Drought severely limits plant growth, and the application of beneficial microorganisms may help plants against drought. We studied whether and how two exogenous Streptomyces spp. benefit naked oats (Avena nuda) under drought condition, and found that these two Streptomyces spp. improved the growth and changed the physiological features of oat plants. The use of exogenous Streptomyces may be an effective way to improve the drought resistance of plants.

In the current study, we conducted a systematic genome-wide investigation of the Dof gene family in the pitaya genome and discovered a total of 26 Dof genes dispersed over 11 chromosomes. Using bioinformatics and transcriptome analysis, we identified specific genes in pitaya that can aid breeders in selecting plants capable of withstanding abiotic stresses. In addition, exogenous application of melatonin as a priming agent enhanced stress resilience in pitaya plants, making them more likely to thrive in challenging environments.

This article belongs to the Collection Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops.

Photosynthesis was enhanced after the application of orange carbon dots (o-CDs) onto the foliage of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Green beans showed decreased antioxidative responses after treatement with o-CDs. The light response curve indicated higher CO₂ assimilation at 1 mg L⁻¹ and 5 mg L⁻¹ of o-CDs. Correlation analysis confirmed increased CO₂ binding and assimilation at 1 mg L⁻¹.

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology focuses on ‘Flooding stress and responses to hypoxia in plants’. It includes perspectives, review papers and research articles demonstrating various plant responses to low-O₂ conditions, flooding stress and a combination of stresses commonly found in flooded areas. These studies cover eco-physiological characterisations, root anatomical descriptions, seed microbiota evaluations, gene expression modifications, and evaluations of germplasm collections. This compilation significantly advances our understanding of flooding stress and responses to low-O₂ levels in plants.

This article belongs to the Collection Flooding Stress and Responses to Hypoxia in Plants.

Wheat, a staple cereal crop, faces various challenges when grown under diverse agro-climatic conditions. This study delves into the physio-chemical diversity of different wheat genotypes under rain-fed conditions, uncovering key traits like peduncle length, flag leaf area and more. The findings highlight highly diverse genotypes suitable for rain-fed cultivation, shedding new light on wheat diversity and potential for future breeding programs.

This article belongs to the Collection Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops.

Pugionium cornutum is drought tolerant with sand fixation properties, but the metabolomics analysis in P. cornutum were still unclear. In this study, the morphological index and metabolites of root were significantly changed and upregulated metabolites, such as L-arginosuccinate, L-tyrosine, p-coumarate, caffeate, ferulate, etc., may be the main reason for promoting root growth and increasing drought resistance of P. cornutum seedlings. Our results lay the foundation for further study of drought resistance mechanism in this species.

Sindora siamensis is a tree with medicinal and commerical value. However, it is sensitive to drought. Open field hardening may be an important role for seedlings grown in the nursery before transplanting to the field. Our study showed that open field hardening enabled mitigation of leaf drought injury resulting in slight wilting at leaf margin, and its leaf stayed green after rewatering. Acclimatising young trees to the outside environemnt before transplanting to the field improve plant survival and growth.