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PubMed2026

Mining of CtOPR2 as an essential gene regulating jasmonic acid mediated insect tolerance in Camellia tachangensis through genome-wide association studies.

Jasmonic acid (JA), a pivotal lipid-derived phytohormone, serves as a critical regulator in plant growth and defense mechanisms. However, the genetic mechanisms of OPR2 gene in JA-dependent biotic defenses of Camellia tachangensis have rarely been investigated. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study to analyze 100,720 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 350 tea accessions from Guizhou province to identify genetic variations associated with JA. Analysis showed C. tachangensis displayed higher levels of JA content, further analysis identified 60 high-quality SNPs and nine candidate genes related to JA. Among them, CtOPR2 encoding 12-oxophytodienoic acid reductase 2 is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of 4,5-didehydro-JA (4,5-ddh-JA) to JA. The expression level of CtOPR2 in three tea accessions with different JA content was consistent with the dynamic changes of JA content. The expression level of synthetic (AOS, AOC, and ACX) and responsive (WRKY18 and MYC2) genes were significantly decreased and increased in asODN-CtOPR2-treated shoot tips and transgenic tobacco lines overexpressing CtOPR2, respectively, which were consistent with the JA content. These results further revealed that CtOPR2 gene played essential roles in promoting JA biosynthesis. A significant reduction in insect bite area was observed on transgenic tobacco leaves compared to wild-type leaves in feeding experiments with Spodoptera litura, highlighting that the positive regulatory function of CtOPR2 gene in JA-mediated immune responses. This study provides a robust theoretical foundation for marker-assisted selection breeding in tea, aimed at developing high-JA germplasm with potentially enhanced pest resistance for cultivation in Guizhou.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2025

Polyploidy-mediated variations in glutamate receptor proteins linked to Fusarium wilt resistance in upland cotton.

Cotton production in the US faces a serious threat from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (FOV4), a soil-borne fungus causing Fusarium wilt by infecting the roots and vascular system of susceptible cotton, leading to rapid wilting and death. Here, we investigate genetic mechanisms of resistance to FOV4 in the highly resistant upland cotton genotype "U1" using an early-generation segregating biparental population ("U1" × "CSX8308") with comprehensive genomic resources. Reference-grade genomic assemblies of the parents revealed minor structural variations between "U1" haplotypes, a high degree of collinearity at chromosome synteny and micro-synteny levels, and significant divergence from "CSX8308" with 8.9 million SNPs. QTL analysis identified significant markers on chromosomes D03 and A02 linked to reduced Fusarium wilt severity. Within these regions, two glutamate-receptor-like (GLR) genes showed structural variation and overlapped between translocated segments on A02 and D03, suggesting a rare but important reinforcing effect of parallel evolution between susceptible and resistant genotypes. Transcriptome profiles of "U1" under FOV4 infection reveal activation of calcium-binding proteins and transcription factors regulating plant hormones (ethylene, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid), along with enzymes involved in cell wall remodeling and phytoalexin production. Advancing cotton improvement depends on incorporating durable genetic disease resistance into high-yielding, high-quality cultivars.

Fusarium↗

PubMed2026

Brassinosteroids as Central Regulators of Plant Growth, Stress Tolerance, and Agricultural Resilience.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are essential steroidal phytohormones that regulate plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. Recent studies have demonstrated the important roles of BRs in enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, temperature extremes, heavy metal toxicity, and oxidative stress, as well as biotic stresses caused by pathogens and herbivores. This review summarizes current advances in BR biosynthesis, metabolism, transport, and signaling pathways, focusing on key components that mediate stress adaptation. We discuss the physiological and molecular mechanisms through which BRs improve stress tolerance, including regulation of antioxidant defense, ion homeostasis, osmotic adjustment, and stress-responsive gene expression. Particular attention is given to the extensive cross talk between BRs and other phytohormones, such as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene, auxin, and gibberellins, which enables plants to balance growth and defense under adverse conditions. Furthermore, we highlighted the potential applications of BRs in crop improvement through exogenous treatments, genetic engineering, and genome-editing approaches. However, the effectiveness of BR-based strategies is highly dependent on crop species, developmental stage, stress type, BR concentration, application method, and environmental conditions. In addition, excessive BR accumulation or application may result in undesirable growth responses, and further multi-location field validation is required before widespread agricultural implementation. Finally, we discuss emerging research trends, current knowledge gaps, and future perspectives for exploring BR signaling to develop climate-resilient crops. Overall, BRs represent promising targets for improving crop stress resilience; however, optimizing BR-mediated strategies and validating their long-term performance under diverse field conditions will be essential for their successful application in sustainable agriculture.

abiotic stress↗

PubMed2026

Research progress on the regulatory mechanisms of the PSY promoter.

Carotenoids are essential pigments in the plant photosynthetic apparatus, functioning in light harvesting, photoprotection, and signal transduction, and serving as precursors of vital nutrients such as vitamin A. Phytoene synthase (PSY) is the first rate-limiting enzyme in the plant carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, and its transcriptional regulation primarily depends on cis-acting promoter elements, associated transcription factors, and epigenetic status. The PSY promoter region contains core cis-elements as well as multiple light-, hormone-, and stress-responsive elements, which collectively function as key regulatory sites governing spatiotemporal expression. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in PSY promoter regulation by plant hormones (e.g., abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid), environmental factors (light signaling, temperature, salinity, and drought), and epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling). In addition, the application of transgenic and biotechnological approaches to PSY promoter regulation is further summarized. Including promoter sequence engineering with precise editing of cis-elements and promoter-targeted CRISPR activation/interference (CRISPRa/i) for tunable transcriptional control. Emphasis is placed on how these signals are integrated at the promoter level. Deeper insights into these mechanisms will provide both theoretical foundations and practical strategies for enhancing carotenoid accumulation and stress tolerance in crops through molecular design.

Promoter Regions, Genetic↗

PubMed2026

Integrated phenotype, endogenous hormones and transcriptome analysis revealed the mechanism of response of Phoebe bournei seedlings to shade signals.

Understory tree seedlings are subjected to prolonged shading stress imposed by the canopy foliage, which significantly impedes their growth. A hallmark of shaded environments is a reduced red to far-red light ratio (R: FR). This study elucidates the physiological and molecular responses of the endangered tree species Phoebe bournei to shading signals. Seedlings were exposed to white light (control) and simulated shading environments with R: FR ratios of 1.5, 0.8, and 0.2. The findings reveal that an increase in the proportion of far-red light significantly enhances seedling height, root-collar diameter, internode length, petiole length, leaf surface area, and leaf biomass. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each treatment group predominantly enrich pathways associated with hormone signaling, stress responses, and photosynthesis. Validation experiments demonstrate that shading promotes the activity of Rubisco and RCA enzymes, total chlorophyll (Chl) accumulation, and elevated levels of hormones including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3), salicylic acid (SA)/methyl salicylate (MeSA), cytokinins (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA). Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identifies seven hub genes linked to photosynthesis and plant hormone regulation: MYB, KSC, SUAR, CESA POD, CESA, and SAUR. Collectively, shading signals induce P. bournei seedlings to elongate their stems and petioles, enhance photosynthetic enzyme activity, and accumulate specific hormones, with pertinent genes actively participating in light signal transduction. This research sheds light on the shading response mechanism of P. bournei, providing a robust theoretical framework for the breeding of shade-tolerant trees and the conservation of endangered species.

Transcriptome↗

PubMed2025

Analysis of genetic differences underlying chilling stress tolerance using whole genome Re-Sequencing in walnut (Juglans regia L.).

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is prized worldwide for both its nutritional value and economic importance, yet it remains vulnerable to cold stress, with significant differences in tolerance among varieties. This study combined physiological analyses with whole-genome resequencing (WGS) to evaluate the cold stress responses of two varieties, ‘Qingxiang’ and ‘Liaoning No.8’. Under chilling stress (0 °C), we measured electrolyte leakage and antioxidant enzyme activity, applying both exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and the jasmonate inhibitor DIECA. Genomic variations were analyzed using WGS. Results showed that ‘Liaoning No.8’ exhibited superior cold tolerance. Application of MeJA reduced electrolyte leakage by 37% and MDA accumulation by 52% on average, whereas DIECA exacerbated stress-related damage. WGS achieved 16.24–16.26× coverage and identified 2.73–2.78 million SNPs, 378–382k InDels, 25–26k SVs, and 7.2–7.9k CNVs. Twenty genes containing sequence variants showed transcriptional responses under cold stress that were significantly correlated with mutation density (r = 0.62, P < 0.01). One gene, XM_018985465.2, which lacked SNPs in ‘Liaoning No.8’, was expressed 4.2 times more in this variety, suggesting cis-regulatory influence. These findings highlight the role of jasmonic acid signaling in enhancing cold tolerance in walnut and offer genomic insights into its underlying adaptive mechanisms.

Juglans↗

PubMed2025

Sphingobium yanoikuyae 41R9 Enhances Nitrogen Uptake by Modulating Transporter Genes and Root Development in Rapeseed.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are widely recognized for enhancing the absorption of mineral nutrients by crops. While Sphingobium species have been reported as PGPRs, their capacity to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Here, a strain 41R9, isolated from the rhizosphere of N-deficient rapeseed, was found to significantly enhance the growth performance of rapeseed under both low and normal N conditions. Genomic analysis revealed that strain 41R9 was closely related to Sphingobium yanoikuyae. 15N isotope tracer experiments confirmed that inoculation with strain 41R9 significantly boosted N uptake and translocation in rapeseed roots. Transcriptome profiling demonstrated that strain 41R9 directly upregulated N transporter genes (NRT2.5 and SLAH1/3), facilitating efficient N acquisition. Furthermore, strain 41R9 maintained jasmonic acid (JA) homoeostasis via JAZ-mediated negative feedback, balancing defense responses and root development, thereby improving the plant's N acquisition capacity in the roots. Metabolomic and in vitro assays further demonstrated that strain 41R9 displayed strong chemotaxis towards kaempferol, a N-deficiency-induced root exudate, suggesting kaempferol might as a chemical effector for S. yanoikuyae recruitment. These findings advance our understanding of PGPR-driven mechanisms in enhancing crop NUE and highlight the potential of harnessing PGPRs for sustainable agriculture.

Plant Roots↗

PubMed2026

Establishment of a CRISPR-Cas9 Library for Indica Rice and Identification of OsOPR5 (LOC_Os06g11210) as a Regulator of Root Architecture.

Functional characterization of a large number of rice genes remains a major challenge despite the availability of genome sequences and large-scale transcriptomic datasets. CRISPR-Cas9 library is a powerful approach for high-throughput targeted mutagenesis; however, its application in indica rice cultivars remains limited due to low transformation and regeneration efficiencies. In this study, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9 library targeting 12,000 rice genes and evaluated its utility for functional genomics in the indica cultivar MTU-1010. Sanger sequencing and NGS analysis of the plasmid library revealed high sgRNA coverage and more than 80% accuracy. Transformation of the developed library into the indica cultivar MTU-1010 resulted in a high target editing efficiency, with 90% of analyzed transgenic plants carrying mutations at the intended target site. Functional analysis of one homozygous mutant identified a previously uncharacterized role for OsOPR5 (LOC_Os06g11210), a member of the 12-oxophytodienoate reductase family in root architecture. The opr5 mutants exhibited significant reductions in lateral root number, seminal and crown root number, and root length, demonstrating that OsOPR5 positively regulates root system architecture in rice. Notably, endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-isoleucine levels were not significantly altered in the mutant, suggesting potential functional specialization or redundancy among rice OPR family members for JA accumulation. The root system architecture is a key determinant of water and nutrient acquisition; our results suggest that OsOPR5 may play an important role in adaptation under adverse environmental conditions. Collectively, this study establishes an efficient genome-editing platform for indica rice and identifies OsOPR5 as a novel regulator of root development.

Oryza↗

PubMed2026

Unlocking antifungal mechanisms of natural 3-(oxazole-5-yl) indole compound derived from Streptomyces syringium against plant gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea.

BACKGROUND: Plant fungal diseases cause significant agricultural losses, and Streptomyces-derived antifungal compounds offer a promising biocontrol strategy. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bioactive metabolites from Streptomyces syringium LZ036 and evaluate their activity and mechanism of action against Botrytis cinerea. RESULTS: A strain LZ036 with broad-spectrum antifungal activity was identified as Streptomyces syringium. The 3-(oxazole-5-yl) indole compound NL3 isolated from this strain exhibited potent broad-spectrum antifungal activity, especially against Botrytis cinerea. Compound NL3 inhibited fungal growth and development by inducing severe oxidative damage and membrane disruption. And it could trigger jasmonic acid (JA)-dependent induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants. Transcriptomic analysis of compound NL3-treated Botrytis cinerea revealed genome-wide transcriptional alterations, including disruption of energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Key genes related to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway down-regulated significantly, among which the catalytic S_TKc domain of Bcste7 exhibited a predicted interaction with compound NL3 through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. CONCLUSION: The Streptomyces syringium-derived compound NL3 shows high potential as a green fungicide, acting through multiple mechanisms. These findings advance the development of Streptomyces-based antifungal agents. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

3‐(oxazole‐5‐yl) indole compo↗

PubMed2026

Desert-derived Ensifer sp. SA403 enhances potato salt tolerance by reshaping rhizosphere microbiome functions and host responses.

Soil salinization increasingly threatens global food security, and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a moderately salt-sensitive crop, is particularly vulnerable to saline soils. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a promising strategy to improve crop performance, yet how PGPR interact with native microorganisms to enhance potato salt tolerance remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a desert-derived PGPR strain, Ensifer sp. SA403, which substantially enhanced potato performance under high salinity across sterile, non-sterile and field conditions. Physiologically, inoculation with SA403 reduced shoot Na⁺ accumulation and increased the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio; notably, these effects were markedly stronger in non-sterile substrates than under sterile conditions, indicating that SA403-mediated ion homeostasis relies on cooperation with the resident microbiota rather than on the strain acting alone. Metagenomic profiling indicated that SA403 strain reshaped rhizosphere communities, significantly enriching beneficial taxa such as Priestia and Bradyrhizobium, and upregulated functional pathways involved in glutathione and sulfur metabolism. Furthermore, host transcriptomic analyses showed that SA403 modulated plant responses to salt stress, with differentially expressed genes enriched in jasmonic acid signaling, ethanolamine metabolism and amino-acid biosynthesis pathways. Field trials on saline soils confirmed that SA403 significantly increased seedling emergence and tuber weight. Together, our results demonstrate that SA403 functions as a biological mediator that optimizes rhizosphere microecology and coordinates ion balance and host signaling to enhance potato salt tolerance. These findings support the potential of SA403 as a robust PGPR-based tool for sustainable potato production on saline soils.

Rhizosphere↗

PubMed2026

Integrated Genomics and Transcriptomics Reveal Stable Resistance Loci and Candidate Genes for Powdery Mildew in Wheat.

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), poses a substantial threat to global wheat production. Enhancing resistance through molecular breeding necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its genetic and molecular underpinnings. This study leveraged a 2-year phenotypic evaluation of 283 diverse wheat accessions combined with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to pinpoint stable quantitative trait loci for powdery mildew resistance. We identified 52 robust resistance loci across the wheat genome, including seven novel loci consistently detected across four environments. Comparative transcriptome profiling of resistant and susceptible wheat lines revealed 95 differentially expressed genes, predominantly enriched in defense response, signal transduction, and transcription regulation pathways. By integrating the GWAS and transcriptomic data, we precisely identified three compelling candidate genes (TaPIP5K, TaPKG, and TaORR6) on chromosome 2A, which are implicated in cell wall reinforcement, jasmonic acid signaling, and reactive oxygen species scavenging, respectively. Further validation using expression analysis corroborated their pivotal roles in resistance. Our findings provide a rich repository of validated genetic markers, promising candidate genes, and superior resistant germplasms, offering critical resources to accelerate targeted molecular breeding efforts for durable powdery mildew resistance in wheat.

Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici↗

PubMed2025

A GDSL lipase confers resistance to piercing-sucking insects in tobacco by strengthening leaf cuticle.

Piercing-sucking insects, such as whiteflies and aphids, cause massive economic losses in major crops around the world. During feeding, the stylets of piercing-sucking insects navigate cuticles, cell walls, epidermal cells, and mesophyll cells; thus, these barriers are vital for the resistance of plants to insects. However, the relationship between insect stylet probing behavior and the composition and structure of these barriers remains unclear. Here, we identified a tobacco Cuticle Related Factor (NtCRF), which was induced significantly by whitefly infestation. Bioassays showed that NtCRF positively regulated plant resistance against whiteflies and green peach aphids. Silencing of NtCRF did not affect plant jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) defenses but shortened the stylet probing time of phloem-feeders. Further studies confirmed that silencing of NtCRF resulted in significant structure destruction of the leaf cuticle and led to increased epidermal permeability. Overexpression of NtCRF in Arabidopsis also significantly enhanced the plant's resistance against whiteflies and green peach aphids. Our findings expand understanding of plant-insect interactions and provide a strategy for genetic improvement of crop resistance against piercing-sucking insects.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

The 13-lipoxygenase GmLOX6 is involved in JA biosynthesis and serves as a positive regulator of salt stress tolerance in soybean.

Salinity represents a major abiotic stressor that significantly impairs soybean growth and yield. Although jasmonic acid (JA) has been firmly established as a key regulator of plant defense against salt stress, the precise functions of lipoxygenase (LOX) genes responsible for initiating JA biosynthesis remain poorly defined. Here, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the soybean LOX gene family was performed, and a detailed functional characterization of GmLOX6 was carried out. Subcellular localization confirmed that GmLOX6 is targeted to chloroplasts, while enzymatic assays demonstrated that it acts as a 13-LOX enzyme with a strong preference for α-linolenic acid as substrate. To clarify its role under salt stress, we generated both overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout lines of soybean. Phenotypic and molecular evaluations revealed that GmLOX6 facilitates JA production under salt stress, thereby contributing to enhanced JA accumulation. This elevation in JA levels was associated with improved salt tolerance through multiple physiological adaptations, including the activation of antioxidant enzymes for the detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhanced Na+ extrusion to preserve ionic balance, and reinforced membrane stability. Moreover, GmRWP-RK11 was identified as a transcriptional repressor of GmLOX6. Functional disruption of GmRWP-RK11 via CRISPR/Cas9 conferred greater salt tolerance, further supporting its negative regulatory role. Collectively, these findings uncover a novel regulatory axis in which GmLOX6-mediated JA biosynthesis enhances soybean resistance to salinity through modulation of ROS homeostasis and Na+ transport. These insights provide an expanded understanding of the transcriptional and biochemical mechanisms underpinning JA-driven stress adaptation in soybean.

Glycine max↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide analysis of lipoxygenase genes in Coffea arabica and its diploid progenitors.

Lipoxygenase proteins (LOXs) play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and defense notably through their involvement in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize genes encoding LOXs in three coffee species, Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, and Coffea eugenioides, and to evaluate whether LOX genes are differentially expressed following hexanoic acid application in Coffea arabica. We found 18 LOX genes in Coffea arabica and 9 genes each in Coffea eugenioides and Coffea canephora. Chromosomal localization analyses revealed strong correspondence between the LOX genes of tetraploid Coffea arabica and those of its putative diploid progenitors, Coffea eugenioides and Coffea canephora. Transcriptomic and enzymatic analyses showed that hexanoic acid application modulates the expression of specific LOX genes and alters LOX activity in leaves and roots of Coffea arabica cvs. Catuaí Vermelho and Obatã. Notably, three LOX genes displayed strong correlations between transcript abundance and enzymatic activity. Together, these results indicate that a subset of LOX genes in Coffea arabica represents promising candidates for detailed functional analyses, as they likely contribute substantially to LOX activity and elicitor-induced defense responses in Coffea species.

Coffea↗

PubMed2026

Integrated methylome and transcriptome analysis provides insight into DNA methylation-mediated networks in sexual dimorphism of Vernicia montana.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dimorphism is fundamental to reproduction in dioecious plants and is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. DNA methylation is a central epigenetic mark known to influence phenotypic variation in plants. However, its specific role in shaping sexual dimorphism in dioecious trees remains poorly understood. To address this question, we performed integrated genome-wide DNA methylome and transcriptome analyses of four tissue types in the dioecious tung tree (Vernicia montana), including male and female flower buds and their corresponding leaves. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed distinct DNA methylation patterns between male and female tissues. Notably, the coordination between DNA methylation reprogramming and transcriptional regulation appeared to be more strongly associated with reproductive development than with vegetative growth in V. montana. We identified a set of sex-biased genes that may reflect different reproductive strategies between the sexes. Further analysis identified several key transcription factors (TFs) potentially associated with promoter differentially methylated regions (DMRs), including flowering-time regulators (e.g., FRS5, REM16, and VRN1) and TFs involved in hormone signaling pathways such as jasmonic acid, auxin, and salicylic acid signaling. Cis-regulatory element analysis showed that some promoter DMRs overlapped with hormone response elements related to abscisic acid, auxin, and gibberellin. Co-expression network analysis further revealed potential regulatory correlations among promoter DMR-mediated TFs, hormone-responsive pathways, and key floral development regulators. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results suggest that interactions among DNA methylation, transcriptional regulation, and hormone-responsive pathways may contribute to the establishment of sexual dimorphism in V. montana. This study provides the first integrated view of these regulatory layers in V. montana and supports a species-specific regulatory framework for understanding the epigenetic basis of sexual dimorphism in this economically important dioecious tree. The proposed framework is based on multi-omics analyses and warrants further validation through targeted functional studies.

DNA Methylation↗

PubMed2026

Synthetic community derived from the root core microbes of a desert shrub Caragana korshinskii enhances wheat drought tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Drought, intensified by climate change, poses a mounting threat to global food security by severely constraining crop productivity. While microbial inoculants offer promise for drought tolerance, their poor adaptability remains insufficient for extremely water-deficient environments. Desert plants host unique drought-adapted microbiomes that remain largely unexplored for agricultural applications. RESULTS: Here, we investigated the microbial community of the desert shrub Caragana korshinskii and identified a core set of drought-responsive strains. A synthetic microbial community (SynCom) derived from these strains significantly improved wheat growth under drought stress. Metagenomic analyses revealed that microbial functions related to biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and carbon metabolism were enriched, with Pseudomonas identified as a key functional taxon. Guided by inter-strain interactions in biofilm assembly, we streamlined the consortium into a five-member synthetic community, where quorum-sensing signals promoted community-wide biofilm formation. Community biofilm production improved strain colonization and conferred greater drought tolerance compared to monocultures. In plants, mechanistic investigations indicated that the simplified SynCom inoculation universally upregulated MAPK and jasmonic acid signaling pathways. Furthermore, carbohydrate metabolic pathways such as starch and sucrose metabolism were specifically activated, suggesting a multi-level mechanism underlying SynCom-mediated drought tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that SynCom constructed on the endophytic flora of desert plants can significantly enhance crop drought tolerance. Our work highlights the pivotal role of community biofilm synthesis in facilitating root colonization and activating a multidimensional drought tolerance network in plants. This study not only gives an ecological perspective on desert microbiome adaptations but also offers a strategic framework for developing effective microbial inoculants for arid-region agriculture. Video Abstract.

Caragana↗

PubMed2026

Phenotypic, physiological and transcriptomic analysis of graded salt stress responses in Pyrus betulifolia Bunge and functional characterization of the hub gene PbSTY46.

Pyrus betulifolia Bunge is a salt‑tolerant rootstock for pear, but its salt‑tolerance mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, P. betulifolia seedlings were subjected to graded NaCl stress at concentrations of 0 (CK), 50 (T1), 100 (T2), and 200 (T3) mM. We integrated phenotypic observation, physiological assessment, transcriptomic profiling, and functional gene validation to systematically elucidate its salt tolerance mechanisms. Salt stress inhibited seedling growth and root traits in a concentration-dependent manner, and T3 caused the most severe damage. Osmotic solutes responded differentially: soluble sugars peaked under T2, while proline peaked under T3. Antioxidant enzymes showed tissue-specific biphasic responses and declined after prolonged T3 stress. Meanwhile, chlorophyll and photosynthesis decreased, whereas anthocyanin increased, indicating a metabolic shift from photosynthesis to photoprotection. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct responses depending on stress intensity: mild stress induced membrane lipid remodeling, moderate stress activated circadian rhythm and hormone signaling, and severe stress enhanced phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and thiamine metabolism. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) further highlighted progressive enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, heme binding, and oxidoreductase activity. Weighted Gene Co‑expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified a blue module significantly positively correlated with root traits, from which the hub gene PbSTY46 was identified. Functional validation via overexpression, loss‑of‑function mutants, and pharmacological interventions (MeJA/DIECA) confirmed that PbSTY46 acts through JA signaling to enhance antioxidant enzyme activities and thereby confer salt tolerance. Collectively, P. betulifolia adopts a "survival‑first" strategy that coordinates growth arrest, osmotic homeostasis, and ROS scavenging. These findings establish PbSTY46 as a key regulator that links JA signaling to antioxidant defense. Thus, PbSTY46 represents a promising candidate for marker‑assisted breeding of salt‑tolerant pear cultivars.

Salt Stress↗

PubMed2025

Inactivation of β-1,3-glucan synthase-like 5 confers broad-spectrum resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae pathotypes in cruciferous plants.

Clubroot disease, caused by the obligate intracellular rhizarian protist Plasmodiophora brassicae, is devastating to cruciferous crops worldwide. Widespread field P. brassicae pathotypes frequently overcome the pathotype-specific resistance of modern varieties, posing a challenge for durable control of this disease. Here a genome-wide association study of 3 years of data comprising field clubroot phenotyping of 244 genome-resequenced Brassica napus accessions identified a strong association of β-1,3-glucan synthase-like 5 (GSL5) with clubroot susceptibility. GSL5 was evolutionarily conserved, and inactivation of GSL5 by genome editing in Arabidopsis, B. napus, Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea conferred broad-spectrum, high-level resistance to P. brassicae pathotypes without yield penalties in B. napus. GSL5 inactivation derepressed the jasmonic acid-mediated immunity during P. brassicae secondary infection, and this immune repression was possibly reinforced through stabilization of GSL5 by a P. brassicae effector, facilitating clubroot susceptibility. Our study provides durable resistance resources for cruciferous clubroot disease control and insights into plant resistance against intracellular eukaryotic phytopathogens.

Disease Resistance↗