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Mabry ME, Abrahams RS, Al-Shehbaz IA, Baker WJ, Barak S, Barker MS, Barrett RL, Beric A, Bhattacharya S, Carey SB, Conant GC, Conran JG, Dassanayake M, Edger PP, Hall JC, Hao Y, Hendriks KP, Hibberd JM, King GJ, Kliebenstein DJ, Koch MA, Leitch IJ, Lens F, Lysak MA, McAlvay AC, McKibben MTW, Mercati F, Moore RC, Mummenhoff K, Murphy DJ, Nikolov LA, Pisias M, Roalson EH, Schranz ME, Thomas SK, Yu Q, Yocca A, Pires JC, Harkess AE. Complementing model species with model clades. Plant Cell 2024; 36:1205-1226. [PMID: 37824826 PMCID: PMC11062466 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Model species continue to underpin groundbreaking plant science research. At the same time, the phylogenetic resolution of the land plant tree of life continues to improve. The intersection of these 2 research paths creates a unique opportunity to further extend the usefulness of model species across larger taxonomic groups. Here we promote the utility of the Arabidopsis thaliana model species, especially the ability to connect its genetic and functional resources, to species across the entire Brassicales order. We focus on the utility of using genomics and phylogenomics to bridge the evolution and diversification of several traits across the Brassicales to the resources in Arabidopsis, thereby extending scope from a model species by establishing a "model clade." These Brassicales-wide traits are discussed in the context of both the model species Arabidopsis and the family Brassicaceae. We promote the utility of such a "model clade" and make suggestions for building global networks to support future studies in the model order Brassicales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie E Mabry
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - R Shawn Abrahams
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | | | | | - Simon Barak
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Michael S Barker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Russell L Barrett
- National Herbarium of New South Wales, Australian Botanic Garden, Locked Bag 6002, Mount Annan, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Beric
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Samik Bhattacharya
- Department of Biology, Botany, University of Osnabrück, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Sarah B Carey
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - Gavin C Conant
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics Research Center, Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - John G Conran
- ACEBB and SGC, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Maheshi Dassanayake
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Patrick P Edger
- Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | - Jocelyn C Hall
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Yue Hao
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Kasper P Hendriks
- Department of Biology, Botany, University of Osnabrück, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
- Functional Traits, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9517, Leiden 2300 RA, the Netherlands
| | - Julian M Hibberd
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Graham J King
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | | | - Marcus A Koch
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia J Leitch
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Frederic Lens
- Functional Traits, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9517, Leiden 2300 RA, the Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Plant Sciences, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martin A Lysak
- CEITEC, and NCBR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alex C McAlvay
- Institute of Economic Botany, New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Michael T W McKibben
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Francesco Mercati
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresource (IBBR), Palermo 90129, Italy
| | | | - Klaus Mummenhoff
- Department of Biology, Botany, University of Osnabrück, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Daniel J Murphy
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | | | - Michael Pisias
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Eric H Roalson
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - M Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Shawn K Thomas
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Bioinformatics and Analytics Core, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qingyi Yu
- Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Alan Yocca
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - J Chris Pires
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1170, USA
| | - Alex E Harkess
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
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2
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Liu Z, Cheng J. C 4 rice engineering, beyond installing a C 4 cycle. Plant Physiol Biochem 2024; 206:108256. [PMID: 38091938 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis in higher plants is carried out by two distinct cell types: mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells, as a result highly concentrated carbon dioxide is released surrounding RuBisCo in chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells and the photosynthetic efficiency is significantly higher than that of C3 plants. The evolution of the dual-cell C4 cycle involved complex modifications to leaf anatomy and cell ultra-structures. These include an increase in leaf venation, the formation of Kranz anatomy, changes in chloroplast morphology in bundle sheath cells, and increases in the density of plasmodesmata at interfaces between the bundle sheath and mesophyll cells. It is predicted that cereals will be in severe worldwide shortage at the mid-term of this century. Rice is a staple food that feeds more than half of the world's population. If rice can be engineered to perform C4 photosynthesis, it is estimated that rice yield will be increased by at least 50% due to enhanced photosynthesis. Thus, the Second Green Revolution has been launched on this principle by genetically installing C4 photosynthesis into C3 crops. The studies on molecular mechanisms underlying the changes in leaf morphoanatomy involved in C4 photosynthesis have made great progress in recent years. As there are plenty of reviews discussing the installment of the C4 cycle, we focus on the current progress and challenges posed to the research regarding leaf anatomy and cell ultra-structure modifications made towards the development of C4 rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China.
| | - Jinjin Cheng
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
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3
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Guerreiro R, Bonthala VS, Schlüter U, Hoang NV, Triesch S, Schranz ME, Weber APM, Stich B. A genomic panel for studying C3-C4 intermediate photosynthesis in the Brassiceae tribe. Plant Cell Environ 2023; 46:3611-3627. [PMID: 37431820 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Research on C4 and C3-C4 photosynthesis has attracted significant attention because the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of these traits will support the introduction of its characteristics into commercially relevant crop species. We used a panel of 19 taxa of 18 Brassiceae species with different photosynthesis characteristics (C3 and C3-C4) with the following objectives: (i) create draft genome assemblies and annotations, (ii) quantify orthology levels using synteny maps between all pairs of taxa, (iii) describe the phylogenetic relatedness across all the species, and (iv) track the evolution of C3-C4 intermediate photosynthesis in the Brassiceae tribe. Our results indicate that the draft de novo genome assemblies are of high quality and cover at least 90% of the gene space. Therewith we more than doubled the sampling depth of genomes of the Brassiceae tribe that comprises commercially important as well as biologically interesting species. The gene annotation generated high-quality gene models, and for most genes extensive upstream sequences are available for all taxa, yielding potential to explore variants in regulatory sequences. The genome-based phylogenetic tree of the Brassiceae contained two main clades and indicated that the C3-C4 intermediate photosynthesis has evolved five times independently. Furthermore, our study provides the first genomic support of the hypothesis that Diplotaxis muralis is a natural hybrid of D. tenuifolia and D. viminea. Altogether, the de novo genome assemblies and the annotations reported in this study are a valuable resource for research on the evolution of C3-C4 intermediate photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Guerreiro
- Institute of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics of Plants, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Venkata Suresh Bonthala
- Institute of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics of Plants, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Urte Schlüter
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nam V Hoang
- Biosystematics Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Triesch
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - M Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas P M Weber
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stich
- Institute of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics of Plants, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Düsseldorf, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Köln, Germany
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4
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Simpson CJC, Singh P, Sogbohossou DEO, Eric Schranz M, Hibberd JM. A rapid method to quantify vein density in C 4 plants using starch staining. Plant Cell Environ 2023; 46:2928-2938. [PMID: 37350263 PMCID: PMC10947256 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis has evolved multiple times in the angiosperms and typically involves alterations to the biochemistry, cell biology and development of leaves. One common modification found in C4 plants compared with the ancestral C3 state is an increase in vein density such that the leaf contains a larger proportion of bundle sheath cells. Recent findings indicate that there may be significant intraspecific variation in traits such as vein density in C4 plants but to use such natural variation for trait-mapping, rapid phenotyping would be required. Here we report a high-throughput method to quantify vein density that leverages the bundle sheath-specific accumulation of starch found in C4 species. Starch staining allowed high-contrast images to be acquired permitting image analysis with MATLAB- and Python-based programmes. The method works for dicotyledons and monocotolydons. We applied this method to Gynandropsis gynandra where significant variation in vein density was detected between natural accessions, and Zea mays where no variation was apparent in the genotypically diverse lines assessed. We anticipate this approach will be useful to map genes controlling vein density in C4 species demonstrating natural variation for this trait.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - M. Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
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5
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Zhao W, Li J, Sun X, Zheng Q, Liu J, Hua W, Liu J. Integrated global analysis in spider flowers illuminates features underlying the evolution and maintenance of C 4 photosynthesis. Hortic Res 2023; 10:uhad129. [PMID: 37560018 PMCID: PMC10407600 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The carbon concentrating mechanism-C4 photosynthesis-represents a classic example of convergent evolution, but how this important trait originated and evolved remains largely enigmatic. The spider flower Gynandropsis gynandra is a valuable leafy vegetable crop and medicinal plant that has also been recognized as a C4 model species. Here we present a high-quality chromosome-scale annotated genome assembly of G. gynandra through a combination of Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT), HiFi and Hi-C technology. The 17 super-scaffolds cover 98.66% of the estimated genome (997.61 Mb), with a contig N50 of 11.43 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 51.02 Mb. Repetitive elements occupy up to 71.91% of its genome, and over half are long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) derived from recent bursts, contributing to genome size expansion. Strikingly, LTR-RT explosion also played a critical role in C4 evolution by altering expression features of photosynthesis-associated genes via preferential insertion in promoters. Integrated multiomics analyses of G. gynandra and the ornamental horticulture C3 relative Tarenaya hassleriana reveal that species-specific whole-genome duplication, gene family expansion, recent LTR-RT amplification, and more recent tandem duplication events have all facilitated the evolution of C4 photosynthesis, revealing uniqueness of C4 evolution in the Cleome genus. Moreover, high leaf vein density and heat stress resilience are associated with shifted gene expression patterns. The mode of C3-to-C4 transition found here yields new insights into evolutionary convergence of a complex plant trait. The availability of this reference-grade genomic resource makes G. gynandra an ideal model system facilitating efforts toward C4-aimed crop engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Xingchao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Qiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wei Hua
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China
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6
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Al-Salman Y, Cano FJ, Pan L, Koller F, Piñeiro J, Jordan D, Ghannoum O. Anatomical drivers of stomatal conductance in sorghum lines with different leaf widths grown under different temperatures. Plant Cell Environ 2023; 46:2142-2158. [PMID: 37066624 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sustaining crop productivity and resilience in water-limited environments and under rising temperatures are matters of concern worldwide. We investigated the leaf anatomical traits that underpin our recently identified link between leaf width (LW) and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), as traits of interest in plant breeding. Ten sorghum lines with varying LW were grown under three temperatures to expand the range of variation of both LW and gas exchange rates. Leaf gas exchange, surface morphology and cross-sectional anatomy were measured and analysed using structural equations modelling. Narrower leaves had lower stomatal conductance (gs ) and higher iWUE across growth temperatures. They also had smaller intercellular airspaces, stomatal size, percentage of open stomatal aperture relative to maximum, hydraulic pathway, mesophyll thickness, and leaf mass per area. Structural modelling revealed a developmental association among leaf anatomical traits that underpinned gs variation in sorghum. Growing temperature and LW both impacted leaf gas exchange rates, but only LW directly impacted leaf anatomy. Wider leaves may be more productive under well-watered conditions, but consume more water for growth and development, which is detrimental under water stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazen Al-Salman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco J Cano
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Instituto de Ciencias Forestales (ICIFOR-INIA), CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ling Pan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fiona Koller
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Juan Piñeiro
- Department of Biology, IVAGRO, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Capus del Rio San Pedro, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - David Jordan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oula Ghannoum
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Pathoumthong P, Zhang Z, Roy SJ, El Habti A. Rapid non-destructive method to phenotype stomatal traits. Plant Methods 2023; 19:36. [PMID: 37004073 PMCID: PMC10064510 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01016-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stomata are tiny pores on the leaf surface that are central to gas exchange. Stomatal number, size and aperture are key determinants of plant transpiration and photosynthesis, and variation in these traits can affect plant growth and productivity. Current methods to screen for stomatal phenotypes are tedious and not high throughput. This impedes research on stomatal biology and hinders efforts to develop resilient crops with optimised stomatal patterning. We have developed a rapid non-destructive method to phenotype stomatal traits in three crop species: wheat, rice and tomato. RESULTS The method consists of two steps. The first is the non-destructive capture of images of the leaf surface from plants in their growing environment using a handheld microscope; a process that only takes a few seconds compared to minutes for other methods. The second is to analyse stomatal features using a machine learning model that automatically detects, counts and measures stomatal number, size and aperture. The accuracy of the machine learning model in detecting stomata ranged from 88 to 99%, depending on the species, with a high correlation between measures of number, size and aperture using the machine learning models and by measuring them manually. The rapid method was applied to quickly identify contrasting stomatal phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS We developed a method that combines rapid non-destructive imaging of leaf surfaces with automated image analysis. The method provides accurate data on stomatal features while significantly reducing time for data acquisition and analysis. It can be readily used to phenotype stomata in large populations in the field and in controlled environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phetdalaphone Pathoumthong
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, 5064, Australia
- The Waite Research Institute, Urrbrae, 5064, Australia
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Australian Institute for Machine Learning, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Stuart J Roy
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, 5064, Australia
- The Waite Research Institute, Urrbrae, 5064, Australia
- Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Future Crops Development, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, 5064, Australia
| | - Abdeljalil El Habti
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, 5064, Australia.
- The Waite Research Institute, Urrbrae, 5064, Australia.
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8
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Houdegbe AC, Achigan-Dako EG, Sogbohossou EOD, Schranz ME, Odindo AO, Sibiya J. Phenotypic variation in biomass and related traits among four generations advanced lines of Cleome (Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq.)). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275829. [PMID: 36223403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynandropsis gynandra (spider plant) is an African traditional leafy vegetable rich in minerals, vitamins and health-promoting compounds with potential for health promotion, micronutrients supplementation and income generation for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies. However, information on biomass productivity is limited and consequently constrains breeders' ability to select high-yielding genotypes and end-users to make decisions on suitable cultivation and production systems. This study aimed to assess the phenotypic variability in biomass and related traits in a collection of G. gynandra advanced lines to select elite genotypes for improved cultivar development. Seventy-one advanced lines selected from accessions originating from Asia, West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa were evaluated over two years with two replicates in a greenhouse using a 9 x 8 alpha lattice design. Significant statistical differences were observed among lines and genotype origins for all fourteen biomass and related traits. The results revealed three clusters, with each cluster dominated by lines derived from accessions from Asia (Cluster 1), West Africa (Cluster 2), and East/Southern Africa (Cluster 3). The West African and East/Southern African groups were comparable in biomass productivity and superior to the Asian group. Specifically, the West African group had a low number of long primary branches, high dry matter content and flowered early. The East/Southern African group was characterized by broad leaves, late flowering, a high number of short primary branches and medium dry matter content and was a candidate for cultivar release. The maintenance of lines' membership to their group of origin strengthens the hypothesis of geographical signature in cleome diversity and genetic driver of the observed variation. High genetic variance, broad-sense heritability and genetic gains showed the potential to improve biomass yield and related traits. Significant and positive correlations among biomass per plant, plant height, stem diameter and leaf size showed the potential of simultaneous and direct selection for farmers' desired traits. The present results provide insights into the diversity of spider plant genotypes for biomass productivity and represent key resources for further improvement in the species.
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9
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Houdegbe AC, Achigan-Dako EG, Sogbohossou EOD, Schranz ME, Odindo AO, Sibiya J. Leaf elemental composition analysis in spider plant [ Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq.)] differentiates three nutritional groups. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:841226. [PMID: 36119621 PMCID: PMC9478508 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.841226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic variability within a plant species is paramount in implementing a successful breeding program. Spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) is an orphan leafy vegetable and an extraordinary source of vitamins, secondary metabolites and minerals, representing an important resource for combatting malnutrition. However, an evaluation of the leaf elemental composition, using a worldwide germplasm collection to inform breeding programs and the species valorization in human nutrition is still lacking. The present study aimed to profile the leaf elemental composition of G. gynandra and depict any potential geographical signature using a collection of 70 advanced lines derived from accessions originating from Asia and Eastern, Southern and West Africa. The collection was grown in a greenhouse using a 9 × 8 alpha lattice design with two replications in 2020 and 2021. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used to profile nine minerals contents. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed among the lines for all nine minerals. Microelements such as iron, zinc, copper and manganese contents ranged from 12.59-430.72, 16.98-166.58, 19.04-955.71, 5.39-25.10 mg kg-1 dry weight, respectively, while the concentrations of macroelements such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium varied in the ranges of 9992.27-49854.23, 8252.80-33681.21, 3633.55-14216.16, 2068.03-12475.60 mg kg-1 dry weight, respectively. Significant and positive correlations were observed between iron and zinc and calcium and magnesium. Zinc, calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, and manganese represented landmark elements in the genotypes. Eastern and Southern African genotypes were clustered together in group 1 with higher phosphorus, copper and zinc contents than Asian and West African lines, which clustered in group 2 and were characterized by higher calcium, magnesium and manganese contents. An additional outstanding group 3 of six genotypes was identified with high iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese and calcium contents and potential candidates for cultivar release. The genotype × year interaction variance was greater than the genotypic variance, which might translate to phenotypic plasticity in the species. Broad-sense heritability ranged from low to high and was element-specific. The present results reveal the leaf minerals diversity in spider plant and represent a baseline for implementing a minerals-based breeding program for human nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristide Carlos Houdegbe
- Discipline of Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Enoch G. Achigan-Dako
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - E. O. Dêêdi Sogbohossou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - M. Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Alfred O. Odindo
- Discipline of Crop Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Julia Sibiya
- Discipline of Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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10
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Zhao YY, Lyu MA, Miao F, Chen G, Zhu XG. The evolution of stomatal traits along the trajectory toward C4 photosynthesis. Plant Physiol 2022; 190:441-458. [PMID: 35652758 PMCID: PMC9434244 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis optimizes plant carbon and water relations, allowing high photosynthetic rates with low stomatal conductance. Stomata have long been considered a part of the C4 syndrome. However, it remains unclear how stomatal traits evolved along the path from C3 to C4. Here, we examined stomata in the Flaveria genus, a model used for C4 evolutionary study. Comparative, transgenic, and semi-in vitro experiments were performed to study the molecular basis that underlies the changes of stomatal traits in C4 evolution. The evolution from C3 to C4 species is accompanied by a gradual rather than an abrupt change in stomatal traits. The initial change appears near the Type I intermediate stage. Co-evolution of the photosynthetic pathway and stomatal traits is supported. On the road to C4, stomata tend to be fewer in number but larger in size and stomatal density dominates changes in anatomical maximum stomatal conductance (gsmax). Reduction of FSTOMAGEN expression underlies decreased gsmax in Flaveria and likely occurs in other C4 lineages. Decreased gsmax contributes to the increase in intrinsic water-use efficiency in C4 evolution. This work highlights the stomatal traits in the current C4 evolutionary model. Our study provides insights into the pattern, mechanism, and role of stomatal evolution along the road toward C4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Yao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Plant Molecular Genetics, Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingju Amy Lyu
- State Key Laboratory for Plant Molecular Genetics, Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - FenFen Miao
- State Key Laboratory for Plant Molecular Genetics, Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Genyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Plant Molecular Genetics, Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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11
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Simpson CJC, Reeves G, Tripathi A, Singh P, Hibberd JM. Using breeding and quantitative genetics to understand the C4 pathway. J Exp Bot 2022; 73:3072-3084. [PMID: 34747993 PMCID: PMC9126733 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Reducing photorespiration in C3 crops could significantly increase rates of photosynthesis and yield. One method to achieve this would be to integrate C4 photosynthesis into C3 species. This objective is challenging as it involves engineering incompletely understood traits into C3 leaves, including complex changes to their biochemistry, cell biology, and anatomy. Quantitative genetics and selective breeding offer underexplored routes to identify regulators of these processes. We first review examples of natural intraspecific variation in C4 photosynthesis as well as the potential for hybridization between C3 and C4 species. We then discuss how quantitative genetic approaches including artificial selection and genome-wide association could be used to better understand the C4 syndrome and in so doing guide the engineering of the C4 pathway into C3 crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor J C Simpson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gregory Reeves
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anoop Tripathi
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Julian M Hibberd
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Correspondence:
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12
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Parma DF, Vaz MGMV, Falquetto P, Silva JC, Clarindo WR, Westhoff P, van Velzen R, Schlüter U, Araújo WL, Schranz ME, Weber APM, Nunes-Nesi A. New Insights Into the Evolution of C 4 Photosynthesis Offered by the Tarenaya Cluster of Cleomaceae. Front Plant Sci 2022; 12:756505. [PMID: 35116048 PMCID: PMC8803641 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.756505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cleomaceae is closely related to Brassicaceae and includes C3, C3-C4, and C4 species. Thus, this family represents an interesting system for studying the evolution of the carbon concentrating mechanism. However, inadequate genetic information on Cleomaceae limits their research applications. Here, we characterized 22 Cleomaceae accessions [3 genera (Cleoserrata, Gynandropsis, and Tarenaya) and 11 species] in terms of genome size; molecular phylogeny; as well as anatomical, biochemical, and photosynthetic traits. We clustered the species into seven groups based on genome size. Interestingly, despite clear differences in genome size (2C, ranging from 0.55 to 1.3 pg) in Tarenaya spp., this variation was not consistent with phylogenetic grouping based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) marker, suggesting the occurrence of multiple polyploidy events within this genus. Moreover, only G. gynandra, which possesses a large nuclear genome, exhibited the C4 metabolism. Among the C3-like species, we observed intra- and interspecific variation in nuclear genome size as well as in biochemical, physiological, and anatomical traits. Furthermore, the C3-like species had increased venation density and bundle sheath cell size, compared to C4 species, which likely predisposed the former lineages to C4 photosynthesis. Accordingly, our findings demonstrate the potential of Cleomaceae, mainly members of Tarenaya, in offering novel insights into the evolution of C4 photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F. Parma
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Marcelo G. M. V. Vaz
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Falquetto
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Jéssica C. Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | - Philipp Westhoff
- Plant Metabolism and Metabolomics Laboratory, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Robin van Velzen
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Urte Schlüter
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wagner L. Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - M. Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Andreas P. M. Weber
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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13
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Heyduk K, Ray JN, Leebens-Mack J. Leaf anatomy is not correlated to CAM function in a C3+CAM hybrid species, Yucca gloriosa. Ann Bot 2021; 127:437-449. [PMID: 32166326 PMCID: PMC7988526 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is often considered to be a complex trait, requiring orchestration of leaf anatomy and physiology for optimal performance. However, the observation of trait correlations is based largely on comparisons between C3 and strong CAM species, resulting in a lack of understanding as to how such traits evolve and the level of intraspecific variability for CAM and associated traits. METHODS To understand intraspecific variation for traits underlying CAM and how these traits might assemble over evolutionary time, we conducted detailed time course physiological screens and measured aspects of leaf anatomy in 24 genotypes of a C3+CAM hybrid species, Yucca gloriosa (Asparagaceae). Comparisons were made to Y. gloriosa's progenitor species, Y. filamentosa (C3) and Y. aloifolia (CAM). KEY RESULTS Based on gas exchange and measurement of leaf acids, Y. gloriosa appears to use both C3 and CAM, and varies across genotypes in the degree to which CAM can be upregulated under drought stress. While correlations between leaf anatomy and physiology exist when testing across all three Yucca species, such correlations break down at the species level in Y. gloriosa. CONCLUSIONS The variation in CAM upregulation in Y. gloriosa is a result of its relatively recent hybrid origin. The lack of trait correlations between anatomy and physiology within Y. gloriosa indicate that the evolution of CAM, at least initially, can proceed through a wide combination of anatomical traits, and more favourable combinations are eventually selected for in strong CAM plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Heyduk
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
| | - Jeremy N Ray
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jim Leebens-Mack
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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14
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Abstract
Cleome gynandra (Syn. Gynandropsis gynandra) is fast emerging as one of the most widely consumed leafy vegetables due to its nutrition and health-promoting properties. In addition to its high nutritional content, the plant has a rich pool of diverse antioxidant phytochemicals. The current review provides a critical appraisal on the increasing nutritional significance of Cleome gynandra due to its rich pool of natural bioactive compounds and beneficial health-promoting qualities. The rich nutritional content especially the high levels of macro- and micronutrients is an indication of its potential to mitigate malnutrition and the increasing incidence of diet-related obesity and non-communicable diseases. The presence of health-promoting natural compounds, notably polyphenols, glucosinates and terpernoids has been confirmed in Cleome gynandra using different analytical methods. Cleome gynandra possesses high levels of α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. These nutritional compounds could be useful in food applications as supplements, colorants and extending shelf-life of food products. Cleome gynandra extracts have demonstrated promising effects in several biological assays using in vitro and in vivo systems. Clearly, diversified diets that include a regular intake of dark green leafy vegetables including Cleome gynandra, holds great promise in ensuring food and nutrition security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mack Moyo
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adeyemi O Aremu
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa.,Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
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15
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Sogbohossou EOD, Achigan-Dako EG, Mumm R, de Vos RCH, Schranz ME. Natural variation in specialised metabolites production in the leafy vegetable spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq.)) in Africa and Asia. Phytochemistry 2020; 178:112468. [PMID: 32771676 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2020.112468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The improvement and promotion of leafy vegetables, used for both food and medicine, benefits greatly from detailed knowledge of their health-promoting specialised metabolites. In the present study, we investigated the global metabolite variation in the leaves of 48 accessions of the leafy vegetable Gynandropsis gynandra using two complementary analytical platforms: liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for an untargeted comparison of non-volatile semi-polar metabolites and gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for an untargeted comparison of volatile metabolites. Our results revealed large variation in 936 semi-polar compounds including flavonoids, terpene glycosides, glucosinolates and various phenolic compounds. Unsupervised multivariate analysis indicated the variation in levels of the semi-polar metabolites was mainly driven by geography, with accessions from both West Africa and Asia forming a group clearly separated from East African accessions. Detected volatile metabolites included various sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, ketones, and sulphur-containing isothiocyanates. Variation in these compounds was however not geographically specific, but most likely linked to the taste and aroma of the leaves. The relative abundance in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in the leaves allowed the clustering of accessions into two main groups that could be used for further plant-herbivore interaction studies. This study revealed both the broad spectrum of phytochemicals present in Gynandropsis gynandra leaves and the substantial variation in metabolite profiles among accessions from different regions of the world. Our results provide a basis for the development of breeding programs aiming at improving the levels of specialised metabolites in this tropical leafy vegetable for increased resistance against pests and diseases and improved human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Dêêdi Sogbohossou
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Genetics, Horticulture and Seed Sciences, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP, 2549, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Enoch G Achigan-Dako
- Laboratory of Genetics, Horticulture and Seed Sciences, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP, 2549, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Roland Mumm
- Business Unit Bioscience, Wageningen Plant Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ric C H de Vos
- Business Unit Bioscience, Wageningen Plant Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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16
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Sogbohossou EOD, Kortekaas D, Achigan-Dako EG, Maundu P, Stoilova T, Van Deynze A, de Vos RCH, Schranz ME. Association between vitamin content, plant morphology and geographical origin in a worldwide collection of the orphan crop Gynandropsis gynandra (Cleomaceae). Planta 2019; 250:933-947. [PMID: 30911886 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-019-03142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The variability in nutrient content and morphology in Gynandropsis gynandra is associated with the geographic origin of the accessions and provides a basis for breeding for higher levels of vitamin C, carotenoids or tocopherols in higher-yielding cultivars. We examined the variation in carotenoids, tocopherols and ascorbic acid as well as morphological traits in a worldwide germplasm of 76 accessions of the orphan leafy vegetable Gynandropsis gynandra (Cleomaceae) using greenhouse experiments and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The levels of carotenoids and tocopherols accumulating in the leaves varied significantly across accessions and were linked with the geographical origin and morphological variation. The main carotenoids included lutein, β-carotene, α-carotene and violaxanthin. A twofold to threefold variation was observed for these compounds. The main tocopherols detected were α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol with a 20-fold variation. A ninefold variation in vitamin C concentration and independent of geographical origin was observed. Overall, the accessions were grouped into three clusters based on variation in nutrient content and morphology. West African accessions were short plants with small leaves and with high tocopherol contents and relatively low carotenoid contents, Asian accessions were short plants with broad leaves and with relatively low carotenoid and high tocopherol contents, while East-Southern African plants were tall with high contents of both carotenoids and chlorophylls and low tocopherol contents. Carotenoids were positively correlated with plant height as well as foliar and floral traits but negatively correlated with tocopherols. The absence of a significant correlation between vitamin C and other traits indicated that breeding for high carotenoids or tocopherols content may be coupled with improved leaf yield and vitamin C content. Our study provides baseline information on the natural variation available for traits of interest for breeding for enhanced crop yield and nutrient content in Gynandropsis gynandra.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Dêêdi Sogbohossou
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Genetics, Horticulture and Seed Science, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP 2549, Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
| | - Dieke Kortekaas
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Enoch G Achigan-Dako
- Laboratory of Genetics, Horticulture and Seed Science, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP 2549, Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
| | - Patrick Maundu
- Kenya Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (KENRIK), Centre for Biodiversity, National Museums of Kenya, Museum Hill, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | | | - Allen Van Deynze
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA
| | - Ric C H de Vos
- Bioscience, Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen UR, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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17
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Cano FJ, Sharwood RE, Cousins AB, Ghannoum O. The role of leaf width and conductances to CO 2 in determining water use efficiency in C 4 grasses. New Phytol 2019; 223:1280-1295. [PMID: 31087798 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
C4 plants achieve higher photosynthesis (An ) and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) than C3 plants, but processes underpinning the variability in An and iWUE across the three C4 subtypes remain unclear, partly because we lack an integrated framework for quantifying the contribution of diffusional and biochemical limitations to C4 photosynthesis. We exploited the natural diversity among C4 grasses to develop an original mathematical approach for estimating eight key processes of C4 photosynthesis and their relative limitations to An . We also developed a new formulation to estimate mesophyll conductance (gm ) based on actual hydration rates of CO2 by carbonic anhydrases. We found a positive relationship between gm and iWUE and an inverse correlation with gsw among C4 grasses. We also revealed subtype-specific regulatory processes of iWUE that may be related to known anatomical traits characterising each C4 subtype. Leaf width was an important determinant of iWUE and showed significant correlations with key limitations of An , especially among NADP-ME species. In conclusion, incorporating leaf width in breeding trials may unlock new opportunities for C4 crops because the revealed negative relationship between leaf width and iWUE may translate into higher crop and canopy WUE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Cano
- ARC Centre of Translational Photosynthesis and Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Robert E Sharwood
- ARC Centre of Translational Photosynthesis and Australian National University, Research School of Biology, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Asaph B Cousins
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Oula Ghannoum
- ARC Centre of Translational Photosynthesis and Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2753, Australia
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18
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Dunning LT, Moreno-Villena JJ, Lundgren MR, Dionora J, Salazar P, Adams C, Nyirenda F, Olofsson JK, Mapaura A, Grundy IM, Kayombo CJ, Dunning LA, Kentatchime F, Ariyarathne M, Yakandawala D, Besnard G, Quick WP, Bräutigam A, Osborne CP, Christin PA. Key changes in gene expression identified for different stages of C4 evolution in Alloteropsis semialata. J Exp Bot 2019; 70:3255-3268. [PMID: 30949663 PMCID: PMC6598098 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis is a complex trait that boosts productivity in tropical conditions. Compared with C3 species, the C4 state seems to require numerous novelties, but species comparisons can be confounded by long divergence times. Here, we exploit the photosynthetic diversity that exists within a single species, the grass Alloteropsis semialata, to detect changes in gene expression associated with different photosynthetic phenotypes. Phylogenetically informed comparative transcriptomics show that intermediates with a weak C4 cycle are separated from the C3 phenotype by increases in the expression of 58 genes (0.22% of genes expressed in the leaves), including those encoding just three core C4 enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase. The subsequent transition to full C4 physiology was accompanied by increases in another 15 genes (0.06%), including only the core C4 enzyme pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase. These changes probably created a rudimentary C4 physiology, and isolated populations subsequently improved this emerging C4 physiology, resulting in a patchwork of expression for some C4 accessory genes. Our work shows how C4 assembly in A. semialata happened in incremental steps, each requiring few alterations over the previous step. These create short bridges across adaptive landscapes that probably facilitated the recurrent origins of C4 photosynthesis through a gradual process of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke T Dunning
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Marjorie R Lundgren
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Paolo Salazar
- International Rice Research Institute, DAPO, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Claire Adams
- Botany Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Florence Nyirenda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jill K Olofsson
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Isla M Grundy
- Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Lucy A Dunning
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Menaka Ariyarathne
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeiya, Sri Lanka
| | - Deepthi Yakandawala
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeiya, Sri Lanka
| | - Guillaume Besnard
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - W Paul Quick
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
- International Rice Research Institute, DAPO, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Colin P Osborne
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
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19
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Heyduk K, Moreno-villena JJ, Gilman IS, Christin P, Edwards EJ. The genetics of convergent evolution: insights from plant photosynthesis. Nat Rev Genet 2019; 20:485-93. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-019-0107-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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20
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van Bezouw RFHM, Keurentjes JJB, Harbinson J, Aarts MGM. Converging phenomics and genomics to study natural variation in plant photosynthetic efficiency. Plant J 2019; 97:112-133. [PMID: 30548574 PMCID: PMC6850172 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years developments in plant phenomic approaches and facilities have gradually caught up with genomic approaches. An opportunity lies ahead to dissect complex, quantitative traits when both genotype and phenotype can be assessed at a high level of detail. This is especially true for the study of natural variation in photosynthetic efficiency, for which forward genetics studies have yielded only a little progress in our understanding of the genetic layout of the trait. High-throughput phenotyping, primarily from chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, should help to dissect the genetics of photosynthesis at the different levels of both plant physiology and development. Specific emphasis should be directed towards understanding the acclimation of the photosynthetic machinery in fluctuating environments, which may be crucial for the identification of genetic variation for relevant traits in food crops. Facilities should preferably be designed to accommodate phenotyping of photosynthesis-related traits in such environments. The use of forward genetics to study the genetic architecture of photosynthesis is likely to lead to the discovery of novel traits and/or genes that may be targeted in breeding or bio-engineering approaches to improve crop photosynthetic efficiency. In the near future, big data approaches will play a pivotal role in data processing and streamlining the phenotype-to-gene identification pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel F. H. M. van Bezouw
- Laboratory of GeneticsWageningen University and ResearchDroevendaalsesteeg 16708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Joost J. B. Keurentjes
- Laboratory of GeneticsWageningen University and ResearchDroevendaalsesteeg 16708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jeremy Harbinson
- Horticulture and Product PhysiologyWageningen University and ResearchDroevendaalsesteeg 16708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Mark G. M. Aarts
- Laboratory of GeneticsWageningen University and ResearchDroevendaalsesteeg 16708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
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21
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Bayat S, Schranz ME, Roalson EH, Hall JC. Lessons from Cleomaceae, the Sister of Crucifers. Trends Plant Sci 2018; 23:808-821. [PMID: 30006074 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Cleomaceae is a diverse group well-suited to addressing fundamental genomic and evolutionary questions as the sister group to Brassicaceae, facilitating transfer of knowledge from the model Arabidopsis thaliana. Phylogenetic and taxonomic revisions provide a framework for examining the evolution of substantive morphological and physiology diversity in Cleomaceae, but not necessarily in Brassicaceae. The investigation of both nested and contrasting whole-genome duplications (WGDs) between Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae allows comparisons of independently duplicated genes and investigation of whether they may be drivers of the observed innovations. Further, a wealth of outstanding genetic research has provided insight into how the important alternative carbon fixation pathway, C4 photosynthesis, has evolved via differential expression of a suite of genes, of which the underlying mechanisms are being elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Bayat
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada; RG Plant Cytogenomics, Central European Institute of Technology, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eric H Roalson
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Jocelyn C Hall
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
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Papanatsiou M. Natural Variation Reveals Interplay between C4 Biology and Water Use Efficiency. Plant Physiol 2018; 177:445-446. [PMID: 29899055 PMCID: PMC6001333 DOI: 10.1104/pp.18.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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