Publications by authors named "Bianyun Yu"

Dormancy release and germination of the seed are two separate, but continuous phases controlled by both external (e.g., light and temperature) and internal (e.

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Endosperm development is crucial for embryo growth and seed maturation. LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1), expressed in both endosperm and embryo, serves as a key regulator of seed development, orchestrating processes such as embryogenesis and seed maturation. LEC1 expression in the endosperm is detectable within a day after fertilization, yet its specific regulatory networks and developmental functions in this tissue remain unclear.

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There is a growing consumer interest in sources of dietary protein that are plant-based. Pulse crops, such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas, are gaining popularity due to their environmental sustainability, nutrient density, and functional attributes. The protein content and quality of pulses vary across different pulse classes and processing methods.

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In soilborne diseases, the plant-pathogen interaction begins as soon as the seed germinates and develops into a seedling. , an oomycete, stays dormant in soil and is activated by sensing the host through chemical signals present in the root exudates. The composition of plant exudates may, thus, play an important role during the early phase of infection.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Fusarium head blight (FHB) negatively impacts durum wheat quality by causing Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination, with the DT696 line showing less susceptibility compared to other cultivars.
  • - The study utilized a SNP high-density genetic map from a DT707/DT696 population to identify QTL (quantitative trait loci) responsible for resistance against DON and FDK, discovering four DON resistance QTL and two FDK resistance QTL across varying years.
  • - Breeder-friendly KASP markers were developed for diagnosing resistance QTL on specific chromosomes, aiding in future durum wheat breeding to enhance disease resistance by utilizing favorable alleles from the DT696 line.
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Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a nutritious legume with seeds rich in protein, minerals and an array of diverse specialized metabolites. The formation of a seed requires regulation and tight coordination of developmental programs to form the embryo, endosperm and seed coat compartments, which determines the structure and composition of mature seed and thus its end-use quality.

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Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important legume crop providing a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds with health benefits for humans. In this study, an improved method for simultaneous analysis of multiple phytoestrogens among 100 pea accessions was developed.

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Pulses are a group of leguminous crops that are harvested solely for their dry seeds. As the demand for plant-based proteins grows, pulses are becoming important food crops worldwide. In addition to being a rich source of nutrients, pulses also contain saponins that are traditionally considered anti-nutrients, and impart bitterness and astringency.

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In this study, ten pea flours covering a broad range of amylose content (37.2-77.6 %, dsb) were characterized for functional and nutritional properties.

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Seed development in angiosperms produces three genetically and developmentally distinct sub-compartments: the embryo, endosperm, and seed coat. The maternally derived seed coat protects the embryo and interacts closely with the external environment especially during germination and seedling establishment. Seed coat is a key contributor to seed composition and an important determinant of nutritional value for humans and livestock.

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Starch is the most abundant storage carbohydrate and a major component in pea seeds, accounting for about 50% of dry seed weight. As a by-product of pea protein processing, current uses for pea starch are limited to low-value, commodity markets. The globally growing demand for pea protein poses a great challenge for the pea fractionation industry to develop new markets for starch valorization.

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Grain protein concentration (GPC) is an important trait in durum cultivar development as a major determinant of the nutritional value of grain and end-use product quality. However, it is challenging to simultaneously select both GPC and grain yield (GY) due to the negative correlation between them. To characterize quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GPC and understand the genetic relationship between GPC and GY in Canadian durum wheat, we performed both traditional and conditional QTL mapping using a doubled haploid (DH) population of 162 lines derived from Pelissier × Strongfield.

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Gluten strength is one of the factors that determine the end-use quality of durum wheat and is an important breeding target for this crop. To characterize the quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling gluten strength in Canadian durum wheat cultivars, a population of 162 doubled haploid (DH) lines segregating for gluten strength and derived from cv. Pelissier × cv.

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Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) has previously been identified as a potential crop species suitable for marginal land in the North American prairies due to its relatively high salt tolerance. Two genetically related B. carinata lines with brown-seeded (BS) and yellow-seeded (YS) phenotypes were assessed for their tolerance to sodium sulfate.

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Article Synopsis
  • The Arabidopsis microRNA156 (miR156) regulates the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN LIKE (SPL) family and influences various gene networks, affecting traits like branching and carotenoid levels.
  • A T-DNA enhancer mutant named sk156, with altered morphology and increased seed carotenoid levels, was linked to elevated miR156b expression due to the T-DNA insert.
  • The study indicates that while SPL15 can restore certain traits in the sk156 mutant, its role is partially redundant with other SPL members, and there appears to be a feedback mechanism whereby SPL15 influences miR156b expression levels.
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An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, cbd (carotenoid biosynthesis deficient), was recovered from a mutant population based on its yellow cotyledons, yellow-first true leaves, and stunted growth. Seven-day-old seedlings and mature seeds of this mutant had lower chlorophyll and total carotenoids than the wild type (WT). Genetic and molecular characterization revealed that cbd was a recessive mutant caused by a T-DNA insertion in the gene cpSRP54 encoding the 54 kDa subunit of the chloroplast signal recognition particle.

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Article Synopsis
  • The AtmiR156b gene from Arabidopsis was expressed in Brassica napus using different promoters to study its effects on seed traits.
  • The transgenic B. napus showed increased levels of seed lutein and beta-carotene and doubled the number of flowering shoots when driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter.
  • Results indicate that while AtmiR156b can improve seed carotenoids and branching, its expression does not uniformly affect seed yield and weight, suggesting potential applications in crop breeding.
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The accumulation of carotenoids in higher plants is regulated by the environment, tissue type and developmental stage. In Brassica napus leaves, beta-carotene and lutein were the main carotenoids present while petals primarily accumulated lutein and violaxanthin. Carotenoid accumulation in seeds was developmentally regulated with the highest levels detected at 35-40 days post anthesis.

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Carotenoids are plant secondary metabolites that comprise two main groups: carotenes and xanthophylls. The latter group includes zeaxanthin which is synthesized by beta-carotene hydroxylase catalyzing the hydroxylation of the beta-rings of beta-carotene molecules. To develop tools to alter carotenoid biosynthesis in plants, we isolated a cDNA clone encoding a candidate beta-carotene hydroxylase, CrtH1, from the flower petals of Adonis aestivalis.

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Two new genes, LeERF1 andLeERF2, were isolated from a tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Lichun) cDNA library. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that they encoded Ethylene Responsive Element Binding Proteins (EREBPs), characterized by a conserved ERF (ethylene response factor) domain of specific binding plant cis-acting elements GCC box.

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Ethylene and PG (polygalacturonase) are both key plant growth regulators in fruit ripening process. The expression of PG was markedly inhibited in either antisense ACS tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Lichun) where endogenous ethylene synthesis was suppressed, or in Nr mutant in which ethylene perception was severely damaged.

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