Fernando Carlos Gómez-Merino

Introduction: Homeobox (HB) transcription factors are essential for plant development and can participate in regulating plant responses to diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. Methods: In this study, we performed an in-silico analysis of the different HB gene and protein subfamilies in rice, including Oryza sativa subsp. indica and O. sativa subsp. japonica . Results: A total of 112 and 156 sequences annotated as HB transcription factors were retrieved from PlantTFDB for O. sativa subsp. indica and subsp. japonica , respectively, which showed 94% sequence identity. The homeobox–plant homeodomain finger (HB-PHD) subfamily showed 100% identity, whereas the three-amino-acid-loop-extension (TALE), WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX), and zinc-finger-homeodomain (ZF-HD) subfamilies displayed values equal to or higher than 95%; in contrast, HB-OTHERS showed the lowest identity (82%). Phylogenetic analysis grouped the proteins into six major subfamilies: HB-PHD, HD-ZIP, TALE, WOX, ZF-HD, and HB-OTHERS. In the promoter regions of HB genes of O. sativa subsp. japonica , 688 cis -regulatory motifs were retrieved as potentially associated with hormonal and stress responses such as drought, salinity, and cold; among the most frequent were ABRE, CGTCA-motif, TGACG-motif, and ARE. In addition, de novo motif analysis retrieved regulatory patterns specific to HB genes with significant similarity to transcription factors reported in specialized databases, suggesting conserved regulatory mechanisms. Selected representative genes from the TALE , WOX , and HD-ZIP subfamilies displayed relatively high expression under salinity or drought conditions. Discussion: Overall, our findings expand the understanding of the diversity and potential functions of HB transcription factors in rice, providing a comparative framework and a set of candidate HB genes for subsequent experimental studies addressing their roles in rice development and abiotic-stress responses.

La deficiencia de zinc (Zn) es uno de los problemas de malnutrición más extendidos a nivel mundial, particularmente en niños y poblaciones con dietas poco diversificadas

La semilla de cachichín (Oecopetalum mexicanum Greenm. & C. H. Thomps.) es un recurso nativo de México que forma parte de la alimentación tradicional y del comercio local en regiones de Veracruz, como el municipio de Misantla.

El uso creciente de nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) en productos industriales, médicos y domésticos ha incrementado su liberación al ambiente, especialmente en cuerpos de agua dulce y sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales

El cambio climático se define como la variación de las condiciones atmosféricas (temperatura, precipitación y velocidad del viento) a largo plazo.

La salinidad natural y antropogénica de los suelos de México representa hoy en día un gran reto para la producción agrícola y la investigación científica.

La acumulación excesiva de sales en los suelos y en los cuerpos de agua, especialmente de iones sodio (Na⁺) y cloruro (Cl⁻), representa un problema creciente para la producción de alimentos a nivel nacional y mundial.

El estado de Veracruz, México se caracteriza por ser uno de los principales productores de limón persa, representando una producción aproximada del 53% del volumen a nivel nacional.

Background: In Mexico, the sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production system relies on a few varieties, increasing its vulnerability to environmental stresses. Genetic variability, the diversity of genes within a population, is essential for adaptation and evolutionary sustainability in the face of environmental changes. Greater diversity translates to greater survival potential. Heritability measures the proportion of this variation that is transmitted, enabling genetic progress through selection. Objective: To evaluate genetic variability, estimate heritability and genetic progress, and analyze the performance of productive attributes of 20 new semi-commercial varieties, compared to four commercial varieties widely cultivated in Mexico. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Experimental Field of the Postgraduate College, Córdoba Campus, Veracruz, Mexico. Measurements were taken in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. The following were measured: stalk height, leaf length and width, internode length, milling stalk diameter, late water sprouts, aerial lateral shoots, number of internodes, number of leaves, pith and cavity within milling stalks, and total soluble solids (°Brix). Multivariate analyses, genetic estimations, Pearson correlations, principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, stability analysis, and distance index between groups were applied to the data obtained. Results: High heritability (> 0.4) was observed for stem height, total soluble solids, late water sprouting, and aerial lateral shoots, indicating strong genetic control and suggesting their inclusion in breeding programs. Total soluble solids were confirmed as a key variable due to their relationship with industrial yield. In contrast, the presence of pith, hollowness, and an excess of lateral shoots were associated with decreased quality and productivity. PCA and cluster analysis allowed the identification of six groups of varieties, some with agronomic potential and others with production limitations. Implications: Some of the semi-commercial varieties have the potential to contribute to strengthening the genetic stock in sugarcane to meet the challenges of climate change and crop variability. The results obtained are from a single environment; therefore, they need to be validated under different conditions. Conclusions: The varieties Mex 09-66, Mex 09-93, Mex 09-132, Mex 09-208, Mex 09-212, Mex 09-289, Mex 09-290, Mex 09-312, Mex 09-321, Mex 09-333, and Mex 09-341 showed more promising characteristics than the rest; for their use, it will be necessary to evaluate them in different agroclimatic regions.

En México, la producción de caña de azúcar enfrenta una problemática estructural derivada de su alta dependencia de un número limitado de cultivares comerciales