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Drought-response-element binding (DREB)-like transcription factors can significantly enhance plant tolerance to water stress. However, most research on DREB-like proteins to date has been conducted in growth chambers or greenhouses, so there is very little evidence available to support their practical use in the field. In this study, we overexpressed GmDREB1 from soybean in two popular wheat varieties and conducted drought-tolerance experiments across a range of years, sites, and drought-stress regimes. We found that the transgenic plants consistently exhibited significant improvements in yield performance and a variety of physiological traits compared with wild-type plants when grown under limited water conditions in the field, for example showing grain yield increases between 4.79–18.43%. Specifically, we found that the transgenic plants had reduced membrane damage and enhanced osmotic adjustment and photosynthetic efficiency compared to the non-transgenic controls. Three enzymes from the biosynthetic pathway of the phytohormone melatonin were up-regulated in the transgenic plants, and external application of melatonin was found to improve drought tolerance. Together, our results demonstrate the utility of transgenic overexpression of GmDREB1 to improve the drought tolerance of wheat in the field.

The plant cuticle, a protective barrier against external stresses, and abscisic acid (ABA), a key phytohormone, are crucial for plant growth and stress responses. Heterologous expression of AtNCED3 in plants has been widely studied. In this research, by comparing the japonica rice cultivar Zhonghua 10 and its AtNCED3 over-expressing lines during the vegetative growth stage through multiple methods, we found that AtNCED3 over-expression increased leaf ABA content, enhanced epidermal wax and cutin accumulation, modified wax crystal density, and thickened the cuticle. These changes reduced leaf epidermal permeability and the transpiration rate, thus enhancing drought tolerance. This study helps understand the role of endogenous ABA in rice cuticle synthesis and its mechanism in plant drought tolerance, offering potential for genetic improvement of drought resistance in crops.

Background The rheological properties of wheat dough exert a profound influence on the baking process and the quality of the final food products. Previous studies have partially elucidated the genetic basis of wheat flour rheological characteristics; however, multi-locus genome-wide association studies (ML-GWAS) investigating these traits under multi-year single-location field trials remain scarce and have yielded highly variable results. Therefore, the identification of stable genetic loci associated with dough rheological properties has become particularly critical. Results This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of a diverse natural population comprising 273 wheat varieties (lines) using a 55 K SNP array and an ML-GWAS model. This approach identified with high precision 239 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) significantly associated with wheat flour dough rheological properties. Among these QTNs, 13 mono-effect QTNs were consistently detected across at least two environments and two distinct models, with only 3 classified as major-effect QTNs. Additionally, 7 pleiotropic QTNs were identified. Eleven of the mono-effect QTNs exhibited significant differences in phenotypic traits, while 3 pleiotropic QTNs demonstrated highly significant differences across all associated traits. Within a 4 Mb flanking region surrounding these major-effect and pleiotropic QTNs, a total of 606 genes were co-annotated. Gene annotation indicated these genes primarily participate in critical biological functions, including protein modification and degradation, and the regulation of seed development and maturation. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis rigorously screened 18 promising candidate genes, and their expression profiles were analyzed throughout wheat tissue development and endosperm maturation. Ultimately, 6 SNP loci and 9 key candidate genes strongly linked to wheat flour dough rheological properties were identified. Conclusions This study employed ML-GWAS combined with the 55 K SNP array to analyze six dough rheological traits in 273 wheat germplasm accessions. SNP loci and candidate genes associated with dough rheological properties were identified, advancing molecular breeding technology in wheat and thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for genetic improvement and the cultivation of high-quality varieties.

Background The BRI1-EMS SUPPRESSOR1 ( BES1 ) gene family was initially recognized as specifically regulating brassinosteroids to mediate gene expression, which is of vital significance for plant growth and enhancing stress tolerance. Despite extensive studies in multiple plants, there has been a lack of focused and systematic analysis of BES1s in wheat grains. Results In this study, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the BES1s in wheat, utilizing the latest genomics data from the Chinese Spring. A total of 19 TaBES1 were identified. An analysis of conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, and gene structure revealed a significant level of conservation among TaBES1 s . A gene collinearity analysis indicated that fragment duplication was the primary mechanism responsible for the amplification of TaBES1s . Furthermore, cis -acting elements within the promoters of TaBES1s were found to be implicated in grain development. Subsequently, SNP analysis revealed the genetic variation of TaBES1s across different wheat varieties. Moreover, published RNA-seq data were used, and RNA-seqs of Yaomai36, Pinyu8175, Pinyu8155, and Yaomai30 were performed to identify TaBES1s influencing grain development. Finally, the research found that TaBES1s had no self-activating activity in wheat. However, the interacting proteins of TaBES1-1 and TaBES1-4 are not only involved in starch metabolism but may also be implicated in cell signal transduction. Conclusions This study further confirmed the potential function of BES1s in the grain development of wheat. These findings that BES1s play a regulatory role in wheat grain development provide a foundation for further understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying crop grain development.

Background YABBYs are plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Despite extensive studies in various plant species, a systematic analysis of YABBYs in wheat grains is still lacking. Results In this study, 21 TaYABBYs were identified using the Chinese Spring wheat genome database and were divided into four subfamilies through phylogenetic analysis. Gene collinearity analysis revealed the evolutionary characteristics of the TaYABBYs . Analysis of cis-acting elements in the promoter region identified elements related to endosperm development. SNP analysis uncovered genetic variations within the YABBY gene family. Meanwhile, RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR techniques were employed to explore the expression patterns of TaYABBYs , and the results showed that these genes are differentially expressed in different wheat tissues. Additionally, we selected TaYABBY4A from the CRC subfamily for overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana to verify the function of TaYABBY s. Overexpression of the TaYABBY4A in Arabidopsis resulted in delayed bolting and flowering, as well as reductions in the number and diameter of rosette leaves and seed size. Conclusions This study further confirms that the YABBY gene family plays an important regulatory role in the growth and development of wheat, providing a reference for in-depth exploration of the functions of YABBY s in wheat.

Maintaining the long-term viability of a wheat–maize planting system, particularly the synchronous improvement of crop production and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, is crucial for ensuring food security in the North China Plain. A field experiment in which wheat–maize was regarded as an integral fertilization unit was carried out in Shanxi Province, China, adopting a split-plot design with different distribution ratios of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer between wheat and maize seasons in the main plot (A) (a ratio of 3:0, A1; a ratio of 2:1, A2) and different application rates of pure nitrogen (N) during the entire wheat and maize growth period (B) (450 kg·ha−1, B1; 600 kg·ha−1, B2). Moreover, no fertilization was used in the entire wheat and maize growth period for the control (CK). The findings showed that A2B1 treatment led to the highest response, with an average wheat yield of 7.75 t·ha−1 and an average maize yield of 8.40 t·ha−1 over the last 9 years. The highest SOC content (15.13 g·kg−1), storage (34.20 t·ha−1), and sequestration (7.11 t·ha−1) were also observed under the A2B1 treatment. Both enhanced crop yield and SOC sequestration resulted from improvements in cumulative carbon (C) input, soil nutrients, and stoichiometry under the A2B1 treatment. It was confirmed that total N (TN), alkali-hydrolysable N (AN), available P (AP), available K (AK), and the ratios of C:K, N:K, and N:P had positive effects on crop yield through the labile components of SOC and on SOC sequestration through microbial necromass C. To conclude, our findings highlight the urgent need to optimize fertilizer management strategies to improve crop production and SOC sequestration in the North China Plain.

为探讨小麦专用肥配施改良剂的肥效，明确其对旱地强筋小麦产量、根系发育、品质及养分、肥水效率的影响，于2021—2023年定位研究了不施氮肥（CK）、农民习惯施肥（FP）、小麦专用肥（T1）、小麦专用肥+秸秆原位腐熟剂（T2）、小麦专用肥+秸秆原位腐熟剂+羧甲基纤维素钾（T3）处理下，旱地强筋小麦的产量及其构成、根系发育、品质及养分、肥水效率。结果表明：与FP处理相比，T2、T3处理籽粒产量及其构成因素均呈上升趋势，分别增产5.89%和11.53%；地上部生物量分别增加3.67%和4.26%；蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量和籽粒养分均有所增加；氮肥农学效率分别提高 43.42%和 70.55%；肥料偏生产力分别增加 5.93%和 7.77%；氮肥利用率分别提高10.78个百分点和27.73个百分点；经济效益分别增长5.13%和12.01%。T2处理下，面团的粉质特性和拉伸特性指标均表现最好。研究表明，N∶P2O5∶K2O配比为21∶18∶5的小麦专用肥配施秸秆腐熟剂和保水剂可提高旱地小麦产量和肥水效率。The study focused on providing a basis for rational fertilization of the effects of special wheat fertilizer combined with improver on yield, root development, quality, nutrient, and fertilizer and water utilization of strong gluten wheat in dry land. In 2021—2023, the effects of no nitrogen application（CK）, conventional nitrogen application rate（FP）, wheat special fertilizer, and modified agent（T1, T2, T3）on wheat yield, root system, quality, nutrient, fertilizer and water efficiency of dryland wheat were studied. The results showed that compared with those of FP

The NF-YA gene family is a highly conserved transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to various stresses. Despite extensive studies in multiple plants, there has been a dearth of focused and systematic analysis on NF-YA genes in wheat grains. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the NF-YA gene family in wheat, using the latest genomic data from the Chinese Spring. A total of 19 TaNF-YA genes were identified. An analysis of conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, and gene structure indicated a significant degree of conservation among TaNF-YAs. A gene collinearity analysis demonstrated that fragment duplication was the predominant mechanism driving the amplification of TaNF-YAs. Furthermore, cis-acting elements within the promoters of TaNF-YAs were found to be implicated in grain development. Subsequently, SNP analysis revealed the genetic variation in the NF-YA gene family in different wheat. Moreover, published RNA-seq data were used and RNA-seqs of Pinyu8155, Yaomai30, Yaomai36, and Pinyu8175 were performed to identify TaNF-YAs influencing grain development. Finally, it was found that NF-YAs had no self-activating activity in wheat. This study provides key candidate genes for the exploration of grain development in the wheat filling stage and also lays a foundation for further research on the regulation of starch and protein synthesis and accumulation.

Summary Genetically enhancing drought tolerance and nutrient use efficacy enables sustainable and stable wheat production in drought‐prone areas exposed to water shortages and low soil fertility, due to global warming and declining natural resources. In this study, wheat plants, exhibiting improved drought tolerance and N‐use efficacy, were developed by introducing GmTDN1, a gene encoding a DREB‐like transcription factor, into two modern winter wheat varieties, cv Shi4185 and Jimai22. Overexpressing GmTDN1 in wheat resulted in significantly improved drought and low‐N tolerance under drought and N‐deficient conditions in the greenhouse. Field trials conducted at three different locations over a period of 2–3 consecutive years showed that both Shi4185 and Jimai22 GmTDN1 transgenic lines were agronomically superior to wild‐type plants, and produced significantly higher yields under both drought and N‐deficient conditions. No yield penalties were observed in these transgenic lines under normal well irrigation conditions. Overexpressing GmTDN1 enhanced photosynthetic and osmotic adjustment capacity, antioxidant metabolism, and root mass of wheat plants, compared to those of wild‐type plants, by orchestrating the expression of a set of drought stress‐related genes as well as the nitrate transporter, NRT2.5. Furthermore, transgenic wheat with overexpressed NRT2.5 can improve drought tolerance and nitrogen (N) absorption, suggesting that improving N absorption in GmTDN1 transgenic wheat may contribute to drought tolerance. These findings may lead to the development of new methodologies with the capacity to simultaneously improve drought tolerance and N‐use efficacy in cereal crops to ensure sustainable agriculture and global food security.