The study generated the first single‑nucleus RNA‑sequencing dataset of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) roots colonized by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, revealing distinct transcriptional programs in epidermal and cortical cells across stages of arbuscule development. Using unsupervised subclustering and a Motif‑Informed Network Inference (MINI‑EX) approach, the authors identified candidate transcription factors that may coordinate cell‑cycle reactivation and nutrient integration during symbiosis, offering a resource for future functional genetics.
The study assessed three savory essential oil–based formulations for controlling early blight caused by Alternaria solani in tomato, finding that formulation CC2020 most effectively reduced disease severity in both in vitro and greenhouse trials. CC2020 also helped maintain tomato fruit vitamin C levels and lowered fungal melanin production, indicating dual benefits for disease suppression and fruit quality.
early blight Solanum lycopersicum savory essential oil biocompatible formulation fruit quality
A drought stress-induced MYB transcription factor regulates pavement cell shape in leaves of European aspen (Populus tremula)
Authors: Liu, S., Doyle, S. M., Robinson, K. M., Rahneshan, Z., Street, N. R., Robert, S.
The study examined leaf pavement cell shape complexity across a natural European aspen (Populus tremula) population, using GWAS to pinpoint the transcription factor MYB305a as a regulator of cell geometry. Functional validation showed that MYB305a expression is induced by drought and contributes to shape simplification, with cell complexity negatively correlated with water-use efficiency and climatic variables of the genotypes' origin.
leaf pavement cells Populus tremula MYB305a GWAS drought stress
Wheat diversity reveals new genomic loci and candidate genes for vegetation indices using genome-wide association analysis
Authors: Rustamova, S., Jahangirov, A., Leon, J., Naz, A. A., Huseynova, I.
A genome‑wide association study of 187 bread wheat genotypes identified 812 significant loci linked to 25 spectral vegetation indices under rainfed drought conditions, revealing a major QTL hotspot on chromosome 2A that accounts for up to 20% of variance in greenness and pigment traits. Candidate gene analysis at this hotspot uncovered stress‑responsive genes, demonstrating that vegetation indices are heritable digital phenotypes useful for selection and genetic analysis of drought resilience.
Triticum aestivum drought stress spectral vegetation indices GWAS QTL hotspot
Physiological Characterization under the Influence of Drought Stress and Salicylic Acid in Valeriana wallichii DC
Authors: Ansari, S., Patni, B., Jangpangi, D., Joshi, H. C., Bhatt, M. K., Purohit, V.
The study investigated the ability of foliar-applied salicylic acid (SA) to alleviate drought stress in the high‑altitude medicinal plant Valeriana wallichii by measuring physiological and biochemical responses during vegetative and flowering stages. SA at specific concentrations improved photosynthetic rates, water‑use efficiency, chlorophyll content, membrane stability, and root biomass under both severe (25% field capacity) and moderate (50% field capacity) drought conditions. These results suggest that SA treatment enhances drought tolerance and productivity in this species.
drought stress salicylic acid Valeriana wallichii photosynthetic efficiency water use efficiency
Dynamic ASK1 proximity networks uncover SCF-dependent and noncanonical roles in ABA and drought adaptation
Authors: Rodriguez-Zaccaro, F. D., Moe-Lange, J., Malik, S., Montes-Serey, C., Hamada, N., Groover, A., Walley, J., Shabek, N.
The study maps the in vivo proximity interactome of Arabidopsis SKP1-LIKE 1 (ASK1) under acute abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and prolonged drought using TurboID-based proximity labeling and quantitative proteomics, revealing condition-specific networks that include both canonical SCF modules and diverse noncanonical partners. Overexpression of ASK1 shifts proteome composition toward drought‑protective and ABA‑responsive proteins while repressing immune and ROS‑scavenging pathways, highlighting ASK1 as a hub that integrates SCF‑dependent and independent pathways to reprogram transcription, translation, and proteostasis during stress adaptation.
The study reveals that REMORIN protein evolution is primarily driven by diversification of their conserved C-terminal domain, defining four major clades. Structural bioinformatics predicts a common membrane‑binding interface with diverse curvatures and lengths, and suggests that some REMs can form C‑terminal‑mediated oligomers, adding complexity to membrane organization.
Sixteen upland rice varieties were evaluated under three irrigation regimes (100%, 70%, and 50% field capacity) with additional six‑day water withholding to simulate moderate and severe drought. Yield losses ranged from 35% to 78% depending on stress level, and varieties Dawk Kha, Khao/Sai, and Dawk Pa‑yawm showed the greatest stability, suggesting they are promising for breeding drought‑resilient upland rice.
upland rice drought stress field capacity irrigation yield loss varietal stability
GWAs reveals SUBER GENE1-mediated suberization via Type One Phosphatases
Authors: Han, J.-P., Lefebvre-Legendre, L., Yu, J., Capitao, M. B., Beaulieu, C., Gully, K., Shukla, V., Wu, Y., Boland, A., Nawrath, C., Barberon, M.
Using a forward genetic screen of 284 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, the study identified extensive natural variation in root endodermal suberin and pinpointed the previously unknown gene SUBER GENE1 (SBG1) as a key regulator. GWAS and protein interaction analyses revealed that SBG1 controls suberin deposition by binding type‑one protein phosphatases (TOPPs), with disruption of this interaction or TOPP loss‑of‑function altering suberin levels, linking the pathway to ABA signaling.
The study used Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) and GENIE3 to construct co‑expression modules and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in barley subjected to Fusarium head blight and drought stress. Integration of these approaches highlighted overlapping regulatory patterns, pinpointing WRKY transcription factors as central to FHB response, while bHLH and NAC family members showed stress‑specific roles. Promoter motif enrichment further validated predicted TF‑target interactions, offering candidate regulators for future functional validation.