Flax is an important cash crop globally with a variety of commercial uses. It has been widely used for fiber, oil, nutrition, feed and in composite materials. Growth regulatory factor (GRF) is a transcription factor family unique to plants, and is involved in regulating many processes of growth and development. Bioinformatics analysis of the GRF family in flax predicted 17 LuGRF genes, which all contained the characteristic QLQ and WRC domains. Equally, 15 of 17 LuGRFs (88%) are predicted to be regulated by lus-miR396 miRNA. Phylogenetic analysis of GRFs from flax and several other well-characterized species defined five clades; LuGRF genes were found in four clades. Most LuGRF gene promoters contained cis-regulatory elements known to be responsive to hormones and stress. The chromosomal locations and collinearity of LuGRF genes were also analyzed. The three-dimensional structure of LuGRF proteins was predicted using homology modeling. The transcript expression data indicated that most LuGRF family members were highly expressed in flax fruit and embryos, whereas LuGRF3, LuGRF12 and LuGRF16 were enriched in response to salt stress. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that both LuGRF1 and LuGRF11 were up-regulated under ABA and MeJA stimuli, indicating that these genes were involved in defense. LuGRF1 was demonstrated to be localized to the nucleus as expected for a transcription factor. These results provide a basis for further exploration of the molecular mechanism of LuGRF gene function and obtaining improved flax breeding lines.

The WOX (WUSCHEL-related homeobox) gene family plays pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic/abiotic stresses. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), a globally important oilseed and fiber crop, lacks a comprehensive characterization of its WOX family. Here, 18 LuWOX genes were systematically identified in the flax genome through bioinformatics analyses. Phylogenetic classification grouped these genes into three clades: Ancient, Intermediate, and WUS Clades, with members within the same clade exhibiting conserved exon–intron structures and motif compositions. Promoter analysis revealed abundant cis-acting elements associated with hormone responses (MeJA, abscisic acid) and abiotic stress adaptation (anaerobic induction, drought, low temperature). Segmental duplication events (nine gene pairs) contributed significantly to LuWOX family expansion. Protein–protein interaction networks implicated several LuWOX proteins in stress-responsive pathways. Expression profiling demonstrated that most LuWOX genes were highly expressed in 5-day-post-anthesis (DPA) flowers and embryonic tissues. qRT-PCR validation further uncovered distinct expression patterns of LuWOX genes under cold, drought, and salt stresses. This study established a foundational framework for leveraging LuWOX genes to enhance stress tolerance in flax breeding and functional genomics.

The treatment of straw biomass has always been a global issue. Although composting processes a large amount of straw biomass as a low-cost technology, its low efficiency has resulted in redundant stores of straw biomass. However, the humus in compost not only has an impact on soil fertility, but also has important effects on the functioning of microbial ecosystems. Meanwhile, the colloidal properties of humus can enhance the water and fertilizer retention capacity of compost, creating a suitable living environment for microorganisms. This study aimed to address the problems of the long composting periods and low maturity efficiency of corn straw by exploring the regulatory effect of exogenous compost humus on the composting process of corn straw and its promoting effect on plant growth. Composting treatment groups were set up with the addition of exogenous humus to systematically monitor the temperature changes, dynamic formation of humus, and change in microbial community during composting. The effects of compost products on corn growth were also analyzed through pot experiments. The results showed that the intervention of exogenous humus can significantly accelerate the composting process of corn straw, extend the traditional composting heating period by 8 days, and increase the humus content by 27.98 g/kg. It also increased the content of organic functional groups in the humus and significantly promoted the growth of corn, increasing its nitrogen content by 5.11 g/kg and increasing plant height and leaf length by 5 cm. This provides a new technical path for the efficient utilization of composting for corn straw. The treatment of agricultural waste and the production of high-quality organic fertilizers will promote the development of green agriculture.

Alkaline stress limits crop productivity by causing osmotic and oxidative damage. This study investigated the new gene LcTprxII, a type II peroxiredoxin encoded by Leymus chinensis, and its role in enhancing alkaline stress tolerance in transgenic maize. The gene was cloned, overexpressed, and characterized using RT-PCR, phylogenetic analysis, and motif identification. Transgenic maize lines were generated via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and subjected to physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses under alkaline stress. Under alkaline stress, the results revealed that LcTprxII overexpression significantly preserved chlorophyll content, mitigated oxidative damage, and maintained growth compared to wild-type plants, as evidenced by elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes (APX, CAT, SOD, and POD) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Transcriptomic profiling identified 3733 differentially expressed genes and the upregulation of ABA and MAPK signaling pathways, highlighting the role of these genes in stress signaling and metabolic adaptation. Hormonal analysis indicated reduced ABA and increased GA levels in the transgenic lines. This study identified WRKY, bHLH, and MYB transcription factors as key regulators activated under alkaline stress, contributing to transcriptional regulation in transgenic maize. Field trials confirmed the agronomic potential of LcTprxII-overexpressing maize, with yield maintained under alkaline conditions. The present study revealed that LcTprxII enhances antioxidant defenses and stress signaling, which trigger tolerance to abiotic stress. Future studies should explore the long-term effects on growth, yield, and molecular interactions under diverse environmental conditions.

Plant lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are plant membrane protein receptor kinases. Lectin-like receptor kinases play a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. It can rapidly respond to both biotic and abiotic stresses while mediating mechanisms of plant immune responses. This study represents the first identification of the LecRLK family genes in maize. It analyzes the gene structure, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic classification, promoter homoeotropic elements, and expression patterns under both biotic and abiotic stresses. The results indicate that these genes possess kinase and transmembrane domains, along with specific L-type or G-type extracellular domains. Most ZmLecRLK gene promoters contain cis-acting elements that are responsive to known hormones and stressors. Furthermore, these genes have been identified as being sensitive to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This discovery establishes a significant theoretical foundation for the selection of corn varieties in adverse environments. Additionally, it provides a basis for further in-depth exploration of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of LecRLK family genes.

The PLATZ gene family influences plant growth, development, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), an important oilseed and fiber crop, has not been extensively studied for its PLATZ genes. In this study, 27 LuPLATZ genes were identified in the recently assembled T2T (Telomere-to-Telomere) flax genome through bioinformatics analyses. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these genes into five subfamilies. Examination of gene structure and motifs showed conserved exon–intron arrangements and similar motif compositions within the same clade. Promoter analysis revealed that most cis-elements are associated with plant hormone responses (such as MeJA and ABA) and abiotic stresses, including anaerobic induction, drought, and low temperature. Duplication analysis identified 33 segmental duplication events, and miRNA target prediction indicated that lus-miR167 is the primary regulator of LuPLATZ genes. Expression profiling based on RNA-seq data showed high expression levels of most LuPLATZ genes in leaves and roots, and qRT-PCR confirmed their stress-responsive expression under cold, drought, and salt conditions, with LuPLATZ14 and LuPLATZ21 significantly upregulated in all treatments. Furthermore, overexpression of these two genes enhanced drought tolerance in yeast transformants.