Article
Plant Sciences
Liyuan Wang, Weijuan Han, Songfeng Diao, Yujing Suo, Huawei Li, Yini Mai, Yiru Wang, Peng Sun, Jianmin Fu
Summary: The production of male or female flowers in hexaploid monoecious persimmon is determined by the DNA methylation level of MeGI promoter, and the presence of Kali insertion in the OGI promoter leads to gene silence. The molecular mechanisms in androecious D. kaki were investigated using RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, and bisulfite PCR sequencing, revealing that low expression of OGI and MeGI, as well as high DNA methylation level, are associated with the production of male flowers. These findings provide important genetic insights for studying androecious D. kaki and improving the sex-determining mechanisms in persimmon.
Article
Plant Sciences
Seoyeon Park, Ye-Ok Park, Younghoon Park
Summary: This study examined the genetic diversity and population structure of a persimmon collection in South Korea through the analysis of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 93 cultivars. The results showed clear separation between cultivar groups based on astringency types, with the highest genetic diversity observed in the pollination-variant nonastringent group. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that variation within individuals was higher than among groups, and there was a low level of cultivar type differentiation. These findings demonstrate the potential of biallelic SNPs in population genetics studies and provide important insights for persimmon breeding and cultivar identification.
Article
Agronomy
Yi Dong, Weimin Sun, Zhihui Yue, Bangchu Gong, Xu Yang, Kaiyun Wu, Cuiyu Liu, Yang Xu
Summary: This study evaluated and analyzed the phenotypic variability and diversity of persimmon germplasm without softening, and explored the correlations between representative traits using principal component analysis. The results showed significant variations in phenotypic traits and revealed high positive correlations between certain traits. The study also identified three major categories of persimmon germplasm based on fruit sizes and shapes. These findings are valuable for genetic improvement, diversity conservation, and resource utilization in persimmons.
Article
Forestry
Yang Xu, Wenqiang Cheng, Chunyan Xiong, Xibing Jiang, Kaiyun Wu, Bangchu Gong
Summary: This study elucidated the genetic structures and diversity patterns of persimmon germplasms in 16 different ecological populations in Zhejiang Province, revealing a medium degree of genetic diversity for persimmons in the region. Association mapping identified 13 significant marker-trait associations, providing valuable insights for future marker-assisted breeding of persimmon.
Article
Horticulture
Meng Zhang, Sichao Yang, Wenxing Chen, Liqing Xu, Dayong Guo, Zhengrong Luo, Qinglin Zhang
Summary: This study developed an efficient transformation system and in vivo regeneration protocol for persimmon. RNA interference of DkANR gene was successfully achieved, resulting in a decrease in proanthocyanidin accumulation. The reliable and highly efficient transformation system achieved in this study may contribute to gene function identification and genetic improvement in persimmon.
Article
Biology
Lidia S. Samarina, Valentina I. Malyarovskaya, Stefanie Reim, Natalia G. Koninskaya, Alexandra O. Matskiv, Gregory A. Tsaturyan, Ruslan S. Rakhmangulov, Ruset M. Shkhalakhova, Ekaterina S. Shurkina, Raisa V. Kulyan, Zuhra M. Omarova, Magomed D. Omarov, Alexey V. Ryndin
Summary: The study investigated the genetic diversity and admixture of Diospyros germplasm in the Western Caucasus, revealing genetic clusters in Diospyros species and admixture in D. kaki genotypes. Phenotypical traits in D. kaki collection corresponded with genetic data, with frost tolerant genotypes showing high levels of admixture with D. virginiana. Low genetic diversity between distant D. lotus populations suggests a single introduction source to the Western Caucasus.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Matteo Bordiga, Raffaele Guzzon, Marcello Manfredi, Elettra Barberis, Simona Grasso, Ana M. Benitez-Gonzalez, Antonio J. Melendez Martinez, Fabiano Travaglia, Marco Arlorio, Jean Daniel Coisson
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of nine kaki vinegars produced using different yeasts and bacteria traditionally involved in wine production, and to assess their acidity, density, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The study also analyzed the volatile fingerprinting of the vinegars using two different techniques and characterized the carotenoids present in each vinegar. The results showed that vinegars fermented with S. cerevisiae produced a larger number of volatile chemicals, and the vinegar fermented with Acetobacter_vino had a more complex flavor profile. Only the vinegar produced using a mixture of T. delbruekii and Acetobacter had a high concentration of carotenoids.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jaeyoung Kwon, Jeong-Eun Park, Jin-Su Lee, Jung-Hwan Lee, Hoseong Hwang, Sang-Hoon Jung, Hak-Cheol Kwon, Dae-Sik Jang
Summary: The ethyl acetate layer of persimmon leaves demonstrated strong antioxidative effects, containing new flavonoids and natural compounds that can be further studied for antioxidant product development.
Review
Horticulture
Catherine Amorim, Lucimara Rogeria Anttonblli, Bruna Orsi, Ricardo Alfredo Kluge
Summary: This review summarizes the advances in the metabolism of astringency in persimmon fruit. Astringency is mainly caused by the formation of complexes between proanthocyanidins and saliva proteins. Different persimmon cultivars have different metabolic pathways for astringency removal. Acetaldehyde is identified as the key compound in the reduction of astringency, and enzymes and transport proteins play important roles in this process. Astringency removal can be achieved through postharvest treatments that induce the synthesis of acetaldehyde by the fruit.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guoping Shu, Gangqiang Cao, Niannian Li, Aifang Wang, Fang Wei, Ting Li, Li Yi, Yunbi Xu, Yibo Wang
Summary: This study characterized the genetic diversity and population structure of maize germplasm in the China Summer maize ecological region using molecular techniques. The inbred lines were divided into different supergroups, groups, and subgroups based on genetic data and tag-SNPs, with a significant contribution of North American germplasm in the breeding collection. Genomic differentiation and genetic diversity within subgroups were found to be large, and two predominant heterotic patterns were identified in the CSM region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huawei Li, Peng Sun, Yiru Wang, Zhongren Zhang, Jun Yang, Yujing Suo, Weijuan Han, Songfeng Diao, Fangdong Li, Jianmin Fu
Summary: We generated a new genome assembly for persimmon using PacBio CCS and Hi-C technology, which will contribute to the artificial improvement of this important fruit tree.
Article
Horticulture
Qi Zhang, Tingting Pu, Yiru Wang, Yue Bai, Yujing Suo, Jianmin Fu
Summary: Pectins are important components of plant cell walls. This study identified multiple putative DkPMEs and DkPMEIs in the persimmon genome and classified them into different clades based on phylogenetic analysis. These genes were found to be highly conserved within the same clades, indicating similar functions. Furthermore, the distribution of these genes on chromosomes was uneven. Expression analysis showed diverse expression patterns within the same clade, suggesting diverse functions. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed core nodes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, stress responses, and sugar signaling. This study provides important insights into the functional characteristics, evolutionary relationship, and role of these gene families in persimmon fruit development.
Article
Plant Sciences
Liyuan Wang, Huawei Li, Yujing Suo, Weijuan Han, Songfeng Diao, Yini Mai, Yiru Wang, Jiaying Yuan, Lingshuai Ye, Tingting Pu, Qi Zhang, Peng Sun, Fangdong Li, Jianmin Fu
Summary: Research on crop sexuality is vital for germplasm innovation and variety improvement. This study investigated the effects of ethrel and zeatin on androecious persimmon trees, finding that both significantly affected stamen length and pollen grain diameter. The treatments also impacted carbohydrate, amino acid, and phytohormone contents, as well as genes associated with hormone production and floral organ development. Additionally, a combination of chemicals inhibited flower development and revealed complex regulatory mechanisms. These findings contribute to our understanding of sexual differentiation in persimmons and provide a theoretical basis for molecular breeding and quality improvement.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yamil L. Salomon, Jordana Georgin, Dison S. P. Franco, Matias S. Netto, Daniel G. A. Piccilli, Edson Luiz Foletto, Diana Pinto, Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Guilherme L. Dotto
Summary: In this study, a high surface area activated carbon was developed from Diospyros kaki fruit waste, which efficiently removed the toxic herbicide atrazine from water solutions. The activated carbon exhibited excellent adsorption characteristics and structure, demonstrating its potential for ATZ removal.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Weijuan Han, Qi Zhang, Yujing Suo, Huawei Li, Songfeng Diao, Peng Sun, Lin Huang, Jianmin Fu
Summary: This study identified 59 bHLH family members from the persimmon transcriptome and categorized them into 12 groups based on their phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis thaliana. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that the bHLH_Cluster-15548.1 protein is highly similar to the AtGL3 protein, which is involved in flavonoid and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. This research provides valuable information for further understanding the role of bHLH proteins in anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Article
Horticulture
Sadaruddin Chachar, Muzafaruddin Chachar, Adeel Riaz, Aamir Ali Shaikh, Xiulan Li, Xiaoxue Li, Changfei Guan, Pingxian Zhang
Summary: Our era has witnessed significant advancements in plant epigenetics, with recent discoveries of RNA chemical modifications playing a role in gene translation efficiency. The application of epigenetic modifications in horticultural plants has shown promise in studying processes like fruit development, grafting, and bud dormancy. This review highlights the importance of understanding epigenetic regulation mechanisms in plants and the potential for future innovations in computational techniques for research in this field.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weijun Guo, Hanqing Liu, Yifan Wang, Pingxian Zhang, Dongwei Li, Tuoyu Liu, Qian Zhang, Liwen Yang, Li Pu, Jian Tian, Xiaofeng Gu
JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2022)
Review
Biology
Liwen Yang, Pingxian Zhang, Yifan Wang, Guihua Hu, Weijun Guo, Xiaofeng Gu, Li Pu
Summary: Synthetic epigenetics holds great potential in crop improvement. By studying epigenetic mechanisms and using innovative techniques, researchers can develop engineered smart crops that have higher yields and can actively adapt to internal and external environments.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Jing Fang, Haitao Long, Zhanqiang Wang, Jiayan Li, Zhongyi Lv, Aamir Ali Shaikh, Yong Yang, Changfei Guan
Summary: In this study, a species related to Diospyros kaki, Diospyros deyangensis, was discovered to have a short juvenile phase and can flower and bear fruits within 3 months after sowing. The DdELF4-8 gene was found to play an important role in flowering regulation. These findings provide new insights for shortening the juvenile phase in Diospyros.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Yongkuan Li, Pingxian Zhang, Sadaruddin Chachar, Junchi Xu, Yong Yang, Changfei Guan
Summary: This study evaluated the genetic diversity of persimmon using morphological traits and SSR markers. The results showed that persimmon has rich genetic diversity and there is varying degrees of correlation among different morphological traits. Cluster analysis identified bud sport, synonyms, and offspring varieties in persimmon. This study provides valuable information for marker-assisted breeding of persimmon.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Qiang Jin, Muzafaruddin Chachar, Nazir Ahmed, Pingxian Zhang, Zaid Chachar, Yuke Geng, Dayong Guo, Sadaruddin Chachar
Summary: Grafting is a valuable agricultural technique that enhances the performance of horticultural plants. Molecular signals, such as proteins and RNA, are transferred between the scion and rootstock during grafting. Recent studies suggest that grafting can lead to epigenetic alterations, which have been shown to impact gene expression and plant function.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Zhirui Fan, Hanyue Fan, Yu Ding, Zhongyi Lv, Xiaoxia Shen, Yong Yang, Changfei Guan
Correction
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pingxian Zhang, Xiulan Li, Yifan Wang, Weijun Guo, Sadaruddin Chachar, Adeel Riaz, Yuke Geng, Xiaofeng Gu, Liwen Yang
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruihong Qu, Pingxian Zhang, Qing Liu, Yifan Wang, Weijun Guo, Zhuoying Du, Xiulan Li, Liwen Yang, Shuangyong Yan, Xiaofeng Gu
PLANT COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Horticulture
Aamir Ali Shaikh, Sadaruddin Chachar, Muzafaruddin Chachar, Nazir Ahmed, Changfei Guan, Pingxian Zhang
Summary: Traditional plant breeding involves crossing and selection based on morphological traits, while phenotypic selection has been supplemented by molecular methods. Genome editing with techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 is a novel approach for directly modifying crop nucleotide sequences. Understanding epigenetic variations, such as DNA methylation, has also provided opportunities for crop improvement.
Article
Horticulture
Changfei Guan, Jie Hu, Yongkuan Li, Qinghui Che, Yong Yang
Summary: Persimmon anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum horii, is a destructive disease. Only a small number of varieties showed significant resistance and some of them had desirable agronomic traits for breeding purposes.
Article
Horticulture
Peng Jia, Rui Yan, Yuan Wang, Feng-huan Gao, Yang Liu, Qing-long Dong, Hao-an Luan, Xue-mei Zhang, Han Li, Su-ping Guo, Guo-hui Qi
Summary: The KNOX gene plays crucial roles in plant development, and this study identified 19 KNOX gene members in kiwifruit. One of the genes, AcKNOX11, is selectively expressed in flower buds and shoots, and its expression can be induced by ABA and melatonin. Functional analysis revealed that AcKNOX11 delays flowering, reduces plant height, alters leaf shape, and inhibits seed germination through ABA-melatonin interaction.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Dan Hua, Wen-Shu Chen, Rong-Yu Rao, Xu-Feng Chen, Huan-Huan Chen, Ning-Wei Lai, Lin-Tong Yang, Xin Ye, Li -Song Chen
Summary: This study revealed that nitrogen deficiency can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal (MG), but also enhances the ability of leaves and roots to detoxify these molecules. The effects of nitrogen deficiency on ROS and MG generation and their detoxification systems were found to be different in leaves and roots, with roots being more affected.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Shenghan Yang, Chonlong Chio, Wensheng Qin, Yanxi Pei, Guangpeng Pei, Yuen Zhu, Hua Li
Summary: This study evaluates the immobilization and deactivation of pathogen-produced enzymes and toxic metabolites by biochar in tomato Fusarium wilt and finds that biochar can effectively prevent disease occurrence.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Deborah Pagliaccia, Michelle Ortiz, Michael Rodriguez, Sophia Abbott, Agustina De Francesco, Madison Amador, Valeria Lavagi, Benjamin Maki, Francesca Hopkins, Jonathan Kaplan, Samantha Ying, Georgios Vidalakis
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of organic soil amendments (bokashi, biochar, and their combination) in promoting soil health, nutrient availability, and plant growth. The results show that these amendments can significantly alter soil parameters and have positive effects on soil and plant health.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Yu-Jeong Kwon, Min Jeong Hong, Minkyu Park, Dawon Jeon, Gah-Hyun Lim, Sungyul Chang, Dong-Hwan Kim, Jin-Baek Kim, Jundae Lee, Yeong Deuk Jo
Summary: Flowing LOCUS T (FT)-like genes play crucial roles in flowering induction in plants. Pepper FT-like genes are mostly expressed in leaves and interact with FLOWERING LOCUS D, promoting or delaying flowering. The unique evolutionary process of pepper FT-like genes provides insights for improving productivity.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Ziwen Su, Juan Yan, Binbin Zhang, Meng Sun, Zhixiang Cai, Zhijun Shen, Ruijuan Ma, Mingliang Yu
Summary: Bagging is a crucial cultivation measure that affects the quality of peach fruit by regulating exposure to light. This study investigated the effects of bagging on the content of phenolic compounds in peach fruit and identified the most sensitive compounds to bagging treatment. The study also explored the regulatory role of bagging on phenolic synthetic-related genes. The results showed that bagging affected the accumulation of different phenolics in different peach cultivars and light intensity played a significant role in the accumulation of anthocyanins and other phenolic substances in peach fruit. Additionally, the expression of structural genes and transcription factors related to phenolic synthesis was regulated by bagging and light conditions. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the regulation mechanism of light on the synthesis of phenolic compounds in peach fruit.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Yanfang Zhang, Xinzhi Cui, Zhilei Du, Xiulian Li, Bangdi Liu, Meng Liu, Xiangquan Zeng, Fengjun Guo, Xinguang Fan, Shuyang Sun
Summary: In this study, melatonin treatment effectively improved the aroma quality of apricots during low temperature storage by maintaining firmness and soluble solids content, inhibiting ethylene production, and regulating enzyme activities related to aroma synthesis.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Sang-Mo Kang, Shifa Shaffique, Md. Injamum-Ul-Hoque, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Yong-Sung Park, In-Jung Lee
Summary: Salinity is a global environmental problem that affects the physiology and morphology of plants. Melatonin has been found to improve photosynthesis, antioxidant activities, and seedling characteristics in milk thistle plants exposed to salinity stress, thereby enhancing their salt tolerance.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Nadia Borgini, Haifa Benmoussa, Mohamed Ghrab, Mehdi Ben Mimoun
Summary: This study investigates the agroclimatic requirements of Prunus species cultivars growing in warm areas using Partial Least Squares regression. The findings reveal that the chilling and heat requirements of the cultivars appear discontinuous, with overlaps or transition periods between the two phases. The warm mean temperatures occurring during the chilling period are the main determinant of the flowering of the studied cultivars.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Review
Horticulture
Kayise Hypercia Maseko, Thierry Regnier, Belinda Meiring, Obiro Cuthbert Wokadala, Tonna Ashim Anyasi
Summary: Bananas are a significant tropical fruit with diverse cultivars, providing essential minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The Cavendish group is preferred, but identifying suitable cultivars and maturity stages is crucial for various applications.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Godfrey Ouma, Joshua Wanyama, Isa Kabenge, Joseph Jjagwe, Mukulu Diana, John Muyonga
Summary: Irrigation plays a crucial role in increasing eggplant yields amidst climate change, but the deficit irrigation level for optimal growth remains uncertain. This study examined the effect of deficit drip irrigation on eggplant performance and found that irrigating at 75% field capacity maximizes yield and water saving in sandy clay loam soil.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Andrea Marcone, Giorgio Impollonia, Michele Croci, Henri Blandinieres, Stefano Amaducci
Summary: This study used Sentinel-2 satellite images to estimate biophysical and biochemical parameters of spinach crops and found that canopy-level parameters were estimated more accurately. The estimation of the canopy-scale parameter AGB using MCARI showed the highest accuracy, while the estimation of the leaf-scale parameter LCC using NDWI showed the lowest accuracy. At the field scale, the validation results for AGB estimation using SR were the best.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Chengsheng Gong, Guangjun Guo, Baogui Pan, Changzhou Gao, Xianwei Zhu, Shubin Wang, Jinbing Liu, Weiping Diao
Summary: This study investigated the role of key cytokines and metabolic factors in the formation of plant-type traits in pepper. Through integrated analysis of RNA-seq and metabolite determination, the study identified the low content of gibberellin and high content of auxin as important factors causing plant dwarfing, and jasmonic acid as a metabolic factor affecting branch traits. A total of 131 candidate genes involved in metabolite synthesis and the formation of plant-type traits were identified.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Yue Ma, Jia-Chen Hu, Yang Yu, Xin Cheng, Yan-Li Du, Qiang Zhao, Ji-Dao Du
Summary: Cadmium and drought stress significantly inhibited the growth of adzuki bean seedling plants, with the combined stress showing the highest degree of inhibition. Cd+D treatment reduced Cd accumulation in adzuki bean seedling roots. The treatment altered antioxidant enzyme activities and cell cycle phases in the roots, leading to changes in reactive oxygen species content.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Lucette Adet, Danae M. A. Rozendaal, Arthur Tapi, Pieter A. Zuidema, Philippe Vaast, Niels P. R. Anten
Summary: This study investigated the effects of water stress on cocoa trees and found that they are highly sensitive to water stress, with different genotypes exhibiting varied responses. Potassium application did not mitigate the negative effects of water stress. There was significant variation among genotypes in terms of leaf and crown traits, and positive interactions between genotype and irrigation were observed. These findings provide insights into the acclimation strategies of cocoa trees and can be useful for selecting drought-tolerant genotypes.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)