chlorophyll-a and brassinolide

Drought stress is one of most dramatic abiotic stresses, reduces crop yield significantly. Application of hormones proved as an effective drought stress ameliorating approach. 24-Epibrassinolide (EBL), an active by-product from brassinolide biosynthesis increases drought stress tolerance in plants significantly. EBL application enhances plant growth and development under drought stress by acting as signalling compound in different physiological processes. This article discussed potential role of 24-epibrassinolide application and drought tolerance in plants. Briefly, EBL sustains or improves plant growth and yield by enhancing carbon assimilation rate, maintaining a balance between ROS and antioxidants and also plays important role in solute accumulation and water relations. Furthermore, we also compared different EBL application methods and concluded that seed priming and foliar application are more productive as compared with root application method. In conclusion, EBL is very impressive phyto-hormone, which can ameliorate drought stress induced detrimental effects in plants.

Topics: Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Dehydration; Oxidation-Reduction; Photosynthesis; Plant Development; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants; Steroids, Heterocyclic

Chlorpyrifos (CP) is a commonly used organophosphorous pesticide that is frequently utilised in the agricultural industry because of its great efficiency and inexpensive cost. The focus of the present study was to assess the impact of CP toxicity on Brassica juncea L. and to unravel the ameliorative potential of phytohormone, 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) mediated plant-microbe (Pseudomonas aeruginosa (B1), Burkholderia gladioli (B2)) interaction in B. juncea L. The maximum significant increment in the total chlorophyll, carotenoids, xanthophyll, anthocyanin and flavonoid content with EBL and B2 treatment in CP stressed B. juncea seedlings on spectrophotometric analysis were observed. Autofluorescence imaging of photosynthetic pigments i.e. chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total phenols with confocal microscopy showed maximum fluorescence with EBL and B2. Furthermore, when compared to CP stressed seedlings, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of the abaxial surface of leaves revealed a recovery in stomatal opening. The supplementation of EBL and PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) improved the level of psb A (D1 subunit PSII) and psb B (CP 47 subunit of PSII) genes expression. The expression analysis of chalcone synthase (CHS), Phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), Phyotene synthase (PSY) with RT-PCR system showed up-regulation in the expression when supplemented with EBL and PGPR. As a result, the current study suggests that EBL and PGPR together, can reduce CP-induced toxicity in B. juncea seedlings and recovering the seedling biomass.

Topics: Brassinosteroids; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Chlorpyrifos; Mustard Plant; Seedlings

Due to the factor of water deficit, which has placed human food security at risk by causing a 20% annual reduction in agricultural products, addressing this growing peril necessitates the adoption of inventive strategies aimed at enhancing plant tolerance. One such promising approach is employing elicitors such as 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) and yeast extract, which are potent agents capable of triggering robust defense responses in plants. By employing these elicitors, crops can develop enhanced adaptive mechanisms to combat water deficit and improve their ability to withstand drought condition. This study investigates the impact of different levels of EBR (0, 5, 10 µm) and yeast extract (0 and 12 g/l) on enhancing the tolerance of cowpea to water deficit stress over two growing seasons.. The findings of this study demonstrate that, the combined application of EBR (especially 10 µm) and yeast extract (12 g/l) can increase seed yield (18%), 20-pod weight (16%), the number of pods per plant (18%), total chlorophyll content (90%), and decrease malondialdehyde content (45%) in cowpea, compared to plants grown under water deficit stress without these treatments. Upon implementing these treatments, impressive results were obtained, with the highest recorded values observed for the seed yield (1867.55 kg/ha), 20-pod weight (16.29 g), pods number per plant (9), and total chlorophyll content (19.88 mg g. The comprehensive exploration of the effects of EBR and yeast extract across various levels on cowpea plants facing water deficit stress presents a pivotal contribution to the agricultural domain. This research illuminates a promising trajectory for future agricultural practices and users seeking sustainable solutions to enhance crops tolerance. Overall, the implications drawn from this study contribute significantly towards advancing our understanding of plant responses to water deficit stress while providing actionable recommendations for optimizing crop production under challenging environmental conditions.

Topics: Chlorophyll; Dehydration; Humans; Plant Breeding; Plants; Vigna; Water

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphatases; Adenosine Triphosphate; Brassica; Brassinosteroids; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Chlorophyll; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Emulsions; Energy Metabolism; Enzymes; Food Storage; Oils, Volatile; Particle Size; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Viscosity

Lead is one of the most hazardous pollutants to both the environment as well as human beings. As one of the approaches to enhance phytoremediation, brassinosteroids are predicted as a potential candidate phytohormone for assisted phytoremediation. Few studies have focused on the physiological regulations of tall fescue plants (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), a potential phytoremediation species, for its responses to applications of brassinosteroids under lead stress. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide, a brassinosteroids analogue, on reactive oxygen species accumulation and antioxidative defense systems of tall fescue when exposed to lead, and ultimately its potential to be used in phytoremediation. When exposed to lead (1000 mg/kg) for 80 d, decreases in shoot and root biomass of tall fescue biomass as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid productions were found. Foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide at three rates and five applications every 7 d improved the biomass of both shoots and roots, and increased the photosynthetic pigments. The improved lead tolerance in tall fescue plants after 24-epibrassinolide applications was associated with reduced H

Topics: Antioxidants; Biodegradation, Environmental; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Festuca; Lead; Lipid Peroxidation; Plant Growth Regulators; Reactive Oxygen Species; Soil Pollutants; Steroids, Heterocyclic

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Ascorbic Acid; Brassinosteroids; Catalase; Chlorophyll; Flavonoids; Glutathione; Glycine max; Lactoylglutathione Lyase; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Plant Proteins; Plant Roots; Plant Shoots; Proline; Salt Stress; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiolester Hydrolases; Up-Regulation

Drought stress is a serious threat to agriculture and the environment. Brassinosteroids (BRs) increase tolerance to drought stress of plant. Autophagy plays important roles in plant responses to drought stress; however, there are few reports on autophagy in peach (Prunus persica). In total, 23 putative autophagy-related genes (ATGs) in peach were identified using ATGs from the Arabidopsis thaliana genome as query in BLASTx algorithm-based searches. Under drought stress, the photosynthetic abilities of peach leaves decreased, while antioxidant enzyme activities, autophagy and ATG expression increased. A correlation analysis showed that antioxidant enzyme activities are inversely correlated to the expression levels of the PpATGs. During drought, the PpATG8s and some PpATG18s had the strongest responses. To investigate enhanced drought-stress tolerance, peach was treated with water, 100 nM 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), 1 μM EBR, 10 μM EBR and 1 μM voriconazole. Exogenous EBR at 1 μM decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content under drought stress when compared with water-, 1 μM voriconazole-, 100 nM EBR- and 10 μM EBR-treated peach leaf. The 1-μM EBR application increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione peroxidase (GR) activities during drought stress. In addition, the expression levels of PpATGs were inhibited by EBR. Thus, the 1-μM EBR treatment alleviated drought-stress damage to peach leaves, decreased PpATG expression levels and reduced the number of autophagosomes.

Topics: Arabidopsis; Ascorbate Peroxidases; Autophagosomes; Autophagy; Brassinosteroids; Catalase; Chlorophyll; Dehydration; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Glutathione Peroxidase; Microscopy, Electron; Peroxidase; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Plant Transpiration; Prunus persica; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Superoxide Dismutase

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stress factors that hampers plant growth and productivity by limiting photosynthesis and other related metabolic processes. In this study we investigated whether treatment with proline and/or 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) to two contrasting cultivars of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss viz. Varuna and RH-30 could counteract with the adverse effects of salinity on photosynthesis and seed yield. Plants were treated with proline and/or 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) at 28 and 29d-stages of growth. Salt stress reduced plant growth, photosynthetic attributes, efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), leaf water potential and finally seed yield, at harvest but improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes in both the cultivars in a concentration dependent manner. Exogenous application of EBL with proline completely neutralised the adverse effects of salt at 78 mM or 117 mM stress levels whereas the treatment partially neutralised the impact of highest salt concentration of 156 mM, through the upregulation of the antioxidant system.

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Carbonic Anhydrases; Catalase; Chlorophyll; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Mustard Plant; Peroxidase; Photosynthesis; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Plant Transpiration; Proline; Salt Stress; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Superoxide Dismutase

The aim of current investigation was to perform proteomics and physio-chemical studies to dissect the changes in contrasting varieties (S-22 and PKM-1) of Lycopersicon esculentum under low-temperature stress. Plant grown under variable low-temperature stress were analysed for their growth biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities, and other physiological parameters, which headed toward the determination of protein species responding to low-temperature and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) concentrations. The plants grown under temperatures, 20/14, 12/7, and 10/3 °C recorded significantly lower growth biomarkers, SPAD chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate and carbonic anhydrase activity in S-22 and PKM-1. Moreover, the combined effect of EBL and hydrogen peroxide (H

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Cold Temperature; Hydrogen Peroxide; Photosynthesis; Plant Proteins; Proteomics; Solanum lycopersicum; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Stress, Physiological

Tall fescue is a widely used cool season turfgrass and relatively sensitive to high temperature. Chemical compounds like melatonin (MT) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) have been reported to improve plant heat stress tolerance effectively.. In this study, we reported that MT and EBL pretreated tall fescue seedlings showed decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehide (MDA), but increased chlorophyll (Chl), total protein and antioxidant enzyme activities under heat stress condition, resulting in improved plant growth. Transcriptomic profiling analysis showed that 4311 and 8395 unigenes were significantly changed after 2 h and 12 h of heat treatments, respectively. Among them, genes involved in heat stress responses, DNA, RNA and protein degradation, redox, energy metabolisms, and hormone metabolism pathways were highly induced after heat stress. Genes including FaHSFA3, FaAWPM and FaCYTC2 were significantly upregulated by both MT and EBL treatments, indicating that these genes might function as the putative target genes of MT and EBL.. These findings indicated that heat stress caused extensively transcriptomic reprogramming of tall fescue and exogenous application of MT and EBL effectively improved thermotolerance in tall fescue.

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Energy Metabolism; Festuca; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Heat-Shock Response; Hot Temperature; Melatonin; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Proteins; Seedlings; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Stress, Physiological; Thermotolerance

Salicylic acid (SA), Epi-brassinolide (EBL) and calcium (Ca) play crucial roles in plant development and mediate plant response to biotic and abiotic stress. This study was aimed to investigate the possible mediatory role of SA, EBL, Ca or their combination in protecting tomato plants from cadmium (Cd) toxicity. According to the results, Cd stress resulted in a significant reduction of plant dry mass, photosynthetic pigment content as well as photosynthetic rate. Exogenous application of SA decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level by 39.27% and increased catalase (CAT) activity by 81.17%. SA and EBL treatment significantly increased chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b) content, photosynthetic rate (Pn) as well as water use efficiency (WUE). SA+EBL (1:1)/Ca+SA+EBL (1:1:1) treatment obviously alleviated Cd-induced growth inhibition, the dry mass of different tomato organs were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Especially in Ca+SA+EBL treated plants, the dry mass of roots, stems and leaves increased by 141.18%, 128.57% and 118.52%, respectively. Besides, SA+EBL and Ca+SA+EBL treatments reduced the MDA level, but increased photosynthetic pigment concentration and photosynthetic efficiency. CAT activity was increased by 62.92% in Ca+SA+EBL treated plants, the WUE was increased by 557.76% in SA+EBL pretreated plants. Moreover, exogenous application of SA, SA+EBL and Ca+SA+EBL significantly decreased Cd accumulation in tomato organs (p < 0.05) compared with Cd-stressed plants. Taken together, our results indicated that exogenous application of SA, EBL and Ca individually or in combination could alleviate Cd toxicity in tomato plants, although the extent varies.

Topics: Brassinosteroids; Cadmium; Calcium; Catalase; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Malondialdehyde; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Plant Roots; Salicylic Acid; Seedlings; Solanum lycopersicum; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Stress, Physiological

This study assessed the effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL, 10. The application of 24-EBL and Si, individually and in combination, alleviated the adverse effects of Cd by improving growth, biochemical parameters, nutrient uptake, osmolyte accumulation, and the anti-oxidative defense and glyoxalase systems in Pisum sativum seedlings.

Topics: Antioxidants; Betaine; Brassinosteroids; Cadmium; Chlorophyll; Lactoylglutathione Lyase; Nutrients; Pisum sativum; Plant Leaves; Proline; Pyruvaldehyde; Seedlings; Silicon; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Thiolester Hydrolases

Phytohormone biosynthesis and accumulation are essential for plant growth and development and stress responses. Here, we investigated the effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on physiological and biochemical mechanisms in cucumber leaves under low-temperature stress. The cucumber seedlings were exposed to treatments as follows: NT (normal temperature, 26 °C/18 °C day/night), and three low-temperature (12 °C/8 °C day/night) treatments: CK (low-temperature stress); EBR (low-temperature and 0.1 μM EBR); and BZR (low-temperature and 4 μM BZR, a specific EBR biosynthesis inhibitor). The results indicated that low-temperature stress proportionately decreased cucumber seedling growth and the strong seedling index, chlorophyll (Chl) content, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activities, while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, hormone levels, and EBR biosynthesis gene expression level. However, EBR treatments significantly enhanced cucumber seedling growth and the strong seedling index, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic capacity, activities of antioxidant enzymes, the cell membrane stability, and endogenous hormones, and upregulated EBR biosynthesis gene expression level, while decreasing ROS and the MDA content. Based on these results, it can be concluded that exogenous EBR regulates endogenous hormones by activating at the transcript level EBR biosynthetic genes, which increases antioxidant enzyme capacity levels and reduces the overproduction of ROS and MDA, protecting chlorophyll and photosynthetic machinery, thus improving cucumber seedling growth.

Topics: Adaptation, Biological; Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Cold Temperature; Cucumis sativus; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Photosynthesis; Plant Growth Regulators; Reactive Oxygen Species; Seedlings; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Stress, Physiological

To explore the role of Brassinolide (BR) in improving the tolerance of Sigma Broad in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), effects of 0.1 mg/L of BR foliar application 24 h before 3.37 g/ha of Sigma Broad treatment at five-leaf stage of foxtail millet on growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate (P

Topics: Aerosols; Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Electron Transport; Herbicides; Photosynthesis; Plant Growth Regulators; Setaria Plant; Steroids, Heterocyclic

Greenhouse hydroponic experiments were carried out using three different heavy metal accumulation tobacco genotypes to evaluate how different genotypes responded to chromium (Cr) toxicity in the presence of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR; a biologically active brassinosteroid). The results showed that Cr stress caused a marked reduction in plant biomass, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthesis parameters but induced malondialdehyde accumulation and ultrastructure damage, with 2010-38 (L) less affected. Foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide (0.1 μM) on Cr-stressed plants greatly alleviated Cr-induced inhibition of growth and photosynthesis, oxidative stress and ultrastructure damage, decreased Cr accumulation in different parts of leaves and roots, with the exception of the upper and lower of leaves of genotype L, and maintained ion homeostasis. Regarding genotypes, L was more tolerant than M and H, as it absorbed less Cr and also performed better in all of the studied parameters. These findings suggest a potential role for 24-epibrassinolide in Cr stress alleviation and the utilization of elite genetic resources in future breeding programs to develop low Cr accumulation genotypes. These results advocate a positive role for 24-epibrassinolide in reducing pollutant residues from health point of view.

Topics: Antioxidants; Biomass; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Chromium; Genotype; Malondialdehyde; Nicotiana; Oxidative Stress; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Plant Roots; Seedlings; Steroids, Heterocyclic

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on growth, photosynthetic characteristics, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, and nitrogen metabolism of tomato leaves under low temperature and weak light conditions. The results showed that foliar application of EBR significantly alleviated the inhibition of plant growth, and increased the fresh and dry weights of tomato plants under a combined low temperature and weak light stress. Moreover, EBR also increased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), light saturation point (LSP), maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (ФPSII), and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), but decreased the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), light compensation point (LCP) and apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) under low temperature and weak light conditions. In addition, application of EBR to tomato leaves significantly enhanced the activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT), but decreased the ammonium content and nitrite reductase (NiR) activity. We observed that EBR remarkably increased the contents of aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glycine, and phenylalanine, while decreasing the accumulation of cysteine, methionine, arginine, and proline under a combined low temperature and light stress. These results suggest that EBR could alleviate the combined stress-induced harmful effects on photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism, thus leading to improved plant growth.

Topics: Amino Acids; Ammonium Compounds; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Cold Temperature; Fluorescence; Gases; Glutamate Dehydrogenase; Glutamate Synthase; Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase; Light; Nitrate Reductase; Nitrates; Nitrite Reductases; Nitrogen; Photons; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Seedlings; Solanum lycopersicum; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Stress, Physiological

Pesticides are widely used to protect crop plants from various insect pests. However, application of pesticides causes phytotoxicity to plants which results in their impaired growth and development. Brassinosteroids are well known to protect plants under abiotic stress conditions. The purpose of the present study was to access the ameliorative role of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) in Brassica juncea L. under imidacloprid (IMI) toxicity. B. juncea plants were raised from seeds soaked in 0.1, 1 and 100nM of EBR, and grown in soils amended with 250, 300 and 350mgkg(-1) IMI pesticide, and observed for growth, pigments and photosynthetic parameters after 30, 60 and 90 days of seed sowing. The plants grown in soil treated with IMI exhibited a significant reduction in shoot length, number of leaves, chlorophyll contents and photosynthetic parameters like photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, inter-cellular CO2 and transpiration rate, when compared with their respective controls. However, pigments which act as antioxidants such as carotenoids, anthocyanins and xanthophylls were increased with IMI stress. Pre-sowing seed treatment with EBR decreased the toxic effects of IMI and increased the growth, pigment biosynthesis and photosynthetic parameters of the plants grown in IMI amended soil. Maximum increase in all the growth and photosynthetic parameters was noticed in plants raised from seeds treated with 100nM EBR and grown in IMI amended soil.

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Mustard Plant; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Photosynthesis; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Leaves; Seeds; Soil; Steroids, Heterocyclic

This study was conducted to provide an insight into the effect of Se (through soil) induced changes in Brassica juncea plants in the presence and absence of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL; foliar). The Se treatments showed dual response, 10 μM of Se significantly increased growth, water relations, photosynthetic attributes along with carbonic anhydrase activity whereas its higher concentrations proved inhibitory in concentration dependent manner. The follow-up application of EBL to the Se stressed plants improved growth, water relations, photosynthesis and simultaneously enhanced the various antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase with the excess accumulation of proline. In addition to this, 10 μM Se increases the efficacy of 10(-8) M of EBL and both in combination showed maximum increase for the growth and photosynthetic traits of plants. On the other hand, the elevated level of antioxidant enzymes as well as proline could have conferred tolerance to the Se-stressed plants resulting in improved growth, water relations and photosynthesis.

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Catalase; Chemical Phenomena; Chlorophyll; Mustard Plant; Peroxidase; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Plant Proteins; Proline; Selenium; Soil; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Superoxide Dismutase; Water

Brassinosteroids (BRs) have been implicated to overcome various abiotic stresses, and low temperature stress poses a serious threat to productivity of various horticultural crops like tomato. Therefore, a study was conducted to unravel the possible role of BRs in conferring alleviation to low temperature stress in Lycopersicon esculentum. Twenty-day-old seedlings of tomato var. S-22 (chilling tolerant) and PKM-1 (chilling sensitive) were sown in earthen pots, and at 40 days stage of growth, plants were exposed to varied levels of low temperatures (10/3, 12/7, 20/14, or 25/18 °C) for 24 h in a growth chamber. At 50 days stage of growth, the foliage of plants were sprayed with 0 or 10(-8) M of BRs (28-homobrassinolide or 24-epibrassinolide), and 60-day-old plants were harvested to assess various physiological and biochemical parameters. Low temperatures induced a significant reduction in growth traits, chlorophyll content, and rate of photosynthesis in both the varieties differentially. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and leaf proline content also increased substantially in both the varieties with decreasing temperature. On the other hand, treatment of BRs under stress and stress-free conditions significantly increased the aforesaid growth traits and biochemical parameters. Moreover, BRs further accelerated the antioxidative enzymes and proline content, which were already enhanced by the low temperature stress. Out of the two analogues of BRs tested, 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) was found more effective for both the varieties of tomato. EBL was found more potent stress alleviator against low temperature in both varieties of tomato.

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Cholestanones; Cold-Shock Response; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Seedlings; Solanum lycopersicum; Steroids, Heterocyclic

In the present work the effects of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on functional and structural characteristics of the thylakoid membranes under non-stress conditions were evaluated 48 h after spraying of pea plants with different concentrations of EBR (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg.L(-1)). The results show that the application of 0.1 mg.L(-1) EBR has the most pronounced effect on the studied characteristics of the photosynthetic membranes. The observed changes in 540 nm light scattering and in the calorimetric transitions suggest alterations in the structural organization of the thylakoid membranes after EBR treatment, which in turn influence the kinetics of oxygen evolution, accelerate the electron transport rate, increase the effective quantum yield of photosystem II and the photochemical quenching. The EBR-induced changes in the photosynthetic membranes are most probably involved in the stress tolerance of plants.

Topics: Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Oxygen; Photosynthesis; Pisum sativum; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Thylakoids

Plant steroidal hormones, brassinosteroids, play a pivotal role in variety of plant developmental processes and adaptation to various environmental stresses. The present work investigates the response of various stress markers upon exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) on Pusa Basmati-1, a commercially important rice variety, under salt stress conditions. Rice seeds after treatment with different concentrations of NaCl alone or in combination with different concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) were analysed for various growth parameters, protein, proline and malondialdehyde content (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes activities. The seedlings exposed to NaCl exhibited a significant decline in growth parameters and changes in the levels of antioxidant enzymes, however, treatment with EBL showed an improvement in growth, levels of protein and proline content and antioxidant enzymes activity. The enhanced levels of MDA content during salt stress in rice seedlings was decreased with EBL treatment. Further, the treatment with EBL increased the expression of various oxidative stress marker genes, although to different levels. Expression of various brassinosteroids (OsBRI1, OsDWF4) and salt (SalT) responsive genes, revealed the down regulation of OsDWF4 with application of EBL and upregulation of SalT in presence of salt stress thereby confirming the efficacy of the treatments. Interestingly, a significant down regulation of SalT gene was observed on application of EBL along with salt compared to salt treatment alone. On the other hand, the application of EBL alone and in combination with salt has resulted in upregulation of OsBRI1.

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Malondialdehyde; Oryza; Oxidative Stress; Plant Proteins; Proline; Steroids, Heterocyclic

Heavy metal pollution often occurs together with organic contaminants. Brassinosteroids (BRs) induce plant tolerance to several abiotic stresses, including phenanthrene (PHE) and cadmium (Cd) stress. However, the role of BRs in PHE+Cd co-contamination-induced stress amelioration is unknown. Here, the interactive effects of PHE, Cd, and 24-epibrassinolide (EBR; a biologically active BR) were investigated in tomato plants. The application of Cd (100 µM) alone was more phytotoxic than PHE applied alone (100 µM); however, their combined application resulted in slightly improved photosynthetic activity and pigment content compared with Cd alone after a 40 d exposure. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid peroxidation were induced by PHE and/or Cd; however, the differences in effect were insignificant between Cd and PHE+Cd. The foliar application of EBR (0.1 µM) to PHE- and/or Cd-stressed plants alleviated photosynthetic inhibition and oxidative stress by causing enhancement of the activity of the enzymes and related transcript levels of the antioxidant system, secondary metabolism, and the xenobiotic detoxification system. Additionally, PHE and/or Cd residues were significantly decreased in both the leaves and roots after application of EBR, more specifically in PHE+Cd-stressed plants when treated with EBR, indicating a possible improvement in detoxification of these pollutants. The findings thus suggest a potential interaction of EBR and PHE for Cd stress alleviation. These results advocate a positive role for EBR in reducing pollutant residues for food safety and also strengthening phytoremediation.

Topics: Antioxidants; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biomass; Brassinosteroids; Cadmium; Chlorophyll; Environmental Pollution; Fluorescence; Gases; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Hydrogen Peroxide; Inactivation, Metabolic; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidative Stress; Phenanthrenes; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Solanum lycopersicum; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Superoxides

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of exogenously applied 24-epibrassinolide (BR) on growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems of tomato seedlings grown under different levels (0, 10, 30, 100 and 300μM) of phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) in hydroponics. A concentration-dependent decrease in growth, photosynthetic pigment contents, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), maximal quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (Φ(PSII)), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) has been observed following PHE and PYR exposure. By contrast, non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) was increased. PHE was found to induce higher stress than PYR. However, foliar or root application of BR (50nM and 5nM, respectively) alleviated all those depressions with a sharp improvement in the activity of photosynthetic machinery. The activities of guaicol peroxidase (GPOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in a dose-dependent manner under PHE or PYR treatments. Compared with control the highest increments of GPOD, CAT, APX, GR and MDA by PHE/PYR alone treatments were observed following 300μM concentration, which were 67%, 87%, 53%, 95% and 74% by PHE and 42%, 53%, 30%, 86% and 62% by PYR, respectively. In addition, both reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were induced by PHE or PYR. Interestingly, BR application in either form further increased enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants in tomato roots treated with PHE or PYR. Our results suggest that BR has an anti-stress effect on tomato seedlings contaminated with PHE or PYR and this effect is mainly attributed by increased detoxification activity.

Topics: Ascorbate Peroxidases; Brassinosteroids; Catalase; Chlorophyll; Glutathione Reductase; Malondialdehyde; Phenanthrenes; Photosynthesis; Plant Growth Regulators; Pyrenes; Soil Pollutants; Solanum lycopersicum; Steroids, Heterocyclic

The effects of 0.1 μM 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) on plant growth (plant height, leaf area, fresh weight, and dry weight), chlorophyll content, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant enzymes, and chloroplast ultrastructure were investigated using cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Jinyou No. 4) with 80 mM Ca(NO(3))(2) to induce stress. The presence of Ca(NO(3))(2) caused significant reductions in net photosynthetic rate (P(N)), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO(2) concentration (Ci), and transpiration rate (Tr) of leaves. In addition, Ca(NO(3))(2) markedly reduced the chlorophyll content and inhibited photochemical activity, including the actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII). In contrast, EBL increased the chlorophyll content, especially chlorophyll b, and minimized the harmful effects on photosynthesis caused by the Ca(NO(3))(2). The application of EBL to the plants subjected to Ca(NO(3))(2)-enhanced photochemical activity. EBL protected the photosynthetic membrane system from oxidative damage due to up-regulating the capacity of the antioxidant systems. Microscopic analyses revealed that Ca(NO(3))(2) affected the structure of the photosynthetic apparatus and membrane system and induced damage of granal thylakoid layers, while EBL recovered the typical shape of chloroplasts and promoted the formation of grana. Taken together, EBL compensated for damage/losses by Ca(NO(3))(2) due to the regulation of photosynthetic characteristics and the antioxidant system.

Topics: Antioxidants; Brassinosteroids; Calcium Compounds; Chlorophyll; Chloroplasts; Cucumis sativus; Nitrates; Photosynthesis; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Leaves; Seedlings; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Stress, Physiological

The present paper first time reports the role of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) in mitigating the adverse effects of Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a broad spectrum organophosphate insecticide by regulating the antioxidant defence system in an elite indica rice variety Pusa Basmati-1. It investigates the effect of CPF (0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06%) and EBL (10(-11), 10(-9) and 10(-7)M) treatments alone and in combination on rice seedlings. Various growth parameters, protein, proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activities of antioxidant enzymes of seedlings were analysed. CPF showed an adverse effect on growth and protein content of seedlings whereas it leads to an enhancement in the level of MDA and proline content. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) increased after treatment with CPF. Application of different concentrations of EBL along with CPF resulted in an overall improvement in the growth, level of protein and proline content and in the activity of various antioxidant enzymes whereas a decline in the levels of MDA content was observed. The work also investigated the changes at the transcript level of some key antioxidant enzymes like Cu/Zn-SOD, Fe-SOD, Mn-SOD, APX, CAT and GR. The expression of most of the genes was enhanced in response to CPF treatment. Application of EBL in conjunction with CPF resulted in a distinct enhancement in the transcript accumulation of Fe-SOD and CAT showing their important role in EBL mediated amelioration of CPF induced stress.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbate Peroxidases; Brassinosteroids; Catalase; Chlorophyll; Chlorpyrifos; Glutathione Reductase; Insecticides; Lipid Peroxidation; Malondialdehyde; NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases; Oryza; Oxidative Stress; Oxidoreductases; Peroxidase; Proline; Seedlings; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Superoxide Dismutase

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are potent regulators of photosynthesis and crop yield in agricultural crops; however, the mechanism by which BRs increase photosynthesis is not fully understood. Here, we show that foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) resulted in increases in CO(2) assimilation, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) accumulation, and leaf area in cucumber. H(2)O(2) treatment induced increases in CO(2) assimilation whilst inhibition of the H(2)O(2) accumulation by its generation inhibitor or scavenger completely abolished EBR-induced CO(2) assimilation. Increases of light harvesting due to larger leaf areas in EBR- and H(2)O(2)-treated plants were accompanied by increases in the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Φ(PSII)) and photochemical quenching coefficient (q(P)). EBR and H(2)O(2) both activated carboxylation efficiency of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate oxygenase/carboxylase (Rubisco) from analysis of CO(2) response curve and in vitro measurement of Rubisco activities. Moreover, EBR and H(2)O(2) increased contents of total soluble sugar, sucrose, hexose, and starch, followed by enhanced activities of sugar metabolism such as sucrose phosphate synthase, sucrose synthase, and invertase. Interestingly, expression of transcripts of enzymes involved in starch and sugar utilization were inhibited by EBR and H(2)O(2). However, the effects of EBR on carbohydrate metabolisms were reversed by the H(2)O(2) generation inhibitor diphenyleneodonium (DPI) or scavenger dimethylthiourea (DMTU) pretreatment. All of these results indicate that H(2)O(2) functions as a secondary messenger for EBR-induced CO(2) assimilation and carbohydrate metabolism in cucumber plants. Our study confirms that H(2)O(2) mediates the regulation of photosynthesis by BRs and suggests that EBR and H(2)O(2) regulate Calvin cycle and sugar metabolism via redox signaling and thus increase the photosynthetic potential and yield of crops.

Topics: Brassinosteroids; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Cucumis sativus; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Hydrogen Peroxide; Photosynthesis; Plant Growth Regulators; Reactive Oxygen Species; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase; Second Messenger Systems; Seedlings; Steroids, Heterocyclic

Brassinosteroids play a significant role in the amelioration of various abiotic and biotic stresses. In order to elaborate their roles in plants subjected to heavy metals stress, Chlorella vulgaris cultures treated with 10(-8) M brassinolide (BL) were exposed to 10(-6)-10(-4) M heavy metals (cadmium, lead and copper) application. Under heavy metals stress, the growth and chemical composition (chlorophyll, monosaccharides, and protein content) have been decreased during the first 48 h of cultivation. The inhibitory effect of heavy metals on C. vulgaris cultures was arranged in the following order: copper > lead > cadmium. C. vulgaris cultures treated with BL in the absence or presence of heavy metals showed no differences in the endogenous level of BL. On the other hand, treatment with heavy metals results in BL level very similar to that of control cell cultures. These results suggest that the activation of brassinosteroids biosynthesis, via an increase of endogenous BL, is not essential for the growth and development of C. vulgaris cells in response to heavy metals stress. Simultaneously, BL enhanced the content of indole-3-acetic acid, zeatin, and abscisic acid in cultures treated with heavy metals. Levels per cell of chlorophylls, protein, and monosaccharides are all increased by BL treatment when compared to nontreated control cells. Application of BL to C. vulgaris cultures reduced the accumulation of heavy metals stress on growth, prevented chlorophyll, monosaccharides, and protein loss, and increased phytochelatins content. The arrested growth of C. vulgaris cells treated with heavy metals was restored by the coapplication of BL. It suggested that BL overcame the inhibitory effect of heavy metals. From these results, it can be concluded that BL plays the positive role in the alleviation of heavy metals stress.

Topics: Brassinosteroids; Cadmium; Chlorella vulgaris; Chlorophyll; Cholestanols; Copper; Lead; Monosaccharides; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Proteins; Steroids, Heterocyclic

• Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a new class of plant hormones that are essential for plant growth and development. Here, the involvement of BRs in plant systemic tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses was studied. • The effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on plant stress tolerance were studied through the assessment of symptoms of photooxidative stress by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging pulse amplitude modulation, the analysis of gene expression using quantitative real-time PCR and the measurement of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production using a spectrophotometric assay or confocal laser scanning microscopy. • Treatment of primary leaves with EBR induced systemic tolerance to photooxidative stress in untreated upper and lower leaves. This was accompanied by the systemic accumulation of H₂O₂ and the systemic induction of genes associated with stress responses. Foliar treatment of EBR also enhanced root resistance to Fusarium wilt pathogen. Pharmacological study showed that EBR-induced systemic tolerance was dependent on local and systemic H₂O₂ accumulation. The expression of BR biosynthetic genes was repressed in EBR-treated leaves, but elevated significantly in untreated systemic leaves. Further analysis indicated that EBR-induced systemic induction of BR biosynthetic genes was mediated by systemically elevated H₂O₂. • These results strongly argue that local EBR treatment can activate the continuous production of H₂O₂, and the autopropagative nature of the reactive oxygen species signal, in turn, mediates EBR-induced systemic tolerance.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Cucumis sativus; Fusarium; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genes, Plant; Hydrogen Peroxide; Plant Diseases; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Immunity; Plant Leaves; Plant Roots; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction; Steroids, Heterocyclic

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a new group of plant growth substances that promote plant growth and productivity. We showed in this study that improved growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants after treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), an active BR, was associated with increased CO(2) assimilation and quantum yield of PSII (Phi(PSII)). Treatment of brassinazole (Brz), a specific inhibitor for BR biosynthesis, reduced plant growth and at the same time decreased CO(2) assimilation and Phi(PSII). Thus, the growth-promoting activity of BRs can be, at least partly, attributed to enhanced plant photosynthesis. To understand how BRs enhance photosynthesis, we have analyzed the effects of EBR and Brz on a number of photosynthetic parameters and their affecting factors, including the contents and activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). Northern and Western blotting demonstrated that EBR upregulated, while Brz downregulated, the expressions of rbcL, rbcS and other photosynthetic genes. In addition, EBR had a positive effect on the activation of Rubisco based on increased maximum Rubisco carboxylation rates (V (c,max)), total Rubisco activity and, to a greater extent, initial Rubisco activity. The accumulation patterns of Rubisco activase (RCA) based on immunogold-labeling experiments suggested a role of RCA in BR-regulated activation state of Rubisco. Enhanced expression of genes encoding other Calvin cycle genes after EBR treatment may also play a positive role in RuBP regeneration (J (max)), thereby increasing maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco (V (c,max)). Thus, BRs promote photosynthesis and growth by positively regulating synthesis and activation of a variety of photosynthetic enzymes including Rubisco in cucumber.

Topics: Biomass; Blotting, Western; Brassinosteroids; Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Cholestanols; Cucumis sativus; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Hexoses; Kinetics; Photosynthesis; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Leaves; Plant Proteins; Plant Roots; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase; Starch; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Sucrose; Triazoles

The effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) spray application on gas-exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, Rubisco activity, and carbohydrate metabolism were investigated in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Jinchun No. 3) plants grown in a greenhouse. EBR significantly increased the light-saturated net CO(2) assimilation rate (A(sat)) from 3 h to 7d after spraying, with 0.1 mg l(-1) EBR proving most effective. Increased A(sat) in EBR-treated leaves was accompanied by increases in the maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco (V(c,max)) and in the maximum rate of RuBP regeneration (J(max)). EBR-treated leaves also had a higher quantum yield of PSII electron transport (phi(PSII)) than the controls, which was mainly due to a significant increase in the photochemical quenching (q(P)), with no change in the efficiency of energy capture by open PSII reaction centres (F'(v)/F'(m)). EBR did not influence photorespiration. In addition, significant increases in the initial activity of Rubisco and in the sucrose, soluble sugars, and starch contents were observed followed by substantial increases in sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SS), and acid invertase (AI) activities after EBR treatment. It was concluded that EBR increases the capacity of CO(2) assimilation in the Calvin cycle, which was mainly attributed to an increase in the initial activity of Rubisco.

Topics: Brassinosteroids; Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Cholestanols; Cucumis sativus; Gases; Kinetics; Photosynthesis; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Plant Growth Regulators; Regression Analysis; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Steroids, Heterocyclic

The isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway provides intermediates for the synthesis of a multitude of natural products which serve numerous biochemical functions in plants: sterols (isoprenoids with a C30 backbone) are essential components of membranes; carotenoids (C40) and chlorophylls (which contain a C20 isoprenoid side-chain) act as photosynthetic pigments; plastoquinone, phylloquinone and ubiquinone (all of which contain long isoprenoid side-chains) participate in electron transport chains; gibberellins (C20), brassinosteroids (C30) and abscisic acid (C15) are phytohormones derived from isoprenoid intermediates; prenylation of proteins (with C15 or C20 isoprenoid moieties) may mediate subcellular targeting and regulation of activity; and several monoterpenes (C10), sesquiterpenes (C15) and diterpenes (C20) have been demonstrated to be involved in plant defense. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of genes coding for enzymes involved in the metabolism of isoprenoid-derived compounds in Arabidopsis thaliana. By combining homology and sequence motif searches with knowledge regarding the phylogenetic distribution of pathways of isoprenoid metabolism across species, candidate genes for these pathways in A. thaliana were obtained. A detailed analysis of the vicinity of chromosome loci for genes of isoprenoid metabolism in A. thaliana provided evidence for the clustering of genes involved in common pathways. Multiple sequence alignments were used to estimate the number of genes in gene families and sequence relationship trees were utilized to classify their individual members. The integration of all these datasets allows the generation of a knowledge-based metabolic map of isoprenoid metabolic pathways in A. thaliana and provides a substantial improvement of the currently available gene annotation.

Topics: Abscisic Acid; Arabidopsis; Brassinosteroids; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Cholestanols; Chromosome Mapping; Chromosomes, Plant; Cytosol; Dimethylallyltranstransferase; Genes, Plant; Genome, Plant; Gibberellins; Mitochondria; Monoterpenes; Phytosterols; Plastids; Plastoquinone; Protein Prenylation; Sesquiterpenes; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Terpenes; Tocopherols; Ubiquinone; Vitamin K 1

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroidal plant hormones that are essential for growth and development. Although insights into the functions of BRs have been provided by recent studies of biosynthesis and sensitivity mutants, the mode of action of BRs is poorly understood. With the use of DNA microarray analysis, we identified BR-regulated genes in the wild type (WT; Columbia) of Arabidopsis and in the BR-deficient mutant, det2. BR-regulated genes generally responded more potently in the det2 mutant than in the WT, and they showed only limited response in a BR-insensitive mutant, bri1. A small group of genes showed stronger responses in the WT than in the det2. Exposure of plants to brassinolide and brassinazole, which is a specific inhibitor of BR biosynthesis, elicited opposite effects on gene expression of the identified genes. The list of BR-regulated genes is constituted of transcription factor genes including the phytochrome-interacting factor 3, auxin-related genes, P450 genes, and genes implicated in cell elongation and cell wall organization. The results presented here provide comprehensive view of the physiological functions of BRs using BR-regulated genes as molecular markers. The list of BR-regulated genes will be useful in the characterization of new mutants and new growth-regulating compounds that are associated with BR function.

Topics: Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Brassinosteroids; Cell Division; Cell Wall; Chlorophyll; Cholestanols; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Indoleacetic Acids; Mutation; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Phytochrome; Plant Growth Regulators; Protein Kinases; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Triazoles

Brassinosteroids are now considered as the sixth group of hormones in plants. As brassinosteroids influence varied growth and development processes such as growth, germination of seeds, rhizogenesis, flowering, senescence and abscission, they are considered as plant hormones with pleiotropic effects. The effect of 28-homobrassinolide and 24-epibrassinolide on ripening of tomato pericarp discs was studied. Application of brassinosteroids to pericarp discs resulted in elevated levels of lycopene and lowered chlorophyll levels. In addition brassinosteroid-treated pericarp discs exhibited decreased ascorbic acid and increased carbohydrate contents. Fruit ripening as induced by brassinosteroids was associated with increase in ethylene production. The study revealed the ability of brassinosteroids in accelerating fruit-senescence.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Brassinosteroids; Carbohydrates; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Cholestanols; Ethylenes; Lycopene; Plant Growth Regulators; Solanum lycopersicum; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Time Factors

Phytochromes (phy) A and B provide higher plants the ability to perceive divergent light signals. phyB mediates red/far-red light reversible, low fluence responses (LFR). phyA mediates both very-low-fluence responses (VLFR), which saturate with single or infrequent light pulses of very low fluence, and high irradiance responses (HIR), which require sustained activation with far-red light. We investigated whether VLFR, LFR, and HIR are genetically coregulated. The Arabidopsis enhanced very-low-fluence response1 mutant, obtained in a novel screening under hourly far-red light pulses, showed enhanced VLFR of hypocotyl growth inhibition, cotyledon unfolding, blocking of greening, and anthocyanin synthesis. However, eve1 showed reduced LFR and HIR. eve1 was found allelic to the brassinosteroid biosynthesis mutant dim/dwarf1. The analysis of both the brassinosteroid mutant det2 in the Columbia background (where VLFR are repressed) and the phyA eve1 double mutant indicates that the negative effect of brassinosteroid mutations on LFR requires phyA signaling in the VLFR mode but not the expression of the VLFR. Under sunlight, hypocotyl growth of eve1 showed little difference with the wild type but failed to respond to canopy shadelight. We propose that the opposite regulation of VLFR versus LFR and HIR could be part of a context-dependent mechanism of adjustment of sensitivity to light signals.

Topics: Anthocyanins; Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Brassinosteroids; Chlorophyll; Cholestanols; Cotyledon; Crosses, Genetic; Hypocotyl; Light; Mutation; Phenotype; Photoreceptor Cells; Phytochrome; Phytochrome A; Phytochrome B; Plant Proteins; Signal Transduction; Steroids, Heterocyclic; Transcription Factors