Conventional Breeding and Molecular Markers for Blast Disease Resistance in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Monogenic lines, which carried 23 genes for blast resistance were tested and used donors to transfer resistance genes by crossing method. The results under blast nursery revealed that 9 genes from 23 genes were susceptible to highly susceptible under the three locations (Sakha, Gemmeza, and Zarzoura in Egypt); Pia, Pik, Pik-p, Piz-t, Pita, Pi b, Pi, Pi 19 and Pi 20. While, the genes Pii, Pik-s, Pik-h, Pi z, Piz-5, Pi sh, Pi 3, Pi 1, Pi 5, Pi 7, Pi 9, Pi 12, Pikm and Pita-2 were highly resistant at the same locations. Clustering analysis confirmed the results, which divided into two groups; the first one included all the susceptible genes, while the second one included the resistance genes. In the greenhouse test, the reaction pattern of five races produced 100% resistance under artificial inoculation with eight genes showing complete resistance to all isolates. The completely resistant genes: Pii, Pik-s, Piz, Piz-5 (=bi2) (t), Pita (=Pi4) (t), Pita, Pi b and Pi1 as well as clustering analysis confirmed the results. In the F₁ crosses, the results showed all the 25 crosses were resistant for leaf blast disease under field conditions. While, the results in F₂ population showed seven crosses with segregation ratio of 15 (R):1 (S), two cross gave segregated ratio of 3 R:1 S and one gave 13:3. For the identi- fication of blast resistance genes in the parental lines, the marker K3959, linked to Pik-s gene and the variety IRBLKS-F5 carry this gene, which was from the monogenic line. The results showed that four genotypes; Sakha 105, Sakha 103, Sakha 106 and IRBLKS-F5 were carrying Pik-s gene, while was absent in the Sakha 101, Sakha 104, IRBL5-M, IRBL9-W, IRBLTACP1 and IRBL9-W(R) genotypes. As for Pi 5 gene, the results showed that it was present in Sakha 103 and Sakha 104 varieties and absent in the rest of the genotypes. In addition, Pita-Pita- 2 gene was found in the three Egyptian genotypes (Sakha 105, Sakha 101 and Sakha 104) plus IRBLTACP1 monogenetic. In F2 generation, six populations were used to study the inheritance of blast resistance and specific primers to confirm the ratio and identify the resistance genes. However, the ratios in molecular markers were the same of the ratio under field evaluation in the most population studies. These findings would facilitate in breeding programs for gene pyramiding and gene accumulation to produce durable resistance for blast using those genotypes.     

Characterization and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Yellow-Green Leaf Mutant <i>ygl16</i> in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Leaf color mutants are ideal materials for studying many plant physiological and metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, hormone physiology and disease resistance. In this study, the genetically stable yellow-green leaf mutant ygl16 was identified from mutated “Xinong 1B”. Compared with the wild type, the pigment concentration and photosynthetic capacity of the ygl16 decreased significantly. The ultrastructural observation showed that the distribution of thylakoid lamellae was irregular in ygl16 chloroplasts, and the grana and matrix lamellae were blurred and loose in varied degrees, and the chloroplast structure was disordered, while the osmiophilic corpuscles increased. The results of the genetic analysis and mapping showed that the phenotype of ygl16 was controlled by a pair of recessive nuclear gene. The gene located in the 56Kb interval between RM25654 and R3 on the long arm of chromosome 10. The sequencing results showed that the 121st base of the first intron of the candidate gene OsPORB/FGL changed from A to T in the interval. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of chlorophyll synthase-related genes in the mutant decreased.     

DDG1 and G Protein α Subunit RGA1 Interaction Regulates Plant Height and Senescence in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i>)

Many studies have already shown that dwarfism and moderate delayed leaf senescence positively impact rice yield, but the underlying molecular mechanism of dwarfism and leaf senescence remains largely unknown. Here, using map-based cloning, we identified an allele of DEP2, DDG1, which controls plant height and leaf senescence in rice. The ddg1 mutant displayed dwarfism, short panicles, and delayed leaf senescence. Compared with the wild-type, ddg1 was insensitive to exogenous gibberellins (GA) and brassinolide (BR). DDG1 is expressed in various organs, especially in stems and panicles. Yeast two-hybrid assay, bimolecular fluorescent complementation and luciferase complementation image assay showed that DDG1 interacts with the α-subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein. Disruption of RGA1 resulted in dwarfism, short panicles, and darker-green leaves. Furthermore, we found that ddg1 and the RGA1 mutant was more sensitive to salt treatment, suggesting that DDG1 and RGA1 are involved in regulating salt stress response in rice. Our results show that DDG1/DEP2 regulates plant height and leaf senescence through interacting with RGA1.     

Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) Breeding among Hassawi Landrace and Egyptian Genotypes for Stem Borer (<i>Chilo agamemnon</i> Bles.) Resistance and Related Quantitative Traits

Rice stem borer (Chilo agamemnon Bles.) is a primary insect pest of rice and is a major limiting factor to rice production. Breeding for insect-resistant crop varieties has been an economic way of integrated pest management (IPM) as it offers a viable and ecologically acceptable approach. This study was aimed to evaluate rice genotypes for their resistance against rice stem borer. Seven parental genotypes with twenty one F1 crosses were evaluated for genotypic variation in field experiments. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the studied traits in almost all crosses and parents. In addition, the mean squares of parents versus their crosses were signifi- cant for stem borer resistance and other associated traits. Moreover, both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances were highly significant for all characters studied in the F1 generation. Based on GCA, 4 genotypes (Sakha101, Gz6903-3-4-2-1, Gz9577-4-1-1 and Hassawi) exhibited highly significant negative values for stem borer resistance (–0.53, –1.06, –0.18 and –0.49, respectively) indicating they are the best combiners for stem borer resistance. Based on SCA analysis, nine cross combinations showed highly significant negative effects for stem borer resistance. Similarly, the cross Giza178 Hassawi was the best combination with significantly highest value for early maturity. In addition, seven crosses showed highly significant negative SCA for plant height trait. On the other hand, for panicle length, number of primary branches/panicle, panicle weight and 1000-grain weight, seven, four, eight and six crosses showed highly significant positive SCA, respectively. The result further revealed that the non-additive dominance genetic variance was higher than the additive variance for all evaluated traits indicating that non-additive genetic variances have a role in their inheritance. The broad-sense heritability estimates were high for all the studied traits. The stem borer resistance was significantly correlated with panicle weight and 1000-grain weight, which also showed a highly significant correlation with grain yield/plant. Thus these traits can be effectively employed in a breeding program to confer resistance against stem borer infestation in rice. It was further supported by biplot analysis, which clustered these potentially important traits into two quadrants showing their importance in any future breeding program to control stem borer infestation. This study has contributed valuable information for evaluation of genetic diversity in the local rice germplasm and its utilization in futuristic rice genetic improvement programs.     

Screening of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> HAAS01 and Its Biocontrol Effect on <i>Fusarium</i> wilt in Sweet Potato

Fusarium wilt, a disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp batatas (Fob) is an important disease in sweet potato production. Using endophytic bacteria for biological control of sweet potato diseases is one of the important ways. A Bacillus subtilis with antagonistic effect on Fusarium wilt of sweet potato was isolated from soil by confrontation culture. According to the biological characteristics, 16S rDNA sequence analysis, and physiological and biochemical analysis, the Bacillus subtilis HAAS01 was named. A pot experiment was conducted for the biological control experiment of strain HAAS01, and the endogenous hormone content, antioxidant enzyme activity, soluble protein content, and related gene expressions of sweet potato plants were detected. The results showed that the HAAS01 strain could promote the production of endogenous hormones and resist the infection of plant diseases together with defensive enzymes and upregulation of related gene expressions. In summary, Bacillus subtilis HAAS01 was effective in controlling Fusarium wilt of sweet potato and has potential for application and development.     

Microalgae Improve the Photosynthetic Performance of Rice Seedlings (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) under Physiological Conditions and Cadmium Stress

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris on the rice seedlings at physiological conditions and under cadmium (Cd) stress. We examined the effects of C. vulgaris in the nutrient solution on rice seedlings grown hydroponically in the presence and the absence of 150 μM CdCl₂, using the low (77 K) temperature and pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 photooxidation measurements, photochemical activities of both photosystems, kinetic parameters of oxygen evolution, oxidative stress markers (MDA, H₂O₂ and proline), pigment content, growth parameters and Cd accumulation. Data revealed that the application C. vulgaris not only stimulates growth and improves the functions of photosynthetic apparatus under physiological conditions, but also reduces the toxic effect of Cd on rice seedlings. Furthermore, the presence of the green microalgae in the nutrient solution of the rice seedlings during Cd exposure, significantly improved the growth, photochemical activities of both photosystems, the kinetic parameters of the oxygen-evolving reactions, pigment content and decreased lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂ and proline content. Data showed that the alleviation of Cd-induced effects in rice seedlings is a result of the Cd sorption by microalgae, as well as the reduced Cd accumulation in the roots and its translocation from the roots to the shoots.     

Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Prediction of the Quantitative Trait Locus <i>qPL8</i> for Panicle Length in Rice

Rice panicle is the sink organ where assimilation product accumulates, and its morphology determines the rice yield. Panicle length has been suggested as a yield-related trait, but the genetic factor for its control is still limited. In this study, we carried out fine-mapping of qPL8, a QTL identified for panicle length in our previous work. Near isogenic line (NIL) with qPL8 exhibited elongated panicle without obvious effect on other panicle elements. With five key recombinants from NIL population, the locus was finally narrowed down to a 278-kb region, where 44 genes are annotated. By comparing the genomic sequence of two parents, 17 genes were identified with SNPs or InDels variations in the coding region. Expression analysis showed that eight genes were up-regulated in the NIL with qPL8. Considering both the coding variation and expression status, several candidate genes for the locus were identified, and OsMADS37 was raised as the most possible candidate. Interestingly, an expression QTL (eQTL) also resides in the locus, leading to a cluster of gene expression variation in the region. This study will facilitate the application of qPL8 locus in rice breeding for yield potential.     

Development of a New Cold-Tolerant Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) Germplasm Using the <i>ICE1</i> Gene from <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>

To develop cold-tolerant maize germplasms and identify the activation of INDUCER OF CRT/DRE-BINDING FACTOR EXPRESSION (ICE1) expression in response to cold stress, RT-PCR was used to amplify the complete open reading frame sequence of the ICE1 gene and construct the plant expression vector pCAMBIA3301-ICE1-Bar. Immature maize embryos and calli were transformed with the recombinant vector using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformations. From the regenerated plantlets, three T1 lines were screened and identified by PCR. A Southern blot analysis showed that a single copy of the ICE1 gene was integrated into the maize (Zea mays L.) genomes of the three T1 generations. Under low temperature-stress conditions (4°C), the relative conductivity levels decreased by 27.51%–31.44%, the proline concentrations increased by 12.50%–17.50%, the malondialdehyde concentrations decreased by 16.78%–18.37%, and the peroxidase activities increased by 19.60%–22.89% in the T1 lines compared with those of the control. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the ICE1 gene was ectopically expressed in the roots, stems, and leaves of the T1 lines. ICE1 positively regulates the expression of the CBF genes in response to cold stress. Thus, this study showed the successful transformation of maize with the ICE1 gene, resulting in the generation of a new maize germplasm that had increased tolerance to cold stress.     

Estimation of Growth and Photosynthetic Performance of Two C₄ Species (<i>Pennisetum spicatum</i> (L.) Körn. and <i>Zea mays</i> L.) under a Low Temperature Treatment

Pearl millet (Pennisetum spicatum (L.) Körn.) and maize (Zea mays L.) are C₄ grass species grown for feeding humans and animals in Almadinah Almunawwarah, which is in the western part of Saudi Arabia. During the winter, the mean temperature, which drops to 14°C, represents a major problem for the growth of these species in this region. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to investigate the growth response and the photosynthetic performance of P. spicatum and Z. mays under a low temperature stress. The treatments involved daytime and nighttime temperatures of 14/12°C (low temperature) and 24/22°C (optimum temperature). The results indicated that low temperature significantly reduced all growth and physiological parameters, including seed germination, leaf expansion, leaf area, shoot length and root length of the two species compared to those of the control. Additionally, the low temperature significantly decreased the light-saturated assimilation rate (A_sat), quantum yield (ϕ), saturated rate of carbon dioxide uptake (A_max) and efficiency of carboxylation on both species compared to those of the control. Moreover, the values of Fv/Fm and the chlorophyll contents of both species were significantly reduced by low temperature compared to those of the control. It can be concluded that both species had little tolerance to low temperatures.     

水稻红莲型CMS育性恢复QTL分析

红莲型CMS是在我国杂交水稻生产中被广泛利用的雄性不育细胞质之一。为了同时定位红莲型CMS育性恢复主效和微效QTL,利用红莲型CMS不育系粤泰A(YTA)与“Lemont／特青”RIL群体测交,结合1张含有198个DNA分子标记的高密度遗传图谱,对测交F1群体的小穗育性和花粉育性进行复合区间作图。在对YTA的育性恢复性方面,该。RIL群体的2个亲本之间具有明显差异,特青的恢复性较强,其测交F1的小穗育性和花粉育性分别为72％和51％;而Lemont测交F1的小穗育性和花粉育性分别为32％和9％。复合区间作图定位到4个育性恢复QTL,分别位于水稻第1、2和10号染色体上,单个QTL的贡献率在5％～24％之间。其中,除1个QTL的增效基因来源于Lemont外,其余3个QTL的增效基因均来源于特青。效应最大的QTL为qRF-10-1,该QTL位于10号染色体RM258-C16标记区间,对小穗育性表型变异的贡献率为24％,对花粉育性的贡献率为17％,且该QTL被检测到的LOD值显著较高,因此是1个主效QTL,其增效基因来源于特青。除了主效QTLqRF-10-1外,其它3个QTL对性状的贡献率均在10％以下(5％～8％)。由此表明,该RIL群体对红莲型CMS的育性恢复由1个主效QTL控制,并受其它几个微效QTL的影响。该QTL定位结果与小穗育性在测交F1群体中呈连续的双峰分布的结果相一致。与主效QTL qRF-10-1紧密连锁的SSR标记为RM258,该主效QTL可作为分子标记辅助育种的操作目标之一,用于杂交稻分子育种中培育红莲型CMS的强恢复系。     

Molecular Interaction Study to Explore the <i>Nigella sativa</i> Bioactive Components as an Inhibitor of Peptide Deformylase to Inhibit the <i>Xanthomonas oryzae</i> pv. oryzae via Applying Computational Approach

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most damaging diseases to rice across the world. Various chemicals have been employed so far for the management of bacterial leaf blight. On the other hand, these compounds are damaging to the ecosystem and have an impact on non-target species such as humans and animals. As a result, there is a need to create a new natural inhibitor for BLB management. Deformylase (PDF) enzyme is present in all eubacteria and its necessity in bacterial protein synthesis reveals it as an attractive target for drug development. In this study, the active components of Nigella sativa have been selected based on their previously reported antimicrobial activity and screened on the active site of bacterial PDF by the in silico art of techniques. Among these compounds, dithymoquinone and p-cymene strongly bind with the PDF enzyme with binding energy values of 7.77 kcal/mol and 7.26 kcal/mol, respectively, which is comparatively higher than the control compound (−6.73 kcal/mol). Hence, the “dithymoquinone-PDF” and “p-cymene-PDF” complexes were selected for further study, and their stability was assessed by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. In MD simulation, both selected compounds exhibited steady-state interaction with PDF for 20 ns. It has been hypothesized that p-cymene and dithymoquinone inhibit peptide deformylase and could be used as antibacterials or pesticides against Xoo against the BLB disease.     

Differential Responses of <i>NHX1</i> and <i>SOS1</i> Gene Expressions to Salinity in two <i>Miscanthus sinensis</i> Anderss. Accessions with Different Salt Tolerance

The lignocellulosic crop Miscanthus spp. has been identified as a good candidate for biomass production. The responses of Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. to salinity were studied to satisfy the needs for high yields in marginal areas and to avoid competition with food production. The results indicated that the relative advantages of the tolerant accession over the sensitive one under saline conditions were associated with restricted Na⁺ accumulation in shoots. Seedlings of two accessions (salt-tolerant ‘JM0119’ and salt-sensitive ‘JM0099’) were subjected to 0 (control), 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl stress to better understand the salt-induced biochemical responses of genes involved in Na⁺ accumulation in M. sinensis. The adaptation responses of genes encoding for Na⁺ /H⁺ antiporters, NHX1 and SOS1 to NaCl stress were examined in JM0119 and JM0099.The cDNA sequences of genes examined were highly conserved among the relatives of M. sinensis based on the sequencing on approximate 600 bp-long cDNA fragments obtained from degenerate PCR. These salt-induced variations of gene expression investigated by quantitative real-time PCR provided evidences for insights of the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in M. sinensis. The expression of NHX1 was up-regulated by salt stress in JM0119 shoot and root tissues. However, it was hardly affected in JM0099 shoot tissue except for a significant increase at the 100 mM salt treatment, and it was salt-suppressed in the JM0099 root tissue. In the root tissue, the expression of SOS1 was induced by the high salt treatment in JM0119 but repressed by all salt treatments in JM0099. Thus, the remarkably higher expression of NHX1 and SOS1 were associated with the resistance to Na⁺ toxicity by regulation of the Na⁺ influx, efflux, and sequestration under different salt conditions.     

Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms of Ethanol Extracts from <i>Scutellaria baicalensis</i> Georgi and <i>Magnolia officinalis</i> against <i>Phytophthora nicotianae</i>

Phytophthora nicotianae causes substantial economic losses in most countries where tobacco is produced. At present, the control of P. nicotianae mainly depends on chemical methods, with considerable environmental and health issues. We investigated the effects of ethanol extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) and Magnolia officinalis (MO). On mycelial growth, sporangium formation, and zoospore release of P. nicotianae. Both extracts inhibited the growth of P. nicotianae, with mycelial growth inhibition rates of 88.92% and 93.92%, respectively, at 40 mg/mL, and EC50 values of 5.39 and 5.74 mg/mL, respectively. The underlying mechanisms were the inhibition of sporangium formation, the reduction of zoospore number, and the destruction of the mycelium structure. At an SBG extract concentration of 16.17 mg/mL, the inhibition rates for sporangia and zoospores were 98.66% and 99.39%, respectively. At an MO extract concentration of 2.87 mg/mL, the production of sporangia and zoospores was completely inhibited. The hyphae treated with the two plant extracts showed different degrees of deformation and damage. Hyphae treated with SBG extract showed adhesion and local swelling, whereas treatment with MO extract resulted in broken hyphae. Mixture of the extracts resulted in a good synergistic effect.     

Inhibitory Effect of <i>N</i>, <i>N</i>-Dimethylhexadecylamine on the Growth of White-Rot Fungus <i>Trametes versicolor</i> (L.) in Wood

Wood is an organic material that is a source of carbon of organisms called Wood-decay fungi, and to preserve the wood, various toxic compounds to man and the environment have been used. To analyze the effect of N,N-Dimethylhexadecylamine (DMHDA) on wood attacked by the rotting fungus Trametes versicolor L. We used an in vitro system to expose the fungus T. versicolor to different concentrations of the DMHDA (50, 150 and 450 μM). We quantified the diameter of mycelial growth and laccase activity, also, under these experimental conditions we studied morphological details of the organisms using different scanning equipment including scanning electron microscopy. The growth of T. versicolor exposed to DMHDA for 60 days, showed a concentration-dependent dose behavior, also, the electron microscopy analysis revealed that the morphology and mycelial density was affected by the DMHDA, showing a formation of atypical morphological and thickener folds. Finally, the pieces of wood treated with DMHDA and exposed to the fungus had a lower mass loss, after a period of 60 days of exposure, the values obtained were 0.7, 1.0 and 0.5 g of mass lost for the control, LoC and LoDMHDA treatments respectively. Wood-rot fungi have represented economic losses worldwide, the strategies used have been supported by toxic compounds for the environment. The DMHDA both in the Petri dish system and as a wood preservative was shown to significantly inhibit the growth of T. versicolor.     

Proteomic Analyses of Three Inflorescence Styles of Castor (<i>Ricinus communis</i> L.) at Different Developmental Stages

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is one of ten oil crops in the world and has complex inflorescence styles. Generally, castor has three inflorescence types: single female inflorescence (SiFF), standard female inflorescence (StFF) and bisexual inflorescence (BF). StFF is realized as a restorer line and as a maintainer line, which was applied to castor hybrid breeding. However, the developmental mechanism of the three inflorescences is not clear. Therefore, we used proteomic techniques to analyze different inflorescence styles. A total of 72 diferentially abundant protein species (DAPs) were detected. These DAPs are primarily involved in carbon and energy metabolism and carbon fixation in the photosynthetic organism pathway. The results showed that DAPs are involved in photosynthesis to control the distribution of imported carbohydrates and exported photoassimilates and thus affect the inflorescence development of castor. In addition, these DAPs are also involved in cysteine and methionine metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated that the proteomics data collected in this study were reliable. Our findings indicate that the carbon cycle and amino acid metabolism influence the inflorescence development of castor.     

Identification and Characterization of a Novel Yellow Leaf Mutant <i>yl1</i> in Rice

Leaf-color mutants play an important role in the study of chlorophyll metabolism, chloroplast development, and photosynthesis system. In this study, the yellow leaf 1 (yl1) rice mutant was identified from the ethyl methane sulfonate-treated mutant progeny of Lailong, a glutinous japonica rice landrace cultivated in Guizhou Province, China. Results showed that yl1 exhibited yellow leaves with decreased chlorophyll content throughout the growth period. Chloroplast development in the yl1 mutant was disrupted, and the grana lamellae was loosely packed and disordered. RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the chlorophyll synthesis-related genes OsCHLH, OsCHLM, OsCHLG, PORB, and YGL8, as well as the chloroplast development-related genes FtsZ, OsRpoTp, and RbcL, were down-regulated in the yl1 mutant. Genetic analysis revealed that the yellow leaf phenotype of yl1 was controlled by recessive nuclear gene. By employing the MutMap method, the mutation responsible for the phenotype was mapped to a 6.17 Mb region between 17.34 and 23.51 Mb on chromosome 3. Two non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the gene locus LOC_Os03g31210 and LOC_Os03g36760 were detected in this region. The two SNPs were further confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The expression patterns of the two candidate genes indicated that LOC_Os03g36760 showed greater potential for functional verification. Subcellular protein localization revealed that the encoded product of LOC_Os03g36760 was localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane. These results will be useful for further characterization and cloning of the yl1 gene, and for research on the molecular mechanisms controlling biogenesis and chloroplast biochemical processes.     

<i>Aspergillus tubingensis</i> Causes Leaf Spot of Cotton (<i>Gossypium hirsutum</i> L.) in Pakistan

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a key fiber crop of great commercial importance. Numerous phytopathogens decimate crop production by causing various diseases. During July-August 2018, leaf spot symptoms were recurrently observed on cotton leaves in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan and adjacent areas. Infected leaf samples were collected and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. Causal agent of cotton leaf spot was isolated, characterized and identified as Aspergillus tubingensis based on morphological and microscopic observations. Conclusive identification of pathogen was done on the comparative molecular analysis of CaM and β-tubulin gene sequences. BLAST analysis of both sequenced genes showed 99% similarity with A. tubingensis. Koch’s postulates were followed to confirm the pathogenicity of the isolated fungus. Healthy plants were inoculated with fungus and similar disease symptoms were observed. Fungus was re-isolated and identified to be identical to the inoculated fungus. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the involvement of A. tubingensis in causing leaf spot disease of cotton in Pakistan and around the world.     

<i>DWARF</i> and <i>SMALL SEED1</i>, a Novel Allele of <i>OsDWARF</i>, Controls Rice Plant Architecture,Seed Size,and Chlorophyll Biosynthesis

Plant architecture is a vital agronomic trait to control yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). A dwarf and small seed 1 (dss1) mutant were obtained from the ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenized progeny of a Guizhou glutinous landrace cultivar, Lipingzabianhe. The dss1 mutant displayed phenotypes similar to those of brassinosteroid (BR) deficient mutants, such as dwarfing, dark green and rugose erect leaves, small seeds, and loner neck internode panicles with primary branching. In our previous study, the underlying DSS1 gene was isolated, a novel allele of OsDWARF (OsBR6ox) that encodes a cytochrome P450 protein involved in the BR biosynthetic pathway by MutMap technology. In this work, we confirmed that a Thr335Ile amino acid substitution residing in DSS1/OsDWARF was responsible for the dwarf, panicle architecture, and small seed phenotypes in the dss1 mutants by genetic transformation experiments. The overexpression of OsDWARF in the dss1 mutant background could not only recover dss1 to the normal plant height and panicle architecture but also rescued normal leaf angles, seed size, and leaf color. Thus, the specific mutation in DSS1/OsDWARF influenced plant architecture, seed size, and chlorophyll biosynthesis.     

Allelopathic Potential and Mechanism of Rosebay Willowherb [<i>Chamaenerion angustifolium</i> (L.) Scop.] Demonstrated on Model Plant Lettuce

Allelopathic plants are important resources for the discovery of bioherbicides. Rosebay willowherb [Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop. syn. Epilobium angustifolium L.] widely distributes in Western Asia, Europe, and North America, and behaves as a dominant species within the community due to the production of substances that restrict growth of other plants. This study aims at investigating the allelopathic potential of rosebay willowherb by evaluation of the effects of aqueous extracts from different parts on seed germination and seedling growth in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), as well as measuring the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and structural analysis of root tips via scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. It was observed that the aqueous extracts from the leaves of rosebay willowherb had the strongest inhibitory effect on the germination index, germination energy and total germination of lettuce seeds, followed by capsular fruits and flowers, and the inhibition effect of stems was the weakest. All aqueous extracts (100 mg/mL) showed a significant inhibitory effect on radicle elongation of lettuce seedlings. Additionally, after treatment with the aqueous extract of rosebay willowherb leaves, accumulation of reactive oxygen species increased in columella cells, which correlated with disruption of root tip structure.