Plants

27 pages, 9513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelic Expression Dynamics of Regulatory Factors During Embryogenic Callus Induction in ABB Banana (Musa spp. cv. Bengal, ABB Group)

by Xiaobing Zhao, Yiting Zhuang, Wangyang Xie, Yixin Yang, Jingyu Pu, Zhengyang Fan, Yukun Chen, Yuling Lin and Zhongxiong Lai

Plants 2025, 14(5), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050761 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

The regulatory mechanisms underlying embryogenic callus (EC) formation in polyploid bananas remain unexplored, posing challenges for genetic transformation and biotechnological applications. Here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on cultured explants, non-embryogenic callus, EC, and browning callus in the ABB cultivar ‘MJ’ (Musa spp. [...] Read more.

The regulatory mechanisms underlying embryogenic callus (EC) formation in polyploid bananas remain unexplored, posing challenges for genetic transformation and biotechnological applications. Here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on cultured explants, non-embryogenic callus, EC, and browning callus in the ABB cultivar ‘MJ’ (Musa spp. cv. Bengal). Our analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed significant enrichment in plant hormones, MAPK, and zeatin biosynthesis pathways. Notably, most genes in the MJ variety exhibited balanced expression of the A and B alleles, but A-specific allele expression was dominant in the key signaling pathways, whereas B-specific allele expression was very rare during EC induction. In the auxin signaling pathway, six A-specific MJARF genes were markedly downregulated, underscoring their critical roles in the negative regulation of callus formation. Additionally, six A-specific MJEIN3 alleles were found to play negative regulatory roles in ethylene signaling during EC development. We also identified phenylpropanoids responsible for enzymatic browning. Furthermore, the expression patterns of transcription factors in bananas exhibited specific expression modes, highlighting the unique mechanisms of callus formation. This study enhanced our understanding of the regulatory roles of these alleles in EC induction and offers new insights into the utilization of alleles to improve the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis in bananas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Auxin Biology)

24 pages, 4604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Efficient Model for Leafy Vegetable Disease Detection and Segmentation Based on Few-Shot Learning Framework and Prototype Attention Mechanism

by Tong Hai, Yuxin Shao, Xiyan Zhang, Guangqi Yuan, Ruihao Jia, Zhengjie Fu, Xiaohan Wu, Xinjin Ge, Yihong Song, Min Dong and Shuo Yan

Plants 2025, 14(5), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050760 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study proposes a model for leafy vegetable disease detection and segmentation based on a few-shot learning framework and a prototype attention mechanism, with the aim of addressing the challenges of complex backgrounds and few-shot problems. Experimental results show that the proposed method [...] Read more.

This study proposes a model for leafy vegetable disease detection and segmentation based on a few-shot learning framework and a prototype attention mechanism, with the aim of addressing the challenges of complex backgrounds and few-shot problems. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs excellently in both object detection and semantic segmentation tasks. In the object detection task, the model achieves a precision of 0.93, recall of 0.90, accuracy of 0.91, mAP@50 of 0.91, and mAP@75 of 0.90. In the semantic segmentation task, the precision is 0.95, recall is 0.92, accuracy is 0.93, mAP@50 is 0.92, and mAP@75 is 0.92. These results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the traditional methods, such as YOLOv10 and TinySegformer, validating the advantages of the prototype attention mechanism in enhancing model robustness and fine-grained feature expression. Furthermore, the prototype loss function, which optimizes the distance relationship between samples and category prototypes, significantly improves the model’s ability to discriminate between categories. The proposed method shows great potential in agricultural disease detection, particularly in scenarios with few samples and complex backgrounds, offering broad application prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Systems in Agriculture)

19 pages, 3246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of a Benthic Sargassum Population to Increased Temperatures: Decline in Non-Photochemical Quenching of Chlorophyll a Fluorescence (NPQ) Precedes That of Maximum Quantum Yield of PSII

by Ricardo M. Chaloub, Rodrigo Mariath V. da Costa, João Silva, Cristina A. G. Nassar, Fernanda Reinert and Maria Teresa M. Széchy

Plants 2025, 14(5), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050759 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Sargassum is an important primary producer of rocky bottom communities in coastal ecosystems. Like other parts of the planet, benthic populations of S. natans from Ilha Grande Bay (IGB), southeastern Brazil, have been suffering from different forms of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, in [...] Read more.

Sargassum is an important primary producer of rocky bottom communities in coastal ecosystems. Like other parts of the planet, benthic populations of S. natans from Ilha Grande Bay (IGB), southeastern Brazil, have been suffering from different forms of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, in particular increasing seawater temperatures. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of temperature on the photosynthetic performance of S. natans using the pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry. In the field experiments, the occurrence of photoprotection resulted in a difference between the effective and maximum quantum yields [(ΔF (F’_m − F_s)/F’_m and F_v/F_m, respectively) that was maximized at noon. The stress induced by incubation at 32–35 °C caused a decrease in F_v/F_m by 33% on the first day and approximately 20% on subsequent days. In the laboratory, using two co-occurred species of S. natans and Padina gymnospora, we verified that the photosynthetic apparatus of S. natans collapses at 34 °C. The fate of the energy absorbed by photosystem II (PSII) antenna showed that, in S. natans, photochemical activity and non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (NPQ) drastically decrease, and only the passive dissipation in the form of heat and fluorescence remains. Our results indicate the disappearance of the NPQ photoprotection at 34 °C before the decline of F_v/F_m as the reason for the collapse of photochemistry of Sargassum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Algal Photosynthesis and Phytochemistry)

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15 pages, 4150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ubiquitin Ligase Gene OsPUB57 Negatively Regulates Rice Blast Resistance

by Jian Zhang, Qiang Du, Yugui Wu, Mengyu Shen, Furong Gao, Zhilong Wang, Xiuwen Xiao, Wenbang Tang and Qiuhong Chen

Plants 2025, 14(5), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050758 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

The ubiquitination and degradation of proteins are widely involved in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. E3 ubiquitin ligases play an important role in the ubiquitination of specific proteins. In this study, we identified the function of a U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase gene [...] Read more.

The ubiquitination and degradation of proteins are widely involved in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. E3 ubiquitin ligases play an important role in the ubiquitination of specific proteins. In this study, we identified the function of a U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase gene OsPUB57 in rice. Expression analyses revealed that OsPUB57 was mainly expressed in the aboveground part of rice. Drought, salt, cold, JA (jasmonic acid), PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) or Magnaportheoryzae treatment could significantly suppress the expression of OsPUB57 in rice. Compared with wild-type plants, OsPUB57-overexpressing plants showed a decrease in resistance to M. oryzae, while the mutant plants exhibited an enhancement of M. oryzae resistance. The expression level detection indicated that OsPUB57 negatively regulates rice blast resistance, probably by down-regulating the expression of the defense-related genes OsPR1a and OsAOS2. This study provides a candidate gene for the genetic improvement of rice blast resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)

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18 pages, 1750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Comparison of the Nutrient and Phytochemical Compositions and Antioxidant Activities of Different Kiwifruit Cultivars in Korea

by Jong-Bin Jeong, Du-Yong Cho, Hee-Yul Lee, Ae-Ryeon Lee, Ga-Yong Lee, Mu-Yeun Jang, Ki-Ho Son and Kye-Man Cho

Plants 2025, 14(5), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050757 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Kiwifruit is widely recognized for its rich nutritional composition and potential health benefits, yet comparative studies on different cultivars remain limited. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties, free sugar and organic acid content, and bioactive compounds in four kiwifruit cultivars: Hayward [...] Read more.

Kiwifruit is widely recognized for its rich nutritional composition and potential health benefits, yet comparative studies on different cultivars remain limited. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties, free sugar and organic acid content, and bioactive compounds in four kiwifruit cultivars: Hayward (HW), Halla Gold (HG), Jecy Gold (JG), and Sweet Gold (SG). This study aimed to determine variations in the composition of these cultivars and assess their antioxidant potential. The pH did not significantly differ among the kiwifruit cultivars. Sweetness and acidity are key sensory attributes in fruit, and SG exhibited the highest acidity, soluble solid content, and reducing sugar content. Accordingly, SG had the highest free sugar (11.25 g/100 mL) and organic acid (13.08 g/100 mL) levels. Phenolic acid (473.01 μg/mL) and flavonol (96.43 μg/mL) contents were most abundant in SG. In this cultivar, chlorogenic acid and epigallocatechin levels were the highest, while epicatechin and naringenin were detected only in SG. Finally, antioxidant activities (i.e., DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and FRAP) were highest in SG, followed by HG, JG, and HW. The SG cultivar used in this study exhibits strong antioxidant activity, disease-suppressing effects, skin protection properties, and the potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases due to its high phenolic compound content. These findings suggest that SG, which possesses excellent taste and functional properties, may serve as a promising candidate for the development of high-quality kiwifruit-based products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

22 pages, 4449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tissue-Specific RNA-Seq Analysis of Cotton Roots’ Response to Compound Saline-Alkali Stress and the Functional Validation of the Key Gene GhERF2

by Aiming Zhang, Qiankun Liu, Xue Du, Baoguang Xing, Shaoliang Zhang, Yanfang Li, Liuan Hao, Yangyang Wei, Yuling Liu, Pengtao Li, Shoulin Hu and Renhai Peng

Plants 2025, 14(5), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050756 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Saline-alkali stress is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening crop growth. Cotton, as a “pioneer crop” that can grow in saline and alkali lands, is of great significance for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of plant response to stresses. Upland cotton has thus [...] Read more.

Saline-alkali stress is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening crop growth. Cotton, as a “pioneer crop” that can grow in saline and alkali lands, is of great significance for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of plant response to stresses. Upland cotton has thus become a model plant for researchers to explore plant responses to saline-alkali stresses. In this study, RNA sequencing was employed to analyze tissue-specific expression of root tissues of TM-1 seedlings 20 min after exposure to compound saline-alkali stress. The RNA-Seq results revealed significant molecular differences in the responses of different root regions to the stress treatment. A total of 3939 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from pairwise comparisons between the non-root tip and root tip samples, which were primarily enriched in pathways including plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. Combined with the expression pattern investigation by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments, a key gene, GhERF2 (GH_A08G1918, ethylene-responsive transcription factor 2-like), was identified to be associated with saline-alkali tolerance. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), the GhERF2-silenced plants exhibited a more severe wilting phenotype under combined salt-alkali stress, along with a significant reduction in leaf chlorophyll content and fresh weights of plants and roots. Additionally, these plants showed greater cellular damage and a lower ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to the stress. These findings suggest that the GhERF2 gene may play a positive regulatory role in cotton responses to salt-alkali stress. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cotton response to compound saline-alkali stress, but also provide a foundation for future molecular breeding efforts aimed at improving cotton saline-alkali tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)

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28 pages, 782 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Strategies for the Extraction of Antioxidants from Fruits and Their By-Products: A Systematic Review

by Kaio Vinicius Lira da Silva Bastos, Adriana Bezerra de Souza, Alessandra Cristina Tomé and Felipe de Moura Souza

Plants 2025, 14(5), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050755 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

This review highlights the recent advancements in extraction techniques for bioactive compounds from natural sources, focusing on methodologies that enhance both efficiency and sustainability. Techniques such as pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), solid-state fermentation (SSF), ionic liquids (ILs), and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) methods have [...] Read more.

This review highlights the recent advancements in extraction techniques for bioactive compounds from natural sources, focusing on methodologies that enhance both efficiency and sustainability. Techniques such as pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), solid-state fermentation (SSF), ionic liquids (ILs), and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) methods have shown significant potential in improving extraction yields while preserving the bioactivity of target compounds. These innovative approaches offer significant advantages over traditional methods, including reduced energy consumption, minimal environmental impact, and the ability to extract thermosensitive compounds. PHWE and EHD are particularly effective for extracting antioxidants and thermosensitive compounds, whereas SSF provides an environmentally friendly alternative by valorizing agro-industrial waste. Ionic liquids, although promising for extracting complex phytochemicals, face challenges related to scalability and economic feasibility. The adoption of these advanced techniques represents a shift toward more sustainable and cost-effective extraction processes, promoting the discovery and utilization of high-value compounds. These methods also contribute to the development of eco-friendly, cost-effective strategies that align with green chemistry principles and regulatory standards. However, further research and technological advancements are required to address existing limitations and ensure the widespread application of these methods in industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Phytochemicals: Novel Compounds, Extraction Techniques, and Potential Therapeutic Applications)

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18 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pesticidal Activity of Citrus Fruits for the Development of Sustainable Fruit-Processing Waste Management and Agricultural Production

by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato

Plants 2025, 14(5), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050754 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

The annual global production of citrus fruits is over 150 million tons, and 40–50% of the citrus fruits are processed into juices and other products. The processing generates a large amount of waste and causes environmental issues. In order to reduce the environmental [...] Read more.

The annual global production of citrus fruits is over 150 million tons, and 40–50% of the citrus fruits are processed into juices and other products. The processing generates a large amount of waste and causes environmental issues. In order to reduce the environmental impacts, several approaches for the waste management of citrus fruits were proposed. The citrus fruit waste contains several functional compounds, but the extraction of these functional compounds requires adequate production facilities. The waste is not suitable to carry for long distances due to the high percent of water content and its heavy weight, and it is not suitable to store for a long time due to the occurrence of fermentation. Some of the approaches target the use of waste in the proximity of the processing factories. The application of citrus fruit waste for crop production in the agricultural fields close to the faculties is one of the possible management options. The evidence of citrus fruit waste as herbicidal, nematocidal, insecticidal, and anti-fungal materials has been accumulated in the literature over three decades. Several compounds involved in these functions have also been identified in the citrus fruits. However, there has been no review article focusing on the pesticidal activity of citrus fruits against weeds, herbivore insects, parasitic nematodes, and pathogenic fungi. This is the first review article providing an overview of such activities and compounds involved in the functions of citrus fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Allelopathy in Agroecosystems)

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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Differential Accumulation of Flavonoids Between Yellow-Seeded and Black-Seeded Rapeseed Varieties

by Shulin Shen, Yunshan Tang, Daiqin Liu, Lulu Chen, Yi Zhang, Kaijie Ye, Fujun Sun, Xingzhi Wei, Hai Du, Huiyan Zhao, Jiana Li, Cunmin Qu and Nengwen Yin

Plants 2025, 14(5), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050753 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is an important oilseed crop and yellow-seeded and black-seeded varieties have different metabolite profiles, which determines the quality and edibility of their oil. In this study, we performed a non-targeted metabolomics analysis of seeds from four rapeseed varieties [...] Read more.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is an important oilseed crop and yellow-seeded and black-seeded varieties have different metabolite profiles, which determines the quality and edibility of their oil. In this study, we performed a non-targeted metabolomics analysis of seeds from four rapeseed varieties at eight developmental stages. This analysis identified 4540 features, of which 366 were annotated as known metabolites. The content of these metabolites was closely related to seed developmental stage, with the critical period for seed metabolite accumulation being between 10 and 20 days after pollination. Through a comparative analysis, we identified 18 differentially abundant flavonoid features between yellow-seeded and black-seeded rapeseed varieties. By combining the flavonoid data with transcriptome data, we constructed a gene regulatory network that may reflect the accumulation of differentially abundant flavonoid features. Finally, we predicted 38 unknown features as being flavonoid features through molecular networking. These results provide valuable metabolomics information for the breeding of yellow-seeded rapeseed varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Natural Products Biosynthesis and Metabolic Engineering)

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17 pages, 3997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis of CHI Gene Family in Sweet Potato

by Yaqin Wu, Xiaojie Jin, Lianjun Wang, Chong Wang, Jian Lei, Shasha Chai, Wenying Zhang, Xinsun Yang and Rui Pan

Plants 2025, 14(5), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050752 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is not only an enzyme related to flavonoid biosynthesis, but also one of the key enzymes in the flavonoid metabolic pathway. In this study, members of the CHI gene family were identified in the whole genome of sweet potato. Bioinformatics [...] Read more.

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is not only an enzyme related to flavonoid biosynthesis, but also one of the key enzymes in the flavonoid metabolic pathway. In this study, members of the CHI gene family were identified in the whole genome of sweet potato. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the physical and chemical properties, systematic evolution, conserved domain, chromosome location, cis-acting elements of the promoter, and so on, of CHI gene family members. In addition, the tissue site-specific expression of CHI gene family members and their expression patterns under three kinds of abiotic stress were analyzed. The results showed that five members of IbCHI gene family were identified in sweet potato, which were unevenly distributed on four chromosomes. The protein secondary structure and tertiary structure were consistent, and there was a conservative domain related to chalcone isomerase. The prediction of subcellular localization showed that it was mainly located in cytoplasm and chloroplast. Systematic evolution showed that the members of sweet potato CHI gene family could be divided into Type I-IV, and the Type I gene IbCHI1 showed CHI catalytic activity in transgenic callus. The collinearity gene pairs were identified between sweet potato and allied species. Its promoter contains light response elements, hormone response elements, and stress response elements. The results of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression of the IbCHI gene was tissue-specific and that the catalytic genes IbCHI1 and IbCHI5 serve as primary responders to abiotic stress, while the non-catalytic members IbCHI3 and IbCHI4 may fine-tune metabolic flux or participate in low-temperature, salt, and drought stress signaling. This study can provide a theoretical basis for a follow-up functional genomics study of the chalcone isomerase gene family in sweet potato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Physiology and Stress Adaptation of Crops)

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18 pages, 4418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silicon Nano-Fertilizer-Enhanced Soybean Resilience and Yield Under Drought Stress

by Jian Wei, Lu Liu, Zihan Wei, Qiushi Qin, Qianyue Bai, Chungang Zhao, Shuheng Zhang and Hongtao Wang

Plants 2025, 14(5), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050751 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Drought stress threatens agriculture and food security, significantly impacting soybean yield and physiology. Despite the documented role of nanosilica (n-SiO₂) in enhancing crop resilience, its full growth-cycle effects on soybeans under drought stress remain elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.

Drought stress threatens agriculture and food security, significantly impacting soybean yield and physiology. Despite the documented role of nanosilica (n-SiO₂) in enhancing crop resilience, its full growth-cycle effects on soybeans under drought stress remain elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of n-SiO₂ at a concentration of 100 mg kg⁻¹ in a soil medium for enhancing drought tolerance in soybeans through a full life-cycle assessment in a greenhouse setup. To elucidate the mechanisms of n-SiO₂ action, key physiological, biochemical, and yield parameters were systematically measured. The results demonstrated that n-SiO₂ significantly increased silicon content in shoots and roots, restored osmotic balance by reducing the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio by 40%, and alleviated proline accumulation by 35% compared to the control, thereby mitigating osmotic stress. Enzyme activities related to nitrogen metabolism, including nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS), improved by 25–30% under n-SiO₂ treatment compared to the control. Additionally, antioxidant activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, increased by 15%, while oxidative stress markers such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 20–25% compared to the control. Furthermore, yield components were significantly enhanced, with pod number and grain weight increasing by 15% and 20%, respectively, under n-SiO₂ treatment compared to untreated plants in drought conditions. These findings suggest that n-SiO₂ effectively enhances drought resilience in soybeans by reinforcing physiological and metabolic processes critical for growth and yield. This study underscores the potential of n-SiO₂ as a sustainable amendment to support soybean productivity in drought-prone environments, contributing to more resilient agricultural systems amidst increasing climate variability. Future research should focus on conducting large-scale field trials to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of n-SiO₂ applications under diverse environmental conditions to assess its practical viability in sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition for Sustainable Agriculture—2nd Edition)

27 pages, 7271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultivars and Their Developmental Phases Interact with Temperature Fluctuations to Modulate Growth, Productivity and Seed Tuber Physiology of Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)

by Morgan D. Southern, Mohan G. N. Kumar and Jacob M. Blauer

Plants 2025, 14(5), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050750 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

In view of raising concerns of climate change, the impact of temperature on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and productivity was investigated by planting at different times to expose plants to natural variations in air and soil temperatures. Over two seasons with [...] Read more.

In view of raising concerns of climate change, the impact of temperature on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and productivity was investigated by planting at different times to expose plants to natural variations in air and soil temperatures. Over two seasons with differing temperature patterns, emergence, stem and tuber numbers, tuber size distribution, yield, processing quality, and seed tuber behavior were analyzed. Postharvest, tubers from each planting were stored and replanted to assess temperature carryover effects. Generally, delayed plantings increased the average number of stems per plant (37%) but did not alter the tuber numbers per plant. Early (18 April) and mid-season (9 May) plantings produced higher yields, while late planting (30 May) reduced total yield (42%), US No. 1 yield (48%), and tuber numbers (34%). Moreover, the storage period influenced subsequent stems per plant more than the prior-year temperature conditions. Optimal productivity was achieved by planting during cooler establishment temperatures, followed by warmer tuberization and relatively cooler bulking temperatures. Diurnal temperature variations and growing degree days had minimal effects on stems per plant, whereas storage duration (chronological age) and temperature significantly impacted physiological aging. These findings help growers optimize planting times to enhance tuber storability and yield to improve end use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potato Production: From Quality Formation to Stress Tolerance)

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15 pages, 2380 KiB

Open AccessReview

Identity Transitions of Tapetum Phases: Insights into Vesicular Dynamics and in Mortem Support During Pollen Maturation

by Gabriel Luis L. S. Moreira, Maria Eduarda P. Ferreira and Francisco S. Linhares

Plants 2025, 14(5), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050749 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Flower development progresses through twelve distinct stages, meticulously regulated to optimize plant reproductive success. At stage 5, the initiation of anther development occurs, which is further categorized into 14 stages divided into two defined phases: phase 1, known as microsporogenesis, and phase 2, [...] Read more.

Flower development progresses through twelve distinct stages, meticulously regulated to optimize plant reproductive success. At stage 5, the initiation of anther development occurs, which is further categorized into 14 stages divided into two defined phases: phase 1, known as microsporogenesis, and phase 2, termed microgametogenesis—encompassing pollen maturation and anther dehiscence. The maturation of pollen grains must be temporally synchronized with anther dehiscence, with auxin serving as a pivotal spatio-temporal link between these processes, coordinating various aspects of anther development, including stamen elongation, anther dehiscence, and tapetum development. The tapetum, a secretory tissue adjacent to the meiocytes, is essential for nurturing developing pollen grains by secreting components of the pollen wall and ultimately undergoing programmed cell death (PCD). This review primarily focuses on microgametogenesis, the identity and function of the tapetum during the different progression phases, the role of vesicular signaling in delivering external components crucial for pollen grain maturation, and the distinctive process of PCD associated with these developmental processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Flower Development and Plant Reproduction)

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23 pages, 4508 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nitrogen Acquisition by Invasive Plants: Species Preferential N Uptake Matching with Soil N Dynamics Contribute to Its Fitness and Domination

by Xingang Chang, Wenying Wang and Huakun Zhou

Plants 2025, 14(5), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050748 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Plant invasions play a significant role in global environmental change. Traditionally, it was believed that invasive plants absorb and utilize nitrogen (N) more efficiently than native plants by adjusting their preferred N forms in accordance with the dominant N forms present in the [...] Read more.

Plant invasions play a significant role in global environmental change. Traditionally, it was believed that invasive plants absorb and utilize nitrogen (N) more efficiently than native plants by adjusting their preferred N forms in accordance with the dominant N forms present in the soil. More recently, invasive plants are now understood to optimize their N acquisition by directly mediating soil N transformations. This review highlights how exotic species optimize their nitrogen acquisition by influencing soil nitrogen dynamics based on their preferred nitrogen forms, and the various mechanisms, including biological nitrification inhibitor (BNI) release, pH alterations, and changes in nutrient stoichiometry (carbon to nitrogen ratio), that regulate the soil nitrogen dynamics of exotic plants. Generally, invasive plants accelerate soil gross nitrogen transformations to maintain a high supply of NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ in nitrogen-rich ecosystems irrespective of their preference. However, they tend to minimize nitrogen losses to enhance nitrogen availability in nitrogen-poor ecosystems, where, in such situations, plants with different nitrogen preferences usually affect different nitrogen transformation processes. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding requires more situ data on the interactions between invasive plant species’ preferential N form uptake and the characteristics of soil N transformations. Understanding the combination of these processes is essential to elucidate how exotic plants optimize nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and minimize nitrogen losses through denitrification, leaching, or runoff, which are considered critical for the success of invasive plant species. This review also highlights some of the most recent discoveries in the responses of invasive plants to the different forms and amounts of N and how plants affect soil N transformations to optimize their N acquisition, emphasizing the significance of how plant–soil interactions potentially influence soil N dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nitrogen Nutrition in Plants)

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29 pages, 20747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Plant Landscape Design of Urban Industrial Site Green Space Based on Green Infrastructure Concept

by Jiahui Ai and Myun Kim

Plants 2025, 14(5), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050747 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

With the acceleration of the global urbanization process, more and more industrial plants are being abandoned, which puts great pressure on urban ecology and land resource management. These abandoned industrial spaces not only lead to persistent pollution problems, but also exacerbate the urban [...] Read more.

With the acceleration of the global urbanization process, more and more industrial plants are being abandoned, which puts great pressure on urban ecology and land resource management. These abandoned industrial spaces not only lead to persistent pollution problems, but also exacerbate the urban heat island effect, leading to a worsening microclimate. To address these issues, the concept of green infrastructure (GI) has emerged as a sustainable ecological restoration strategy, and it is an important tool for urban renewal and industrial land transformation. In this study, the landscape environment of the industrial site of Henrichshutte in Germany and the surrounding industrial plant was taken as an example, and ecological restoration and plant landscape design were carried out using the GI concept. Two climate simulation tools, ENVI-met and WindPerfect DX, were comprehensively adopted to simulate the environment of the site in detail. Based on an analysis of the potential temperature, PMV, wind speed, and UTCI data of the site, it was demonstrated that the plant landscape improved the microclimate of the industrial plant. The results show that the reasonable allocation of plants can effectively reduce surface temperature and building temperature, increase air humidity, alleviate the local heat island effect, and enhance the thermal comfort of the human body. The simulation results highlight the practical application value of the GI concept in improving the ecological benefit, social function, and landscape aesthetics of industrial land. This study provides a new idea for the ecological restoration and environmental optimization of urban industrial land through the combination of green infrastructure and plant landscape design, and emphasizes the important role of green infrastructure in alleviating the urban heat island effect and promoting the sustainable development of urban landscape spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants)

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19 pages, 6312 KiB

Open AccessReview

Styrax spp.: Habitat, Phenology, Phytochemicals, Biological Activity and Applications

by Antonello Paparella, Annalisa Serio, Liora Shaltiel-Harpaz, Bharadwaj Revuru, Prasada Rao Kongala and Mwafaq Ibdah

Plants 2025, 14(5), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050746 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Styrax is the largest genus of the family Styracaceae, with about 130 species distributed across America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The oleo-resin of these woody shrubs, called Styrax benzoin, has a long tradition of use as incense and in therapeutics, which has stimulated [...] Read more.

Styrax is the largest genus of the family Styracaceae, with about 130 species distributed across America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The oleo-resin of these woody shrubs, called Styrax benzoin, has a long tradition of use as incense and in therapeutics, which has stimulated research and industrial applications. Many studies have been carried out on the biological applications of different Styrax species, but some gaps still remain to be filled, particularly regarding the phenology and the biological activity and application in different fields. Hence, this review gathers updated and valuable information on the distribution and phenology of Styrax spp., considering their phytochemicals, biological activity, current and possible applications in medicine, animal feeding, energy production, and the food industry. Overall, Styrax obassia and Styrax japonicus are the most studied, but Styrax officinalis has been thoroughly investigated for its phytochemicals. The recent literature highlights promising applications in oncology and also as an energy crop. The data described in this review could be useful in upgrading the quantity and quality of Styrax benzoin, as well as expanding knowledge on emerging applications, such as bio-pesticides or the development of active packaging for the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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15 pages, 2857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isoespintanol Isolated from Oxandra cf. xylopioides (Annonaceae) Leaves Ameliorates Pancreatic Dysfunction and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Murine Model of Fructose-Induced Prediabetes

by Sherley Catherine Farromeque Vásquez, Luisa González Arbeláez, Benjamín Rojano, Guillermo Schinella, Bárbara Maiztegui and Flavio Francini

Plants 2025, 14(5), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050745 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

In rats, a fructose-rich diet triggers endocrine-metabolic disturbances similar to those present in human prediabetes. We evaluated the protective effect of isoespintanol, a monoterpene isolated from Oxandra cf. xylopioides (Annonaceae), on pancreatic islet. Rats were kept for three weeks with a standard commercial [...] Read more.

In rats, a fructose-rich diet triggers endocrine-metabolic disturbances similar to those present in human prediabetes. We evaluated the protective effect of isoespintanol, a monoterpene isolated from Oxandra cf. xylopioides (Annonaceae), on pancreatic islet. Rats were kept for three weeks with a standard commercial diet and tap water (C), plus 10% fructose (F), or F plus isoespintanol (I; 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Glycemia, triglyceridemia, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, insulin resistance index (IRX), and glucose tolerance tests were determined. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and gene expression of insulin signalling mediators (insulin receptor -IR-, IRS1/2, PI3K), oxidative stress (SOD-2, GPx, GSR, 3’-nitrotyrosine), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, PAI-1), mitochondrial function (Bcl-2, mtTFA, PGC-1α), and apoptosis markers were evaluated in pancreatic islets. The F group increased triglyceridemia, non-HDL-cholesterol, and IRX, and decreased HDL-cholesterol and impaired glucose tolerance, with alterations reversed by isoespintanol administration (p < 0.05). Isoespintanol normalized higher GSIS recorded in the F group. F decreased mRNA levels of insulin signalling mediators and mitochondrial function markers, and increased the expression of inflammatory, apoptotic, and oxidative stress markers, alterations that were significantly reversed by isoespintanol. Current results suggest that isoespintanol improved insular oxidative stress and inflammation by affecting the IR-PI3K pathway, which plays a pivotal role in insulin resistance development, underlying its therapeutic potential for the prevention of type 2 diabetes before its onset (prediabetes). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products of Medicinal Plants: Isolation, Purification and Bioactivity Evaluation)

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19 pages, 5786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Relationships Between Woody Species Diversity and Propagation Strategies of Aulonemia queko

by Hugo Cedillo, Luis G. García-Montero, Fernando Bermúdez, Andrés Arciniegas, Mélida Rocano and Oswaldo Jadán

Plants 2025, 14(5), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050744 (registering DOI) - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study explores how floristic composition, diversity, and woody vegetation structure vary across floristic zones in Andean montane forests under the dominance of Aulonemia queko Goudot (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) dominance. As a culturally and ecologically significant non-timber forest product, A. queko plays a key [...] Read more.

This study explores how floristic composition, diversity, and woody vegetation structure vary across floristic zones in Andean montane forests under the dominance of Aulonemia queko Goudot (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) dominance. As a culturally and ecologically significant non-timber forest product, A. queko plays a key role in shaping plant communities and requires effective propagation strategies for sustainable management. Significant differences in floristic composition were observed among zones, with indicator species identified in the lower and upper zones. However, despite environmental variability, species richness and structural attributes remained stable across the elevation gradient, suggesting resilience in woody plant communities. A. queko density was highest in the upper zone, while its basal area peaked in the lower and middle zones, probably shaping floristic composition through competitive interactions and habitat modification. Propagation experiments revealed that shoots with rhizomes exhibited higher survival and growth, particularly in mulch substrates with 1000 ppm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), highlighting the importance of shoot type, substrate, and hormone dose. These findings suggest that A. queko is a structuring species and a potential restoration target. However, its dominance may alter forest composition, requiring adaptive management strategies that balance its ecological role with conservation and sustainable use, ensuring biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)

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17 pages, 9895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Potential Distribution and Response of Changium smyrnioides to Climate Change Based on Optimized MaxEnt Model

by Xingyu Zhu, Xin Jiang, Ying Chen, Congcong Li, Shi Ding, Xuejiao Zhang, Lulu Luo, Yun Jia and Gang Zhao

Plants 2025, 14(5), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050743 (registering DOI) - 28 Feb 2025

Abstract

Changium smyrnioides, an endangered herb known for its medicinal roots, contains essential amino acids that are vital for human health but cannot be synthesized by the body. However, wild populations of this species have been steadily declining due to the combined impacts [...] Read more.

Changium smyrnioides, an endangered herb known for its medicinal roots, contains essential amino acids that are vital for human health but cannot be synthesized by the body. However, wild populations of this species have been steadily declining due to the combined impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities. In this study, we employed an optimized MaxEnt model to predict the potential distribution of C. smyrnioides under different climate scenarios and to evaluate its responses to climate change. Our findings demonstrated that the MaxEnt model achieved optimal performance with a regularization multiplier of 0.5 and a feature combination of linear and quadratic terms. Among the environmental variables, three emerged as the most critical factors shaping the species’ potential distribution: elevation, precipitation of the driest month (bio14), and isothermality (bio2/bio7 × 100, bio3). Currently, the primary suitable habitats for C. smyrnioides are concentrated in Jiangsu Province, with an estimated 21,135 km² classified as highly suitable. The analysis further indicated that, in response to rising temperatures, C. smyrnioides is likely to shift its distribution northeastward across China. Notably, the results suggested that the total area of suitable habitats would increase over time under projected climate scenarios. Based on the predicted centroid migration of suitable habitats, Anhui Province was identified as a critical future conservation zone for C. smyrnioides. This region could serve as a vital refuge, ensuring the long-term survival of the species under changing climatic conditions. Overall, this study provides key insights into the ecological responses of C. smyrnioides to climate change, offering evidence-based guidance for the development of effective conservation strategies aimed at safeguarding this endangered herb. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Science and Practice)

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