The association of plants and microorganisms is a major determinant that influences plant health, uptake of nutrients, and resilience to climate change. The technological advancements in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have enabled understanding of these symbiotic interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. The identification of molecular mechanisms that underlie the mutualistic association between plants and different kinds of beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, endophytes, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has revealed major signaling pathways such as the common symbiosis signaling pathway, hormone crosstalk, and microbe-associated molecular patterns. Recent studies have demonstrated that the Common Symbiosis Signaling Pathway (CSSP) is conserved among diverse plant species, and assumes an important role in plant symbiotic interactions. Microbial consortia, notwithstanding their broad potential, are strongly dependent on the context, and their results vary according to factors such as microbial competition, host genotype, and soil heterogeneity, which in turn explain the inconsistencies that have been observed in the field. The partnerships between plants and microbes could lead to exciting transformations for agriculture that’s both sustainable and resilient to climate challenges.
{"title":"Plant-microbial symbiosis: Molecular insights and applications in sustainable agriculture","authors":"Gopal Wasudeo Narkhede , G. Harish Kumar , Manchikatla Arun Kumar , Penna Suprasanna","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The association of plants and microorganisms is a major determinant that influences plant health, uptake of nutrients, and resilience to climate change. The technological advancements in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have enabled understanding of these symbiotic interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. The identification of molecular mechanisms that underlie the mutualistic association between plants and different kinds of beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, endophytes, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has revealed major signaling pathways such as the common symbiosis signaling pathway, hormone crosstalk, and microbe-associated molecular patterns. Recent studies have demonstrated that the Common Symbiosis Signaling Pathway (CSSP) is conserved among diverse plant species, and assumes an important role in plant symbiotic interactions. Microbial consortia, notwithstanding their broad potential, are strongly dependent on the context, and their results vary according to factors such as microbial competition, host genotype, and soil heterogeneity, which in turn explain the inconsistencies that have been observed in the field. The partnerships between plants and microbes could lead to exciting transformations for agriculture that’s both sustainable and resilient to climate challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100587"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100564
Jiahui Geng , Shoukun Chen , Qin Shu , Yuanyuan Jiang , Shuqiang Gao , Chun-Ming Liu , Shihua Chen , Huihui Li
Identifying genes that confer salt tolerance is essential for understanding the mechanisms underpinning salt tolerance in plants. Spartina alterniflora, a halophyte with exceptional salt and flooding tolerance and strong reproduction and dispersal capabilities, presents valuable potential for crop improvement and stress tolerance research. Here, we constructed a stress-induced yeast cDNA library and employed high-throughput screening under salt stress to identify 1279 distinct genes. Gene ontology analysis revealed significant enrichment in transcription-related complexes, and these genes were predominantly enriched in categories related to salt stress responses. Transcriptome analysis identified 12,669 differentially expressed genes, and these genes were predominantly enriched in categories related to salt stress responses. By integrating transcriptome data across varying NaCl concentrations with knowledge of the S. alterniflora genome, we screened and identified two key genes: SA_26G130100.m1, encoding a Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) protein, and SA_04G199900.m1, a novel protein with unknown function. Both genes exhibited significant expression changes under salt stress. Structural predictions revealed that the MATE transporter SA_26G130100.m1 possesses a compact substrate-binding cavity with unique residue composition, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for efficient ion transport under salinity. Additionally, a genome-wide analysis of the S. alterniflora gene family encoding MATEs revealed that most members are root-expressed and salt-induced, implying a possible role in mitigating the effects of salt stress. This study provides a robust, highly efficient platform for the large-scale screening and identification of S. alterniflora genes conferring abiotic stress tolerance and offers a valuable genetic resource for advancing salt tolerance breeding programs.
{"title":"High-throughput yeast screening and transcriptomic integration identify salt-tolerance genes in Spartina alterniflora","authors":"Jiahui Geng , Shoukun Chen , Qin Shu , Yuanyuan Jiang , Shuqiang Gao , Chun-Ming Liu , Shihua Chen , Huihui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100564","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100564","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Identifying genes that confer salt tolerance is essential for understanding the mechanisms underpinning salt tolerance in plants. <em>Spartina alterniflora</em>, a halophyte with exceptional salt and flooding tolerance and strong reproduction and dispersal capabilities, presents valuable potential for crop improvement and stress tolerance research. Here, we constructed a stress-induced yeast cDNA library and employed high-throughput screening under salt stress to identify 1279 distinct genes. Gene ontology analysis revealed significant enrichment in transcription-related complexes, and these genes were predominantly enriched in categories related to salt stress responses. Transcriptome analysis identified 12,669 differentially expressed genes, and these genes were predominantly enriched in categories related to salt stress responses. By integrating transcriptome data across varying NaCl concentrations with knowledge of the <em>S. alterniflora</em> genome, we screened and identified two key genes: <em>SA_26G130100.m1</em>, encoding a Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) protein, and <em>SA_04G199900.m1</em>, a novel protein with unknown function. Both genes exhibited significant expression changes under salt stress. Structural predictions revealed that the MATE transporter SA_26G130100.m1 possesses a compact substrate-binding cavity with unique residue composition, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for efficient ion transport under salinity. Additionally, a genome-wide analysis of the <em>S. alterniflora</em> gene family encoding MATEs revealed that most members are root-expressed and salt-induced, implying a possible role in mitigating the effects of salt stress. This study provides a robust, highly efficient platform for the large-scale screening and identification of <em>S. alterniflora</em> genes conferring abiotic stress tolerance and offers a valuable genetic resource for advancing salt tolerance breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100564"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100568
Jennifer Thielmann , Behnaz Soleimani , Andrea Matros , Adam Schikora , Patrick Schäfer , Karl-Heinz Kogel , Gwendolin Wehner
Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), the causal agent of powdery mildew in wheat, poses a serious threat to yield stability. Although several resistance genes have been identified, many became ineffective due to pathogen adaptation. Priming, a biological process that enhances the defense capacity of plants, has emerged as a promising plant protection strategy. The root-endophytic fungus Serendipita indica is known to induce priming in various host plants. In this study, we investigated S. indica-mediated resistance to Bgt across a genetically diverse panel of 175 winter wheat genotypes. Disease severity was quantified and nine genotypes exhibited significant (p < 0.05) differences in Bgt susceptibility following S. indica treatment. Six genotypes showed reduced, three increased levels of infection. Additionally, shoot (SFW) and root fresh weight (RFW) measurements revealed genotype-specific growth responses to S. indica. A genome-wide association study identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) significantly associated (LOD ≥ 3) with Bgt resistance, SFW, and RFW under control and primed conditions. Notably, eight QTLs were associated with SFW, two with RFW, and fifteen with Bgt resistance in primed plants, with multiple loci mapped to chromosome 7 A. Across all QTLs, 30 candidate genes were identified, including those involved in resistance pathways such as Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase, Chaperone protein DnaJ, and Glutathione S-transferase. These findings indicate genetic variation for priming in wheat. The identified candidate genes provide valuable targets for further investigation into the mechanisms of microbe-induced priming and offer a foundation for breeding for Bgt-resistant, S. indica-responsive wheat cultivars with enhanced resilience to biotic stress.
{"title":"Genomic loci for priming-induced powdery mildew resistance and plant biomass in wheat","authors":"Jennifer Thielmann , Behnaz Soleimani , Andrea Matros , Adam Schikora , Patrick Schäfer , Karl-Heinz Kogel , Gwendolin Wehner","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100568","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100568","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Blumeria graminis</em> f. sp. <em>tritici</em> (<em>Bgt</em>), the causal agent of powdery mildew in wheat, poses a serious threat to yield stability. Although several resistance genes have been identified, many became ineffective due to pathogen adaptation. Priming, a biological process that enhances the defense capacity of plants, has emerged as a promising plant protection strategy. The root-endophytic fungus <em>Serendipita indica</em> is known to induce priming in various host plants. In this study, we investigated <em>S. indica</em>-mediated resistance to <em>Bgt</em> across a genetically diverse panel of 175 winter wheat genotypes. Disease severity was quantified and nine genotypes exhibited significant (p < 0.05) differences in <em>Bgt</em> susceptibility following <em>S. indica</em> treatment. Six genotypes showed reduced, three increased levels of infection. Additionally, shoot (SFW) and root fresh weight (RFW) measurements revealed genotype-specific growth responses to <em>S. indica</em>. A genome-wide association study identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) significantly associated (LOD ≥ 3) with <em>Bgt</em> resistance, SFW, and RFW under control and primed conditions. Notably, eight QTLs were associated with SFW, two with RFW, and fifteen with <em>Bgt</em> resistance in primed plants, with multiple loci mapped to chromosome 7 A. Across all QTLs, 30 candidate genes were identified, including those involved in resistance pathways such as <em>Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase</em>, <em>Chaperone protein DnaJ</em>, and <em>Glutathione</em> S-<em>transferase</em>. These findings indicate genetic variation for priming in wheat. The identified candidate genes provide valuable targets for further investigation into the mechanisms of microbe-induced priming and offer a foundation for breeding for <em>Bgt-</em>resistant, <em>S. indica</em>-responsive wheat cultivars with enhanced resilience to biotic stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100568"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145625375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100582
Nisar Ali , Abdul Bais , Jatinder S. Sangha , Richard D. Cuthbert , Yuefeng Ruan
Accurate estimation of the harvest index (HI), the ratio of grain yield to total aboveground biomass (AGB), is crucial for evaluating crop productivity and resource-use efficiency in wheat breeding programs. While traditional HI measurement methods use destructive field sampling, which is labour-intensive and impractical for large-scale breeding trials, recent advances in UAV-based remote sensing now offer non-destructive alternatives capable of delivering high-throughput, plot-level HI estimation. In this study, we present a high-throughput phenotyping framework that combines UAV-based multispectral imaging and ensemble machine learning to estimate HI under field environments. Multispectral data were collected at two key growth stages, anthesis and maturity, using a DJI M300 RTK drone equipped with a RedEdge-P sensor. Vegetation indices (VIs), including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge index (NDRE), and green NDVI (G-NDVI), were extracted using data from sensors and ground truth monitoring and used as predictors to estimate grain yield and AGB for calculating HI. An ensemble learning model, based on a stacking architecture comprising five regressors and a ridge regression meta-learner, was employed to enhance prediction accuracy. Results showed strong correlations between UAV-derived and ground-truth VIs (R2> 0.94, RMSE < 0.023). The ensemble model demonstrated high accuracy and strong generalization for HI estimation across both experimental sites and growing seasons. At the anthesis stage, the NDVI-based ensemble model achieved the best performance. For the Indian Head site, it yielded a testing R2 of 0.87, RMSE of 4.18 g/p, and NRMSE of 2.73 %, based on a training R2 of 0.83. At the Swift Current site, the model produced a testing R2 of 0.84, RMSE of 8.67 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.67 %. Similarly, at the maturity stage, the NDRE-based ensemble model was the top performer. It recorded a testing R2 of 0.86, RMSE of 7.10 g/p, and NRMSE of 4.64 % at Indian Head, and a testing R2 of 0.83 with an RMSE of 8.06 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.27 % at Swift Current. Across all indices and stages, the ensemble model consistently outperformed individual models, achieving high testing R2 values and low RMSE, which confirms its robustness and predictive power on unseen data. The proposed UAV machine learning framework demonstrates a reliable and non-destructive approach for field-level HI estimation, thereby improving germplasm selection efficiency for yield improvement. It offers a valuable tool for accelerating trait-based wheat breeding and precision agriculture applications.
{"title":"High-throughput UAV phenotyping for plot-level harvest index estimation in wheat fields","authors":"Nisar Ali , Abdul Bais , Jatinder S. Sangha , Richard D. Cuthbert , Yuefeng Ruan","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate estimation of the harvest index (HI), the ratio of grain yield to total aboveground biomass (AGB), is crucial for evaluating crop productivity and resource-use efficiency in wheat breeding programs. While traditional HI measurement methods use destructive field sampling, which is labour-intensive and impractical for large-scale breeding trials, recent advances in UAV-based remote sensing now offer non-destructive alternatives capable of delivering high-throughput, plot-level HI estimation. In this study, we present a high-throughput phenotyping framework that combines UAV-based multispectral imaging and ensemble machine learning to estimate HI under field environments. Multispectral data were collected at two key growth stages, anthesis and maturity, using a DJI M300 RTK drone equipped with a RedEdge-P sensor. Vegetation indices (VIs), including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge index (NDRE), and green NDVI (G-NDVI), were extracted using data from sensors and ground truth monitoring and used as predictors to estimate grain yield and AGB for calculating HI. An ensemble learning model, based on a stacking architecture comprising five regressors and a ridge regression meta-learner, was employed to enhance prediction accuracy. Results showed strong correlations between UAV-derived and ground-truth VIs (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup> <em>></em> 0<em>.</em>94<em>,</em> RMSE <em><</em> 0<em>.</em>023). The ensemble model demonstrated high accuracy and strong generalization for HI estimation across both experimental sites and growing seasons. At the anthesis stage, the NDVI-based ensemble model achieved the best performance. For the Indian Head site, it yielded a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.87, RMSE of 4.18 g/p, and NRMSE of 2.73 %, based on a training <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.83. At the Swift Current site, the model produced a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.84, RMSE of 8.67 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.67 %. Similarly, at the maturity stage, the NDRE-based ensemble model was the top performer. It recorded a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.86, RMSE of 7.10 g/p, and NRMSE of 4.64 % at Indian Head, and a testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> of 0.83 with an RMSE of 8.06 g/p, and NRMSE of 5.27 % at Swift Current. Across all indices and stages, the ensemble model consistently outperformed individual models, achieving high testing <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> values and low RMSE, which confirms its robustness and predictive power on unseen data. The proposed UAV machine learning framework demonstrates a reliable and non-destructive approach for field-level HI estimation, thereby improving germplasm selection efficiency for yield improvement. It offers a valuable tool for accelerating trait-based wheat breeding and precision agriculture applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100582"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100580
Qiang Ma, Jin Jia, Bo Tian, Peng Zhang, Lei Jian, Yutao Shao
To devise an efficient and low-toxicity strategy for aphid control, this study assessed the impacts of five spray treatments on sorghum exposed to 48-hour aphid stress. The treatments included lanthanum (La) alone, dimethoate (LG1) alone, La+LG2, La+LG3, and La+LG4. Among them, the La+LG2 treatment exhibited the most superior performance. La+LG2 significantly enhanced plant growth, as evidenced by increases in plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight. It also reduced cell membrane damage, as indicated by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and relative electrical conductivity. In terms of photosynthesis, La+LG2 elevated the P-phase fluorescence intensity of the OJIP curve, improved the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), optimized the energy distribution within photosystem II (increasing electron transport flux per reaction center, ETO/RC, and trapped energy flux per reaction center, TRO/RC, while decreasing absorbed energy flux per reaction center, ABS/RC, and dissipated energy flux per reaction center, DIO/RC), and promoted pigment synthesis. Additionally, La+LG2 alleviated oxidative damage by activating enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). It also optimized the ascorbic acid-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintain redox homeostasis. Meanwhile, at the molecular level, La+LG2 constructed a dual-regulatory network to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and maintain the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This was accomplished via the synergistic activation of photosynthesis-related genes and the differential regulation of respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) family genes. Overall, La+LG2 achieved an efficacy comparable to that of high-dose LG1 but with reduced chemical input. This reveals a multi-targeted stress regulation mechanism and provides theoretical support for the synergistic pest control strategy combining rare earth elements and low-toxicity agents, as well as for agricultural efforts to reduce pesticide use.
{"title":"Synergy of La and low-dose LG2 for alleviating aphid stress in sorghum: A novel strategy for reduced chemical input","authors":"Qiang Ma, Jin Jia, Bo Tian, Peng Zhang, Lei Jian, Yutao Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To devise an efficient and low-toxicity strategy for aphid control, this study assessed the impacts of five spray treatments on sorghum exposed to 48-hour aphid stress. The treatments included lanthanum (La) alone, dimethoate (LG1) alone, La+LG2, La+LG3, and La+LG4. Among them, the La+LG2 treatment exhibited the most superior performance. La+LG2 significantly enhanced plant growth, as evidenced by increases in plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight. It also reduced cell membrane damage, as indicated by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and relative electrical conductivity. In terms of photosynthesis, La+LG2 elevated the P-phase fluorescence intensity of the OJIP curve, improved the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), optimized the energy distribution within photosystem II (increasing electron transport flux per reaction center, ETO/RC, and trapped energy flux per reaction center, TRO/RC, while decreasing absorbed energy flux per reaction center, ABS/RC, and dissipated energy flux per reaction center, DIO/RC), and promoted pigment synthesis. Additionally, La+LG2 alleviated oxidative damage by activating enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). It also optimized the ascorbic acid-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintain redox homeostasis. Meanwhile, at the molecular level, La+LG2 constructed a dual-regulatory network to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and maintain the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This was accomplished via the synergistic activation of photosynthesis-related genes and the differential regulation of respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) family genes. Overall, La+LG2 achieved an efficacy comparable to that of high-dose LG1 but with reduced chemical input. This reveals a multi-targeted stress regulation mechanism and provides theoretical support for the synergistic pest control strategy combining rare earth elements and low-toxicity agents, as well as for agricultural efforts to reduce pesticide use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100580"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100584
Nipapan Kanjana , Penghui Guo , Zetian Deng , Muhammad Afaq Ahmed , Ismail Shah , Lisheng Zhang
Root-feeding herbivores impose substantial constraints on plant performance, yet the chemical signals coordinating belowground defence remain poorly resolved. Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs)—highly diffusible metabolites produced by rhizosphere and endophytic microbes—have emerged as pivotal regulators of plant immunity and development. Recent evidence shows that specific mVOCs modulate jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene, auxin, and ROS-associated pathways, thereby reprogramming root architecture and priming defence responses during herbivore attack. Despite these advances, major mechanistic gaps persist, including how plants perceive mVOCs, how soil physicochemical conditions shape their diffusion and bioactivity, and how mVOCs integrate with plant-derived volatiles and metabolites to coordinate systemic signalling. Moreover, the roles of mVOCs in mediating multitrophic interactions—particularly their influence on root herbivore behaviour, microbial recruitment, and defence hormone crosstalk—remain largely unexplored. This review synthesizes current advances in mVOC biology and proposes conceptual frameworks linking microbial volatilomes to plant hormonal networks and belowground herbivore defence. A deeper understanding of these hidden chemical dialogues will inform strategies for enhancing crop resilience and developing sustainable root pest management.
{"title":"Microbial volatile organic compounds reshape plant hormonal networks and root herbivore defense","authors":"Nipapan Kanjana , Penghui Guo , Zetian Deng , Muhammad Afaq Ahmed , Ismail Shah , Lisheng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Root-feeding herbivores impose substantial constraints on plant performance, yet the chemical signals coordinating belowground defence remain poorly resolved. Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs)—highly diffusible metabolites produced by rhizosphere and endophytic microbes—have emerged as pivotal regulators of plant immunity and development. Recent evidence shows that specific mVOCs modulate jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene, auxin, and ROS-associated pathways, thereby reprogramming root architecture and priming defence responses during herbivore attack. Despite these advances, major mechanistic gaps persist, including how plants perceive mVOCs, how soil physicochemical conditions shape their diffusion and bioactivity, and how mVOCs integrate with plant-derived volatiles and metabolites to coordinate systemic signalling. Moreover, the roles of mVOCs in mediating multitrophic interactions—particularly their influence on root herbivore behaviour, microbial recruitment, and defence hormone crosstalk—remain largely unexplored. This review synthesizes current advances in mVOC biology and proposes conceptual frameworks linking microbial volatilomes to plant hormonal networks and belowground herbivore defence. A deeper understanding of these hidden chemical dialogues will inform strategies for enhancing crop resilience and developing sustainable root pest management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100584"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100578
Sandra Bretones, Teresa Barragán-Lozano, Salvador Núñez-Escánez, Rafael Lozano, Fernando J. Yuste-Lisbona
Nicotiana benthamiana is a model plant species widely used in molecular biology and biotechnology; however, it has historically lacked a detailed morphological framework for floral development. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of N. benthamiana flower ontogeny, defining 14 floral stages from floral meristem initiation to anthesis. Using stereo- and scanning electron microscopy, we document the acropetal sequence of floral organ initiation and differentiation across four concentric whorls. Each stage is marked by distinct morphological features, starting with the domed floral meristem (Stage 1). Sepal primordia emerge first (Stage 2), followed by petal and stamen primordia (Stages 4 and 5), and two carpel primordia appear by Stage 6 to initiate gynoecium development. Through mid-development (Stages 6–8), petals and stamens expand within an enclosing calyx, while carpels remain unfused. By Stage 9, carpel fusion forms a single ovary with a differentiating stigma. Subsequent stages feature rapid elongation of petals and stamens, and partial calyx separation (Stages 11–12), allowing emergence of the corolla tube and style. Anthesis occurs at Stage 14, when the corolla lobes fully spread, exposing the mature reproductive organs. In parallel, we describe the coordinated development of male and female gametophytes, and further characterize post-anthesis fruit development, from fruit set through capsule maturation and dehiscence, thus completing the full reproductive cycle. This ontogenetic framework serves as a foundational reference for genetic and comparative development studies on flower organogenesis, reinforcing N. benthamiana as a versatile model system for Solanaceae research and a valuable tool for translational crop improvement.
{"title":"Floral ontogeny and development of the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana","authors":"Sandra Bretones, Teresa Barragán-Lozano, Salvador Núñez-Escánez, Rafael Lozano, Fernando J. Yuste-Lisbona","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100578","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100578","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em> is a model plant species widely used in molecular biology and biotechnology; however, it has historically lacked a detailed morphological framework for floral development. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of <em>N. benthamiana</em> flower ontogeny, defining 14 floral stages from floral meristem initiation to anthesis. Using stereo- and scanning electron microscopy, we document the acropetal sequence of floral organ initiation and differentiation across four concentric whorls. Each stage is marked by distinct morphological features, starting with the domed floral meristem (Stage 1). Sepal primordia emerge first (Stage 2), followed by petal and stamen primordia (Stages 4 and 5), and two carpel primordia appear by Stage 6 to initiate gynoecium development. Through mid-development (Stages 6–8), petals and stamens expand within an enclosing calyx, while carpels remain unfused. By Stage 9, carpel fusion forms a single ovary with a differentiating stigma. Subsequent stages feature rapid elongation of petals and stamens, and partial calyx separation (Stages 11–12), allowing emergence of the corolla tube and style. Anthesis occurs at Stage 14, when the corolla lobes fully spread, exposing the mature reproductive organs. In parallel, we describe the coordinated development of male and female gametophytes, and further characterize post-anthesis fruit development, from fruit set through capsule maturation and dehiscence, thus completing the full reproductive cycle. This ontogenetic framework serves as a foundational reference for genetic and comparative development studies on flower organogenesis, reinforcing <em>N. benthamiana</em> as a versatile model system for Solanaceae research and a valuable tool for translational crop improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100578"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100586
Diego Fernando Nieto-Giraldo , Javier Torres-Osorio , José Mauricio Rodas Rodríguez
Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins that play essential roles in maintaining water and solute homeostasis across all domains of life. In plants, more than 30 AQP isoforms are commonly expressed, each displaying distinct spatial and temporal patterns depending on cell type, membrane localization, and developmental stage. This systematic review traces the historical development of plant AQP research, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms regulating their activity, including structural and conformational modifications as well as transcriptomic regulation, which modulates AQP abundance and function in response to environmental and physiological cues. The review highlights the physiological roles of AQPs and their contribution to adaptation under diverse physiological stresses, drawing on evidence from 229 publications spanning 1992–2025. Following the PRISMA protocol and through bibliometric analysis, current knowledge is synthesized regarding cell-specific AQP functions, subfamily-specific modulation, and interactions with hormonal signaling pathways. Emerging evidence for AQPs as cation channels is also discussed, alongside the insights provided by transcriptomic studies into AQP regulation under stress conditions. By integrating historical context with an updated critical synthesis, this review underscores the complexity and versatility of plant AQPs and the multilayered regulatory networks that govern their activity, while identifying persistent knowledge gaps and avenues for future research.
{"title":"Systematic Review of Plant AQPs: Molecular mechanisms, intracellular trafficking, and emerging roles in stress adaptation","authors":"Diego Fernando Nieto-Giraldo , Javier Torres-Osorio , José Mauricio Rodas Rodríguez","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2026.100586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins that play essential roles in maintaining water and solute homeostasis across all domains of life. In plants, more than 30 AQP isoforms are commonly expressed, each displaying distinct spatial and temporal patterns depending on cell type, membrane localization, and developmental stage. This systematic review traces the historical development of plant AQP research, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms regulating their activity, including structural and conformational modifications as well as transcriptomic regulation, which modulates AQP abundance and function in response to environmental and physiological cues. The review highlights the physiological roles of AQPs and their contribution to adaptation under diverse physiological stresses, drawing on evidence from 229 publications spanning 1992–2025. Following the PRISMA protocol and through bibliometric analysis, current knowledge is synthesized regarding cell-specific AQP functions, subfamily-specific modulation, and interactions with hormonal signaling pathways. Emerging evidence for AQPs as cation channels is also discussed, alongside the insights provided by transcriptomic studies into AQP regulation under stress conditions. By integrating historical context with an updated critical synthesis, this review underscores the complexity and versatility of plant AQPs and the multilayered regulatory networks that govern their activity, while identifying persistent knowledge gaps and avenues for future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100586"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Environmental stresses pose unprecedented threats to global food security, imperiling crop yields across diverse agroecological zones and demanding innovative intervention strategies. The articles compiled in this special issue of Current Plant Biology collectively demonstrate that exogenous priming and genetic manipulation of metabolic/regulatory genes represent powerful, complementary approaches for enhancing crop resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. Through the integration of chemical elicitors, microbial priming agents, and targeted genetic modifications, the contributions herein illuminate molecular pathways underlying stress adaptation and provide practical frameworks for advancing climate-resilient agriculture.
{"title":"Exogenous priming and manipulation of metabolic/regulatory genes for crop stress tolerance","authors":"Sunil Kumar Sahu , Manish Kumar Patel, Avinash Mishra","doi":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental stresses pose unprecedented threats to global food security, imperiling crop yields across diverse agroecological zones and demanding innovative intervention strategies. The articles compiled in this special issue of Current Plant Biology collectively demonstrate that exogenous priming and genetic manipulation of metabolic/regulatory genes represent powerful, complementary approaches for enhancing crop resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. Through the integration of chemical elicitors, microbial priming agents, and targeted genetic modifications, the contributions herein illuminate molecular pathways underlying stress adaptation and provide practical frameworks for advancing climate-resilient agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38090,"journal":{"name":"Current Plant Biology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100572"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号