Plants

16 pages, 801 KB

Open AccessArticle

Superior In Vitro Responses of a Native Rose Genotype to Driver Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) Medium in a Comparative Study Using Natural and Synthetic Plant Growth Regulators

by Mahboubeh Davoudi Pahnekolayi, Zahra Parchianloo, Majid Babouyehdarabi and Meysam Ghasemi

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162606 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Rosa canina is one of the precious native rose rootstocks with a high reputation among plant producers, which has potential horticultural and pharmacological properties related to the cosmetic values and the production of secondary metabolites. Due to high horticultural consumption, applying the plant [...] Read more.

Rosa canina is one of the precious native rose rootstocks with a high reputation among plant producers, which has potential horticultural and pharmacological properties related to the cosmetic values and the production of secondary metabolites. Due to high horticultural consumption, applying the plant tissue culture technique as a major tool for healthy and massive-scale production of R. canina plants is not unexpected. However, the response of R. canina in vitro plantlets to various plant tissue culture ingredients is not well understood to tender an efficient applied protocol for qualitative and quantitative in vitro propagation. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of several abiotic in vitro variants including six plant tissue culture media formulations (McCown’s Woody Plant Medium (WPM), Murashige and Skoog (MS), Van der Salm (VS), Schenk and Hildebrant (SH), Driver Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW), and Gamburg B5 (B5)) in combination with four concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4 mgL⁻¹) of two types of cytokinins (6-Benzyaminopurine (BAP) and Kinetin (Kin)) simultaneously. Notably, it is perceived that DKW culture medium containing 1.5 mgL⁻¹ BAP and 0.1 mgL⁻¹ NAA is the best treatment for both in vitro morphological and flowering properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Regeneration—2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 2764 KB

Open AccessArticle

Syzygium oleosum (F.Muell.) B.Hyland (Myrtaceae), an Unexplored Australian Species: Anatomical and Micromorphological Study of Leafy Twigs, and Characterization and Biological Activity of Their Essential Oil

by Paola Malaspina, Flavio Polito, Susanna Alloisio, Raffaella Barbieri, Greg Trevena, Eleonora Agostino, Domenico Trombetta, Vincenzo De Feo, Laura Cornara and Antonella Smeriglio

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2605; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162605 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Syzygium oleosum (F.Muell.) B.Hyland is an Australian native species whose essential oil (EO), known commercially as “Mango Myrtle,” is gaining popularity in aromatherapy, yet remains poorly studied. This work provides the first comprehensive pharmacognostic investigation of S. oleosum. Anatomical and micromorphological analyses [...] Read more.

Syzygium oleosum (F.Muell.) B.Hyland is an Australian native species whose essential oil (EO), known commercially as “Mango Myrtle,” is gaining popularity in aromatherapy, yet remains poorly studied. This work provides the first comprehensive pharmacognostic investigation of S. oleosum. Anatomical and micromorphological analyses revealed numerous secretory cavities and calcium oxalate druses in both leaves and twigs. GC-MS analysis identified 16 components in the EO, predominantly hydrocarbon monoterpenes, with terpinolene (30.79%), β-pinene (26.79%), α-pinene (10.69%), and γ-terpinene (9.86%) as major constituents. In vitro assays showed moderate antioxidants (IC₅₀ ≤ 4.95 mg/mL) and anti-inflammatory effects (IC₅₀ ≤ 5.93 mg/mL), with specific monoterpenes contributing differentially to each activity. The EO displayed weak inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ 19.4 mg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ 15.9 mg/mL), and no effect on GABA transaminase. Microelectrode array recordings on primary cortical neurons demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibition of network activity (0.059–1.19 mg/mL) without affecting cell viability, indicating a neuromodulatory property. These results provide new insights into the pharmacological potential of S. oleosum EO and support its further evaluation as a neuroactive and anti-inflammatory agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products of Medicinal Plants: Isolation, Purification and Bioactivity Evaluation)

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18 pages, 4911 KB

Open AccessArticle

bra-miR9569 Targets the BrAHA6 Gene to Negatively Regulate H⁺-ATPases, Affecting Pollen Fertility in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)

by Siyu Xiong, Xiaochun Wei, Wenjing Zhang, Yanyan Zhao, Shuangjuan Yang, Henan Su, Baoming Tian, Fang Wei, Xiaowei Zhang and Yuxiang Yuan

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2604; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162604 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) is characterized by complete pollen abortion, wherein stamens fail to produce viable pollen while pistils retain normal fertility. This maternally inherited trait is valuable for hybrid breeding. This study employed integrated [...] Read more.

Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) is characterized by complete pollen abortion, wherein stamens fail to produce viable pollen while pistils retain normal fertility. This maternally inherited trait is valuable for hybrid breeding. This study employed integrated analysis of miRNA, transcriptome, and degradome sequencing data aligned to the Chinese cabbage reference genome to elucidate the molecular function of bra-miR9569 in Ogura CMS pollen fertility and explore its associated pathways. Subsequently, a bra-miR9569 overexpression vector was constructed and transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana. Phenotypic characterization of transgenic Arabidopsis lines, combined with anther viability assessment and quantification of ATP content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Chinese cabbage, was performed to analyze the effects of bra-miR9569. Our findings demonstrate that mutation of the mitochondrial gene orf138 in Ogura CMS lines leads to upregulation of bra-miR9569. This microRNA negatively regulates the expression of the ATP-related gene AHA6, resulting in reduced H⁺-ATPase activity. The consequent energy deficiency triggers cellular content degradation, ultimately causing failure of pollen wall formation and pollen abortion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetic Regulation and Molecular Mechanisms in Brassica Crop Improvement)

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24 pages, 2544 KB

Open AccessArticle

Edible Flowers as Bioactive Food Ingredients with Antidiabetic Potential: A Study on Paeonia officinalis L., Forsythia × intermedia, Gomphrena globosa L., and Clitoria ternatea L.

by Maciej Książkiewicz, Michalina Karczewska, Filip Nawrot, Karolina Grabowska, Marcin Szymański, Judyta Cielecka-Piontek and Elżbieta Studzińska-Sroka

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162603 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a serious public health problem in the 21st century. To find new substances supporting diabetes therapy, researchers are increasingly paying attention to the biological potential of edible flowers. This study assessed the antidiabetic potential of ethanol, 50% ethanol, and [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious public health problem in the 21st century. To find new substances supporting diabetes therapy, researchers are increasingly paying attention to the biological potential of edible flowers. This study assessed the antidiabetic potential of ethanol, 50% ethanol, and water extracts from Paeonia officinalis L., Forsythia × intermedia, Gomphrena globosa L., and Clitoria ternatea L. flowers. Extracts were tested for antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and Fe²⁺ chelation), enzyme inhibition (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, hyaluronidase, and cholinesterases), and anti-inflammatory effects (NO inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages). Phytochemical composition was also analysed. Extracts of P. officinalis stood out with the highest total phenolic content (50% ethanol extract of P. officinalis 178.49 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (aqueous extracts of P. officinalis 4.27 mg QE/g), high gallic acid level, and the effective inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase (α-glucosidase inhibition 98–99% for all P. officinalis extracts, and α-amylase inhibition ~ 100% for ethanolic extract). Strong hyaluronidase (76.9–95.5%) and cholinesterase inhibition was also observed. F. × intermedia extracts were rich in rutin and chlorogenic acid and showed potent inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase (50% ethanol extract 91.59%), α-amylase (aqueous extract 89.35%), and hyaluronidase (aqueous extract 73.8%). Ethanol extracts of G. globosa exhibited a high α-amylase inhibition (93–95%). Although C. ternatea showed moderate antioxidant activity, it showed an apparent anti-inflammatory effect, effectively reducing NO production in activated macrophages for 50% ethanol extract. In summary, P. officinalis and F. × intermedia flowers are promising sources of extracts with antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects supporting their use in further research on type 2 diabetes therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Plants, Phytocompounds and Plant-Derived Food)

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10 pages, 1721 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

pMAGs: A Versatile and Efficient Vector System for Multi-Gene Studies in Plants

by Mengyue Zhang, Jing Liu, Han Zhao, Zhaojun Ding, Xiaoxuan Li and Zipeng Yu

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162602 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

In molecular biology studies, suitable vectors are fundamental tools; however, most vectors can only express one target gene, which limits the ability to study multiple genes simultaneously within the same plant tissue. The traditional method for achieving multi-gene co-expression involves co-transferring multiple plasmids [...] Read more.

In molecular biology studies, suitable vectors are fundamental tools; however, most vectors can only express one target gene, which limits the ability to study multiple genes simultaneously within the same plant tissue. The traditional method for achieving multi-gene co-expression involves co-transferring multiple plasmids into plant tissues, but this approach is often inefficient due to the difficulty of successfully transforming multiple plasmids at once. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a series of vectors, called pMAGs (Multigene Assembly Genetic vectors), capable of simultaneously expressing or silencing two or three different genes in plants. These vectors not only provide an optimal solution for a wide range of biological experiments but also work effectively across numerous plant species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement in Gene Expression Regulation in Plants: Coordinating Growth, Development, and Stress Resilience)

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18 pages, 2794 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Heterosis and Selecting Superior Families and Individuals in Fraxinus spp. Based on Growth Traits and Genetic Distance Coupling

by Liping Yan, Chengcheng Gao, Chenggong Liu, Yinhua Wang, Ning Liu, Xueli Zhang and Fenfen Liu

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2601; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162601 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Fraxinus spp. is one of the most important salt-alkali resistant tree species in the Yellow River region of China. However, the limited number of superior families and individuals, as well as the lack of a well-established parent selection system for hybrid breeding, have [...] Read more.

Fraxinus spp. is one of the most important salt-alkali resistant tree species in the Yellow River region of China. However, the limited number of superior families and individuals, as well as the lack of a well-established parent selection system for hybrid breeding, have seriously constrained the improvement of seed orchards and the construction of advanced breeding populations. To address these issues, this study investigated 22 full-sib families of Fraxinus spp., using SSR molecular markers to calculate the genetic distance (GD) between parents. Combined with combining ability analysis, the study aimed to predict heterosis in offspring growth traits and select superior families and individuals through multi-trait comprehensive evaluation. The results showed the following: (1) Tree height (TH), diameter at breast height (DBH), and volume index (VI) exhibited extremely significant differences among families, indicating rich variation and strong selection potential. (2) The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for TH, DBH, and VI ranged from 4.34% to 16.04% and 5.10% to 17.73%, respectively. Family heritability was relatively high, ranging from 0.724 to 0.818, suggesting that growth is under strong genetic control. (3) The observed and expected heterozygosity of 15 parents were 0.557 and 0.410, respectively, indicating a moderate level of heterozygosity. Nei’s genetic diversity index and Shannon’s information index were 0.488 and 0.670, respectively, indicating relatively high genetic diversity. GD between parents ranged from 0.155 to 0.723. (4) Correlation analysis revealed significant or highly significant positive correlations between family heterosis and growth traits, combining ability, and GD, with specific combining ability (SCA) showing the strongest predictive power. Regression analysis further demonstrated significant linear correlations between GD and heterosis of TH and VI, and between SCA and heterosis of TH, DBH, and VI, establishing a GD threshold (≤0.723) and SCA-based co-selection strategy. In addition, four superior Fraxinus families and 11 elite individuals were selected. Their genetic gains for TH, DBH, and VI reached 2.28%, 3.30%, and 9.96% (family selection), and 1.98%, 2.11%, and 4.00% (individual selection), respectively. By integrating genetic distance (GD) and quantitative genetic combining ability (SCA), this study established a quantifiable prediction model and proposed the “GD–SCA dual-index parent selection method”, offering a new paradigm for genetic improvement in tree breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Genetic Breeding and Biotechnology of Forest Trees)

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19 pages, 8100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Maize LBD Gene Family Reveals a Role for ZmLBD12 in the Development of Lateral Roots

by Shifeng Wang, Yang Wang, Jianbing Zhong, Wenlin Xu, Qingyou Gong, Lihong Zhai, Gaoke Li and Jun Huang

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2600; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162600 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

The growth and yield of the aboveground parts of maize (Zea mays L.) are closely associated with development of the root system. LBD (Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain) transcription factors are crucial for the regulation of lateral organ development in plants. However, to [...] Read more.

The growth and yield of the aboveground parts of maize (Zea mays L.) are closely associated with development of the root system. LBD (Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain) transcription factors are crucial for the regulation of lateral organ development in plants. However, to date, little information has been uncovered about the LBD gene family in maize. In this research, a genome-wide identification revealed 45 LBD gene members in maize. The subsequent phylogeny, structure, and profiles of expression were analyzed. These genes were found to be dispersed across all 10 maize chromosomes and expressed in diverse tissues, including the roots, leaves, stems, pericarp, and vegetative meristems. Notably, ZmLBD12 exhibited specific expression in roots. Subsequent over-expression of ZmLBD12 in Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated its role in lateral root development, identifying it as a candidate gene for further investigation of root development in maize. Our findings provide a systematic analysis of ZmLBD genes and highlight ZmLBD12 as a potential target gene for developing high-yielding, lodging-resistant maize varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Control of Transcriptional Networks: Decoding Genetic Circuits for Enhanced Crop Resilience and Yield)

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21 pages, 5398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing UV-B Protection and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Tomato Plants: The Role of Silicon Nanoparticles in Photosynthetic Parameters, Pigments, and Secondary Metabolite Production

by Florina Copaciu, Cosmin-Alin Faur, Andrea Bunea, Loredana Leopold, Rodica Maria Sima, Mihai Andrei Lăcătuș, Andreea Lupitu, Cristian Moisa, Dana Maria Copolovici and Lucian Copolovici

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2599; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162599 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) is a valuable agricultural crop worldwide due to its nutritional value and culinary applications, making it one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the human diet. However, excessive solar UV-B radiation represents a significant factor in [...] Read more.

Tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) is a valuable agricultural crop worldwide due to its nutritional value and culinary applications, making it one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the human diet. However, excessive solar UV-B radiation represents a significant factor in decreasing productivity, marketable yields, and fruit quality in tomato crops by causing damage to both DNA and the photosynthetic system, as well as chlorophyll degradation. The application of silicon nanoparticles has been shown to increase tolerance to abiotic stressors, including enhanced UV-B radiation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the protective effects of foliar silicon nanoparticle (SiNP) application on photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and secondary metabolites under enhanced UV-B stress in tomato plants. Photosynthetic parameters (stomatal conductance to water vapor, net CO₂ assimilation rate, transpiration rate, and intercellular CO₂ molar fraction), biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), chlorophylls, and carotenoids were evaluated. The application of SiNPs showed beneficial effects on plants grown under ambient UV-B conditions, increasing photosynthetic parameters while also enhancing chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. In plants exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation, SiNP treatment helped to maintain and even improve photosynthetic parameters and stomatal function in leaves while also promoting the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments. Additionally, the application of SiNPs also resulted in a slightly higher content of lycopene and total carotenoids in tomato fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants—Second Edition)

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17 pages, 2930 KB

Open AccessArticle

Legacy Effects of Different Preceding Crops on Grain Yield, Protein Fractions and Soil Nutrients in Subsequent Winter Wheat

by Rui Wang, Jiayun Wu, Yang Wang, Zhimei Sun, Wenqi Ma, Cheng Xue and Huasen Xu

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162598 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Given the pressing global food security crisis and climate change-induced constraints on agricultural productivity, crop rotation proves critical for boosting yield and grain quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) alongside ameliorating soil quality. However, the legacy effect of different preceding crops [...] Read more.

Given the pressing global food security crisis and climate change-induced constraints on agricultural productivity, crop rotation proves critical for boosting yield and grain quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) alongside ameliorating soil quality. However, the legacy effect of different preceding crops on synergistic increments of wheat productivity and soil fertility remains to be fully clarified. Five different preceding crop–winter wheat rotations were conducted in a field experiment established in Huanghua, China. Maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and millet (Setaria italica) were designated as preceding gramineous crops, and soybean (Glycine max) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) were assigned as preceding legume crops. Grain yield, protein fraction, and soil nutrients were measured to elucidate the legacy effect of the preceding crops on the subsequent winter wheat. Leguminous predecessors significantly evaluated the grain yield of winter wheat compared to gramineous predecessors, particularly that the mung–winter wheat rotation (Mun-W) was 11.56% higher than that of the maize–winter wheat rotation (Mai-W). This rising yield was attributed to the increase of 4.05% in spike number per hectare and 14.31% in kernel number per spike. The Mun-W facilitated the highest gluten protein content (8.22%) in winter wheat among five treatments, which was 6.06% higher than that in the sorghum–winter wheat system. Soil organic matter (SOM) showed an advantage in legume–winter wheat rotations (Leg-Ws) compared to gramineous crop–winter wheat systems (Gra-Ws). Notably among these, the Mun-W significantly enhanced SOM content by 0.99% relative to the Mai-W. The soybean–winter wheat system decreased soil pH by 0.36 compared to the Mai-W system. Coupling coordination degree (CCD) and co-benefit index (CBI) in the Leg-Ws exhibited significant superiority of 62.41% and 42.22% over the Gra-Ws, respectively, and the Mun-W attained maximum CCD by 0.84 and CBI by 0.77. From a multi-objective assessment perspective of the legacy effect of the preceding crops, legume-based rotations facilitate synergistic improvements of yield, protein quality, and soil nutrients in winter wheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Sustainable Crop Production: Adapting to Climate Change)

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15 pages, 2298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Petunia hybrida Virome: Metatranscriptomic Profiling from the Bulgarian Market and In Vitro Cultures

by Rumyana Valkova, Stoyanka Jurak, Elena Apostolova-Kuzova, Vesselin Baev, Lilyana Nacheva, Galina Yahubyan, Dijana Škorić and Mariyana Gozmanova

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2597; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162597 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

RNA sequencing is a high-throughput sequencing method essential for unbiased detection and characterization of known and emerging plant viruses. Its high sensitivity makes it particularly well-suited for identifying low-abundance viral sequences, even in asymptomatic plants or those affected by complex, mixed infections. Here, [...] Read more.

RNA sequencing is a high-throughput sequencing method essential for unbiased detection and characterization of known and emerging plant viruses. Its high sensitivity makes it particularly well-suited for identifying low-abundance viral sequences, even in asymptomatic plants or those affected by complex, mixed infections. Here, we conducted a metatranscriptomic survey of Petunia hybrida plants from the Bulgarian market, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, and their corresponding in vitro plantlets. Viruses were detected in all tested samples demonstrating that visual symptoms are not a reliable indicator of infection. The viromes were dominated by petunia vein clearing virus (PVCV, Petuvirus venapetuniae), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, Cucumovirus CMV), and tomato aspermy virus (TAV, Cucumovirus TAV), along with bacteriophages and fungus-associated viruses. However, the PVCV and CMV abundance was elevated in in vitro samples, possibly due to cutting-induced activation and/or prolonged cultivation. Phylogenetic analysis of the Bulgarian CMV, TAV, and PVCV isolates highlights their genetic links to strains from a wide geographic range and diverse hosts, emphasizing the potential for virus movement and genetic exchange among plant viruses across regions and species. It also suggests that petunias may contribute to the transmission dynamics of viruses within ornamental trade networks. These findings also emphasize the phytosanitary risks to horticulture and establish a basis for further investigation into plant virus ecology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Induced Diseases in Horticultural Plants)

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17 pages, 840 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Cagaita and Mamacadela Fruits Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) and Ethanol: A Comparative Study

by Jaqueline Ferreira Silva, Carmen Torres Guedes, Eloize da Silva Alves, Évelin Lemos de Oliveira, Eduardo Cesar Meurer, Suelen Siqueira dos Santos, Mônica Regina da Silva Scapim and Grasiele Scaramal Madrona

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162596 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

The native fruits of the Cerrado have an interesting composition of bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, with technological potential for functional industries. This study investigated the extraction of bioactive compounds in cagaita and mamacadela fruits, under different conditions, using [...] Read more.

The native fruits of the Cerrado have an interesting composition of bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, with technological potential for functional industries. This study investigated the extraction of bioactive compounds in cagaita and mamacadela fruits, under different conditions, using eutectic solvents based on choline chloride (CC) with citric acid (CA) or tartaric acid (TA), plus ethanol as reference. For a better understanding of the extracts, their antioxidant capacity was assessed by the DPPH^•, FRAP, ABTS^•+, and total phenolic compounds and flavonoids assays, as well as for color, water activity, and identification of bioactive compounds by mass spectrometry. Additionally, the carotenoid contents were evaluated in the ethanolic extracts. The results showed that ethanol was efficient for the extraction of flavonoids and presented advantages demonstrated in the antioxidant analyses of ABTS^•+ and FRAP. However, eutectic solvents stood out in the extraction of phenolic compounds, with yields 14.0 and 4.5 times higher than ethanol for mamacadela and cagaita, respectively. In addition, when compared to cagaita, mamacadela had twice the carotenoid content. Furthermore, the CC:TA solvent was the most efficient, demonstrating, by DI-ESI-MS, 29 phenolic compounds in mamacadela and 27 in cagaita. Therefore, the extracts obtained present potential for use as natural pigments, adding value to the fruits and encouraging their exploration by industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry for Natural Product Extraction: Cleaner and Efficient Approaches)

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15 pages, 3309 KB

Open AccessArticle

Root-Zone Temperature Drives Coordinated Photosynthesis, Root Architecture, and Metabolism Responses in Schisandra chinensis (Trucz.) Baill

by Huimin Tang, Xiaoqian Song, Lu Jin, Weisan Zhang, Jie Zheng, Lu Zhang, Qiuyu Yu, Yu Shi, Xin Guan, Zhonghua Zhang, Chunying Zheng and Zhonghua Tang

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2595; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162595 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Soil warming due to climate change has a significant potential impact on crop yield and quality. Schisandra chinensis (Trucz.) Baill, a multipurpose plant disseminated in the highly climate-sensitive region of Northeast Asia, is affected by soil warming, which limits the supply and quality [...] Read more.

Soil warming due to climate change has a significant potential impact on crop yield and quality. Schisandra chinensis (Trucz.) Baill, a multipurpose plant disseminated in the highly climate-sensitive region of Northeast Asia, is affected by soil warming, which limits the supply and quality of raw materials. This study investigated the differential responses of biomass accumulation and bioactive ingredient production across various organs to root-zone temperature (RZT) variations, employing both physiological assessments and metabolomic profiling. Elevated root temperatures may increase plant biomass and indirectly increase photosynthetic rates by promoting root growth; however, biomass responses differ among organs. A 20 °C root temperature promoted stem and leaf growth and inhibited root development, whereas a 30 °C root temperature significantly promoted root growth but reduced leaf biomass. Schisanhenol A, a key bioactive lignan serving as a quality marker for S. chinensis, displayed synthesis dependent on temperature. Concurrently, flavonoid biosynthesis is coordinated accumulation at the naringenin nodal point. A 15 °C RZT inhibited lignan production in roots while triggering stress-responsive phenol accumulation in leaves (41.39%). Conversely, at 20 °C and 30 °C RZTs, schisanhenol synthesis was repressed in leaves but accumulated in roots (9.8–25.71%). It is worth noting that the increase in RZT significantly promoted the synthesis and accumulation of schisandrol A in the aboveground part of the plant (43.88%). This research underscores that a suitable elevation in root-zone temperature can augment the medicinal attributes of the aerial components of S. chinensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)

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19 pages, 3238 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Seawater Polyphenols from Gongolaria usneoides on Photosynthesis and Biochemical Compounds of the Invasive Alien Species Rugulopteryx okamurae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta)

by Débora Tomazi Pereira, Fernando García Alarcón, Manolo García Alarcón, Paula S. M. Celis-Plá and Félix L. Figueroa

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2594; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162594 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Gongolaria usneoides is a native brown alga in Europa, known for its high release of phenolics into the water. Rugulopteryx okamurae is a native brown macroalga from Asia but invasive in Europe, causing significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts. It has been observed that [...] Read more.

Gongolaria usneoides is a native brown alga in Europa, known for its high release of phenolics into the water. Rugulopteryx okamurae is a native brown macroalga from Asia but invasive in Europe, causing significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts. It has been observed that in some regions where Gongolaria is present, there is less biomass of Rugulopteryx, and they are often epiphytized by red filamentous algae. The present study aimed to analyze whether phenolics released in the seawater by G. usneoides affect the photosynthetic and biochemical responses in R. okamurae. To analyze the resilience of R. okamurae, algae were cultivated for 5 days in water with different percentages of phenolics released by G. usneoides (exposure phase) (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 µg mL⁻¹) in laboratory (20 °C, a 12:12 photoperiod, and PAR 190 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ for a period of 115 h) and a period in the sun (4 h), followed 2 days cultured under phenolic-free water (recovery phase). Photosynthetic characteristics (Fv/Fm and ETR) and biochemical composition (phenolic, antioxidant activity, C, N and S) were measured (R. okamurae showed considerable photosynthetic declines without recovery when exposed to high concentrations of phenolics (225 and 300 µg mL⁻¹). It can be inferred that the presence of G. usneoides in nature and the release of phenolic compounds by this alga may be affecting the invasive alga R. okamurae, potentially serving as a natural means to decrease or weaken the invasive species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

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28 pages, 1805 KB

Open AccessArticle

Maize Crops Under Rising Temperatures: Bacterial Influence on Biochemical and Lipidomic Changes Induced by Heat

by Ricardo Pinto, Paulo Cardoso, Bruno Carneiro, Glória Pinto, Carmen Bedia and Etelvina Figueira

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2593; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162593 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Rising global temperatures are increasingly affecting plant performance, leading to reduced growth, altered metabolism, and compromised membrane integrity. Although plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) show promise in enhancing thermotolerance, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of PGPB inoculation [...] Read more.

Rising global temperatures are increasingly affecting plant performance, leading to reduced growth, altered metabolism, and compromised membrane integrity. Although plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) show promise in enhancing thermotolerance, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of PGPB inoculation on Zea mays under control (26 °C) and heat stress (36 °C) conditions. Maize plants were inoculated with two thermotolerant bacterial strains and their effects were compared to non-inoculated plants through morphometric, biochemical, and lipidomic analyses. Heat stress negatively affected germination (−35.9%), increased oxidative stress (+46% for LPO, +57% for SOD, +68% for GPx), and altered leaf lipid composition, particularly fatty acids, glycerolipids, and sphingolipids. Inoculation with Pantoea sp. improved germination by 15% for seeds exposed to heat stress, increased growth (+28% shoot and +17% root), enhanced antioxidant defenses (+35% for CAT and +38% for APx), and reduced membrane damage by 65% compared with the control. Lipidomic profiling revealed that inoculation mitigated temperature-induced lipid alterations by reducing triacylglycerol accumulation and preserving the levels of polyunsaturated galactolipids and hexosylceramides. Notably, Pantoea sp.-inoculated plants under heat stress exhibited lipid profiles that were more similar to those of control plants, suggesting enhanced heat resilience. These results underscore the importance of specific plant–microbe interactions in mitigating heat stress and highlight PGPB inoculation as a promising strategy to enhance crop performance and resilience under projected climate warming scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Effects of Bacteria on Plants)

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21 pages, 1838 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Shoot Cultures of Micromeria graeca: Micropropagation and Evaluation of Methanolic Extracts for Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity

by Branka Uzelac, Mirjana Janjanin, Dijana Krstić-Milošević, Gordana Tovilović-Kovačević, Đurđica Ignjatović, Tatjana Mihajilov-Krstev and Dragana Stojičić

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162592 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. (Lamiaceae) is a promising medicinal plant valued for its antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, and anti-aflatoxigenic properties. It is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, supporting its traditional use for digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, and dermatological conditions. Plant tissue [...] Read more.

Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. (Lamiaceae) is a promising medicinal plant valued for its antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, and anti-aflatoxigenic properties. It is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, supporting its traditional use for digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, and dermatological conditions. Plant tissue culture facilitates controlled in vitro propagation to study plant growth and bioactive properties. The effects of activated charcoal and varying subculture intervals on multiplication and biomass production in M. graeca shoot cultures were investigated. The phenolic composition of methanolic extracts from in vitro-grown plants was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), identifying rosmarinic, caffeic, and syringic acids as the primary phenolic compounds. Antimicrobial activity against selected microbial strains was evaluated using a micro-well dilution assay. Anticancer activity of selected extracts was assessed in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, with flow cytometry (Annexin-V/PI staining) used to analyze cell death mechanisms, and compared to pure rosmarinic acid (RA). Activated charcoal showed no beneficial effects on multiplication or biomass production, but significantly increased phenolic acid content (up to 4-fold). RA dominated the phenolic profiles, with other phenolic acids present in lower amounts. Methanolic extracts exhibited negligible antimicrobial activity compared to reference antibiotics and fungicide. Extracts from 4-week-old shoot cultures displayed modest anti-hepatoma activity (IC50 values of CV assay ranging from 193 to 274 µg mL⁻¹), inducing HepG2 cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, independent of RA. Our results suggest that the metabolic output of M. graeca shoot cultures and consequently their biological activity can be modulated by varying in vitro culture conditions. These findings underscore the potential of their methanolic extracts for biotechnological production and therapeutic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Tissue Culture V)

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19 pages, 2119 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stress Responses to Hydrogen Peroxide and Hydric Stress-Related Acoustic Emissions (MHAF) in Capsicum annuum L. Applied in a Single or Combined Manner

by Pablo L. Godínez-Mendoza, Amanda K. Rico-Chávez, Ireri A. Carbajal-Valenzuela, Luis M. Contreras-Medina, Rosalía V. Ocampo-Velázquez, Enrique Rico-García, Irineo Torres-Pacheco and Ramón G. Guevara-González

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162591 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) application in several plant species has been widely studied as a plant biostimulant; however, the use of acoustic emissions related to hydric stress (MHAF) in biostimulating plants has not been widely studied, including the response of [...] Read more.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) application in several plant species has been widely studied as a plant biostimulant; however, the use of acoustic emissions related to hydric stress (MHAF) in biostimulating plants has not been widely studied, including the response of plants to the interaction of different stress factors. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the stress response in some morphological, biochemical, and molecular variables of the single or combined application of H₂O₂ and MHAF in C. annuum L. plants. Acoustic emission frequencies were obtained in a previous study where the frequencies came from C. annuum plants submitted to medium hydric stress (MHAF). Our results showed that the combination of the two stressors evaluated has a possible synergistic effect on variables such as SOD activity and relative gene expressions of ros1, met1, and MAPkinases (mkk5, mpk4-1, mpk6-2), as well as an antagonistic effect for flavonoid content, DPPH, and ABTS free radical inhibition, and def1 gene expression. MHAF showed increased plant height, PAL activity, and mpk6-1 and erf1 gene upregulation, while H₂O₂ increased POD activity and upregulated pr1a gene. These findings suggest possible stress response pathways that are activated and enhanced by the presence of these stress factors, both individually and in conjunction with one another, making it possible to use them as novel strategies for agricultural stress management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical and Molecular Approaches to the Stress Response in Plants)

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12 pages, 2018 KB

Open AccessArticle

Converging Patterns of Heterotrophic Respiration Between Growing and Non-Growing Seasons in Northern Temperate Grasslands

by Caiqin Liu, Honglei Jiang and Xiali Guo

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2590; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162590 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 364

Abstract

Temperate grasslands are highly sensitive to climate change and play a crucial role in terrestrial carbon cycling. In the context of global warming, heterotrophic respiration (Rh) has intensified, contributing significantly to atmospheric CO₂ emissions. However, seasonal patterns of Rh, particularly differences between [...] Read more.

Temperate grasslands are highly sensitive to climate change and play a crucial role in terrestrial carbon cycling. In the context of global warming, heterotrophic respiration (Rh) has intensified, contributing significantly to atmospheric CO₂ emissions. However, seasonal patterns of Rh, particularly differences between the growing season (GS) and non-growing season (non-GS), remain poorly quantified. This study used daily eddy covariance data from multiple flux towers combined with MODIS GPP and NPP products to estimate Rh across temperate grasslands from 2002 to 2021. We examined interannual variations in GS and non-GS Rh contributions and assessed their relationships with key hydrothermal variables. The results showed that mean Rh during GS and non-GS was 527 ± 357 and 341 ± 180 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹, respectively, accounting for 57.8 ± 14.6% and 42.2 ± 14.6% of the annual Rh. Moreover, GS Rh exhibited a declining trend, while non-GS Rh increased over time, indicating a gradual convergence in their seasonal contributions. This pattern was primarily driven by increasing drought stress in GS and warmer, moderately moist conditions in non-GS that favored microbial activity. Our findings underscore the necessity of distinguishing seasonal Rh dynamics when investigating global carbon cycle dynamics. Future earth system models should place greater emphasis on seasonal differences in soil respiration processes by explicitly incorporating the influence of soil moisture on the decomposition rate of soil organic carbon, in order to improve the accuracy of carbon release risk assessments under global change scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coenological Investigations of Grassland Ecosystems)

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21 pages, 4219 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance of Poacynum hendersonii to Melampsora apocyni

by Junjun Gu, Endong Shang and Miao Ma

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162589 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 405

Abstract

The rust disease caused by Melampsora apocyni seriously affects the growth of Poacynum hendersonii. However, the defense mechanisms against rust infection remain unclear. This study explored the regulatory mechanisms of P. hendersonii in response to rust disease through combined physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic [...] Read more.

The rust disease caused by Melampsora apocyni seriously affects the growth of Poacynum hendersonii. However, the defense mechanisms against rust infection remain unclear. This study explored the regulatory mechanisms of P. hendersonii in response to rust disease through combined physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses. The results showed that with the increase in disease severity, the chlorophyll content of leaves decreased significantly, while the antioxidant and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities progressively increased. Mild infection triggered an 11.9-fold surge in salicylic acid levels and a sharp decline in abscisic acid compared to controls, as well as increased synthesis of total phenolics, total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isoquercetin, hyperoside, rutin, and astragalin. Transcriptome analysis showed that the “plant–pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” pathways were significantly up-regulated in the mild infection stage, while “glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation and ABC transporters” were activated in the severe infection stage. In summary, P. hendersonii regulates energy metabolism and phenylpropanoid metabolism through salicylic acid signaling and promotes the accumulation of secondary metabolites and the lignification process of leaves, thereby enhancing rust resistance. Key enzyme genes (COMT, POD, CAD, F5H) and metabolites (chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, rutin) can be used as important targets for disease resistance breeding. Our research provides important reference for the prevention and control of M. apocyni in P. hendersonii. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)

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29 pages, 10773 KB

Open AccessArticle

Facilitation in the Dry Season: Species Interactions Between a Limestone-Endemic Plant and Moss Altered by Precipitation Dynamics

by Ali Raza, Shao-Jun Ling, Ya-Li Wei, Saraj Bahadur and Ming-Xun Ren

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162588 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Plant-to-plant interactions are essential for structuring plant communities and supporting adaptation in nutrient-poor, seasonally dry environments. This study examined the interactions between moss Leucobryum aduncum Dozy & Molk and Oreocharis hainanensis by analyzing microbial communities and physicochemical parameters across various sample types. These [...] Read more.

Plant-to-plant interactions are essential for structuring plant communities and supporting adaptation in nutrient-poor, seasonally dry environments. This study examined the interactions between moss Leucobryum aduncum Dozy & Molk and Oreocharis hainanensis by analyzing microbial communities and physicochemical parameters across various sample types. These included soil [bare (B), O. hainanensis (O), moss (M), and moss + O. hainanensis (MO)], rhizosphere soil [O. hainanensis (ORS), moss (MRS), and moss + O. hainanensis (MORS)], and root [O. hainanensis (OHR), moss (MR), and moss + O. hainanensis (MOR)] using metagenomics sequencing across dry and wet seasons in limestone habitats on Hainan Island. During the dry season, combined plant samples MOR, MO, and MORS showed higher nutrients, supported by microbes that enhance nutrient turnover, which may indicate facilitation. Conversely, during the wet season, increased moisture leads to decreased nutrient levels and microbial communities shift, associated with slower nutrient turnover in combined plant samples, which may reflect competition. According to KEGG analysis, an increase in oxidative phosphorylation and ABC transporters in the dry season supported the facilitative interaction, while quorum sensing and two-component systems supported the competitive interaction in the wet season. These findings show how shifts between facilitation and competition arise from seasonal conditions and microbes in the limestone ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Soil Interactions)

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22 pages, 17979 KB

Open AccessArticle

AFBF-YOLO: An Improved YOLO11n Algorithm for Detecting Bunch and Maturity of Cherry Tomatoes in Greenhouse Environments

by Bo-Jin Chen, Jun-Yan Bu, Jun-Lin Xia, Ming-Xuan Li and Wen-Hao Su

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162587 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Accurate detection of cherry tomato clusters and their ripeness stages is critical for the development of intelligent harvesting systems in modern agriculture. In response to the challenges posed by occlusion, overlapping clusters, and subtle ripeness variations under complex greenhouse environments, an improved YOLO11-based [...] Read more.

Accurate detection of cherry tomato clusters and their ripeness stages is critical for the development of intelligent harvesting systems in modern agriculture. In response to the challenges posed by occlusion, overlapping clusters, and subtle ripeness variations under complex greenhouse environments, an improved YOLO11-based deep convolutional neural network detection model, called AFBF-YOLO, is proposed in this paper. First, a dataset comprising 486 RGB images and over 150,000 annotated instances was constructed and augmented, covering four ripeness stages and fruit clusters. Then, based on YOLO11, the ACmix attention mechanism was incorporated to strengthen feature representation under occluded and cluttered conditions. Additionally, a novel neck structure, FreqFusion-BiFPN, was designed to improve multi-scale feature fusion through frequency-aware filtering. Finally, a refined loss function, Inner-Focaler-IoU, was applied to enhance bounding box localization by emphasizing inner-region overlap and focusing on difficult samples. Experimental results show that AFBF-YOLO achieves a precision of 81.2%, a recall of 81.3%, and an mAP@0.5 of 85.6%, outperforming multiple mainstream YOLO series. High accuracy across ripeness stages and low computational complexity indicate it excels in simultaneous detection of cherry tomato fruit bunches and fruit maturity, supporting automated maturity assessment and robotic harvesting in precision agriculture. Full article

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18 pages, 1967 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Growth Regulator Concentrations for Cannabis sativa L. Micropropagation

by Gabrielle A. Johnson, Carissa L. Jackson, Antonio Timoteo, Jr., Papaiah Sardaru, Michael H. Foland, Purushothaman Natarajan and Sadanand A. Dhekney

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162586 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 590

Abstract

In this study, the effect of growth regulators on shoot proliferation and rooting were evaluated to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for the Cannabis sativa L. cultivars ‘Cherry Soda’ and ‘Purple’. Apical meristems were isolated from actively growing shoots of stock plants and [...] Read more.

In this study, the effect of growth regulators on shoot proliferation and rooting were evaluated to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for the Cannabis sativa L. cultivars ‘Cherry Soda’ and ‘Purple’. Apical meristems were isolated from actively growing shoots of stock plants and transferred to Driver and Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) culture medium containing either 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 μM meta-Topolin to study their shoot proliferation response. Resulting shoot cultures were transferred to medium containing varying levels of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Indole Butyric Acid (IBA), or Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), solely or in combination, and were subjected to a 10-day dark incubation followed by a 16 h/8 h light/dark period to identify the best treatment for root production. Among the different shoot proliferation treatments studied, the maximum number of shoots was produced on the control medium that was devoid of any meta-Topolin. Cultures grown on medium containing 5.0 μM meta-Topolin exhibited hyperhydricity, where shoots appeared translucent and pale green in color; were characterized by water-soaked lesions; and leaves appeared curled and brittle in contrast to healthy looking cultures. Among the various rooting treatments studied, shoots grown in the dark for 10 days exhibited the highest frequency of rooting on medium containing 4.0 μM NAA or 6.0 μM IBA + 1.0 μM NAA. Full developed plants with a robust shoot and root system were transferred to soil, acclimatized under conditions for high humidity, and then transferred to ambient conditions in 4 weeks. The micropropagation protocol developed here allows for rapid multiplication of disease-free plants in C. sativa cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Regeneration—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3046 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fractions and Compounds Obtained from Transformed Plant Cell Cultures of Lopezia racemosa Show Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities

by Lizbeth Coronel-Pastor, María Luisa Villarreal, Alejandro Zamilpa, Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Manases González-Cortazar, Laura Alvarez, Irene Perea-Arango, Norma Elizabeth Moreno-Anzúrez, Mario Rodríguez Monroy and José de Jesús Arellano-García

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162585 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 395

Abstract

Lopezia racemosa Cav., commonly known as “cancer herb” in indigenous communities, has long been used for its medicinal properties. The biotechnological production of its bioactive compounds through genetic transformation represents a valuable approach for obtaining pharmacologically relevant substances. The initial focus of this [...] Read more.

Lopezia racemosa Cav., commonly known as “cancer herb” in indigenous communities, has long been used for its medicinal properties. The biotechnological production of its bioactive compounds through genetic transformation represents a valuable approach for obtaining pharmacologically relevant substances. The initial focus of this study was to identify compounds previously reported in the species; however, phytochemical analysis by HPLC and NMR led to the isolation and identification of two pentacyclic triterpene esters not previously described in L. racemosa: 3-O-[(E)-feruloyl]-maslinic acid (1) and 3-O-[(E)-feruloyl]-corosolic acid (2), identified as constituents of fraction 33. The LRTC3.1 callus line was obtained from hairy roots generated by infecting L. racemosa leaf explants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC15834/pTDT. The crude extract, specific fractions, and the mixture of these compounds demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model, where the crude extract achieved 51.02% inhibition of inflammation compared to meloxicam (30.86%). Cytotoxicity was assessed against three human cancer cell lines: breast carcinoma (MCF7), cervical carcinoma (SiHa), and colon carcinoma (HCT-15). Fractions FD (28–29) and 33 exhibited potent cytotoxic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 0.508 and 1.345 µg/mL against SiHa cells, and 0.053 and 2.693 µg/mL against MCF-7 cells, respectively. These findings suggest that transformed L. racemosa cultures represent a promising source of bioactive compounds for potential therapeutic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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16 pages, 2363 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Involvement of the S2P2 Intramembrane Protease in the Response of Arabidopsis thaliana Chloroplasts to High Light Stress

by Maria Ciesielska, Małgorzata Adamiec and Robert Luciński

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162584 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 399

Abstract

High light intensity constitutes a critical abiotic stress factor that profoundly affects the structural and functional integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Excessive irradiance triggers accelerated degradation of the PsbA polypeptide, increases susceptibility to photoinhibition, and promotes overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby [...] Read more.

High light intensity constitutes a critical abiotic stress factor that profoundly affects the structural and functional integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Excessive irradiance triggers accelerated degradation of the PsbA polypeptide, increases susceptibility to photoinhibition, and promotes overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby inducing oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Among the chloroplast-localized site-2 proteases of Arabidopsis thaliana, S2P2 remains the least characterized. In this study, our analyses revealed a pronounced upregulation of the S2P2 (AT1G05140) gene and a concomitant accumulation of the S2P2 protein under high light conditions. Functional characterization using two independent S2P2 insertional mutant lines lacking the protease demonstrated that loss of S2P2 significantly exacerbates photoinhibition. Mutants exhibited reduced photosystem II (PSII) efficiency, accompanied by accelerated degradation of the PSII core proteins PsbA, PsbD, and PsbC, as well as elevated ROS generation. These findings provide the first direct evidence that S2P2 plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stoichiometric balance of PSII core components and conferring resilience of the photosynthetic machinery to high light stress. This work expands the functional repertoire of chloroplast site-2 proteases and underscores S2P2 as a potential target for improving stress tolerance in plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Photobiology)

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18 pages, 3832 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Construction of a Mutant Library of Linseed and the Molecular Mechanism of High Oleic Acid Mutants from a Multi-Omics Perspective

by Caiyue Liu, Xinsen Yang, Qiaoling Tang, Xiuxia Cao, Aiping Qian, Zhiwei Yang, Limin Wang, Jianping Zhang, Xinwu Pei and Lu Gan

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2583; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162583 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 382

Abstract

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a globally important oilseed crop, valued for its edible and industrial uses. Flax seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, ethyl methyl sulfone was employed to construct a mutant library from the flax cultivar [...] Read more.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a globally important oilseed crop, valued for its edible and industrial uses. Flax seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, ethyl methyl sulfone was employed to construct a mutant library from the flax cultivar Longya 10 (WT). Screening efforts identified M45, a stable mutant with an oleic acid content of 43.22% at 40 days after flowering, representing a 21.23% increase over the wild-type. RNA-Seq analysis revealed the presence of two homologs of the SAD (stearoyl-ACP desaturase) family and two homologs of the FAD2 (fatty acid desaturase 2) family, which showed differential expression in a trend consistent with the phenotype of M45. A BSA-Seq analysis was conducted to identify genes with SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and Indel (insertions/deletions) variant loci that were associated with increased oleic acid. The combination of BSA-Seq, RNA-Seq, and metabolomic analyses identified L.us.o.g.scaffold122.86, a gene that may be co-expressed with L.us.o.g.scaffold7.26 to affect oleic acid accumulation via FAD2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety of Genetically Modified Crops and Plant Functional Genomics)

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15 pages, 905 KB

Open AccessReview

Mechanisms of Strigolactone-Regulated Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants

by Jie Dong, Hailin Fu, Zhenyu Wang, Liwei Zhang, Ziyi Liu, Yulin Hu, Fafu Shen and Wei Wang

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2582; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162582 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 548

Abstract

Abiotic stresses, such as heat, cold, drought, and salt, pose severe challenges to global agriculture, with climate change exacerbating these threats and intensifying risks to crop productivity and food security. Strigolactones (SLs), a class of phytohormones, play pivotal roles in mediating plant development [...] Read more.

Abiotic stresses, such as heat, cold, drought, and salt, pose severe challenges to global agriculture, with climate change exacerbating these threats and intensifying risks to crop productivity and food security. Strigolactones (SLs), a class of phytohormones, play pivotal roles in mediating plant development and enhancing stress resilience. This review highlights the multifaceted mechanisms through which SLs regulate plant responses to abiotic stresses, integrating molecular, physiological, biochemical, and morphological dimensions. Molecularly, SLs regulate the expression of stress-responsive genes, such as those encoding antioxidant enzymes and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), to enhance plant acclimation and survival under abiotic stress conditions. Moreover, genes involved in SL biosynthesis and signaling pathways are indispensable in these processes. Physiologically and biochemically, SLs improve resilience by modulating photosynthesis, stomatal closure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and osmotic adjustment. Morphologically, SLs modulate leaf morphology, shoot development, and root architecture, enhancing plant stress tolerance. Collectively, SLs emerge as key regulators of plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, offering promising strategies for advancing crop improvement and securing agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)

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4 pages, 149 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Mycorrhizal and Endophytic Fungi as a Tool for Sustainable Environments

by Raul S. Lavado and Viviana M. Chiocchio

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162581 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

The roots of vascular plants interact with different types of soil fungi, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), dark septate endophytes (DSE), and other endophytes [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycorrhizal and Endophytic Fungi as a Tool for Sustainable Environments)

12 pages, 1220 KB

Open AccessArticle

Kiwifruit Cross-Pollination Analysis: Characterisation of the Pollinator-Assemblage and Practices to Enhance Fruit Quality

by Facundo René Meroi Arcerito, Mariana Paola Mazzei, Camila Corti, María Belén Lezcano, Gregorio Fernández de Landa, Mateo Fernández de Landa, Azucena Elizabeth Iglesias, Facundo Ramos, Natalia Jorgelina Fernández, Natalia Damiani, Liesel Brenda Gende, Darío Pablo Porrini, Matias Daniel Maggi and Leonardo Galetto

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2580; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162580 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 488

Abstract

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a globally important crop presenting challenges for ensuring cross-pollination. This study aimed to (1) record the entomological fauna visiting flowers; (2) evaluate the visitation frequency of pollinators; and (3) test the use of lavender extract to enhance [...] Read more.

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a globally important crop presenting challenges for ensuring cross-pollination. This study aimed to (1) record the entomological fauna visiting flowers; (2) evaluate the visitation frequency of pollinators; and (3) test the use of lavender extract to enhance cross-pollination by honeybees and assess the impacts on fruit quality. Nine species of floral visitors were recorded as pollinators, although the most frequent were the exotic honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the native bees Bombus pauloensis and Xylocopa augusti. Honeybees increased their visitation to flowers when the attractant was used, improving pollination service and fruit quality compared to the control-bagged treatment, resulting in fruits that were 20 g heavier (115.4 g vs. 95.6 g, 95% CI). Similarly, the number of seeds per fruit and the fruit shape index (FSI) increased in treatments exposed to bee visitation when compared to the bagged control. However, differences in bee visitation among treatments suggested a non-linear relationship between bee activity and fruit quality. Nevertheless, achieving high-quality fruit standards across treatments could be explained by the extended floral lifespan, which allowed for a high number of visits and ensured pollination. Finally, we did not observe any bias in honeybee visitation by applying sugar syrup combined with the attractant. Hence, to increase honeybees’ visits to flowers, we recommend applying the scent directly in a water solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pollen Management and Assisted Pollination Techniques in Crop Plants)

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25 pages, 3037 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Potential of Nepenthes miranda Flower Extracts: Antidiabetic, Anti-Skin Aging, Cytotoxic, and Dihydroorotase-Inhibitory Activities

by Kuan-Ming Lai, Yen-Hua Huang, Yi Lien and Cheng-Yang Huang

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162579 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 530

Abstract

Carnivorous plants have garnered attention as sources of pharmacologically active compounds, yet their floral tissues remain largely underexplored. In this study, we investigated the bioactive properties of Nepenthes miranda flower extracts prepared using water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Among these, the ethanol extract [...] Read more.

Carnivorous plants have garnered attention as sources of pharmacologically active compounds, yet their floral tissues remain largely underexplored. In this study, we investigated the bioactive properties of Nepenthes miranda flower extracts prepared using water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Among these, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (18.2 mg GAE/g), flavonoid content (68.9 mg QUE/g), and antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 66.9 μg/mL), along with strong antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Cosmetically relevant enzyme inhibition assays revealed significant activity against tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 48.58 μg/mL), elastase (IC₅₀ = 1.77 μg/mL), and hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 7.33 μg/mL), supporting its potential as an anti-skin aging agent. For antidiabetic evaluation, the ethanol extract demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 24.53 μg/mL), outperforming standard inhibitors such as acarbose and quercetin. The extract also displayed marked cytotoxicity against A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells (IC₅₀ = 90.61 μg/mL), inducing dose-dependent apoptosis, inhibiting cell migration and colony formation, and causing significant DNA damage as shown by comet assay. Furthermore, the ethanol extract strongly inhibited the activity of purified human dihydroorotase (IC₅₀ = 25.11 μg/mL), indicating that disruption of pyrimidine biosynthesis may underlie its anticancer activity. Overall, this study provides the first characterization of N. miranda flower extracts, particularly the ethanol fraction, as a promising source of multifunctional bioactive compounds with possible applications in cosmetics, antidiabetic therapy, and cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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16 pages, 4212 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Clump-Based and Traditional Selective Harvesting on Understory Biodiversity in Sympodial Bamboo Forests

by Ying Zhang, Chaohang Zhang, Zuming Wang, Haoting Li, Haofeng Bao, Fengying Guan, Chaomao Hui and Weiyi Liu

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2578; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162578 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 282

Abstract

To improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of traditional sympodial bamboo harvesting, this study evaluated the effects of four harvesting intensities—selective harvesting, one-third clump, one-half clump, and complete clump harvesting—on understory plant diversity in pure Dendrocalamus giganteus stands over a five-year recovery [...] Read more.

To improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of traditional sympodial bamboo harvesting, this study evaluated the effects of four harvesting intensities—selective harvesting, one-third clump, one-half clump, and complete clump harvesting—on understory plant diversity in pure Dendrocalamus giganteus stands over a five-year recovery period. A total of 36 species were recorded in the first year, increasing to 71 in the third year and stabilizing at 74 species by year five. Understory α-diversity showed an increasing trend followed by a decline. In the early recovery stage, species diversity was significantly correlated with soil chemical properties (p < 0.05), but no significant correlation was observed in the later stage. Fuzzy membership function analysis indicated that the 1/2 clump harvesting treatment outperformed others, ranking as follows: 1/2 clump > 1/3 clump > selective > complete clump harvesting. These results suggest that 1/2 clump harvesting is optimal for promoting understory vegetation growth, but its positive effects on biodiversity are time-limited, with the plant community showing a trend toward simplification over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Soil Interactions)

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15 pages, 1134 KB

Open AccessArticle

Potential of Pine Bark to Replace Perlite in Coir-Based Substrates: Effects on Nutrient Uptake, Growth, and Phytochemicals in Lettuce Under Two Salinity Levels

by Gonçalo C. Dias, Rui M. A. Machado, Isabel Alves-Pereira, Rui A. Ferreira and Nazim S. Gruda

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2577; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162577 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 468

Abstract

Enhancing the sustainability of growing media is an important objective in soilless vegetable cultivation. Here, we evaluated the potential of pine bark to replace perlite in coir-based substrates for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. ‘Godzilla’) cultivation. The experiment followed a factorial design [...] Read more.

Enhancing the sustainability of growing media is an important objective in soilless vegetable cultivation. Here, we evaluated the potential of pine bark to replace perlite in coir-based substrates for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. ‘Godzilla’) cultivation. The experiment followed a factorial design with two coir-based substrate blends—one amended with perlite and the other with pine bark—and two nutrient solution EC levels (1.5 ± 0.2 and 2.5 ± 0.2 dS m⁻¹). The plants were cultivated in Styrofoam containers containing a substrate mix of 80% coir, 12% compost, and 8% perlite or pine bark (v/v). Replacing perlite with pine bark did not affect leaf macronutrient concentrations but increased leaf Fe and B levels. Increasing the EC of the nutrient solution increased leaf N, P, and K, with a significant rise in nitrogen. The substitution of perlite with pine bark in coir-based substrates did not affect leaf dry weight, head fresh weight, or chlorophyll content, total phenols, ascorbic acid, or proline, even under different salinity levels. The findings indicate the pine bark is an alternative to perlite, supporting comparable agronomic and quality outcomes in lettuce. Further research is recommended to confirm these results in crops with longer growing cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems)

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Plants, Volume 14, Issue 16 (August-2 2025) – 152 articles

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