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Plants, Volume 14, Issue 13 (July-1 2025) – 18 articles

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25 pages, 6427 KiB  
Article
Classification of Nitrogen-Efficient Wheat Varieties Based on UAV Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
by Yumeng Li, Chunying Wang, Junke Zhu, Qinglong Wang and Ping Liu
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131908 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Aiming at tackling the challenges of traditional classification methods, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient, a nitrogen-efficient wheat variety classification method using support vector machine-extreme gradient boosting (SVM-XGBoost) based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral remote sensing was proposed in this study. First, [...] Read more.
Aiming at tackling the challenges of traditional classification methods, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient, a nitrogen-efficient wheat variety classification method using support vector machine-extreme gradient boosting (SVM-XGBoost) based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral remote sensing was proposed in this study. First, eight agronomic indicators closely related to wheat nitrogen efficiency were analyzed using t-SNE dimensionality reduction and hierarchical clustering, enabling the classification of 12 wheat varieties into nitrogen-efficient and nitrogen-inefficient varieties under different nitrogen stress conditions. Second, a hyperspectral feature band selection method based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (Lasso-CARS) was employed using hyperspectral canopy data collected during the wheat heading stage with an UAV to extract feature bands relevant to nitrogen-efficient wheat classification. This approach aimed to mitigate the impact of high collinearity and noise in high-dimensional hyperspectral data on model construction. Furthermore, the SVM-XGBoost method integrated the extracted feature bands with the support vectors and decision function outputs from the preliminary SVM classification. It then leveraged XGBoost to capture nonlinear relationships and construct the final classification model using gradient-boosted trees, achieving intelligent classification of nitrogen-efficient wheat varieties. The model also selected nitrogen fertilization strategies based on the characteristics of different wheat varieties. The results demonstrated robust performance under low, high, and no nitrogen stress, with average overall accuracies of 74%, 83%, and 70% (Kappa coefficients: 0.67, 0.80, and 0.48), respectively. This study provided an efficient and accurate UAV hyperspectral remote sensing-based method for nitrogen-efficient wheat variety classification, offering a technological foundation to accelerate precision breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Systems in Agriculture)
37 pages, 4654 KiB  
Article
Age-Specific Physiological Adjustments of Spirodela polyrhiza to Sulfur Deficiency
by Vesna Peršić, Anja Melnjak, Lucija Domjan, Günther Zellnig and Jasenka Antunović Dunić
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131907 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Spirodela polyrhiza is a suitable model organism for investigating plant developmental influences due to its intracolonial variations in response to various environmental fluctuations, like nutrient deficiency. In this study, transmission electron microscopy was used to examine age-dependent variation in chloroplast ultrastructure, while pigment [...] Read more.
Spirodela polyrhiza is a suitable model organism for investigating plant developmental influences due to its intracolonial variations in response to various environmental fluctuations, like nutrient deficiency. In this study, transmission electron microscopy was used to examine age-dependent variation in chloroplast ultrastructure, while pigment levels (chlorophyll and anthocyanins), starch accumulation, and metabolic activity (photosynthetic and respiratory rates) were measured to determine metabolic responses to sulfur deficiency. For a comprehensive insight into electron transport efficiency and the redox states of the photosynthetic apparatus, rapid light curves, chlorophyll fluorescence (JIP test parameters), and modulated reflection at 820 nm were analyzed. Under S deficit, mother fronds relied on stored reserves to maintain functional PSII but accumulated reduced PQ pools, slowing electron flow beyond PSII. The first-generation daughter fronds, despite having higher baseline photosynthetic capacity, exhibited the largest decline in photosynthetic indicators (e.g., rETR fell about 50%), limitations in the water-splitting complex, and reduced PSI end-acceptor capacity that resulted in donor- and acceptor-side bottlenecks of electron transport. The youngest granddaughter fronds avoided these bottlenecks by absorbing less light per PSII, channeling electrons through the alternative pathway to balance PQ pools and redox-stable PSI while diverting more carbon into starch and anthocyanin production up to 5-fold for both. These coordinated and age-specific adjustments that provide response flexibility may help maintain photosynthetic function of the colony and facilitate rapid recovery when sulfur becomes available again. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Duckweed: Research Meets Applications—2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 2207 KiB  
Article
Stability Analysis and Multi-Trait Selection of Flowering Phenology Parameters in Olive Cultivars Under Multi-Environment Trials
by Jinhua Li, Dongxu Jia, Zhenyuan Zhou, Jincheng Du, Qiangang Xiao and Mingrong Cao
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1906; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131906 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Flowering represents the most important process in the reproductive stage of fruit trees, including olive trees. Previous studies have demonstrated that the genotype–environment interaction (GEI) has a considerable influence on olive flowering time. This study investigated the GEI and genetic parameters influencing olive [...] Read more.
Flowering represents the most important process in the reproductive stage of fruit trees, including olive trees. Previous studies have demonstrated that the genotype–environment interaction (GEI) has a considerable influence on olive flowering time. This study investigated the GEI and genetic parameters influencing olive flowering phenology in Southwestern China (a non-Mediterranean region), using multi-trait-based stability selection methods. Sixteen olive cultivars from five countries were evaluated over two years in two distinct climatic regions of Southwestern China. Flowering phenology was assessed based on three parameters: full-bloom date (FBD), flowering-period length (FP), and full-bloom-period length (FBP). In the analyses, the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) to predict genetic value and genotype + genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot methods to visualize and assess stability and performance were employed across four environments. The results showed that genotype, environment, and GEI had highly significant effects on flowering traits, with GEI accounting for 54.12% to 89.62% of the variance. Heritability values were low (0.0589 to 0.262), indicating that genetic factors had limited control over flowering phenology compared to environmental factors. A stability analysis using a mean performance and stability (MPS) index identified genotypes with earlier flowering dates and longer flowering periods. Multi-trait selection using a multi-trait mean performance and stability (MTMPS) index further highlighted six superior genotypes with high performance and stability across environments. The findings emphasize the critical role of environmental factors on olive flowering phenology, highlighting the challenges in breeding for stable flowering traits. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-trait selection methods in identifying genotypes with superior performance and stability under different environmental conditions. These results provide valuable insights for olive breeding programs, particularly in non-Mediterranean regions, suggesting that targeted selection and multi-trait evaluation could enhance the adaptability and productivity of olive cultivars under changing climatic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Forest Tree Genetics and Breeding)
12 pages, 3425 KiB  
Article
Disruption of ABI4 Enhances Anthocyanin Accumulation in Arabidopsis Seedlings Through HY5-Mediated Light Signaling
by Mingyang Zeng, Yan Wu, Shunfa Lin, Fang Zhang, Haiyan Jiang, Lixia Ma and Dong Liu
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1905; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131905 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
The AP2/ERF transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4) plays diverse roles in plant development and responses to abiotic stress. However, its potential involvement in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis is not fully understood. In this study, three different loss-of-function abi4 alleles (abi4-1, [...] Read more.
The AP2/ERF transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4) plays diverse roles in plant development and responses to abiotic stress. However, its potential involvement in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis is not fully understood. In this study, three different loss-of-function abi4 alleles (abi4-1, abi4-2, and abi4-101) were employed to investigate the role of ABI4 in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis seedlings. These abi4 mutants exhibited significantly increased anthocyanin accumulation, which was associated with elevated expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. HY5 (LONG HYPOCOTYL 5), a central component of photomorphogenesis, acts as a key light-regulated molecular switch. Further analysis revealed that ABI4 requires HY5 to function as a negative regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Additionally, loss of ABI4 resulted in heightened light sensitivity, leading to increased light-induced chlorophyll accumulation and chloroplast development, along with upregulation of photosynthesis-related genes. Interestingly, the light-hypersensitive phenotype of abi4 mutants was partially rescued by the loss of HY5 function. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that ABI4 negatively regulates anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis seedlings through a HY5-dependent light signaling pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, and Betalains in Plants: From Biosynthesis to Function)
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19 pages, 3064 KiB  
Article
Impact of Short-Term and Prolonged (Multi-Year) Droughts on Tree Mortality at the Individual Tree and Stand Levels
by Goran Češljar, Zvonimir Baković, Ilija Đorđević, Saša Eremija, Aleksandar Lučić, Ivana Živanović and Bojan Konatar
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131904 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Droughts accompanied by high temperatures are becoming increasingly frequent across Europe and globally. Both individual trees and entire forest ecosystems are exposed to drought stress, with prolonged drought periods leading to increased tree mortality. Therefore, continuous monitoring, data collection, and analysis of tree [...] Read more.
Droughts accompanied by high temperatures are becoming increasingly frequent across Europe and globally. Both individual trees and entire forest ecosystems are exposed to drought stress, with prolonged drought periods leading to increased tree mortality. Therefore, continuous monitoring, data collection, and analysis of tree mortality are essential prerequisites for understanding the complex interactions between climate and trees. This study examined the effects of short-term and prolonged (multi-year) droughts on the mortality of individual trees and forests in Serbia. The analysis was based on datasets from our previous research on the influence of drought and drought duration on individual tree mortality in Serbian forest ecosystems, supplemented with new data collected through the International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). Additionally, we incorporated data from the public enterprise (PE) “Srbijašume”, which manages forests in Central Serbia, focusing on random yields resulting from natural disasters (droughts). These data enabled a comparative assessment of the findings on increased mortality and drought impact at both the individual tree level and the stand level. This study identifies key similarities and differences in tree mortality trends based on drought duration and examines their correlations within the same time frame (2004–2023). By analysing climatic conditions across Serbia, we provide evidence of the interaction between drought periods and increased forest mortality, which we further confirmed by calculating the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). We also address the tree species that were most sensitive to the effects of drought. Our findings indicate that prolonged (multi-year) droughts, accompanied by high temperatures, have significantly contributed to increased tree mortality over the past decade. Successive multi-year droughts pose a substantial threat to both individual trees and entire forests, producing more severe and persistent responses compared to those caused by single-year droughts, which forests and individual trees are generally more capable of tolerating. Moreover, due to prolonged drought stress, trees weaken, leading to delayed mortality that may manifest several years after the initial drought event. The observed increase in tree mortality has been found to correlate with rising temperatures and the growing frequency of prolonged droughts over the past decade. Especially, intense droughts in the growing season (April–September) have a very negative impact on forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Stresses and Disturbances on Forest Trees: Ecosystem and Physiological Responses)
25 pages, 1245 KiB  
Review
Essential Oils and Extracts from Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides): A Phytochemical Treasure with Multiple Applications
by Arsenio Heredia Severino, Juana Fernández-López, Fernando Borrás-Rocher and Manuel Viuda-Martos
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131903 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as epazote, is a medicinal plant of great relevance in traditional Latin American medicine. Its cultural roots and pharmacological properties have made it an object of study for phytochemical research. An artificial intelligence (AI) tool was utilized to [...] Read more.
Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as epazote, is a medicinal plant of great relevance in traditional Latin American medicine. Its cultural roots and pharmacological properties have made it an object of study for phytochemical research. An artificial intelligence (AI) tool was utilized to assist in reviewing scientific information regarding D. ambrosioides. An initial search was conducted in the Scopus database using the keywords epazote, D. ambrosioides, anti-helminthic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial, which yielded a total of 814 publications. To select the most relevant articles, this AI tool based on natural language processing (available online and free of charge) was applied, which analyzed the keywords that appeared in the titles and abstracts of the works and clustered them, leading to a reduction of 86.73% in the number of studies. D. ambrosioides stands out for its rich composition of bioactive compounds, which give the plant a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antiparasitic activity, through which it is effective against several parasites, such as helminths and protozoa, due to its schistosomicidal, nematocidal and antimalarial action. Additionally, it has shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties as it contains compounds that help fight cell damage caused by free radicals. Epazote represents a rich source of compounds with a wide therapeutic range. However, much research is required to understand the mechanisms of action of these compounds and to evaluate their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Medicinal Plants)
21 pages, 2787 KiB  
Article
Composted PBST Biodegradable Mulch Film Residues Enhance Crop Development: Insights into Microbial Community Assembly, Network Interactions, and Soil Metabolism
by Liuliu Li, Liyuan Liu, Guoyuan Zou, Xuexia Wang, Li Xu, Yong Yang, Jinfeng Liu, Huabo Liu and Dongsheng Liu
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131902 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Biodegradable mulch film (BDM) is regarded as a key solution to combat plastic mulch film pollution due to its ability to degrade completely into CO2 and H2O through environmentally friendly microorganisms. However, commercial BDM often fails to degrade fully after [...] Read more.
Biodegradable mulch film (BDM) is regarded as a key solution to combat plastic mulch film pollution due to its ability to degrade completely into CO2 and H2O through environmentally friendly microorganisms. However, commercial BDM often fails to degrade fully after use, leading to the accumulation of BDM residues in soil and their transformation into microplastics (MPs) via various processes, posing a threat to the soil ecosystem. Given these discrepancies between the theoretical and practical degradation performance of BDM, there is an urgent need to understand the impacts of BDM residues on plant growth and soil health. This research conducted pot experiments spanning the entire growth cycle of Chinese cabbage to evaluate the impact of PBST-BDM raw material (R), PBST-BDM residues (M), and PBST-BDM composting product (P) on crop growth and soil quality. The findings revealed that R treatments had a slight effect on Chinese cabbage growth (e.g., a 5.80% increase in emergence rate in R 1% treatment, p < 0.05), while M treatments significantly hindered the emergence rate, plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation of Chinese cabbage by 30.4% (p < 0.05), 2.71 cm (p < 0.05), 39.0% (p < 0.05), and 1.86 g (p < 0.05) in the M 1% treatment compared to the control group (CK). In contrast, P treatments enhanced Chinese cabbage growth, with greater improvements at higher weight ratios, resulting in increases of 8.89% (p < 0.05), 4.96 cm (p < 0.05), 36.3% (p < 0.05), and 2.31 g (p < 0.05) in the P 1% treatment. Microbial network topology in the M 1% treatment is highly variable, with the increased proportion of positive correlations in the P 1% treatment hinting at stronger symbiotic interactions between species (p < 0.05). Analysis results of PCoA and PLS-DA showed significant differences in microbial community and soil metabolites between M 1% treatment and CK (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that, although composting post-use BDM may reduce their negative ecological effects, possibly via accelerating the early breakdown of residues, the feasibility and scalability of this approach require further validation under real-world field conditions. Full article
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16 pages, 983 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Phytocannabinoids Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
by Carmina Sirignano, Simona De Vita, Ernesto Gargiulo, Massimiliano Lucidi, Daniela Visaggio, Maria Giovanna Chini, Gianluigi Lauro, Giuseppina Chianese, Paolo Visca, Giuseppe Bifulco and Orazio Taglialatela-Scafati
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131901 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens poses a critical threat to global health, creating an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. In this study, we evaluated a small library of natural and semisynthetic phytocannabinoids against a broad panel of MDR Gram-positive [...] Read more.
The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens poses a critical threat to global health, creating an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. In this study, we evaluated a small library of natural and semisynthetic phytocannabinoids against a broad panel of MDR Gram-positive bacterial strains, evidencing very good activity in the low µM range. We provide evidence of the antibacterial activity of the two separated enantiomers of cannabidiol, offering novel insights into the stereochemical aspects of their bioactivity. To investigate the possible molecular targets and clarify the mechanism of action, we employed Inverse Virtual Screening (IVS), a computational approach optimized for predicting potential protein–ligand interactions, on three selected MDR bacterial species. Interestingly, key targets belonging to important bacterial metabolic pathways and defense mechanisms were retrieved, and the results were used to rationalize the observed biological activities. To the best of our knowledge, this study marks the first application of IVS to microorganisms, offering a novel strategy for identifying bacterial protein targets. The results pave the way for future experimental validation, structure-based drug design, and the development of novel antibacterial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Antimicrobial Resistance Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds)
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17 pages, 2694 KiB  
Review
Advances in ERECTA Family Regulation of Female Gametophyte Development in Arabidopsis thaliana
by Han Su, Xiaohu Jiang, Yanfen Liu, Zhuangyuan Cao, Ziqi Liu, Yuan Qin, Qing He and Hanyang Cai
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1900; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131900 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
The female gametophyte is central to the reproductive success of flowering plants, with its development being tightly controlled by an intricate network of genes and signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of these regulatory mechanisms is essential for uncovering the complexities of plant growth [...] Read more.
The female gametophyte is central to the reproductive success of flowering plants, with its development being tightly controlled by an intricate network of genes and signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of these regulatory mechanisms is essential for uncovering the complexities of plant growth and development. Recent studies have shed light on various aspects of female gametophyte development, highlighting the role of specific gene and signaling networks. Among these, the ERECTA family of leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (RLK) in Arabidopsis thaliana has emerged as a key player, influencing multiple biological processes, particularly those governing reproductive development of the female gametophyte. This review focuses on the significant progress made in understanding the ERECTA family’s involvement in germline cell development, emphasizing its functional roles and signaling mechanisms in female gametophyte development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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20 pages, 2317 KiB  
Review
The Physiological Mechanisms and Hurdles of Efficient Water–Nitrogen Utilization in Maize Production: A Review
by Xichao Sun, Qian Zhao, Jia Gao and Zheng Liu
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131899 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays. L) is one of the most important staple food crops globally. One-third of global maize production is located in areas with high or extreme water scarcity and concurrently faces the challenge of low nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, achieving [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea mays. L) is one of the most important staple food crops globally. One-third of global maize production is located in areas with high or extreme water scarcity and concurrently faces the challenge of low nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, achieving synergistically high-efficiency water and nitrogen utilization in maize production is of great significance for agricultural sustainable development and global food security. In recent years, more articles have focused on the physiological mechanisms and management practices of efficient water and nitrogen utilization in maize. Unfortunately, there is a relative scarcity of research on the interactive effects between water and nitrogen on the development of young ears, which plays a crucial role in maize productivity. By compiling the most pertinent publications, this review endeavors to consolidate the existing knowledge on the interactive effects between water and nitrogen on maize production. Moreover, it advances potential physiological mechanisms and strategies for high-efficiency water and nitrogen utilization in terms of root system functioning, phytohormones, metabolism, and organ development. The changes in the availability of water and nitrogen have a significant impact on the development of young ears during the critical period, which in turn directly determines the grain number per ear and grain weight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)
48 pages, 1198 KiB  
Review
Tea Consumption and Diabetes: A Comprehensive Pharmacological Review of Black, White, Green, Oolong, and Pu-erh Teas
by Ochuko L. Erukainure, Chika I. Chukwuma, Jennifer Nambooze, Satyajit Tripathy, Veronica F. Salau, Kolawole Olofinsan, Akingbolabo D. Ogunlakin, Osaretin A. T. Ebuehi and Jeremiah O. Unuofin
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131898 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases whose physiological complications are linked with a higher risk of mortality amongst the adult age group of people living globally. This review article documents updated pharmacological evidence and insights into the antidiabetic mechanisms of green, [...] Read more.
Diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases whose physiological complications are linked with a higher risk of mortality amongst the adult age group of people living globally. This review article documents updated pharmacological evidence and insights into the antidiabetic mechanisms of green, black, white, oolong, and pu-erh teas via reported experimental and clinical models toward encouraging their use as a complementary nutraceutical in managing the biochemical alterations found in the onset and progression of diabetes. Peer-reviewed articles published in “PubMed”, “Google Scholar”, and “ScienceDirect” from 2010 and beyond that reported the antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and digestive enzyme inhibitory effects of the selected tea types were identified. The keywords used for the literature search comprise the common or scientific names of the tea and their corresponding bioactivity. Although teas portrayed different antidiabetic pharmacological properties linked to their bioactive components, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids, the type of phytochemical found in each tea type depends on their processing. Green tea’s strong carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitory effect was linked with Ellagitannins and catechins, whereas theaflavin, a main ingredient in black tea, increases insulin sensitivity via enhancing GLUT4 translocation. Theabrownin in pu-erh tea improves FBG and lipid metabolism, while chemical components in white tea attenuate prediabetes-mediated reproductive dysfunctions by improving testicular tissue antioxidant capabilities. Based on the body of findings presented in this article, it is evident that integrating tea intake into daily food consumption routines could offer a promising practical solution to support human health and well-being against diabetes disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Metabolic Diseases: Therapeutic Roles of Plant Natural Products)
22 pages, 7947 KiB  
Article
The Fusion Gene BPI-LY, Encoding Human Bactericidal/Permeability-Increasing Protein Core Fragments and Lysozyme, Enhanced the Resistance of Transgenic Tomato Plants to Bacterial Wilt
by Lei Ni, Yue Zhang, Yafei Qin, Mei Wang, Daodao Tang, Liantian Chen, Xing Ding, Yilin Zheng, Yu Pan, Jinhua Li and Xingguo Zhang
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131897 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Tomato bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (G−), is one of the most devastating plant diseases. Developing effective resistance against this pathogen remains a major challenge in plant disease management. In this study, we constructed a fusion gene BPI-LY by combining [...] Read more.
Tomato bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (G−), is one of the most devastating plant diseases. Developing effective resistance against this pathogen remains a major challenge in plant disease management. In this study, we constructed a fusion gene BPI-LY by combining the gene encoding the lipophilic functional domains of human bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) with the gene of human lysozyme (LY). The recombinant gene BPI-LY was heterologously expressed in yeast and tomato. Preliminary in vitro assays in yeast demonstrated that BPI enhances LY’s antibacterial activity against G− bacteria. Furthermore, overexpression of BPI-LY in tomato delayed onset of the disease in the transgenic lines and lowered the degree of tissue damage and the number of bacteria present in the stems relative to those in the wild-type plant. Additionally, the expression levels of the SlSOD, SlPOD, SlPAL, SlPR5, SlPR10, and SlPR-NP24 genes were indirectly upregulated in the transgenic plants following R. solanacearum inoculation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BPI-LY enhances the resistance of transgenic tomato against bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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13 pages, 869 KiB  
Article
New Insights into Sprout Production from Melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) Seeds as By-Product of Fruit Processing
by Angelica Galieni, Beatrice Falcinelli, Fabio Stagnari, Eleonora Oliva, Federico Fanti, Maria Chiara Lorenzetti and Paolo Benincasa
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131896 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Melon is a valuable crop that generates significant by-products during consumption and processing. Among these, seeds are rich in phenolic compounds and might be used to produce sprouts with increased content of these bioactive substances. This study evaluated phenolic compounds (PhCs) in sprouts [...] Read more.
Melon is a valuable crop that generates significant by-products during consumption and processing. Among these, seeds are rich in phenolic compounds and might be used to produce sprouts with increased content of these bioactive substances. This study evaluated phenolic compounds (PhCs) in sprouts of two melon cultivars, Thales and SV9424ML, obtained from seeds having different germination speeds, thus harvested at 6 and 14 days after sowing (DAS). A factorial combination of cultivar and harvest time was tested in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Thales produced more ready-to-eat sprouts at 6 DAS than SV9424ML (64.0% vs. 46.7%). Sprouting significantly increased total PhCs content, particularly flavonoids, with Thales showing higher values than SV9424ML (50.2 vs. 32.6 mg kg−1 DW). Phenolic profiles significantly varied among cultivars and harvests. Sprouts at 6 DAS had more total hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonoids, while 14 DAS sprouts were richer in hydroxycinnamic acids. Significant differences between harvest dates were observed in the concentrations of protocatechuic, vanillic (VanA), p-coumaric (p-CouA), ferulic (FerA) acids, and orientin (Ori) for Thales, and of VanA, p-CouA, FerA, and Ori for SV9424ML. Results are encouraging, but future investigations are essential to understand whether these sprouts can be suitable for fresh consumption, food supplements, or phytochemical extraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microgreens—a New Trend in Plant Production)
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16 pages, 5265 KiB  
Article
Global Warming Impacts Suitable Habitats of the Subtropical Endemic Tree Acer pubinerve Rehder, Newly Recorded in Jiangsu Province, China
by Jie Miao, Xinyu Zhang, Zhi Yang, Chao Tan and Yong Yang
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131895 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Global warming has caused the change of the geographical distribution of many species and threatened the living of species on earth. It is important to describe and predict the response of these species to current and future climate changes to conserve and utilize [...] Read more.
Global warming has caused the change of the geographical distribution of many species and threatened the living of species on earth. It is important to describe and predict the response of these species to current and future climate changes to conserve and utilize the endemic forest species. Acer pubinerve of the Sapindaceae is an important forest tree species endemic to China, our recent fieldwork recorded A. pubinerve in the Jiangsu province for the first time, representing the northernmost known occurrence of the species. In this study, we compiled an occurrence dataset of A. pubinerve based on field investigation, herbarium specimen data and literature, and mapped the resource distribution of this endemic forest species in China. Then, we used the optimized MaxEnt model to predict the potential suitable areas of the species under current climate conditions and future climate change scenarios and studied the impacts of environmental variables on the suitable areas of the species. The MaxEnt model, optimized with a regularization multiplier of 0.5 and a feature combination of linear and quadratic terms, exhibited the best predictive performance. The prediction accuracy of the model was extremely high and the AUC values of training and test data were 0.995 and 0.998, respectively. We found that the leading environmental variables affecting the potential distribution of A. pubinerve include the mean temperature of warmest quarter, the mean temperature of driest quarter, and the annual precipitation. Under the current climatic condition, the suitable distribution area of A. pubinerve is 165.68 × 104 km2, mainly located in the provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, and Guangxi. Compared with the suitable area under the current climate, the total suitable areas of A. pubinerve is projected to expand toward the north under the future climate change scenarios SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585, while its center shows a general trend of westward migration. Our study lays the foundation for conservation and resource utilization of this endemic tree species in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)
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11 pages, 1440 KiB  
Communication
GAG Protein of Arabidopsis thaliana LTR Retrotransposon Forms Retrosome-like Cytoplasmic Granules and Activates Stress Response Genes
by Alexander Polkhovskiy, Roman Komakhin and Ilya Kirov
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1894; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131894 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
LTR retrotransposons are widespread genomic elements that significantly impact genome structure and function. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the EVD LTR retrotransposon encodes a GAG protein essential for retrotransposon particle assembly. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the structural features, intracellular localization, and [...] Read more.
LTR retrotransposons are widespread genomic elements that significantly impact genome structure and function. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the EVD LTR retrotransposon encodes a GAG protein essential for retrotransposon particle assembly. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the structural features, intracellular localization, and transcriptomic effects of the EVD GAG (evdGAG) protein. Using AlphaFold3, we identified canonical capsid (CA-NTD and CA-CTD) and nucleocapsid (NC) domains, with predicted disordered regions likely facilitating oligomerization. Transient expression of GFP-tagged evdGAG in protoplasts of A. thaliana and distant plant species (Nicotiana benthamiana and Helianthus annuus) revealed the formation of multiple large cytoplasmic aggregates resembling retrosomes, often localized near the nucleus. Stable overexpression of evdGAG in wild-type and ddm1 mutant backgrounds induced significant transcriptomic changes, including up-regulation of stress response and defense-related genes and downregulation of photosynthesis and chloroplast-associated pathways. Importantly, genes linked to stress granule formation were also up-regulated, suggesting a role for evdGAG in modulating cellular stress responses. Our findings provide novel insights into the cellular and molecular properties of plant retrotransposon GAG proteins and their influence on host gene expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Trade-Offs Between Growth and Development and Stress in Plants—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1870 KiB  
Article
Seed Dormancy and Germination Responses of Salicornia brachiata: Towards Sustainable Cultivation and Conservation in Saline Habitats
by Sandani M. Gunasekara, Chamara L. Mendis, Dinum Perera and Malaka M. Wijayasinghe
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131893 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Salicornia brachiata Roxb., an economically and ecologically significant halophytic species native to Sri Lanka, produces dimorphic seeds. Despite their importance for commercial cultivation and conservation, germination studies of these dimorphic seeds remain limited. This study investigated the effects of temperature (25 °C, 30 [...] Read more.
Salicornia brachiata Roxb., an economically and ecologically significant halophytic species native to Sri Lanka, produces dimorphic seeds. Despite their importance for commercial cultivation and conservation, germination studies of these dimorphic seeds remain limited. This study investigated the effects of temperature (25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C), gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment, geographic location of seed source (Jaffna vs. Puttalam coastal regions), seed type (central vs. lateral), and perianth presence/absence on germination under controlled conditions. Our results show that temperature, GA3, and geographic location of the seed source significantly influenced seed germination. This study presents the first documented evidence of physiological dormancy (PD) in S. brachiata seeds, with successful dormancy breaking achieved using GA3 treatment at 25 °C. Although perianth and seed type alone had no significant direct effects on germination, they were involved in multiple significant interactions—two-, three-, and four-way—with other factors. These findings highlight the multifactorial regulation of S. brachiata seed germination, suggesting that tailored propagation strategies, incorporating environmental and physiological variables, can optimize germination. These findings offer practical solutions for enhancing germination in saline agriculture and habitat restoration efforts of S. brachiata. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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21 pages, 951 KiB  
Article
In Vivo and In Vitro Grown Lemon-Scented Gum as a Source of Nematicidal Essential Oil Compounds
by Jorge M. S. Faria, Gonçalo Pereira, Ana Cristina Figueiredo and Pedro Barbosa
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131892 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
Corymbia citriodora is a eucalypt tree of significant economic value due to its essential oils (EOs), rich in citronellal, citronellol, and other oxygenated monoterpenes with diverse biological activities. Its EOs show potential for the formulation of biopesticides with a lower impact on the [...] Read more.
Corymbia citriodora is a eucalypt tree of significant economic value due to its essential oils (EOs), rich in citronellal, citronellol, and other oxygenated monoterpenes with diverse biological activities. Its EOs show potential for the formulation of biopesticides with a lower impact on the environment and human health. This study evaluated the in vitro nematicidal activity of C. citriodora EOs, obtained from in vivo and in vitro grown plants, and their main volatile compounds against the pinewood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), a major phytosanitary threat. The impact of their main compounds on the environment and human health was assessed using available experimental data and predictions from specialized software. Citronellal and citronellol were the most active EO compounds and exhibited EC50 values comparable to the pesticide emamectin benzoate (0.364 ± 0.009 mg/mL). They also displayed superior safety profiles, with reduced environmental persistence and toxicity to non-target organisms. Furthermore, C. citriodora shoots were efficiently propagated through an in vitro system and their volatile profile was characterized by a dominance of citronellal (64%), and citronellol (10%), which highlights their potential as a scalable and sustainable source of nematicidal compounds. Remarkably, the EO of C. citriodora in vitro shoots was strongly active against the PWN, exhibiting the lowest EC50 (0.239 ± 0.002 mg/mL) obtained. These findings underline the viability of C. citriodora EOs as a promising alternative for sustainable pest management, addressing the urgent need for environmentally friendly and health-conscious biopesticides while providing a renewable approach to nematode control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopesticides for Plant Protection)
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16 pages, 2997 KiB  
Article
Overexpression of SEPALLATA3-like Gene SnMADS37 Generates Green Petal-Tip Flowers in Solanum nigrum
by Siming Yuan, Chun-Lan Piao, Xinyu Zhang and Min-Long Cui
Plants 2025, 14(13), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14131891 - 20 Jun 2025
Abstract
The SEPALLATA3 (SEP3)-like MADS-box genes play crucial roles in determining petal identity and development in the petunia and tomato of Solanaceae. Solanum nigrum is a self-pollinating plant in the Solanaceae family, and produces white flowers. However, the mechanisms controlling the transition [...] Read more.
The SEPALLATA3 (SEP3)-like MADS-box genes play crucial roles in determining petal identity and development in the petunia and tomato of Solanaceae. Solanum nigrum is a self-pollinating plant in the Solanaceae family, and produces white flowers. However, the mechanisms controlling the transition from green to white petals during flower development remain poorly understood. In this study, we isolated a flower-specific SEP3-like gene, SnMADS37, from S. nigrum, and investigated its potential role in chlorophyll metabolism during petal development. Our results show that quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrates that SnMADS37 is exclusively expressed in petals and stamens during early floral bud development. Overexpression of SnMADS37 clearly enhanced the number of petals, promoting the formation of additional petal-like tissues in stamens and extra organs in some fruits. Moreover, fully opened transformed petals exhibited notable chlorophyll accumulation at their tips and veins, whereas silencing of Snmads37 clearly inhibited petal expansion and reduced green pigmentation in early flower buds. Additionally, the transformed green petals exhibited distinct conical epidermal cells in the green regions, similar to wild type (WT) petals. Our results demonstrate that SnMADS37 plays a critical role in regulating petal identity, expansion, and chlorophyll metabolism during petal development. These findings provide new insights into the functional diversification of SEP3-like MADS-box genes in angiosperms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Flower Development and Plant Reproduction)
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