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Int. J. Plant Biol., Volume 17, Issue 5 (May 2026) – 5 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Hidden among the shaded branches of Thailand’s forests, Chiloschista lunifera (Rchb.f.) J.J.Sm., a rare leafless orchid, survives through specialized roots adapted for both anchorage and photosynthesis. Microscopy and DNA metabarcoding revealed green biofilms of cyanobacteria and algae associated with the root surface. Substrate roots showed branched hairs for attachment, while aerial roots possessed a velamen layer for moisture absorption. Chloroplast-rich cortical tissues confirmed the roots as the main photosynthetic organs. Cyanobacteria from five orders and green algae from one order were identified, providing new insight into the unique root adaptations and microbial associations that may support the survival of this endangered orchid. View this paper

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24 pages, 6271 KB

Open AccessReview

Possible Interaction of Hydrogen Sulfide and Glutathione and Role in the Alleviation of Salinity Stress Impacts in Plants

by Vijay Rupa, Naser A. Anjum, Asim Masood and Nafees A. Khan

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(5), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17050040 - 7 May 2026

Viewed by 1094

Abstract

Soil salinity as a major abiotic stressor has significantly affected crop production worldwide. However, plants have developed complex signaling networks that enable them to adapt and cope with such environmental shifts. Recent research has demonstrated the involvement of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in signaling cascades that link plant development with stress tolerance management. Similarly, glutathione (GSH), a non-enzyme antioxidant, and a vital tripeptide, has been found to protect plants from oxidative damage and regulate metabolic functions under abiotic stress. As a potential scavenger of ROS, GSH maintains cellular redox homeostasis through the ascorbate-GSH cycle and acts as a signaling molecule for the sulfur-status of plants. This review focusses on: (i) revisiting the concept and current status of soil salinity; (ii) highlighting its impact at cellular and whole-plant levels; (iii) elucidating the role of a H₂S and GSH in plant salt stress tolerance; and (iv) exploring the potential interactive roles of H₂S and GSH in mitigating salinity impacts. This review will provide valuable insights into the complex network involving H₂S and GSH, suggesting pathways for developing climate-resilient crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Responses and Tolerance to Salinity Stress, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 6927 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exogenous Application of Sodium Nitroprusside on the Morphophysiology of Passiflora edulis Sims Under Water Deficit

by Anna Paula Marques Cardoso, Walter Esfrain Pereira, Juliane Maciel Henschel, Diego Silva Batista, Francisco Thiago Coelho Bezerra, Maria Alaíne da Cunha Lima, Gleyse Lopes Fernandes de Souza, Patricia da Assunção Macedo, Thayná Kelly Formiga de Medeiros, Adailson Túlio dos Santos Silva, Edmilson Gomes das Neves, Magaly Morgana Lopes da Costa, Aline Daniele da Cunha Lima, Ewerton da Silva Barbosa and Francisca Iris da Silva Souza

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(5), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17050039 - 2 May 2026

Viewed by 935

Abstract

The availability of water is a limiting factor for the growth and productivity of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). The use of bioregulators has been investigated as a strategy to mitigate the effects of abiotic stress. Different concentrations of SNP were evaluated on growth, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, and enzymatic activity in Passiflora edulis seedlings under different water conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with two irrigation conditions (80 and 30% of field capacity), combined with three concentrations of SNP (50, 100 and 250 µM) and water (control), with five replications. Water deficit reduced morphological, physiological, and enzymatic parameters. The application of SNP increased root fresh mass (23.56 g at the 100 µM dose) and leaf dry mass (8.21 g at 250 µM SNP), with increases of 24.52% and 30.52% compared to the values obtained under the 50 µM dose, respectively. The highest number of leaves (14) and leaf area (1183.3 cm²) was observed at 250 µM SNP, corresponding to increases of 7.70% and 17.27%, respectively, compared to plants without SNP application. Water deficit reduced growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and enzymatic activity. SNP promotes improvements in growth; however, it does not mitigate water deficit effects in Passiflora edulis seedlings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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13 pages, 2502 KB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review on the Propagation, Cultivation, and Development of Champereia manillana Bl. var. longistaminea, a Forest Woody Vegetable in China

by Lin Gou, Shang Shi, Chenghao Zhu, Ling Liu, Jianmin Tang, Rong Zou and Xiao Wei

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(5), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17050038 - 1 May 2026

Viewed by 824

Abstract

Champereia manillana (Bl.) Merr. var. longistaminea is an evergreen small tree. It belongs to the genus Champereia Griff. (Opiliaceae), and its tender leaves or flower buds can be eaten. It also has important medicinal and nutritional values. Wild populations of C. manillana are small and has a phenomenon of deforestation. Market development is hindered by propagation constraints, including low seed germination rates and poor rooting of cuttings. Standardized cultivation protocols are currently lacking. This paper systematically reviews the current status of propagation and cultivation research on C. manillana and analyzed the primary challenges. Recent research indicated that seed germination obstacles had been preliminarily overcome, and 50% shading was identified as the optimal cultivation condition. However, challenges remain, including slow growth, lack of standardized water and fertilizer management, and unclear molecular mechanisms regulating development. Future research should focus on improving vegetative propagation efficiency, elucidating growth mechanisms via multi-omics, and establishing standardized cultivation protocols from breeding to harvest. These strategies are essential for the sustainable utilization of C. manillana resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Reproduction)

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23 pages, 4344 KB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Application of a Methanolic Extract of Ricinus communis L. Modulates Growth, Yield, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Antioxidant Capacity of Jalapeño Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Under Open Field Conditions

by Ma Isabel Reyes-Santamaria, David Chávez-Trejo, Aracely Hernández-Pérez, René Velázquez-Jiménez, Eliazar Aquino-Torres, Amanulla Khan, Antonio de Jesus Cenobio-Galindo, Macario Vicente-Flores and Iridiam Hernández-Soto

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(5), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17050037 - 1 May 2026

Viewed by 811

Abstract

The jalapeño pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crop of great economic and nutritional importance worldwide; however, increasing yield and quality under conditions of reduced synthetic inputs remains a significant challenge, mainly due to restrictions in plant nutrition and stress response capacity; in this context, plant-based biostimulants, such as Ricinus communis extracts, are of particular interest due to their potential to modulate plant metabolism, promote growth, and favor the accumulation of bioactive compounds. In this study, the effect of a foliar-applied biostimulant derived from a methanolic extract of Ricinus communis L. on the physiological, agronomic, and biochemical parameters of jalapeño peppers was evaluated under open field conditions. A randomized complete design with five treatments was established: three extract concentrations (T50: 50 mg L⁻¹, T75: 75 mg L⁻¹, and T100: 100 mg L⁻¹), a commercial biostimulant (Pepton 85/16 ^®), and an absolute control. Significant differences (α ≤ 0.05) were observed between treatments T50, T75, and T100 with the application of castor bean and the absolute control in stem diameter, fruit number, yield, and polar and equatorial fruit diameter, as well as phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH). The application of R. communis extract (T50, T75, and T100) significantly improved plant performance compared to the control, particularly in yield (up to 270%), fruit number (73%), shoot biomass (up to 38%), and root development (up to 32%). Furthermore, increases in chlorophyll content and in antioxidant-related compounds were observed, including phenols, flavonoids, ABTS, and DPPH (up to 17%). Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong associations between structural and metabolic variables, highlighting the relationship between stem diameter, fruit traits, and bioactive compound accumulation, as well as the link between chlorophyll content and reproductive performance. The ¹H NMR analysis indicated the presence of secondary metabolites such as ricin, unsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic compounds; however, their isolation and relationship with the biostimulant activity of the extract require further specific studies. Overall, foliar application of R. communis extract improved the growth, productivity, and biochemical attributes of jalapeño pepper, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative for crop management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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20 pages, 8015 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phototrophic Microbial Communities and Root Anatomical Adaptations of the Leafless Epiphytic Orchid Chiloschista lunifera (Rchb.f.) J.J.Sm

by Anawat Padpaiboon, Nuttha Sanevas and Pornsawan Sutthinon

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(5), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17050036 - 26 Apr 2026

Viewed by 999

Abstract

Epiphytic and leafless orchids possess specialized root structures and host diverse associated microorganisms, which may contribute to their adaptation to limited access to water, nutrients, and photosynthetic tissues. Microscopic, anatomical, and molecular analyses of aerial and substrate roots of Chiloschista lunifera (Rchb.f.) J.J.Sm. revealed consistent phototrophic microbial biofilms on the velamen surface. These biofilms comprised filamentous and unicellular cyanobacteria, singular bacterial cells, and green algae. Morphological characterisation identified cyanobacteria belonging to five taxonomic orders, which are Chroococcales, Chroococcidiopsidales, Nostocales, Leptolyngbyales, and Synechococcales. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing confirmed cyanobacterial dominance, with Chroococcidiopsis thermalis PCC 7203 strongly prevalent in root wash samples (up to 99.99% relative abundance), while root homogenate samples harboured a more diverse assemblage including Phormidiaceae, Leptolyngbya, Scytonema, and Calothrix. In addition, a green alga from Watanabeales (Jaagichlorella sp.) was identified based on morphological characteristics. TEM showed diverse cyanobacterial forms and unicellular green algae with well-developed photosynthetic structures. Root anatomy differed between root types. Substrate roots exhibited an inverted kidney-shaped transverse profile, whereas aerial roots were circular, with differences in velamen distribution reflecting adaptation for water retention and substrate attachment. Branched root hairs occurred on substrate roots, while aerial roots possessed unbranched root hairs, indicating functional specialization. Autofluorescence analysis revealed lignified tissues and abundant cortical chloroplasts, suggesting a photosynthetic role of the roots that may compensate for leaflessness. These findings enhance our understanding of the anatomical and ultrastructural features of epiphytic leafless orchid roots and may support future conservation and propagation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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