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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 has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 20 June 2024

FP24058Acclimation mechanism of microalgal photosynthetic apparatus under low atmospheric pressures – new astrobiological perspectives in a Mars-like atmosphere

Charalampia-Stavroula Gritsi, Evangelos Sarmas, Vangelis Daskalakis 0000-0001-8870-0850 and Kiriakos Kotzabasis 0000-0002-1002-6365
 

This study reveals a new acclimation mechanism of microalgae in low atmospheric pressure. Experimental results and molecular dynamic simulations indicate that low atmospheric pressure reduces the density and enhances the fluidity of photosynthetic thylakoid membranes, leading to enhanced photochemical quenching. Particularly, extremely low pressure (<10 mbar) in a 100% CO2 atmosphere (Mars-like atmosphere) yields a photosynthetic efficiency comparable to that of Earth, shedding light on new astrobiological perspectives.

FP24058 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 20 June 2024

FP24029Silicon mitigates salinity effects on sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense) by enhancing growth and photosynthetic efficiency

Farah Bounaouara 0009-0001-8992-0430, Rabaa Hidri 0000-0003-3550-2126, Mohammed Falouti 0009-0006-1340-6562, Mokded Rabhi 0000-0001-6817-585X, Chedly Abdelly 0000-0003-2249-1130, Walid Zorrig 0000-0001-6607-9151 and Inès Slama 0000-0001-8165-146X
 

Soil salinity is a worldwide environmental constraint that affects crops growth and productivity. Silicon supply has been observed to ameliorate crops growth under various stresses. In this study, silicon supply was found to significantly enhance the decline the growth of sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense) under salinity stress, increasing productivity and enhancing plants vigour throughout many aspects. Hence, silicon seems to be a promising approach to strengthen agriculture yield.

FP24029 Abstract  | PDF (5 MB) - $35.00   | FP24029Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)
Published online 20 June 2024

FP23141Effects of extra potassium supply and rootstocks indicate links between water, solutes and energy in Shiraz grapevines (Vitis vinifera) pericarps

Yin Liu 0009-0003-4473-3046, Stephen Tyerman 0000-0003-2455-1643, Leigh Schmidtke 0000-0001-9765-5510 and Suzy Rogiers 0000-0001-6637-3561
 

Increased potassium (K) concentration in grape (Vitis vinifera) berries is associated with loss of acidity and high sugar content in juice. This study demonstrated that the K supply to Shiraz and berry ripening phase could impact the berry attributes and chemical composition at harvest, associated with the linkages between water, sugar, K and ATP. From this study, we suggest that grape berry maturation and composition management may be beneficial.

FP23141 Abstract  |  FP23141 Full Text  | FP23141PDF (3.2 MB)  | FP23141Supplementary Material (3.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2024

FP24063Molecular cloning and characterisation of root-specific SlREO promoter of the Indian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar

Penki Jenny, Amar A. Sakure, Ankit Yadav and Sushil Kumar 0000-0003-3767-8846
 

The improvement of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) for various biotic and abiotic traits that affect the roots functions is vital, and root-specific promoters are tools to improve the gene expression of transgenes. SlREO is one tissue-specific promoters in tomato. This study cloned and characterised SlREO in Indian tomato cultivar, and evaluated its activity in various crops. Transgenic studies suggest that SlREO is a crop-dependent tissue-specific promoter that cannot be used to improve the expression of genes in other crops.

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

FP24063 Abstract  | PDF (1.8 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 June 2024

FP24055Computational analysis and expression profiling of two-component system (TCS) gene family members in mango (Mangifera indica) indicated their roles in stress response

Muhammad Sadaqat, Kinza Fatima, Farrukh Azeem 0000-0002-2702-0330, Tayyaba Shaheen, Mahmood-ur- Rahman, Tehreem Ali, Wafa Abdullah I. Al-Megrin and Muhammad Tahir ul Qamar 0000-0003-4832-4250
 

We studied the genetic blueprint of mango (Mangifera indica) trees, and identified a crucial gene family for plant health and stress responses. We identified and examined 65 genes responsible for signalling pathways within mango plants. By unravelling these genetic intricacies, we pave the way for potential advancements in mango cultivation, and offer opportunities for developing better resilience against environmental challenges and the development of superior mango varieties.

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

FP24055 Abstract  | PDF (8.3 MB) - $35.00   | FP24055Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 30 May 2024

FP24057High night temperature stress on rice (Oryza sativa) – insights from phenomics to physiology. A review

Awais Riaz, Julie Thomas, Hafiz Haider Ali, Muhammad Saqlain Zaheer 0000-0002-2128-9873, Naushad Ahmad and Andy Pereira
 

We explore the impact of high night temperature (HNT) on rice phenomics, physiology and grain yield. From accelerated vegetative growth to changes in reproductive phases and enzymatic activities, we review how HNT affects rice in elevated CO2 and nitrogen environments to provide insights into photosynthesis, respiration and hormonal regulation, and their effect on grain yield and quality.

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

FP24057 Abstract  | PDF (1012 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 May 2024

FP23319Acibenzolar-S-methyl promotes wound healing of harvested sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) by regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolism and phenylpropanoid pathway

Caixia Wang 0000-0002-1019-6882, Lei Wei, Xiaoyu Liu and Qi Ye
 

Mechanical damage during harvest, handling and transportation can cause wounding in sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas). Wounds provide an access point for pathogens to infect the sweet potato, leading to rotting and quality deterioration during storage. Wound healing plays an important role in maintaining postharvest quality and shelf life of sweet potato. Our data showed that postharvest ASM treatment effectively promoted wound healing of sweet potatoes. These results provide theoretical basis for improving the storage quality of wounded sweet potatoes.

FP23319 Abstract  | PDF (382 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 20 May 2024

FP23202Morpho-physiological adaptations to weed competition impair green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) ability to overcome moderate salt stress

Valerio Cirillo 0000-0002-2929-5485, Marco Esposito, Matteo Lentini, Claudio Russo, Nausicaa Pollaro and Albino Maggio
 

Environmental stresses cause severe yield losses. In the field, these stresses occur contextually, leading to unpredictable outcomes in terms of crop productivity. Soil/water salinity will expand in the future due to climate change, and weed control will become harder due to herbicide resistance. We studied the combined effect of weed competition and salt stress on the yield of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), finding that the morpho-physiological adaptations induced by weed competition impair plant ability to tolerate salt stress.

FP23202 Abstract  | PDF (1009 KB) - $35.00   | FP23202Supplementary Material (1 MB)
Published online 17 May 2024

FP23282Regulatory role of AGC genes in heat stress adaptation in maize (Zea mays)

Abdul Rehman, Khairiah Mubarak Alwutayd, Dikhnah Alshehri, Ibtisam Mohammed Alsudays, Farrukh Azeem 0000-0002-2702-0330, Shahroz Rahman, Muhammad Abid and Asad Ali Shah 0000-0002-1345-3151
 

Rising global temperature is negatively affecting maize yield. Current genome-wide analysis identified and characterised AGC genes, one of the major contributors of plant stress response. Heat stress mediated differential expression of AGCs (using RNA-seq and real time qPCR) underscore the potential for developing heat-tolerant maize varieties by understanding the intricate workings of these genes.

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

FP23282 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 16 May 2024

FP23266Exogenous zinc application mitigates negative effects of salinity on barley (Hordeum vulgare) growth by improving root ionic homeostasis

Waleed Amjad Khan, Beth Penrose, Ping Yun, Meixue Zhou 0000-0003-3009-7854 and Sergey Shabala 0000-0003-2345-8981
 

Exogenous Zn supply improve salinity tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare) by significant reduction in shoot Na+ load and improved K+ retention in leaf root and mesophyll cells. The above effects are attributed to regulation of non-selective channels involved in transport of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ across cellular membranes.

FP23266 Abstract  |  FP23266 Full Text  | FP23266PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 May 2024

FP24019Impact of exogenous melatonin foliar application on physiology and fruit quality of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) under salt stress

Yuanyuan Li, Congcong Zhang, Xu Lu, Haokai Yan, Guojie Nai, Meishuang Gong, Ying Lai, Zhihui Pu, Li Wei, Shaoying Ma 0000-0001-7912-7968 and Sheng Li 0000-0003-0432-9578
 

In this study, by foliar spraying of 100 and 300 μmol L−1 melatonin, the results showed that melatonin was able to reduce the damage of salt stress on the photosynthetic system and antioxidant system of wine grape (Vitis vinifera) leaves, and also improve the shape of the fruit and the intrinsic quality of the grape berries, such as sugar, acid, and nitrogenous compounds. Melatonin at 100 μmol L−1 was found to be the most effective.

FP24019 Abstract  | PDF (5.1 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 14 May 2024

FP23254Evaluation of potential increase in photosynthetic efficiency of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) plants exposed to elevated carbon dioxide

V. Ravi, Saravanan Raju and Sanket J. More 0000-0002-9672-4083
 

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) exhibited a positive response to elevated CO2 levels (ranging from 600 to 1000 ppm) compared to the ambient concentration of 400 ppm CO2. Most of the photosynthetic parameters showed steady improvement up to 800 ppm, followed by down-regulation at the highest concentration. The physiological water use efficiency of fourteen cassava varieties was enhanced at 1000 ppm due to restricted stomatal activity and reduced transpiration rate.

FP23254 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 May 2024

FP24073Starch and sucrose metabolism plays an important role in the stem development in Medicago sativa

Jierui Wu 0009-0004-0482-0951, Xiaoyu Wang 0000-0001-7579-1749, Lin Bian 0009-0006-3271-435X, Zhenyi Li 0000-0002-6443-484X, Xiaohong Jiang 0009-0000-6913-0880, Fengling Shi 0000-0001-7235-1692, Fang Tang 0000-0002-9645-7448 and Zhiqiang Zhang 0000-0003-3709-9553
 

The forage quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) stems is greater than the leaves. Starch and sucrose metabolism provide energy during alfalfa stem development. Different varieties of alfalfa have different sucrose, starch and related enzyme activities. Hollow stems will be formed during the rapid growth of alfalfa, which may be related to the redistribution of carbohydrates in the pith tissue. Our results may provide a new theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of sucrose and starch accumulation in alfalfa stems.

FP24073 Abstract  |  FP24073 Full Text  | FP24073PDF (2.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 May 2024

FP23320Identification of cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase gene family in potato: revealed StCRLK9 in response to heat, salt and drought stresses

Roshan Zameer 0000-0002-4006-1196, Khairiah Mubarak Alwutayd, Dikhnah Alshehri, Muhammad Salman Mubarik, Cheng Li, Chengde Yu and Zhifang Li
 

Potato (Solanum tuberosum), the third-largest staple food crop, faces a major food security threat from environmental factors including salinity, temperature fluctuations and drought. We characterise the cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase (CRLK) gene family in potato, shedding light on its molecular mechanism in the complex interplay between plants and environmental stressors. The gene StCRLK9 may be involved in various abiotic stress responses. This establishes the groundwork for further investigations into the role of the potato CRLKs gene family in engineering climate resilient future crop plants.

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

FP23320 Abstract  | PDF (4 MB) - $35.00   | FP23320Supplementary Material (1023 KB)

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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

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.

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: 13 Jun 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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