Leaves are essential for plants, enabling photosynthesis and transpiration. In arid regions, water availability limits plant growth. Some plants, like Elaeagnus angustifolia, a sandy sub-tree species widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions, have unique leaf structures to reduce water loss and solar radiation. Here, we describe the leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia L., with special functioning trichomes. Through leaf submicroscopic structure observation, in situ water collection experiments, photosynthesis measurements, and reflection spectrum analysis, we investigated E. angustifolia leaves, focusing on their functioning trichomes. These trichomes capture water vapor, reflect UV and NIR light, and possess a 3D interface structure composed of 1D and 2D structures. The 1D conical structure captures water droplets, which are then gathered by the radial conical structure and guided towards the stomata through wedge-shaped grooves on the 2D umbrella structure. The trichomes also reflect sunlight, with micropapillae reflecting UV light and the umbrella structure reflecting NIR light. These mechanisms reduce leaf temperature, respiration, and water transpiration, protecting against solar radiation damage. This study provides insights into water collection and light-reflection mechanisms, revealing adaptive strategies of plants with large leaves in arid regions.

Programmed cell death (PCD) in tapetum provides nutrients for pollen development. Once this process becomes abnormal, the pollen will be aborted, and sterile lines will be formed. Lycium barbarum L. is a well-known medicinal and edible plant, and male sterile lines play an important role in the cultivation of its new varieties by utilizing hybrid vigor. However, the male sterility mechanism of L. barbarum is poorly understood. In this study, the main characteristic changes during the pollen development of L. barbarum sterile line (Ningqi No. 5) and fertile line (Ningqi No. 1) were compared through anatomical observation, physiological detection and gene expression analysis. Anatomical observation showed that compared with that of the fertile line, the tapetum of the sterile line persisted during pollen development, the organelle morphology and number of tapetal cells changed remarkably, and the PCD was remarkably delayed. Membranous peroxidation caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the sterile line occurred from the late tetrad to the pollen grain stage, and that in Ningqi No. 1 transpired in the tetrad stage. This difference in the dynamic changes of ROS affected the redox balance of microspore development. qPCR detection of DYT1 and MS1 genes regulating tapetum development showed that compared with those in the fertile line, the expression levels of both genes in the sterile line changed significantly from pollen mother cell stage to pollen grain stage. This finding may be associated with the start-up delay of tapetal PCD. All these results suggested that abnormal tapetal PCD is an important mechanism leading to male sterility in L. barbarum.

Pollen fertility is a critical factor in seed development and crop breeding. Extensive studies have explored the mechanisms of pollen fertility in model plants and economic crops. However, the mechanisms of pollen abortion in medicinal and edible plants, including Lycium barbarum, remain elusive. This study utilized transcriptome analysis to identify key genes and regulatory networks implicated in pollen fertility in L. barbarum. The results demonstrated differential expression of 12,185 genes (DEGs) between the sterile and fertile lines, encompassing 489 genes that exhibited variation across the five stages of pollen development. Additionally, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs were predominantly associated with energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and notably, hydrolase activity. Co-expression network analysis unveiled two modules intimately associated with fertility, each comprising 908 and 756 hub genes, incorporating β-1,3-glucanase genes (Glu) and co-expressed transcription factors (TFs). Phylogenetic analysis implied that LbGlu1 was a potential candidate gene implicated in regulating pollen abortion in L. barbarum. This work advances a novel understanding of pollen abortion in L. barbarum and offers theoretical support for the utilization of sterility genes to enhance crop improvement.

In arid areas, the scarcity of rainfall severely limits the growth of plants in the area. In arid sandy deserts, plants survive by deeply rooting to absorb groundwater. In arid gravel soil deserts (Gobi), the gravel in the soil layer limits the growth and water absorption of local plant roots. Therefore, the strategies adopted by local plants to obtain water to sustain life have become crucial. Oxytropis aciphylla Ledeb. is a perennial, strongly xerophytic, cushion-shaped semi-shrub plant widely distributed in arid gravel desert areas. Its plant height is relatively short, its crown width is not large, and its root system is also underdeveloped. There are small and curly pinnate compound leaves and dense hairy fibers on the surface of the leaves. In this study, we focused on the function of leaf surface trichomes by observing the leaf submicroscopic structure, conducting in situ water harvesting experiments, measuring reflectance spectra, and analyzing chloroplast genomes of O. aciphylla leaves. The experimental results indicate that the surface of the leaves of O. aciphylla is densely covered with hair-like fiber arrays, and these hair-like fiber surfaces have micro and nanoscale protrusions. These structures can quickly capture moisture in the air and filter out ultraviolet and infrared rays from the sun, without affecting the normal photosynthesis of the chloroplasts inside the leaves. The important findings of this study are the nanostructures on the surface of the hair-like fibers on the leaves of O. aciphylla, which not only have a water capture function but also reflect light. This has important theoretical significance for understanding how plant leaves in gravel deserts adapt to the environment.

β-1,3-Glucanases (Glu) are key enzymes involved in plant defense and physiological processes through the hydrolysis of β-1,3-glucans. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the β-1,3-glucanase gene family in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), including their chromosomal distribution, evolutionary relationships, and expression profiles. A total of 58 Glu genes were identified, distributed across all 12 chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis revealed six distinct branches within wolfberry and nine distinct branches when compared with Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression analysis showed that 45 Glu genes were expressed in berries, with specific genes also being expressed in flowers and leaves. Notably, LbaGlu28 exhibited significant expression during the tetrad stage of pollen development and was localized in the cell wall. These findings provide valuable insights into the functional significance of Glu genes in wolfberry, highlighting their roles in development and their potential involvement in reproductive processes, particularly in pollen development.

In low-light environments, plants face challenges in maximizing light acquisition for growth and reproduction. This study investigates the light-related adaptations of Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth, a climbing annual vine commonly known as morning glory. Field and laboratory analyses focused on the functionality of its leaf and petal interfaces. We observed that tendrils of I. purpurea enable it to climb surrounding structures, optimizing light capture. The leaves display absorption peaks at 400 nm and 700 nm, typical for plants that absorb light in the red and blue regions, with microstructural features like protrusions and folds aiding in self-cleaning. Petals, exhibiting grid-like patterns and specific reflectance spectra, attract pollinators such as bees. These functional traits, including self-cleaning mechanisms and specialized light absorption, highlight I. purpurea’s unique strategies for thriving in low-light conditions. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential use of I. purpurea for urban landscaping, vertical greening, and ornamental plant selection.