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14 pages, 667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Year Phenotypic Assessment and Genetic Selection in Progeny Trials of Liriodendron Hybrids

by Yanghui Fang, Fuhui Liu, Tong Wang, Liang Fang, Jie Guo, Shunde Su, Xiaochou Chen, Libin Zhuang, Jie Sun, Daiquan Ye, Zhou Wang and Xuemei Wang

Plants 2026, 15(4), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040638 - 17 Feb 2026

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Abstract

The conservation and genetic improvement of rare and endangered tree species are crucial for sustainable forest management. Liriodendron chinense, a relict species with limited distribution in China, exhibits high cross-compatibility with Liriodendron tulipifera, providing opportunities for interspecific hybrid breeding. In this [...] Read more.

The conservation and genetic improvement of rare and endangered tree species are crucial for sustainable forest management. Liriodendron chinense, a relict species with limited distribution in China, exhibits high cross-compatibility with Liriodendron tulipifera, providing opportunities for interspecific hybrid breeding. In this study, 29 Liriodendron hybrids were established in a progeny trial plantation in Fujian Province, China, and subjected to multi-year evaluation of tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and individual stem volume. Significant differences (p < 0.01) among hybrids and hybrid × replicate interactions were detected for all traits across all assessment years, with individual stem volume showing the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (35.30–40.56%). The mean annual increment in tree height increased during the early years, peaking at 1.50 m in the fourth year. Broad-sense and narrow-sense heritabilities for growth traits were consistently high (0.4073–0.7253 and 0.3410–0.6501, respectively), and the ratio of narrow-sense to broad-sense heritability ranged from 0.64 to 0.99, supporting the feasibility of early hybrid and individual selection. At a 10% selection intensity, hybrids No. 39, No. 59, and No. 74 were identified as elite, with selection based on individual stem volume providing the highest predictive accuracy and genetic gain (26.54–34.69%). Individual selection at a 1% intensity yielded genetic gains of 95.55–107.12% for stem volume. These results demonstrate substantial potential for early and efficient genetic improvement in Liriodendron hybrids, providing a theoretical foundation for the selection and deployment of elite hybrids and individuals in subtropical forest plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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26 pages, 8718 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Analysis of Metabolomics and Transcriptomics of the Differences in Flower Colors of Hybrid Cherry Blossoms

by Yingke Yun, Xinglin Zeng, Tong Wu, Siyu Qian, Wenyi Fu, Xianrong Wang and Xiangui Yi

Plants 2026, 15(4), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040634 - 17 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Flower color, as an important trait of ornamental plants, has been a research hotspot in recent years. In this study, we selected Prunus campanulata (Maxim.) (ZH, red), P. dielsiana (Schneid.) (WH, white), and two cherry blossom varieties ‘Yanzhi Fei’ (FH, deep pink) and [...] Read more.

Flower color, as an important trait of ornamental plants, has been a research hotspot in recent years. In this study, we selected Prunus campanulata (Maxim.) (ZH, red), P. dielsiana (Schneid.) (WH, white), and two cherry blossom varieties ‘Yanzhi Fei’ (FH, deep pink) and ‘Yanzhi Xue’ (XH, pinkish white) obtained by open-pollination hybridization as material. By means of bioinformatics methods such as metabolomics and transcriptomics, it is expected to deeply study the molecular mechanism of the gradient changes in flower color between the parents and offspring of cherry blossoms. Metabolomics analysis indicated that a total of 84 flavonoid related metabolites were identified, among which 31 were associated with the anthocyanin metabolic pathway, including three major types of anthocyanin substances: cyanidin, delphinidin, and malvidin. Transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 7712 differential genes were detected between P. campanulata and P. dielsiana; there were 3948 differential genes between P. campanulata and ‘Yanzhi Xue’, 2802 between P. campanulata and ‘Yanzhi Fei’, and 2511 between ‘Yanzhi Xue’ and ‘Yanzhi Fei’. After screening based on anthocyanin accumulation, nine key enzyme genes were obtained. Joint analysis showed that the relative expression trends of structural genes such as PAL, 4CL, CHI, DFR, and CYP75B in the samples were consistent with those of anthocyanins, and they had a high correlation with downstream metabolites. The results of this study lay a certain scientific foundation for the future directional improvement and breeding of cherry blossom colors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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19 pages, 4288 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cloning, Expression and Functional Study of OfCOR27 Gene in Osmanthus fragrans

by Ruiqi Chen, Jinfeng Li, Shenglian Li, Daowu Zhang, Min Zhang and Yifan Duan

Plants 2026, 15(4), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040610 - 14 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Blooming time is an important basis for constructing plant landscapes. The short flowering period of Osmanthus fragrans, recognized as one of the ten traditional flowers in China, considerably constrains the further utilization of its resources. To clarify O. fragrans flowering regulation, this [...] Read more.

Blooming time is an important basis for constructing plant landscapes. The short flowering period of Osmanthus fragrans, recognized as one of the ten traditional flowers in China, considerably constrains the further utilization of its resources. To clarify O. fragrans flowering regulation, this study focused on OfCOR27, conducting cloning, expression analysis, and functional verification to explore its effects on O. fragrans flowering time. A COR27 phylogenetic tree was built across six species; OfCOR27 physicochemical properties, conserved structures, and promoter cis-elements were analyzed. OfCOR27 CDS was cloned, fusion vectors were transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana, and organ-specific expression was tested in two O. fragrans cultivars. Overexpression vectors were transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana, with qRT-PCR verifying gene function. Five OfCOR27s were identified, showing evolutionary conservation. OfCOR27, which localizes to the nucleus and is associated with flowering regulation, shows higher expression in ‘Sijigui’ than in ‘XiaoyeSugui’. Overexpression of OfCOR27 promoted flowering in A. thaliana, whereas the AtCOR27 mutant flowered later. This confirms OfCOR27 is a positive regulator of plant flowering, which may promote flowering by enhancing the expression of flowering-promoting genes and altering hormone levels, providing a theoretical basis and candidate gene for the genetic improvement of flowering traits in woody ornamental plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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10 pages, 257 KB

Open AccessArticle

Joint Selection for Growth and Leaf Color in Superior Trees of Sapium discolor in Fujian Province, China

by Yanghui Fang, Xuemei Wang, Liang Fang, Jie Guo, Wenping Chen, Wei Wu, Tong Wang, Zhixian Luo, Xun Lin, Daiquan Ye, Xiaochou Chen and Shunde Su

Plants 2026, 15(3), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030452 - 1 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Sapium discolor is a valuable native species in southern China, valued for its rapid growth and vibrant foliage, and widely used in ecological restoration and landscaping. To identify superior propagation materials with fast growth and red leaves, regional open-pollinated progeny trials of 10 [...] Read more.

Sapium discolor is a valuable native species in southern China, valued for its rapid growth and vibrant foliage, and widely used in ecological restoration and landscaping. To identify superior propagation materials with fast growth and red leaves, regional open-pollinated progeny trials of 10 elite trees were established in Nanping, Sanming, and Zhangzhou (Fujian Province) in 2015. Growth (tree height and diameter) was monitored from 2015 to 2023, and leaf color (the proportion of red in leaf color) was assessed in 2024. The species showed early fast growth, with mean tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) reaching 7.98 m and 9.99 cm at six years, then slowing. Family-level phenotypic variation was limited. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among families for growth traits from 2016 onward and for leaf color in 2024. Broad-sense heritability was moderate for 2023 tree height (0.3839), DBH (0.1879), and 2024 leaf color (0.2102), with low narrow-sense heritability, indicating non-additive genetic effects. Clonal selection based on genotypic values achieved notable genetic gains, especially for growth. One superior clone combined improvements in height (13.1%), diameter (10.1%), and red coloration (8.3%). These results highlight the value of clonal selection and the need to consider genotype × environment interactions in breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

29 pages, 13647 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Intelligent Wood Species Identification Method Based on Multimodal Texture-Dominated Features and Deep Learning Fusion

by Yuxiang Huang, Tianqi Zhu, Zhihong Liang, Hongxu Li, Mingming Qin, Ruicheng Niu, Yuanyuan Ma, Qi Feng and Mingbo Chen

Plants 2026, 15(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010108 - 30 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Aimed at the problems of traditional wood species identification relying on manual experience, slow identification speed, and insufficient robustness, this study takes hyperspectral images of cross-sections of 10 typical wood species commonly found in Puer, Yunnan, China, as the research object. It comprehensively [...] Read more.

Aimed at the problems of traditional wood species identification relying on manual experience, slow identification speed, and insufficient robustness, this study takes hyperspectral images of cross-sections of 10 typical wood species commonly found in Puer, Yunnan, China, as the research object. It comprehensively applies various spectral and texture feature extraction technologies and proposes an intelligent wood species identification method based on the fusion of multimodal texture-dominated features and deep learning. Firstly, an SOC710-VP hyperspectral imager is used to collect hyperspectral data under standard laboratory lighting conditions, and a hyperspectral database of wood cross-sections is constructed through reflectance calibration. Secondly, in the spectral space construction stage, a comprehensive similarity matrix is built based on four types of spectral similarity indicators. Representative bands are selected using two Max–Min strategies: partitioned quota and coverage awareness. Multi-scale wavelet fusion is performed to generate high-resolution fused images and extract interest point features. Thirdly, in the texture space construction stage, three types of texture feature matrices are generated based on the PCA first principal component map, and interest point features are extracted. Fourthly, in the complementary collaborative learning stage, the ST-former model is constructed. The weights of the trained SpectralFormer++ and TextureFormer are imported, and only the fusion weights are optimized and learned to realize category-adaptive spectral–texture feature fusion. Experimental results show that the overall classification accuracy of the proposed joint model reaches 90.27%, which is about 8% higher than that of single-modal models on average. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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17 pages, 2927 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Microbes Mediate Productivity Differences Between Natural and Plantation Forests

by Xing Zhang, Mengya Yang, Yangyang Liu, Jinkun Ye, Jiechen Tangyu, Jie Gao, Weiguo Liu and Yuchuan Fan

Plants 2026, 15(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010098 - 28 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 528

Abstract

While climate is known to regulate forest productivity, the mechanistic contribution of soil microbial communities—and whether it differs between natural and plantation forests—remains poorly quantified at broad scales. Here, we provide a synthesis-level, unified analysis that jointly evaluates climate, edaphic conditions, and soil [...] Read more.

While climate is known to regulate forest productivity, the mechanistic contribution of soil microbial communities—and whether it differs between natural and plantation forests—remains poorly quantified at broad scales. Here, we provide a synthesis-level, unified analysis that jointly evaluates climate, edaphic conditions, and soil microbes to compare mechanistic pathways underlying productivity divergence between forest types. We synthesized 237 observations across China and integrated productivity metrics—gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP)—with microbial diversity, dominant taxa, and soil drivers to compare natural and plantation forests within the current environmental coverage. Plantation productivity showed nonlinear responses to microbial diversity and appeared more sensitive than natural forests. Natural forests exhibited higher bacterial Shannon and Chao1 but lower fungal Chao1 and were characterized by taxa such as Nitrobacter, Bradyrhizobium, and Cortinarius. In contrast, plantations were characterized by taxa often associated with disturbance tolerance and opportunistic life-history strategies (e.g., Sphingomonas, Fusarium, Gemmatimonas), consistent with potential functional simplification. Structural equation models identified climate as the strongest correlate of productivity, while soil properties showed contrasting associations with microbial diversity across forest types. Random forest models further highlighted cation-exchange capacity and total nitrogen as key predictors of microbial diversity in plantations. Overall, our results indicate that soil microbial communities are differentially associated with forest productivity across forest types and environmental contexts and underscore the need for future climate-comparable designs and management-intensity information to more robustly isolate microbial contributions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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18 pages, 3610 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inheritance of DNA Methylation Patterns and Its Role in Modulating Allelic Expression in Camellia F₁ Hybrids

by Min Zhang, Lin-Jian Xie, Shu-Rong Yan, Qi-Ling Huang, Cai-Lin Xu, Zi-Fei Li, Yi-Wei Tang, Xin-Kai Liu, Nai-Sheng Zhong and Wen-Ju Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010094 - 28 Dec 2025

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Abstract

DNA methylation, as an important epigenetic modification, plays a key role in shaping hybrid phenotypes. Studies have shown that DNA methylation—specifically, allele-specific methylation (ASM)—can mediate allelic expression imbalance (AEI) and participate in the regulation of plant growth and development. However, since this regulatory [...] Read more.

DNA methylation, as an important epigenetic modification, plays a key role in shaping hybrid phenotypes. Studies have shown that DNA methylation—specifically, allele-specific methylation (ASM)—can mediate allelic expression imbalance (AEI) and participate in the regulation of plant growth and development. However, since this regulatory mechanism is often sequence-dependent, the prevalence of ASM and the extent to which it influences allelic expression remain poorly characterized. To address this challenge, the present study utilized Camellia azalea, C. amplexicaulis and their F₁ hybrids [C. azalea (♀) × C. amplexicaulis (♂)] as research materials. By performing whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), resequencing, and transcriptome sequencing, we assessed the inheritance of DNA methylation patterns and its role in shaping allelic expression in F₁ hybrids. The results showed the following: (1) the overall cytosine methylation level in the F₁ hybrid was intermediate between the two parents; (2) the methylation states of the parental genomes were partly transmitted to the next generation; (3) ASM was not prevalent in the F₁ hybrids, primarily because biparental parent-specific methylation sites (PSMSs) were widespread and randomly distributed, which often act on the same allele pairs; (4) although ASM was not common, it led to biased expression of some alleles related to flower development. The results indicated that ASM was rare in F₁ hybrids, mainly because PSMSs occurred randomly. Instead of causing AEI, the randomly distributed PSMSs played a more important role in balancing allelic expression in F₁ hybrids. Therefore, most of the alleles in F₁ were not biasedly expressed. ASM did not necessarily lead to allele-biased expression; however, its occurrence may hold significant biological implications in modulating AEI and transgressive phenotypes in the F₁ hybrids. These findings elucidate the synergistic effects of genetic and epigenetic controls on transcriptional regulation in hybrid plants, substantially deepening the mechanistic understanding of hybridization at the molecular scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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14 pages, 2172 KB

Open AccessArticle

Demographic Drivers of Population Decline in the Endangered Korean Fir (Abies koreana): Insights from a Bayesian Integral Projection Model

by Jeong-Soo Park, Jaeyeon Lee and Chung-Weon Yun

Plants 2025, 14(23), 3686; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14233686 - 3 Dec 2025

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Understanding the demographic mechanisms underlying the decline of endangered tree species is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. This study aimed to quantify the population trajectory and its demographic drivers in the Korean fir (Abies koreana), a subalpine conifer endemic to [...] Read more.

Understanding the demographic mechanisms underlying the decline of endangered tree species is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. This study aimed to quantify the population trajectory and its demographic drivers in the Korean fir (Abies koreana), a subalpine conifer endemic to South Korea and listed as endangered by the IUCN, using a Bayesian Integral Projection Model (IPM). Based on eight years of field monitoring of survival, growth, and recruitment, the Bayesian IPM estimated the population growth rate (λ_s) and quantified its uncertainty under interannual environmental variation. The results indicated that interannual variation in drought, represented by the Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), was a key driver of demographic changes. The mean population growth rate (λ = 0.983) suggests a slow decline, primarily driven by high mortality among intermediate-sized individuals, which are vital for maintaining population stability. In contrast, the growth of small to medium trees showed a weak but positive elasticity, implying that management actions targeting these size classes could benefit population persistence. Accordingly, effective conservation of A. koreana should focus on mitigating drought stress through reducing competition and improving soil moisture and structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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11 pages, 908 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Flower Bud Differentiation in Osmanthus fragrans Lour.

by Qinghua Yang, Min Zhang, Lin Chen and Xianrong Wang

Plants 2025, 14(23), 3577; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14233577 - 23 Nov 2025

Viewed by 769

Abstract

Osmanthus fragrans, an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family, is widely utilized in landscaping, food processing, and the fragrance industry for its unique aroma and ornamental values. Through natural and artificial selection, O. fragrans has diverged into two horticultural [...] Read more.

Osmanthus fragrans, an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family, is widely utilized in landscaping, food processing, and the fragrance industry for its unique aroma and ornamental values. Through natural and artificial selection, O. fragrans has diverged into two horticultural groups: the Asiaticus Group, which blooms year-round, and the Autumn Flowering Group, characterized by concentrated flowering in autumn. This phenotypic diversity is paramount importance for enhancing landscape value, extending the harvest periods, and meeting commercial demands. However, current research on flowering period differences among O. fragrans cultivars primarily focuses on physiological traits such as flower bud differentiation and phenological traits, with limited studies at the genetic and molecular levels. This article summarized the research progress in the classification characteristics, flower bud differentiation stages and processes, and the molecular mechanisms of flowering in O. fragrans, with a particular emphasis on the key genes that influence environmental factors such as high temperature, low temperature, and drought on the flowering period, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying the repeated flowering of the Asiaticus Group. The aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for breeding new cultivars with varied flowering times. Future research on O. fragrans will employ multi-omics technologies to systematically elucidate the key genes, signaling pathways, and epigenetic networks that regulate flower bud differentiation. A primary objective is to elucidate the synergistic interactions between environmental factors and endogenous hormones, thereby establishing precise models for flowering regulation and guiding practical production applications of O. fragrans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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15 pages, 3863 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution Patterns of Dominant Tree Species and Their Associations with Soil Factors in Subalpine Secondary Forests of Western Sichuan

by Jingdong Zhao, Xin Liu, Le Wang, Qiuhong Feng, Chang Gou, Jianhua Bai and Xiaohui Yang

Plants 2025, 14(22), 3424; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223424 - 8 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 675

Abstract

Spatial pattern analysis is essential for understanding forest structure and successional dynamics. Focusing on natural secondary forests in the subalpine region of western Sichuan, China, we established two 1-hectare permanent plots to investigate the spatial distribution of dominant tree species and assess the [...] Read more.

Spatial pattern analysis is essential for understanding forest structure and successional dynamics. Focusing on natural secondary forests in the subalpine region of western Sichuan, China, we established two 1-hectare permanent plots to investigate the spatial distribution of dominant tree species and assess the soil’s water-holding properties, aiming to clarify the relationship between species spatial patterns and edaphic conditions. The pioneer species Betula albosinensis exhibited a unimodal diameter distribution with scarce seedling presence, indicating limited regeneration. In contrast, Abies fargesii var. faxoniana showed a typical inverse J-shaped diameter distribution, suggesting stable population recruitment. At fine spatial scales, dominant species generally exhibited aggregated distributions, with A. fargesii var. faxoniana seedlings showing the strongest clumping; however, as the spatial scale increased, distributions tended toward randomness, likely due to self-thinning and density-dependent interactions. Bivariate spatial association analysis revealed that B. albosinensis was positively associated with A. fargesii var. faxoniana and Picea asperata at small scales, suggesting a potential facilitative effect of B. albosinensis on Pinaceae species. Moreover, capillary water-holding capacity was significantly higher in areas with greater conifer dominance, underscoring the strong environmental filtering effect of microhabitat moisture on community spatial structure. Collectively, our results suggest an ongoing mid- to late-successional shift from pioneer broadleaved to shade-tolerant conifer dominance, with concurrent changes in species composition and soil conditions. This study provides empirical insight into spatial successional processes and highlights their ecological implications for hydrological regulation in subalpine secondary forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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15 pages, 8982 KB

Open AccessArticle

Radial Variation in Wood Anatomy of Cercis glabra and Its Application Potential: An Anatomy-Guided Approach to Sustainable Resource Utilization

by Pingping Guo, Xiping Zhao, Dongfang Wang, Yuying Zhang, Puxin Xie, Tifeng Zhao, Xinyi Zhao and Xinyi Lou

Plants 2025, 14(17), 2769; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172769 - 4 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

This study systematically analyzes the microstructure and radial variation of Cercis glabra wood, revealing its adaptive strategies for arid environments. The results show that the wood consists of thick-walled fibers (63%) and vessels (17.7%), with a semi-ring-porous structure and 48.4% average cell wall [...] Read more.

This study systematically analyzes the microstructure and radial variation of Cercis glabra wood, revealing its adaptive strategies for arid environments. The results show that the wood consists of thick-walled fibers (63%) and vessels (17.7%), with a semi-ring-porous structure and 48.4% average cell wall percentage. Fiber proportion peaks early (4 years), ensuring mechanical support, while vessel adjustment occurs later (19 years), balancing water transport. Rays decline sharply in the first 9 years, stabilizing thereafter, reflecting a shift from growth to structural stability. The high fiber proportion and occasional tyloses enhance durability, making it suitable for high-quality pulp, furniture, and humid environments such as shipbuilding. A rotation period ≥ 20 years ensures stable properties. Genetic breeding could shorten the juvenile stage and optimize vessel distribution. Future research should integrate multi-omics and environmental data to deepen our understanding of its adaptation mechanisms. This study provides a basis for the utilization of C. glabra resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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19 pages, 6696 KB

Open AccessArticle

Extensive nrDNA Polymorphism in Morus L. and Its Application

by Xiaoxiang Xu, Le Zhang, Changwei Bi, Meiling Qin, Shouchang Wang, Dong Li, Ningjia He and Qiwei Zeng

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162570 - 18 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1905

Abstract

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) is one of the most extensively utilized in the taxonomy of the genus Morus due to its generally concerted evolution. Although non-concerted evolution of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been reported in some species, genome-wide nrDNA characteristics in [...] Read more.

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) is one of the most extensively utilized in the taxonomy of the genus Morus due to its generally concerted evolution. Although non-concerted evolution of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been reported in some species, genome-wide nrDNA characteristics in the genus Morus remain poorly understood. In this study, 158 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 15 insertions and deletions (InDels) were identified within the nrDNA regions of 542 mulberry accessions representing sixteen Morus species. These wide occurrences of heterogeneous SNPs and InDels revealed the intra-individual polymorphism within the nrDNA region of Morus, indicating the incomplete concerted evolution of nrDNA. Notably, 66 out of 158 SNPs and 13 out of 15 InDels were localized within the ITS regions (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), indicating a high degree of polymorphism in the ITS, which was further validated through classical cloning and Sanger sequencing methodologies. The 13/16 bp InDel located in the ITS1 region was utilized to develop a rapid and reliable cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker-based method for distinguishing M. alba and M. notabilis from other Morus species, eliminating the need for a clone-based sequencing step or comparative phenotypic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on nrDNA SNPs from 542 mulberry accessions revealed six distinct clades, corresponding to the six Morus species. These findings offer novel new insights into the taxonomy, conservation, and breeding improvement of Morus species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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15 pages, 428 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity Patterns and Community Construction in Subtropical Forests Driven by Species Phylogenetic Environments

by Pengcheng Liu, Jiejie Jiao, Chuping Wu, Weizhong Shao, Xuesong Liu and Liangjin Yao

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152397 - 2 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1313

Abstract

To explore the characteristics of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the dominant processes of community construction, in different forest types (deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, and Chinese fir plantation) in subtropical regions, analyze the specific driving patterns [...] Read more.

To explore the characteristics of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the dominant processes of community construction, in different forest types (deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, and Chinese fir plantation) in subtropical regions, analyze the specific driving patterns of soil nutrients and other environmental factors on the formation of forest diversity in different forest types, and clarify the differences in response to environmental heterogeneity between natural forests and plantation forests. Based on 48 fixed monitoring plots of 50 m × 50 m in Shouchang Forest Farm, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province, woody plants with a diameter at breast height ≥5 cm were investigated. Species diversity indices (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index), phylogenetic structure index (PD), and environmental factors were used to analyze the relationship between diversity characteristics and environmental factors through variance analysis, correlation analysis, and generalized linear models. Phylogenetic structural indices (NRI and NTI) were used, combined with a random zero model, to explore the mechanisms of community construction in different forest types. Research has found that (1) the deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest species diversity (Margalef index of 4.121 ± 1.425) and phylogenetic diversity (PD index of 21.265 ± 7.796), significantly higher than the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest and the Chinese fir plantation (p < 0.05); (2) there is a significant positive correlation between species richness and phylogenetic diversity, with the best fit being AIC = 70.5636 and R² = 0.9419 in broad-leaved forests; however, the contribution of evenness is limited; (3) the specific effects of soil factors on different forest types: available phosphorus (AP) is negatively correlated with the diversity of deciduous broad-leaved forests (p < 0.05), total phosphorus (TP) promotes the diversity of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, while the diversity of Chinese fir plantations is significantly negatively correlated with total nitrogen (TN); (4) the phylogenetic structure of three different forest types shows a divergent pattern in deciduous broad-leaved forests, indicating that competition and exclusion dominate the construction of deciduous broad-leaved forests; the aggregation mode of Chinese fir plantation indicates that environmental filtering dominates the construction of Chinese fir plantation; the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is a transitional model, indicating that the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is influenced by both stochastic processes and ecological niche processes. In different forest types in subtropical regions, the species and phylogenetic diversity of broad-leaved forests is significantly higher than in other forest types. The impact of soil nutrients on the diversity of different forest types varies, and the characteristics of community construction in different forest types are also different. This indicates the importance of protecting the original vegetation and provides a scientific basis for improving the ecological function of artificial forest ecosystems through structural adjustment. The research results have important practical guidance value for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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17 pages, 2601 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tree Selection of Vernicia montana in a Representative Orchard Cluster Within Southern Hunan Province, China: A Comprehensive Evaluation Approach

by Juntao Liu, Zhexiu Yu, Xihui Li, Ling Zhou, Ruihui Wang and Weihua Zhang

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152351 - 30 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 987

Abstract

With the objective of identifying superior Vernicia montana trees grounded in phenotypic and agronomic traits, this study sought to develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation method which would provide a practical foundation for future clonal breeding initiatives. Using the Vernicia montana propagated from [...] Read more.

With the objective of identifying superior Vernicia montana trees grounded in phenotypic and agronomic traits, this study sought to develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation method which would provide a practical foundation for future clonal breeding initiatives. Using the Vernicia montana propagated from seedling forests grown in the Suxian District of Chenzhou City in southern Hunan Province, we conducted pre-selection, primary selection, and re-selection of Vernicia montana forest stands and took the nine trait indices of single-plant fruiting quantity, single-plant fruit yield, disease and pest resistance, fruit ripening consistency, fruit aggregation, fresh fruit single-fruit weight, fresh fruit seed rate, dry seed kernel rate, and seed kernel oil content rate as the optimal evaluation indexes and carried out cluster analysis and a comprehensive evaluation in order to establish a comprehensive evaluation system for superior Vernicia montana trees. The results demonstrated that a three-stage selection process—consisting of pre-selection, primary selection, and re-selection—was conducted using a comprehensive analytical approach. The pre-selection phase relied primarily on sensory evaluation criteria, including fruit count per plant, tree size, tree morphology, and fruit clustering characteristics. Through this rigorous screening process, 60 elite plants were selected. The primary selection was based on phenotypic traits, including single-plant fruit yield, pest and disease resistance, and uniformity of fruit ripening. From this stage, 36 plants were selected. Twenty plants were then selected for re-selection based on key performance indicators, such as fresh fruit weight, fresh fruit seed yield, dry seed kernel yield, and oil content of the seed kernel. Then the re-selected optimal trees were clustered and analyzed into three classes, with 10 plants in class I, 7 plants in class II, and 3 plants in class III. In class I, the top three superior plants exhibited outstanding performance across key traits: their fresh fruit weight per fruit, fresh fruit seed yield, dry seed yield, and seed kernel oil content reached 41.61 g, 42.80%, 62.42%, and 57.72%, respectively. Compared with other groups, these figures showed significant advantages: 1.17, 1.09, 1.12, and 1.02 times the average values of the 20 reselected superior trees; 1.22, 1.19, 1.20, and 1.08 times those of the 36 primary-selected superior trees; and 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, and 1.19 times those of the 60 pre-selected trees. Fruits counts per plant and the number of fruits produced per plant of the best three plants in class I were 885 and 23.38 kg, respectively, which were 1.13 and 1.18 times higher than the average of 20 re-selected superior trees, 1.25 and 1.30 times higher than the average of 36 first-selected superior trees, and 1.51 and 1.58 times higher than the average of 60 pre-selected superior trees. Class I superior trees, especially the top three genotypes, are suitable for use as mother trees for scion collection in grafting. The findings of this study provide a crucial foundation for developing superior clonal varieties of Vernicia montana through selective breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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14 pages, 1659 KB

Open AccessArticle

Accuracy of Increment Core Method for Measuring Basic Wood Density and Moisture Content in Three Catalpa Species

by Xiping Zhao, Dongfang Wang, Pingping Guo, Qi Feng and Yuanping Deng

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152339 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 900

Abstract

Assessing wood moisture and density is essential to understanding ecological processes such as tree growth and wood formation. This study compared basic density and moisture content estimates for three Catalpa species (Catalpa ovata G. Don, Catalpa bungei C. A. Mey, and Catalpa [...] Read more.

Assessing wood moisture and density is essential to understanding ecological processes such as tree growth and wood formation. This study compared basic density and moisture content estimates for three Catalpa species (Catalpa ovata G. Don, Catalpa bungei C. A. Mey, and Catalpa fargesii Bureau) using three sampling methods (incremental cores, wood chips, and standard wood blocks). While strong correlations (r² ≥ 0.99) were observed among all methods, the incremental core approach exhibited significant species-specific biases—overestimating density by 27.31–12.31% on average while underestimating moisture content by 5.61–30.51%. Despite its cost-effectiveness and minimal sample collection requirements, the method’s systematic deviations limit its applicability to multiple tree species. Consequently, we recommend developing species-specific linear calibration models that incorporate baseline data from standard wood block measurements to substantially improve estimation accuracy. This approach offers a practical, theory-supported solution for optimizing field sampling strategies in ecological research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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18 pages, 5036 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Climate Refugia for Chengiodendron marginatum: Insights for Future Conservation Planning

by Zhirun Yu, Quanhong Yan, Yilin Li, Zheng Yan, Chenlong Fu, Bo Jiang and Lin Chen

Plants 2025, 14(13), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131961 - 26 Jun 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 975

Abstract

Chengiodendron marginatum, an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family, represents a critical germplasm resource with considerable potential for novel cultivar breeding. To elucidate the adaptive responses of C. marginatum to climate change and provide strategic guidance for its conservation, [...] Read more.

Chengiodendron marginatum, an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family, represents a critical germplasm resource with considerable potential for novel cultivar breeding. To elucidate the adaptive responses of C. marginatum to climate change and provide strategic guidance for its conservation, this study investigates the changing patterns in its potential suitable habitats under various climate scenarios. We employed an integrated approach combining maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling with GIS spatial analysis, utilizing current occurrence records and paleoclimatic data spanning from the mid-Holocene to future projections (2041–2060 [2050s] and 2061–2080 [2070s]). Climate scenarios SSP126 and SSP585 were selected to represent contrasting emission pathways. The model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy with an AUC value of 0.942, identifying precipitation-related variables (particularly the precipitation of driest month and annual precipitation) as the primary environmental factors shaping the geographical distribution of C. marginatum. Current suitable habitats encompass approximately 98.38 × 10⁴ km², primarily located in East, Central, and South China, with high-suitability habitats restricted to southern Hainan, Taiwan, and northeastern Guangxi. Since the mid-Holocene, an expansion of suitable habitats occurred despite localized contractions in Southwest China. Future projections revealed moderate habitat reduction under both scenarios, and high-suitability areas decreased substantially. Importantly, under both scenarios, persistent high-suitability habitats were maintained in southern Hainan, Taiwan, and northeastern Guangxi, which are identified as essential climate refugia for the species. These findings provide a basis for understanding the response of the species to climate change and offer valuable guidance for its conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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16 pages, 5265 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Warming Impacts Suitable Habitats of the Subtropical Endemic Tree Acer pubinerve Rehder, Newly Recorded in Jiangsu Province, China

by Jie Miao, Xinyu Zhang, Zhi Yang, Chao Tan and Yong Yang

Plants 2025, 14(13), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131895 - 20 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089

Abstract

Global warming has caused the change of the geographical distribution of many species and threatened the living of species on earth. It is important to describe and predict the response of these species to current and future climate changes to conserve and utilize [...] Read more.

Global warming has caused the change of the geographical distribution of many species and threatened the living of species on earth. It is important to describe and predict the response of these species to current and future climate changes to conserve and utilize the endemic forest species. Acer pubinerve of the Sapindaceae is an important forest tree species endemic to China, our recent fieldwork recorded A. pubinerve in the Jiangsu province for the first time, representing the northernmost known occurrence of the species. In this study, we compiled an occurrence dataset of A. pubinerve based on field investigation, herbarium specimen data and literature, and mapped the resource distribution of this endemic forest species in China. Then, we used the optimized MaxEnt model to predict the potential suitable areas of the species under current climate conditions and future climate change scenarios and studied the impacts of environmental variables on the suitable areas of the species. The MaxEnt model, optimized with a regularization multiplier of 0.5 and a feature combination of linear and quadratic terms, exhibited the best predictive performance. The prediction accuracy of the model was extremely high and the AUC values of training and test data were 0.995 and 0.998, respectively. We found that the leading environmental variables affecting the potential distribution of A. pubinerve include the mean temperature of warmest quarter, the mean temperature of driest quarter, and the annual precipitation. Under the current climatic condition, the suitable distribution area of A. pubinerve is 165.68 × 10⁴ km², mainly located in the provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi. Compared with the suitable area under the current climate, the total suitable areas of A. pubinerve is projected to expand toward the north under the future climate change scenarios SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585, while its center shows a general trend of westward migration. Our study lays the foundation for conservation and resource utilization of this endemic tree species in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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11 pages, 4064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Molecular Evidence for a New Species Within Styrax (Styracaceae) from a Karst Area in Southwest Guangxi, China

by Guoxing Peng, Tongjun Liang, Jipeng Liang, Yitian Wang, Liaocheng Zhao, Rui Zhang, Yusong Huang, Zhi Li, Weibin Xu and Ming Tang

Plants 2025, 14(12), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121789 - 11 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1352

Abstract

Styrax chongzuoensis, a novel endemic species with a narrow distribution in limestone regions of Chongzuo, Guangxi, China, is described herein. This new species seems somewhat similar to Styrax fortunei, but significantly differs from it by having long ovate or long lanceolate [...] Read more.

Styrax chongzuoensis, a novel endemic species with a narrow distribution in limestone regions of Chongzuo, Guangxi, China, is described herein. This new species seems somewhat similar to Styrax fortunei, but significantly differs from it by having long ovate or long lanceolate leaves, often with an asymmetrical base (vs. obovate-elliptic to elliptic, often with a symmetrical base) and fertile shoots with fewer flowers (1, or rarely 2 or 3, vs. many, always more than 10). Phylogenetic analyses based on the chloroplast coding sequences indicated that S. chongzuoensis and Styrax japonicus are sister taxa to each other, both clustered in the series Cyrta within Styrax. Overall, the integration of morphological and phylogenetic evidence indicates that S. chongzuoensis actually represents a new species. Color plates of S. chongzuoensis are illustrated, and a distribution map and conservation assessment of this species are also provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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15 pages, 1948 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Species Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Wild Ribes in Northeast Asia

by Ximing Zhao, Dandan Zhao, Xinrui Ge, Yin Zhang, Yuxiao Du, Jingguo Liu, Yuning Liu, Hongfeng Wang and Baojiang Zheng

Plants 2025, 14(12), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121780 - 11 Jun 2025

Viewed by 898

Abstract

Ribes is the only genus in the Grossulariaceae family and holds considerable economic importance. Northeast Asia represents one of the major global centers of Ribes distribution. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation focused on this region, examining the diversity, distribution patterns, and [...] Read more.

Ribes is the only genus in the Grossulariaceae family and holds considerable economic importance. Northeast Asia represents one of the major global centers of Ribes distribution. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation focused on this region, examining the diversity, distribution patterns, and environmental determinants of wild Ribes species through field surveys and a review of the relevant literature. Results indicate the presence of 36 species (including 8 varieties) from 7 subgenera of wild Ribes across Northeast Asia, predominantly belonging to the subgenera Berisia, Ribes, and Grossularia. The species are unevenly distributed throughout the region: (1) The Russian Far East exhibits the highest species richness, with 21 species from 5 subgenera, followed by Northeast China (16 species, 6 subgenera), Japan (12 species, 7 subgenera), Mongolia (10 species, 3 subgenera), South Korea (9 species, 5 subgenera), and North Korea (8 species, 5 subgenera). These findings suggest that the Russian Far East currently serves as the core distribution center for Ribes in Northeast Asia. (2) The species diversity of wild Ribes exhibits a unimodal latitudinal pattern, peaking between 47° N and 52° N. (3) A similar unimodal trend is evident along altitudinal gradients, with most species occurring between 500 m and 1500 m. (4) Species richness is primarily influenced by temperature stability and extreme low temperatures, followed by precipitation seasonality and elevation, while annual precipitation shows a relatively minor effect. This study offers crucial baseline data for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Ribes in Northeast Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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21 pages, 3886 KB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution Pattern of Endangered Cycas taiwaniana Carruth. in China Under Climate-Change Scenarios Using the MaxEnt Model

by Chunping Xie, Meng Li, C. Y. Jim and Ruonan Chen

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111600 - 24 May 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1545

Abstract

Understanding the potential distribution patterns and habitat suitability of threatened species under climate change scenarios is essential for conservation efforts. This study aimed to assess the current and future distribution patterns of the endangered Cycas taiwaniana in China using the MaxEnt model under [...] Read more.

Understanding the potential distribution patterns and habitat suitability of threatened species under climate change scenarios is essential for conservation efforts. This study aimed to assess the current and future distribution patterns of the endangered Cycas taiwaniana in China using the MaxEnt model under two contrasting climate change scenarios: SSP1-2.6 (low emissions) and SSP3-7.0 (high emissions), projected for the 2050s and 2070s periods. The model identified key bioclimatic variables influencing habitat suitability, including Annual Mean Temperature, Mean Diurnal Range, and Temperature Seasonality. Under current climate conditions, the species’ most suitable habitats are primarily located in southern coastal regions, with Hainan Island showing exceptional suitability. However, future projections under the moderate emission (SSP1-2.6) scenario suggest a significant shrinking of suitable habitat areas, particularly a 27.5% decline in excellent and a 35% decrease in good categories by the 2070s. In contrast, under the high-emission scenario (SSP3-7.0), while an initial decline in suitable habitats is projected, the model predicts an unexpected expansion of highly suitable areas by 2070, particularly in Guangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian coastal regions. The results highlight the vulnerability of C. taiwaniana to climate change and underscore the importance of developing adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate potential habitat loss. The findings also emphasize the need for further research on species-specific responses to climate change and the development of proactive measures to safeguard the future distribution of this threatened species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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15 pages, 1625 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Range Shifts of Five Alnus (Betulaceae) Species in China Under Future Climate Scenarios

by Wenjie Yang, Zhilong Huang, Chenlong Fu, Zhuang Zhao, Xiaoyue Yang, Quanjun Hu and Zefu Wang

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111597 - 24 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 990

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to forest biodiversity by altering species distributions. This study employed the MaxEnt model to predict the current and potential future suitable habitats of five Alnus species in China under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. Model accuracy was high, with [...] Read more.

Climate change poses significant challenges to forest biodiversity by altering species distributions. This study employed the MaxEnt model to predict the current and potential future suitable habitats of five Alnus species in China under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. Model accuracy was high, with temperature seasonality identified as the most influential variable. In addition, predicted range shifts showed species-specific patterns, with most species expanding toward higher latitudes and elevations. In contrast, Alnus ferdinandi-coburgii exhibited consistent habitat contraction. These findings enhance understanding of the climatic responses of Alnus species and provide a scientific basis for targeted conservation and management strategies under future climate change, and may offer insights into habitat responses of Alnus species in other temperate regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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20 pages, 14130 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Potential Suitable Habitats of Three Rare Wild Magnoliaceae Species (Michelia crassipes, Lirianthe coco, Manglietia insignis) Under Current and Future Climatic Scenarios Based on the Maxent Model

by Yu Fan, Weihao Yao, Zenghui Wang, Xinyue Fan, Shuyue Hu, Hongfei Wang and Jing Ou

Plants 2025, 14(4), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040506 - 7 Feb 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

In recent years, the impacts of climate change and human activities have intensified the loss and fragmentation of habitats for wild rare Magnoliaceae. Predicting the potential impacts of future climate change on the suitable habitat distribution of wild and endangered Magnoliaceae species is [...] Read more.

In recent years, the impacts of climate change and human activities have intensified the loss and fragmentation of habitats for wild rare Magnoliaceae. Predicting the potential impacts of future climate change on the suitable habitat distribution of wild and endangered Magnoliaceae species is of great significance for their conservation and application. This study employs the optimized MaxEnt model to investigate current and future potential suitable habitats of three rare Magnoliaceae species (Michelia crassipes, Lirianthe coco, and Manglietia insignis). The dominant environmental variables influencing the distribution of three species were also explored. The results showed the following: (1) The potential habitat range of three Magnoliaceae species currently span from 92–122° N and 19–36° E. Variables associated with temperature (bio2, bio9, bio4) and altitude (Ele) significantly influence the distribution of these species, with precipitation (bio17) and ultraviolet radiation (UVB4) playing a minor role. The warm and humid climate in central and southern China is highly conducive to their growth. (2) Under the SSP126 scenario, after the mid-21st century, the suitable habitat area of Michelia crassipes has undergone a fluctuating trend of initial increase followed by decrease, reducing to 51.84 × 10⁴ km² in 2090. On the other hand, both the suitable habitat areas of Lirianthe coco and Manglietia insignis show an upward trend. Under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, the total suitable habitat areas of these three rare Magnoliaceae species gradually decrease. (3) We compared the priority protection areas with existing Protected Areas (PAs) in gap analysis; 96.84% of priority conservation areas are lacking effective protection. (4) The distribution centroid is constantly moving to western China. In order to address habitat fragmentation, it is recommended that the range of natural reserves be expanded and ecological corridors be established in the future, preferably according to the predicted suitable climate for protected areas and refuges or habitats for these species. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for the preservation, stewardship, and utilization of the endangered species of Magnoliaceae under the circumstances of projected global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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Review

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19 pages, 8437 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress of CLE and Its Prospects in Woody Plants

by Zewen Song, Wenjun Zhou, Hanyu Jiang and Yifan Duan

Plants 2025, 14(10), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101424 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 1529

Abstract

The peptide ligands of the CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED (CLE) family have been previously identified as essential signals for both short- and long-distance communication in plants, particularly during stem cell homeostasis, cell fate determination, and growth and development. To date, most studies on the [...] Read more.

The peptide ligands of the CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED (CLE) family have been previously identified as essential signals for both short- and long-distance communication in plants, particularly during stem cell homeostasis, cell fate determination, and growth and development. To date, most studies on the CLE family have focused on model plants and especially those involving stem and apical meristems. Relatively little is known about the role of CLE peptides in tall trees and other plant meristems. In this review, we summarize the role of CLE genes in regulating plant Root Apical Meristem (RAM), Shoot Apical Meristem (SAM), Procambium, Leaf and Floral Meristem (FM), as well as their involvement in multiple signaling pathways. We also highlight the evolutionary conservation of the CLE gene family and provide a comprehensive summary of its distribution across various plant developmental tissues. This paper aims to provide insights into novel regulatory networks of CLE in plant meristems, offering guidance for understanding intercellular signaling pathways in forest trees and the development of new plant organs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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