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Functional Plant Biology

Functional Plant Biology

Functional Plant Biology publishes new and significant information on the functional biology of plants at all scales from the molecular through whole plant to community. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Sergey Shabala

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Functional Plant Biology is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 04 September 2025

FP24288Perspectives on deciphering thermotolerance mechanisms in Heliotropium thermophilum: integrating biochemical responses and gene expression patterns

Asiye Sezgin Muslu 0000-0003-0899-0742, Necdet Mehmet Ünel, Aykut Saglam 0000-0003-4102-7990, Mehmet Cengiz Baloglu and Asim Kadioglu 0000-0002-4781-6264
 

This research directly addresses the understanding of physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in plant responses to abiotic stress. We provide a detailed analysis of biochemical responses, including the accumulation of osmoprotectants under heat stress. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive transcriptomic profile that highlights the upregulation of genes involved in osmoprotectant biosynthesis, antioxidant defense, heat shock proteins, and sugar transport, contributing to thermotolerance. We believe our findings provide significant insights into plant responses to heat stress at multiple levels.

FP24288 Abstract  | PDF (2.9 MB) - $35.00   | FP24288Supplementary Material (2.7 MB)
Published online 04 September 2025

FP25031Modulation of ion transporter genes of salt-stressed sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) by foliar application of digitoxin

 

Salinity is considered a major threat affecting cereal crop yield, such as sorghum. Some plant secondary metabolites, such as digitoxin, can help crops to alleviate toxic salinity effects. Digitoxin induces gene activation that helps plants reduce salinity effects by controlling the potassium/sodium channel and ultimately mitigates toxic salinity effects on sorghum.

FP25031 Abstract  |  FP25031 Full Text  | FP25031PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 September 2025

FP25145Effects of nitrogen level on growth, nutrient uptake, and nitrogen use efficiency in cotton seedlings

Dandan Chen 0000-0003-1138-6765, Zhao Zhang 0000-0003-2366-9156, Honghong Wu 0000-0001-6629-0280 and Guozheng Yang
 

We identified optimal nitrogen (N) levels for cotton seedlings and their nutrient demands (N:P:K:Ca ≈ 1:0.2:1.2:0.5). Low N promoted root growth by preferential nutrient allocation, while N-use efficiency correlated closely with root traits.

FP25145 Abstract  |  FP25145 Full Text  | FP25145PDF (2.2 MB)  | FP25145Supplementary Material (173 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 September 2025

FP24311Chickpea genotypes with high ascorbic acid accumulation can mitigate the impact of high temperature stress

Amol P. Solanke, S. R. Gadakh, Kruthika S, V. R. Awari, Apoorva Ashu, Navodhaya J. V, Harimadhav C, C. Laxuman and Gurumurthy S 0000-0002-2178-0216
 

Despite its potential, the role of ascorbic acid (AsA) in mitigating high-temperature stress (HTS) in chickpea has not been extensively studied. Given IPCC projections that global temperatures have exceeded the optimal range for chickpea cultivation, posing risks to yield stability, our research highlights the contribution of AsA to HTS tolerance. High AsA accumulation genotypes maintained cooler canopies, higher chlorophyll content, and enhanced antioxidant activity, i.e. ascorbate peroxide, lipid peroxidation rate, and proline content supporting HTS resilience. Genotypes with high AsA levels exhibited higher seed yield under HTS.

FP24311 Abstract  | PDF (688 KB) - $35.00   | FP24311Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)
Published online 25 August 2025

FP25195The role of microalgae in circular carbon capture systems

Dariga K. Kirbayeva, Huma Balouch, Tao Xu, Meruyert O. Bauenova, Dilnaz E. Zaletova 0009-0000-1604-4241 and Bekzhan D. Kossalbayev 0000-0003-3892-7920
 

Closed-loop microalgal CO2 capture integrates circular bioeconomy with decarbonization. Hybrid photobioreactors and nutrient recycling boost biomass and CO2 utilization. Industrial pilot projects show pathways to scale up microalgae-based CO2 capture. Industrial symbiosis and regulatory advances drive market adoption of CO2 capture.

FP25195 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 21 August 2025

FP25140Trichome mediated external water transport may compensate for reduced vascular efficiency in atmospheric epiphytic Bromeliaceae

Narcy Anai Pereira-Zaldívar 0000-0002-9256-8669, Luis David Patiño-López, Raúl Rodríguez-García, José Luis Andrade, Manuel Jesús Cach-Pérez, Celene Espadas-Manrique, Felipe Barredo-Pool and Casandra Reyes-García 0000-0001-9847-9053
 

Epiphytes – plants that grow on other plants – can move and absorb water across their leaf surfaces using specialized hairs. In bromeliads, this ability is found in species from dry, seasonal habitats and is linked to having less efficient internal water transport. This discovery highlights how plants evolve creative solutions to survive in challenging environments.

FP25140 Abstract  | PDF (3.6 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 21 August 2025

FP25060Source and rate of nutrients may change the yield and aroma profile of Zataria multiflora Boiss

Zohreh Emami Bistgani 0000-0002-0325-4263, Vahid Rowshan, Razieh Azimi and Masoud Hashemi 0000-0002-6126-4208
 

Sustainable agricultural practices play a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity and quality while minimizing environmental impact. The effects of various fertilizers: synthetic, organic (cow manure, vermicompost), and their combinations, on the growth, nutrient content, and essential oil composition of Zataria multiflora Boiss. over 2 years in field conditions were examined. Results show that organic fertilizers improve soil health, promote plant growth, and increase essential oil yield while enriching the aromatic profile, suggesting that eco-friendly fertilization practices can enhance productivity and sustainability.

FP25060 Abstract  | PDF (1007 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 21 August 2025

FP25048Using the water potential curve to identify the transition from water-consumptive to water-conservative behaviour in Cucumis melo

Heinrich di Santo, Thorsten Knipfer 0000-0002-1375-5651 and Felipe H. Barrios-Masias 0000-0001-8906-9554
 

As plants experience drought, transpiration rates decrease and can reduce carbon assimilation, biomass production and yield. We evaluated how melon plants, exposed to drought, changed their water status at predawn and midday to identify thresholds when drought compromises plant performance. We identified the transition from water-consumptive (higher transpiration) to water-conservative (limited transpiration) behaviour, and propose that this approach can be used to better manage irrigation and support effective use of water without a yield decrease.

FP25048 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00   | FP25048Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 07 August 2025

FP25034Expression level of NHX1 and SOS1 genes is key to high salt tolerance of ancient emmer wheat: implications to tackling salt stress penalties of wheat yield

Zahra Abdehpour, Parviz Ehsanzadeh 0000-0003-1754-6838 and Faezeh Ghanati 0000-0002-2901-0152
 

A series of experiments were conducted to compare ancient emmer and spelt wheats to modern durum and bread wheats. Emmer wheats lost less K+ and photosynthetic pigments in response to salinity, and demonstrated greater proline accumulation and more antioxidant enzyme activity, compared to modern wheats. Our novel results indicated that an enhanced salt tolerance stems from the enhanced expression of SOS1 and NHX1 transporter genes by the emmer wheat. This study showed that emmer wheat tolerates 150 mM water salinity.

FP25034 Abstract  | PDF (534 KB) - $35.00   | FP25034Supplementary Material (348 KB)
Published online 31 July 2025

FP23242HuGAI1: a key transcription factor upregulated by trypsin, regulating phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and enhancing fruit shelf life in Hylocereus undatus

Xinyue Pang, Xinxin Chen, Hemin Wang, Jiaju Sun, Enyan Chen, Fuxin Li, Jingyu Jia, Bairu Li and Xin Li 0000-0002-5976-2988
 

DELLA proteins can participate in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids. Trypsin can upregulate the expression of HuGAI1. And HuGAI1, by participating in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, regulates the biosynthesis of flavonoids and flavonols, leading to an increase in antioxidant flavonoid content and, consequently, enhancing fruit resistance. This research provides a reference for trypsin’s ability to enhance the preservation of H. undatus by influencing GRAS family genes.

FP23242 Abstract  |  FP23242 Full Text  | FP23242PDF (2 MB)  | FP23242Supplementary Material (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 July 2025

FP24266Phenotyping of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) genotypes with different growth habits

Alison R. Gill 0000-0003-4366-6710, Beth R. Loveys, Christopher J. Brien 0000-0003-0581-1817, Nathaniel Jewell, Bettina Berger, Timothy R. Cavagnaro 0000-0002-9922-5677 and Rachel A. Burton 0000-0002-0638-4709
 

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) growth habits vary from tall and thin to short and bushy. We compared the growth patterns and water deficit responses in genotypes with different growth habits using state-of-the-art automated imaging and watering platforms. Water deficit responses were consistent, but short, bushy genotypes show potential for the greatest water use efficiency, providing valuable insight to inform field-based agronomic decisions.

FP24266 Abstract  |  FP24266 Full Text  | FP24266PDF (3.1 MB)  | FP24266Supplementary Material (638 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 July 2025

FP24326Morphological and molecular identification of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and their role in nutrient uptake

Kamran Akbar, Tabassum Yaseen, Banzeer Ahsan Abbasi, Javed Iqbal, Badr Alharthi, Sajid Fiaz 0000-0001-9097-4359, Salma Noureen, Shumaila Ijaz, Ejaz Aziz and Rashid Iqbal
 

We assessed the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on growth, nutrient uptake, and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and AMF diversity in two soils in Pakistan. Soil from Bhakkar had higher nitrogen content than Khushab. Root colonisation was greater in Khushab than Bhakkar, with colonisation influencing phosphorus uptake in both regions. Glomus and Acaulospora were the most dominant genera. Chickpeas from Bhakkar had higher protein content and nutrient concentrations than Khushab. AMF colonisation increased plant moisture, fats, and carbohydrates.

This article belongs to the collection: Soil Microbiome and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants.

FP24326 Abstract  |  FP24326 Full Text  | FP24326PDF (4.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 July 2025

FP24345Genome-wide identification of bHLH gene family and screening of genes related to prickle development in Zanthoxylum armatum

Yuwei Yi, Hualin Zou, Nuo Wang, Yansheng Xue, Weiwei Zhang 0000-0003-0800-4797, Feng Xu, Jiabao Ye and Yongling Liao
 

Zanthoxylum armatum (pepper) has important edible and medicinal value, but the existence of prickles of Z. armatum makes the harvesting work complicated. One hundred and ninety-five ZabHLHs were identified in the genome of Z. armatum. We predict that ZabHLH110, ZabHLH161, and ZabHLH194 are most likely related to prickle development in Z. armatum. This study is helpful to further explore the potential role and mechanism of ZabHLHs in the formation of Z. armatum prickles.

FP24345 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00   | FP24345Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 15 July 2025

FP25085Effects of shading on physiological characteristics of Bletilla striata

Hanyue Xue, Xiaoxuan Zeng, Liu Yang, Miao Xiong, Xiaoyu Ming, Xiantong Wang, Xuan Yang, Xiaoyu Wang, Fuwen Luo, Chao Zhang and Xiaofang Yu 0000-0002-1933-636X
 

Moderate shading promotes the growth of Bletilla striata by enhancing chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant defence mechanisms. Seasonal water stress further modulated oxidative responses. These findings provide new insights into the adaptive strategies of B. striata to light and water availability, informing improved cultivation in horticultural and ecological applications.

FP25085 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 14 July 2025

FP25049Discovery of protein interactors of SUGARWINs in Saccharum officinarum using cDNA library screening

Aqsa Parvaiz 0000-0001-8180-2168, Muhammad Mubashar Zafar 0000-0002-5664-138X, Faiz Ahmad Joyia, Sultana Anwar, Andrei Smertenko, Hira Kamal 0000-0001-6503-2167, Saba Zafar 0000-0001-7317-0084, Mishal Subhan 0000-0002-6797-9175, Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Majed A. Alotaibi 0009-0000-3402-2476, Sezai Ercisli, Ghulam Mustafa and Xuefei Jiang
 

Sugarcane yield is threatened by fungal pathogens, prompting plants to activate defense proteins such as SUGARWINs. This study identified two SUGARWIN interactors – oxygen evolving enhancer protein 1 and synaptotagmin 1 – through cDNA library screening, with interactions confirmed by biomolecular fluorescence complementation assay. These proteins may contribute to fungal resistance, offering insights into sugarcane’s defense mechanisms and potential strategies for enhancing crop protection.

This article belongs to the collection: Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops - Volume II.

FP25049 Abstract  | PDF (2.2 MB) - $35.00 

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Soil Microbiome and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology papers will focus on the intricate interactions between soil microbes and abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals, and their collective impact on plant root physiology, growth, and hormonal dynamics. Emphasising the role of microbial communities in enhancing plant resilience, this collection will explore mechanisms that mitigate stress responses and improve crop performance. By integrating current research on microbial-plant interactions and abiotic stress, the collection aims to advance our understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and provide insights into strategies for improving plant productivity under environmental constraints.

Collection Editors
Dr Muhammad Saqlain Zaheer (Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology)
Dr Hafiz Haider Ali (Government College University Lahore (GCUL))
Dr Clarisse Brígido (Universidade de Évora)
Dr Debadatta Sethi (Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology)

Last Updated: 21 Jul 2025

Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops - Volume II

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology papers summarises the technological and conceptual advances in genetics and functional genomics that have the potential to achieve the 2nd sustainable development goal of zero hunger under challenging climatic conditions. This collection represents Vol. II of this series.

Collection Editors
Sajid Fiaz (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Haripur, Pakistan)
Muhammad Azhar Nadeem (Sivas University of Science and Technology, Turkey)
Inzamam Ul Haq (Gansu Agricultural University, China)

Last Updated: 14 Jul 2025

Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology includes articles summarising the technological and conceptual advancement in genetics and functional genomics with the potential for achieving the United Nations' second sustainable development goal of zero hunger under challenging climatic conditions. These articles illustrate the development of cutting-edge technologies helping researchers to develop germplasm with better resistance/tolerance for emerging food security threats.

Collection Editors
Sajid Fiaz (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Haripur, Pakistan)
Muhammad Azhar Nadeem (Sivas University of Science and Technology, Turkey)
Inzamam Ul Haq (Gansu Agricultural University, China)

Last Updated: 22 Apr 2025

Machine Learning for Plant Stress Phenotyping

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology explores cutting-edge phenotyping applications of machine learning approaches for stress detection and plant phenotyping at the different scales of their structural organisation.

Collection Editors
Jungpil Shin (University of Aizu, Japan)
Md. Al Mehedi Hasan (Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh)
Yong Seok Hwang (Kwangwoon University, Korea)

Last Updated: 20 Sep 2024

Flooding Stress and Responses to Hypoxia in Plants

This Collection of Functional Plant Biology focuses on ‘Flooding stress and responses to hypoxia in plants’ and includes papers demonstrating various plant responses to low-O2 conditions, flooding stress and a combination of stresses commonly found in flooded areas. This compilation significantly advances our understanding of flooding stress and responses to low-O2 levels in plants.

Collection Editors
Romy Schmidt-Schippers (University of Bielefeld, Germany)
Ole Pedersen (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
Angelika Mustroph (University of Bayreuth, Germany)
Daan Weits (Utrecht University, Netherlands)
Juan Jiménez (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

Last Updated: 15 Mar 2024

Understanding Mechanistic Basis of Plant Adaptation to Salinity and Drought

Drought and salinity are two major constraints in agriculture, restricting plant growth and yield in many parts of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, and in the majority of plants, growth ceases under extreme exposure to drought and salt stress. This collection of Functional Plant Biology papers focuses on the advances and progress in studying the underlying mechanisms of salinity and drought tolerance in plants, particularly those that are considered agriculturally important.

Collection Editors
Muhammad Waseem (Hainan University, Sanya, China)
Mehtab Muhammad Aslam (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China)
Sunil Kumar Sahu (Beijing Genomics Institute, Shenzhen, China)

Last Updated: 15 Feb 2024

Editor’s Choice – ‘Abiotic stress signalling and adaptation’

Agricultural crop production has to be increased by 70% by 2050 to ensure food security and meet the challenge of feeding a population of 9.3 billion. The only way to meet this challenge is by identifying key genes and mechanisms mediating plant sensing, signalling and adaptation to adverse environmental conditions, and then using modern genetic tools to modify them, to enable better plant performance. The papers selected for this Functional Plant Biology Collection contribute to this task and, therefore, may be of substantial interest to readers.

Collection Editor
Professor Sergey Shabala, Editor-in-Chief

Last Updated: 02 Oct 2017

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