Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) Transcription Factors: Role in Plant Development

Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) Transcription Factors: Role in Plant Development

(Dr. PB Kale and Monali Ther)

Abstract

Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) constitute one of the largest and most diverse families of TFs in plants, regulating various biological processes essential for plant growth, development, and stress responses. This article explores the structural features of bHLH TFs, their classification, and their diverse roles in plant development, including cell differentiation, organ formation, hormone signaling, and response to environmental cues. The significance of bHLH TFs in crop improvement and future research directions are also discussed.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.677611

Coconut (Indian Coconut Plant)

Coconut (Indian Coconut Plant)

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Plantae

• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Monocots
• Order: Arecales
• Family: Arecaceae
• Genus: Cocos
• Species: Cocos nucifera

SN	6
Flora	Coconut
Address(s)	https://maps.app.goo.gl/KP3b3Bmb5Sondwnx8
Classification	Front gate of college building
InfoLite	https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2025/01/coconut-palm-cocos-nucifera.html
InfoBase Status	https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2025/01/coconut-indian-coconut-plant.html
	NO
Cataloging	YES

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) belongs to the family Arecaceae, commonly referred to as the palm family. It is the only species in the genus Cocos. Native to tropical regions, the coconut palm is widely cultivated for its versatility and economic value, especially in coastal and island ecosystems.

Morphology:

• The coconut palm is a tall, unbranched tree that can grow up to 30 meters, with a smooth, slender trunk.

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera)

 Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) 

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Monocots
• Order: Arecales
• Family: Arecaceae
• Genus: Cocos
• Species: Cocos nucifera

Taxonomic Description:
The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) belongs to the family Arecaceae, commonly known as the palm family. This family includes several economically and ecologically significant species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Cocos nucifera is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos, making it a monotypic genus. It is a member of the order Arecales, characterized by its unbranched stem, pinnate leaves, and drupe-type fruit.

Coconut palms are often referred to as the "tree of life" due to their wide range of uses, including food, oil, fiber, and wood. The species is widely cultivated in tropical coastal regions and serves as a keystone species in coastal ecosystems.

SN	6
Flora	Coconut
Address(s)	https://maps.app.goo.gl/KP3b3Bmb5Sondwnx8
Classification	Front gate of college building
InfoLite	https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2025/01/coconut-palm-cocos-nucifera.html
InfoBase Status	https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2025/01/coconut-indian-coconut-plant.html
	NO
Cataloging	YES

Link Table: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance

Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance

_Dr. PB Kale (Date of draft for proposal; April 1, 2024)

SN	Expt.	MapLocat(ions)	Title / Material and Method	Field Data	Cataloging	InfoBase Status
1	Expt 1: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance	VNGCAB-KVK Field area, Yavatmal Key Words: Rice, Drought, Rice https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSP8e7y6iuHNrnRc8	https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2025/01/evaluation-of-rice-genotypes-and.html	IR data	NO	YES
				Spectral signatures
				Phenomics data
				Genomics Data
				General articles ·

Genomics Studies: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance Using Genomics Studies

 

Genomics Studies: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance Using Genomics Studies

Principle of the Method

Genomics involves the analysis of DNA sequences and genetic variations to identify genes, alleles, and regulatory elements associated with specific traits, such as drought tolerance. By integrating high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, genomics enables the discovery of genetic markers, quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and drought-responsive genes in rice genotypes and mutants. This approach facilitates understanding the genetic basis of drought tolerance and accelerates breeding programs.

Methodology

Phenomics Studies: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance Using Phenomics Studies

 

Phenomics Studies: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance Using Phenomics Studies

Principle of the Method

Phenomics involves the high-throughput analysis of plant traits (phenotypes) under controlled or field conditions. By combining advanced imaging, sensor technologies, and automated data analysis, phenomics enables the comprehensive assessment of morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses of rice genotypes and mutants to drought stress. This approach allows for non-destructive, time-resolved measurements of traits associated with drought tolerance.

Methodology

1. Experimental Setup

• Plant Material: Use a diverse panel of rice genotypes and mutants, including drought-tolerant and sensitive controls.
• Growth Conditions: Conduct experiments in controlled environments (e.g., greenhouse or phenomics facility) or field phenotyping platforms under two treatments:
  • Well-Watered (WW): Normal irrigation.
  • Drought-Stressed (DS): Withhold water during critical growth stages (vegetative and reproductive).

Spectral Signatures: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance Using Spectral Signatures

 

Spectral Signatures: Evaluation of Rice Genotypes and Mutants for Drought Tolerance Using Spectral Signatures

Principle of the Method

Spectral signatures refer to the unique patterns of electromagnetic radiation reflected or absorbed by plant tissues across different wavelengths. Under drought stress, changes in leaf water content, chlorophyll concentration, and canopy structure alter the reflectance and absorbance of light. By analyzing spectral signatures in visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) regions, drought tolerance traits in rice genotypes and mutants can be quantified and compared.

Methodology

1. Experimental Setup

• Use a multispectral or hyperspectral sensor to measure the reflectance from the rice canopy at key growth stages (vegetative and reproductive stages).
• Perform measurements under standardized light conditions (preferably sunny days, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM).