Search Results (13,033)

The aim of this research was to quantify the capacity of different shrub species to remove atmospheric CO₂, to adsorb particulate matter and to dissipate latent heat through transpiration. A total of 308 established plants comprising Deutzia scabra, Elaeagnus × ebbingei, Euonymus japonicus, Forsythia × intermedia, Laurus nobilis, Ligustrum vulgare, Pittosporum tobira, Prunus laurocerasus and Viburnum tinus were selected in Lugano (Switzerland) and Bolzano (Italy). Stem diameter, crown radius, Leaf Area Index, net CO₂ assimilation per unit leaf area (A_leaf), transpiration, and stomatal conductance (g_s) were measured during spring, summer, and fall. The net CO₂ assimilation per unit of crown projection area and per plant were calculated by upscaling A_leaf using a multilayer model. Latent heat dissipation was calculated using the Penman–Monteith equation. The amount of PM trapped on leaves was measured using a gravimetric method. Differences in leaf area and leaf gas exchange among species affected their capacity to deliver specific ecosystem services. Forsythia, Pittosporum, Elaeagnus and Deutzia removed about 40% more CO₂ per unit crown projection area than Laurus, Ligustrum, and Euonymus. Latent heat dissipation by shrubs was, on average, 130 W m⁻², which is comparable to that of tree species. PM removal per unit leaf area was higher in species with sparse canopies and rough leaf surfaces. Full article

Beyond its function as a carrier of hereditary information, recent research has uncovered novel properties of extracellular DNA, including its role in the adaptation to the environment when released from plants. The secreted DNA has been shown to exert insecticidal effects against insect pests, which play an adaptive role in plant-insect interactions, particularly in regulating populations of economically important sap-feeding insects. The molecular mechanisms underlying this insecticidal effect are underinvestigated and remain largely unknown. Therefore, there is a need for more efforts to uncover these mechanisms to better understand plant–pest interactions, which would provide new insights into natural pest control strategies and inspire biotechnological applications. In the current study, we show that Pittosporum tobira (P. tobira) secretes single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) that exerts an insecticidal effect on Coccus hesperidum (C. hesperidum). We collected extracellular DNA from P. tobira leaves and tested its potential insecticidal effect by applying it to C. hesperidum, which is a well-known pest that causes damage to P. tobira. Our results revealed that the outermost layer of the leaf cuticle of P. tobira predominantly contains ssDNA of approximately 100 nt in length, originating from both chloroplast and nuclear genomes. This DNA exhibited pronounced insecticidal activity against C. hesperidum, with chloroplast-derived sequences significantly enriched compared to the total DNA in intact plant cells. These findings suggest that the microevolution of the P. tobira nucleome and plastome contributed to the formation of extracellular DNA with insecticidal properties (eci-DNA), which is part of its defense strategy against insect pests. Moreover, in this article, for the first time, we show that antisense DNA (illustrated with oligonucleotide insecticide Coccus-11) is capable of activating insect retrotransposons and upregulating their RT-RNase H, a crucial enzyme for the DNA containment mechanism and successful action of oligonucleotide insecticides. Notably, the laboratory-developed ssDNA-based ‘genetic zipper’ technology, designed for sustainable pest management, possesses characteristics similar to eci-DNA found in nature, highlighting a potential natural parallel to this biotechnological approach for sustainable pest management. Full article

The American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus) is a major threat to grapevine production, as it is the primary vector of the flavescence dorée phytoplasma. Its ongoing spread poses a serious risk to several viticultural regions, including Italy. This study evaluates the efficacy of a plant-derived formulation composed of extracts of Salvia guaranitica, Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’, and olive oil (Form) against S. titanus, through laboratory bioassays and field trials conducted in 2024 and 2025. In laboratory assays, Form applied at 0.5% caused 84.0% mortality in S. titanus adults, while at 2% mortality reached 94.3%. In field trials, prior to treatment (1 August 2024), the average number of adults captured was 3.9 per trap in both vineyard blocks. Four days after treatment (12 August 2024), captures decreased significantly to two per trap in the treated vineyard, whereas they increased to 8.2 per trap in the untreated block. Eight days after treatment (16 August 2024), captures in the treated vineyard remained low (2.4 per trap), while the untreated vineyard maintained high levels (eight per trap). Nymph monitoring showed a similar trend. Before treatment, the incidence of S. titanus was 44.0% and 46.0% in untreated and Form-treated plants, respectively. After treatment (8 June 2025), the percentage of leaves hosting nymphs rose to 84.0% in the untreated vineyard but remained stable at 44.0% in the Form-treated area. Overall, these results demonstrate that Form exerts a measurable toxic effect on S. titanus under both laboratory and field conditions. The findings suggest that a plant-derived formulation such as Form represents a promising alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling the main vector of flavescence dorée and could be integrated into sustainable management strategies. Full article

Matcha, a finely milled powdered green tea originating from Japan, is characterized by a unique cultivation method in which tea plants are shaded prior to harvest. This practice enhances the accumulation of chlorophyll, caffeine, L-theanine, and other bioactive compounds. In addition, specialized post-harvest processing, including careful hand-picking, gentle steaming, drying, and traditional stone grinding, helps preserve the nutritional and biochemical integrity of the tea leaves. This review examines the relationship between cultivation and processing techniques and the resulting bioactive composition of matcha. It also summarizes current scientific evidence regarding the potential health-promoting properties of matcha and its major constituents. The analysis is based on available scientific literature, including both in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the biological activity of matcha and green tea catechins. Particular attention is given to studies evaluating their effects on metabolic parameters such as glucose levels, lipid profile, body weight regulation, and gut microbiota composition. In addition, the potential influence of matcha-derived compounds on neurological function, systemic physiological processes and anticancer potential is discussed. Furthermore, matcha is increasingly recognized as a functional food ingredient and has been incorporated into a variety of products, including bakery goods, dairy products, functional beverages, and nutraceutical formulations. The collected findings suggest that matcha may exert a broad spectrum of beneficial biological effects due to its high concentration of polyphenols, amino acids, and antioxidants. Nevertheless, despite promising experimental and preclinical data, further well-designed clinical studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and long-term health effects associated with regular matcha consumption. Full article

The invasive plant Datura stramonium L. possesses strong reproductive capacity and ecological adaptability, showing a tendency to spread rapidly, especially in highly human-disturbed habitats. To explore its resource utilization pathway—turning waste into wealth—and to address toxic metal pollution in strongly human-disturbed areas (such as mining regions), this study evaluates its phytoremediation potential in contaminated soils on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. We established a non-planted control and three planting density treatments to compare the removal rates of Pb, Cd, Cr, and As. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess how planting density influences the multi-metal phytoremediation performance of this invasive species in a high-altitude plateau environment. The results showed that planting significantly increased toxic metal removal rates, with overall efficiency generally improving at higher densities, particularly for Cr. Analysis of bioconcentration and translocation factors revealed distinct element-specific accumulation patterns. Pb and As were primarily enriched and retained in the roots. Interestingly, while Cd exhibited a strong localized tendency to accumulate in the leaves, its overall root-to-shoot translocation remained relatively restricted at the whole-plant level, similar to Cr. Overall, D. stramonium functions primarily through root stabilization for Pb, As, and Cr, alongside partial aboveground accumulation for Cd. However, given its toxic and invasive nature, any practical phytoremediation application requires strict post-harvest biomass management and ecological monitoring to prevent secondary spread. Full article

Silicon (Si) plays a crucial role in forest ecosystem functioning by influencing plant nutrient cycling, stress resistance, and biogeochemical processes; however, how Si and phytolith characteristics respond to environmental gradients in subtropical forests remains poorly understood. This study investigated the variations in silicon and phytolith characteristics in the leaves of Castanopsis fargesii across different elevations in the Guoyan Mountain Nature Reserve (Nanping City, China). It aimed to identify the dominant phytolith morphologies and their proportions, and to examine the effects of elevation, leaf nutrient elements, and soil physicochemical properties on these parameters. Plots were established at 100 m elevation intervals within the natural distribution range of Castanopsis fargesii forests in the Guoyan Mountain Nature Reserve, covering elevations from 600 to 900 m. Fresh leaves, leaf litter, and soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were collected to analyze fresh leaf silicon content and phytolith contents, leaf nutrient elements, and soil physicochemical properties. From 600 to 900 m elevation, silicon content in fresh leaves, leaf litter, SCDI, and phytolith content all exhibited consistent patterns, with significantly higher values at 900 m than at 600 m. The dominant phytolith morphologies in leaves were elongate, flabellate, acute, trapeziform psilate, and blocky. At higher elevations (900 m), the proportions of elongate, acute, and trapeziform psilate phytoliths were relatively higher, while flabellate and blocky forms were more abundant at lower elevations (600 m). However, elevation had minimal influence on the overall proportions of dominant phytolith morphologies. Leaf calcium (Ca) and soil properties—including available calcium, organic matter, and available silicon—were identified as major factors affecting fresh leaf silicon content and phytoliths. Elevation, leaf nutrient elements, and soil physicochemical properties significantly influenced silicon and phytoliths in Castanopsis fargesii leaves. Certain phytolith morphologies in the leaves may be indicative of environmental changes. Full article

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by-products represent an abundant and underutilized source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in sustainable food systems. This study aimed to characterize the microbiota associated with different plant fractions (leaves, stems, and heads) of broccoli (Parthenon and Tritón cultivars) and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of their extracts, using cauliflower as a reference. Microbial counts and fungal identification (ITS sequencing) were performed, while phytochemical profiles were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-QTOF. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, and antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions was evaluated against selected foodborne bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. Broccoli by-products, particularly leaves, showed lower microbial loads in certain cultivars and were rich in phenolic compounds and glucosinolates; however, higher phenolic content did not always correlate with greater antioxidant activity, highlighting the importance of compound composition. All extracts showed strong antibacterial activity at higher concentrations, especially against Listeria spp. Notably, antifungal activity was selective but relevant, with consistent inhibition observed against Alternaria alternata, while Penicillium purpurogenum and Botrytis cinerea exhibited higher resistance. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of broccoli by-products as sustainable sources of natural bioactive compounds for food applications, particularly in the development of preservation strategies and postharvest treatments. Further studies focusing on individual compounds and their specific biological activities are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to support their application in real food systems. Full article

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint limiting plant productivity and modulating secondary metabolism. Triterpenoid saponins play crucial roles in plant stress adaptation, yet their biosynthetic regulation in Cyclocarya paliurus under salt stress remains poorly understood. This research integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to investigate triterpenoid saponin metabolism in C. paliurus leaves at four NaCl concentrations and two sampling times. Salt stress altered ion homeostasis, suppressed growth, and induced distinct triterpenoid saponins accumulation patterns, with cyclocaric acid B and oleanolic acid showing significant increases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified two modules significantly correlated with triterpenoid saponin accumulation and highlighted transcription factors including WRKY18, bHLH121, ERF4, and ERF1 as regulators of key biosynthetic genes (DXS, SQS, and HMGR). Molecular docking further validated these regulatory interactions, demonstrating that bHLH35, MYC2, ERF113, and MED26B form stable complexes with target gene promoters through extensive hydrogen-bond networks. These findings elucidate the regulatory framework of triterpenoid saponin metabolism under salinity and provide a foundation for molecular breeding and cultivation of C. paliurus in saline regions. Full article

Low-molecular-weight chitosan derivatives emerged as promising plant growth biostimulants due to their favorable properties, such as biocompatibility, antibacterial and antifungal activity, enhancement of stress resistance, and yield improvement. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of pea seed priming with two types of chitooligosaccarides (aminochitooligosaccaride and chitooligosaccaride hydrochloride) applied at concentrations of 100 and 500 mg/L under non-stress conditions and 50 mM chronic NaCl stress. We characterized the seed surface topology by atomic force microscopy, the germination process by evaluation of seed germinability and synchrony, root emergence, seed imbibition capacity and ion leakage. Early plant growth and physiological performance were further evaluated in 14-day-old seedlings by measuring leaf water potential, Na⁺ accumulation in roots and leaves, photosystem II activity, leaf pigment content, and membrane stability. The results revealed changes in seed coat topology, i.e., higher surface roughness in 100 and 500 mg/L chitooligosaccaride hydrochloride and 500 mg/L aminochitooligosaccaride primed variants. Concentration-dependent effects of the two chitooligosaccarides under both non-stress and salt stress conditions were evident in 14-day-old seedlings. Under chronic salt stress, seed priming with 100 mg/L chitooligosaccharide hydrochloride and 500 mg/L aminochitooligosaccharide produced the most pronounced improvements in the primary photochemical reactions of photosynthesis, particularly the performance index on an absorption basis and the total performance index. Moreover, the investigated chitooligosaccharide, particularly chitooligosaccaride hydrochloride, preserved membrane integrity and maintained flavonol and anthocyanin levels, indicating a strong protective effect against salt stress. Overall, the data indicate beneficial effects on pea physiological status following seed priming with chitooligosaccarides under chronic salt stress conditions. This highlights the approach as a promising strategy for enhancing plant resilience in challenging environments, and it is worth further investigation and verification at the whole-plant level. Full article

Peucephyllum schottii is an aromatic desert plant of the family Asteraceae, which has little scientific research regarding its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. This study aims to evaluate in detail the chemical composition and antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities of the ethanol extract of P. schottii leaves. The chemical composition of the plant extract was analyzed by GC-MS. Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of the plant were calculated. An antioxidant assay of the plant material was performed by using the DPPH and ABTS tests. The antibacterial activities of P. schottii plant material against six pathogenic bacteria were studied by using the agar diffusion and MIC/MBC techniques. Colorimetric analysis, for its part, enabled the assessment of its antihyperglycemic activities (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and its cytotoxic activities (in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells). The expressions of apoptotic proteins (caspases, Bcl2, and Bax), were analyzed by RT-PCR. The GC-MS findings showed the presence of complex phytoconstituents of P. schottii in the form of linoleic acid (19.48%), hexadecanoic acid (15.01%), and vitamin E (12.15%). There is high TPC (118.18 mg of GAE/g) and TFC (75.56 mg of QE/g) in P. schottii plant material. The plant showed significant antioxidant (≈105 μg/mL IC₅₀ in DPPH and ≈80 μg/mL IC₅₀ in ABTS) and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities, mostly against E. coli (MIC = 4.68 μg/mL), as well as antihyperglycemic activities against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 334 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 196 μg/mL) enzymes. The plant material showed cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 78 ± 1.13 μg/mL and 68.23 ± 2.41 μg/mL, respectively). These findings point to P. schottii leaf extract’s potential as a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and chemopreventive agent. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient that is required in very small amounts and plays a significant role in enhancing plant growth, stress resistance, and fruit quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of different sodium selenite concentrations (CK, 0 mg/L; Se1, 0.50 mg/L; Se2, 1.00 mg/L, Se3, 2.00; and Se4, 3.00 mg/L) on the growth, nutrient absorption, antioxidant capacity, and leaf metabolome of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Brigitta’) in hydroponic culture. Our results showed that moderate Se concentration (1.00 mg/L, Se2) had noticeable enhancements in key traits like taller plants, thicker stems, a greater number of leaves, and stem fresh weight, with increases of 60.23%, 61.90%, 36.05%, and 87.97%, respectively, compared to the CK. In addition, the appropriate application of Se fertilizer (1.0 mg/L, Se2) can enhance the absorption of macronutrients by plants, with the total contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) increasing by 48.11%, 15.85%, and 14.25%, respectively, compared to CK. In comparison to CK, the content and accumulation of total Se rose dramatically under the Se4 treatment, showing increases of 2300% and 2514%. The contents of chlorophyll and antioxidant enzyme activities were maximized at Se2, while excessive Se (Se4) led to oxidative damage, as indicated by elevated MDA, H₂O₂, and O₂⁻ levels. Moreover, metabolomic analysis revealed that moderate Se concentration (Se2) significantly altered metabolic pathways related to aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and ABC transporters, with downregulation of key metabolites in sugar and organic acid metabolism (e.g., α-D-glucose-6-phosphate, L-lactic acid, maleic acid). In contrast, high Se concentration (Se4) disrupted these pathways and promoted volatile compound accumulation. These findings demonstrate that moderate Se application enhances blueberry growth and quality by regulating nutrient uptake, antioxidant defense, and primary metabolism, whereas excessive Se induces metabolic imbalance and oxidative stress. Overall, moderate Se fertilizer (1.00 mg/L) can significantly enhance the growth and quality of blueberries, while excessive selenium may have adverse effects. Full article

The role of medicinal plants in primary healthcare and livelihoods around the world is both ancient and well-documented. Agathosma betulina (P.J. Bergius) Pillans, commonly known as ‘buchu’, has long been utilised in traditional medicine as a household remedy for various ailments and is also valued for its essential oils in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to profile and quantify the secondary metabolites in buchu using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight combined with mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) techniques, whereby plant material from three distinct locations in the Western Cape Province, Groot Winterhoek, Citrusdal, and Cederberg, was collected. A total of 32 maker compounds were identified from buchu leaves. The results revealed a significant location-dependent variation in the accumulation of multiple classes of phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, oligosaccharides, vitamins, and steroids. Citrusdal samples had the most bioactive compounds compared to the Cederberg and Groot Winterhoek. Citrusdal had the highest flavonoid levels, while Cederberg samples were the richest in phenolic acids and Groot Winterhoek was dominant in iridoid glycoside levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct clusters corresponding to the three different regions, confirming chemical differences. Elucidating the distribution of secondary metabolites in this species may provide new information for possible medicinal and pharmacological uses, such as the creation of novel and enhanced organic medications and food products. These results will aid in selecting a buchu chemotype with optimal attributes for the intended therapeutic application, helping to protect wild populations from over-exploitation through cultivation. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an economically important crop, yet its production is severely threatened by fungal diseases including Botrytis cinerea. The molecular mechanism underlying disease resistance in safflower remains largely unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as vital carriers for cross-kingdom communication and transport, play crucial roles in plant antifungal defense. Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), members of the pathogenesis-related protein 14 family, have also been shown to be key players in plant disease resistance. The promising resistance-related candidate gene CtLTP8 was previously identified via genome-wide association study (GWAS). In this study, a genome-wide analysis of the LTP gene family in safflower was performed. EVs were isolated from the apoplastic washing fluid of B. cinerea-infected safflower leaves, and proteomic analysis was performed. Numerous proteins associated with disease resistance, including CtLTP8, were detected by proteomic profiling. CtLTP8 was found to be present in EVs through molecular biological experiments. Moreover, stable overexpression of CtLTP8 in safflower significantly increased resistance to B. cinerea. In summary, this study characterized the disease resistance-related proteome of safflower EVs, and verified the presence of CtLTP8 in EVs and its antifungal function, providing valuable gene resources and theoretical support for safflower disease-resistance breeding and research on EV-mediated plant immune mechanisms. Full article

Papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs) are vital enzymes involved in plant development, acting as key regulators of processes such as seed germination, nutrient mobilization, senescence, and programmed cell death. In the present study, we analyzed active PLCPs in various barley organs, including roots, leaves, stems, and seeds at different stages of plant development. Protein extracts obtained from barley samples (4-day-old seedlings; plants at 2, 4, 7, and 11 weeks after sowing; developing seeds from 11-week-old plants; and mature dry seeds) were subjected to anion-exchange chromatography. Fractions containing active PLCPs were pooled, biotinylated using the DCG-04 probe, affinity-purified using streptavidin-agarose, and subsequently analyzed via SDS-PAGE. Bands corresponding to biotinylated PLCPs (detected using streptavidin-peroxidase and a chemiluminescent substrate) were excised from the gel and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry, enabling the identification of up to 23 distinct PLCPs belonging to nine known PLCP subfamilies. Among the identified PLCPs, HvPap-6 from the L-like D subfamily proved to be the most abundant across all barley samples. In seedlings, B-like and L-like D proteases constituted the largest proportion of all PLCP classes, and their levels continued to increase as the plants developed. Although the relative abundance of L-like B and L-like C proteases was high in seedlings, their levels declined in the roots and leaves of developing plants, as three PLCPs from the L-like B subfamily were identified only during the seedling stage. These results suggest that L-like B and L-like C proteases play an important role in seed germination and seedling development. Organ-specific expression was also observed for certain PLCPs: HvPap-26 from the L-Like C subfamily was identified only in the shoots and roots of seedlings; four PLCPs of the L-like E subfamily were detected solely in the roots, whereas two other proteases from this subfamily were identified exclusively in the leaves and shoots under our experimental conditions. Thus, our results suggest that certain active PLCPs are organ-specific, and that the relative importance of identified PLCPs varies within these organs during plant development. Full article