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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 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 
Published online 08 April 2025

FP25013Integrative physiological and transcriptome analyses elucidate the effect of shading during the grain-filling stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv. ZY96-3

Tao Li, Muhammad Arif, Zhongni Wang, Guanyin Shi, Lulwah Zeyad Aljumaiah, Ling Xu, Mingjian Ren, Ruhong Xu and Luhua Li 0000-0002-6212-2105
 

Shading significantly reduces grain size, 1000-grain weight, starch content, and enzyme activities in the grain development of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Phenotypic and transcriptome analyses of wheat cv. ZY96-3 under normal and shaded conditions revealed shading strong effect on grain-filling rates and starch metabolism. Transcriptomic results identified altered pathways, including photosynthetic antenna proteins, carbon fixation, and starch metabolism. Key genes (e.g. PetC, Fd, LFNR1) were linked to electron transport. These findings provide insights into breeding wheat with high photosynthetic efficiency for low-light regions.

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

FP25013 Abstract  | PDF (4.1 MB) - $35.00   | FP25013Supplementary Material (5.5 MB)
Published online 07 April 2025

FP24075Effects of treating wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedling roots with Azospirillum lectins to improve abiotic stress tolerance

Svetlana A. Alen’kina 0009-0009-1389-2603 and Maria A. Kupryashina
 

Drought is the most common unfavorable environmental factor leading to a significant decrease in plant productivity. The use of lectins makes it possible to increase the resistance of plants to water deficiency by influencing the metabolism of the plant cell. Thus, the use of lectins can provide an affordable and simple solution to increase the productivity of the crop in conditions of limited water availability.

FP24075 Abstract  | PDF (1.9 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 04 April 2025

FP24338Counting modes of acyl-lipid desaturases

Alexander Y. Starikov, Roman A. Sidorov and Dmitry A. Los 0000-0002-0142-7853
 

Fatty acid desaturases (FADs) dehydrogenate C–C bonds in fatty acids, resulting in unsaturated C=C bonds. FADs are highly specific to acyl substrates, as well as the position and geometry of the newly added cis double bonds. Δ9-FADs were shown to be carboxyl-specific. Δ12(ω6)-FADs count three carbons toward the methyl end (x + 3) from an existing double bond in monoene precursors. Δ6- and Δ15(ω3)-FADs count from the carboxyl terminus.

FP24338 Abstract  | PDF (1009 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 03 April 2025

FP24343Do cyanogenic glucosides help sorghum manage a fluctuating nitrogen supply?

Bethany English, Alicia A. Quinn, Charles R. Warren, Roslyn M. Gleadow 0000-0003-4756-0411 and Harry Myrans 0000-0003-2690-6188
 

There is an emerging hypothesis that, alongside defence, cyanogenic glucosides may help plants manage nitrogen. We compared the growth and nitrogen partitioning of a cyanogenic glucoside-free mutant sorghum line to the wildtype under two treatments, in which nitrogen supply fluctuated at different rates. Unexpectedly, cyanogenic glucosides did not confer a growth advantage in sorghum but there was evidence of rapid recycling in young plants during nitrogen deficiency, demonstrating the dual purpose of dhurrin in defence and nitrogen storage.

FP24343 Abstract  |  FP24343 Full Text  | FP24343PDF (928 KB)  | FP24343Supplementary Material (633 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

FP25017Regulation of alternative splicing in Catharanthus roseus in response to methyl jasmonate modulation during development and stress resilience

Aala A. Abulfaraj 0000-0001-5833-2495 and Abeer Al-Andal 0000-0003-3957-2391
 

This study investigated the impact of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on alternative splicing in Catharanthus roseus using RNA-Seq. We identified differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes and co-expressed splicing factors (SFs) in response to MeJA treatment. Findings suggest that MeJA activates SFs, leading to specific mRNA isoforms that enhance the plant’s ability to respond to environmental and developmental signals. This work provides insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms underlying adaptive responses of C. roseus.

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

FP25017 Abstract  |  FP25017 Full Text  | FP25017PDF (1.3 MB)  | FP25017Supplementary Material (9.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 31 March 2025

FP24218Challenges to optimal macadamia (Macadamia spp.) kernel quality in a changing climate

Suzy Y. Rogiers 0000-0001-6637-3561, Kevin P. Quinlan and Jeremy D. Bright
 

The macadamia (Macadamia spp.) is an Australian native, and its nuts are a delicious source of nutrition with many health benefits. Extreme weather over the last decade has hampered the industry through yield losses and inferior quality kernels. Changes in environmentally sustainable orchard management practices are proposed to improve tree resilience and the production of first grade kernels.

FP24218 Abstract  |  FP24218 Full Text  | FP24218PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

FP24130Effects of cold and methyl jasmonate on the expression of miRNAs and target genes in response to vernalisation in two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.)

Nooshin Ashoori, Reza Fotovat and Ehsan MohseniFard 0000-0003-3538-7498
 

Physiological and biochemical changes in wheat during cold acclimation and vernalisation are pivotal for winter survival. We examined methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) and cold treatment effects on miRNA regulation and target genes in Baz spring wheat and Norstar winter wheat. MeJA’s impact on vernalisation and acclimation varied between cultivars, with Norstar experiencing decreased traits and Baz showing minimal effects. Results underscored the intricate interplay between genotypes, miRNAs and target genes under different vernalisation treatments, elucidating the response of wheat to MeJA and cold treatments.

FP24130 Abstract  | PDF (487 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 March 2025

FP25010The role of nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factor in plant growth and development

Jiayi Hong, Xiaofeng Feng, Yongping Cai, Muhammad Aamir Manzoor 0000-0002-4277-5483 and Yunpeng Cao 0000-0001-5976-2382
 

NF-Y is a key transcription factor found in plants, animals, and fungi, with higher plants having more NF-Y subunits. It consists of three parts (NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC) that work together to regulate gene activity by binding to DNA or interacting with other proteins. NF-Y plays a vital role in plant growth and development. Understanding its structure and function can help improve crops and support sustainable agriculture.

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

FP25010 Abstract  | PDF (833 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 March 2025

FP24294NtDHS regulates leaf senescence by modulating gene translation in Nicotiana tabacum

Junping Gao, Ying Wang, Xinxi He, Long Chen, Shuaibin Wang, Xinyao Zhang, Sirui Zhu, Xiaoxu Li, Xiaonian Yang, Wenxuan Pu and Yuanyuan Li 0009-0000-1196-3863
 

Leaf senescence and plant growth are crucial for crop health and yield. This study shows that the NtDHS–NteIF5A complex in Nicotiana tabacum regulates these processes by controlling the translation of genes involved in chlorophyll metabolism and cell growth. The discovery of this translational regulation provides new insights into plant biology, offering potential strategies for improving crop performance by manipulating the balance between growth and aging in plants.

FP24294 Abstract  | PDF (2.4 MB) - $35.00   | FP24294Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)
Published online 27 February 2025

FP24299Drought resistance or herbivory defense strategy? Oxalate druses function in a forage xeric species

D. F. Jaume 0009-0007-0303-1127, Y. I. Pelliza, A. Nanni and M. Tadey
 

Our study determined that druse synthesis in a xerophytic plant species constitutes an adaptation to drought, not to herbivory. Under drought stress conditions, higher druse abundance correlated with increased growth rates. In contrast, the presence of herbivory did not induce druse synthesis, and its presence influenced the response to drought stress. Our findings highlight the role of druses in the adaptive response to drought and reveal how interactions with other common stressors, such as herbivory, can modify this response.

FP24299 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00   | FP24299Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)

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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Collections

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

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

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: 08 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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