Czechia

Despite the evidence of the effect of topography on forest systems at the landscape level, only a few reports are available regarding the impact of varied topography on physiology and tree growth within catchment areas of the mountain ecosystem. The topographic influence of topoclimate and catchment hydrology plays a significant role in shaping forest feedback to future climate conditions and shapes the structure and function of the forest. The studies to model the forest response to environmental alterations comprise landscape-level processes but generally exclude finer-scale dynamics, which may be similarly significant to the ecosystem functions of the forest. The present study revealed aspect-regulated finer-scale variations in leaf ecophysiology. During our study, these variations were evidenced by increased photosynthesis of Q. semecarpifolia, growing in higher light, warmer, and drier conditions of the south (S) aspect relative to the contrasting north (N) aspect of the same catchment, in the subalpine forest of the central Himalaya. In general, the seasonality and aspect-driven light environments both posed remarkable changes in the leaf ecophysiology (i.e., leaf gas exchange and plant water relation). The effect of variation in the light environment was more pronounced and affected the overall productivity and leaf ecophysiology of the plants more severely, seasonally as well as diurnally. It has also been realized throughout the study that photosynthesis and other leaf gas exchange parameters were highly variable and highly influenced by microclimatic environmental factors like air temperature, soil moisture, relative humidity, light quality, intensity, and duration. Therefore, while predicting the gross primary productivity, it needs to take more site-specific, time-specific (diurnal), and season-specific data to accurately and precisely account for forest productivity. Our study also suggests that brown oak interspecifically adapts by adjusting its physiological traits against several abiotic stresses to maintain its higher productivity.


SEB Conference 2024

Influence of Topography on Variation and Intra-specific adaptations in Leaf Ecophysiology of Quercus Semecarpifolia Forest of High Altitudinal Central Himalaya

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SEB’s Annual Conference is celebrated for creating the perfect composition of research, new discoveries and collaborative connections. Be creative and innovative by exchanging ideas and knowledge with masters of biology from all over the world.

Abstract: Clonal propagation is a widely utilised technique in forestry and horticulture and holds significant promise for conserving desired traits within specific species. Successful adventitious root development from cutting stems bases is essential and depends on environmental and physiological factors among which plant hormones play a crucial role. This study investigates the effect of auxin and jasmonic acid on cutting adventitious root development, both independently and in interaction, across three distinct peas cultivars: ‘Meteor’, ‘RTP’, and ‘Torsdag’. Our findings reveal cultivar-specific responses to auxin and jasmonic acid in a dosage dependent manner. Moreover, our study reveals the hormone dosage is directly related to the speed of adventitious root development. By further exploring the site and timing of hormone interaction, we aim to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying successful root formation. These findings have significant implications for tree production through cutting propagation, offering insights that can optimise hormone treatments, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability in forestry and horticulture practices. Ultimately, our research contributes to advancing the understanding of hormonal regulation in clonal propagation, paving the way for more efficient and scalable tree production methods.

Rooting Buddies: role of plant hormone crosstalk in cutting propagation

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a a cornerstone of non-destructive plant phenotyping. With the growing interest in field phenotyping systems,
Photon System Instruments (PSI) has developed the mobile PlantScreenTM Field Phenotyping System, which integrates range of imaging sensors
including the HySpec VNIR Camera and PSI RGB camera modules.
In a pilot collaborative project with CATRIN/UPOL/CRI, we applied hyperspectral VNIR and RGB field-based imaging to non-destructively characterize
the specific metabolite profile in Calendula sp. flowers of 8 different cultivars. Here, we present the pipeline for processing hyperspectral and RGB
data, including validation based on reflectance spectra from a hand-held Polypen spectrometer (PSI) and integration with metabolomic data from
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS).

Sunlit Insights: Transferring Hyperspectral Imaging from Lab to Field

Improving our understanding of plant photosynthetic acclimation to environmental fluctuations is a crucial aspect of developing crop varieties adapted to future climatic conditions. Here we propose a theoretical model of photosynthetic protein turnover that explains photosynthetic acclimation as the accumulated effect of light and temperature on the synthesis and degradation of photosynthetic proteins in three functional pools: carboxylation, electron transport, and light harvesting. However, parameterizing this model across a wide panel of winter wheat varieties is challenging due to the number of genotype-specific parameters. Consequently, we propose hyperspectral phenotyping as a high-throughput approach for indirect assessment of parameters such as maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum electron transport rate (Jmax), and chlorophyll concentration. In order to determine the individual effect of light and temperature fluctuations, we are conducting a series of experiments growing 60 winter wheat genotypes covering the recent German breeding history in a controlled environment with different combinations of varying and constant conditions. These experiments aim to characterize the three protein pool dynamics through periodic measurements of pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange; and establish correlations between this ground truth and hyperspectral data, which will be instrumental in understanding how breeding has affected the photosynthetic acclimation.

Characterizing the individual effect of fluctuating light and temperature on source acclimation on 60 winter wheat genotypes

Nitrogen (N) is essential for agriculture and its excessive use causes severe environmental damage. Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is crucial for achieving more productive crops under conditions of limited N availability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aiming to integrate the morphophysiological responses, transcriptomics and proteomic profiles of leaves and roots of popcorn to understand NUE. For this, two NUE-contrasting inbred lines P2 (high NUE) L80 (low NUE), were cultivated under high (100% of N supply) and low (10% of N supply) N conditions. Morphological and physiological traits such as photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and potential photosynthesis (Apot) were evaluated. P2 showed more pronounced vegetative growth under low N, as well as higher values of qP, NPQ, ΦPSII and Apot. Comparative transcriptomics and proteomics analysis revealed that more than 215 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) and 430 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in the response to low N in both lines. In leaves, DAPs and DEGs involved in the response to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and photosynthesis represented the main differences between P2 and L80. In roots, the mechanisms of nitrate transport, ammonium assimilation, and amino acid metabolism seem to have contributed to the improved NUE in P2. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying NUE and opens avenues for molecular breeding aimed at selecting superior genotypes for the development of a more sustainable agriculture.

Combined transcriptomics and proteomics profiling reveals mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency in popcorn (Zea mays var. everta)

High tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) sugar content, redness of color, and firm texture are associated with a prominence of rich flavor, directly influencing consumer preferences. One major challenge of tomato improvement is to deliver superior flavor in the context of high yield and long postharvest shelf-life. TAM-SP18-157 line is extraordinarily firm resulting in long shelf-life fruit that conserves quality characterized by lack of locule gel caused by a single recessive gene mapped to chromosome 10. As opposed to long shelf-life tomatoes with impaired ripening hormone emissions, ethylene production is high in TAM-SP18-157. Tomato line TAM-SP18-157 was crossed with locule gel carrying line TAM-SP18-501. Fruits from TAM-SP18-157 lacking locule gel were 43.75% and 9.41% more firm than fruits having gel from TAM-SP18-501 and F1, respectively. Furthermore, fruits lacking locule gel were still very firm up to for 21 days (0.8 KgF), while fruits with gel were softer at that time point (0.6 KgF). Similar trend was observed for Brix, were fruits lacking gel had higher soluble solid content than fruit with gel with intermediate levels in the F1 hybrid. Fruit acidity content was lower in fruits lacking locule gel, while fruits from the F1 cross had higher acidity content as compared with the two parental lines. Together, result indicate that locule gel plays an important role in postharvest life and quality. Therefore, tomato line TAM-SP18-157 can be used to improve those characteristics by breeding for locule gel content in tomato fruits.

Lack of locule gel increases post-harvest shelf-life and quality in tomato

Drought represents one of the main threats to global food security. As a response, plants have adapted their metabolism to cope with stress factors like water scarcity. Among these adaptations, polyamine (PA) metabolism plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and resilience to stress. Under stress factors, plants adjust their endogenous levels of PAs through de novo synthesis and catabolism. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant species, five polyamine oxidase enzymes (AtPAO1 to 5) have been identified, which participate actively in the catabolism of superior PAs like spermidine, spermine, and thermospermine.

This research focused on the impact of water deficit (WD), defined as 20 to 30% substrate moisture, on five single Atpao mutant lines over three weeks. By using plant phenotyping approaches (non-invasive sensors), we assessed the effects of drought on various aspects of growth and photosynthetic performance for each mutant line.

Our findings revealed that WD significantly reduced water status (<RWC), biomass, rosette size, and photosynthesis across all mutant lines compared to the wild-type. Furthermore, stressed plants significantly increased foliar temperature, which adversely affected leaf transpiration rates. Interestingly, the study uncovered a variable response among the mutant lines in terms of photosynthesis capacity and leaf energy dissipation when subjected to stress, highlighting the significant contribution of PA catabolism to plant drought tolerance. Future studies addressing the biochemical and molecular profile will further elucidate the mechanism involved and the specific role of each AtPAO gene in plant adaptation to water scarcity.

Plant phenotyping approaches to understand the polyamine catabolism role in Arabidopsis plants under water deficit

The conservation of biodiversity and the improvement of agricultural productivity stand as imperative pursuits within the context of sustainable development, wherein gene banks assume a central role. These repositories safeguard a diverse array of plant genetic resources, constituting indispensable assets for both conservation and prospective breeding endeavors. Improving technologies for gene banks are crucial for the preservation and utilization of global biodiversity. Automation plays a pivotal role in advancing gene banks, streamlining critical processes, and bolstering the efficiency of genetic resource management. Automated technologies, such as robotic systems for seed handling and germination testing, significantly accelerate the pace at which plant genetic resources can be collected, processed, and cataloged. This not only optimizes the use of human resources but also minimizes the risk of errors and contamination. Automation in data management ensures accurate record-keeping and facilitates the swift retrieval of information, aiding researchers in identifying valuable traits and making informed decisions for crop improvement. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence, plant phenotyping, and novel kinds of sensors in gene banks enhances the characterization of vast collections of plant genetic resources, enabling the rapid identification of novel genetic traits and the development of more resilient and adaptive crop varieties. In essence, improving technologies for gene banks not only enhance operational efficiency but also amplify the impact of genetic resources in addressing global challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability.

Innovating Gene Banks: Unleashing Automation and Advanced Technologies for Global Biodiversity Conservation and Agricultural Innovation

One of the many steps towards reaching the UK’s goal of tripling its tree planting figures to 30,000 hectares a year is increasing the current tree production output. Threats such as ash dieback disease shed light on the need to maintain certain genetic features, calls for the development of complementary clonal propagation protocols. Stem cuttings are simple propagules that, upon successful development of adventitious roots, may provide high numbers of individuals with the desired features for the future woodlands. Cuttings from broadleaved tree species such as oak and ash are often considered recalcitrant to rooting, especially as they age. Auxin-containing powders and solutions are the main rooting enhancer treatment used in nurseries, though often unsuccessfully in hard-to-root cuttings. With the role of auxin being knowingly dependent on time, a single application might not provide the target tissues with adequate auxin levels. In this project, we are monitoring the responses to different auxin formulations along time and correlating it to rooting-related physiological parameters. Early results evidence the low rooting rates of oak and ash cuttings, higher callus formation rates in warmer seasons, and a strong seasonality factor, with the few rooting events taking place in cuttings collected in late summer-early autumn. Observation from the next, larger experiments will be used to build a working model for how different physiological parameters affect rooting outcomes in UK tree cuttings, paving the way for improved, data-driven propagation protocols.

Propagation of broadleaved UK tree species by cuttings: gauging physiological responses to different auxin formulations

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the ancient, cultivated crops which is consumed by over half of the world’s population. Globally the percentage of soil affected by salinity is increasing, with irrigated areas of particular concern. Rice is highly salt sensitive crop that may lose 50% of its yield at a soil electrical conductivity (EC) value of only ~6 dsm−1. About 150 genotypes from Bengal and Assam Aus Population (BAAP) was used for this experiment having four replications with three different salt treatments i.e. control (0 dsm−1), 2 dsm−1 and 4 dsm−1. The seeds were sown in a 38 cm long tubes whose bottom was closed with a fine mash to pass water but not soil. The tubes were placed in a box whereas each box contained 15 tubes with 15 different genotypes. Sea water collected from Cox’s Bazar was diluted up to the desired level by adding ground water. All the traits showed significant treatments effect. Salt injury score (SIS), stomatal conductivity, grain biomass had significant genotype and treatment effects whereas SIS had highly significant (p<0.001) negative correlation with grain biomass (-0.55). Plant height, shoot biomass, stomatal conductivity and SIS showed normal frequency distribution in three of the treatments. Salt tolerant accessions have been identified. Genome Wide Association mapping will be presented to identify to identify QTLs and candidate genes responsible for salt tolerance from those genotypes of BAAP.

Genome Wide Association Genetics of Rice for Salinity Tolerance at Maturity Stage under Field Condition

Nowadays, the threat of drought to crop production is increasing due to ongoing climate change and a growing world population, which poses a challenge to food security. To solve the problem of plant susceptibility to drought, one potential solution is to study new varieties that are more resistant and investigate key regulators of plant responses to unfavorable environmental conditions. In our research, we examined the effect of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, a plant hormone crucial for the response to drought, on barley mutants carrying mutations in the genes encoding the CBC complex, an important component of ABA-related signaling pathways, as well as on the parental cultivar Sebastian. Using the TILLING technique, we created mutants in the genes (hvcbp20.ab and hvcbp80.b) encoding both subunits of the CBC complex and we also generated a double mutant (hvcbp20.ab/hvcbp80) carrying mutations in both genes simultaneously. We subjected these mutants and the parent variety to drought stress, ABA-only treatment, and ABA pretreatment followed by drought stress. Our studies showed that these mutations significantly affected photosynthetic parameters, especially after ABA treatment. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing enabled the observation of changes in biological processes within the analyzed genotypes and the identification of key genes that may cause the observed changes. In conclusion, we have shown that mutations in the genes encoding the CBC complex can increase plant resistance to drought conditions, providing valuable information for improving crop sustainability in the face of climate challenges.

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