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 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

, 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.

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

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.

Published online 14 July 2025

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

Aqsa Parvaiz

, Muhammad Mubashar Zafar

, Faiz Ahmad Joyia, Sultana Anwar, Andrei Smertenko, Hira Kamal

, Saba Zafar

, Mishal Subhan

, Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Majed A. Alotaibi

, 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.

Published online 10 July 2025

FP25092Nitric oxide regulates water status, antioxidant enzymes, nutritional balance, and growth of gazania (Gazania rigens) under drought stress

Muhammad Ahsan

, Aasma Tufail, Aftab Jamal

, Hatim M. Al-Yasi, Emanuele Radicetti, Muhammad Ammar Raza, Ali Bakhsh, Mateen Sajid, Zaibun-Nisa Memon and Mohammad Valipour

Drought exposure can lead to substantial agricultural yield losses, causing agriculture to collapse in many developing countries. This study aimed to examine the beneficial effects of nitric oxide spray on Gazania regens under drought conditions and the results showed that nitric oxide application helped reduce the negative effects of drought on gazania. It is suggested that supplementing with nitric oxide could be a practical and environmentally friendly approach to enhance drought resilience in Gazania regens.

Published online 04 July 2025

FP24297_COCorrigendum to: Enriched enzymes and crosstalking KEGG pathways in the rhizospheric soil fungiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera

Rewaa S. Jalal, Abeer S. Aloufi, Abeer Al-Andal, Nahaa M. Alotaibi, Haneen W. Abuauf, Fatimah M. Alshehrei, Mohammed Y. Refai, Sahar A. Alshareef, Alaa A. Alnahari, Fatmah O. Sefrji, Abeer M. Almutrafy and Aala A. Abulfaraj

FP24297_CO Full Text | FP24297_COPDF (138 KB)

Published online 03 July 2025

FP25111Accelerating soybean (Glycine max) leaf growth and stem strength by using natural daylight parameter characteristics

Wei He

N spectrum facilitated earlier soybean (Glycine max) biomass accumulation, and enhanced the strength of soybean petioles and stems.

Published online 01 July 2025

FP24183Trehalose application mitigates drought stress in by enhancing photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and osmolyte production in sugar beet (Betus vulgaris)

Yuyu Hao, Yuning Zhai, Piergiorgio Stevanato, Ruixing Li, Lihua Yu, Gui Geng, Lihua Wang, Yao Xu, Jiahui Liu

and Yuguang Wang

Trehalose is a disaccharide that can alleviate abiotic stress. In our study, different concentrations of Tre (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 mM) were applied foliarly to sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) seedlings during drought stress. Compared with drought stress, 20 mM trehalose treatment enhanced the net photosynthetic rate, antioxidant enzyme activity, and altered the content of osmotic substances in sugar beet seedlings.

Published online 26 June 2025

FP25020Impact of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestation and wounding on gene expression of defense-related genes and chlorophyll fluorescence in common bean

Abdurrahman Sami Koca

, Vahdettin Çiftçi and Mehmet Zahit Yeken

We examined the expression of four defense-related genes, PvPAL, PvLOX, PvGST, and PvPOD, in common bean under Helicoverpa armigera infestation and wounding. We found that all genes were significantly upregulated in response to H. armigera, with distinct expression profiles compared to wounding. Marked reductions in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F_v/F_m, PI_ABS, ETo/RC) were determined under both H. armigera infestation and wounding. In particular, findings highlight potential roles of PvLOX and PvGST genes in common bean’s defense against herbivory and wounding.

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

Published online 24 June 2025

FP24297Enriched enzymes and crosstalking KEGG pathways in the rhizospheric soil fungiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera

Rewaa S. Jalal

, Abeer S. Aloufi, Abeer Al-Andal

, Nahaa M. Alotaibi, Haneen W. Abuauf, Fatimah M. Alshehrei, Mohammed Y. Refai, Sahar A. Alshareef, Alaa A. Alnahari, Fatmah O. Sefrji, Abeer M. Almutrafy and Aala A. Abulfaraj

We investigate the rhizospheric mycobiome of Moringa oleifera, identifying pivotal genes encoding enzymes integral to metabolic pathways, as per KEGG. Fungal taxa from Mucoromycota and Zoopagomycota, including Rhizophagus and Mucor ambiguus, harbour enzymes crucial for metabolic, genetic and environmental processes. These enzymes facilitate the biosynthesis of metabolites such as acetyl-CoA and isoleucine essential for DNA repair, energy metabolism and membrane integrity. We underscore the symbiotic relationship between fungal enzymes and Moringa roots, optimising nutrient acquisition and energy provisioning.

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

FP24297 Abstract | FP24297 Full Text | FP24297PDF (501 KB) | FP24297Corrigendum (138 KB) | FP24297Supplementary Material (50.1 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 20 June 2025

FP25045The gibberellic acid responsive GmbHLHm1 transcription factor influences nodule development, nitrogen fixation activity and shoot nitrogen content in soybean (Glycine max)

Die Hu, Zhengyu Wen, Nijat Imin, Kanwarpal S. Dhugga and Brent N. Kaiser

The genetic regulation of soybean nitrogen fixation is poorly understood. Here, we describe evidence for a membrane bound basic helix loop helix transcription factor (GmbHLHm1) influencing nodule development and nitrogen fixation when either silenced (negative) or overexpressed (positive). We also demonstrate a preliminary link with gibberellic acid in the control of GmbHLHm1 expression in soybean (Glycine max) nodules.

FP25045 Abstract | FP25045 Full Text | FP25045PDF (1.3 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

FP24226Spermidine synthase genes from mulberry play an important role in drought stress tolerance by altering antioxidant enzymes and osmotic regulation

Dan Liu

, Qiang Lin, Changyu Qiu, Xiaomei Lu and Ningjia He

Drought stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that cause plant yield reduction, and research on improving plant drought tolerance has attracted widespread attention. Our previous experiments confirmed that two mulberry spermidine synthase genes (MnSPDS1 and MnSPDS2) encode for functional proteins and were expressed highly under drought stress. Overexpression of MnSPDS1/MnSPDS2 at the physiological level alleviated membrane damage caused by drought and improved osmotic regulation and antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that a high level of accumulation of spermidine in the mulberry conferred a high tolerance to drought stress.

Published online 13 June 2025

FP25018Identification and analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) family genes in oat (Avena sativa L.) and their potential role in abiotic stress responses

Mouna Ghorbel, Ikram Zribi, Ahmad Alghamidi

, Khalil Mseddi

and Faiçal Brini

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes form the first line of plant protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in cells. We identified 14 AvSOD genes including nine AvCSDs, two AvMSDs, and three AvFSDs genes in oat (Avena sativa) genome. The expression profile of all SOD genes under salt, drought, cold, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid treatments was strongly upregulated. Our findings provide important information about candidate genes for a further functional characterisation in oat plants to select stress tolerant varieties.

Published online 06 June 2025

FP24323Multivariate analysis reveals physiological trade-offs and synergies under light and nutrient gradients in the herbaceous species Agastache rugosa

Khairul Azree Rosli

, Azizah Misran, Latifah Saiful Yazan and Puteri Edaroyati Megat Wahab

Plants are the ultimate survivors, adapting to diverse and changing environments with remarkable resilience. In this study, we investigated the intricate strategies employed by the herbaceous species Agastache rugosa to optimise its growth and resource use across varying light and nutrient conditions in tropical habitats. Our findings showed that this adaptable plant fine-tunes its leaf structure, photosynthesis, and nutrient allocation in a coordinated manner, providing valuable insights into how plants may cope with the challenges posed by global environmental change.

Published online 05 June 2025

FP24273Iodine application induces the antioxidant defense system, alleviates salt stress, reduces nitrate content, and increases the nutritional value of lettuce plants

Osama Abdelsalam Shalaby

Iodine application reduced the deleterious effects of salinity on lettuce. Iodine affects plants in a dose-dependent manner, with low doses stimulating but high doses inhibiting. Iodine spray increased the activity of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Plants treated with iodine showed reduced toxic compounds such as H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde. Lettuce plants sprayed with iodine showed improved nutritional status and increased photosynthetic pigments. Iodine addition increased lettuce growth and yield while reducing its nitrate content

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

Published online 05 June 2025

FP24357Advanced gene editing techniques for enhancing disease resistance and climate resilience in crops

Zareen Sarfraz, Yusra Zarlashat

, Alia Ambreen, Muhammad Mujahid and Muhammad Shahid Iqbal

In an era where food security is increasingly threatened by climate change and plant diseases, innovative solutions are essential for sustainable agriculture. This review explores advanced gene editing techniques that enhance disease resistance in crops, revealing that methods such as CRISPR/Cas9 can significantly improve crop resilience and yield. By harnessing these cutting-edge technologies, we can pave the way for more robust agricultural practices that ensure a stable food supply and promote environmental sustainability.

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

More content

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.

FP24266, Accepted 08 July 2025

Phenotyping of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) genotypes with different growth habits

Alison Gill

, Beth Loveys, Chris Brien

, Nathaniel Jewell, Bettina Berger, Tim Cavagnaro

and Rachel Burton

FP24266Abstract

FP24349, Accepted 04 July 2025

Pan-Genome Analysis and Functional Characterization of the Terpene Synthase (TPS) Gene Family in Five Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) Varieties

Tao Lu, Shuaiyu Jiang, Xinyu Liu, Zhen Lu, Muhammad Sadaqat, Chen Chen, Xiangyu Zuo and Muhammad Tahir ul Qamar

FP24349Abstract

FP24326, Accepted 30 June 2025

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Rhizosphere of Chickpea and Their Role in Nutrient Uptake

Kamran Akbar, Tabassum Yaseen, Banzeer Ahsan Abbasi, Javed Iqbal, Badr Alharthi, Sajid Fiaz

, Salma Noreen, Shumaila Ijaz, Ejaz Aziz and Rashid Iqbal

FP24326Abstract

FP24345, Accepted 26 June 2025

Genome-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

, Feng Xu, Jiabao Ye and Yongling Liao

FP24345Abstract

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

Functional Plant Biology 52 (6)

Angelia Tanu , Allan Rattey, Andrew Fletcher , Sarah Rich , Alexandra Taylor , Erik Veneklaas
Advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technology: shaping the future of photosynthetic microorganisms for biofuel production

Functional Plant Biology 52 (2)

Samreen Arshad, Muhammad Luqman Qadir, Nazim Hussain, Qurban Ali , Shiming Han, Daoud Ali
Modulation of key sterol-related genes of Nicotiana benthamiana by phosphite treatment during infection with Phytophthora cinnamomi

Functional Plant Biology 52 (6)

Aayushree Kharel , Mark Ziemann, James Rookes , David Cahill
Challenges to optimal macadamia (Macadamia spp.) kernel quality in a changing climate

Functional Plant Biology 52 (4)

Suzy Y. Rogiers , Kevin P. Quinlan, Jeremy D. Bright
The gibberellic acid responsive GmbHLHm1 transcription factor influences nodule development, nitrogen fixation activity and shoot nitrogen content in soybean (Glycine max)

Functional Plant Biology 52 (7)

Die Hu, Zhengyu Wen, Nijat Imin, Kanwarpal S. Dhugga, Brent N. Kaiser
Enriched enzymes and crosstalking KEGG pathways in the rhizospheric soil fungiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera

Functional Plant Biology 52 (7)

Rewaa S. Jalal , Abeer S. Aloufi, Abeer Al-Andal , Nahaa M. Alotaibi, Haneen W. Abuauf, Fatimah M. Alshehrei, Mohammed Y. Refai, Sahar A. Alshareef, Alaa A. Alnahari, Fatmah O. Sefrji, Abeer M. Almutrafy, Aala A. Abulfaraj
Inhibitors of lysine biosynthesis enzymes as potential new herbicides

Functional Plant Biology 52 (5)

Emily R. R. Mackie, Mirrin V. McKay, Andrew S. Barrow, Tatiana P. Soares da Costa
Regulation of alternative splicing in Catharanthus roseus in response to methyl jasmonate modulation during development and stress resilience

Functional Plant Biology 52 (4)

Aala A. Abulfaraj , Abeer Al-Andal
Same with less: a method to reduce destructive sampling to estimate nitrogen use efficiency components using allometric relationships in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Functional Plant Biology 52 (5)

Lorena Guardia-Velarde , Jonathan E. Cope , Holger Metzler, Anna Westerbergh, Martin Weih
Saltbush seedlings (Atriplex spp.) shed border-like cells from closed-type root apical meristems

Functional Plant Biology 51 (10)

Alison R. Gill , Rachel A. Burton
Cyclic electron flow and Photosystem II-less photosynthesis

Functional Plant Biology 51 (11)

Maria Ermakova , Duncan Fitzpatrick, Anthony W. D. Larkum
Do cyanogenic glucosides help sorghum manage a fluctuating nitrogen supply?

Functional Plant Biology 52 (4)

Bethany English, Alicia A. Quinn, Charles R. Warren, Roslyn M. Gleadow , Harry Myrans
Overexpression of forage millet (Setaria italica) SiER genes enhances drought resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana

Functional Plant Biology 51 (9)

Hanjing Dai, Xiaoyi Huang, Yingrun Wang, Shoujing Zhu, Jieqin Li, Zhaoshi Xu, Jiacheng Zheng
Expression of heterosis in photosynthetic traits in F1 generation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) hybrids and relationship with yield traits

Functional Plant Biology 51 (9)

Renjie Zhao, Yueqiao Li, Chen Xu, Zhian Zhang , Ziyang Zhou, Yihan Zhou, Zexin Qi
Overexpression of HvVDE gene improved light protection in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

Functional Plant Biology 51 (11)

Xiaojie Qu , Deyu Che, Fangting Qin, Guang Huang, Hongzhang Liu
Advanced gene editing techniques for enhancing disease resistance and climate resilience in crops

Functional Plant Biology 52 (6)

Zareen Sarfraz, Yusra Zarlashat , Alia Ambreen, Muhammad Mujahid, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal
Cerium oxide nanoparticles promoted lateral root formation in Arabidopsis by modulating reactive oxygen species and Ca²⁺ level

Functional Plant Biology 51 (10)

Guangjing Li, Quanlong Gao, Ashadu Nyande, Zihao Dong, Ehtisham Hassan Khan, Yuqian Han, Honghong Wu
Past trauma, better future: how stress memory shapes plant adaptation to drought

Functional Plant Biology 52 (6)

Md. Mezanur Rahman , Sanjida Sultana Keya, Mallesham Bulle, S.M. Ahsan, Md. Abiar Rahman, Md. Shyduzzaman Roni, Md. Mahmud Al Noor, Mehedi Hasan
Decoding the expression patterns and characterisation of calmodulin and calmodulin-like gene families in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) under abiotic stresses

Functional Plant Biology 52 (6)

Ali Aslam , Ruimin Zhang, Muhammad Waseem , Zhang Huang, Ashir Masroor, Munazza Kiran, Temoor Ahmed, Muhammad Tayyab, Rabia Nawaz, Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Naveed Babur, Sher Muhammad , Muhammad Khuram Razzaq, Zainab Ahmad, Qinghua Shi, Ammara Tahir, Idrees Khan
Physiological and biochemical responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seedlings to NaCl stress and analysis of salt tolerance thresholds

Functional Plant Biology 52 (5)

Lupeng Sun, Xin Cai, Dianjun Chen, Yang Cai, Fenghua Zhang

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: 14 Jul 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: 24 Jun 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.

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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