The influence of phylogeny and ecology on root, shoot and plant ionomes of 14 native Brazilian species.

The ionome is the elemental composition of a living organism, its tissues, cells or cell compartments. The ionomes of roots, stems and leaves of 14 native Brazilian forest species were characterised to examine the relationships between plant and organ ionomes and the phylogenetic and ecological affiliations of species. The null hypothesis that ionomes of Brazilian forest species and their organs do not differ was tested. Concentrations of mineral nutrients in roots, stems and leaves were determined for 14 Brazilian forest species, representing seven angiosperm orders, grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient solution. The 14 species could be differentiated by their ionomes and the partitioning of mineral nutrients between organs. The ionomic differences between the 14 species did not reflect their phylogenetic relationships or successional ecology. Differences between shoot ionomes and root ionomes were greater than differences in the ionome of an organ when compared among genotypes. In conclusion, differences in ionomes of species and their organs reflect a combination of ancient phylogenetic and recent environmental adaptations.

Variation in the angiosperm ionome.

The ionome is defined as the elemental composition of a subcellular structure, cell, tissue, organ or organism. The subset of the ionome comprising mineral nutrients is termed the functional ionome. A 'standard functional ionome' of leaves of an 'average' angiosperm, defined as the nutrient composition of leaves when growth is not limited by mineral nutrients, is presented and can be used to compare the effects of environment and genetics on plant nutrition. The leaf ionome of a plant is influenced by interactions between its environment and genetics. Examples of the effects of the environment on the leaf ionome are presented and the consequences of nutrient deficiencies on the leaf ionome are described. The physiological reasons for (1) allometric relationships between leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and (2) linear relationships between leaf calcium and magnesium concentrations are explained. It is noted that strong phylogenetic effects on the mineral composition of leaves of angiosperm species are observed even when sampled from diverse environments. The evolutionary origins of traits including (1) the small calcium concentrations of Poales leaves, (2) the large magnesium concentrations of Caryophyllales leaves and (3) the large sulphur concentrations of Brassicales leaves are traced using phylogenetic relationships among angiosperm orders, families and genera. The rare evolution of hyperaccumulation of toxic elements in leaves of angiosperms is also described. Consequences of variation in the leaf ionome for ecology, mineral cycling in the environment, strategies for phytoremediation of contaminated land, sustainable agriculture and the nutrition of livestock and humans are discussed.

Day length dependent restructuring of the leaf transcriptome and metabolome in potato genotypes with contrasting tuberization phenotypes.

Recent advances have defined some of the components of photoperiodic signalling that lead to tuberization in potato including orthologues of FLOWERING LOCUS T (StSP6A) and CYCLING DOF FACTOR (StCDF1). The aim of the current study is to investigate the molecular basis of permissive tuber initiation under long days in Solanum tuberosum Neo-Tuberosum by comparative analysis with an obligate short-day S. tuberosum ssp. Andigena accession. We show that the Neo-Tuberosum accession, but not the Andigena, contains alleles that encode StCDF1 proteins modified in the C-terminal region, likely to evade long day inhibition of StSP6A expression. We also identify an allele of StSP6A from the Neo-Tuberosum accession, absent in the Andigena, which is expressed under long days. Other leaf transcripts and metabolites that show different abundances in tuberizing and non-tuberizing samples were identified adding detail to tuberization-associated processes. Overall, the data presented in this study highlight the subtle interplay between components of the clock-CONSTANS-StSP6A axis which collectively may interact to fine-tune the timing of tuberization.

Infra-red thermography for high throughput field phenotyping in Solanum tuberosum.

The rapid development of genomic technology has made high throughput genotyping widely accessible but the associated high throughput phenotyping is now the major limiting factor in genetic analysis of traits. This paper evaluates the use of thermal imaging for the high throughput field phenotyping of Solanum tuberosum for differences in stomatal behaviour. A large multi-replicated trial of a potato mapping population was used to investigate the consistency in genotypic rankings across different trials and across measurements made at different times of day and on different days. The results confirmed a high degree of consistency between the genotypic rankings based on relative canopy temperature on different occasions. Genotype discrimination was enhanced both through normalising data by expressing genotype temperatures as differences from image means and through the enhanced replication obtained by using overlapping images. A Monte Carlo simulation approach was used to confirm the magnitude of genotypic differences that it is possible to discriminate. The results showed a clear negative association between canopy temperature and final tuber yield for this population, when grown under ample moisture supply. We have therefore established infrared thermography as an easy, rapid and non-destructive screening method for evaluating large population trials for genetic analysis. We also envisage this approach as having great potential for evaluating plant response to stress under field conditions.

Downstairs drivers--root herbivores shape communities of above-ground herbivores and natural enemies via changes in plant nutrients.

1. Terrestrial food webs are woven from complex interactions, often underpinned by plant-mediated interactions between herbivores and higher trophic groups. Below- and above-ground herbivores can influence one another via induced changes to a shared host plant, potentially shaping the wider community. However, empirical evidence linking laboratory observations to natural field populations has so far been elusive. 2. This study investigated how root-feeding weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) influence different feeding guilds of herbivore (phloem-feeding aphids, Cryptomyzus galeopsidis, and leaf-chewing sawflies, Nematus olfaciens) in both controlled and field conditions. 3. We hypothesized that root herbivore-induced changes in plant nutrients (C, N, P and amino acids) and defensive compounds (phenolics) would underpin the interactions between root and foliar herbivores, and ultimately populations of natural enemies of the foliar herbivores in the field. 4. Weevils increased field populations of aphids by ca. 700%, which was followed by an increase in the abundance of aphid natural enemies. Weevils increased the proportion of foliar essential amino acids, and this change was positively correlated with aphid abundance, which increased by 90% on plants with weevils in controlled experiments. 5. In contrast, sawfly populations were 77% smaller during mid-June and adult emergence delayed by >14 days on plants with weevils. In controlled experiments, weevils impaired sawfly growth by 18%, which correlated with 35% reductions in leaf phosphorus caused by root herbivory, a previously unreported mechanism for above-ground-below-ground herbivore interactions. 6. This represents a clear demonstration of root herbivores affecting foliar herbivore community composition and natural enemy abundance in the field via two distinct plant-mediated nutritional mechanisms. Aphid populations, in particular, were initially driven by bottom-up effects (i.e. plant-mediated effects of root herbivory), but consequent increases in natural enemies triggered top-down regulation.

Genome analyses of an aggressive and invasive lineage of the Irish potato famine pathogen.

Pest and pathogen losses jeopardise global food security and ever since the 19(th) century Irish famine, potato late blight has exemplified this threat. The causal oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, undergoes major population shifts in agricultural systems via the successive emergence and migration of asexual lineages. The phenotypic and genotypic bases of these selective sweeps are largely unknown but management strategies need to adapt to reflect the changing pathogen population. Here, we used molecular markers to document the emergence of a lineage, termed 13_A2, in the European P. infestans population, and its rapid displacement of other lineages to exceed 75% of the pathogen population across Great Britain in less than three years. We show that isolates of the 13_A2 lineage are among the most aggressive on cultivated potatoes, outcompete other aggressive lineages in the field, and overcome previously effective forms of plant host resistance. Genome analyses of a 13_A2 isolate revealed extensive genetic and expression polymorphisms particularly in effector genes. Copy number variations, gene gains and losses, amino-acid replacements and changes in expression patterns of disease effector genes within the 13_A2 isolate likely contribute to enhanced virulence and aggressiveness to drive this population displacement. Importantly, 13_A2 isolates carry intact and in planta induced Avrblb1, Avrblb2 and Avrvnt1 effector genes that trigger resistance in potato lines carrying the corresponding R immune receptor genes Rpi-blb1, Rpi-blb2, and Rpi-vnt1.1. These findings point towards a strategy for deploying genetic resistance to mitigate the impact of the 13_A2 lineage and illustrate how pathogen population monitoring, combined with genome analysis, informs the management of devastating disease epidemics.

Testing the distinctness of shoot ionomes of angiosperm families using the Rothamsted Park Grass Continuous Hay Experiment.

• The ionome is the elemental composition of a tissue or organism. Phylogenetic variation in the ionomes of plant shoots has been widely reported based on controlled experiments, vegetation surveys and literature meta-analyses. However, environmental effects on phylogenetic variation in shoot ionomes have not been quantified. This study tests the hypothesis that phylogenetic variation in shoot ionomes is robust to environmental perturbation and that plant families can be distinguished by their shoot ionomes. • Herbage was sampled from six subplots of the Rothamsted Park Grass Experiment. Subplots had received contrasting fertilizer treatments since 1856. Herbage was separated into its constituent species (n = 21) and concentrations of eleven mineral elements were determined in dried shoot material. • Shoot concentrations of calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) showed significant variation associated with plant species, and responded similarly to fertilizer treatments in diverse plant species. Species × treatment interactions were indicated for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe). Plant families could be distinguished by their shoot ionomes. The most informative elements for discriminant analysis were Ca > Mg > Ni > S > Na > Zn > K > Cu > Fe > Mn > P. • Whilst shoot ionomes were sensitive to fertilizer treatment, phylogenetic variation in a subset of the shoot ionome (Ca, Zn, Mn, Mg) was robust to this environmental perturbation.

Relationships between volatile and non-volatile metabolites and attributes of processed potato flavour.

Although the flavour of processed potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) is important to consumers, the blend of volatile and non-volatile metabolites that impact on flavour attributes is not well-defined. Additionally, it is important to understand how potato flavour changes during storage. In this study, quantitative descriptive analysis of potato samples by a trained taste panel was undertaken, comparing tubers from S. tuberosum group Phureja with those from S. tuberosum group Tuberosum, both at harvest and following storage. The cooked tuber volatile profile was analysed by solid phase micro extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis in sub-samples of the tubers that were assessed by taste panels. A range of non-volatile metabolites including the major umami compounds, glycoalkaloids and sugars was also measured in tuber sub-samples. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed differences between the potato cultivars and storage conditions and demonstrated associations of metabolites with the different sensory attributes.

Flavonoid profiling and transcriptome analysis reveals new gene-metabolite correlations in tubers of Solanum tuberosum L.

Anthocyanin content of potato tubers is a trait that is attracting increasing attention as the potential nutritional benefits of this class of compound become apparent. However, our understanding of potato tuber anthocyanin accumulation is not complete. The aim of this study was to use a potato microarray to investigate gene expression patterns associated with the accumulation of purple tuber anthocyanins. The advanced potato selections, CO97216-3P/PW and CO97227-2P/PW, developed by conventional breeding procedures, produced tubers with incomplete expression of tuber flesh pigmentation. This feature permits sampling pigmented and non-pigmented tissues from the same tubers, in essence, isolating the factors responsible for pigmentation from confounding genetic, environmental, and developmental effects. An examination of the transcriptome, coupled with metabolite data from purple pigmented sectors and from non-pigmented sectors of the same tuber, was undertaken to identify these genes whose expression correlated with elevated or altered polyphenol composition. Combined with a similar study using eight other conventional cultivars and advanced selections with different pigmentation, it was possible to produce a refined list of only 27 genes that were consistently differentially expressed in purple tuber tissues compared with white. Within this list are several new candidate genes that are likely to impact on tuber anthocyanin accumulation, including a gene encoding a novel single domain MYB transcription factor.

Elevated CO2 and aboveground-belowground herbivory by the clover root weevil.

Predicted increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO(2)) concentrations are expected to increase primary productivity in many terrestrial ecosystems, which could lead to plants becoming N limited. Studies suggest that legumes may partially overcome this by increasing biological nitrogen fixation. However, these studies have not yet considered how these changes may be affected by the altered dynamics of insect herbivores feeding on the plant. This study investigated how elevated CO(2) (700 microl l(-1)) affected the clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus), a significant pest of white clover (Trifolium repens). Adults feed on leaves aboveground where they lay eggs; soil-dwelling larvae initially feed on root nodules that house N(2)-fixing bacteria. Foliar C:N ratios rose by 9% at elevated CO(2), but the biggest responses were observed belowground, with increases in root mass (85% greater) and nodule abundance (220% more abundant). Root C:N ratios increased significantly from 10.95 to 11.60 under elevated CO(2), which increased even further to 13.13 when nodules were attacked by larval S. lepidus. Adult S. lepidus consumed significantly more leaf tissue at elevated CO(2) (0.47 cm(2) day(-1)) compared with ambient CO(2) (0.35 cm(2) day(-1)), suggesting compensatory feeding, but laid 23% fewer eggs at elevated CO(2). Even though fewer eggs were laid at elevated CO(2), 38% more larvae were recovered suggesting that larval survival was much better under elevated CO(2). Increased larval abundance and performance at elevated CO(2) were positively correlated with the number of nodules available. In conclusion, reduced foliar quality at elevated CO(2) was generally disadvantageous for adult S. lepidus living aboveground, but extremely beneficial for S. lepidus larvae living belowground, due to the enhanced nodulation. Climate change may, therefore, enhance biological nitrogen fixation by T. repens, but potential benefits (e.g. provision of N without chemical fertilizers) may be undermined by larger populations of S. lepidus larvae belowground.

A metabolomics study of cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) groups Andigena, Phureja, Stenotomum, and tuberosum using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Phytochemical diversity was examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in tubers of genotypes belonging to groups Andigena, Phureja, Stenotomum, and Tuberosum of the potato, Solanum tuberosum. Polar extracts (mainly amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols) and nonpolar extracts (mainly fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and sterols) were examined. There was a large range in levels of metabolites, including those such as asparagine, fructose, and glucose, that are important to tuber quality, offering considerable scope for selecting germplasm for breeding programmes. There were significant differences in the levels of many metabolites among the groups. The metabolite profiles of genotypes belonging to Phureja and Stenotomum were similar and different from those of Tuberosum and the majority of Andigena genotypes. There was some agreement with the phylogeny of the groups in that Stenotomum is believed to be the ancestor of Phureja and they are both distinct from Tuberosum. Andigena genotypes could be partially distinguished according to geographical origin, Bolivian genotypes being particularly distinct from those from Ecuador. Biosynthetic links between metabolites were explored by performing pairwise correlations of all metabolites. The significance of some expected and unexpected strong correlations between many amino acids (e.g., between isoleucine, lysine, valine, and other amino acids) and between several nonpolar metabolites (e.g., between many fatty acids) is discussed. For polar metabolites, correlation analysis gave essentially similar results irrespective of whether the whole data set, only Andigena genotypes, or only Phureja genotypes were used. In contrast, for the nonpolar metabolites, Andigena only and Phureja only data sets resulted in weaker and stronger correlations, respectively, compared to the whole data set, and may suggest differences in the biochemistry of the two groups, although the interpretation should be viewed with some caution.

Phytochemical diversity in tubers of potato cultivars and landraces using a GC-MS metabolomics approach.

Phytochemical diversity with respect to a range of polar (including amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols) and nonpolar (including fatty acids, alkanols, and sterols) metabolites was examined within tubers from a total of 29 genetically diverse potato cultivars and Chilean landraces using a metabolomics approach by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. From principal component analysis of the polar and nonpolar metabolite data there was insufficient variation to differentiate the majority of cultivars and landraces. Analysis of all polar metabolite profiles revealed separation of two cultivars (Glenna and Morag) from the other cultivars and landraces and a separate cluster of one landrace line, largely due to higher levels of sugars. Pentland Javelin was distinct in containing high levels of many amino acids. The two Solanum tuberosum group phureja cultivars (Inca Sun and Mayan Gold) were not particularly similar and were not separated from the S. tuberosum group tuberosum cultivars. Analysis of the nonpolar metabolite data revealed partial separation of two landrace lines and, on the basis of some minor fatty acids, Mayan Gold was distinct. The differences in metabolite profiles are considered in terms of the taxonomy and breeding history of the cultivars and possible influences from other factors such as developmental stage of the tuber. With a view to exploring biosynthetic links between metabolites, a pairwise correlation analysis was performed on all metabolites. The significance of high correlations between many amino acids and between several nonpolar metabolites is discussed.

Effects of agricultural production systems and their components on protein profiles of potato tubers.

A range of studies have compared the level of nutritionally relevant compounds in crops from organic and nonorganic farming systems, but there is very limited information on the effect of farming systems and their key components on the protein composition of plants. We addressed this gap by quantifying the effects of different farming systems and key components of such systems on the protein profiles of potato tubers. Tuber samples were produced in the Nafferton factorial systems study, a group of long-term, replicated factorial field experiments designed to identify and quantify the effect of fertility management methods, crop protection practices and rotational designs used in organic, low input and conventional production systems. Protein profiles were determined by 2-DE and subsequent protein identification by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Principal component analysis of 2-DE data showed that only fertility management practices (organic matter vs. mineral fertiliser based) had a significant effect on protein composition. Quantitative differences were detected in 160 of the 1100 tuber proteins separated by 2-DE. Proteins identified by MS are involved in protein synthesis and turnover, carbon and energy metabolism and defence responses, suggesting that organic fertilisation leads to an increased stress response in potato tubers.

Proteomic analysis of the potato tuber life cycle.

The tuber of potato (Solanum tuberosum) is commonly used as a model for underground storage organs. In this study, changes in the proteome were followed from tuberization, through tuber development and storage into the sprouting phase. Data interrogation using principal component analysis was able to clearly discriminate between the various stages of the tuber life cycle. Moreover, five well-defined protein expression patterns were found by hierarchical clustering. Altogether 150 proteins showing highly significant differences in abundance between specific stages in the life cycle were highlighted; 59 of these were identified. In addition, 50 proteins with smaller changes in abundance were identified, including several novel proteins. Most noticeably, the development process was characterized by the accumulation of the major storage protein patatin isoforms and enzymes involved in disease and defense reactions. Furthermore, enzymes involved in carbohydrate and energy metabolism and protein processing were associated with development but decreased during tuber maturation. These results represent the first comprehensive picture of many proteins involved in the tuber development and physiology.

Assessing the potential for unintended effects in genetically modified potatoes perturbed in metabolic and developmental processes. Targeted analysis of key nutrients and anti-nutrients.

Targeted compositional analysis was carried out on transgenic potato tubers of either cultivar (cv.) Record or cv. Desirée to assess the potential for unintended effects caused by the genetic modification process. The range of transgenic lines analysed included those modified in primary carbohydrate metabolism, polyamine biosynthesis and glycoprotein processing. Controls included wildtype tubers, tubers produced from plants regenerated through tissue culture (including a callus phase) and tubers derived from transformation with the 'empty vector' i.e. no specific target gene included (with the exception of the kanamycin resistance gene as a selectable marker). Metabolite analysis included soluble carbohydrates, glycoalkaloids, vitamin C, total nitrogen and fatty acids. Trypsin inhibitor activity was also assayed. These cover the major compounds recommended by the OECD in their Consensus Document on Compositional Considerations for New Varieties of Potatoes: Key Food and Feed Nutrients, Anti-Nutrients and Toxicants (2002). Data was statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for individual compounds and, where applicable, principal component analysis (PCA). In general, targeted compositional analysis revealed no consistent differences between GM lines and respective controls. No construct specifically induced unintended effects. Statistically significant differences between wildtype controls and specific GM lines did occur but appeared to be random and not associated with any specific construct. Indeed such significant differences were also found between wildtypes and both tissue culture derived tubers and tubers derived from transformation with the empty vector. This raises the possibility that somaclonal variation (known to occur significantly in potato, depending on genotype) may be responsible for an unknown proportion of any differences observed between specific GM lines and the wildtype. The most obvious differences seen in GC-MS profiles were between the two potato varieties used in the study.

Links between plant and rhizoplane bacterial communities in grassland soils, characterized using molecular techniques.

Molecular analysis of grassland rhizosphere soil has demonstrated complex and diverse bacterial communities, with resultant difficulties in detecting links between plant and bacterial communities. These studies have, however, analyzed "bulk" rhizosphere soil, rather than rhizoplane communities, which interact most closely with plants through utilization of root exudates. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that plant species was a major driver for bacterial rhizoplane community composition on individual plant roots. DNA extracted from individual roots was used to determine plant identity, by analysis of the plastid tRNA leucine (trnL) UAA gene intron, and plant-related bacterial communities. Bacterial communities were characterized by analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes using two fingerprinting methods: terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T-RFLP) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Links between plant and bacterial rhizoplane communities could not be detected by visual examination of T-RFLP patterns or DGGE banding profiles. Statistical analysis of fingerprint patterns did not reveal a relationship between bacterial community composition and plant species but did demonstrate an influence of plant community composition. The data also indicated that topography and other, uncharacterized, environmental factors are important in driving bacterial community composition in grassland soils. T-RFLP had greater potential resolving power than DGGE, but findings from the two methods were not significantly different.

Comparison of fatty acid and polar lipid contents of tubers from two potato species, Solanum tuberosum and Solanum phureja.

Total and individual fatty acid contents were determined in raw tubers of four genotypes from each of the two species Solanum phureja and S. tuberosum. The four S. phureja genotypes contained statistically significantly higher concentrations of total fatty acids, with their average value being 37% greater than that for the mean of the four S. tuberosum cultivars. In both species, a total of 17 fatty acids were detected in quantifiable amounts, and in all genotypes the predominant fatty acid was linoleic followed by alpha-linolenic and palmitic acids. Unusually, 15-methyl hexadecanoate was present as a minor acid in both species. Although a number of statistically significant differences in the fatty acid percentage compositions were found between and within the two species, these were generally small. Averaged over all species and genotypes, tuber storage resulted in an initial small but statistically significant increase in total fatty acid content, but prolonged storage resulted in a fall to the initial values detected close to harvest. The same trend was evident for S. phureja alone (for mean values of all genotypes), but for S. tuberosum the total fatty acid content remained constant over the whole storage period. For both species, the contents (both as absolute levels and as percent compositions) of linoleic acid decreased and alpha-linolenic acid increased in tubers over the whole storage period, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Also, the absolute levels of these two acids were greater in S. phureja than in S. tuberosum, and this is discussed in relation to the development of flavor-related compounds during cooking. The polar lipids of one representative of S. tuberosum and of S. phureja were qualitatively similar. There were only minor differences in the polar lipid percentage compositions and in the corresponding fatty acid compositions of the individual polar lipids between the two species, although the absolute levels of the total, and of some individual, polar lipids were higher in S. phureja.