Key Message A deletion created by CRISPR/Cas9 system in the 5’ UTR of the carotenoid isomerase gene in tomato leads to downregulation of the gene resulting in the low conversion of prolycopene to lycopene. Abstract CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing is an effective and useful tool adopted from the bacterial immune response system for altering specific, pre-determined DNA sequences in eukaryotes. Such

Key message We found that mutations in a Ca 2+ -permeable mechanosensitive channel MCA1, an ethylene-regulated microtubule-associated protein WDL5, and a versatile co-receptor BAK1 affect root growth response to mechanical stress. Abstract Plant root tips exposed to mechanical impedance show a temporal reduction in the elongation growth. The process involves a transient Ca2+ increase in the cytoplasm

Key message We identified a RING-type E3 ligase (TaBAH1) protein in winter wheat that targets TaSAHH1 for degradation and might be involved in primordia development by regulating targeted protein degradation. Abstract Grain yield per spike in wheat (Triticum aestivum), is mainly determined prior to flowering during mature primordia development; however, the genes involved in primordia development have

Key message Base editing is one of the promising genome editing tools for generating single-nucleotide changes in rice genome. Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important staple food crop, feeding half of the population around the globe. Developing new rice varieties with desirable agronomic traits is necessary for sustaining global food security. The use of genome editing technologies for developing

Key message A detailed study of the response of wheat plants, inoculated with drought-tolerant PGPR is studied which would be beneficial to achieve genetic improvement of wheat for drought tolerance. Abstract Drought stress, a major challenge under current climatic conditions, adversely affects wheat productivity. In the current study, we observed the response of wheat plants, inoculated with drought-tolerant

Key message Salicylic acid and iron-oxide nanoparticles alleviated salt toxicity and improved plant growth by stimulating the activities of H+-ATPase and H+-PPase and preventing nutrient imbalance. Abstract Two factorial experiments were undertaken in a greenhouse during 2018 and 2019, to evaluate the impacts of SA (1 mM) and nano-Fe2O3 (3 mM) sprays at 7 leaves and flowering stages on vacuolar H+-pumps

Key message Production of ORF8 protein from SARS-CoV-2 in tobacco BY-2 cells.

Key message CCA1α and CCA1β protein variants respond to environmental light and temperature cues, and higher temperature promotes CCA1β protein production and causes its retention detectable in the cytoplasm. Abstract CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1), as the core transcription factor of circadian clock, is involved in the regulation of endogenous circadian rhythm in Arabidopsis. Previous studies

Key message MANNANASE7 gene in Brassica napus L. encodes a hemicellulose which located at cell wall or extracellular space and dehiscence-resistance can be manipulated by altering the expression of MANNANASE7. Abstract Silique dehiscence is an important physiological process in plant reproductive development, but causes heavy yield loss in crops. The lack of dehiscence-resistant germplasm limits the

Key message StMAPK11 overexpression promotes potato growth, physiological activities and photosynthesis under drought conditions. Abstract Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are import regulators of MAPK pathway in plants under drought condition. However, the critical role in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) drought resistance is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the role

Key message RgC4H promotes phenolic accumulation in R. glutinosa, activating the molecular networks of its antioxidant systems, and enhancing the tolerance to oxidative stresses exposed to drought, salinity and H2O2 conditions. Abstract Rehmannia glutinosa is of great economic importance in China and increasing R. glutinosa productivity relies, in part, on understanding its tolerance to oxidative stress

The genetics underlying the fruit colour variation in tomato is an interesting area of both basic and applied research in plant biology. There are several factors, like phytohormones, environmental signals and epistatic interactions between genes, which modulate the ripe fruit colour in tomato. However, three aspects: genetic regulation of skin pigmentation, carotenoid biosynthesis and ripening-associated

Key message Resistance conferred by the Cre8 locus of wheat prevents cereal cyst nematode feeding sites from reaching and invading root metaxylem vessels. Abstract Cyst nematodes develop syncytial feeding sites within plant roots. The success of these sites is affected by host plant resistance. In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), ‘Cre’ loci affect resistance against the cereal cyst nematode (CCN) Heterodera

Key message Transgenic sugarcane expressing V-ATPase subunit E dsRNA affects growth and survival of Sphenophorus levis. Abstract Plants being sessile organisms are constantly confronted with several biotic and abiotic stresses. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp) is a major tropical crop widely cultivated for its sugar and other by-products. In Brazil, sugarcane plantations account for significant production

Key message We review the main genes underlying commercial traits in cut flower species and critically discuss the possibility to apply genome editing approaches to produce novel variation and phenotypes. Abstract Promoting flowering and flower longevity as well as creating novelty in flower structure, colour range and fragrances are major objectives of ornamental plant breeding. The novel genome editing

Key message Isoflavones are not involved in rhizobial signaling in red clover, but likely play a role in defense in the rhizosphere. Abstract Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a high-quality forage legume, well suited for grazing and hay production in the temperate regions of the world. Like many legumes, red clover produces a number of phenylpropanoid compounds including anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols

Key message Overexpression of CiNPR4 enhanced resistance of transgenic citrus plants to Huanglongbing by perceiving the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signals and up-regulating the transcriptional activities of plant–pathogen interaction genes. Abstract Developing transgenic citrus plants with enhanced immunity is an efficient strategy to control citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). Here, a nonexpressor of

Key message Microarray and genetic analyses reveal that ZTL induces the expression of genes related to auxin synthesis, thereby promoting hypocotyl elongation. Abstract ZTL is a blue-light receptor that possesses a light–oxygen–voltage-sensing (LOV) domain, an F-box motif, and a kelch repeat domain. ZTL promotes hypocotyl elongation under high temperature (28 °C) in Arabidopsis thaliana; however, the

Key message Cell wall plasticity plays a very crucial role in vegetative and reproductive development of rice under drought and is a highly potential trait for improving rice yield under drought. Abstract Drought is a major constraint in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation severely affecting all developmental stages, with the reproductive stage being the most sensitive. Rice plants employ multiple strategies

Key message Two translation-related proteins are identified as FMT-interacting proteins. However, FMT, unlike mutants of other CLU genes in fly and human, has no clear impact on the accumulation of mitochondrial proteins. Abstract Organelle distribution is critical for effective metabolism and stress response and is controlled by various environmental factors. Clustered mitochondria (CLU) superfamily

Key message The ankyrin repeat-containing protein MdANK2B was identified to contribute to increasing resistance to salt stress and decreasing sensitivity to ABA in Malus domestica. Abstract Ankyrin (ANK) repeat-containing proteins occur widely in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and even in some viruses and play a critical role in plant growth and development, as well as the response to biotic and abiotic

Key message Comprehensive metabolomic investigations provide a large set of stress-related metabolites and metabolic pathways, advancing crops under heat stress conditions. Metabolomics-assisted breeding, including mQTL and mGWAS boosted our understanding of improving numerous quantitative traits under heat stress. Abstract During the past decade, metabolomics has emerged as a fascinating scientific

Key message Identification of an EST-SSR molecular marker associated with Blister blight, a common fungal disease of tea, facilitating marker-assisted selection, marking a milestone in tea molecular breeding. Abstract lister blight (BB) leaf disease of tea, caused by the fungus Exobasidium vexans, results in 25–30% crop loss annually. BB is presently controlled by Cu based fungicides, but genetic resistance

Key message Piriformospora indica symbiosis promoted the growth and photosynthesis, and simultaneously enhanced the resistance against insect herbivory by regulating sporamin-dependent defense in sweet potato. Abstract Piriformospora indica (P. indica), a versatile endophytic fungus, promotes the growth and confers resistance against multiple stresses by root colonization in plant hosts. In this study

Key message LhGST, an anthocyanin-related GST gene, was identified from Asiatic hybrid lilies. Expression and functional analyses demonstrated that LhGST might be involved in anthocyanin sequestration in lily tepals. Abstract Anthocyanins are responsible for the pink, red and purple pigmentation of flowers in Asiatic hybrid lilies, synthesized at the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum

Key message ARF4-regulated shoot regeneration through competing with ARF5 for the interaction with IAA12. Abstract Plant possess the ability to regenerate shoot meristem and subsequent the whole individual. This process is the foundation for in vitro propagation and genetic engineering and provides a system for studying fundamental biological questions, such as hormonal signaling. Auxin response factor

Key message Present study revealed that specific expression of TaYUC10.3 in wheat young seeds could increase the content of auxin, and protein. Abstract Auxin is a vital endogenous hormone in plants, which is involved in the regulation of various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The flavin-containing monooxygenase encoded by the YUCCA gene is a rate-limiting enzyme in the tryptophan-dependent

Key message Withania coagulans (L.) Dunal bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles (WcAgNPs) worked as an abiotic elicitor or auto-catalyst that enhanced root regeneration and withanolides production in in-vitro regenerated W. coagulans. Abstract Rapid development in the production / consumption of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) raised serious concern over its effects on the growth of natural plant community

Key message Metabolic pathway gene editing in tetraploid potato enhanced resistance to late blight. Multiallelic mutation correction of a caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase gene increased accumulation of resistance metabolites in Russet Burbank potato. Abstract Late blight of potato is a devastating disease worldwide and requires weekly applications of fungicides to manage. Genetic improvement is the

Key message Numbers of critical genes and pathways were found from the levels of transcriptome and metabolome, which were useful information for understanding of kenaf CMS mechanism. Abstract Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited trait in higher plants that leads to the inability to produce or release functional pollen. However, there is lack of comprehensive studies to reveal

Key message The promoter of the Arabidopsis thaliana β-glucosidase 19 gene directs GUS expression in a seed-specific manner in transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco. Abstract In the present study, an 898-bp putative promoter of the Arabidopsis β-glucosidase 19 (AtBGLU19) gene was cloned. The bioinformatics analysis of the cis-acting elements indicated that this putative promoter contains many seed-specific

Key message 78 HD-Zip family genes in Phyllostachys edulis were analyzed. Overexpression of Phehdz1 can improve the drought tolerance of transgenic rice and affect its secondary metabolism. Abstract Many studies suggested homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors are important regulators of plant growth and development, signal transduction, and responses to environmental stresses. In

Key message The transcription factor (TF) IbERF71 forms a novel complex, IbERF71-IbMYB340-IbbHLH2, to coregulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by binding to the IbANS1 promoter in purple-fleshed sweet potatoes. Abstract Purple-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is very popular because of its abundant anthocyanins, which are natural pigments with multiple physiological functions. TFs involved in regulating

Key Message The tendency of somatic embryogenesis to regenerate plants only from the L1 layer, associated with the spread of chimerism in grapevine, must be carefully considered in the framework of biotechnological improvement programmes. Abstract Grapevine is an important fruit crop with a high economic value linked to traditional genotypes that have been multiplied for centuries by vegetative propagation

Key message Overexpression of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SN13-responsive OsNAM gene in Arabidopsis reveals its important role in beneficial plant and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria interaction by conferring stress tolerance and phytohormone modulation. Abstract Salinity is one of the major constraints that affect crop development and yield. Plants respond and adapt to salt stress via complex

Key message Reciprocal effects were found for tomato fruit quality and DNA methylation. The epigenetic identity of reciprocal hybrids indicates that DNA methylation might be one of the mechanisms involved in POEs. Abstract Crosses between different genotypes and even between different species are commonly used in plant breeding programs. Reciprocal hybrids are obtained by changing the cross direction

Key message The tomato mutant Never ripe  ( Nr ), a loss-of-function for the ethylene receptor Sl ETR3, shows enhanced growth, associated with increased carbon assimilation and a rewiring of the central metabolism. Abstract Compelling evidence has demonstrated the importance of ethylene during tomato fruit development, yet its role on leaf central metabolism and plant growth remains elusive. Here,

Key message CRISPR/Cas9-based multiplexed editing of SlHyPRP1 resulted in precise deletions of its functional motif(s), thereby resulting in salt stress-tolerant events in cultivated tomato. Abstract Crop genetic improvement to address environmental stresses for sustainable food production has been in high demand, especially given the current situation of global climate changes and reduction of the

Key message The HbCAld5H1 gene cloned from Hevea brasiliensis regulates the cambial activity, xylem differentiation, syringyl–guaiacyl ratio, secondary wall structure, lignification pattern and xylan distribution in xylem fibres of transgenic tobacco plants. Abstract Molecular characterization of lignin biosynthesis gene coniferaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (CAld5H) from Hevea brasiliensis and its functional

Key message By studying three cv. Malbec clones cultivated in two vineyards with contrasting environmental conditions, we demonstrated that DNA methylation has an important role in the phenotypic plasticity and that epigenetic modulation is clone-dependent. Abstract Clonal selection and vegetative propagation determine low genetic variability in grapevine cultivars, although it is common to observe

Key message Here, we reported that a pathogen- and herbivore-induced Kunitz trypsin inhibitor gene, NaKTI2, is required for herbivore resistance, and transcriptionally regulated mainly by NaWRKY3 and NaWRKY6 but not Jasmonate signaling. Abstract Plant protease inhibitor (PI) occurs widely in plant species, and is considered as an important part of plant defense arsenal against herbivores. Transcriptome

Key message We reveal the onset and dynamic tissue-specific cytokinin signaling domains and functional importance of auxin in the auxin–cytokinin interaction domains in shaping root architecture in the economically important rice plant. Abstract Plant hormones such as auxin and cytokinin are central regulators of root organogenesis. Typical in the grass species, the root system in rice is primarily

Key message Ca2+ NPs enhanced tolerance of Triticale callus under salt stress by improving biochemical activity and confocal laser scanning analysis, conferring salt tolerance on callus cells. Abstract CaO NPs (Ca2+) are significant components that act as transducers in many adaptive and developmental processes in plants. In this study, effect of Ca2+ NPs on the response and regulation of the protective

Abiotic stresses are the primary sources of crop losses globally. The identification of key mechanisms deployed and established by plants in response to abiotic stresses is necessary for the maintenance of their growth and persistence. Recent discoveries have revealed that phytohormones or plant growth regulators (PGRs), mainly jasmonic acid (JA), have increased our knowledge of hormonal signaling

Key message Cytokinins are a class of phytohormone that participate in the regulation of the plant growth, development, and stress response. In this review, the potential regulating mechanism during plant growth and stress response are discussed. Abstract Cytokinins are a class of phytohormone that participate in the regulation of plant growth, physiological activities, and yield. Cytokinins also play

Key message Plant growth is greatly inhibited in tightly sealed Petri dishes for lack of CO 2 . Bacteria which co-cultured with plant can produce CO 2 to promote plant growth in sealed systems. Abstract Bacteria produce a wide variety of volatiles, some of which can support and others can damage plant growth. It is a controversial issue whether CO2 or other bacterial volatile compounds promote plant

Key message WRKY50 from A. thaliana requires WT-boxes at target gene promoters for activation and binding. Abstract Based on the genome-wide prediction of WRKY50 target genes and the similarity of a WRKY50 binding site to WT-boxes in microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)-responsive cis-regulatory modules (CRM), four WT-box containing CRMs from the promoter region of three WRKY50 target genes

Key message An allene oxide cyclase gene which is involved in defense against biotic and abiotic stresses was cloned and characterized in sugarcane. Abstract Allene oxide cyclase (AOC), a key enzyme in jasmonate acid (JA) biosynthesis, affects the stereoisomerism and biological activity of JA molecules, and plays an important role in plant stress resistance. In this study, four SsAOC alleles (SsAOC1–SsAOC4)

Key message The DEAD-Box RNA helicase OsTOGR1 positively regulates heat stress tolerance in Chinese cabbage. Abstract Non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis) is primarily cultivated vegetable crop in Asian countries. Heat stress is one of the major threats for its growth and yield. Numerous regulatory genes in various crops have shown to contribute thermotolerance. Among them

Key message SlMYB75 increased the accumulation of JA and improved the scavenging of excess H 2 O 2 to resist B. cinerea. Overexpression of SlMYB75 greatly prolongs tomato fruit storage life. Abstract Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) is a major threat to the production and storage life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit around the world. SlMYB75 is an R2R3MYB transcription factor associated with the

Key message The altered rice leaf color based on the knockout of CAO1 gene generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology plays important roles in chlorophyll degradation and ROS scavenging to regulate both natural and induced senescence in rice. Abstract Rice chlorophyllide a oxygenase (OsCAO1), identified as the chlorophyll b synthesis under light condition, plays a critical role in regulating rice plant

Key message We found that a rice NADPH oxidase gene OsRbohB contributes drought tolerance and its functions are involved in the interaction of the OsRbohB-mediated ROS production and ABA signaling. Abstract The plasma membrane NADPH oxidases, also known as respiratory burst oxidase homologs, are the key producers of ROS under both normal and stress conditions in plants. However, their functions in

The doubled haploid technique aims to generate pure inbred lines for basic research and as commercial cultivars. The doubled haploid technique first generates haploid plants and is followed by chromosome doubling, which can be separated in time or overlapped, depending the procedure for each species. For a long time, much effort has been focused on haploid production via androgenesis, gynogenesis,

Key message This review summarizes the process of thermal acquired tolerance in plants and the knowledge gap compared to systemic acquired resistance that a plant shows after pathogen inoculation. Abstract Plants are continuously challenged by several biotic stresses such as pests and pathogens, or abiotic stresses like high light, UV radiation, drought, salt, and very high or low temperature. Interestingly

Key message AtMYB2 protein represses the formation of axillary meristems in response to environmental stresses so that plants can undergo a shorter vegetative development stage under environmental stresses. Abstract Shoot branching is an important event determined by endogenous factors during the development of plants. The formation of axillary meristem is also significantly repressed by environmental

Throughout decades of plant research, the plant hormones known as auxins have been found to be of vital importance in most plant development processes. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) represents the most common auxin in plants and can be synthesized from its tryptophan precursor, which is synthesized in the chloroplast. The chloroplast constitutes an organelle of great relevance to plants since the photosynthesis

Key Message Cytokinin together with MdoBRR1, MdoBRR8 and MdoBRR10 genes participate in the downregulation of MdoDAM1, contributing to the transition from endo- to ecodormancy in apple buds. Abstract The final step of cytokinin (CK) signaling pathway culminates in the activation of type-B response regulators (BRRs), important transcriptional factors in the modulation of CK-responsive genes. In this

Key message We obtained a complete mutant line of Petunia having mutations in both F3H genes via Cas9-ribonucleoproteins delivery, which exhibited a pale purplish pink flower color. The CRISPR-Cas system is now revolutionizing agriculture by allowing researchers to generate various desired mutations in plants at will. In particular, DNA-free genome editing via Cas9-ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) delivery

Key message tRNA Adenosine Deaminase 3 helps to sustain telomere tracts in a telomerase-independent fashion, likely through regulating cellular metabolism. Abstract Telomere length maintenance is influenced by a complex web of chromatin and metabolism-related factors. We previously reported that a lncRNA termed AtTER2 regulates telomerase activity in Arabidopsis thaliana in response to DNA damage.