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Organisms use diverse strategies to thrive in varying habitats. While life history theory partly explains these relationships, the combined impact of resource availability and disturbance frequency on life form strategy evolution has received limited attention. We use Chamaecrista species, a legume plant lineage with a high diversity of plant life forms in the Neotropics, and employ ecological niche modeling and comparative phylogenetic methods to examine the correlated evolution of plant life forms and environmental niches. Chamaephytes and phanerophytes have optima in environments characterized by moderate water and nutrient availability coupled with infrequent fire disturbances. By contrast, annual plants thrive in environments with scarce water and nutrients, alongside frequent fire disturbances. Similarly, geophyte species also show increased resistance to frequent fire disturbances, although they thrive in resource-rich environments. Our findings shed light on the evolution of plant strategies along environmental gradients, highlighting that annuals and geophytes respond differently to high incidences of fire disturbances, with one enduring it as seeds in a resource-limited habitat and the other relying on reserves and root resprouting systems in resource-abundant habitats. Furthermore, it deepens our understanding of how organisms evolve associated with their habitats, emphasizing a constraint posed by low-resource and high-disturbance environments., (© 2024 The Authors New Phytologist © 2024 New Phytologist Foundation.)

In a search for identification of rhizobial strains with superior N 2 -fixation efficiency and improved plant agronomic characteristics upon inoculation, four strains, 4.21, 9.17, 11.2 and 14.1, isolated from root nodules of wild-grown Melilotus indicus have been used to inoculate field-grown common bean, pea, cowpea and fenugreek plants. Uninoculated plants and those inoculated with host-specific commercial inoculants were used as a control. The root length, shoot height, shoot dry weight and root dry weight and the grain yield of the plants were determined after harvest. The content of N, organic C and carbohydrates content of the grain were also recorded. The inoculation with the strains 4.21 and 14.1 increased the grain yield of the fenugreek compared both with the uninoculated plants and those inoculated with the commercial strain ARC-1. The grain yield of the common bean treated with the strains 9.17 and 14.1 was also higher than that of the uninoculated and the commercial strains ARC-301. In contrast, none of the strains increased the grain yield of the pea and cowpea plants compared to the commercial strains ARC-201 and ARC-169, respectively. Significant increases of some agronomical parameters were observed in some plant-bacterium couples, albeit nodulation was not observed. It is possible that the positive effects of rhizobial inoculation on the agronomical parameters of the non-nodule forming legumes could be due to plant growth promotion characteristic of the strains used for inoculation. Analysis of the phylogeny of the almost complete 16S rRNA sequence of the rhizobial inoculants revealed that the strains 4.21 and 9.17 clustered together with R. skierniewicense and R. rosettiformans, respectively, and that the strains 11.2 and 14.1 grouped with E. meliloti. All the four strains produced IAA, and showed biocontrol activity against Rhizotocnia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium ultimum, Alternaria alternata and Sclerotonia rolsfi, albeit to a different extent.

Although a high intake of plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes has been recommended for chronic disease prevention, it has been unclear what is the optimal amount of intake of these foods and whether specific subtypes are particularly beneficial. The evidence from several recently published meta-analyses on plant foods and antioxidants and various health outcomes is reviewed as well as more recently published studies. In meta-analyses of prospective studies, inverse associations were observed between intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease overall, total cancer, and all-cause mortality. The strongest reductions in risk were observed at an intake of 800 g/d for fruits and vegetables, 225 g/d for whole grains, and 15-20 g/d for nuts, respectively. Whole-grain and nut consumption was also inversely associated with mortality from respiratory disease, infections, and diabetes. Stronger and more linear inverse associations were observed between blood concentrations of antioxidants (vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin E) and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality than for dietary intake. Most studies that have since been published have been consistent with these results; however, further studies are needed on subtypes of plant foods and less common causes of death. These results strongly support dietary recommendations to increase intake of plant foods, and suggest optimal intakes for chronic disease prevention may be ∼800 g/d for intakes of fruits and vegetables, 225 g/d for whole grains, and 15-20 g/d for nuts. Diets high in plant foods could potentially prevent several million premature deaths each year if adopted globally., (Copyright © The Author(s) 2019.)

Interactions between legumes and rhizobia lead to the establishment of a symbiotic relationship characterized by the formation of a new organ, the nodule, which facilitates the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by nitrogenase through the creation of a hypoxic environment. Significant amounts of nitric oxide (NO) accumulate at different stages of nodule development, suggesting that NO performs specific signaling and/or metabolic functions during symbiosis. NO, which regulates nodule gene expression, accumulates to high levels in hypoxic nodules. NO accumulation is considered to assist energy metabolism within the hypoxic environment of the nodule via a phytoglobin-NO-mediated respiration process. NO is a potent inhibitor of the activity of nitrogenase and other plant and bacterial enzymes, acting as a developmental signal in the induction of nodule senescence. Hence, key questions concern the relative importance of the signaling and metabolic functions of NO versus its toxic action and how NO levels are regulated to be compatible with nitrogen fixation functions. This review analyses these paradoxical roles of NO at various stages of symbiosis, and highlights the role of plant phytoglobins and bacterial hemoproteins in the control of NO accumulation., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Especially within the light of the current loss of biodiversity, we want our students to gain a better understanding of the issues at stake in order to take action and support plants and their pollinators. Many educational approaches focus on honeybees, disregarding the vast diversity in the context of pollination systems and the complex (co-)adaptations on both plants and pollinators that evolved over time. This article tries to remedy this by providing scientific background and two practical teaching approaches including legumes (Fabaceae s. s., Faboideae) as one of the largest plant families worldwide, containing many well-known crop species. Legume flowers show specializations regarding pollination and are therefore excellent examples to teach not only about pollination and adaptations, but also conservation. The main elements of both teaching approaches are functional flower models. The first approach was developed for learners with little background knowledge on pollination, whereas the second approach is more elaborate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal-induced liver injury (HILI) continues to increase in prevalence each year due to the ongoing popularity of herbal supplements and complementary and alternative medicines. A detailed literature review of case reports and clinical studies published from March 2021 to March 2023 was performed. We discuss the epidemiology and diagnosis of HILI as well as the current and proposed laws and regulations. The 2021 ACG guidelines and 2022 AASLD practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of drug and herbal-induced liver injury are discussed. We describe updates to previously reported etiologies of HILI such as ayurveda, ashwagandha, turmeric, kratom, green tea extract, and garcinia cambogia. Newly described supplements resulting in HILI, such as tinospora cordifolia, horse chestnut, alkaline water, and more, are described. We discuss newly and previously identified hepatoprotective herbal supplements as they have been reported in the study of animal models and human liver cells. This review suggests the need for ongoing research on the causes and mechanisms of HILI to ensure its proper diagnosis, prevention, and treatment in the future. The goal of this review is to provide novice and expert readers with knowledge regarding the possible etiologies of HILI and a general overview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State. Method: Ethnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level. Results: A total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus. Conclusion: This is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are plant symbionts that have a pivotal role in maintaining soil fertility and nutrient cycling. However, these microsymbionts may be exposed to organic pollutants like pesticides or veterinary drugs known to occur in agricultural soils. Anthelminthics are veterinary drugs that reach soils through the application of contaminated manures in agricultural settings. Their presence might threaten the function of AMF, considered as sensitive indicators of the toxicity of agrochemicals to the soil microbiota. We determined the impact of the anthelminthic compounds albendazole and ivermectin on the establishment and functionality of the symbiosis between the model-legume Lotus japonicus and the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis. Our analyses revealed negative effects of albendazole on the development and functionality of arbuscules, the symbiotic organelle of AMF, at a concentration of 0.75 μg g−1. The impairment of the symbiotic function was verified by the reduced expression of genes SbtM1, PT4 and AMT2;2 involved in arbuscules formation, P and N uptake, and the lower phosphorus shoot content detected in the albendazole-treated plants. Our results provide first evidence for the toxicity of albendazole on the colonization capacity and function of R. irregularis at concentrations that may occur in agricultural soils systematically amended with drug-containing manures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, Seventeen types of plants commonly used namely (Chickpeas, Tomato, Soybean, Mustard, Baker, Lebbeck, Bean, Sesame, Male Iraqi berries, Female Iraqi berries, Indian berries, Potato, Radish, Legumes, peas, Watermelon, and Phaseolus were obtained and screened for urease activity, among these plants, Sesame was chosen with maximum enzymatic activity, and it had the highest productivity of urease enzyme (1.623 U/mg protein). The optimum extraction ratio represented by 1:10 (W: V) after 90 minutes and 0.8414U/mg protein. Sodium phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.0) was chosen as the best extraction buffer with specific activity 0.9004U/mg protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil salinity is a severe and expanding soil degradation problem that affects 80 million ha of arable lands globally. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is very sensitive to saline conditions; the most susceptible genotypes may die in just 25 mM NaCl in hydroponic s. Approximately 8-10% yield loss in chickpea production is estimated due to salinity stress. However, it is still not established why chickpea is so susceptible to salt affection. Salinity (NaCl) impedes germination of seeds, though chickpea varieties considerably differ from one another in this respect. Some chickpea genotypes are more tolerant in the stage of germination, tolerating even 320 mM NaCl. The reasons of this variation are unrevealed; there is a shortage of knowledge about the germination abilities of chickpea genotypes in saline conditions. Nevertheless, the effect of salt stress on vegetative growth can be analysed in hydroponics, in pot or field conditions, regardless the experimental environment, the ranking of genotypes regarding salt resistance is coherent. Chickpea genotypes can be different in their ability to retain water, maybe under salt affection; the more salt tolerant lines can maintain higher water content in the shoots, while the more sensitive ones cannot. The identification of salt tolerant chickpea landraces based on developing genetic variability is a suitable strategy to combat against salinity problems arising in arid and semi-arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed banks present in soils provide information on past/existing standing vegetation and the probable future vegetation of the area. We reviewed 187 articles related to seed banks that were published worldwide from 1859 to 2022 to understand the dynamics of soil seed banks. The heterogeneity and biodiversity of most ecosystems appear vulnerable due to the over-exploitation of soil over the years. The studies on seeds present in soil provide knowledge on species cover, which supports the restoration of degraded areas. An interesting feature observed in most references was that species identified in seed banks do not necessarily represent or reflect the standing vegetation—this is attributed to the varied dispersal mechanisms of different species. The most significant contributions of a seed bank are conservation and the provision of propagules to the ecosystem. These banks are critical for identifying the composition and spatial organisation of understorey plant communities in degraded forests following soil disturbances, such as wildfire, harvesting, and/or logging. Regeneration from soil seed banks enables biodiversity recovery in tropical forests. There has been little understanding of the function soil seed banks play in forest restoration, which is critical to the natural regeneration of forest reserves. The impact of invasive alien species and the associated soil seed banks on vegetation dynamics is poorly researched. With landscape restoration gaining significance in the present decade, it becomes exceedingly important to maintain existing vegetation. It is relevant to India, which has international commitments to restore 26 mha of degraded and deforested land by 2030. This review reveals the importance of soil seed banks and their role in the future maintenance of forest cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in legumes such as lentil as healthy ingredients in gluten-free products. In that respect, foods based on lentils, like alimentary pasta, have been produced and successfully commercialized in recent years. Lentils are also known for inducing severe allergic reactions; however, it is currently unknown if novel alimentary pasta based on lentil retains the same allergenic potential as lentil seeds. In this study, the allergenic content of alimentary lentil pasta compared with lentil seeds was analyzed by immunoassays using sera from patients with allergic sensitization to lentil or with specific antibodies that recognize major lentil allergens. The effect of boiling processing was also analyzed. Results showed that alimentary lentil pasta has a significant allergenic content close to the general allergenic content observed for lentil seeds. Both alimentary lentil pasta and lentil seeds were similarly affected by boiling, with an important transfer of allergens from the food to the boiling water. This study shows that alimentary pasta made of lentils has a significant allergenic potential and highlights the necessity to analyze the allergenic content of new foods and novel ingredients introduced in traditional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La presente etude porte sur la nature des rhizobia associes aux legumineuses du genre Hippocrepis qui compte une dizaine d'especes en Algerie et pour laquelle tres peu de travaux ont ete jusqu'ici consacres. Les resultats de nos investigations qui ont portes sur 26 plants representant 8 especes de ce genre et provenant de 17 localites du nord et du sud du pays revelent que tous les plants etaient nodules et fixateurs d'azote, ce qui indique que les 8 especes identifiees sont capables d'etablir une symbiose efficiente avec les rhizobia presents dans les sols qui les supportent. Le sequencage du gene del'ARN 16S des 26 souches de rhizobia isolees et authentifiees par des tests de nodulation au laboratoire permet de les assigner a 16 especes de rhizobia reparties sur 5 genres: Ensifer, Mesorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium et Neorhizobium avec une predominance des representants des genres Ensifer et Mesorhizobium. Les resultats de cette etude qui est la premiere dediee specifiquement au genre Hippocrepis indiquent que la symbiose a rhizobia et la capacite d'utiliser, par ce biais, l'azote atmospherique sont communes chez les representants de ce genre en Algerie, ils revelent aussi la grande diversite des rhizobia qui sont associes a ce genre. Mots-cles : diversite, rhizobia, Hippocrepis, Algerie, symbiose, nodulation. The present study focuses on the nature of the rhizobia associated with legumes of the genus Hippocrepis, which totals about 10 species in Algeria and for which very little work has been performed so far. The results of our investigations, which focused on 26 plants representing 8 species of this genus and coming from 17 localities in the north and south of the country, show that all plants were nodulated and nitrogen-fixing, which indicates that the species identified can establish an efficient symbiosis with the rhizobia present in the soils that support them. The sequencing of the 16S RNA gene of the 26 strains of rhizobia isolated and authenticated by nodulation tests in the laboratory allows their assignation to 16 species of rhizobia spread over 5 genera: Ensifer, Mesorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, and Neorhizobium with a predominance of representatives of the genera Ensifer and Mesorhizobium. The results of this study, which is the first dedicated to the genus Hippocrepis, show that the rhizobial symbiosis and its ability to use atmospheric nitrogen are common among representatives of the genus Hippocrepis in Algeria and reveal a great diversity of associated rhizobia. [Journal Translation] Keywords: diversity, rhizobia, Hippocrepis, Algeria, symbiosis, nodulation., Introduction L'etude des rhizobia nodulant les legumineuses est l'un des axes de recherche les plus prolifiques de la microbiologie en raison de l'impact agronomique et ecologique que les rhizobia presentent [...]

Jack Beans are a type of high-protein legume that can produce high nutritional value. One of the processed superfoods from Jack beans is tempeh. Soaking is essential in making tempeh as a pre-fermentation process utilizing microbial enzymes to increase product nutrition. The metagenomic analysis is a novel technique to know microbial communities based on culture-independent microorganisms. This study aims to determine the diversity of microbes in the soaking process at 12 hours and 24 hours. This analysis found ten OTUs genera, namely Prevotella, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Saccharo fermentants, Klebsiella, Pantoea, and Acinetobacter. Phylum Firmicutes is dominant in the soaking of Jack beans with a difference of 53.24% 12 h soaking time and 47.89% 24 h soaking time. This finding contributes to controlling the quality production of making tempeh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil is a notable legume crop valued for its high protein, vitamin, mineral, and amino acid (lysine and tryptophan) content. This crop has a narrow genetic base due to the formation of gene pool barriers during interspecific hybridization within and across species. Mutagenesis may be seen as a novel and alternative breeding technique for the production of new diversity. For the identification of new alleles, the creation of mutants followed by selection in subsequent generations would be necessary. Induction of mutation in lentil cv. Moitree by gamma rays therefore produced high variation for the majority of quantitative measures examined. Henceforth, principal component analysis (PCA) and path coefficient analysis were conducted to identify and exclude redundant mutant genotypes with similar traits as the success of breeding is dependent on understanding the relationship between morpho-agronomic traits and seed yield. As shown by the findings of this research, the total quantity of pods per mutant plant should be given considerable priority. The identified mutant genotypes, such as lines 24, 43, 28, 33, and 10, may be used as parents in future breeding or released directly following trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of the galling insects sharing the same microhabitat depends both on the synchrony of their life cycles with the leaf flushing of the super-host plant and to the asynchrony among their life cycles. The asynchrony of the multivoltine life cycles of Lopesia spp. (Diptera—Cecidomyiidae) is favored by the constant leaf flushing in M. gemmulata, and favors the non-overlapping of gall induction periods. Peculiarly, the univoltine life cycle of the galling Lepidoptera on its stem galls is synchronized to the availability of mature host leaves during the rainy season, which is important for the water potential in host stem branches. The abundance of the Lopesia gall morphotypes follow the phenology of M. gemmulata, which obeys the seasonal pattern of water availability in the neotropical savanna climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) plays a key role in family farming systems in Senegal. It makes an essential contribution to economic, nutritional and food security. Although it is crucial, little is known about how farmers classify the diversity of local varieties or about the social practices associated with them. The aim of this study is to characterize the farming practices associated with growing cowpea in Senegal. Surveys were conducted involving 335 rural farmers living in 37 villages, spread across seven regions that produce cowpea. An average of ten farmers were randomly selected in each village. The results reveal that cowpea is a key feature of cropping systems in the studied area. Our findings highlight the high diversity of local cowpea varieties with 59 local names inventoried. In 75% of cases, the name refers to the seed's morphology or color. Cowpea production is more diverse in Diourbel and Louga and less diverse in the south. More than half the farmers (57%) acquired their cowpea seeds (early, semi-early and late maturity varieties) outside their village, either from markets, seed suppliers or NGOs. This new understanding of farmers' expertize in the management of cowpea and its local variability will help to valorize local diversity in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Many plant species simultaneously interact with multiple symbionts, which can, but do not always, generate synergistic benefits for their host. We ask if plant life history (i.e. annual vs perennial) can play an important role in the outcomes of the tripartite symbiosis of legumes, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and rhizobia.We performed a meta‐analysis of 88 studies examining outcomes of legume–AMF–rhizobia interactions on plant and microbial growth.Perennial legumes associating with AMF and rhizobia grew larger than expected based on their response to either symbiont alone (i.e. their response to co‐inoculation was synergistic). By contrast, annual legume growth with co‐inoculation did not differ from additive expectations. AMF and rhizobia differentially increased phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) tissue concentration. Rhizobium nodulation increased with mycorrhizal fungi inoculation, but mycorrhizal fungi colonization did not increase with rhizobium inoculation. Microbial responses to co‐infection were significantly correlated with synergisms in plant growth.Our work supports a balanced plant stoichiometry mechanism for synergistic benefits. We find that synergisms are in part driven by reinvestment in complementary symbionts, and that time‐lags in realizing benefits of reinvestment may limit synergisms in annuals. Optimization of microbiome composition to maximize synergisms may be critical to productivity, particularly for perennial legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gall cytological, metabolic, and structural traits are established due to the feeding habits of the associated galling herbivores, and sometimes are influenced by other organisms involved in the interaction. We tested this assumption on three gall morphotypes, the globoid, the lenticular, and the fusiform, induced by Cecidomyiidae on leaflets of Inga ingoides (Rich.) Willd. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). Taking for granted that the three Cecidomyiidae galls are induced on the same host plant and organ, we assume that the cytological and histochemical traits of their nutritive cells may be similar, but under the fungi influence, the ambrosia gall cytological profile may be peculiar and reflect on the accumulation of primary metabolites. The ambrosia globoid galls involve three organisms (host plant, gall inducer, and fungi), while the fusiform and the lenticular galls involve two organisms (host plant and gall inducer). The accumulation of primary metabolites is similar among the three gall morphotypes, except for the non-detection of reducing sugars in the fusiform galls. The fungi presence can impact the system but does not define exclusive features for the ambrosia globoid galls when compared to the lenticular and fusiform morphotypes. In fact, the cytological traits have revealed three different cytological mechanisms for food resources availability to the three galling Cecidomyiidae: (a) cell wall destructuring and cell death by fungi intermediation in the ambrosia globoid galls, (b) necrosis-type cell death in the fusiform galls, and (c) maintenance of continuous metabolic activity in the lenticular galls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydrins (DHNs) play crucial roles in a broad spectrum of abiotic stresses in model plants. However, the evolutionary role of DHNs has not been explored, and the function of DHN proteins is largely unknown in Ammopiptanthus nanus (A. nanus), an ancient and endangered legume species from the deserts of northwestern China. In this study, we isolated a drought-response gene (c195333_g1_i1) from a drought-induced RNA-seq library of A. nanus. Evolutionary bioinformatics showed that c195333_g1_i1 is an ortholog of Arabidopsis DHN, and we renamed it AnDHN. Moreover, DHN proteins may define a class of proteins that are evolutionarily conserved in all angiosperms that have experienced a contraction during the evolution of legumes. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing AnDHN exhibited morpho-physiological changes, such as an increased germination rate, higher relative water content (RWC), higher proline (PRO) content, increased peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities, lower contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 and O2–, and longer root length. Our results showed that the transgenic lines had improved drought resistance with deep root system architecture, excellent water retention, increased osmotic adjustment, and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Furthermore, the transgenic lines also had enhanced salt and cold tolerance. Our findings demonstrate that AnDHN may be a good candidate gene for improving abiotic stress tolerance in crops. Key Message: Using transcriptome analysis in Ammopiptanthus nanus , we isolated a drought-responsive gene, AnDHN , that plays a key role in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in plants, with strong functional diversification in legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to provide preliminary information regarding the nutritional quality of Calobota sericea, a preferred perennial legume forage species from the water-limited rangelands of South Africa. Calobota sericea plant samples were collected from the Namaqualand rangelands in the wet and dry season and analysed for secondary compounds, fibre, protein and mineral nutrient content. The results from the fibre analyses were used to determine the digestibility and energy content of fodders. Preliminary results indicate that C. sericea fodders are of better nutritional quality in the wet season and that protein content, digestibility and energy content is sufficient for maintenance of lambs and dry ewes. The energy content, however, was not sufficient for maintenance of pregnant and lactating ewes. Furthermore, certain mineral nutrients (Na, P and K) were not found in sufficient concentrations in this species, and it was thus suggested that further investigation is needed into whether fertilisation could potentially improve the protein, digestibility and mineral nutrient content of C. sericea fodders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere is about 78%, but most plants are not able to acquire it directly from the atmosphere. One of the most common ways for binding atmospheric nitrogen is the development of an efficient symbiotic system between legumes and rhizobia. The aim of this study was to compare how different legumes and rhizobia symbiosis systems affect the concentrations of nutrients and other elements in soya and faba beans. Seeds of plants were inoculated with a preparation of rhizobia just before sowing. Plant samples were collected at the flowering stage (vegetative parts) and during harvest (seeds). Samples were air-dried and analysed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Total nitrogen and carbon concentrations were determined with an elemental analyser (EA). The obtained results showed that inoculation of legume plants with rhizobia not only affected nitrogen uptake by plants but also uptake of other elements. Inoculation had an effect on mineral element uptake for both faba bean and soybean leaves, where a significant increase in Mg, P, K, and Ca was observed. Treatment of legume plants with rhizobia caused a decrease of P and K concentrations in seeds, and there were changes in Fe and Mn concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Phosphorus (P) deficiency adversely affects nodule development as reflected by reduced nodule fresh weight in legume plants. Though mechanisms underlying nodule adaptation to P deficiency have been studied extensively, it remains largely unknown which regulator mediates nodule adaptation to P deficiency. In this study, GUS staining and quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR analysis reveal that the SPX member GmSPX5 is preferentially expressed in soybean (Glycine max) nodules. Overexpression of GmSPX5 enhanced soybean nodule development particularly under phosphate (Pi) sufficient conditions. However, the Pi concentration was not affected in soybean tissues (i.e., leaves, roots, and nodules) of GmSPX5 overexpression or suppression lines, which distinguished it from other well‐known SPX members functioning in control of Pi homeostasis in plants. Furthermore, GmSPX5 was observed to interact with the transcription factor GmNF‐YC4 in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of either GmSPX5 or GmNF‐YC4 significantly upregulated the expression levels of five asparagine synthetase‐related genes (i.e., GmASL2–6) in soybean nodules. Meanwhile, yeast one‐hybrid and luciferase activity assays strongly suggested that interactions of GmSPX5 and GmNF‐YC4 activate GmASL6 expression through enhancing GmNF‐YC4 binding of the GmASL6 promoter. These results not only demonstrate the GmSPX5–GmNF‐YC4–GmASL6 regulatory pathway mediating soybean nodule development, but also considerably improve our understanding of SPX functions in legume crops. Significance Statement: The soybean (Glycine max) SPX member GmSPX5 is preferentially expressed in nodules. GmSPX5 overexpression or suppression did not affect the phosphate (Pi) concentration in soybean tissues, which distinguished it from other SPX members functioning in control of Pi homeostasis in plants. Furthermore, GmSPX5 interacted with GmNF‐YC4, and their overexpression led to upregulation of the expression of five asparagine synthetase‐related genes in soybean nodules. These results suggest that the GmSPX5–GmNF‐YC4 regulatory pathway mediates soybean nodule growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homologs of qseG gene (coding for the membrane protein QseG), along with the qseEF genes, are present in many Enterobacteriaceae; however, its role in non-pathogenic strains is still unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the role of QseG protein of a plant-associated enterobacterium in the interactions with its legume host and in the benefits induced by this enterobacterium in the Mesorhizobium–chickpea symbiosis. Here, we showed that QseG of Kosakonia sp. MH5 is involved in the following processes: (i) the evasion of the plant immune system and (ii) the efficient colonization of chickpea root cells. Furthermore, these features are essential for the beneficial effects of this strain on the Mesorhizobium–chickpea symbiosis. This study demonstrates that the role of QseG is transversal to pathogenic and non-pathogenic enterobacteria and is a step forward to better understanding the molecular bases of plant–bacteria interactions established between legume and beneficial endophytic enterobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organismal response to climate change may affect long‐term conservation plans. However, how climate change affects the distribution and conservation status of some plant species is still being debated. To test this, we selected four economically important legume species (Adenocarpus mannii, Afzelia bella, Afzelia bipindensis and Baphia nitida) from the Nigeria–Cameroon border in West Africa. The link between climate change and the species distribution range was predicted using the ensemble species distribution model (ESDM). Our analyses revealed the precipitation of the coldest period (50%) and precipitation of the driest period (40%) as the most important environmental variables influencing the distribution of the studied species. The projection shows independent habitat shifts (gain/loss) of the species consequent to climate change in the future (2050 and 2070). Despite the restricted coverage of occupancy for the selected species, our estimated species distribution range from the ESDM agrees with the current IUCN conservation status (least concern) for A. mannii. Hence, our results suggest that species distribution modelling at local habitats could yield insights into global species conservation assessments. Our findings highlighted the need for conservation through regulated land use in Dibombari highland, Cameroon Mountain (Cameroon) and the forests around Oban hills in Nigeria due to projected high species loss consequent to climate change. Thus, we recommend ecological niche modelling with extensive field surveys across the entire geographic range of these species for robust inferences that allow comparisons with the IUCN status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ancestral adaptations in crop wild relatives can provide a genetic reservoir for crop improvement. Here we document physiological changes to mild and severe drought stress, and the associated transcriptome dynamics in both wild and cultivated chickpea. Over 60% of transcriptional changes were related to metabolism, indicating that metabolic plasticity is a core and conserved drought response. In addition, changes in RNA processing and protein turnover were predominant in the data, suggestive of broad restructuring of the chickpea proteome in response to drought. While 12% of the drought‐responsive transcripts have similar dynamics in cultivated and wild accessions, numerous transcripts had expression patterns unique to particular genotypes, or that distinguished wild from cultivated genotypes and whose divergence may be a consequence of domestication. These and other comparisons provide a transcriptional correlate of previously described species' genetic diversity, with wild accessions well differentiated from each other and from cultivars, and cultivars essentially indistinguishable at the broad transcriptome level. We identified metabolic pathways such as phenylpropanoid metabolism, and biological processes such as stomatal development, which are differentially regulated across genotypes with potential consequences on drought tolerance. These data indicate that wild Cicer reticulatum may provide both conserved and divergent mechanisms as a resource in breeding for drought tolerance in cultivated chickpea. Significance Statement: Wild relatives of crops have the potential to expand both the breadth and nature of agronomic traits in their related crop species. By differential expression and co‐expression analysis, we document both conserved and diverged expression patterns in wild and cultivated chickpea gene families involved in plant development, metabolism and signaling. Here we identify genes and biological processes that are candidates for breeding for drought tolerance in the chickpea crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Most plant–microbe interactions are facultative, with microbes experiencing temporally and spatially variable selection. How this variation affects microbial evolution is poorly understood. Given its tractability and ecological and agricultural importance, the legume–rhizobia nitrogen‐fixing symbiosis is a powerful model for identifying traits and genes underlying bacterial fitness. New technologies allow high‐throughput measurement of the relative fitness of bacterial mutants, strains and species in mixed inocula in the host, rhizosphere and soil environments. I consider how host genetic variation (G × G), other environmental factors (G × E), and host life‐cycle variation may contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation and adaptive trajectories of rhizobia – and, potentially, other facultative symbionts. Lastly, I place these findings in the context of developing beneficial inoculants in a changing climate. Liana T. Burghardt is the winner of the 2018 New Phytologist Tansley Medal for excellence in plant science. See Lennon & Dolan, in this issue of New Phytologist (2020, 228: 5) for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription infidelity (TI) is a mechanism that increases RNA and protein diversity. We found that single-base omissions (i.e., gaps) occurred at significantly higher rates in the RNA of highly allergenic legumes. Transcripts from peanut, soybean, sesame, and mite allergens contained a higher density of gaps than those of nonallergens. Allergen transcripts translate into proteins with a cationic carboxy terminus depleted in hydrophobic residues. In mice, recombinant TI variants of the peanut allergen Ara h 2, but not the canonical allergen itself, induced, without adjuvant, the production of anaphylactogenic specific IgE (sIgE), binding to linear epitopes on both canonical and TI segments of the TI variants. The removal of cationic proteins from bovine lactoserum markedly reduced its capacity to induce sIgE. In peanut-allergic children, the sIgE reactivity was directed toward both canonical and TI segments of Ara h 2 variants. We discovered 2 peanut allergens, which we believe to be previously unreported, because of their RNA-DNA divergence gap patterns and TI peptide amino acid composition. Finally, we showed that the sIgE of children with IgE-negative milk allergy targeted cationic proteins in lactoserum. We propose that it is not the canonical allergens, but their TI variants, that initiate sIgE isotype switching, while both canonical and TI variants elicit clinical allergic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes are the second most important family of crop plants. One defining feature of legumes is their unique ability to establish a nitrogen-fixing root nodule symbiosis with soil bacteria known as rhizobia. Since domestication from their wild relatives, crop legumes have been under intensive breeding to improve yield and other agronomic traits but with little attention paid to the belowground symbiosis traits. Theoretical models predict that domestication and breeding processes, coupled with high−input agricultural practices, might have reduced the capacity of crop legumes to achieve their full potential of nitrogen fixation symbiosis. Testing this prediction requires characterizing symbiosis traits in wild and breeding populations under both natural and cultivated environments using genetic, genomic, and ecological approaches. However, very few experimental studies have been dedicated to this area of research. Here, we review how legumes regulate their interactions with soil rhizobia and how domestication, breeding and agricultural practices might have affected nodulation capacity, nitrogen fixation efficiency, and the composition and function of rhizobial community. We also provide a perspective on how to improve legume-rhizobial symbiosis in sustainable agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is one of the most consumed legumes worldwide. Among their benefits are the high protein concentration that reflects not only at the nutritional level but also on the supply of active peptides; besides, it presents different metabolites with pharmacological activities. Some biological activities identified in the different compounds of chickpea are antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, and anticancer. Although most reports are based on the effects of the proteins and their hydrolysates, alcoholic extracts have also been proven that contain phenolic compounds, saponins, phytates, among others; therefore, their consumption has been dubbed as an alternative for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. In the present review, we summarize the nutritional composition of the chickpea and describe the main biological activities reported for this legume, revealing some of its beneficial effects on health, of which there is still much to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Legumes are an excellent plant source of the limiting indispensable amino acid (IAA) lysine in vegetarian, cereal-based diets. However, their digestibility is poor largely because of their antiprotease content. Extrusion can enhance digestibility by inactivating trypsin inhibitors and thus potentially improve the protein quality of legumes.Objective: We measured the digestibility of extruded chickpea and yellow pea protein with use of a dual stable isotope method in moderately stunted South Indian primary school children.Methods: Twenty-eight moderately stunted children (height-for-age z scores <-2.0 SD and >-3.0 SD) aged 6-11 y from low to middle socioeconomic status were randomly assigned to receive a test protein (extruded intrinsically [2H]-labeled chickpea or yellow pea) along with a standard of U-[13C]-spirulina protein to measure amino acid (AA) digestibility with use of a dual stable isotope method. Individual AA digestibility in the test protein was calculated by the ratios of AA enrichments in the test protein to the standard protein in the food and their appearance in blood plasma collected at 6 and 6.5 h during the experiment, representing a plateau state.Results: The mean AA digestibility of extruded chickpea and yellow pea protein in moderately stunted children (HAZ; -2.86 to -1.2) was high and similar in both extruded test proteins (89.0% and 88.0%, respectively, P = 0.83). However, lysine and proline digestibilities were higher in extruded chickpea than yellow pea (79.2% compared with 76.5% and 75.0% compared with 72.0%, respectively, P < 0.02).Conclusion: Extruded chickpea and yellow pea protein had good IAA digestibility in moderately stunted children, which was 20% higher than an earlier report of their digestibility when pressure-cooked, measured by the same method in adults. Higher digestibility of lysine and proline highlights better retention of these AA in chickpea during extrusion-based processing. Extrusion might be useful for developing high-quality protein foods from legumes. This trial was registered at www.ctri.nic.in as CTRI/2018/03/012439. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field pea (Pisumsativum L. ssp. sativum) is a universal pulse crop. One of the actual problems in its production is the influence of weather condition on the variability of pea economic characters and its properties. The purpose of the research (2009-2018) was to compare the vegetation period and interstage periods of the Hangildin and Chishminskiy 229 pea varieties with weather condition and seed yield. According to the results of the conducted research, it can be seen that the duration of the vegetation period and the yield of field pea grain was influenced by weather condition. The average daily air temperature affected the duration of the sowingsprouting period in pea varieties Hangildin and Chishminskiy 229. The duration of the two periods (sprouting-flowering and flowering-ripeness) was influenced by features of the used varieties and the temperature condition (r = -0.472, the link is significant and r = -0.788). The duration of the sprouting-ripeness period depended on the average daily temperatures (r = -0.481), the amount of precipitation (r = 0.937), and the HTC (hydrothermal coefficient) (r = 0.927). Precipitation increased the duration of the full vegetation period (r = 0.892). On average, over 10 years of research on field pea it should be noted that there wasa close relationship between the duration of its vegetation period (r = 0.844), the duration of the flowering-ripeness period (r = 0.679) and the yield of seeds. The relationship between the seed yield and the sowing - sprouting period (r = 0.451) and between the seed yield and the sprouting - flowering period (r = 0.446) was revealed. The connection was found positive. The connection with the average daily air temperature of this period was negative (r = -0.213). The results of the research can be successfully used during cultivation of domestic and foreign varieties of field pea. In international practice, the results of this experiment can be successfully applied in selective improvement of field pea and the development of new, high-tech varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of tea polyphenols and ultraviolet radiation on the growth and antioxidant activity of mung bean sprouts were investigated, followed by the changes in corresponding antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolite composition. The growth of mung bean sprouts was slightly decreased by tea polyphenols and ultraviolet radiation, but the antioxidant activity was increased. The activities of peroxidase and catalase were decreased, and the contents of vitamin C, γ-aminobutyric acid and total phenols were significantly increased by tea polyphenol treatment. While the activities of peroxidase and catalase increased by ultraviolet radiation with concomitant increase in the contents of vitamin C and total phenols. The mung bean sprouts produced following imposition of stressors such as tea polyphenols and ultraviolet radiation from stress conditions could be used as a potential functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The non-dairy sector is growing, fermented alternatives to dairy are sparse. Adapted starter cultures to substituting raw materials needs to be developed. Objective: Aims of this study were to isolate, identify, and phenotypically characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that inhabit Swedish legumes, and assess properties necessary for selecting strains with the ability to ferment a bean beverage and with potential health beneficial properties. Design: Isolates of presumed LAB were obtained from legumes collected at Öland, Sweden. Strain diversity was assessed by repetitive polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR). The strains were identified using matrix- assisted laser desorption/ionization--time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Species belonging to Enterococcus were predominant along with Pediococcus and closely related Bacillus. Strains were tested for tolerance to low pH, phenol, and bile as well as their bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. In addition, Enterococcus strains were tested for antibiotic resistance, and Pediococcus strains for their ability to ferment a bean beverage. Results: From the 25 strains char acterized, five were found resistant to low pH, bile, and phenol, suggesting that they can survive a passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and hence potentially exert beneficial effects in the host. These are suggested for further investigation on specific host-beneficial properties. Two of these, belonging to Pediococ cus pentosaceus, were able to ferment a bean beverage without any added nutrients, indicating that the Pediococcus strains are well adapted to the bean substrate. One of the P. pentosaceus strains were also able to markedly improve the reduction of phytate by the phytase-producing yeast strain Pichia kudriavzevii TY1322 during co-fermentation as well as increase the final cell count of the yeast strain. Conclusion: Strain isolation and characterization performed in this study aids in selecting starter cultures for legume fermentation. Nutritional properties can be improved by co-fermentation with yeast indicating that novel nutritious fermented non-dairy products could be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific relationships are fundamental to maintain ecological processes, and are particularly important for the recovery of plant cover in severely degraded sites. An experiment was set up to evaluate pairs of Pinus pseudostrobus–Eysenhardtia polystachya plants, the first inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius and the second inoculated with P. tinctorius and/or Rhizophagus intraradices, plus inoculation controls, and phosphorus fertilization. Growth and biomass were measured as response variables. For the pines, only height and number of branches responded to factors directly applied to the tree: fertilization and inoculation with Pisolithus tinctorius. However, these variables also responded to inoculation of the legume with Rhizophagus intraradices, implying an indirect effect on the pine plant. Furthermore, this indirect effect was significant for pine biomass accumulation. Fertilization had a positive and significant effect for the legume plants increasing the values for almost all of the variables (apart from branch length) but for some variables the simultaneous presence of both mycorrhizal fungi was detrimental. Different combinations of fertilization and inoculation benefit growth of the pines and the legumes. When environmental restoration of production systems is considered, either conditions favoring the legume can be achieved (if protection of the soil in the short-term is desirable), or conditions favoring the pines can be implemented (if favoring the tree species is preferable). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutualistic plant-microbe associations are widespread in natural ecosystems and have made major contributions throughout the evolutionary history of terrestrial plants. Amongst the most remarkable of these are the so-called root endosymbioses, resulting from the intracellular colonization of host tissues by either arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or nitrogen-fixing bacteria that both provide key nutrients to the host in exchange for energy-rich photosynthates. Actinorhizal host plants, members of the Eurosid 1 clade, are able to associate with both AM fungi and nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes known as Frankia. Currently, little is known about the molecular signaling that allows these plants to recognize their fungal and bacterial partners. In this article, we describe the use of an in vivo Ca2+ reporter to identify symbiotic signaling responses to AM fungi in roots of both Casuarina glauca and Discaria trinervis, actinorhizal species with contrasting modes of Frankia colonization. This approach has revealed that, for both actinorhizal hosts, the short-chain chitin oligomer chitotetraose is able to mimic AM fungal exudates in activating the conserved symbiosis signaling pathway (CSSP) in epidermal root cells targeted by AM fungi. These results mirror findings in other AM host plants including legumes and the monocot rice. In addition, we show that chitotetraose is a more efficient elicitor of CSSP activation compared to AM fungal lipo-chitooligosaccharides. These findings reinforce the likely role of short-chain chitin oligomers during the initial stages of the AM association, and are discussed in relation to both our current knowledge about molecular signaling during Frankia recognition as well as the different microsymbiont root colonization mechanisms employed by actinorhizal hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]