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Journal Description
International Journal of Plant Biologyis an international,peer-reviewed,open access journal on all different subdisciplines of plant biology, published quarterly online by MDPI(from Volume13, Issue1 - 2022).
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, Biological Abstracts and BIOSIS Previews (Web of Science), and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a firstdecision is provided to authors approximately 14.4 days after submission; acceptanceto publication is undertaken in 4.7 days (median values for papers published inthis journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers:APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
subjectImprint Informationget_appJournal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2037-0164
Latest Articles
13 pages, 2922 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Eggplant Little Leaf-Associated Phytoplasma Detection in Seedlings under Insect-Proof Conditions
byMukesh Darabakula, Sri Tej Mateeti, Francesco Pacini, Assunta Bertaccini and Nicoletta Contaldo
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(2), 217-229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15020018 - 27 Mar 2024
Abstract
Eggplant, or brinjal, is one of the most consumed and important tropical solanaceous vegetable crops grown worldwide. Little leaf is a disease associated with the presence of phytoplasmas especially widespread in brinjal in India. To clarify the epidemiology of this disease, a verification [...] Read more.
Eggplant, or brinjal, is one of the most consumed and important tropical solanaceous vegetable crops grown worldwide. Little leaf is a disease associated with the presence of phytoplasmas especially widespread in brinjal in India. To clarify the epidemiology of this disease, a verification of its transmission through seeds to seedlings and their progeny derived from symptomatic mother plants was performed. Brinjal seeds field-collected in the Dharwad district of Karnataka State, India, were sowed in a greenhouse under insect-proof conditions. DNA was extracted from seedlings and their progeny and from symptomatic plant samples collected in the field. The first- and second-generation seedlings obtained *under these conditions were tested at various time points after germination by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of phytoplasmas. The amplicons obtained were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and sequencing for the identification of detected phytoplasmas. Ribosomal groups 16SrI, 16SrII, 16SrIII, 16SrV, 16SrVI, and 16SrXII were identified. Moreover, a number of fruits produced from the first-generation seedlings showed precocious seed germination, and the young seedlings resulted as phytoplasma-positive. The seed transmission of phytoplasmas in eggplants for two subsequent generations highlights the risk of additional sources of infection of the disease represented by asymptomatic and infected seedlings in the presence of insect vectors. The seed transmission could explain the continuous presence of epidemic outbreaks of phytoplasmas in brinjal cultivations in several cultivation areas.Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)
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14 pages, 1120 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Genetic Variability and Clustering Patterns of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) Germplasms with Respect to Sucrose-Related Traits
byAliya Momotaz, Orlando Coto Arbelo, Vanessa S. Gordon, Bronski Wesley, Sushma G. Sood and Duli Zhao
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(2), 203-216; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15020017 - 26 Mar 2024
Abstract
Fifty-five sugarcane genotypes from around the world were collected and evaluated for potential use as parental material in the USDA ARS Canal Point (CP) sugarcane breeding program in Florida, USA. The genotypes were planted in a trial with four check cultivars on organic [...] Read more.
Fifty-five sugarcane genotypes from around the world were collected and evaluated for potential use as parental material in the USDA ARS Canal Point (CP) sugarcane breeding program in Florida, USA. The genotypes were planted in a trial with four check cultivars on organic soils with four replications, and data were collected for two years [i.e., plant cane (PC) and first ratoon (FR) crops] to assess sucrose-yield-related traits and the cane-yield-related traits in PC. Using a multivariate analysis, variation was observed in all cane—[i.e., stalk weight, stalk population and cane yield] and sugar-yield-related traits [i.e., Brix, Pol, sucrose content and commercial recoverable sucrose (CRS)]. The mean CRS content was greater in the FR crop than the PC crop. Significant variations were attributed to genotype (G), crop cycles (C) and G × C effects. Variations between crop cycles were highly significant for all sucrose yield components, which could complicate the downstream selection of genotypes for sucrose yield. Based on CRS content, genotypes could be grouped into six distinct clusters. Based on plant cane data, cane yield traits (stalk weight, stalk population and cane yield) were used to estimate the breeding values of parents. Of the 55 genotypes, 8 had significantly greater t-BLUP values for cane yield, along with CP 00-1101. Combined sucrose yield traits, (Brix, Pol and sucrose content) from the two crops were used to estimate the breeding values of parents. Of the 55 genotypes, 10 genotypes had significantly greater t-BLUP values for CRS, along with CP 00-1101, CP 96-1252 and CP 01-2390, and can be considered as elite parents in future breeding efforts. These results provide a foundation for the efficient integration of genetic diversity in developing commercial cultivars, with improved sucrose yields, into the CP sugarcane breeding program.Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)
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5 pages, 502 KiB
Open AccessCommentary
Calcium-Mediated Modulation of GC Switch Regulates Peroxisomal H2O2 Levels in Response to Wounding in Plants
byIshu, Jyoti Shekhawat and Santosh Kumar Upadhyay
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(1), 198-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15010016 - 13 Mar 2024
Abstract
Ca2+ and H2O2 interact with each other to regulate plant systemic responses. However, their precise mechanism is not fully understood. A recent study revealed that the Ca2+ regulates the glycolate oxidase-catalase (GC) switch-mediated photorespiratory H2O2 [...] Read more.
Ca2+ and H2O2 interact with each other to regulate plant systemic responses. However, their precise mechanism is not fully understood. A recent study revealed that the Ca2+ regulates the glycolate oxidase-catalase (GC) switch-mediated photorespiratory H2O2 during wounding. Glutamate-receptor-like (GLR) Ca2+ channels (GLR 3.3 and GLR3.6) are responsible for Ca2+ influx during injury for regulation of the GC switch. Mechanical injury quickly shifts the GC switch to a highly interactive state in the systemic leaves that ultimately results in the reduced peroxisomal H2O2. However, the mechanism of H2O2 reduction in peroxisome remains elusive.Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Communication)
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Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 2194 KiB)
11 pages, 1118 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Evaluating Growth and Physiological Responses of a Medicinal Plant Phyla nodiflora to Salinity
byAnh Cong Pham, Tuan Chau Vo, Thang Duc Bui, Thi-Thao Hien Van and Dan Quang Tran
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(1), 187-197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15010015 - 12 Mar 2024
Abstract
Phyla nodiflora is a valuable medicinal plant growing in coastal areas, hypothesizing its adaptability to salinity; however, it has not been investigated. This study, for the first time, elucidated responses in the growth of the shoots and its physiology to different soil salinity [...] Read more.
Phyla nodiflora is a valuable medicinal plant growing in coastal areas, hypothesizing its adaptability to salinity; however, it has not been investigated. This study, for the first time, elucidated responses in the growth of the shoots and its physiology to different soil salinity of 50–400 mM NaCl. The data showed that the shoot’s dry biomass was not affected by the salinity levels up to 100 mM, and it only decreased 33.50–56.33% compared to the control under 200–400 mM NaCl, indicating that P. nodiflora is a salt-tolerant plant that could survive under high salinity. In addition, the plant also had physiological responses which indicated its salt-induced injuries and adaptation to the salt stress. The chlorophyll a content was increased while the chlorophyll b remained unchanged under the salt stress. The proline and salt accumulation increased under the salinity, but the K+ and NO3− accumulation decreased. Moreover, increases in malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage were observed, indicating salt-induced membrane damages. These responses suggested that the plant might evolve adaptive mechanisms to salinity. Our findings are useful information for further research in order to elucidate the salt-tolerant mechanisms and develop this plant for saline agriculture.Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stress in Plants)
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12 pages, 2622 KiB
Open AccessArticle
Secondary Metabolites and Their Antioxidant Activity Enhance the Tolerance to Water Deficit on Clover Lotus corniculatus L. through Different Seasonal Times
byLuis Angel González-Espíndola, Aurelio Pedroza-Sandoval, Gabino García de los Santos, Ricardo Trejo-Calzada, Perpetuo Álvarez-Vázquez and Maria del Rosario Jacobo-Salcedo
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(1), 175-186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15010014 - 04 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a water limitation in different ecotypes and one variety of Lotus corniculatus L. on the production of secondary metabolites and their antioxidant activity in response to a water deficit (WD) through other seasonal times. A [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a water limitation in different ecotypes and one variety of Lotus corniculatus L. on the production of secondary metabolites and their antioxidant activity in response to a water deficit (WD) through other seasonal times. A randomized block experimental design with three replicates was used. Two levels of soil water content and five genotypes were arranged in a factorial way (2 × 5) with ten treatments for replication. The 255301 ecotype showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) concentrations of total phenols, with a concentration of 86.6 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/gram of fresh weight (gFW); total flavonoids, with a concentration of 63.2 mg Quercetin Equivalent (QE)/gFW); total tannins (71.7 mg GAE/gFW); and radical scavenging activity, with an average of 200 mg Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC)/gFW) in winter under a WD. The 255305 ecotype showed an increase in radical scavenging activity of 230 mg (TEAC)/gFW) and a total tannin concentration of 65.3 mg GAE/gFW in winter and spring, respectively, under a WD. The 255301 ecotype showed an increase in the concentration of total saponins (254.8 mg saponins/gFW) in summer under a WD. All these responses were triggered to mitigate a water deficit and extreme temperatures.Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)
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14 pages, 1595 KiB
Open AccessReview
Isoprene: An Antioxidant to Guard Plants against Stress
byPerumalla Srikanth, Ann Maxton, Sam A. Masih, Adriano Sofo and Nafees A. Khan
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(1), 161-174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15010013 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
Isoprene, a lipophilic and unstable compound with the chemical formula C5H8, is transported to plant chloroplasts via the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, which relies on photosynthesis. Although only about 20% of terrestrial plants can synthesize isoprene, those that emit it are [...] Read more.
Isoprene, a lipophilic and unstable compound with the chemical formula C5H8, is transported to plant chloroplasts via the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, which relies on photosynthesis. Although only about 20% of terrestrial plants can synthesize isoprene, those that emit it are more adaptable to oxidative and thermal stresses. To shed light on the still-elusive protective mechanism of isoprene, numerous investigations have been conducted. Isoprene has been shown to react with and quench various reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen (1O2). Its reduced state and conjugated double bonds suggest that it functions as an antioxidant, although this has yet to be conclusively proven. Despite its low abundance relative to other molecules in plant tissues, recent research has explored several potential roles for isoprene including acting as a scavenger of ROS by serving as an antioxidant; strengthening cell membranes; modulating genomic, proteomic and metabolomic profiles; signaling stress responses among neighboring plants compared with other volatile organic compounds (VOCs); regulating metabolic fluxes of hormones produced through the MEP pathway; or even functioning as a free developmental hormone. Future prospective studies, such as identifying the specific receptors for VOCs along with transcription factors (TFs) and other regulatory proteins participating in the signaling pathways and also metabolomic, transcriptomic and physiological analyses could help in comprehending VOC-induced defense responses in plants under stress conditions.Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Communication)
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Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 3277 KiB)
29 pages, 9655 KiB
Open AccessReview
Structure and Trends of Worldwide Research on Durum Wheat by Bibliographic Mapping
byAntonio Blanco
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(1), 132-160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15010012 - 17 Feb 2024
Abstract
The bibliometric mapping approach is a quantitative methodology to analyze the structure and evolution of research activities in a scientific area or a discipline. The objective of the current study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of the worldwide durum wheat literature published [...] Read more.
The bibliometric mapping approach is a quantitative methodology to analyze the structure and evolution of research activities in a scientific area or a discipline. The objective of the current study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of the worldwide durum wheat literature published from 1961 to 2022 to identify topics and trends and their evolution over time. A total of 7512 documents were analyzed to generate bibliometric maps illustrating the main research topics. Most of the articles (91.6%) were published in indexed journals, with a low percentage (3.4%) in conference proceedings. The most active journals were the Journal of Cereal Science, Euphytica, Theoretical and Applied Genetics, Cereal Research Communications, and Cereal Chemistry. Italy, the USA, Canada, Spain, and France were the countries publishing the most documents. Research interests were focused on mutagenesis, interspecific hybridization, and technological quality in 1961–1980 and moved to conservation farming, molecular genetics, and nutritional quality in the last two decades. Future durum wheat production is facing challenges from climate change, water scarcity, and rising demand for sustainable food production. Advancements in molecular breeding techniques, genome editing, precision agriculture, and conservation farming can expedite wheat improvement and pave the way toward a healthier environment. The analysis of a large amount of bibliographic data provides useful information for researchers and policymakers and represents a starting point for a comprehensive discussion for future research.Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)
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10 pages, 1918 KiB
Open AccessBrief Report
Analysis of the Time Course of the Establishment of Systemic Gene Silencing by Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus Virus-Induced Gene Silencing in Wheat
byAnshu Garg, Amanda S. Brandt and Steven R. Scofield
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2024, 15(1), 122-131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15010011 - 14 Feb 2024
Abstract
Wheat is one of the major sources of protein worldwide. Its hexaploidy significantly complicates the identification of genes that may be crucial for improving wheat production to meet the challenges of an increased world population and climate change. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) using [...] Read more.
Wheat is one of the major sources of protein worldwide. Its hexaploidy significantly complicates the identification of genes that may be crucial for improving wheat production to meet the challenges of an increased world population and climate change. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) using Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)-based constructs has proven to be a very useful tool in the analysis of gene function in the hexaploid plant, wheat. However, most published applications of this technique focus on phenotypes that can be observed in the leaves of wheat. A few studies have reported successful VIGS in the spikes of wheat, but this has proven to be more difficult than the seedling leaf assays. This study reports a time course analysis of the movement of BSMV from the site of inoculation into the meristematic region of wheat. It also describes how the photobleaching phenotype resulting from silencing phytoene desaturase (PDS), which is often used as a reporter for VIGS, does not indicate the full extent of where VIGS occurs, and this can mislead scientists as they design silencing studies. These findings provide guidance for more effective VIGS studies to determine the function of genes expressed in the spikes of wheat and may be important for wheat improvement.Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Microorganisms Interactions)
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