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.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) breeding faces challenges due to its long generation time, dioecious nature, and genetic heterogeneity. Advances in genomics and molecular biology such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) offer precise trait modification to enhance breeding efficiency. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal stress tolerance mechanisms and secondary metabolism pathways, such as flavonoids. Genomic studies, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and miRNA profiling, provide insights into fruit development and resilience. These innovations are transforming date palm breeding, enabling faster development of superior cultivars.

Varying levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers influence growth, photosynthesis and metabolic activity in two rice cultivars, IRRI-6 and ksk 434. Optimal fertilization enhances nitrogen use efficiency, boosts grain yield and upregulates key genes linked to photosynthesis. Through examining leaf traits and metabolite profiles, research highlights sustainable strategies for improving rice productivity while minimizing environmental impact through more efficient fertilizer use.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.