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16 pages, 5494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the WRKY Gene Family in the Xerophytic Evergreen Ammopiptanthus nanus

by Xin Hao, Shuyao Wang, Yingying Chen, Yue Qu, Hongjun Yao and Yingbai Shen

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1634; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy10111634 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1750

The WRKY family of transcription factors plays important roles in plant growth and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Ammopiptanthus nanus, the only evergreen broadleaf shrub endemic to the desert and semi-desert regions of northwestern China, is highly tolerant to various stresses. [...] Read more.

The WRKY family of transcription factors plays important roles in plant growth and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Ammopiptanthus nanus, the only evergreen broadleaf shrub endemic to the desert and semi-desert regions of northwestern China, is highly tolerant to various stresses. However, a systematic study of WRKY proteins in A. nanus has not been reported. In the present study, we identified 63 WRKY genes in the A. nanus genome. Based on the conserved WRKY domains, zinc finger structures, and phylogenetic relationships in their encoded proteins, we classified these genes into four groups (group I–IV) and several subgroups (subgroup IIa–IIe). Conserved motif analysis showed that all motifs except those within the WRKY domains had a subfamily-specific distribution. Expression analysis revealed that the AnWRKY genes had distinct expression patterns, with some being more responsive to herbivory and drought stresses than others. Based on the results of our current study, we speculate that AnWRKY40 and AnWRKY48 are positive regulators of the plant’s response to drought and herbivory stresses, respectively. Our results indicate that AnWRKY genes contribute to the ability of A. nanus plants to withstand harsh, dry conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics for Plant Resistance to Biotic Stresses)

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30 pages, 19013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resistance of Maize Hybrids to Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum, and F. verticillioides Ear Rots with Toothpick and Silk Channel Inoculation, as Well as Their Toxin Production

by Akos Mesterhazy, Eva Toldine Toth, Sandor Szel, Monika Varga and Beata Toth

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1283; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy10091283 - 29 Aug 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4835

Abstract

Testing Fusarium resistance to ear rots in maize requires a well-supported methodology and tests for toxin responses. In this study, commercial hybrids were tested for resistance to Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium verticillioides (kernel and silk channel), as well as their [...] Read more.

Testing Fusarium resistance to ear rots in maize requires a well-supported methodology and tests for toxin responses. In this study, commercial hybrids were tested for resistance to Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium verticillioides (kernel and silk channel), as well as their toxin response. One third of the hybrids tested showed a similar resistance or susceptibility to the three pathogens and their toxin response, but there is no proof for their genetic background being the same or different. The performance of the remaining hybrids was highly variable and supports the idea of different genetic regulation. The mean ear rot severity of the kernel resistance was doubled compared with the silk channel resistance data. The ear rot and toxin tests displayed significant positive correlations, verifying the decisive role of resistance in toxin regulation. Several hybrids, termed toxigenic hybrids, showed significant extra toxin production, indicating an additional food safety risk. The toothpick method gave more reliable results and a better differentiation of genotypes. The resistance to different Fusarium spp. in a specific growing region should be analyzed separately in independent resistance tests. Through this, the food safety risks could be better identified. Susceptible hybrids should not be used for commercial production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics for Plant Resistance to Biotic Stresses)

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11 pages, 2084 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

NRD: Nicotiana Resistance Database, a Comprehensive Platform of Stress Tolerance in Nicotiana

by Yudong Chen, Shuai Yang, Jiaxuan Li, Kesu Wei and Long Yang

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 508; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12020508 - 17 Feb 2022

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Abstract

Nicotiana is one of the most important economic crops and model plants; however, its growth is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, 27,142 potential resistance genes were identified in six Nicotiana species, belonging to fourteen gene families and transcription [...] Read more.

Nicotiana is one of the most important economic crops and model plants; however, its growth is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, 27,142 potential resistance genes were identified in six Nicotiana species, belonging to fourteen gene families and transcription factors related to stress resistance. The results indicate that Nicotiana has a potential abundance resistance background to biotic and abiotic stress, and these genes could be used in resistance breeding in the future. Analyzing the genome sequences of 19 pathogens, 5,421,414 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and 1958 Simple Sequence Repeats of pathogens have been obtained. The abundance loci show that the biotic pathogens have a high variability and biodiversity. An open-access database, named the Nicotiana Resistance Database (NRD), has been developed as a user-friendly resistance research platform for Nicotiana. The platform provides theoretical and technical support for the resistance research, including the cultivation of resistant varieties, and the genetics and breeding of Nicotiana and relative species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics for Plant Resistance to Biotic Stresses)

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