Morphological Characterization and Transcriptome Analysis of New Dwarf and Narrow-Leaf (dnl2) Mutant in Maize

Lodging is the primary factor limiting high yield under a high plant density. However, an optimal plant height and leaf shape can effectively decrease the lodging risk. Here we studied an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced dwarf and a narrow-leaf mutant, dnl2. Gene mapping indicated that the mutant was controlled by a gene located on chromosome nine. Phenotypic and cytological observations revealed that dnl2 showed inhibited cell growth, altered vascular bundle patterning, and disrupted secondary cell wall structure when compared with the wild-type, which could be the direct cause of the dwarf and narrow-leaf phenotype. The phytohormone levels, especially auxin and gibberellin, were significantly decreased in dnl2 compared to the wild-type plants. Transcriptome profiling of the internodes of the dnl2 mutant and wild-type revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes enriched in the cell wall biosynthesis, remodeling, and hormone biosynthesis and signaling pathways. Therefore, we suggest that crosstalk between hormones (the altered vascular bundle and secondary cell wall structure) may contribute to the dwarf and narrow-leaf phenotype by influencing cell growth. These results provide a foundation for DNL2 gene cloning and further elucidation of the molecular mechanism of the regulation of plant height and leaf shape in maize.

Inventory of Weeds In Oil Palm Plants (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) In Balai Pengawasan dan Sertifikasi Benih Perkebunan

Weeds have a direct influence on the growth and yield of oil palm production, resulting in various losses. Weed control aims to suppress growth or destroy weeds in plantations. In order to reduce the risk of failure in weed control, weed inventory activities need to be carried out first. Weed inventory is an activity to collect data on the types of weeds, and is expected to reveal potential and information about weeds. The purpose of this study was to identify and recognize the diversity of weed species that can be used as the basis for weed control in the productive phase of oil palm plantations at the Plantation Seed Monitoring and Certification Center. The method used in this study was a descriptive qualitative approach. The results of the study found 2 divisions, 4 classes, 13 orders, 18 families, 22 genera and 22 plant species on oil palm plantations with narrow, broad, and ferns. In general, based on the results of the inventory, broadleaf weeds were more common than narrow leaf weeds and fern weeds.

Trifolium angustifolium (narrow-leaf clover).

The narrow-leaf clover Trifolium angustifolium is an annual legume native to central, southern and Eastern Europe, western Asia and North Africa. It has been introduced elsewhere and is valued for forage and pasture improvement. It has become an environmental weed in a few countries such as Australia, Japan and Chile but has not been reported as an aggressive invader. It is included in the IUCN Red List (Least Concern) for its value as a genetic resource for forage legumes.

Mixed cultures,a sustainable way to accelerate phytomining of rare earth elements, is there a future here?

<p>This study aims to identify the effects of having narrow leaf lupine grown in a mixed culture with barley at different proportions when different treatment regimens are introduced to the plants. The effects of the usage of fertilizer, NK and NPK on the plants are determined, where the absence and presence and absence of phosphorus will be used to determine the variation in REE accumulation. Furthermore, to investigate how the carboxylate-based strategies for nutrient acquisition in the rhizosphere of Lupinus angustifolius, affect the availability of trace elements to the neighbouring species (in this case barley) and are traceable by rare earth element (REE) pattern.  Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Modena) was cultivated with narrow leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius). The experimental design involved both a monoculture (L0) and mixed cultures, where barley was replaced with narrow leaf lupin at two different proportions 11 and 33 % (Lan 11 and Lan 33). To test the influence of fertilizer on the accumulation of REEs, the plants were further treated with two variated fertilizer options; nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and on the contrary just N & K. Elemental concentrations within the leaves and stems of the barley were determined by ICP-MS. In the presence of P (NPK treatment) An increase in LREE is observed in the leaves of barley than in the stems. There is a statistically significant difference between L0 and Lan 11. HREE also shows an increased uptake in the leaves than in stems. The behaviour of both LREE and HREE from the NK treatment show a similar pattern for both stems and leaves, however, at lower concentrations than when P is present. From the obtained results we can conclude that the presence of P increases the availability of REEs, particularly LREE. Furthermore, intercropping with narrow leaf lupin positively influences the uptake of trace REEs, thus increasing their availability to adjacent plants.</p>

Analysis of Narrow-Leaf Lupin Proteins in Lupin-Enriched Pasta by Untargeted and Targeted Mass Spectrometry

The supplementation of different food items with grain legumes and, in particular, with lupin has been demonstrated to provide useful health benefits, especially in the area of cardiovascular disease prevention. In this work, label free quantitative untargeted and targeted approaches based on liquid chromatography−electrospray ionization−tandem mass spectrometry (LC−ESI−MS/MS) for investigating the protein profile of three pasta samples containing different percentages of narrow-leaf lupin flour were carried out. The untargeted method permitted the identification of the main acidic globulins (α-conglutin, β-conglutin, and δ-conglutin) and the comparison of their profile with raw lupin flour. The targeted method, based on High-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry HPLC-Chip-Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode, allowed the quantification of γ-conglutin, the main hypoglycemic component of lupin protein: its concentration was around 2.25 mg/g in sample A, 2.16 mg/g in sample D, and 0.57 mg/g in sample F.

Effects of Waterlogging with Different Water Resources on Plant Growth and Tolerance Capacity of Four Herbaceous Flowers in a Bioretention Basin

Extreme weather events have increased due to climate change. Bioretention basins can effectively alleviate urban flooding by short-term water retention. Reclaimed water (RW) is considered an alternative water resource during water shortages. In this study, the abilities for waterlogging tolerance of four herbaceous flowers (angelonia, narrow-leaf zinnia, celosia, and medallion flower) are investigated to screen suitable ornamental plants for bioretention basins, and the influence of RW on the plants is also evaluated. All plants were treated with 10 days of waterlogging (electrical conductivity (EC) of tap water = 110.0 μS·cm−1) followed by a seven-day recovery. Angelonia (Angelonia salicariifolia Humb. & Bonpl) was not affected by waterlogging and showed the best performance, judged from the ornamental quality, photosynthesis rate, and leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) among the tested flowers. Photosynthesis of the narrow-leaf zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia Kunth) decreased during waterlogging but soon recovered after being drained. Celosia (Celosia argentea L.) and medallion flower (Melampodium paludosum Kunth) were significantly affected by waterlogging and did not recover after drainage, in terms of responses to both external and physiological reactions. Moreover, waterlogging by the simulated RW (EC = 542.4 μS·cm−1) did not have negative impacts on angelonia and narrow-leaf zinnia, due to the reduced leaf malondialdehyde concentration of angelonia and retarded the decline in the net photosynthesis rate of narrow-leaf zinnia. Thus, RW could be used as an alternative irrigation water resource for bioretention basins during the dry season to maintain plant growth.