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Functional Plant Biology Functional Plant Biology Society
Plant function and evolutionary biology

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 has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 15 April 2024

FP23249Identification and analysis of MATE protein family in Gleditsia sinensis

Zisiye Mu, Zhun Liang, Jing Yang, Shixiang Wei, Yang Zhao and Heying Zhou 0009-0005-3388-3326
 

Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) is a new secondary transporter family that plays a key role in secondary metabolite transport. This article aims to identify the MATE protein family in Gleditsia sinensis and to reveal the possible functions of this gene family, as well as the different expression of the MATE protein family in different tissues of Gleditsia sinensis. It lays the groundwork for further functional characterisation of this significant family of transporters in Gleditsia sinensis.

Published online 15 April 2024

FP24011Shrub leaf area and leaf vein trait trade-offs in response to the light environment in a vegetation transitional zone

Dingyue Liu, Chengzhang Zhao 0000-0002-8610-6599, Geyang Li, Zhini Chen, Suhong Wang, Chenglu Huang and Peixian Zhang
 

The leaf is an important site for energy acquisition and material transformation in plants. Leaf functional traits and their trade-off mechanisms reflect the resource utilisation efficiency and habitat adaptation strategies. We studied the trade-off relationships of leaf area with leaf midvein diameter and leaf vein density in Cotoneaster multiflorus. The results show the adaptability of C. multiflorus to environments with high light and low soil water content, which explains the expansion in the shrub’s geographic distribution.

Published online 15 April 2024

FP24012Both external and internal factors induce heterogeneity in senescing leaves of deciduous trees

Heta Mattila 0000-0002-5071-9721, Sergey Khorobrykh 0000-0002-0153-5133 and Esa Tyystjärvi 0000-0001-6808-7470
 

Autumn senescence does not often proceed uniformly. Notably, green pigments (chlorophylls) disappear and red pigments (anthocyanins) appear unevenly along leaf blades of senescing leaves of deciduous trees. We show that only green parts of senescing leaves show efficient recovery from photodamage and that red parts contain high amounts of antioxidants and thus, produce little harmful reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen). To fully understand tree physiology, the heterogenous nature of (autumn) senescence should be considered.

Published online 09 April 2024

FP23312Exogenous Streptomyces spp. enhance the drought resistance of naked oat (Avena nuda) seedlings by augmenting both the osmoregulation mechanisms and antioxidant capacities

Meixia Qiao 0009-0009-0569-3428, Siyuan Lv, Yuejing Qiao, Wen Lin, Zhiqiang Gao, Xiwang Tang, Zhenping Yang and Jie Chen 0000-0001-7617-3854
 

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.

Published online 09 April 2024

FP23195The roles of non-structural carbohydrates in fruiting: a review focusing on mango (Mangifera indica)

Gerhard C. Rossouw 0000-0002-1651-7894, Ryan Orr, Dale Bennett and Ian S. E. Bally
 

Ever wondered why mangoes sometimes vary in size and quantity or why fruit trees produce a lot of fruit in one season followed by little fruit the next season? This paper delves into the hidden role of starch and sugars in the fruiting process. By revealing how these carbohydrates influence flowering, fruit growth, and more, we provide insights into achieving more reliable and higher-quality fruit production in the long run.

Published online 04 April 2024

FP23269Functional characterisation of Dof gene family and expression analysis under abiotic stresses and melatonin-mediated tolerance in pitaya (Selenicereus undatus)

Osama Alam, Latif Ullah Khan, Adeel Khan, Saleh H. Salmen, Mohammad Javed Ansari, Fizza Mehwish, Mushtaq Ahmad, Qamar U. Zaman and Hua-Feng Wang
 

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.

Published online 02 April 2024

FP23164Non-toxic orange carbon dots stimulate photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation in hydroponically cultivated green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Ivana Milenkovic 0000-0001-7957-4485, Milan Borišev, Yiqun Zhou, Sladjana Z. Spasic 0000-0003-1098-371X, Dunja Spasic, Roger M. Leblanc and Ksenija Radotic 0000-0002-9770-0788
 

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.

Published online 28 March 2024

FP24061Flooding stress and responses to hypoxia in plants

Juan de la Cruz Jiménez 0000-0002-9985-5302, Angelika Mustroph 0000-0001-7069-7462, Ole Pedersen 0000-0002-0827-946X, Daan A. Weits 0000-0003-4423-5568 and Romy Schmidt-Schippers 0000-0002-3395-0673
 

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.

Published online 18 March 2024

FP23252Physiological and biochemical assortment in different wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) under rain fed conditions

Syeda Okasha Javed, Shahid Iqbal Awan, Sania Shouket, Kotb A. Attia 0000-0002-2992-1765, Zhu Xi, Arif Ahmed Mohammed, Sher Aslam Khan, Sayeda Tanavish Javed and Yasir Majeed 0009-0000-2141-2010
 

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.

Published online 14 March 2024

FP23102Open field hardening improves leaf physiological drought tolerance in young plants of Sindora siamensis

Warunya Paethaisong, Preeyanuch Lakhunthod, Supranee Santanoo, Natthamon Chandarak, Sujittra Onwan, Naruemol Kaewjampa and Anoma Dongsansuk 0000-0002-0414-092X
 

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.

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.

Published online 14 March 2024

FP23231Root anatomical plasticity contributes to the different adaptive responses of two Phragmites species to water-deficit and low-oxygen conditions

Takaki Yamauchi 0000-0002-6772-6506, Kurumi Sumi, Hiromitsu Morishita and Yasuyuki Nomura
 

Soil moisture levels fluctuate with rainfall, and thus plants should have plasticity to adapt to the varying soil moisture levels in natural fields. Root anatomy is determined by the balance of tissue areas and chemical compositions of some specialised cells and varies among plant species and growth conditions. We identified key root anatomical features that contribute to the adaptive responses of two Phragmites species and proposed a model to adapt to drought and/or flooding stresses caused by ongoing climate change.

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

Published online 12 March 2024

FP23280Investigating the effect of drought stress and methanol spraying on the influential genes in the Calvin cycle and photorespiration of rapeseed (Brassica napus)

Parisa Taghvimi, Mohammad Mohsenzadeh Golfazani 0000-0003-4364-8264, Mohammad Mahdi Taghvaei 0000-0002-0934-813X and Habibollah Samizadeh Lahiji 0000-0002-2278-9079
 

Bioinformatics analysis showed associations between Calvin cycle and photorespiration pathways’ key genes. Some microRNAs were identified as post-transcriptional regulators in rapeseed (Brassica napus). The methanol foliar application enhanced plant tolerance under drought stress.

Published online 12 March 2024

FP23210Overexpression of the alfalfa (Medicago sativa) gene, MsKMS1, negatively regulates seed germination in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

Yiqi Wan, Yuman Cao, Zhiqiang Zhang, Bo Han, Maojin Lu, Zijie Zhuo, Xinyi Gao, Peizhi Yang 0000-0002-5937-837X and Yafang Wang 0000-0002-8104-0375
 

Plants, as sessile, have developed a series of mechanisms to adapt the environmental stresses, which was regulated by a cascade of genes and transcriptional factors. Here, we analysed the gene function of MsKMS1 in seed germination of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) under abiotic stress conditions and found that MsKMS1 negatively affected seed germination by increasing ABA and salicylic acid contents, regulating the expression of genes related to ABA and GA biosynthesis.

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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Best Paper Award

Akitomo Kawasaki has been awarded the ASPS-FPB Best Paper Award for 2021.

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