Article
Plant Sciences
Harue Abe, Hiroki Miura, Yoshitaka Motonaga
Summary: Researchers in Japan have found that Camellia japonica and Camellia rusticana show significant differences in leaf hypodermis, flower form, petal color, and filament color, which may be caused by adaptation to different growing environments and pollinators. This quantitative analysis suggests that speciation caused by differences in both pollinators and environment is a factor involved in the differentiation of these two species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pu-Rui Guo, Ling-Li Wu, Ying Wang, Dan Liu, Jian-An Li
Summary: This study investigated the impact of drought stress on the reproductive growth of C. oleifera and found that drought stress led to flower bud shrinkage, faded pollen colour, shortened style length, decreased relative water content, increased relative electrical conductivity, and decreased pollen germination rate. Additionally, with prolonged stress duration, the contents of malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, soluble protein, proline, as well as the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase increased. The levels of the plant hormones indoleacetic acid and cytokinin increased, while salicylic acid and jasmonic acid decreased, and abscisic acid and gibberellin a(3) first increased and then decreased. Compared to the control group, the drought treatment group exhibited stronger antioxidant capacity, water regulation ability, and drought stress protection. These findings suggest that C. oleifera is adaptable to drought-prone environments.
Article
Plant Sciences
Liubin Wang, Hanshuo Xun, Shirin Aktar, Rui Zhang, Liyun Wu, Dejiang Ni, Kang Wei, Liyuan Wang
Summary: Tea plants are an important economic crop globally, but the purity and authenticity of tea varieties have posed challenges in germplasm conservation and promotion. This study developed core SNP markers to accurately identify germplasm and analyze genetic relationships in tea plants. Based on whole-genome data, cultivars were divided into three groups: Assam type (CSA), Chinese type (CSS), and transitional type. Yunnan Province was identified as the primary center of CSA origin, while east China (primarily Zhejiang and Fujian provinces) was likely the area of origin and domestication of CSS. Additionally, 45 core SNP markers were developed, providing a molecular basis for identifying superior tea germplasm and facilitating breeding work.
Article
Horticulture
Tiantian Ye, Xue Liu, Xiaojie Liang, Xueyan Zhu, Qian Bai, Shuchai Su
Summary: Heavy flower thinning in Camellia oleifera leads to increased fruit size and weight, as well as higher seed and dry kernel rate of fresh fruit, soluble protein and oil accumulation in seeds. However, it also decreases fruit yield, and certain fatty acids proportion in the oil composition like palmitic, palmitoleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Zhao, Pichang Gong, Hongyan Liu, Mingshu Zhang, Chaoying He
Summary: This study reveals the potential multiple and integrated roles of floral C-class MADS-box genes in flower and fruit development in Physalis. By characterizing two AG-like genes, it further demonstrates their importance in plant development.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanfei Cai, Jing Meng, Yinshan Cui, Min Tian, Ziming Shi, Jihua Wang
Summary: This study analyzed the transcriptomes and hormone metabolomics of two different camellia strains to understand the roles of these factors in regulating blossom abscission in camellia. The results showed that ABA content and related genes were upregulated in the strain that undergoes abscission. In contrast, the strain that does not undergo abscission showed activation of pathways related to metabolism and biosynthesis. The study also identified different hormone response pathways and transcription factors that may regulate flower abscission. This research provides insights for targeted improvement and breeding of camellia plants.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Si-Xia Wu, Ruo-Gu Xiong, Jin Cheng, Xiao-Yu Xu, Guo-Yi Tang, Si-Yu Huang, Dan-Dan Zhou, Adila Saimaiti, Ren-You Gan, Hua-Bin Li
Summary: In this study, kombucha beverages were prepared using golden-flower tea and honeysuckle-flower tea as raw materials. The antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, concentrations of bioactive components, and sensory scores of the kombucha beverages were assessed. The results showed that both kombucha beverages had strong antioxidant activities and high sensory analysis scores. Fermentation with golden-flower tea residues significantly increased the antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents, while fermentation with honeysuckle tea residues had a minor effect. The concentrations of bioactive compounds could be increased by fermentation with golden-flower tea residues, but fermentation with honeysuckle-flower tea residues had limited effects. The sensory scores of golden-flower tea kombucha and honeysuckle-flower tea kombucha were not significantly affected by fermentation with or without tea residues, and golden-flower tea kombucha had higher sensory scores.
Article
Horticulture
Shih-Kai Lo, Chih-Yi Hu, Su-Fen Roan, Tsung-Chen Su, Iou-Zen Chen
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between flower morphology and fruit yields in tea plants and analyzed 106 tea varieties. The results showed that flower traits within the same tea plant variety were highly homogeneous. The main flower trait affecting fruit yield was stamen bundle outer width, while the secondary trait was stigma width. These traits have the potential to be used as reference indicators for early selection in future breeding programs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weixin Liu, Hengfu Yin, Yi Feng, Suhang Yu, Zhengqi Fan, Xinlei Li, Jiyuan Li
Summary: In this study, transcriptome sequencing was used to investigate flower senescence in Camellia lutchuensis. The results suggest that the ethylene pathway and ROS signal may play key roles in regulating flower senescence. Additionally, other genes and transcription factors related to flower senescence were also identified.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hanyu Liu, Kun Xi, Zhihui Xie, Zhuoqun Lu, Huawei Chen, Jian Zhang, Yanlin Ge
Summary: This study proposed a new double-layer asymmetric flower baffle and investigated the effects of the dislocation angle and asymmetric volume ratio on the thermal-hydraulic performance of shell and tube heat exchangers. Results showed that the double-layer asymmetric flower baffles significantly improved the comprehensive thermal-hydraulic performance, with a decrease in heat transfer rate to 92% and a controlled pressure drop of about 45%. Furthermore, the efficiency evaluation coefficient achieved an average improvement of 106%. The new baffles and constructal design method can provide theoretical guidance for improving the comprehensive thermal-hydraulic performance of shell and tube heat exchangers.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Fang Geng, Ruimin Nie, Nan Yang, Lei Cai, YunChong Hu, Shengtong Chen, Xiaomao Cheng, Zhonglang Wang, Longqing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying flower color differentiation in Camellia reticulata. The results showed that flavonoid compounds, particularly anthocyanins, are the major determinants of flower color differentiation among different varieties of C. reticulata. The study also identified key regulators and structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. These findings contribute to the development of Camellia varieties with specific flower colors and quality.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Du, Jian Ding, Jingbin Li, He Li, Chengjiang Ruan
Summary: The formation of flower buds is a major limiting factor in the yield of Camellia oleifera. However, there is no relevant research on the regulation mechanism of flower bud formation. In this study, hormones, mRNAs, and miRNAs were tested in two cultivars with different flower bud formation in high-yield years. The results showed that hormone content and differential gene expression play important roles in the regulation of flower bud formation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Xuzhou Zhang, Bingqian Li, Xinzhe Zhang, Chao Wang, Zhengqun Zhang, Ping Sun
Summary: The application of exogenous ethephon can induce the production of endogenous ethylene in tea plants, leading to the abscission of tea flowers and flower buds. Ethephon treatment also increases the activities of important enzymes and alters the chemical compositions of tea plants, resulting in enhanced shoot length and production in the following early spring. Overall, ethephon effectively suppresses blooming and improves tea yield and quality to some extent.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiaohan Xu, Jing Tao, Anqi Xing, Zichen Wu, Yuqin Xu, Yi Sun, Jiangyuan Zhu, Xiang Dai, Yuhua Wang
Summary: The study identified a 92-gene core transcriptome of Camellia sinensis flower development by analyzing three different developmental stages of three different cultivars. Results revealed the involvement of endogenous hormone changes and gene expression related to synthesis and signal transduction during flower development. The study also showed that key genes such as MYC, FT, SOC1, and LFY play important roles in regulating the flowering process of C. sinensis through a complex hormone regulation network.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zichen Wu, Xuyan Li, Xiaohan Xu, Anqi Xing, Yuqin Xu, Xingfu Yang, Yi Sun, Jiangyuan Zhu, Yuhua Wang
Summary: The dynamic changes of main components in tea flowers at different developmental stages were studied, and the biosynthetic regulatory network of these components was preliminarily constructed. Sensory evaluation and determination of main components were conducted to explore the effects of processing techniques on the quality of tea flower beverages. It was found that tea flowers at the white bud stage and the drying technique were more suitable for making high-quality tea flower beverages.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Weixin Liu, Suhang Yu, Yi Feng, Runhong Mo, Kaineng Wang, Menglong Fan, Zhengqi Fan, Hengfu Yin, Jiyuan Li, Xinlei Li
Summary: The formation of yellow flowers in camellia is associated with the accumulation of flavonols (Qu7G and Qu3G) and the regulation of the ethylene pathway.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Si Wu, Mei Ying Yang, Meng Long Fan, Ying Zhang, Xin Lei Li, Heng Fu Yin, Ji Yuan Li
Summary: This study discovered the complete chloroplast genome of Camellia confusa and identified 130 genes within. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relationship between C. confusa and C. meiocarpa. These findings provide valuable information for the study of camellia evolution.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Menglong Fan, Xinlei Li, Ying Zhang, Si Wu, Zhixin Song, Hengfu Yin, Weixin Liu, Zhengqi Fan, Jiyuan Li
Summary: In this study, a comprehensive comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the key pathways and genes involved in the regulation of double flower patterns in Camellia sasanqua. Differential gene expression analysis revealed the importance of plant hormone signaling and secondary metabolites in double flower formation. The study also validated the ABCE model and found that the expansion of class A gene activity influenced the formation of double flowers.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mengting Pi, Ruhan Zhong, Shaoqiang Hu, Zhuoying Cai, Madison Plunkert, Weiyi Zhang, Zhongchi Liu, Chunying Kang
Summary: This study identified a new type of transcription regulator, SL1, that promotes compound leaf formation in woodland strawberries. SL1 functions in leaf morphogenesis by working synergistically with FveLFYa. This research sheds new lights on the diversity of leaf complexity control.
Article
Plant Sciences
Guanghui Zheng, Shaoqiang Hu, Simin Cheng, Liyang Wang, Lijun Kan, Zhengming Wang, Qiang Xu, Zhongchi Liu, Chunying Kang
Summary: The study identifies the crucial role of FveFDM1 in the growth and development of horticultural crops, specifically strawberry. FveFDM1 modulates organ size by regulating cell division and is involved in the RdDM-mediated DNA methylation process.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xi Luo, Madison Plunkert, Zi Teng, Kathryn Mackenzie, Lei Guo, Yaguang Luo, Timo Hytonen, Zhongchi Liu
Summary: FveMYB10 and FveMYB10L are two distinct transcription factors that regulate anthocyanin synthesis in the fruits and petioles of strawberry. They show tissue-specific expression and activate different downstream genes, and also respond differently to changes in light quality.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiaming Li, Rongxiang Zhu, Mingyue Zhang, Beibei Cao, Xiaolong Li, Bobo Song, Zhongchi Liu, Jun Wu
Summary: Soluble sugars are important for plant growth, development, and fruit quality. A calcium-dependent protein kinase called PbCPK28 was identified in pears, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in its regulatory region was found to be associated with diversity in fructose content. PbCPK28 was shown to interact with and phosphorylate proteins involved in sugar import into vacuoles, allowing for the genetic improvement of fruit sugar contents in pears.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Menglong Fan, XinLei Li, Ying Zhang, Meiying Yang, Si Wu, HengFu Yin, WeiXin Liu, ZhengQi Fan, JiYuan Li
Summary: This study characterized the anthocyanin profile of 20 C. sasanqua cultivars and revealed the regulatory mechanism of color diversity in this plant. Through transcriptome analysis, candidate genes and transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified. The findings provide valuable resources for studying flower color in C. sasanqua and for genetic modification of anthocyanin biosynthesis.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yunming Zhang, Lijun Kan, Shaoqiang Hu, Zhongchi Liu, Chunying Kang
Summary: The LEAFY ortholog of woodland strawberry, which does not regulate APETALA1 at the transcriptional level, shows species-specific roles in flower and leaf development. The plant-specific transcription factor LEAFY (LFY), generally maintained as a single-copy gene in most angiosperm species, plays critical roles in flower development. Here, we identified and validated that mutations in one of the four LFY homologs, FveLFYa, cause homeotic conversion of floral organs and reiterative outgrowth of ectopic flowers.
Review
Plant Sciences
Zhiguo Shen, Xin Ding, Jianming Cheng, Fangfang Wu, Hengfu Yin, Minyan Wang
Summary: Magnoliids are a major clade of flowering plants that have great economic and ecological values. The evolutionary status of magnoliids has become a hot topic in plant phylogenetic research due to the accumulation of genomic information. However, current studies on the phylogenetic status of magnoliids have produced inconsistent results.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Suhang Yu, Jiyuan Li, Ting Peng, Sui Ni, Yi Feng, Qiushi Wang, Minyan Wang, Xian Chu, Zhengqi Fan, Xinlei Li, Hengfu Yin, Wanchuan Ge, Weixin Liu
Summary: In this study, a new member of the chalcone isomerase (CHI) gene family, CnCHI4, was identified in Camellia nitidissima. CnCHI4 plays an important role in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids and its function is regulated by the transcription factor CnMYB7.
Article
Developmental Biology
Fuxi Wang, Wanpeng Wang, Zhongchi Liu
Summary: The stem cell pools at the shoot apex and root tip in plants give rise to all above- and below-ground tissues. Previous studies on Arabidopsis have identified a TSO1-MYB3R1 transcriptional module that controls the number and size of these stem cell pools. In this study, it was found that an Arabidopsis cyclin A gene, CYCA3;4, is a member of the TSO1-MYB3R1 regulatory module and mutations in this gene can suppress the tso1-1 mutant phenotype specifically in the shoot. These findings reveal the integration of the TSO1-MYB3R1 module with the cell cycle machinery to control cell division in the shoot meristem.
Article
Plant Sciences
Rui Lu, Mengting Pi, Zhongchi Liu, Chunying Kang
Summary: The FveYUC4 gene is crucial for leaf and flower morphogenesis in woodland strawberry, as it provides auxin hormone at the proper time and in the right tissues, affecting the width of leaf blade, the number and shape of floral organs, and the size of fruits.
Article
Forestry
Jianhua Dai, Yanru Fan, Shu Diao, Hengfu Yin, Xiaojiao Han, Jun Liu
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic diversity and core gene pool of T. sinensis and established a comprehensive evaluation method, resulting in the identification of a best core collection and the screening of superior individual plants. These findings will contribute to the preservation and utilization of T. sinensis germplasm resources, as well as the improvement of T. sinensis varieties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhongchi Liu, Tong Liang, Chunying Kang
Summary: Strawberries are popular fruits that provide vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants. Recent advances in genome sequencing and CRISPR-mediated genome editing have improved the understanding of strawberry growth and development. This review focuses on fruit quality traits such as aroma, sweetness, color, firmness, and shape, and highlights the use of genomic data for marker-assisted breeding and precise gene editing. These advances will benefit strawberries, providing tastier, longer-lasting, healthier, and more beautiful fruit to consumers.