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Functional Plant Biology

Functional Plant Biology

Functional Plant Biology publishes new and significant information on the functional biology of plants at all scales from the molecular through whole plant to community. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Sergey Shabala

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Functional Plant Biology is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 03 April 2025

FP24343Do cyanogenic glucosides help sorghum manage a fluctuating nitrogen supply?

Bethany English, Alicia A. Quinn, Charles R. Warren, Roslyn M. Gleadow 0000-0003-4756-0411 and Harry Myrans 0000-0003-2690-6188
 

There is an emerging hypothesis that, alongside defence, cyanogenic glucosides may help plants manage nitrogen. We compared the growth and nitrogen partitioning of a cyanogenic glucoside-free mutant sorghum line to the wildtype under two treatments, in which nitrogen supply fluctuated at different rates. Unexpectedly, cyanogenic glucosides did not confer a growth advantage in sorghum but there was evidence of rapid recycling in young plants during nitrogen deficiency, demonstrating the dual purpose of dhurrin in defence and nitrogen storage.

FP24343 Abstract  |  FP24343 Full Text  | FP24343PDF (928 KB)  | FP24343Supplementary Material (633 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

FP25017Regulation of alternative splicing in Catharanthus roseus in response to methyl jasmonate modulation during development and stress resilience

Aala A. Abulfaraj 0000-0001-5833-2495 and Abeer Al-Andal 0000-0003-3957-2391
 

This study investigated the impact of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on alternative splicing in Catharanthus roseus using RNA-Seq. We identified differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes and co-expressed splicing factors (SFs) in response to MeJA treatment. Findings suggest that MeJA activates SFs, leading to specific mRNA isoforms that enhance the plant’s ability to respond to environmental and developmental signals. This work provides insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms underlying adaptive responses of C. roseus.

This article belongs to the collection: Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops - Volume II.

FP25017 Abstract  |  FP25017 Full Text  | FP25017PDF (1.3 MB)  | FP25017Supplementary Material (9.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 31 March 2025

FP24218Challenges to optimal macadamia (Macadamia spp.) kernel quality in a changing climate

Suzy Y. Rogiers 0000-0001-6637-3561, Kevin P. Quinlan and Jeremy D. Bright
 

The macadamia (Macadamia spp.) is an Australian native, and its nuts are a delicious source of nutrition with many health benefits. Extreme weather over the last decade has hampered the industry through yield losses and inferior quality kernels. Changes in environmentally sustainable orchard management practices are proposed to improve tree resilience and the production of first grade kernels.

FP24218 Abstract  |  FP24218 Full Text  | FP24218PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

FP24130Effects of cold and methyl jasmonate on the expression of miRNAs and target genes in response to vernalisation in two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.)

Nooshin Ashoori, Reza Fotovat and Ehsan MohseniFard 0000-0003-3538-7498
 

Physiological and biochemical changes in wheat during cold acclimation and vernalisation are pivotal for winter survival. We examined methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) and cold treatment effects on miRNA regulation and target genes in Baz spring wheat and Norstar winter wheat. MeJA’s impact on vernalisation and acclimation varied between cultivars, with Norstar experiencing decreased traits and Baz showing minimal effects. Results underscored the intricate interplay between genotypes, miRNAs and target genes under different vernalisation treatments, elucidating the response of wheat to MeJA and cold treatments.

FP24130 Abstract  | PDF (487 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 March 2025

FP25010The role of nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factor in plant growth and development

Jiayi Hong, Xiaofeng Feng, Yongping Cai, Muhammad Aamir Manzoor 0000-0002-4277-5483 and Yunpeng Cao 0000-0001-5976-2382
 

NF-Y is a key transcription factor found in plants, animals, and fungi, with higher plants having more NF-Y subunits. It consists of three parts (NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC) that work together to regulate gene activity by binding to DNA or interacting with other proteins. NF-Y plays a vital role in plant growth and development. Understanding its structure and function can help improve crops and support sustainable agriculture.

This article belongs to the collection: Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops - Volume II.

FP25010 Abstract  | PDF (833 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 March 2025

FP24294NtDHS regulates leaf senescence by modulating gene translation in Nicotiana tabacum

Junping Gao, Ying Wang, Xinxi He, Long Chen, Shuaibin Wang, Xinyao Zhang, Sirui Zhu, Xiaoxu Li, Xiaonian Yang, Wenxuan Pu and Yuanyuan Li 0009-0000-1196-3863
 

Leaf senescence and plant growth are crucial for crop health and yield. This study shows that the NtDHS–NteIF5A complex in Nicotiana tabacum regulates these processes by controlling the translation of genes involved in chlorophyll metabolism and cell growth. The discovery of this translational regulation provides new insights into plant biology, offering potential strategies for improving crop performance by manipulating the balance between growth and aging in plants.

FP24294 Abstract  | PDF (2.4 MB) - $35.00   | FP24294Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)
Published online 27 February 2025

FP24299Drought resistance or herbivory defense strategy? Oxalate druses function in a forage xeric species

D. F. Jaume 0009-0007-0303-1127, Y. I. Pelliza, A. Nanni and M. Tadey
 

Our study determined that druse synthesis in a xerophytic plant species constitutes an adaptation to drought, not to herbivory. Under drought stress conditions, higher druse abundance correlated with increased growth rates. In contrast, the presence of herbivory did not induce druse synthesis, and its presence influenced the response to drought stress. Our findings highlight the role of druses in the adaptive response to drought and reveal how interactions with other common stressors, such as herbivory, can modify this response.

FP24299 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00   | FP24299Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 25 February 2025

FP24292Effects of selenium on leaf traits and photosynthetic characteristics of eggplant

Lu Zhang, Xiawei Zhao, Yan Wang, Xinyu Ma, Haolin Li and Chengzhang Zhao 0000-0002-8610-6599
 

Semi-arid regions have abundant light and heat, concentrating agricultural activities. However, high temperatures and drought conditions pose significant constraints on crop productivity. Our study found that an optimal Se application enhanced the acquisition traits in eggplants, thereby maximising photosynthetic gains and achieving a ‘high input – rapid return’ model in terms of leaf construction costs and photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings suggest that Se application can serve as a crucial strategy to enhance crop productivity in semi-arid environments.

FP24292 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 25 February 2025

FP24241Effect of increased air temperature and vapour pressure deficit on water relations, gas exchange, and stem increment in saplings of Norway spruce (Picea abies)

Gristin Rohula-Okunev 0000-0002-8629-3160, Priit Kupper 0000-0002-1243-3511, Arvo Tullus, Mai Kukumägi, Marili Sell and Ivika Ostonen
 

Although the rise in temperature has been intensively studied, the associated effect of air humidity and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) on trees must be clarified. We investigated the impact of these factors on Norway spruce (Picea abies) saplings and discovered that the higher temperature alone does not affect trees, while the interaction with VPD rise improved tree functioning. These findings suggest that aside from temperature, the impact of air humidity should be considered by predicting trees’ response to global warming.

FP24241 Abstract  | PDF (1.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 20 February 2025

FP24305Differences between barley and maize revealed in limitations of photosystems I and II under high temperature and low air humidity

Eugene A. Lysenko 0000-0003-1474-0213
 

The existence of C3- and C4-types of photosynthesis enables plant to better adapt to different environment conditions including diverse temperature regimes. The current study revealed differences between C3-plant barley and C4-plant maize in mechanisms limiting activity of photosystems I and II. These results increased the biophysical component that is underrepresented in the general understanding of distinctions between C3- and C4-types of photosynthesis.

FP24305 Abstract  | PDF (5.4 MB) - $35.00   | FP24305Supplementary Material (8.2 MB)
Published online 17 February 2025

FP24051Comparative analysis of waterlogging and drought stress regulatory networks in barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Bahman Panahi 0000-0001-8523-994X
 

We applied a systems biology approach to gain a deep insight into the regulatory mechanisms of barley (Hordeum vulgare) under drought and waterlogging stress conditions. The identified gene modules, enriched pathways, and regulatory networks provide valuable insights into the complex molecular responses of barley to drought and waterlogging stresses. This comprehensive analysis significantly contributes to our understanding of the genetic and regulatory mechanisms underlying stress responses in barley.

FP24051 Abstract  | PDF (3.6 MB) - $35.00   | FP24051Supplementary Material (4.6 MB)
Published online 11 February 2025

FP24255Advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technology: shaping the future of photosynthetic microorganisms for biofuel production

Samreen Arshad, Muhammad Luqman Qadir, Nazim Hussain, Qurban Ali 0000-0002-3160-4830, Shiming Han and Daoud Ali
 

CRISPR technology have been used to increase biomass and lipid content in microalgae, which has benefits for industrial application in the production of biofuels. This review highlights the attempts made so far to target microalgae genome modification, discusses the prospects for developing the CRISPR platform for large-scale genome modification of microalgae, identifies the opportunities and challenges related to the development anddistribution of CRISPR/Cas9 components, and how different CRISPR approaches can be used in the modification of algae and cyanobacteria.

FP24255 Abstract  |  FP24255 Full Text  | FP24255PDF (2.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 January 2025

FP24216The relationship between GABA content and desiccation tolerance at five developmental stages of wheat (Triticum durum) seeds

Nezar H. Samarah 0000-0002-2820-3382, Nisreen A. AL-Quraan 0000-0001-7328-054X and Roa’a I. Shawah’en
 

Drying wheat (Triticum durum) seeds attached to their spikes improved seed germination (desiccation tolerance), mean germination time, and seedling length at the milk stage of seed development compared with seed dried detached from spikes. The improvement of seed germination of spiked-dried seeds was associated with high accumulation of GABA metabolites, lower MDA content, higher expression of dehydrin genes (dhn, wcor, and dreb).

FP24216 Abstract  | PDF (624 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 06 January 2025

FP23323Short-term and long-term fluoride stress induce differential molecular and transcriptional regulation and variable ranges of fluoride tolerance in two indica rice (Oryza sativa) varieties

Ankur Singh, Aditya Banerjee and Aryadeep Roychoudhury 0000-0003-2324-940X
 

Fluoride pollution is gradually becoming an environmental concern around the globe. Previous studies have shown the toxic effects of fluoride on rice (Oryza sativa) growth. Our study derived a roadmap for the cultivation of two indica rice varieties (Khitish, which is more resistant to long-term fluoride stress, and MTU1010, which is more susceptible to fluoride stress) in fluoride-marginalized lands. The different response to fluoride stress between the two varieties may be explained by differential reprogramming of protective metabolites and sulfur assimilation.

This article belongs to the Collection Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops.

FP23323 Abstract  |  FP23323 Full Text  | FP23323PDF (1.4 MB)

Published online 03 January 2025

FP24101Enhancing the productivity and resilience of rice (Oryza sativa) under environmental stress conditions using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology

Aamir Riaz 0000-0003-1693-277X, Muhammad Uzair 0000-0001-8329-9762, Ali Raza, Safeena Inam, Rashid Iqbal, Saima Jameel, Bushra Bibi and Muhammad Ramzan Khan
 

Rice (Oryza sativa) is an important food crop globally. With a constant need to enhance rice traits in a changing climate, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated Protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) offers cutting-edge and precise genome-editing tool to modify rice genome to provide resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in rice breeding to create rice varieties that have enhanced tolerance to stresses, herbicide resistance, and higher productivity.

This article belongs to the Collection Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops.

FP24101 Abstract  |  FP24101 Full Text  | FP24101PDF (2 MB)

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops - Volume II

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology papers summarises the technological and conceptual advances in genetics and functional genomics that have the potential to achieve the 2nd sustainable development goal of zero hunger under challenging climatic conditions. This collection represents Vol. II of this series.

Collection Editors
Sajid Fiaz (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Haripur, Pakistan)
Muhammad Azhar Nadeem (Sivas University of Science and Technology, Turkey)
Inzamam Ul Haq (Gansu Agricultural University, China)

Last Updated: 03 Apr 2025

Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology includes articles summarising the technological and conceptual advancement in genetics and functional genomics with the potential for achieving the United Nations' second sustainable development goal of zero hunger under challenging climatic conditions. These articles illustrate the development of cutting-edge technologies helping researchers to develop germplasm with better resistance/tolerance for emerging food security threats.

The papers in this collection are free to read for one month, from 18 March 2025

Collection Editors
Sajid Fiaz (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Haripur, Pakistan)
Muhammad Azhar Nadeem (Sivas University of Science and Technology, Turkey)
Inzamam Ul Haq (Gansu Agricultural University, China)

Last Updated: 18 Mar 2025

Machine Learning for Plant Stress Phenotyping

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology explores cutting-edge phenotyping applications of machine learning approaches for stress detection and plant phenotyping at the different scales of their structural organisation.

Collection Editors
Jungpil Shin (University of Aizu, Japan)
Md. Al Mehedi Hasan (Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh)
Yong Seok Hwang (Kwangwoon University, Korea)

Last Updated: 20 Sep 2024

Flooding Stress and Responses to Hypoxia in Plants

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology focuses on ‘Flooding stress and responses to hypoxia in plants’ and includes papers demonstrating various plant responses to low-O2 conditions, flooding stress and a combination of stresses commonly found in flooded areas. This compilation significantly advances our understanding of flooding stress and responses to low-O2 levels in plants.

Collection Editors
Romy Schmidt-Schippers (University of Bielefeld, Germany)
Ole Pedersen (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
Angelika Mustroph (University of Bayreuth, Germany)
Daan Weits (Utrecht University, Netherlands)
Juan Jiménez (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

Last Updated: 15 Mar 2024

Understanding Mechanistic Basis of Plant Adaptation to Salinity and Drought

Drought and salinity are two major constraints in agriculture, restricting plant growth and yield in many parts of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, and in the majority of plants, growth ceases under extreme exposure to drought and salt stress. This collection of Functional Plant Biology papers focuses on the advances and progress in studying the underlying mechanisms of salinity and drought tolerance in plants, particularly those that are considered agriculturally important.

Collection Editors
Muhammad Waseem (Hainan University, Sanya, China)
Mehtab Muhammad Aslam (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China)
Sunil Kumar Sahu (Beijing Genomics Institute, Shenzhen, China)

Last Updated: 15 Feb 2024

Editor’s Choice – ‘Abiotic stress signalling and adaptation’

Agricultural crop production has to be increased by 70% by 2050 to ensure food security and meet the challenge of feeding a population of 9.3 billion. The only way to meet this challenge is by identifying key genes and mechanisms mediating plant sensing, signalling and adaptation to adverse environmental conditions, and then using modern genetic tools to modify them, to enable better plant performance. The papers selected for this Functional Plant Biology Collection contribute to this task and, therefore, may be of substantial interest to readers.

Collection Editor
Professor Sergey Shabala, Editor-in-Chief

Last Updated: 02 Oct 2017

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