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Using High Resolution Computed Tomography to Visualize the Three Dimensional Structure and Function of Plant Vasculature
Published on: April 5, 2013
Research Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Xylem Development in Horticultural Plants
Lili Zhou1, Menghao Wang2, Shengjun Feng2
1Horticulture Institute, Huzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 768 Luwang Road, Huzhou 313000, China.
Abstract:
Xylem, a critical vascular tissue extensively distributed in stems and roots, plays indispensable roles in horticultural plant development. It facilitates water and mineral transport, provides mechanical support through secondary cell wall lignification, and precisely modulates ion homeostasis (e.g., Na+/K+ balance), thereby enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses. Consequently, xylem function directly impacts crop yield and quality. Recent breakthroughs in molecular biology have significantly advanced our understanding of the regulatory networks governing xylem development, including key transcription factors, hormonal signaling pathways (particularly auxin, cytokinin, and brassinosteroids), and their interactions with environmental cues. This review systematically summarizes current progress on the molecular mechanisms underlying xylem differentiation, secondary wall biosynthesis, and stress-responsive vascular adaptation in horticultural species. We further discuss emerging research frontiers, existing technical challenges, and prospective directions, aiming to provide a theoretical framework for genetic improvement and precision cultivation of horticultural crops.
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