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Plant function and evolutionary biology

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 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.

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.

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.

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.