Richard J. Henny’s research while affiliated with University of Florida and other places

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Publications (124)


Figure 1. Variegated 'Marble Queen' plant and its leaf TEM observation of VMG and VMW. (a) A variegated 'Marble Queen' plant. (b) A variegated leaf with a large area of white sector. Region marked in red was used for TEM analysis in VMG (c,e) and VMW (d,f). CP = chloroplasts; M = mitochondria; N = nucleus; NO = nucleolus; PG = plastoglobules; S = starch granule. The red arrows indicate loose plastid membrane with inclusion of mitochondria.  
Figure 2. Analysis of phytohormone contents. An equal amount of leaf sectors from 'Marble Queen' (a,b) and 'Golden Pothos' (c) as well as pure green plants 'Jade' and PG, respectively, were used for measuring. Data represents an average from three independent pairs of sectors ± SD. For pure green plants, data represents an average of three independent leaves ± SD. The arrow represents an increase (↑ ) or decrease (↓ ) in fold (x). F.W., fresh weight; ND, not detectable; *P < 0.05.  
Figure 3. Comparative DEG analysis of VMG and VMW. (a) Summary of analysis results. The percentages of DEGs within each group are indicated in parenthesis. (b) A chart shows the percentage of DEGs in each category. (c) The Venn diagram shows the numbers of DEGs in each cellular component -nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion and chloroplasts. The number in each intersection represents the mutually present DEGs in the corresponding cellular components. The information of DEGs in VMW is listed in Supplemental Tables S3, S4.  
Figure 4. In situ detection of ROS and measurement of GSH contents. (a) A 'Marble Queen' leaf with distinct green and white sectors before (left) and after treatment with 6 mM NBT (right). The formation of insoluble dark blue diformazan came from the reduction of NBT by the presence of superoxide. (b) Total GSH was measured and compared between VMG and VMW. Data represents an average from three independent pairs of sectors ± SD. The arrow represents an increase (↑ ) in fold (x). **P < 0.01.  
Figure 5. QRT-PCR analysis of selected DEGs in OPDA-treated PG plants. Selected DEGs listed in Table 1 for transcription factors (a), and Table 2 for scavenger GSTs (b), DNA replication and repair (c), and heat shock proteins (d) were quantified. Those induced by OPDA treatment greater than 2-fold were colored in red. Data represent the average of fold changes between treated and control (as 1) samples (n = three biological replicates) ± SD.  
Accumulation of high OPDA level correlates with reduced ROS and elevated GSH benefiting white cell survival in variegated leaves
  • Article
  • Full-text available

April 2017

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23 Citations

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Variegated ‘Marble Queen’ (Epipremnum aureum) plant has white (VMW) and green (VMG) sectors within the same leaf. The white sector cells containing undifferentiated chloroplasts are viable, but the underlying mechanism for their survival and whether these white cells would use any metabolites as signal molecules to communicate with the nucleus for maintaining their viability remain unclear. We analyzed and compared phytohormone levels with their precursors produced in chloroplasts between VMW and VMG, and further compared their transcriptomes to understand the consequences related to the observed elevated 12-oxo phytodienoic acid (OPDA), which was 9-fold higher in VMW than VMG. Transcriptomic study showed that a large group of OPDA-responsive genes (ORGs) were differentially expressed in VMW, including stress-related transcription factors and genes for reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, DNA replication and repair, and protein chaperones. Induced expression of these ORGs could be verified in OPDA-treated green plants. Reduced level of ROS and higher levels of glutathione in VMW were further confirmed. Our results suggest that elevated OPDA or its related compounds are recruited by white cells as a signaling molecule(s) to up-regulate stress and scavenging activity related genes that leads to reduced ROS levels and provides survival advantages to the white cells.

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Figure 1. Morphology of E. aureum. (a) A variegated variety of 'Marble Queen' plant showing green and white leaf sectors. Red arrow indicates a petiole. (b) Its fully expanded leaf shows a typical venation pattern commonly observed in dicots. (c) A cross section of its stem shows 'compound' vascular bundles distributed in two separate layers: a ring in the outer layer and scattered in the inner layer. Scale bar = 200 μ m. (d) Detailed vascular bundles for outer layer (black box in c.). Scale bar = 50 μ m. (e) Detailed vascular bundles for inner layer (white box in c.). Scale bar = 50 μ m.  
Figure 2. Evolutionary position of E. aureum. Phylogenetic tree of E. aureum (star) and other 20 genome sequenced plant species based on their 263 single copy orthologs.  
Figure 3. Studies of VG and HG 'Jade' plants. (a) VG and HG plants were maintained side-by-side in a greenhouse. (b) Difference in leaf sizes between VG and HG plants. * * P < 0.01. (c) Contents of GAs in VG and HG shoot apexes. f.w.: fresh weight. (d) Expression patterns of some key genes from flowering inductive and GA biosynthesis pathways in VG compared to HG plants. Undetected genes EaLFY and EaGA3ox1 are highlighted in yellow. Relationship of these key genes indicated with solid lines was adopted from Albani and Coupland (2010). Arrows indicate promoting events whereas T symbols denote repressing events on flowering. The dotted line means an inconclusive relationship. Unmarked genes represent no change; small ↑ : increased; small ↓: reduced; ?: potential involvement; GAs: GA 1 , GA 3 and GA 4 .  
Figure 4. GA 3 induced flowering and EaLFY expression. (a) The size (length x width (cm 2 )) of the young fully expanded leaf was recorded weekly. Data plotted were the average (n = 5) ± s.d. Arrow indicates the time of GA 3 treatment. (b) Appearance of flower bud (white arrow) in VG plants. (c) Appearance of small flower bud (white arrow) in HG plants. (d) Inflorescence consisting of a leaf-shaped spathe and a spadix. (e) Close-up of inflorescence with many small, pentacyclic and prism-shaped female flowers (black arrows) tightly packed together. (f) Stamen of a male flower with anthers (yellow arrows) hidden between female flowers. (g) RT-PCR results of EaLFY and 18s rRNA from three GA 3 treated (+ GA 3 ) and three untreated (−GA 3 ) VG (upper panel) and HG (lower panel) plants.  
Figure 5. Results of qRT-PCR on selected genes from each pathway or group after treating with GA 3 in VG (red) and HG (blue) plants. Data plotted are the fold changes representing the relative difference in expression between GA 3 treated and untreated (as 1) samples. A positive value indicates induction while a negative value indicates reduction after GA 3 treatment. Data shown are the average (n = 3 pairs of VG and HG plants) ± s.d. n.d.: not detected.  
Gibberellin deficiency is responsible for shy-flowering nature of Epipremnum aureum

June 2016

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3,868 Reads

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24 Citations

Epipremnum aureum is an extremely popular houseplant belonging to the Araceae family of angiosperms, but it does not flower either in the wild or under cultivation. We uncovered the potential causes of its shy-flowering nature by building the transcriptome using next-generation sequencing and identifying floral-related genes that are differentially expressed between vertical growth (VG, adult) and horizontal growth (HG, juvenile) plants. Transcripts of the gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic gene EaGA3ox1 and GA-responsive floral meristem identity gene EaLFY were absent in both VG and HG plants, suggesting that a deficiency of bioactive GAs may be responsible for its shy-flowering nature. This hypothesis is supported by undetectable or low levels of three bioactive GAs, and exogenous GA3 triggered flowering in both plants. Our study resolves the mystery why E. aureum fails to flower, and reveals the positive role of GAs in floral transition in perennials.






Citations (63)


... For example, gibberellin is used to efficiently induce flowers in biennial crops or long-day plants. Commercial usage of Pro-Gibb T&O (GA 3 ) can induce flowering on tropical foliage plants [64,65], and exogenous gibberellin (GA) application accelerates spike development under short days for wheat lines expressing VRN1 (VERNALIZATION1) [66]. Research in Arabidopsis has shown that the effects of gibberellins on flowering control correlate with expression of LEAFY, a floral meristem identity gene. ...

Reference:

Emerging Avenues for Utilization of Exotic Germplasm
Using Gibberellic Acid and Ethephon to Induce Flowers on Tropical Foliage Plants: ENH1186/EP447, 10/2011

EDIS

... When exposed to low temperatures, Saintpaulia leaves turn brown and visible damage occurs even within a short period of time (approximately 12 h) (Larcher and Bodner 1980). Sensitivity to low temperatures is a major problem in the transport of Saintpaulia (Chen and Henny, 2009). For chilling sensitive plants, chilling is a significant cause of damage in production, transportation, and interior design (Chen et al. 2004). ...

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha): ENH 1096/EP360, 2/2009

EDIS

... Visual plant grade was determined using 1-5 scale grade system, where 1 = dead, 2 = poor quality, 3 = fair quality, 4 = good quality and 5 = excellent quality. Visual colour grade of Aglaonema plants was rated according to colour and pigmentation by the grading system by Henny et al (2008) as, 1= poor colour, 3= good, light green and 5= excellent dark green & silver contrast. Visual root grade was determined using a grading system where 1= 20% soil ball covered with roots, 2= 20-40% soil ball covered, 3= 40-60% soil ball covered, 4= 60-80% soil ball covered and 5= ≥ 80% coverage. ...

New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Aglaonema ‘Leprechaun’

EDIS

... Vol. 10 (1) : 89-96, June 2024 In vitro propagation of Zamoculcas zamipholia LODD., through indirect regeneration well-draining potting soil should be used and a mix of regular potting soil with some perlite or sand works well. They can tolerate dry air and prefer average to warm temperatures and normal indoor humidity levels (Bown, 2000;Henny and Chen, 2013). Propagation of Zamiifolia can be readily undertaken through division or leaf cuttings (Lopez et al., 2009;Malla et al., 2023). ...

Florida Foliage House Plant Care: ZZ Plant

EDIS

... These variations in plants are caused by mutations and regenerated through tissue culture. Promising somaclonal variations for a wide array of characters have been detected and isolated in diferent loricultural crops-aglaonema [112,114], anthurium [125], begonia [37], Calthea roseopicta [92], carnation (Dianthus caryoplyllus L.) [183], Celosia argentea L. [3], chrysanthemum [211], diefenbachia sp. ...

Analysis of Genetic Relationships of Calathea Species and Cultivars by AFLP Markers
  • Citing Article
  • July 2004

HortScience

... It seems most likely that these fragments represent differences in DNA methylation within the EcoRI and MseI restriction sites. DNA methylation has been shown to affect AFLP profiles in other taxa (Fang et al., 2005). The very low overall percentage of anomalous peaks (0.0058) is not an unreasonable level for methylation differences. ...

DNA Methylation Polymorphisms in Somaclonal-derived Cultivars of Ornamental Aroids
  • Citing Article
  • July 2005

HortScience

... (7,8,9). Hybridization and polyploidization have also played a role in creating taxonomic uncertainties in the Curcuma genus (10,11). Traditional identification methods heavily rely on the expertise of taxonomists, and the developmental stage of the plants and can be influenced by environmental factors. ...

Chromosome Numbers and Ploidy Levels of Chinese Curcuma Species

HortScience

... This oxidative impairment induced by boron toxicity may be linked with alterations in the redox potential of AsA and GSH, consistent with previous reports in potato plants under boron toxicity [79]. It is commonly known that AsA and GSH shield plants from oxidative stress [80,81]; GSH protects cell membranes from oxidative damage to lipids and proteins by activating glutathione-S-transferase [82]. However, similar to the effects observed in potatoes under boron toxicity [79] and wheat under drought stress [83], our results show that boron toxicity leads to an increase in DHA and GSSG levels, indicative of disturbances in cellular redox potential. ...

Accumulation of high OPDA level correlates with reduced ROS and elevated GSH benefiting white cell survival in variegated leaves

... They grow well in both partial shade and shade, making them suitable for decorating buildings and interior spaces. Their leaves can be used in vase arrangements or floral bouquets for various occasions, and they are used for ornamental desk plants, hanging baskets, totems, and potted plants [2]. This foliage plant is resistant to environmental conditions and maintains its beauty for a long time. ...

The foliage plant industry
  • Citing Article
  • January 2005

... The leaves of young plants are about 4 inches long whereas the leaves of matured plants can grow up to 30 inches long with deep lobes. Pothos are described as shy-flowering plants, meaning it fails to flower either in the wild or in cultivation (Hung et al. 2016). Similar to other species in this publication, both Epipremnum pinnatum and Epipremnum aureum pose a high risk of becoming invasive in Florida based on the IFAS Assessment and are not recommended by UF/IFAS with Epipremnum aureum being classified as a FISC category II invasive (https://floridainvasivespecies.org/). ...

Gibberellin deficiency is responsible for shy-flowering nature of Epipremnum aureum