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17 pages, 1803 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nitrogen Application Rate on Growth Physiology, Yield Quality, and Nitrogen Fertilizer Utilization Rate of Liriope muscari in Pots
by Yuhong Yuan, Jihong Xiao, Shaoyan Liu, Tianyou He, Jundong Rong and Yushan Zheng
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081104 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Liriope muscari is a medicinal and ornamental herbaceous plant with significant economic value, as its tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes. However, the current production of medicinal plants is characterized by wasteful use of resources and ecological risks caused by the unreasonable [...] Read more.
Liriope muscari is a medicinal and ornamental herbaceous plant with significant economic value, as its tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes. However, the current production of medicinal plants is characterized by wasteful use of resources and ecological risks caused by the unreasonable application of nitrogen fertilizers. In this study, based on uniform application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, six nitrogen application levels were set in pot experiments (expressed as N): N0: 0 kg/ha, N1: 208.33 kg/ha, N2: 416.66 kg/ha, N3: 625 kg/ha, N4: 833.33 kg/ha, N5: 1041.66 kg/ha). The morphological characteristics, photosynthetic physiology, tuber yield and quality, and seven nitrogen fertilizer utilization indices of L. muscari were analyzed and measured. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to investigate the mechanism by which nitrogen influences its growth and development, photosynthetic characteristics, tuber yield and quality, and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. The results showed that (1) nitrogen significantly promoted plant height, crown width, tiller number, and chlorophyll synthesis , with the N3 treatment (625 kg/ha) reaching the peak value, and the crown width and tiller number increasing by 26.44% and 38.90% compared to N0; the total chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate increased by 39.67% and 77.04%, respectively, compared to N0; high nitrogen (N5) inhibited photosynthesis and increased intercellular CO₂ concentration; (2) Fresh weight of tuberous roots, polysaccharide content, and saponin C content peaked at N3 (34.67 g/plant, 39.89%, and 0.21%), respectively, representing increases of 128.69%, 28.37%, and 33.66% compared to N0; (3) Nitrogen uptake, nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, agronomic utilization efficiency, and apparent utilization efficiency were optimal at N3, while high nitrogen (N4–N5) reduced nitrogen fertilizer efficiency by 40–60%; (4) SEM analysis indicated that tiller number and transpiration rate directly drive yield, while stomatal conductance regulates saponin C synthesis. Under the experimental conditions, 625 kg/ha is the optimal nitrogen application rate balancing yield, quality, and nitrogen efficiency. Excessive nitrogen application (>833 kg/ha) induces photosynthetic inhibition and “luxury absorption”, leading to source-sink imbalance and reduced accumulation of secondary metabolites. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the precise management of nitrogen in Liriope-type medicinal plants. It is expected to alleviate the contradictions of “high input, low output, and heavy pollution” in traditional fertilization models. Full article
19 pages, 1862 KiB  
Article
Yield and Plant Gas Exchange in Perennial Biomass Crops (BPGs) Under Different Water Regimes
by Elena Crapio, Sebastiano Andrea Corinzia, Alessandra Piccitto, Salvatore Luciano Cosentino and Giorgio Testa
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15082007 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
The increasing demand for renewable energy, coupled with the urgent challenges posed by climate change, has positioned perennial biomass crops (BPGs) as essential and sustainable alternatives for bioenergy production. This study investigated the impact of irrigation regimes on the physiological performance of three [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for renewable energy, coupled with the urgent challenges posed by climate change, has positioned perennial biomass crops (BPGs) as essential and sustainable alternatives for bioenergy production. This study investigated the impact of irrigation regimes on the physiological performance of three BPG species—Arundo donax L., Saccharum spontaneum, and Miscanthus—with a focus on leaf gas exchange (net assimilation rate and transpiration rate) and instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE) at varying levels of irrigation input, adopting a split-plot experimental design under the Mediterranean climatic conditions of Sicily (Italy). The results clearly showed that A. donax, a C3 species, outperformed the C4 species S. spontaneum and Miscanthus, exhibiting significantly higher stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis, especially under irrigated conditions. S. spontaneum demonstrated the highest iWUE, particularly in rainfed treatments, reflecting its efficient use of water. Miscanthus showed the greatest sensitivity to water stress, with a more pronounced decline in photosynthesis during drought periods. This study accentuated the role of effective water management and genotype selection in optimizing biomass yield and resource efficiency, providing valuable insights for improving crop productivity in Mediterranean and other semi-arid regions. Full article
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16 pages, 2622 KiB  
Article
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
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)
19 pages, 3238 KiB  
Article
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
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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19 pages, 13383 KiB  
Article
Differential Responses of Two Sorghum Genotypes to Drought Stress at Seedling Stage Revealed by Integrated Physiological and Transcriptional Analysis
by Manhong Wang, Irshad Ahmad, Muhi Eldeen Hussien Ibrahim, Bin Qin, Hailu Zhu, Guanglong Zhu and Guisheng Zhou
Agriculture 2025, 15(16), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15161780 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Drought stress significantly limits crop growth and yield, and the mechanisms underlying genotypic variation in drought tolerance remain unclear. This study investigated the growth and transcriptomic responses of two sorghum varieties, drought-sensitive Jinza 35 (V1) and drought-tolerant Longza 24 (V2), under drought conditions. [...] Read more.
Drought stress significantly limits crop growth and yield, and the mechanisms underlying genotypic variation in drought tolerance remain unclear. This study investigated the growth and transcriptomic responses of two sorghum varieties, drought-sensitive Jinza 35 (V1) and drought-tolerant Longza 24 (V2), under drought conditions. Comparative transcriptomic analysis, along with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, revealed distinct molecular mechanisms between the two varieties. Both varieties exhibited drought-responsive changes in photosynthesis-related pathways. However, the drought-tolerant V2 showed significant enrichment in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch-sucrose metabolism, and plant hormone signaling pathways, suggesting enhanced metabolic flexibility under stress. In contrast, V1 primarily activated ribosome metabolism and cell cycle regulation pathways, indicating a less adaptive response focused on basic cellular processes. These findings highlight key metabolic and regulatory differences underlying drought tolerance in sorghum. The study provides valuable molecular insights and candidate pathways for future functional studies and the breeding of drought-resistant sorghum varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Salt Stress on Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1794 KiB  
Article
Establishing Native Plant Communities to Improve the Management of the Invasive Weed Mikania micrantha
by Gaofeng Xu, Shicai Shen, Jiale Gao, Yunhai Yang, David Roy Clements, Shaosong Yang, Fengping Zhen, Bin Yao, Guimei Jin, Yun Zhang and Fudou Zhang
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1998; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081998 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Using multiple species in native plant communities may improve control efficiency compared with single-species use. We conducted field investigations to assess the effects of Artemisia argyi, Portulaca oleracea, and their mixtures on the growth and reproduction of Mikania micrantha, followed [...] Read more.
Using multiple species in native plant communities may improve control efficiency compared with single-species use. We conducted field investigations to assess the effects of Artemisia argyi, Portulaca oleracea, and their mixtures on the growth and reproduction of Mikania micrantha, followed by a greenhouse de Wit replacement series to compare different combinations of M. micrantha, A. argyi, and P. oleracea in terms of multispecies competition, phytoallelopathy, and photosynthesis. Field investigation showed that compared with M. micrantha monoculture (Group D), aboveground biomass, total stem length, flower biomass, inflorescence biomass, seed biomass, and seed number of M. micrantha increased in the P. oleracea community (Group B), though only seed number was significantly higher (p < 0.05). In contrast, in the A. argyi community (Group A) and the mixed community of A. argyi and P. oleracea (Group C), all these indicators decreased significantly (p < 0.05), in the order: Group C < Group A < Group D < Group B. This indicates that the mixed community (Group C) most strongly suppressed M. micrantha growth and reproduction. The effects of A. argyi, P. oleracea, and their mixture on the growth of M. micrantha in the greenhouse experiments mirrored the trends observed in field investigations. Calculated indices (relative yield, relative yield total, competitive balance index, and change in contribution) of A. argyi, P. oleracea, and their mixed population on M. micrantha demonstrated a higher competitive ability and higher influence of the combination of the two species compared with either A. argyi or P. oleracea alone. The interspecific phytoallelopathy experiment demonstrated strong allelopathic potential of A. argyi versus M. micrantha (p < 0.05) but showed no significant effect on P. oleracea. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of M. micrantha was generally lower in communities with both competitors compared with single-species communities. Our results suggest that, compared with a single plant population, the mixed population of A. argyi and P. oleracea exhibited a markedly enhanced ecological control capability through increased relative competitive ability, strengthened allelopathic inhibition, and markedly reduced photosynthetic efficiency of M. micrantha. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)
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16 pages, 2363 KiB  
Article
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
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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15 pages, 905 KiB  
Review
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
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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26 pages, 3620 KiB  
Article
Estimation Method of Leaf Nitrogen Content of Dominant Plants in Inner Mongolia Grassland Based on Machine Learning
by Lishan Jin, Xiumei Wang, Jianjun Dong, Ruochen Wang, Hefei Wen, Yuyan Sun, Wenbo Wu, Zhihang Zhang and Can Kang
Nitrogen 2025, 6(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6030070 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Accurate nitrogen (N) content estimation in grassland vegetation is essential for ecosystem health and optimizing pasture quality, as N supports plant photosynthesis and water uptake. Traditional lab methods are slow and unsuitable for large-scale monitoring, while remote sensing models often face accuracy challenges [...] Read more.
Accurate nitrogen (N) content estimation in grassland vegetation is essential for ecosystem health and optimizing pasture quality, as N supports plant photosynthesis and water uptake. Traditional lab methods are slow and unsuitable for large-scale monitoring, while remote sensing models often face accuracy challenges due to hyperspectral data complexity. This study improves N content estimation in the typical steppe of Inner Mongolia by integrating hyperspectral remote sensing with advanced machine learning. Hyperspectral reflectance from Leymus chinensis and Cleistogenes squarrosa was measured using an ASD FieldSpec-4 spectrometer, and leaf N content was measured with an elemental analyzer. To address high-dimensional data, four spectral transformations—band combination, first-order derivative transformation (FDT), continuous wavelet transformation (CWT), and continuum removal transformation (CRT)—were applied, with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) used for feature selection. Four machine learning models—Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)—were evaluated via five-fold cross-validation. Wavelet transformation provided the most informative parameters. The SVM model achieved the highest accuracy for L. chinensis (R2 = 0.92), and the ANN model performed best for C. squarrosa (R2 = 0.72). This study demonstrates that integrating wavelet transform with machine learning offers a reliable, scalable approach for grassland N monitoring and management. Full article
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18 pages, 2715 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses Reveal How Rhizobacteria Acinetobacter calcoaceticus Enhance the Growth and Stress Tolerance in Lespedeza davurica
by Yinping Liang, Lin Jiang, Yining Zhang, Zhanchao Guo, Linjuan Han, Peng Gao, Xiaoyan Zhao and Xiang Zhao
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081992 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Lespedeza davurica is an important perennial leguminous shrub endemic to China’s Loess Plateau, and it plays a crucial role in ecosystem restoration and soil erosion control. However, phosphorus deficiency and environmental stresses limit its growth potential and ecological function. Methods: In the [...] Read more.
Background: Lespedeza davurica is an important perennial leguminous shrub endemic to China’s Loess Plateau, and it plays a crucial role in ecosystem restoration and soil erosion control. However, phosphorus deficiency and environmental stresses limit its growth potential and ecological function. Methods: In the present study, the interaction between Acinetobacter calcoaceticus DP25, a phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacterium isolated from L. davurica rhizosphere, and L. davurica was investigated. We performed biochemical analyses of leaves from L. davurica planted in saline–alkali soil to monitor antioxidant defense systems and stress-related metabolites, and conducted a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches to elucidate the bacteria-mediated enhancement of growth and stress tolerance in L. davurica. Results: DP25 inoculation substantially enhanced L. davurica growth performance, increasing plant height by 47.68%, biomass production by 102.54–132.42%, and root architecture parameters by 62.68–78.79% (p < 0.0001). Catalase activity, a key antioxidant enzyme, showed a marked increase of 41.53% (p < 0.001), while malondialdehyde and free proline contents decreased by 18.13% and 19.33%, respectively (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 263 differentially expressed genes, with enrichment in carotenoid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathways. Metabolomic profiling identified 246 differentially accumulated metabolites, highlighting enhanced secondary metabolite production and stress response mechanisms. Integration of multi-omics data revealed 19 co-regulated pathways involved in growth promotion and stress tolerance. Conclusions: A. calcoaceticus DP25 enhances L. davurica growth through coordinated regulation of metabolic pathways involved in photosynthesis, antioxidant defense, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. These findings provide molecular insights into beneficial plant–microbe interactions and support the development of sustainable strategies for ecosystem restoration in degraded environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress on Pathogenicity of Fungi in Crops—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 1417 KiB  
Article
Glyphosate: A Terrestrial Threat to Marine Plants? A Study on the Seagrass Zostera marina
by Alizé Deguette, Katia Pes, Bernard Vasconcellos, Monya Costa, João Silva and Isabel Barrote
Oceans 2025, 6(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans6030051 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 109
Abstract
Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are extensively used worldwide, raising concerns about their potential effect on non-target aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the short-term physiological effects of a commercially available GBH on the seagrass Zostera marina under controlled mesocosm conditions. Z. marina individuals were exposed [...] Read more.
Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are extensively used worldwide, raising concerns about their potential effect on non-target aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the short-term physiological effects of a commercially available GBH on the seagrass Zostera marina under controlled mesocosm conditions. Z. marina individuals were exposed to three concentrations of glyphosate (0.165, 51, and 5100 mg L−1) for 4 days, and the impacts on photosynthetic performance, growth rate, photosynthetic pigments content and energy metabolism were assessed. Exposure to 5100 mg L−1 of glyphosate caused rapid water acidification and complete plant mortality within 24 h. Exposure to 51 mg L−1 of glyphosate significantly impaired photosynthetic efficiency and foliar growth rate. Energy availability, photosynthesis and photosynthetic pigments content were highly disrupted at both higher concentrations. Exposure to 0.165 mg L−1 of glyphosate decreased the foliar chlorophyll a/b ratio. These findings show that Z. marina can potentially be threatened by the presence of GBHs even at lower concentrations and underscore the necessity for monitoring herbicide pollution in coastal waters to protect seagrass habitats and associated ecosystems. Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and the role of herbicide formulations in mediating toxicity. Full article
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19 pages, 1011 KiB  
Article
Drought Resistance Evaluation of Camellia oleifera var. “Xianglin 210” Grafted onto Different Rootstocks
by Zhilong He, Ying Zhang, Chengfeng Xun, Dayu Yang, Zhen Zhang, Yushen Ma, Xin Wei, Zhentao Wan, Xiangnan Wang, Yufeng Zhang, Yongzhong Chen and Rui Wang
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162568 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 196
Abstract
As a key economic tree in southern China, Camellia oleifera faces severe yield losses under drought. Grafting onto drought-tolerant rootstocks offers a potential mitigation strategy. To elucidate the impact of rootstocks on the drought resistance of the superior Camellia oleifera Abel. cultivar “Xianglin [...] Read more.
As a key economic tree in southern China, Camellia oleifera faces severe yield losses under drought. Grafting onto drought-tolerant rootstocks offers a potential mitigation strategy. To elucidate the impact of rootstocks on the drought resistance of the superior Camellia oleifera Abel. cultivar “Xianglin 210”, grafted seedlings with five scion–rootstock combinations, were subjected to gradient drought stress. Key physiological and biochemical indices related to photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and osmotic adjustment were measured. Drought resistance was comprehensively evaluated using membership function analysis, and the expression of stress-responsive genes was quantified via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results demonstrated that under drought stress, (1) stomatal conductance (Gs) decreased by 31.2–48.7%, while instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 18.5–35.4%; (2) proline (Pro) and soluble sugars (SS) accumulated significantly, with increases of 2.3–4.1-fold and 1.8–3.2-fold, respectively; (3) activities of antioxidant enzymes were enhanced by 56–127%, mitigating oxidative damage; (4) membership function analysis ranked drought resistance as follows: Xianglin 27 (0.812) > Guangxi Superior Germplasm (0.698) > C. yuhsienensis (0.654) > Hunan Superior Germplasm (0.591) > Xianglin 1 (0.523); (5) qRT-PCR revealed significant upregulation of ABA signaling pathway genes (CoPYL6, CoPP2C75/51/24/26, CoSnRK2.8, and CoABI5) and transcription factors (CoLHY and CoWRKY70), indicating activation of drought-responsive regulatory networks. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for selecting drought-tolerant rootstocks and optimizing cultivation practices in Camellia oleifera, and provide practical criteria for selecting drought-tolerant rootstocks, facilitating sustainable Camellia oleifera cultivation in water-limited regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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30 pages, 6876 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Water Use Dynamics and Yield Responses in Capsicum chinense Cultivars Using Integrated Sensor-Based Irrigation System
by Harjot Sidhu, Edmond Kwekutsu, Arnab Bhowmik and Harmandeep Sharma
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080978 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 198
Abstract
Efficient irrigation management is essential for optimizing yield and quality in specialty crops like hot peppers (Capsicum chinense), particularly under controlled greenhouse environments. This study employed a novel sensor-based system integrating soil moisture and sap flux monitoring to evaluate water use [...] Read more.
Efficient irrigation management is essential for optimizing yield and quality in specialty crops like hot peppers (Capsicum chinense), particularly under controlled greenhouse environments. This study employed a novel sensor-based system integrating soil moisture and sap flux monitoring to evaluate water use dynamics in Capsicum chinense, a species for which such applications have not been widely reported. Three cultivars—Habanero, Helios, and Lantern—were grown under three volumetric soil moisture contents: low (15%), medium (18%), and high (21%). Water uptake was measured at leaf (transpiration, stomatal conductance) and plant levels (sap flux via heat balance sensors). Photosynthesis, fruit yield, and capsaicinoid concentrations were assessed. Compared to high irrigation, medium and low irrigation increased photosynthesis by 16.6% and 22.2%, respectively, whereas high irrigation favored greater sap flux and vegetative growth. Helios exhibited an approximately 8.5% higher sap flux as compared to Habanero and about 10% higher as compared to Lantern. Helios produced over 30% higher fruits than Habanero and Lantern under high irrigation. Habanero recorded the highest pungency, with a capsaicinoid level of 187,292 SHU—exceeding Lantern and Helios by 56% and 76%, respectively. Similarly, nordihydrocapsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin accumulation were more cultivar-dependent than irrigation-dependent. No significant interaction between cultivar and irrigation was observed, indicating genotype-driven water use strategies. Our study contributes to precision horticulture by integrating soil moisture and sap flux sensors to reveal cultivar-specific water use strategies in Capsicum chinense, thereby demonstrating the potential of an integrated sensor-based irrigation system for efficient irrigation management under increasing water scarcity in protected environments. As a preliminary greenhouse study aimed at maintaining consistent irrigation throughout the growing season across three volumetric soil moisture levels, these findings provide a foundation for subsequent validation and exploration under diverse soil moisture conditions including variations in stress duration, stress frequency, and stress application at different phenological stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)
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14 pages, 1757 KiB  
Article
Photosynthetic Electron Transport in Winter Wheat: Responses to Low-Temperature and Weak-Light Condition
by Cheng Yang, Minghan Liu, Simeng Du, Deqi Zhang, Xiangdong Li, Liting Wu, Yanhua Shi, Baoting Fang, Ge Yan and Fang Wei
Cells 2025, 14(16), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14161275 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 151
Abstract
Spring low temperatures are a serious natural threat to wheat production in the Huang-Huai wheat region, and they are often accompanied by weak light environments during the day. To elucidate the response patterns and adaptation mechanisms of winter wheat leaves to low-temperature and [...] Read more.
Spring low temperatures are a serious natural threat to wheat production in the Huang-Huai wheat region, and they are often accompanied by weak light environments during the day. To elucidate the response patterns and adaptation mechanisms of winter wheat leaves to low-temperature and weak-light environments, we simultaneously measured prompt chlorophyll a fluorescence, delayed chlorophyll a fluorescence, and modulated 820 nm light reflection; moreover, we analyzed the effects of low temperature and weak light treatment for different duration (2 h and 4 h) on the donor-side activity of photosystem II (PSII), the degree of PSII unit dissociation, the efficiency of light energy absorption and capture by PSII, electron transfer to QA and PSI terminal, PSI activity and cyclic electron transport activity in isolated wheat leaves under controlled conditions. The results, which were corroborated using the three methods, revealed that in low-temperature and weak-light environments, the degree of PSII unit dissociation, and the efficiency of light energy absorption, capture, and electron transfer to QA decreased, while the donor-side activity remained unaffected. In contrast, the efficiency of electron transfer to the PSI terminal and the overall performance of photosynthetic electron transport increased. Comprehensive analysis suggests that the increase in the electron receptor pool at the PSI terminal under low-temperature stress is a crucial factor contributing to the enhanced electron transfer efficiency to the PSI terminal and the improved overall performance of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, which is also a crucial factor in the high cold tolerance of winter wheat. Full article
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23 pages, 4290 KiB  
Article
Protective Role of GABA in Aromatic Rice Under Lead and Cadmium Toxicity: Physiological and Biochemical Insights
by Umair Ashraf, Shakeel Ahmad Anjum, Fahd Rasul, Muhammad Ansar Farooq, Muhammad Abrar, Farhat Abbas, Chuan Jin, Waseem Hassan, Xiangru Tang and Zaid Khan
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162561 - 17 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) severely impair rice growth, yield, and grain quality. This study assessed the role of exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mitigating Pb and Cd toxicity in aromatic rice ‘Guixiangzhan’. Treatments included the control (no Pb, Cd, or GABA), GABA [...] Read more.
Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) severely impair rice growth, yield, and grain quality. This study assessed the role of exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mitigating Pb and Cd toxicity in aromatic rice ‘Guixiangzhan’. Treatments included the control (no Pb, Cd, or GABA), GABA (1 mM), Pb (800 mg/kg of soil)+GABA, Cd (75 mg/kg of soil)+GABA, Pb+Cd+GABA, Pb, Cd, and Pb+Cd without GABA. GABA improved chlorophyll and carotenoid, protein, proline and GABA contents whilst reducing oxidative stress under Pb/Cd toxicity. GABA application regulated antioxidant enzyme activities, net photosynthesis, and gas exchange, while its effects on nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase were variable. Compared with Pb+Cd, the grain yields were 34.03%, 31.94%, 15.88%, 24.86%, and 17.32% higher in (Pb, Cd, Pb+Cd)+GABA, Pb, and Cd treatments, respectively. Furthermore, GABA reduced Pb and Cd accumulation in aboveground parts, while Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn levels varied across treatments. Cd translocation was more from root-to-leaves, while Pb translocation was more from leaves-to-grains. Grain Pb and Cd positively correlated with their root, stem, and leaf contents but negatively with mineral nutrients. Overall, exogenous GABA mitigated Pb and Cd toxicity in aromatic rice. Full article
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