in rainy years cannot efficiently suppress mycotoxin production. Additionally, even in dry years, some of the mycotoxins not involved in legislation, such as infectopyron and siccanol, do not respond to the application of fungicides.

Breeding for an elite malting barley cultivar with acid soil tolerance.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the fourth most produced cereal crop in the world, but its productivity on acid soil has been restricted due to its high sensitivity to aluminum (Al) toxicity. The major gene controlling Al tolerance in barley is HvAACT1 (Al-activated citrate transporter 1), which is involved in citrate secretion from the roots for Al detoxification. Here we bred a malting barley cultivar with enhanced acid soil tolerance by introgression of a 1-kb transposon regulating the expression of HvAACT1 into an elite malting cultivar through multiple backcrossing and marker-assisted selection. The line selected showed increased expression of HvAACT1, enhanced citrate secretion from the roots and decreased Al binding to the roots. This line produced more than two to three times the grain yield compared with the original cultivar when grown on acidic soil, providing a potentially sustainable and economic way to boost productivity of malting barley cultivars in areas with acidic soil.

A missense mutation in the barley Xan-h gene encoding the Mg-chelatase subunit I leads to a viable pale green line with reduced daily transpiration rate.

KEY MESSAGE: The barley mutant xan-h.chli-1 shows phenotypic features, such as reduced leaf chlorophyll content and daily transpiration rate, typical of wild barley accessions and landraces adapted to arid climatic conditions. The pale green trait, i.e. reduced chlorophyll content, has been shown to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis and biomass accumulation when photosynthetic microorganisms and tobacco plants are cultivated at high densities. Here, we assess the effects of reducing leaf chlorophyll content in barley by altering the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway (CBP). To this end, we have isolated and characterised the pale green barley mutant xan-h.chli-1, which carries a missense mutation in the Xan-h gene for subunit I of Mg-chelatase (HvCHLI), the first enzyme in the CBP. Intriguingly, xan-h.chli-1 is the only known viable homozygous mutant at the Xan-h locus in barley. The Arg298Lys amino-acid substitution in the ATP-binding cleft causes a slight decrease in HvCHLI protein abundance and a marked reduction in Mg-chelatase activity. Under controlled growth conditions, mutant plants display reduced accumulation of antenna and photosystem core subunits, together with reduced photosystem II yield relative to wild-type under moderate illumination, and consistently higher than wild-type levels at high light intensities. Moreover, the reduced content of leaf chlorophyll is associated with a stable reduction in daily transpiration rate, and slight decreases in total biomass accumulation and water-use efficiency, reminiscent of phenotypic features of wild barley accessions and landraces that thrive under arid climatic conditions.

Influence of the Chemical Properties of Cereal Grains on the Structure and Metabolism of the Bacteriome of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Its Development: A Cause-Effect Analysis.

Rhyzopertha dominica causes significant economic losses in stored cereals. Insects' digestive tract microbiome is crucial for their development, metabolism, resistance, and digestion. This work aimed to test whether the different chemical properties of different wheat and barley grain cultivars cause disturbances in insect foraging and rearrangements of the structure of the R. dominica microbiome. The results indicated that grain cultivars significantly influence the microbiome, metabolism, and insect foraging. Most observed traits and microbiome structures were not correlated at the species level, as confirmed by ANOSIM (p = 0.441). However, the PLS-PM analysis revealed significant patterns within barley cultivars. The study found associations between C18:2 fatty acids, entomopathogenic bacteria, an impaired nitrogen cycle, lysine production of bacterial origin, and insect feeding. The antioxidant effects also showed trends towards impacting the microbiome and insect development. The findings suggest that manipulating grain chemical properties (increasing C18:2 and antioxidant levels) can influence the R. dominica microbiome, disrupting their foraging behaviours and adaptation to storage environments. This research supports the potential for breeding resistant cereals, offering an effective pest control strategy and reducing pesticide use in food production.

Identification and Functional Characterization of Abiotic Stress Tolerance-Related PLATZ Transcription Factor Family in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding proteins (PLATZs) are a novel category of plant-specific transcription factors involved in growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, the PLATZ gene family has not been identified in barley. In this study, a total of 11 HvPLATZs were identified in barley, and they were unevenly distributed on five of the seven chromosomes. The phylogenetic tree, incorporating PLATZs from Arabidopsis, rice, maize, wheat, and barley, could be classified into six clusters, in which HvPLATZs are absent in Cluster VI. HvPLATZs exhibited conserved motif arrangements with a characteristic PLATZ domain. Two segmental duplication events were observed among HvPLATZs. All HvPLATZs were core genes present in 20 genotypes of the barley pan-genome. The HvPLATZ5 coding sequences were conserved among 20 barley genotypes, whereas HvPLATZ4/9/10 exhibited synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); the remaining ones showed nonsynonymous variations. The expression of HvPLATZ2/3/8 was ubiquitous in various tissues, whereas HvPLATZ7 appeared transcriptionally silent; the remaining genes displayed tissue-specific expression. The expression of HvPLATZs was modulated by salt stress, potassium deficiency, and osmotic stress, with response patterns being time-, tissue-, and stress type-dependent. The heterologous expression of HvPLATZ3/5/6/8/9/10/11 in yeast enhanced tolerance to salt and osmotic stress, whereas the expression of HvPLATZ2 compromised tolerance. These results advance our comprehension and facilitate further functional characterization of HvPLATZs.

Bio-control of soil-borne virus infection by seed application of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Seed-application of the natural products protects sugar beet and wheat plants against infection with plasmodiophorid-transmitted viruses and thus may represent an efficient, environmentally friendly, easy and cost effective biocontrol strategy. In times of intensive agriculture, resource shortening and climate change, alternative, more sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection strategies are required. Here, we tested the potential of the natural plant substances Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf extract (GE) and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal (Rha) applied to seeds to protect against infection of sugar beet and wheat with soil-borne plant viruses. The soil-borne Polymyxa betae- and Polymyxa graminis-transmitted viruses cause extensive crop losses in agriculture and efficient control strategies are missing. We show that GE and Rha both efficiently protect plants against infection with soil-borne viruses in sugar beet and wheat when applied to seeds. Moreover, the antiviral protection effect is independent of the cultivar used. No protection against Polymyxa sp. was observed after seed treatment with the bio-substances at our analysis time points. However, when we applied the bio-substances directly to soil a significant anti-Polymyxa graminis effect was obtained in roots of barley plants grown in the soil as well as in the treated soil. Despite germination can be affected by high concentrations of the substances, a range of antiviral protection conditions with no effect on germination were identified. Seed-treatment with the bio-substances did not negatively affect plant growth and development in virus-containing soil, but was rather beneficial for plant growth. We conclude that seed treatment with GE and Rha may represent an efficient, ecologically friendly, non-toxic, easy to apply and cost efficient biocontrol measure against soil-borne virus infection in plants.

Unveiling the role of epigenetics in leaf senescence: a comparative study to identify different epigenetic regulations of senescence types in barley leaves.

BACKGROUND: Developmental leaf senescence (DLS) is an irreversible process followed by cell death. Dark-induced leaf senescence (DILS) is a reversible process that allows adaptations to changing environmental conditions. As a result of exposure to adverse environmental changes, plants have developed mechanisms that enable them to survive. One of these is the redirection of metabolism into the senescence pathway. The plant seeks to optimise resource allocation. Our research aims to demonstrate how epigenetic machinery regulates leaf senescence, including its irreversibility. RESULTS: In silico analyses allowed the complex identification and characterisation of 117 genes involved in epigenetic processes in barley. These genes include those responsible for DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes. We then performed RNAseq analysis after DILS and DLS to evaluate their expression in senescence-dependent leaf metabolism. Principal component analysis revealed that evaluated gene expression in developmental senescence was similar to controls, while induced senescence displayed a distinct profile. Western blot experiments revealed that senescence engages senescence-specific histone modification. During DILS and DLS, the methylation of histone proteins H3K4me3 and H3K9me2 increased. H3K9ac acetylation levels significantly decreased during DILS and remained unchanged during DLS. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified different epigenetic regulations of senescence types in barley leaves. These findings are valuable for exploring epigenetic regulation of senescence-related molecular mechanisms, particularly in response to premature, induced leaf senescence. Based on the results, we suggest the presence of an epigenetically regulated molecular switch between cell survival and cell death in DILS, highlighting an epigenetically driven cell survival metabolic response.

Master Regulatory Transcription Factors in ß-Aminobutyric Acid-Induced Resistance (BABA-IR): A Perspective on Phytohormone Biosynthesis and Signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana and Hordeum vulgare.

The endogenous stress metabolite ß-aminobutyric acid (BABA) primes plants for enhanced resistance against abiotic and biotic stress by activating a complex phytohormone signaling network that includes abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET). In this study, through stringent filtering, we identify 14 master regulatory transcription factors (TFs) from the DOF, AHL, and ERF families that potentially regulate the biosynthesis and signaling of these phytohormones. Transcriptional analysis of BABA-treated Arabidopsis thaliana and Hordeum vulgare suggests that DOF family TFs play a crucial role in stress response regulation in both species. BABA treatment in A. thaliana upregulates the TFs MNB1A and PBF and enhances the expression of the genes ICS1, EDS5, and WIN3 in the SA biosynthesis pathway, potentially boosting NPR1 and PR1 in the SA signaling pathway. Conversely, in H. vulgare, the BABA-induced upregulation of TF DOF5.8 may negatively regulate SA biosynthesis by downregulating ICS1, EDS5, and PR1. Additionally, in A. thaliana, BABA triggers the expression of TF PBF, which may result in the decreased expression of MYC2, a key gene in JA signaling. In contrast, H. vulgare exhibits increased expression of ERF2 TF, which could positively regulate the JA biosynthesis genes LOX and Tify9, along with the COI1 and JAZ genes involved in the JA signaling pathway. These findings offer new perspectives on the transcriptional regulation of phytohormones during plant priming.

Comparative Long Non-Coding Transcriptome Analysis of Three Contrasting Barley Varieties in Response to Aluminum Stress.

Aluminum toxicity is a major abiotic stress on acidic soils, leading to restricted root growth and reduced plant yield. Long non-coding RNAs are crucial signaling molecules regulating the expression of downstream genes, particularly under abiotic stress conditions. However, the extent to which lncRNAs participate in the response to aluminum (Al) stress in barley remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted RNA sequencing of root samples under aluminum stress and compared the lncRNA transcriptomes of two Tibetan wild barley genotypes, XZ16 (Al-tolerant) and XZ61 (Al-sensitive), as well as the aluminum-tolerant cultivar Dayton. In total, 268 lncRNAs were identified as aluminum-responsive genes on the basis of their differential expression profiles under aluminum treatment. Through target gene prediction analysis, we identified 938 candidate lncRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) pairs that function in a cis-acting manner. Subsequently, enrichment analysis showed that the genes targeted by aluminum-responsive lncRNAs were involved in diterpenoid biosynthesis, peroxisome function, and starch/sucrose metabolism. Further analysis of genotype differences in the transcriptome led to the identification of 15 aluminum-responsive lncRNAs specifically altered by aluminum stress in XZ16. The RNA sequencing data were further validated by RT-qPCR. The functional roles of lncRNA-mRNA interactions demonstrated that these lncRNAs are involved in the signal transduction of secondary messengers, and a disease resistance protein, such as RPP13-like protein 4, is probably involved in aluminum tolerance in XZ16. The current findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in aluminum tolerance and extend our knowledge of their importance in plant responses to aluminum stress.

The Emerging Fusarium graminearum NA3 Population Produces High Levels of Mycotoxins in Wheat and Barley.

Fusarium graminearum (Fg) is the primary causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, barley, and other small grains in North America and worldwide. FHB results in yield reduction and contaminates grain with mycotoxins that pose threats to human and livestock health. Three genetically distinct North American (NA) populations of Fg have been characterized, which are generally associated with differences in their predominant trichothecene chemotype: NA1/15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON), NA2/3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON), and NA3/3α-acetoxy, 7,15-dihydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene (NX-2). Recent studies found that the NA3 population had significantly less spread on point-inoculated wheat spikes than the NA1 and NA2 populations, and NX toxins are important for Fg spread and initial infection in wheat. In this follow-up study, to compare the effect of the three populations on initial infection and mycotoxin production on different hosts, we dip-inoculated spikes of the moderately resistant wheat cultivar Alsen and the susceptible barley cultivar Voyager using five strains from each population to evaluate disease, trichothecene mycotoxin accumulation, and trichothecene production per unit of fungal biomass. In dip-inoculated wheat spikes, the NA3 population produced significantly more trichothecene per unit of fungal biomass and accumulated higher levels of trichothecene per plant biomass than the NA1 and NA2 populations, regardless of the disease levels caused by the three populations. In contrast to its critical role during wheat infection, NX toxins had no effect on barley infection. In dip-inoculated barley, the NA1 population was more infectious and caused more severe FHB symptoms than the NA2 and NA3 populations; however, the NA3 population produced significantly higher toxin per unit of fungal biomass in infected barley tissues than the NA1 population. This study provides critical information on the emerging NA3 population, which produces high levels of NX toxin and poses a potential food safety concern.

Plant cultivation and diversity at the early neolithic settlement in Biskupice in Poland.

The emergence of the Linear Pottery Culture (LBK) during the Neolithic period within Polish territory 5400-4900 BC, introduced plant cultivation, yet the definitive list of cultivated species remains debated. This study examines plant assemblages (fruits, seeds, pollen, and spores) from the LBK settlement in Biskupice, southern Poland, aiming to identify cultivated and wild species used during the development of the first stable settlements in the Carpathian Foothills. Due to extensive sampling, Biskupice yielded over 11,000 macroscopic plant specimens, enabling detailed analysis of plant diversity, distribution, and implications for agrarian and dietary practices. The analysis revealed a focus on emmer and einkorn wheat cultivation, with barley playing a minor role, alongside evidence of flax and pulses. Radiocarbon dating supported the settlement's existence in the 6th millennium BCE, and confirmed the use of barley. However, a younger date excluded bread wheat cultivation at this site. The plant assemblage included a diverse array of herbaceous wild plants like black bindweed, fat hen and brome species, suggesting their economic use. Additionally, the presence of cockspur grass, linked with Southeast Asia, indicates alternative migration routes of weeds in Europe, as supported by radiocarbon dating. Palynological analysis suggests existence of nearby cereal plots or the processing of cereals at the settlement, supporting archaeological evidence.

Metabolomics, phytohormone and transcriptomics strategies to reveal the mechanism of barley heading date regulation to responds different photoperiod.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between heading date and flowering time significantly regulates grain filling and seed formation in barley and other crops, ultimately determining crop productivity. In this study, the transcriptome, hormone content detection, and metabolome analysis were performed systematically to analyze the regulatory mechanism of heading time in highland barley under different light conditions. The heading date of D18 (winter highland barley variety, Dongqing18) was later than that of K13 (vernal highland barley variety) under normal growth conditions or long-day (LD) treatment, while this situation will reverse with short-day (SD) treatment. RESULTS: The circadian rhythm plant, plant hormone signaling transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and photosynthesis-related pathways are significantly enriched in barley under SD and LD to influence heading time. In the plant circadian rhythm pathway, the key genes GI (Gigantea), PRR (Pesudoresponseregulator), FKF1 (Flavin-binding kelch pepeat F-Box 1), and FT (Flowering locus T) are identified as highly expressed in D18SD3 and K13SD2, while they are significantly down-regulated in K13SD3. These genes play an important role in regulating the heading date of D18 earlier than that of K13 under SD conditions. In photosynthesis-related pathways, a-b binding protein and RBS were highly expressed in K13LD3, while NADP-dependent malic enzyme, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, and triosephosphate isomerase were significantly expressed in D18SD3. In the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway, 41 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and related metabolites were identified as highly expressed and accumulated in D18SD3. The DEGs SAUR (Small auxin-up RNA), ARF (Auxin response factor), TIR1 (Transport inhibitor response 1), EIN3 (Ethylene-insensitive 3), ERS1 (Ethylene receptor gene), and JAZ1 (Jasmonate ZIM-domain) in the plant hormone pathway were significantly up-regulated in D18SD3. Compared with D18LD3, the content of N6-isopentenyladenine, indole-3-carboxylic acid, 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid, trans-zeatin, indole-3-carboxaldehyde, 1-O-indol-3-ylacetylglucose, and salicylic acid in D18SD3 also increased. The expression levels of vernalization genes (HvVRN1, HvVRN2, and HvVRN3), photoperiod genes (PPD), and PPDK (Pyruvate phosphate dikinase) that affect photosynthetic efficiency in barley are also analyzed, which play important regulatory roles in barley heading date. The WGCNA analysis of the metabolome data and circadian regulatory genes identified the key metabolites and candidate genes to regulate the heading time of barley in response to the photoperiod. CONCLUSION: These studies will provide a reference for the regulation mechanism of flowering and the heading date of highland barley.

The Influence of Barley Proteome on Hop Bitter Acid Yield during Brewing.

A persistent challenge in brewing is the efficient utilization of hop bitter acids, with about 50% of these compounds precipitating with trub during wort boiling. This study aims to uncover the correlation between the barley cultivar proteome and hop bitter acid utilization during wort boiling. Therefore, comparative experiments were conducted using two cultivars, Liga and Solist, with varying proteomes to identify specific proteins' role in hop bitter acids precipitation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure hop bitter acid content, while liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify and identify proteins. The 107 protein groups, particularly enzymes linked to barley metabolic defense mechanisms, exhibited significant differences between the two cultivars. Results revealed significantly lower α- and iso-α-acid content in wort produced from the barley cultivar Liga. This study highlights the critical role of the barley proteome in optimizing process efficiency by enhancing hop utilization through barley cultivar selection.

Characterization of core microbiota of barley seeds from different continents for origin tracing and quarantine pathogen assessment.

Seeds are important microbial vectors, and seed-associated pathogens can be introduced into a country through trade, resulting in yield and quality losses in agriculture. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial communities associated with barley seeds, and based on which, to develop technical approaches to trace their geographical origins, and to inspect and identify quarantine pathogens. Our analysis defined the core microbiota of barley seed and revealed significant differences in the barley seed-associated microbial communities among different continents, suggesting a strong geographic specificity of the barley seed microbiota. By implementing a machine learning model, we achieved over 95% accuracy in tracing the origin of barley seeds. Furthermore, the analysis of co-occurrence and exclusion patterns provided important insights into the identification of candidate biocontrol agents or microbial inoculants that could be useful in improving barley yield and quality. A core pathogen database was developed, and a procedure for inspecting potential quarantine species associated with barley seed was established. These approaches proved effective in detecting four fungal and three bacterial quarantine species for the first time in the port of China. This study not only characterized the core microbiota of barley seeds but also provided practical approaches for tracing the regional origin of barley and identifying potential quarantine pathogens.

Plant diversity drives positive microbial associations in the rhizosphere enhancing carbon use efficiency in agricultural soils.

Expanding and intensifying agriculture has led to a loss of soil carbon. As agroecosystems cover over 40% of Earth's land surface, they must be part of the solution put in action to mitigate climate change. Development of efficient management practices to maximize soil carbon retention is currently limited, in part, by a poor understanding of how plants, which input carbon to soil, and microbes, which determine its fate there, interact. Here we implement a diversity gradient by intercropping undersown species with barley in a large field trial, ranging from one to eight undersown species. We find that increasing plant diversity strengthens positive associations within the rhizosphere soil microbial community in relation to negative associations. These associations, in turn, enhance community carbon use efficiency. Jointly, our results highlight how increasing plant diversity in agriculture can be used as a management strategy to enhance carbon retention potential in agricultural soils.

A short stature allele enhances tolerance to zinc deficiency and translocation of zinc in barley.

Background: Zinc (Zn) content is of great importance in healthy human diet, crop productivity and stress tolerance in soils with zinc deficiency. The genes used to increase yield per unit area such as semi-dwarf 1 (sdw1) is commonly considered to reduce mineral content of grain. Methods: In the present study, influence of sdw1.d, a widely used allele for short plant height in barley breeding, on zinc accumulation and tolerance to zinc deficiency were investigated. A near isogenic line of sdw1.d allele, its recurrent parent Tokak 157/37 and donor parent Triumph were grown in zinc-deficient and-sufficient hydroponic cultures. Two experiments were conducted until heading stage and physiological maturity. Results: In zinc-deficient conditions, sdw1.d allele increased shoot dry weight by 112.4 mg plant-1, shoot Zn concentration by 0.9 ppm, but decreased root Zn concentration by 6.6 ppm. It did not affect grain characteristics, but increased grain Zn content. In zinc-sufficient conditions, sdw1.d allele increased shoot Zn content, and decreased root Zn content. sdw1.d did not affect grain weight but increased grain Zn concentration by about 30% under zinc-sufficient conditions. The results showed that sdw1.d allele has no negative effect on tolerance to zinc deficiency, and even promotes tolerance to zinc deficiency by more Zn translocation. It was revealed that sdw1.d allele improves Zn accumulation under both zinc-deficient and zinc-sufficient condition. The sdw1.d allele could contribute to solving the problems in plant growth and development caused by zinc-deficiency via improving tolerance to zinc-deficiency. It could also provide a better Zn biofortification.

Identification and characterization of sulphotransferase (SOT) genes for tolerance against drought and heat in wheat and six related species.

BACKGROUND: Sulphotransferase (SOT) enzyme (encoded by a conserved family of SOT genes) is involved in sulphonation of a variety of compounds, through transfer of a sulphuryl moiety from 3'phosphoadenosine- 5'phosphosulphate (PAPS) to a variety of secondary metabolites. The PAPS itself is derived from 3'adenosine-5'phosphosulphate (APS) that is formed after uptake of sulphate ions from the soil. The process provides tolerance against abiotic stresses like drought and heat in plants. Therefore, a knowledge of SOT genes in any crop may help in designing molecular breeding methods for improvement of tolerance for drought and heat. METHODS: Sequences of rice SOT genes and SOT domain (PF00685) of corresponding proteins were both used for identification of SOT genes in wheat and six related species (T. urartu, Ae. tauschii, T. turgidum, Z. mays, B. distachyon and Hordeum vulgare), although detailed analysis was conducted only in wheat. The wheat genes were mapped on individual chromosomes and also subjected to synteny and collinearity analysis. The proteins encoded by these genes were examined for the presence of a complete SOT domain using 'Conserved Domain Database' (CDD) search tool at NCBI. RESULTS: In wheat, 107 TaSOT genes, ranging in length from 969 bp to 7636 bp, were identified and mapped onto individual chromosomes. SSRs (simple sequence repeats), microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their target sites were also identified in wheat SOT genes. SOT proteins were also studied in detail. An expression assay of TaSOT genes via wheat RNA-seq data suggested engagement of these genes in growth, development and responses to various hormones and biotic/abiotic stresses. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study should help in further functional characterization of SOT genes in wheat and other related crops.

Genome-wide association scan reveals the reinforcing effect of nano-potassium in improving the yield and quality of salt-stressed barley via enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Salinity is one of the major environmental factor that can greatly impact the growth, development, and productivity of barley. Our study aims to detect the natural phenotypic variation of morphological and physiological traits under both salinity and potassium nanoparticles (n-K) treatment. In addition to understanding the genetic basis of salt tolerance in barley is a critical aspect of plant breeding for stress resilience. Therefore, a foliar application of n-K was applied at the vegetative stage for 138 barley accessions to enhance salt stress resilience. Interestingly, barley accessions showed high significant increment under n-K treatment compared to saline soil. Based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis, causative alleles /reliable genomic regions were discovered underlying improved salt resilience through the application of potassium nanoparticles. On chromosome 2H, a highly significant QTN marker (A:C) was located at position 36,665,559 bp which is associated with APX, AsA, GSH, GS, WGS, and TKW under n-K treatment. Inside this region, our candidate gene is HORVU.MOREX.r3.2HG0111480 that annotated as NAC domain protein. Allelic variation detected that the accessions carrying C allele showed higher antioxidants (APX, AsA, and GSH) and barley yield traits (GS, WGS, and TKW) than the accessions carrying A allele, suggesting a positive selection of the accessions carrying C allele that could be used to develop barley varieties with improved salt stress resilience.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SPL gene family and its response to abiotic stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

BACKGROUND: Squamosa promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) is a plant-specific transcription factor that is widely involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, including flower and grain development, stress responses, and secondary metabolite synthesis. However, this gene family has not been comprehensively evaluated in barley, the most adaptable cereal crop with a high nutritional value. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 15 HvSPL genes were identified based on the Hordeum vulgare genome. These genes were named HvSPL1 to HvSPL15 based on the chromosomal distribution of the HvSPL genes and were divided into seven groups (I, II, III, V, VI, VII, and VIII) based on the phylogenetic tree analysis. Chromosomal localization revealed one pair of tandem duplicated genes and one pair of segmental duplicated genes. The HvSPL genes exhibited the highest collinearity with the monocotyledonous plant, Zea mays (27 pairs), followed by Oryza sativa (18 pairs), Sorghum bicolor (16 pairs), and Arabidopsis thaliana (3 pairs), and the fewest homologous genes with Solanum lycopersicum (1 pair). The distribution of the HvSPL genes in the evolutionary tree was relatively scattered, and HvSPL proteins tended to cluster with SPL proteins from Z. mays and O. sativa, indicating a close relationship between HvSPL and SPL proteins from monocotyledonous plants. Finally, the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the 14 HvSPL genes from different subfamilies were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Based on the results, the HvSPL gene family exhibited tissue-specific expression and played a regulatory role in grain development and abiotic stress. HvSPL genes are highly expressed in various tissues during seed development. The expression levels of HvSPL genes under the six abiotic stress conditions indicated that many genes responded to stress, especially HvSPL8, which exhibited high expression under multiple stress conditions, thereby warranting further attention. CONCLUSION: In this study, 15 SPL gene family members were identified in the genome of Hordeum vulgare, and the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, replication events, gene expression, and potential roles of these genes in millet development were studied. Our findings lay the foundation for exploring the HvSPL genes and performing molecular breeding of barley.