<i>VvAGAMOUS</i> Affect Development of Four Different Grape Species Ovary

Grape pistil has an important influence on fruit size and quality. However, there were few studies on grape ovary, and the development process of the ovary is still unclear. Therefore, in this paper, four different grape varieties with different lengths of small inflorescences, namely ‘Musct Hambourg’ grape (Vitis vinifera), ‘Concord’ grape (Vitis labrusca), ‘ShanPuTao’ grape (Vitis amurensis) and ‘GongNiang2Hao’ grape (Vitis amurensis × Vitis vinifera) were used as test materials. Four varieties ovary were significant differences by means of stereomicroscope, paraffin section. The expression of ovary determining gene VvAGAMOUS (VvAG) and its development related genes VvCRABS CLAW (VvCRC) andVvAGAMOUS-LIKE 11 (VvAGL11) with similar functions during the development of different grape varieties were preliminarily explored using fluorescence quantitative test. The relationship between VvAG and VvCRC, VvAG and VvAGL11 were analyzed using Y1H assay. Our results showed that there were obvious abdominal sutures on the surface of expect for ‘Musct Hambourg’ grape, and existing poly carpels. The ovary development of ‘ShanPuTao’ and ‘GongNiang2Hao’ grape was completed when the inflorescence length was less than 1 cm, while the ‘Concord’ and ‘Musct Hambourg’ grape were fully developed when the length of inflorescence was 3–4 and 4–5 cm, respectively. VvAG and VvCRC began to express in large quantities after the formation of stamen primordia, while VvAGL11 during the forming of ovule primordia. Therefore, VvAG and VvCRC mainly regulated the development of stamens and carpels and also promote the development of ovules, while VvAGL11 major regulated the development of ovules. The promoters of VvCRC and VvAGL11 were bound by VvAG. This study provides an important theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanism of grape ovary development.     

Participation of Auxin Transport in the Early Response of the <i>Arabidopsis</i> Root System to Inoculation with <i>Azospirillum brasilense</i>

The potential of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been demonstrated in the case of plant inoculation with bacteria of the genus Azospirillum which improves yield. A. brasilense produces a wide variety of molecules, including the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as well as other phytoregulators. However, several studies have suggested that auxin induces changes in plant development during their interaction with the bacteria. The effects of A. brasilense Sp245 on the development of Arabidopsis thaliana root were investigated to help explain the molecular basis of the interaction. The results obtained showed a decrease in primary root length from the first day and remained so throughout the exposure, accompanied by a stimulation of initiation and maturation of lateral root primordia and an increase of lateral roots. An enhanced auxin response was evident in the vascular tissue and lateral root meristems of inoculated plants. However, after five days of bacterization, the response disappeared in the primary root meristems. The role of polar auxin transport (PAT) in auxins relocation involved the PGP1, AXR4-1, and BEN2 proteins, which apparently mediated A. brasilense-induced root branching of Arabidopsis seedlings.     

AM Fungi and <i>Piriformospora indica</i> Improve Plant Growth of <i>Pinus elliottii</i> Seedlings

Pinus elliottii is an exotic afforestation pine extensively distributed in southern parts of China. In order to understand whether endophytic fungi can affect seedling growth of P. elliottii, Piriformospora indica (Pi), Funnelifcrmis mosseae (Fm), and Diversispora tortuosa (Dt) were inoculated respectively, and the non-inoculated group was set as control. The growth indexes, the contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein, and plant endogenous hormone levels in the leaves of P. elliottii, were analyzed. The results showed that Fm, Dt and Pi colonized the P. elliottii roots to form mycorrhizal structure and chlamydospores arranged in beads respectively. Three fungal inoculants exhibited the stimulated growth responses, whilst Dt illustrated the most positive effect on plant height, single fresh weight, trunk diameter and root system structure, compared with the control. On the other hand, the soluble sugar and soluble protein contents were increased distinctively in mycorrhizal plants. The endogenous IAA, GA3, ZR contents were increased, while the ABA contents were reduced in mycorrhizal plants versus non-mycorrhizal plants. The fungi-induced endogenous hormone changes triggered plant growth improvement of P. elliottii seedlings. This research unraveled the positive effect of AM fungi and P. indica on growth of pine seedlings, while, more application of endophytic fungi to fields needs to be explored.     

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.     

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.     

Cloning and Characterization of <i>EuGID1</i> in <i>Eucommia ulmoides</i> Oliver

Gibberellic acid controlled the key developmental processes of the life cycle of landing plants, and regulated the growth and development of plants. In this study, a novel gibberellin receptor gene EuGID1 was obtained from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver. The cDNA of EuGID1 was 1556 bp, and the open reading frame was 1029 bp, which encoded 343 amino acids. EuGID1 had the homology sequence with the hormone-sensitive lipase family. Amino acid sequence alignment confirmed EuGID1 protein had the highest homology with the GID1 protein of Manihot esculenta. EuGID1 was located in the nucleus and cell membrane and had expression in four plant organs. Overexpression of EuGID1 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants promoted plant elongation and increased siliques yield.     

Variation for Resistance to <i>Alternaria tenuissima</i> and Potential Structural Mechanism among Different Cultivars of <i>Chrysanthemum morifolium</i>

Black spot disease, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria tenuissima (Fr.) Wiltsh (A. tenuissima), is considered a highly destructive disease of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.). A set of 17 accessions of commercial chrysanthemum cultivars were evaluated for resistance to A. tenuissima by seedling artificial inoculation. It was found that the reaction of the accessions to artificial inoculation ranged from resistant to highly susceptible. Five varieties of chrysanthemum (‘Zhongshan Taogui’, ‘Jinba’, ‘Zhongshan Jinguan’, ‘Jinling Wanhuang’ and ‘Jinling Yangguang’) were resistant; two varieties of chrysanthemum (‘Zhongshan Xinggui’ and ‘Zhongshan Jinkui’) were moderately resistant; and others were susceptible to various degrees, four varieties of chrysanthemum (‘Zhongshan Zihe’, ‘Zhongshan Jiuhong’, ‘Zaoyihong’ and ‘Jinling Jiaohuang’) were highly susceptible, especially. Some leaf morphological features of two resistant and two highly susceptible cultivars were further researched. Trichome density, length, height, gland size and stomata density were found to be associated with plant passive resistance. Resistant varieties that were identified in present study will be promising germplasm for exploitation of breeding programmes aimed at developing A. tenuissima-resistant cultivars and increasing genetic diversity.     

Effects of Barium Stress in <i>Brassica juncea</i> and <i>Cakile maritima</i>: The Indicator Role of Some Antioxidant Enzymes and Secondary Metabolites

Soil contamination by toxic trace metal elements, like barium (Ba), may stimulate various undesirable changes in the metabolic activity of plants. The plant responses are fast and with, direct or indirect, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To cope with the stress imposed by the ROS production, plants developed a dual cellular system composed of enzymatic and non-enzymatic players that convert ROS, and their by-products, into stable nontoxic molecules. To assess the Ba stress response of two Brassicaceae species (Brassica juncea, a glycophyte, and Cakile maritime, a halophyte), plants were exposure to different Ba concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 and 500 μM). The plants response was evaluated through their morphology and development, the determination of plant leaves antioxidant enzymatic activities and by the production of plants secondary metabolites. Results indicated that the two Brassicaceae species have the ability to survive in an environment containing Ba (even at 500 μM). The biomass production of C. maritima was slightly affected whereas an increase in biomass B. juncea was noticed. The stress imposed by Ba activated the antioxidant defense system in the two species, noticed by the changes in the leaves activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaicol peroxidase (GPX), and of the secondary metabolites, through the production of total phenols and flavonoids. The enzymatic response was not similar within the two plant species: CAT and APX seem to have a more important role against the oxidative stress in C. maritima while in B. juncea is GPX. Overall, total phenols and flavonoids production was more significant in the plants aerial part than in the roots, of the both species. Although the two Brassicaceae species response was different, in both plants catalytic and non-catalytic transformation of ROS occurs, and both were able to overcome the Ba toxicity and prevent the cell damage.     

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling Suggest that Invertase Genes Function in Silique Development and the Response to <i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i> in <i>Brassica napus</i>

Invertase (INV), a key enzyme in sucrose metabolism, irreversibly catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose, thus playing important roles in plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. In this study, we identified 27 members of the BnaINV family in Brassica napus. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of the family and predicted the gene structures, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements in promoters, physicochemical properties of encoded proteins, and chromosomal distribution of the BnaINVs. We also analyzed the expression of the BnaINVs in different tissues and developmental stages in the B. napus cultivar Zhongshuang 11 using qRT-PCR. In addition, we analyzed RNA-sequencing data to explore the expression patterns of the BnaINVs in four cultivars with different harvest indices and in plants inoculated with the pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. We used WGCNA (weighted coexpression network analysis) to uncover BnaINVregulatory networks. Finally, we explored the expression patterns of several BnaINV genes in cultivars with long (Zhongshuang 4) and short (Ningyou 12) siliques. Our results suggest that BnaINVs play important roles in the growth and development of rapeseed siliques and the defense response against pathogens. Our findings could facilitate the breeding of high-yielding B. napus cultivars with strong disease resistance.     

Effects of Nitrogen Exponential Fertilization on Growth and Nutrient Concentration of <i>Hydrangea macrophylla</i> Seedlings

Slow growth rate restricts the development and growth of seedlings due to nutrients deficiency or nutrient imbalance. Exponential fertilization can enhance the internal nutrient reserves in seedlings at the nursery-stage and strengthen their resistance to adverse conditions. In this study, nitrogen requirements for producing Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hanatemari’ that robust seedlings, nutrient dynamics, biomass and growth, was examined utilizing exponential fertilization. The potted seedlings were fertilized with urea under exponential regime at rates of 0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 g nitrogen/plant (EF1, EF2, and EF3), respectively. In addition, an unfertilized group treated with equal volume of deionized water was used as control. The results showed that seedlings under 1.5 g N/plant (EF2) had the highest plant growth index and total biomass. The nutrient concentrations of different organs varied in different fertilization treatments. Based on the results of current study, it is concluded that 1.5 g N/plant (EF2) is suitable exponential fertilization treatment for the culture of hydrangea seedlings. Our treatments results showed that 2.0 g N/plant is not suitable for seedling culturing, because of serious nutrient toxicity. These findings will help to improve seedling quality and strengthen the production of H. macrophylla for plantation.     

<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.     

Genome-Wide Identification,Evolution and Expression Analyses of <i>GA2ox</i> Gene Family in <i>Brassica napus</i> L.

Gibberellin 2-oxidases (GA2ox) are important enzymes that maintain the balance of bioactive GAs in plants. GA2ox genes have been identified and characterized in many plants, but these genes were not investigated in Brassica napus. Here, we identified 31 GA2ox genes in B. napus and 15 of these BnaGA2ox genes were distributed in the A and C subgenomes. Subcellular localization predictions suggested that all BnaGA2ox proteins were localized in the cytoplasm, and gene structure analysis showed that the BnaGA2ox genes contained 2–4 exons. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BnGA2ox family proteins in monocotyledons and dicotyledons can be divided into four groups, including two C₁₉-GA2ox and two C₂₀-GA2ox clades. Group 4 is a C₂₀-GA2ox Class discovered recently. Most BnaGA2ox genes had a syntenic relationship with AtGA2ox genes. BnaGA2ox genes in the C subgenome had experienced stronger selection pressure than genes in the A subgenome. BnaGA2ox genes were highly expressed in specific tissues such as those involved in growth and development, and most of them were mainly involved in abiotic responses, regulation of phytohormones and growth and development. Our study provided a valuable evolutionary analysis of GA2ox genes in monocotyledons and dicotyledons, as well as an insight into the biological functions of GA2ox family genes in B. napus.