Mireia Albiñana Palacios

Mrs. Mireia Albiñana Palacios

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
17 April 2024 in Plants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CPClaudia Pallotti
Claudia Pallotti
RBRenau Morata Begoña
Renau Morata Begoña
LCLoriana Cardone
Loriana Cardone
SNSergio G. Nebauer
Sergio G. Nebauer
MPMireia Albiñana Palacios
Mireia Albiñana Palacios
RMRosa Victoria Molina
Rosa Victoria Molina
The reproduction of Crocus sativus L., a sterile triploid plant, is carried out exclusively through corms, whose size determines the saffron yield. The development of daughter corms (DC) is supported by photoassimilates supplied by the leaves as well as by the mother corms (MC). While biomass partitioning during DC development is well studied, growth dynamics in terms of cell number and size, the involved meristems, as well as carbohydrate partition and allocation, are not yet fully understood. We conducted a comprehensive study into saffron corm growth dynamics at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Variations in carbohydrate content and enzymatic activities related to sucrose metabolism in sources and sinks were measured. Two key meristems were identified. One is involved in vascular connections between DC and MC. The other is a thickening meristem responsible for DC enlargement. This research explains how the previously described phases of corm growth correlate with variations in cell division, enlargement dynamics, and carbohydrate partitioning among organs. Results also elucidated that the end of DC growth relates to a significant drop in MC root biomass, limiting the water supply for the DC growth, and establishing the onset of leaf wilting. The lack of starch accumulation in aged leaf cells is noteworthy, as is the accumulation of lipids. We hypothesize a signaling role of sugars in DC growth initiation, stop, and leaf aging. Finally, we established a predominant role of sucrose synthase as a sucrolytic enzyme in the maintenance of the high flux of carbon for starch synthesis in DC. Together, the obtained results pave the way for the definition of strategies leading to better control of saffron corm development.