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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 22 May 2025

FP24321Enhancing deep sowing success: genetic diversity in mesocotyl and coleoptile length, and field establishment of oats (Avena sativa)

Angelia Tanu 0009-0008-0364-8554, Allan Rattey, Andrew Fletcher 0000-0003-1236-2319, Sarah Rich 0000-0002-0768-4033, Alexandra Taylor 0009-0005-3407-7000 and Erik Veneklaas
 

Oats (Avena sativa) are the only winter-cereal with a mesocotyl, potentially allowing them to be well-adapted to emerge from deep sowing. This research paper compares the mesocotyl, coleoptile, and total length of 195 oat varieties to look for genetic variation in these traits. The paper also compares the emergence of oats from deep sowing with wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) varieties.

FP24321 Abstract  |  FP24321 Full Text  | FP24321PDF (1.6 MB)  | FP24321Supplementary Material (390 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 May 2025

FP25023Decoding the expression patterns and characterisation of calmodulin and calmodulin-like gene families in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) under abiotic stresses

Ali Aslam 0000-0001-7984-4211, Ruimin Zhang, Muhammad Waseem 0000-0001-7947-7722, Zhang Huang, Ashir Masroor, Munazza Kiran, Temoor Ahmed, Muhammad Tayyab, Rabia Nawaz, Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Naveed Babur, Sher Muhammad 0000-0002-5235-2193, Muhammad Khuram Razzaq, Zainab Ahmad, Qinghua Shi, Ammara Tahir and Idrees Khan
 

This study identifies and characterises the calmodulin (CAM) and calmodulin-like (CML) gene family in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Expression analyses under abiotic stress conditions revealed key genes potentially involved in stress responses, particularly drought and salinity. These findings provide insights into the functional roles of CaM and CML genes and their application in developing stress-tolerant watermelon varieties.

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

FP25023 Abstract  | PDF (3.3 MB) - $35.00   | FP25023Supplementary Material (315 KB)
Published online 15 May 2025

FP24355Past trauma, better future: how stress memory shapes plant adaptation to drought

Md. Mezanur Rahman 0000-0001-8822-9683, Sanjida Sultana Keya, Mallesham Bulle, S.M. Ahsan, Md. Abiar Rahman, Md. Shyduzzaman Roni, Md. Mahmud Al Noor and Mehedi Hasan
 

This review explores plant drought memory, emphasizing molecular and physiological strategies plants use to encode, retain, and leverage stress imprints for enhanced resilience. The roles of DNA methylation, histone remodeling, small RNAs, and abscisic acid are highlighted. Memory-induced root system plasticity, transgenerational inheritance, and interactions with beneficial soil microbes are also discussed. By integrating cutting-edge tools like CRISPR-Cas9 and single-cell multi-omics, this work presents a path toward engineering drought-resilient crops to tackle climate volatility and global food security challenges.

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

FP24355 Abstract  | PDF (1.7 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 15 May 2025

FP24251Modulation of key sterol-related genes of Nicotiana benthamiana by phosphite treatment during infection with Phytophthora cinnamomi

Aayushree Kharel 0000-0002-5704-1757, Mark Ziemann, James Rookes 0000-0003-1479-2339 and David Cahill 0000-0002-2556-0528
 

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a devastating plant pathogen and poses a serious threat to agricultural crops and forest ecosystems, and relies on plant sterols for its growth and reproduction. Our research shows that infection by P. cinnamomi disrupts sterol production in plants, altering this critical pathway. These findings highlight sterols as a promising target for developing innovative strategies to control this highly destructive pathogen and protect vulnerable plant species.

FP24251 Abstract  |  FP24251 Full Text  | FP24251PDF (3.2 MB)  | FP24251Supplementary Material (967 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 May 2025

FP24204Physiological and biochemical responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seedlings to NaCl stress and analysis of salt tolerance thresholds

Lupeng Sun, Xin Cai, Dianjun Chen, Yang Cai and Fenghua Zhang 0000-0002-1666-9548
 

Although cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) has high salt tolerance, its growth is still affected by salt stress. Salt-tolerant cotton varieties protected the cell membrane structure by maintaining high antioxidant enzyme activity, low malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage. Thus, the normal physiological metabolism and photosynthetic system are maintained to confer high salt tolerance. This study provides clarification of the physiological mechanism of salt tolerance of cotton seedlings for growth on saline-alkaline land.

FP24204 Abstract  | PDF (1.9 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 May 2025

FP25030Inhibitors of lysine biosynthesis enzymes as potential new herbicides

Emily R. R. Mackie, Mirrin V. McKay, Andrew S. Barrow and Tatiana P. Soares da Costa 0000-0002-6275-7485
 

Herbicides are critical for weed management, but options are dwindling given the continuous rise in herbicide-resistant weeds. This review describes the potential of targeting lysine production in weeds as a novel herbicide mode of action. Such new herbicide modes of action are urgently needed for sustainable agricultural productivity to ensure food security.

FP25030 Abstract  |  FP25030 Full Text  | FP25030PDF (2.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 May 2025

FP24308Effect of CO2 content in air on functioning of Arabidopsis thaliana photosynthetic electron transport chain

Boris N. Ivanov 0000-0003-1453-5690, Marina A. Kozuleva, Natalia N. Rudenko, Lyudmila K. Ignatova, Elena M. Nadeeva, Ilya A. Naydov, Daria V. Vetoshkina, Daria V. Vilyanen and Maria M. Borisova-Mubarakshina
 

The CO2 level in the air is an important factor affecting plant productivity. The present study shows that acclimation of Arabidopsis to both elevated and reduced CO2 levels had similar negative effects on the function of the photosynthetic electron transport chain in higher plants. The results can help in the development of future strategies for genetic modification to offset the negative impact of changes in the air CO2 content in any direction.

FP24308 Abstract  | PDF (928 KB) - $35.00   | FP24308Supplementary Material (924 KB)
Published online 08 May 2025

FP25064Functional analysis of the CCoAOMT gene in Populus deltoides for enhancing tolerance to Alternaria burnsii

Ankit Yadav, Amar Sakure, Sushil Kumar 0000-0003-3767-8846, Akarsh Parihar, Dimple Gor, Vidyut Balar and Pratibha
 

This study is important because it identifies a potential genetic approach to enhance plant resistance against Alternaria blight (Alternaria burnsii), a disease causing severe economic losses. By demonstrating the role of PdCCoAOMT in lignin biosynthesis and disease mitigation, it offers a novel strategy for crop protection. The findings could contribute to the development of resistant crop varieties, reducing yield losses and improving agricultural sustainability.

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

FP25064 Abstract  | PDF (8.7 MB) - $35.00   | FP25064Supplementary Material (2.2 MB)
Published online 01 May 2025

FP24201Same with less: a method to reduce destructive sampling to estimate nitrogen use efficiency components using allometric relationships in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Lorena Guardia-Velarde 0000-0003-0031-9030, Jonathan E. Cope 0000-0002-0515-0521, Holger Metzler, Anna Westerbergh and Martin Weih
 

Balanced nutrition ensures healthy growth in crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum) and other staple foods by improving nutrient use efficiency that is related to maximising yield while safeguarding natural resources and reducing environmental pollution. Improving nutrient use efficiency by crop breeding usually requires a lot destructive plant sampling and costly chemical analysis. Here, we propose a new method to significantly reduce the destructive sampling and support the breeding of more N efficient crops.

FP24201 Abstract  |  FP24201 Full Text  | FP24201PDF (1.7 MB)  | FP24201Supplementary Material (542 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 May 2025

FP24337An overview of cytoplasmic male sterility in Brassica napus

Zunaira Farooq, Ahmad Ali 0000-0001-8777-5519, Hongjie Wang, Muhammad Zeeshan Mola Bakhsh, Shipeng Li, Ying Liu, Shuo Wu, Aisha Almakas, Shouping Yang and Yi Bin
 

Cytoplasmic male sterility and fertility restoration is an important component of hybrid seed industry in rapeseed (Brassica napus), while its genetic and molecular mechanism is not yet clear. In this review, we discuss male sterility resources in rapeseed and modes of sterility induction, providing updated information of various CMS in Brassica and its implications in hybrid breeding.

FP24337 Abstract  | PDF (911 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 29 April 2025

FP24335Colour shifts and photoprotection: how the common haircap moss (Polytrichum commune) adapts to sun and shade

Hiromitsu Nakajima 0000-0003-3669-9733
 

Polytrichum commune, a common moss, exhibits a distinct colour difference (green in shade and yellow-green in sun) within the same community. This study addressed the key question why the moss shifts its colour depending on light conditions and clarified how the moss changes its pigment composition and enhances photoprotection, leading to the colour shift. These findings highlight the intricate mechanisms plants use to thrive in varying light conditions, which could inspire advancements in plant science and ecology.

FP24335 Abstract  | PDF (4.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 29 April 2025

FP25012Phytochrome A in etiolated wild-type and albino barley seedlings: a far-red pulse induces interconversion between the two physicochemically and functionally distinct phyA types – phyA′ into phyA″

V. Sineshchekov 0000-0002-6102-0799 and L. Koppel 0000-0002-8579-6436
 

Light both supplies plants with energy and informs them of the environmental light conditions. Light information is obtained by an elaborate receptor system, which includes phytochromes. Phytochrome A, a major photoreceptor, was investigated, confirming its structural and functional heterogeneity and showing that the adaptation of a plant to the light environment includes redistribution of phytochomes between its native populations via their inter-transformations. This optimizes physiological processes in a plant, providing higher plants with evolutionary advantages.

FP25012 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 22 April 2025

FP24295Light-driven modulation of plant response to water deficit. A review

K. Okon, M. Zubik-Duda and A. Nosalewicz 0000-0001-5864-5619
 

Agriculture productivity depends on water availability. Crop water use efficiency can be increased by deficit irrigation but the effect may be influenced by light quality and quantity. This review explores overlapping signalling pathways and important bioactive molecules in plants under these factors. Plant responses to water deficit vary with light intensity and spectrum (UV, blue, red). Optimising horticultural production through controlled light and deficit irrigation shows promise, but further research is needed to enhance resource efficiency and crop nutritional value.

FP24295 Abstract  | PDF (385 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 April 2025

FP24229Seedlings of rye (Secale cereale) respond to freeze-thaw, alkaline salt, and Solanum rostratum Dunal extract combined stress by increasing soluble protein and antioxidant enzyme activity

Xinyu Fan, Guozhang Bao 0000-0003-0329-8001, Yunchao Xie, Yunqi Jiang, Cunxin Fan and Guomei Li
 

Freeze-thaw, alkaline salt, and Solanum rostratum Dunal often have adverse effects on the stability of grassland ecosystem in north-east China. Combined stress of freeze-thaw, alkaline salt, and S. rostratum extract have obvious physiological damage to rye (Secale cereale) seedlings. During periods of frequent freeze-thaw, it is important to implement timely and targeted control measures against S. rostratum to reduce the adverse effects of combined stress on grassland ecosystems.

FP24229 Abstract  | PDF (2.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 10 April 2025

FP24277Assessing the synergistic effects of biochar, hydrogel and biofertilizer on growth and physiological traits of wheat in saline environments

Dilfuza Jabborova, Zafarjon Jabbarov, Tokhtasin Abdrakhmanov, Orzubek Fayzullaev, Baljeet Singh Saharan, Kahkashan Perveen, Syed Muhammad Zaka, Andrea Mastinu and Riyaz Sayyed 0000-0002-1553-1213
 

Excess amounts of salts used in agriculture lead to deterioration of crop growth and yield. This problem requires urgent, sustainable resolution. The use of soil microorganisms not only reduces salt levels but helps plants to grow under such stress. Our study revealed that applying soil microorganisms significantly improved the growth and yield of wheat under salt stress, and also enhanced soil fertility.

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

FP24277 Abstract  | PDF (437 KB) - $35.00 

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Collections

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

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: 22 May 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

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: 10 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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