The plant-specific transcription factor TCPs play multiple roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, a genome-wide analysis of TCP proteins and their roles in salt stress has not been declared in switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.). In this study, 42 PvTCP genes (PvTCPs) were identified from the switchgrass genome and 38 members can be anchored to its chromosomes unevenly. NinePvTCPswere predicted to bemicroRNA319(miR319) targets. Furthermore,PvTCPscan be divided into three clades according to the phylogeny and conserved domains. Members in the same clade have the similar gene structure and motif localization. Although allPvTCPswere expressed in tested tissues, their expression profiles were different under normal condition. The specific expression may indicate their different roles in plant growth and development. In addition, approximately 20cis-acting elements were detected in the promoters ofPvTCPs, and 40% were related to stress response. Moreover, the expression profiles ofPvTCPsunder salt stress were also analyzed and 29PvTCPswere regulated after NaCl treatment. Taken together, thePvTCPgene family was analyzed at a genome-wide level and their possible functions in salt stress, which lay the basis for further functional analysis ofPvTCPsin switchgrass.

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) has been used for centuries as a preservative in winemaking. However, the addition of SO₂ is associated with allergic reactions and can negatively affect wine quality. In our work, chitooligosaccharide (COS) was applied as an alternative to SO₂ in winemaking, and its antimicrobial activity during winemaking was investigated in comparison with the action of SO₂. The optimal concentration of COS was identified as 500 mg/L. The antimicrobial effect of COS was evaluated using known and our own separated wine spoilage organisms. The antimicrobial effect of 500 mg/L COS was found to be comparable with that of 100 mg/L SO₂. Furthermore, using 500 mg/L COS as an additive during winemaking did notinfluence the cell growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Therefore, COS can be used as an additive in winemaking.

Summary: A novel inulin‐degrading bacterium was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jerusalem artichoke roots. It is a Gram‐positive, aerobic, motile and central endospore‐forming straight rod, and exhibits phenotypic properties being consistent with its classification in the genus Paenibacillus . The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso‐C15:0, C16:0 and anteiso‐C17:0. This strain represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus on the basis of phenotypic data together with phylogenetic analysis, and it is here designated as LX 16 and deposited in China centre for type collection, China (= CCTCC 2015256). Strain LX 16 could produce a cyclofructooligosaccharide fructanotransferase catalysing the formation of one type of fructooligosaccharide ( FOS ) from inulin. The FOS was identified as a cyclofructooligosaccharide with a degree of polymerization of 6. Such homology in inulin degradation products may be beneficial for the functional FOS production.