Photosynthetic Efficiency and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Grown under HPS and LED Lighting in Autumn-Winter Cultivation

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the cryptochromes reveal the CsCRY1 role under low-light-stress in cucumber

Introduction

Low-light-stress is a common meteorological disaster that can result in slender seedlings. The photoreceptors play a crucial role in perceiving and regulating plants' tolerance to low-light-stress. However, the low-light-stress tolerance of cucumber has not been effectively evaluated, and the functions of these photoreceptor genes in cucumber, particularly under low-light-stress conditions, are not clear.

Methods

Herein, we evaluated the growth characteristics of cucumber seedlings under various LED light treatment. The low-light-stress tolerant cucumber CR and intolerant cucumber CR were used as plant materials for gene expression analysis, and then the function of CsCRY1 was analyzed.

Results

The results revealed that light treatment below 40 μmol m-2 s-1 can quickly and effectively induce low-light-stress response. Then, cucumber CR exhibited remarkable tolerance to low-light-stress was screened. Moreover, a total of 11 photoreceptor genes were identified and evaluated. Among them, the cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) had the highest expression level and was only induced in the low-light sensitive cucumber CS. The transcript CsaV3_3G047490.1 is predicted to encode a previously unknown CsCRY1 protein, which lacks 70 amino acids at its C-terminus due to alternative 5' splice sites within the final intron of the CsCRY1 gene.

Discussion

CRY1 is a crucial photoreceptor that plays pivotal roles in regulating plants' tolerance to low-light stress. In this study, we discovered that alternative splicing of CsCRY1 generates multiple transcripts encoding distinct CsCRY1 protein variants, providing valuable insights for future exploration and utilization of CsCRY1 in cucumber.

Investigating the ecological implications of nanomaterials: Unveiling plants' notable responses to nano-pollution

The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has led to unprecedented innovations; however, it is crucial to analyze its environmental impacts carefully. This review thoroughly examines the complex relationship between plants and nanomaterials, highlighting their significant impact on ecological sustainability and ecosystem well-being. This study investigated the response of plants to nano-pollution stress, revealing the complex regulation of defense-related genes and proteins, and highlighting the sophisticated defense mechanisms in nature. Phytohormones play a crucial role in the complex molecular communication network that regulates plant responses to exposure to nanomaterials. The interaction between plants and nano-pollution influences plants' complex defense strategies. This reveals the interconnectedness of systems of nature. Nevertheless, these findings have implications beyond the plant domain. The incorporation of hyperaccumulator plants into pollution mitigation strategies has the potential to create more environmentally sustainable urban landscapes and improve overall environmental resilience. By utilizing these exceptional plants, we can create a future in which cities serve as centers of both innovation and ecological balance. Further investigation is necessary to explore the long-term presence of nanoparticles in the environment, their ability to induce genetic changes in plants over multiple generations, and their overall impact on ecosystems. In conclusion, this review summarizes significant scientific discoveries with broad implications beyond the confines of laboratories. This highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between plants and nanomaterials within the wider scope of environmental health. By considering these insights, we initiated a path towards the responsible utilization of nanomaterials, environmentally friendly management of pollution, and interdisciplinary exploration. We have the responsibility to balance scientific advancement and environmental preservation to create a sustainable future that combines nature's wisdom with human innovation.

Red Light Enhances the Antioxidant Properties and Growth of Rubus hongnoensis

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of light quality on R.hongnoensis growth, physiology, and antioxidant properties. Five light conditions were employed, including white (control), red (R), blue (B), combined LED of R, green (G), and B at 7:1:2 (RGB), as well as combined LED of R, G, B, and far-red (Fr) at 7:1:2:1 (RGBFr). R light had the greatest growth-promoting effect based on plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, and leaf area. However, leaf width and root length exhibited the greatest growth under RGB. The fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots were highest under R and RGB light. Photosynthesis was highest under RGB and lowest under B. Transpiration was highest in RGBFr. Stomatal conductance and photosynthetic water use efficiency were greatest under RGBFr. Total phenol content and radical scavenging activity were highest under R, while total flavonoid content was highest under RGB. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were upregulated under W, whereas guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity was highest under RGB. The present results suggest that, among the tested light treatments, R light was most conductive for vegetative growth and antioxidant capacity in R. hongnoensis.