Background

The control of plant anthocyanin accumulation is via transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding the biosynthetic enzymes. A key activator appears to be an R2R3 MYB transcription factor. In apple fruit, skin anthocyanin levels are controlled by a gene called MYBA or MYB1, while the gene determining fruit flesh and foliage anthocyanin has been termed MYB10. In order to further understand tissue-specific anthocyanin regulation we have isolated orthologous MYB genes from all the commercially important rosaceous species.

Results

We use gene specific primers to show that the three MYB activators of apple anthocyanin (MYB10/MYB1/MYBA) are likely alleles of each other. MYB transcription factors, with high sequence identity to the apple gene were isolated from across the rosaceous family (e.g. apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, raspberries, rose, strawberry). Key identifying amino acid residues were found in both the DNA-binding and C-terminal domains of these MYBs. The expression of these MYB10 genes correlates with fruit and flower anthocyanin levels. Their function was tested in tobacco and strawberry. In tobacco, these MYBs were shown to induce the anthocyanin pathway when co-expressed with bHLHs, while over-expression of strawberry and apple genes in the crop of origin elevates anthocyanins.

Conclusions

This family-wide study of rosaceous R2R3 MYBs provides insight into the evolution of this plant trait. It has implications for the development of new coloured fruit and flowers, as well as aiding the understanding of temporal-spatial colour change.

An R2R3 MYB transcription factor associated with regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in Rosaceae

Germination and seedling development are essential stages in a plant’s life cycle, greatly influenced by temperature and moisture conditions. The aim of this study was to determine maize (Zea mays L.) seeds’ germination and seedling development under various abiotic stresses. Eight different temperature levels, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C, were used. Drought and waterlogging stresses were tested using 30 water levels based on one-milliliter intervals and as percentages of thousand kernel weight (TKW) at 20 and 25 °C. Seedling density and the use of antifungals were also examined. Temperature significantly affected germination duration and seedling growth, and 20 °C was found to be ideal with an optimal range of less than 30 °C. Germination occurred at 25% of the TKW. The optimal water range for seedling growth was higher and broader than the range for germination. Seed size assisted in defining germination water requirements and providing an accurate basis. The present research established an optimum water supply range of 150–325% of the TKW for maize seedling development. A total of 6 seeds per 9 cm Petri dish may be preferable over greater densities. The technique of priming seeds with an antifungal solution before planting was observed to have a better effect than applying it in the growth media.

/pdf/impact-of-temperature-and-water-on-seed-germination-and-v1nk7z1o.pdf

Impact of Temperature and Water on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Temperature and moisture are essential factors in germination and seedling growth. The purpose of this research was to assess the germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds under various abiotic stressors. It was conducted in the Agronomy Institute of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary. Six distinct temperature levels were used: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C. Stresses of drought and waterlogging were quantified using 25 water levels based on single-milliliter intervals and as a percentage based on thousand kernel weight (TKW). Seedling density was also tested. Temperature significantly influenced germination duration and seedling development. 20 °C was ideal with optimal range of 15 °C to less than 25 °C. Germination occurred at water amount of 75% of the TKW, and its ideal range was lower and narrower than the range for seedling development. Seed size provided an objective basis for defining germination water requirements. The current study established an optimal water supply range for wheat seedling growth of 525–825 percent of the TKW. Fifteen seeds within a 9 cm Petri dish may be preferred to denser populations.

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/7/3887/pdf?version=1648207108

The Effect of Temperature and Water Stresses on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of high-pressure processing and thermal treatments on color and in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanin and antioxidants in cloudy pomegranate juice.

Effect of high-pressure processing and thermal treatments on color and in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanin and antioxidants in cloudy pomegranate juice

Integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals seed germination mechanism in Punica granatum L.

Pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) are gaining popularity among consumers because of their high antioxidant activity and multiple medical benefits. China is rich in pomegranate genetic resources, but how to use them effectively is a problem worthy of deep consideration. In this article, thirty-seven pomegranate varieties from seven provinces in China were collected and analyzed for twelve phenotypic traits and twelve biochemical indicators (seeds and juices). The fruit and aril fresh weight ranged between 210.5 and 576.5 g and 121.0 to 327.5 g, respectively, and the edible rate (42.58–64.80%), seed weight (1.80–3.41 g), seed number (249.1–838.9), fruit height (10.51–15.48 mm), fruit diameter (11.46–17.50 mm), skin thickness (2.14–6.98 mm), and shape index (0.82–0.96) varied among the different genotypes. The pomegranate juice total phenolic content ranged from 40.91 to 132.47 µg/mL, and the total flavonoid content (14.08–137.72 µg/mL), vitamin C content (12.80–66.63 µg/mL), pH (3.10–4.34), total soluble solids (13.13–17.50°Brix), and titratable acidity (0.26–2.71%) also varied; the pomegranate seed total phenolic content ranged from 0.62 to 1.78 mg/g, and the total flavonoid content (0.39–0.99 mg/g), vitamin C content (7.55–13.90 mg/g), DPPH radical scavenging capacity (85.98–98.24%), and ABTS scavenging ability (28.72–51%) were also measured. The coefficients of variation of the studied traits ranged from 5.62 to 54.02%, and the phenotypic traits’ Shannon–Weaver diversity indexes ranged from 0.67 to 1.53. Cluster analysis divided the 37 varieties into three categories, providing a reference for improved variety breeding. In addition, genotypic and environmental effects mainly affected the pomegranate flavor and antioxidant activity, respectively.

/pdf/collection-and-evaluation-of-thirty-seven-pomegranate-4q4xeoh1rs.pdf

Ying-shu Peng

Papers

Integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals seed germination mechanism in Punica granatum L.

Collection and evaluation of thirty‑seven pomegranate germplasm resources