Search Results (2,208)

This study focuses on the plant Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk, which is unique to China and is characterized by its dual role as both a medicine food homology plant. We developed a novel framework termed “integrated quality regions”, which combines ecological suitability with the spatial distribution of bioactive compounds. Our findings indicate that the distribution of C. paliurus is primarily regulated by precipitation and temperature factors. Currently, the most suitable habitats are concentrated in the provinces of Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Hunan; however, under future climate scenarios, the centroid of suitable habitats is projected to shift northwestward. The accumulation of key bioactive compounds, specifically quercetin and kaempferol, is significantly correlated with the precipitation of warmest quarter and the aspect. Through spatial integration analysis, we identified the border region between Guangdong, Hunan, and Guangxi (centering on Yizhang County, Linwu County, and Renhua County) as a potential area for integrated quality regions, characterized by both ecological suitability and high medicinal value. Despite limitations in the sample size, the ecological–chemical synergistic zoning model proposed in this study provides a scientific basis for the conservation, optimal cultivation site selection, and sustainable utilization of C. paliurus resources. Full article

Photosynthesis is a primary plant physiological process, which can easily be affected by various environmental factors, including biotic stressors. The exogenous application of different substances like plant growth regulators might benefit this process both under normal and stress conditions. It is well known that the polyamine spermine positively modulates photosynthesis. We evaluated the effects of 5 mM spermine seed priming on photosynthesis-related parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants grown from Fusarium culmorum-infected seeds. Under no stress conditions, the spermine seed priming improved leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and leaf pigment content compared to the control. In non-primed seedlings exposed to the pathogen, these parameters were significantly affected. The most substantial reductions were seen in the net photosynthetic rate (56%), transpiration rate (63%), and stomatal conductance (58%). In plants cultivated from seeds primed with spermine the pathogen’s adverse effect on the assessed parameters was mitigated. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of spermine seed priming in sustaining photosynthetic activity in wheat plants exposed to biotic stress induced by Fusarium culmorum. Full article

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a medicinally valuable plant with well-documented pharmacological properties; however, its physiological and molecular responses to biochar amendment remain largely unexplored. This study applied integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to investigate the underlying mechanisms of biochar-induced effects in E. purpurea. Biochar amendment significantly promoted plant growth and improved nutrient status. Concurrent transcriptomic analysis revealed the molecular basis for these changes, identifying 4733 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Further analysis showed significant enrichment in plant hormone signal transduction pathways, particularly those of auxin and jasmonic acid (JA). The activation of the JA pathway was specifically validated by the concurrent upregulation of its biosynthetic and metabolic genes, together with the marked accumulation of JA, jasmonoyl-isoleucine, and 12-hydroxy-jasmonoyl-isoleucine. Metabolomic profiling further revealed a pronounced upregulation of phenylpropanoid pathway metabolites, including 3-hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid methyl ester, ferulic acid O-hexoside, and coumarin derivatives such as 7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin. Correlation analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data confirmed the concurrent up-regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes. These integrated results reveal the mechanistic basis through which biochar application simultaneously promotes growth and enhances the secondary metabolism of E. purpurea by coordinately activating phytohormone signaling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These results establish the potential of biochar in enhancing E. purpurea cultivation, with future work needed to determine optimal application rates. Full article

Understanding the seasonal dynamics of phytochemical composition in evergreen species is crucial for improving ecosystem productivity models and selecting appropriate species for urban landscapes under changing climate conditions. However, knowledge about how light environment, temperature, and precipitation interact to regulate leaf biochemical processes across seasons remains limited. We investigated morphological and biochemical responses of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) grown under contrasting light environments (light-exposed versus shaded) across twelve months, analyzing photosynthetic pigments, antioxidants, osmolytes, and secondary metabolites in relation to environmental variables. Light-exposed leaves exhibited enhanced accumulation of photoprotective compounds, including carotenoids (9.38 mg g⁻¹), xanthophylls (3.60 mg g⁻¹), and flavonoids (0.51 mg g⁻¹), along with superior total antioxidant capacity during spring and autumn. Proline showed bimodal seasonal peaks (93.7 µmol g⁻¹ in August under shade, 71.1 µmol g⁻¹ in July under light), indicating stress responses to both summer heat and winter cold. Multivariate analyses revealed that seasonal variation accounted for 94.9% of total phytochemical variability, with distinct metabolic signatures characterizing winter (high glycine betaine, anthocyanin), spring (high chlorophyll, phenolics), summer (high proline, transient carotenoid peaks), and autumn (maximum antioxidant capacity) periods. We conclude that light environment significantly influences cherry laurel’s seasonal metabolic strategies, with shade-grown plants prioritizing light harvesting efficiency and osmotic adjustment, while light-exposed plants emphasize photoprotection and antioxidant defense. The coordinated regulation of functionally related compounds reveals integrated stress response mechanisms that contribute to cherry laurel’s remarkable environmental plasticity. These quantitative seasonal patterns provide valuable parameters for optimizing cultivation practices, predicting biochemical composition for harvesting purposes, and modeling the ecological performance of this species in variable urban and forest environments under climate change scenarios. Full article

Daknamu (Broussonetia × kazinoki), the primary fiber source for hanji (traditional Korean handmade paper), provides fibers that are highly durable and used in fine-edition publishing as well as in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage materials and historic books. However, hanji production has declined due to decreased farm cultivation of B. × kazinoki, emphasizing the need for efficient vegetative propagation. This study evaluated the effects of three rooting media (commercial substrate, a mixture of commercial substrate and decomposed granite soil, and decomposed granite soil) and two plant growth regulators (auxins), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), including a rooting powder containing 0.8% IBA, on rooting performance and physiological responses. Decomposed granite soil produced the highest rooting rate, and the rooting effect index peaked with the rooting powder treatment. Exogenous auxins consistently increased the rooting rate and improved root traits. Photosynthetic activity was enhanced in decomposed granite soil, indicating improved water uptake following root development. Chlorophyll fluorescence showed a low F_v/F_m ratio and a JIP pattern indicative of stress. Soil analyses confirmed greater aeration and drainage in decomposed granite soil but revealed limitations in post-rooting water and nutrient availability. Root traits were positively correlated with photosynthetic parameters and available phosphorus, whereas electrical conductivity, cation-exchange capacity, moisture, organic matter, total nitrogen, and exchangeable cations were negatively correlated. Decomposed granite soil combined with 1500 mg·L⁻¹ IBA or rooting powder provided practical conditions for nursery-scale propagation. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing efficient cutting propagation systems for B. × kazinoki in farms and nurseries. Full article

In this study, we applied eight different light quality treatments and investigated their effects on the proliferation and physiological characteristics of Aquilaria sinensis group-cultivated seedlings in order to screen the best light quality for optimizing group-cultivation fast multiplication technology. The results showed that the highest multiplication rates were obtained with blue light and red light, which were significantly higher than those of white light. Blue light was the most effective in promoting the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, while red light and blue violet light were favorable for the accumulation of soluble sugars. Correlation analysis showed that the multiplication rate was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and soluble sugar content. The comprehensive evaluation indicated that blue light, blue-violet light, and red light was most suitable for fostering proliferation of, and physiological status improvement in, group-cultivated A. sinensis seedlings, with their superior performance likely attributable to the combined effects of specific spectral properties and appropriate photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) levels. The results of this study provide technical support for light environment regulation for the efficient and rapid propagation of group-cultured A. sinensis seedlings. Full article

We developed and evaluated a compact mushroom fruiting chamber equipped with Internet of Things technologies, designed to support decentralized urban agriculture. The system was constructed from a retrofitted glass-door refrigerator and integrated with Internet-connected sensors and a custom microcontroller to monitor and regulate temperature and humidity continuously. The control unit managed key variables, including temperature and relative humidity, during the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms. Experimental trials assessed the effectiveness of the IoT-based system in maintaining optimal growth conditions by dynamically adjusting parameters tailored to the fungus’s specific physiological requirements during fruiting. The prototype successfully maintained a stable cultivation environment, achieving an average temperature of 25.0 °C (±0.7 °C) and relative humidity of 90% (±8%). Under optimized conditions (18 °C, with the cultivation block plastic cover preserved), mushroom yield reached 230 ± 2 g per block, corresponding to a biological efficiency of 44% and an estimated productivity of up to 612.04 kg m⁻² per year. Furthermore, the system achieved a water footprint of only 4.39 L kg⁻¹ of fresh mushrooms, significantly lower than that typically reported for conventional cultivation methods. These results demonstrate the feasibility of an efficient, compact, and water-saving controlled environment for mushroom cultivation, enabled by IoT-based technologies and organic residue substrates. Remote monitoring and control capabilities support urban food security, reduce transport-related emissions, optimize water use, and promote sustainable practices within a circular economy framework. The system’s adaptability suggests potential scalability to other crops and urban agricultural contexts. Full article

Gibberellins (GAs) are pivotal phytohormones regulating fruit development, yet the molecular mechanisms by which they modulate strawberry fruit size and quality remain elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of exogenous GA₃ on the fruit development of the cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa ‘Benihoppe’). Treatment with 20 mg/L GA₃ significantly promoted fruit enlargement, advanced ripening by 7 days, and increased fruit weight and dimensions. Integrated transcriptomic and targeted metabolomic analyses revealed that GA₃ application induced a substantial reprogramming of the endogenous hormone landscape, notably triggering a significant increase in auxin (IAA) levels. Transcriptome profiling identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with KEGG enrichment analysis highlighting the “plant hormone signal transduction” pathway as the most significantly enriched. Further analysis pinpointed key DEGs involved in auxin signaling (AUX/IAA, ARF, GH3, and SAUR) and gibberellin perception (GID1), suggesting a central role for auxin-mediated processes in GA₃-induced fruit expansion. We propose that exogenous GA₃ promotes strawberry fruit development through a synergistic mechanism: (1) enhancing the biosynthesis of endogenous bioactive GAs; (2) activating auxin signal transduction pathways to drive cell expansion; and (3) attenuating the repression of DELLA proteins. Our study unveils the critical role of the GA₃-IAA signaling axis in strawberry fruit development, providing a theoretical foundation for harnessing hormone regulation to improve fruit yield and quality in strawberry production. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for over half the global population and a model organism for monocot plant research. However, it is susceptible to salinity, with most cultivated varieties showing reduced growth at salt levels above 3 dS/m. Despite numerous efforts to improve its salt tolerance, little progress has been made. A promising area of research lies in the study of epigenetic regulation, which encompasses DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodelling. These processes play a crucial role in mediating how plants respond to salt stress by modulating gene expression. This often results in heritable changes that can be used as molecular markers. Studies in rice and other cereals have demonstrated a clear association between histone alterations, shifts in DNA methylation patterns, and the expression of salt-responsive genes. Furthermore, epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the development of stress memory, enabling plants to respond more effectively to recurring stressful conditions. Understanding these regulatory pathways offers new opportunities for breeding or engineering salt-tolerant rice varieties, potentially leading to improved crop resilience and productivity under saline conditions. Full article

The search for sustainable and health-promoting food ingredients has positioned microalgae as promising candidates for the development of functional products. Haematococcus pluvialis, a unicellular green microalga, is the richest natural source of astaxanthin, a carotenoid with outstanding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. In addition to astaxanthin, H. pluvialis provides high-value proteins, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides, and vitamins, which expand its potential applications in the food sector. This review compiles current knowledge on the biology and physiology of H. pluvialis, with emphasis on cultivation strategies, environmental stress factors, and biotechnological tools designed to enhance bioactive compound production. Advances in extraction and purification methods are also discussed, contrasting conventional solvent-based approaches with emerging green technologies. The integration of these strategies with biomass valorization highlights opportunities for improving economic feasibility and sustainability. Applications of H. pluvialis in the food industry include its use as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, antioxidant, and stabilizer in bakery products, beverages, meat analogs, and emulsified systems. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reinforces its safety and effectiveness. Looking ahead, industrial perspectives point to the adoption of omics-based tools, metabolic engineering, and circular economy approaches as drivers to overcome current barriers of cost, stability, and regulation, opening new avenues for large-scale applications in food systems. Full article

Phalaenopsis orchids are globally significant high-value ornamental flowers due to their strange flower shape, gorgeous color, and long flowering period. The successful implementation of reflowering technology is expected to double the economic value of the Phalaenopsis industry. This study selected the cultivated variety Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’ as the material to investigate the effects of exogenous gibberellin A₃ (GA₃) application (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/L) on its reflowering. Growth phenotype analysis indicates that exogenous GA₃ significantly promotes the occurrence of reflowering in Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’ after the first flowering, specifically manifested in elongated leaves, flower bud differentiation, flower stalk growth, and an earlier onset of flowering. The application of exogenous GA₃ significantly enhances the accumulation of starch, soluble sugars, and proteins in Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’, while inhibiting the synthesis of free fatty acids. Gibberellins (GA₃, gibberellin A₁ (GA₁), and gibberellin A₈ (GA₈)), cytokinins (6-Benzyladenosine (BAPR) and Kinetin (K)), and indole-3-acetic acids (IAAs) (tryptamine (TRA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) are the core endogenous hormones responding to exogenous GA₃ spraying treatment. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 3891 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the most significantly enriched KEGG pathways included ‘Plant hormone signal transduction’. Key genes involved in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway (AUX, IAA, SAUR, DELLA, MYC2) were validated through qRT-PCR, suggesting that these genes may be crucial for the exogenous GA₃ application that promotes the reflowering of Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’. Additionally, this study highlights 202 core DEGs responsive to exogenous GA₃. Combined with the analysis of hormone signaling pathways, it provides a new perspective for uncovering the key molecular modules involved in GA₃-regulated reflowering of Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that exogenous GA₃ application can promote the re-flowering of Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’. Full article

Microalgae grow rapidly, require minimal space, can proliferate in non-agricultural land, do not compete with human food sources, and can be cultivated in a variety of environments, including wastewater. They are considered an ecological source of bioactive compounds, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional industrial production methods, which are often resource-intensive. It is important to emphasize that both the species of microalgae and the specific culture conditions play a decisive role in the generation and storage of valuable bioactive compounds, which can act as biostimulants. Biostimulants are organic compounds or microorganisms capable of enhancing crop quality parameters by optimizing nutrient and water use efficiency, while also strengthening tolerance to abiotic stress. The aim of this article is to provide an updated understanding of biostimulants, their modes of action, and their role in regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. It further incorporates examples of successful trials that demonstrate the advantageous applications of microalgae-based biostimulants, while also addressing the barriers and limitations to their commercialization and integration into sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Red Fruit Ginseng (Campanumoea lancifolia), widely cultivated in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi, in China, is valued for its sweet-tasting fruit and medicinal potential. In this study, leaves of the Yunnan Maguan variety were used as explants to establish an efficient tissue culture system for callus induction, adventitious bud regeneration, and rooting. Different combinations of cytokinins and auxins were tested to determine the optimal balance of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Our results indicated that when the combined concentration of kinetin (KT) and 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) in the primary culture medium was lower than 1.0 mg/L, callus induction was the most effective, with treatments of 0.5 mg/L KT + 0.2 mg/L 6-BA and 0.2 mg/L KT + 0.8 mg/L 6-BA showing higher induction rates compared to other groups. During the subculture, 0.5 mg/L 6-BA promoted vigorous adventitious bud growth, while higher levels inhibited development. For rooting, 0.5 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) combined with 0.2 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) induced the highest root number and healthiest plantlets, outperforming indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The optimized protocol resulted in over 80% explant survival and produced vigorous seedlings suitable for acclimatization. This leaf-derived regeneration method provides a reliable approach for large-scale propagation, conservation, and potential pharmacological applications of Red Fruit Ginseng, contributing to the sustainable utilization and commercial development of this valuable medicinal plant. Full article

Phosphate tailings (PTs) are typical industrial byproducts that can rapidly neutralize soil acidity. However, their acid-neutralizing efficacy, long-term application optimization mechanisms, and high-yield regulation pathways for crops remain unclear. This study conducted a corn-potato crop rotation field trial on acidic soils, investigating the effect of different PT application rates (T: CK, 0 t·ha⁻¹; PTs-1, 6 t·ha⁻¹; PTs-2, 9 t·ha⁻¹; PTs-3, 15 t·ha⁻¹) in a multiple cropping system (C: late autumn potatoes (LAP)-early spring potatoes (ESP)-summer maize (SM)). The results showed that two consecutive applications of 9 t·ha⁻¹ of PTs produced optimal results, increasing the LAP yield by 12.82% and the soil quality by 76.51%, while improving the ESP soil quality by 46.21%. The higher yield was mainly attributed to a significant increase in the soil pH (0.72–1.58 units) and enhanced chemical and biological properties (higher exchangeable calcium (ExCa), exchangeable magnesium (ExMg), the total exchangeable salt base ion (TEB), and catalase (CAT) and urease (UE) content and lower soil exchangeable acidity (EA), exchangeable hydrogen ion (ExH), and exchangeable aluminum (ExAl) levels). Notably, a synchronized increase in the total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) during LAP cultivation, combined with simultaneous growth of TP, available nitrogen (AN), and available phosphorus (AP) during ESP cultivation, and a significant increase in TP and AP during SM cultivation, effectively promoted crop yield. Furthermore, continuous PT application significantly enriched phosphorus (P)-soluble functional bacteria, such as Actinomycetes and Chloroflexota, and enhanced the stability of bacterial-fungal cross-boundary networks. In summary, optimal acidity levels and favorable soil texture improved soil quality, consequently increasing corn and potato yields. This study reveals for the first time that PTs can substantially increase crop production via a synergistic mechanism involving acid-base balance, structural improvement, and microbial activation. Not only does this provide a novel strategy for rapidly improving acidic soils, but it also establishes a solid theoretical and technical foundation for utilizing PT resources. Full article

Rhizosphere hypoxia, caused by soil compaction and waterlogging, is a major constraint on agricultural productivity. It severely impairs crop growth and yield by inhibiting root aerobic respiration, disrupting energy metabolism, and altering the rhizosphere microecology. Micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) show significant potential for alleviating rhizosphere hypoxia due to their unique physicochemical properties, including large specific surface area, high oxygen dissolution efficiency, prolonged retention time, and negative surface charge. This paper systematically reviews the key characteristics of MNBs, particularly their enhanced mass transfer capacity and system stability, and outlines mainstream preparation methods such as cavitation, electrolysis, and membrane dispersion. And the multiple alleviation mechanisms of MNBs—including continuous oxygen release, improvement of soil pore structure, and regulation of rhizosphere microbial communities—are clarified. The combination of MNBs aeration and subsurface drip irrigation can increase soil aeration by 5%. When applied in soilless cultivation and conventional irrigation systems, MNBs enhance crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. For example, tomato yield can be increased by 12–44%. Furthermore, the integration of MNBs with water–fertilizer integration technology enables the synchronized supply of oxygen and nutrients, thereby optimizing the rhizosphere environment efficiently. This paper sorts out the empirical effects of MNBs in soilless cultivation and conventional irrigation, and provides directions for solving problems such as “insufficient oxygen supply to deep roots” and “reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress in sensitive crops”. Despite these significant advantages, the industrialization of MNBs still needs to overcome challenges including high equipment costs and insufficient precision in parameter control, so as to promote large-scale agricultural application and provide an innovative strategy for the management of rhizosphere hypoxia. Full article