Search Results (9,933)

Cannabis sativa L. is a multipurpose crop of increasing agricultural and medical relevance, whose productivity and phytocannabinoid profile are influenced not only by genotype and environmental factors but also by the composition of its microbiota. This review synthesizes current knowledge (2020–2026) on the rhizosphere and endophytic microbiota of hemp, with particular emphasis on plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and their mechanisms of action. Molecular studies indicate that hemp-associated bacterial communities are dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, with genotype-, tissue- and developmental-stage-dependent variation. PGPB influence plant performance through direct mechanisms, including biological nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and phytohormone synthesis (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins, cytokinins, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase), as well as indirect mechanisms such as antibiosis, enzyme-mediated pathogen inhibition and induction of systemic tolerance to abiotic stress. Experimental studies demonstrate that inoculation with selected strains or consortia can enhance biomass accumulation, improve germination and root architecture, increase resistance to Fusarium oxysporum and modulate cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Importantly, plant responses are cultivar-specific, highlighting the need for genotype-tailored microbial formulations. Full article

Nitrogen forms and native plant traits jointly regulate the competitive ability of invasive plants. This study investigated the invasive species Amaranthus retroflexus and the native species Portulaca oleracea and Medicago sativa. Using a pot experiment, we analyzed their competitive effects under NO₃⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N, CO(NH₂)₂-N and mixed nitrogen (Mix-N) treatments. The results showed that nitrogen addition had no significant effect on the relative yield of A. retroflexus but significantly increased the relative yield of P. oleracea, thereby weakening the competitive advantage of A. retroflexus. In contrast, nitrogen addition had no significant effect on the relative yield of M. sativa but significantly increased the relative yield of A. retroflexus, thereby enhancing the competitive advantage of A. retroflexus. The effect of NO₃⁻-N treatment varied markedly between the two mixed-culture systems: it strengthened the advantage of A. retroflexus when grown with M. sativa yet weakened the advantage when grown with P. oleracea. Further analysis revealed that the competitive advantage of A. retroflexus was associated with the optimization of its photosynthetic traits and nitrogen absorption efficiency. Specifically, it included greater leaf number, leaf area, SPAD value, and leaf biomass. In summary, the competitive performance of invasive plants is not a fixed attribute but rather a dynamic outcome jointly regulated by the interplay between native plant traits and soil nitrogen forms. This provides new insight into the invasion mechanism of alien plants and aids in formulating targeted control strategies. Full article

Agricultural residues can be used as substrate components for seedling production, contributing to cost reduction and waste management. This study evaluated the growth, nutritional composition, and physiological performance of Euterpe edulis seedlings cultivated under greenhouse conditions. It is one of the first to integrate morphological, nutritional, and physiological indicators to assess agro-industrial residues as substrate components. The experiment followed a randomized block design with five substrates and four replicates: commercial substrate; 100% crushed açaí and juçara seeds; 50% soil + 50% cattle manure; 50% soil + 50% crushed seeds; and 33.3% soil + 33.3% cattle manure + 33.3% crushed seeds. Plant height was not affected by substrate type, while stem diameter and leaflet length were greater in the commercial substrate. Root length was higher in the commercial substrate; however, root dry mass, surface area, and volume did not differ among treatments. Leaf number, leaflet width, leaf area, and Dickson quality index were similar across substrates, indicating comparable seedling quality. The shoot-to-root ratio was higher in seedlings grown in the substrate composed of 100% crushed seeds. Higher nitrogen concentration was observed in seedlings grown in substrates based on crushed residues, without differences in biomass, indicating the absence of a dilution effect. No statistical differences were observed for the remaining nutrients. Physiological parameters indicated adequate photosynthetic performance across treatments. Substrates based on crushed açaí and juçara residues showed comparable performance to the commercial substrate, representing a viable and sustainable alternative for E. edulis seedling production. Full article

Eucalypt plantations have expanded across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions and now play an important role in the global supply of wood and renewable biomass, while remaining at the center of debates on water use, biodiversity, and socio-economic trade-offs. This review examines whether these plantations can deliver ecological, social, and technological benefits under appropriate management. This review synthesizes evidence from nearly 200 peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and books covering environmental services, livelihood outcomes, and emerging bio-based applications of Eucalyptus species. The literature shows that well-planned plantations can deliver clear benefits. High biomass production supports carbon sequestration, while improvements in soil structure, nutrient cycling, and the recovery of degraded lands are frequently reported. Effects on water, often described in general terms as negative, vary widely with climate, soils, stand age, and previous land use, and are documented to play roles in biodrainage, salinity control, erosion reduction, and local microclimate regulation under suitable conditions. From a socio-economic perspective, Eucalyptus, a widely planted species, supports rural development by generating income, strengthening value chains for wood products and bioenergy, and offering smallholders a fast-growing resource. Technological work on materials and bioproducts, including nanocellulose, essential-oil formulations, biochar-based applications, and wood vinegar, further illustrates this versatility. Overall, while outcomes remain site-specific and dependent on governance, the evidence indicates that, under science-based management and careful landscape planning, eucalypt plantations can contribute to climate mitigation, rural livelihoods, and the circular bioeconomy. Full article

Marine incursions can profoundly alter biological input and environmental conditions in transitional sedimentary basins, yet their ecological effects remain insufficiently understood in the northern Central Myanmar Basin (CMB). Here, we investigate Upper Cretaceous to Eocene mudrocks from the northern CMB using integrated organic biomarker and elemental geochemical analyses to reconstruct biological precursors, depositional environments, and ecosystem responses during seawater incursions. The biomarker assemblages, including n-alkanes, isoprenoids, tricyclic terpanes, and C₂₇–C₂₉ regular steranes, indicate persistent mixed inputs of marine algal organic matter and terrestrial higher-plant debris. In particular, the upward increase in C₂₉ steranes from the Upper Cretaceous to the Eocene suggests a progressive strengthening of terrestrial input through time. Elemental proxies, including Sr/Ba, Th/U, Y/Ho, (Zn + Ni)/(Ga × 5), Sr/Cu, Rb/Sr, and V/(V + Ni), indicate that deposition occurred under marine-influenced, brackish to locally saline, warm–humid, and predominantly weakly reducing to reducing conditions. We interpret these patterns as evidence that marine incursions reorganized habitat conditions and biological input in a near-equatorial transitional ecosystem. The increasing contribution of terrestrial biomass was likely linked to the progressive uplift and exhumation of the Indo-Burman Ranges, which expanded exposed land area and enhanced the supply of land-derived organic matter to the basin. These results provide a biomarker-based perspective on how marine incursions and paleogeographic reorganization jointly shaped ecosystem dynamics and organic-matter preservation in the northern CMB. Full article

Magnesium is essential for photosynthesis and may enhance plant stress tolerance and secondary metabolism, making Mg-based treatments relevant for savory herb production. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of 5–20 nm MgO nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) at 75, 200, 300, and 600 mg L⁻¹; MgSO₄ at 20 g L⁻¹; and aggregated MgO at 300 mg L⁻¹ (Bulk) on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants grown under total controlled environment conditions. Treatments were applied once at the two-true-leaf stage. MgSO₄ increased only plant height by 15%, but fresh weight (FW) was not increased. MgO-NPs had no effect on these parameters. However, 600 mg L⁻¹ MgO-NPs and bulk MgO treatments reduced FW by 41% and 39%, respectively. Chlorophyll b content increased in all treatment variants, while anthocyanins increased only in variants with 600 mg L⁻¹ MgO-NPs and MgSO₄ treatments. Higher MgO-NP doses induced oxidative stress, reflected by elevated H₂O₂ and activation of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Bulk caused the highest H₂O₂ accumulation and reduced soluble protein content by 26%. MgO-NPs (600 mg L⁻¹) increased essential oil concentration by 61%, but not oil yield per plant. High-dose MgO-NPs acted as elicitors of essential oil accumulation, offering a potential strategy for industrial essential oil production despite biomass reduction. Full article

The use of underutilized biomass improves resource-use efficiency and reduces agricultural waste, particularly in temperate systems cultivating tropical crops. Papaya (Carica papaya L.), grown as an annual crop in these systems, produces substantial trunk biomass that is typically discarded after harvest. This study evaluated the potential of papaya trunk xylem rays as an edible resource through compositional, sensory, and functional analyses. Trunks were harvested at the end of the fruiting period (December) and after exposure to a cold wave (January) and were classified by organ types and maturity level. Xylem rays showed moisture and carbohydrate contents comparable to those of green papaya fruit, and were judged as edible by all panelists (100%) in December-harvested samples. However, exposure to a cold wave reduced sweetness and increased bitterness, resulting in decreased overall acceptability. Nevertheless, boiling effectively reduced bitterness and improved palatability even in cold-exposed samples. In addition, xylem rays exhibited higher total polyphenol content than green papaya fruit, while showing comparable DPPH radical scavenging activity. These results suggest that xylem rays have potential as an edible plant resource with antioxidant-related properties, contributing to resource-use efficiency and potentially providing opportunities for biomass valorization in temperate production systems. Full article

Biochar-based fertilizers (BBFs), including formulations enriched with additives, are sustainable alternatives to conventional fertilizers, promoting waste reuse and controlled nutrient release. This study performed a global meta-analysis to evaluate nutrient dynamics (release and leaching in water and soil) and the agronomic performance of additive-enhanced BBFs compared with unfertilized and/or conventionally fertilized controls. Thirty studies were selected, with 264 experimental pairs extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, and analyzed using a random-effects model. The results indicated that BBFs enriched with natural mineral additives promoted an average increase of 204.3% in nutrient release in water (p < 0.001), whereas in soil biotechnological additives showed the greatest increase, with 109.8% (p < 0.001). Leaching was reduced by up to 74.4% with BBFs enhanced with agricultural residue additives and by 46.9% with industrial additives, indicating greater nutrient retention and greater nutrient-use efficiency. In terms of agronomic performance, additive-enhanced BBFs resulted in average increases of 49.3% in plant height, 232.3% in aboveground biomass, 60.8% in root biomass, and 11.2% in grain yield, compared to unfertilized soil. Overall, the effectiveness of BBFs depends on both the type of additive and the application method, with industrial and mineral additives being the most promising for controlled nutrient release and increased crop productivity. Full article

Allelopathy means that one plant produces chemical substances to affect the growth of other plants. Crop rotation is considered as a potential strategy to alleviate the allelopathic inhibition. So, it is important to identify rotation crops with wide availability and low inhibitory effects. In this study, the allelopathic potential of soil extracts was investigated on the germination, seedling growth, biomass, and biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzyme activities) of five crops, by a series of laboratory experiments. Firstly, both soil water extracts (SWE) and soil ethanol extracts (SEE) exhibited allelopathic inhibition on the seed germination and the root length of all seedlings in a dose-dependent relationship. The SWE significantly promoted the shoot length of bok choy and Chinese lettuce, while the SEE had no significant effect in bok choy. The application of SEE resulted in a significant increase in the dry weight of bok choy and rocket. In contrast, SWE had a negligible effect on bok choy and lettuce. Both of them caused decrease in the dry weight of the other seedlings. Then, the allelopathic synthetic effect index of water/ethanol extracts was chemo-inhibitory, and the inhibitory effect increased with increasing extract concentration. The SWE had the strongest inhibition on rocket and the SEE on lettuce. Both of them had the weakest effect on bok choy. The extracts significantly inhibited the photosynthetic capacity in five crops, manifested as decrease in photosynthetic pigments and dose-dependent effects. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in all crops increased in a dose-dependent manner, confirming that the extracts caused lipid peroxidation. However, the defense strategies of different crops vary significantly. There is crop with active defense, such as bok choy treated with SWE. It delayed oxidative damage by continuously upregulating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). This is the key physiological mechanism for tolerance. There is also the oxidative stress failure type, as follows: CAT activity of rocket and cabbage increased, but the SOD activity did not increase by SEE. This reveals the physiological essence of their sensitivity—the lack of persistent scavenging ability for reactive oxygen species. Based on the inhibition of peroxidase (POD) and ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX), it is speculated that the extracts may inhibit the hydrogen peroxide scavenging pathway, which centered on the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. It is the fundamental reason why the continuous accumulation of MDA though SOD/CAT is up. This study confirmed the allelopathic effects of the water and ethanol extracts on five vegetable crops, and found that bok choy was less affected by them. The soil extracts affected the growth and development of seedlings by regulating their oxidative metabolism and photosynthetic capacity. These results support recommending pak choi as a rotation crop. This provides crops for subsequent field experiments and a new direction for next-step research on continuous cropping obstacles. Full article

The growing demand for renewable energy, together with the need to mitigate climate change and promote more sustainable agriculture systems, has stimulated interest in energy crops. In this context, invasive alien plant species (IAPS), which have progressively colonized abandoned farmland, degraded ecosystems, and marginal areas, represent a key bioresource. IAPS have a dual nature combining high ecological invasiveness and fast growing rate with notable energetic potential. These aspects have generated a still ongoing debate among farm managers, ecologists, and policymakers regarding their role within the future bioeconomy. The present study provides a review of the IAPS black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) on its real benefits as a source of bioenergy, ecological impact, and the management strategies adopted. We examine the trade-offs between containment efforts and use for renewable bioenergy production, particularly in marginal areas where few alternatives exist. This review highlights the need for stratified site-specific approaches that balance biodiversity conservation with bioresource exploitation. Finally, this study also contributes to the ongoing discussion on whether IAPS should be regarded primarily as a management challenge or a multifunctional bioresource, as in the production of bioenergy. Full article

Wood vinegar is a naturally acidic liquid produced during the pyrolysis of agricultural and forestry residues, which contains a complex mixture of bioactive components, including organic acids, phenolics, ketones and so on. As a multifunctional biomass-derived product with considerable potential, wood vinegar has attracted widespread attention in agroforestry and environmental research. This review summarizes recent research progress on the roles of wood vinegar in plant disease resistance, plant growth promotion, and soil improvement. The inhibitory effects of wood vinegar against various plant pathogens and the potential mechanisms involved are discussed, as well as two major pathways through which wood vinegar promotes plant growth. In addition, the roles of wood vinegar in improving soil fertility are examined, particularly through regulating soil salinity and enhancing soil chemical and biological properties. Recent advances in its practical applications across different agricultural fields are also summarized, and safety considerations associated with its use are analyzed. Despite these advances, current studies remain largely focused on phenomenological observations, with limited investigation in forestry applications. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological activities of wood vinegar and the long-term ecological risks associated with repeated applications remain insufficiently understood. This review provides perspectives on further exploration of the mechanisms of action of wood vinegar and the potential risks associated with its long-term application, with the aim of providing a scientific reference for the safe and efficient utilization of wood vinegar in sustainable agriculture and ecological restoration. Full article

Alpinia hainanensis Hayata (family Zingiberaceae) is a medicinal plant with high potential for understory cultivation, but the variations in growth, morphological status, physiological conditions, nutrient absorption and phytochemical contents between different understory provenances originating from southern China remain poorly understood. In this study, different growth, physiological and phytochemical indices of three provenances [Hainan (HN) and Bobai (BB)/Baise (BS) from Guangxi] were determined, in order to better evaluate their introduction potentials. The results showed that two Guangxi provenances (BB and BS) showed superior aboveground growth and biomass accumulation compared to the HN provenance, yet most the leaf functional traits and medicinal qualities of some organs were similar. Sprout and leaf growth were consistent, and a negative correlation was observed between leaf nitrogen and flavonoid content. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), BB performed better than two other provenances in growth and phytochemical aspects. Due to the limited number of collections of provenances and absence of microclimate data, these findings should be considered preliminary. This study provides a basis for provenances selection and understory cultivation in A. hainanensis in (sub)tropical regions. Full article

The coordinated variation between plant size and functional traits is a critical link connecting individual ecological strategies and community assembly. However, unlike angiosperms, the drivers of trait–size coordination in coexisting fern species remain unclear. This study sampled seven coexisting fern species in a subtropical secondary forest, measuring biomass (an indicator of plant size) and functional traits related to leaf and root morphology and elemental composition. The coordinated relationship between plant individual size and functional traits was investigated using regression and principal component analysis, while the relative contributions of phylogeny, species identity, and individual biomass to trait variation were quantified via Bayesian phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models. Results indicated that there is a clear trait–size coordination relationship. Specifically, significant linear or nonlinear relationships were identified between plant size and multiple functional traits (e.g., elemental concentrations, specific leaf area, and specific root length), indicating a transition from “fast-acquisitive” to “conservative” strategies. However, variance partitioning indicated that phylogeny and species identity together explained the majority of variation in leaf and root traits (71.4% on average), whereas the independent contribution of individual biomass was minimal (7.1% on average). The results suggest that although significant trait–size coordination exists in understory fern communities, this coordination is statistically dominated by evolutionary history (phylogeny and species identity), though the ecological significance of plant size remains evident in significant trait–size coordination patterns. Overall, the coordinated variation between plant size and functional traits is pivotal in forging resource-allocation strategies and fostering fern species coexistence, highlighting that evolutionary background must be foregrounded when disentangling the mechanisms of functional community assembly. Full article

Elicitation is a powerful strategy for increasing bioactive metabolites in plant systems. This study is among the first to integrate growth responses, antioxidant enzyme activities, and metabolite profiling in G. paniculata adventitious roots (ARs). The study aims to evaluate the effects of yeast extract (YE) and salicylic acid (SA) on biomass traits, antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), and phenolic metabolite profiles. ARs were exposed to YE (0.25–2 g L⁻¹) and SA (50–400 µM) for 28 days. Yeast extract significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity by promoting enzyme activities, phenolics, and flavonoids. In contrast, SA exhibited concentration-dependent effects. Moderate concentrations improved antioxidant activity, while higher concentrations promoted the accumulation of specific flavonoids. Maximum biomass production was achieved with 1 g L⁻¹ YE, which also resulted in the highest metabolite productivity. Conversely, SA treatments caused a progressive reduction in biomass with increasing concentration, although they enhanced the accumulation of selected bioactive compounds. Notably, 100 µM SA resulted in the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity, whereas 400 µM SA markedly increased flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin. HPLC analysis identified seventeen phenolic compounds, demonstrating that YE acts as a broad-spectrum elicitor, whereas SA functions as a selective metabolic modulator. The differential enzymatic responses further highlight elicitor-specific regulatory patterns in antioxidant defense and secondary metabolism. Overall, these findings demonstrate that elicitor type and concentration differentially influence the balance between growth and secondary metabolism, providing a framework for optimizing metabolite production in controlled in-vitro systems. Full article

The catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to methane (CH₄), commonly known as the Sabatier reaction, is a promising pathway for carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Nickel-based catalysts are cost-effective alternatives to noble metal systems, especially when supported on activated carbons derived from plant biomass. This review critically examines the basics of CO₂ methanation, the role of catalyst composition and support materials, and the growing interest in biomass-derived activated carbons. Special emphasis is placed on synthesis routes, physicochemical properties, catalytic performance, and sustainability aspects. A comparative assessment of catalysts derived from different biomass sources is included, pointing out the most important factors influencing activity, durability, and economic feasibility. Full article