Plants

17 pages, 5157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variety Effect on Peelability and Mechanisms of Action of Late-Ripening Citrus Fruits

by Ya Yuan, Ziyi Huang, Yihong Wang, Lijun Deng, Tie Wang, Defa Cao, Ling Liao, Bo Xiong, Meiyan Tu, Zhihui Wang and Jun Wang

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091349 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Peelability, a crucial commercial trait for fresh-eating citrus, has received limited research attention regarding its underlying mechanisms. This study investigated three late-maturing citrus cultivars, namely ‘Qingjian’ (QJ), ‘Mingrijian’ (MRJ), and ‘Chunjian’ (CJ), analyzing their peelability development using texture analysis and exploring the physiological [...] Read more.

Peelability, a crucial commercial trait for fresh-eating citrus, has received limited research attention regarding its underlying mechanisms. This study investigated three late-maturing citrus cultivars, namely ‘Qingjian’ (QJ), ‘Mingrijian’ (MRJ), and ‘Chunjian’ (CJ), analyzing their peelability development using texture analysis and exploring the physiological and biochemical factors influencing peeling difficulty. The results showed that peelability improved with fruit maturation, reaching its peak at full ripeness, with the following order of peeling difficulty: QJ (hardest) > MRJ (intermediate) > CJ (easiest). At full maturity, QJ (the most difficult to peel) exhibited more regularly shaped peel cells with fewer intercellular spaces, lower intracellular organic matter accumulation, and higher levels of cell wall polysaccharides, calcium (Ca), and abscisic acid (ABA). These characteristics may be linked to the lower relative expression of soluble sugar (TS)-related genes (CCR4A, SPP1) and the titratable acid (TA)-related gene (CsCit1), as well as the higher relative expression of ABA biosynthesis genes (NCED1, NCED2). Correlation analyses demonstrated that citrus peel firmness and adhesion strength are significantly associated with multiple growth and developmental characteristics, including fruit morphometric parameters, peel cellular architecture, intracellular organic compound content, cell wall polysaccharide levels and related degradative enzyme activities, calcium concentrations, and endogenous phytohormone profiles. These findings provide valuable insights for studying peelability mechanisms and improving fruit quality in citrus breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques for Citrus Cultivation)

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26 pages, 7576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnobotany, Cytotoxicity and Color Stability of Karen Natural Colorants

by Sukhumaabhorn Kaewsangsai, Prateep Panyadee, Aussara Panya, Hataichanok Pandith, Prasit Wangpakapattanawong, Henrik Balslev and Angkhana Inta

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091348 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Historically, natural pigments have been used to color textiles, food, and cosmetics, but the rise of synthetic dyes in the 19th century reduced their use. Recently, interest in plant-based pigments has surged due to health and environmental concerns. Among Thailand’s ethnic groups, the [...] Read more.

Historically, natural pigments have been used to color textiles, food, and cosmetics, but the rise of synthetic dyes in the 19th century reduced their use. Recently, interest in plant-based pigments has surged due to health and environmental concerns. Among Thailand’s ethnic groups, the Karen use plant colorants extensively, but their practices remain understudied. In this study, we document the knowledge of plant colorants of the Karen community in Chiang Mai province, assess the color stability of the plant colorants, and evaluate their cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Interviews with 113 informants revealed 52 plant species used for dyeing, primarily through hot water extraction. The most common color was brown, and Strobilanthes cusia had the highest color use value (0.93). The study identified 10 color shades, with blue showing the highest consensus. Color stability was tested at room and elevated temperatures, which showed that colorants from Oroxylum indicum were the most stable, and those of Strobilanthes cusia had the lowest toxicity (CC₅₀ = 994.1 µg/mL), while Artocarpus lacucha had the highest toxicity (CC₅₀ = 63.96 µg/mL). Oroxylum indicum, which has excellent color stability and moderate cytotoxicity (CC₅₀ = 294.4 µg/mL), is recommended as a promising natural colorant. This study provides valuable insights into preserving traditional knowledge in Karen communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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14 pages, 650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Douglas Fir’s Provenances in Romania Through Multi-Trait Selection

by Emanuel Stoica, Alin Madalin Alexandru, Georgeta Mihai, Virgil Scarlatescu and Alexandru Lucian Curtu

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091347 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is a valuable timber species native to western North America that was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The objective of this study was to select the most valuable and stable Douglas fir provenances in [...] Read more.

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is a valuable timber species native to western North America that was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The objective of this study was to select the most valuable and stable Douglas fir provenances in Romania by combining growth and quality traits, using two indices recently used in forest tree species: the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI). The study was conducted across three common garden experiments in Romania, established in 1977, evaluating 61 provenances from the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Romania. The analyzed traits were diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), and pruned height (PH). Significant genotype–environment interactions were observed, with the Douglas fir showing superior growth performance in one of the testing sites in western Romania (Aleșd). The MGIDI and MTSI identified high-performing provenances from diverse geographic origins, including the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and Canada. Selection differentials ranged from 2.8% to 10.9% for individual traits, highlighting the potential for genetic improvement. The selected provenances represent valuable genetic resources of Douglas fir that are adapted to environmental conditions in the Carpathian region, contributing to the development of climate-adaptive breeding strategies and sustainable forest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trait–Environment Relationships in Plants: Acclimation and Adaptation)

21 pages, 4223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Growth Performance of Nile and Red Tilapia and Its Influence on Morphological Growth and Yield of Intercropped Wheat and Sugar Beet Under a Biosaline Integrated Aquaculture–Agriculture System

by Khaled Madkour, Fahad Kimera, Muziri Mugwanya, Rafat A. Eissa, Sameh Nasr-Eldahan, Kholoud Aref, Walaa Ahmed, Eman Farouk, Mahmoud A. O. Dawood, Yasmine Abdelmaksoud, Mohamed F. Abdelkader and Hani Sewilam

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091346 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems (IAASs) offer a sustainable approach to mitigating soil salinity by utilizing aquaculture effluents for irrigation. This study evaluates the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) under varying salinity conditions and investigates [...] Read more.

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems (IAASs) offer a sustainable approach to mitigating soil salinity by utilizing aquaculture effluents for irrigation. This study evaluates the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) under varying salinity conditions and investigates their effluents on intercropped wheat and sugar beet. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with seven treatments: control (chemical fertilizers dissolved in freshwater) and brackish water effluents from Nile tilapia and red tilapia at salinities of 5 ppt and 10 ppt as monocultures or mixed polycultures. Fish growth parameters were assessed, while wheat and sugar beet morphological and yield traits were monitored. Statistical analyses, including correlation and principal component analysis, were performed. Red tilapia outperformed Nile tilapia at 10 ppt salinity, achieving the highest final weight (174.52 ± 0.01 g/fish) and weight gain (165.78 ± 0.01 g/fish), while the mixed polyculture at 10 ppt exhibited optimal feed conversion (FCR: 1.32 ± 0.01). Wheat growth and yield traits (plant height, stalk diameter, and panicle weight) declined significantly under salinity stress, with 10 ppt treatments reducing plant height by ~57% compared to the control. Conversely, sugar beet demonstrated resilience, with total soluble solids (TSS) increasing by 20–30% under salinity. The mixed effluent partially mitigated salinity effects on wheat at 5 ppt but not at 10 ppt. This study highlights the potential of IAAS in saline environments, demonstrating red tilapia’s adaptability and sugar beet’s resilience to salinity stress. In contrast, wheat suffered significant reductions in growth and yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fertilizer and Abiotic Stress)

13 pages, 2136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Re-Expression of the Lorenz Asymmetry Coefficient on the Rotated and Right-Shifted Lorenz Curve of Leaf Area Distributions

by Yongxia Chen, Feixue Jiang, Christian Frølund Damgaard, Peijian Shi and Jacob Weiner

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091345 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

The Gini coefficient, while widely used to quantify inequality in biological size distributions, lacks the capacity to resolve directional asymmetry inherent in Lorenz curves, a critical limitation for understanding skewed resource allocation strategies. To address this, we extend our prior geometric framework of [...] Read more.

The Gini coefficient, while widely used to quantify inequality in biological size distributions, lacks the capacity to resolve directional asymmetry inherent in Lorenz curves, a critical limitation for understanding skewed resource allocation strategies. To address this, we extend our prior geometric framework of the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve (RRLC) by introducing two original asymmetry metrics: the positional shift ratio (P_L, defined as

x_{c} / \sqrt{2}

, where

x_{c}

is the x-coordinate of the RRLC’s maximum value point) and the area ratio (P_A, defined as A_L/(A_L + A_R), where A_L and A_R denote the areas under the left and right segments of the RRLC). These indices uniquely dissect contributions of dominant versus small individuals to overall inequality, with P_L reflecting the peak position of the RRLC and P_A quantifying the area dominance of its left segment. Theoretically, P_L directly links to the classical Lorenz asymmetry coefficient S (defined as

S = x_{c}^{'} + y_{c}^{'}

, where

(x_{c}^{'}, y_{c}^{'})

is the tangent point on the original Lorenz curve with a 45° slope) through S = 2 − 2P_L, bridging geometric transformation and parametric asymmetry analysis. Applied to 480 Shibataea chinensis Nakai shoots, our analysis revealed that over 99% exhibited pronounced left-skewed distributions, where abundant large leaves drove the majority of leaf area inequality, challenging assumptions of symmetry in plant canopy resource allocation. The framework’s robustness was further validated by the strong correlation between P_A and P_L. By transforming abstract Lorenz curves into interpretable bell-shaped performance curves, this work provides a novel toolkit for analyzing asymmetric size distributions in ecology. The proposed metrics can be applied to refine light-use models, monitor phenotypic plasticity under environmental stress, and scale trait variations across biological hierarchies, thereby advancing both theoretical and applied research in plant ecology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Modeling)

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20 pages, 5864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photosynthetic Responses of Pontederia cordata to Cadmium Stress: Anatomical Structure, Ultrastructure, Physiology, and Gene Expression

by Yan Li, Wei Zhou, Hanwen Xiao, Jianpan Xin, Chu Zhao and Runan Tian

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091344 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Pontederia cordata, a horticulturally valuable ornamental plant, exhibits cadmium (Cd) tolerance, but its photosynthetic response to Cd stress has not been fully elucidated. Here, we employed hydroponics to investigate the effects of varying Cd concentrations on the leaf morphology, anatomy, photosynthetic physiology, [...] Read more.

Pontederia cordata, a horticulturally valuable ornamental plant, exhibits cadmium (Cd) tolerance, but its photosynthetic response to Cd stress has not been fully elucidated. Here, we employed hydroponics to investigate the effects of varying Cd concentrations on the leaf morphology, anatomy, photosynthetic physiology, and carbon metabolism enzymes in P. cordata. At 0.1 mM Cd, the plants grew well and showed no toxicity, with a normal chloroplast ultrastructure and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Higher Cd concentrations (0.2–0.4 mM) disrupted chloroplasts, reduced chlorophyll content, and suppressed photosynthetic enzyme expression, thereby impairing light energy conversion efficiency and photosynthetic performance. In response, P. cordata adapted by maintaining the thickness of the palisade tissue, increasing the ratio of palisade tissue thickness to spongy tissue thickness, stabilizing carotenoid levels, enhancing non-photochemical quenching processes, and increasing the content of key photosynthetic enzymes and soluble sugars. These findings advance the theoretical understanding of photosynthetic adaptation mechanisms to heavy metal stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

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22 pages, 5954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Litsea cubeba Essential Oil Against Salmonella typhimurium

by Cuncai Wang, Xiying Chen, Mingjie Liu, Xiaoquan Tang, Youzhi Li, Yuming Zhan and Zhihui Hao

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091343 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) has been reported as an antibacterial agent, but its effects against Salmonella typhimurium (S.Tm) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The antibacterial efficacy of LCEO was assessed utilizing both microdilution and growth curve methodologies, and its chemical composition [...] Read more.

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) has been reported as an antibacterial agent, but its effects against Salmonella typhimurium (S.Tm) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The antibacterial efficacy of LCEO was assessed utilizing both microdilution and growth curve methodologies, and its chemical composition was thoroughly analyzed. Morphological alterations in the cells were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while cellular permeability was gauged based on the variations in nucleic acid and protein contents. The impact of LCEO on ATPase activity and its anti-biofilm formation activity was assessed using colorimetric methods. The results indicated that the MIC and MBC of LCEO against S.Tm were 0.4 mg/mL and 0.8 mg/mL, respectively. SEM and PI staining revealed disrupted bacterial cell integrity. Compared to those in the control group, treatment with LCEO significantly elevated the levels of extracellular nucleic acids and proteins (p < 0.05). Furthermore, at the MIC, LCEO led to a 77.9% reduction in AKP content, and decreased intracellular Na⁺K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺Mg²⁺-ATPase activities by 79.9% and 54.6%, respectively. Additionally, LCEO markedly inhibited biofilm formation, enhanced surface hydrophobicity, and diminished the swimming motility of S.Tm. Overall, LCEO exhibited promising antibacterial properties, indicating its potential as an effective inhibitor against S.Tm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

19 pages, 1621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of QTLs for Resistance to Pre-Harvest Sprouting in a Panel of European Wheat Cultivars

by Bruno Rajković, Ana Lovrić, Marko Maričević, Dario Novoselović and Hrvoje Šarčević

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091342 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) of wheat poses a major challenge to global food security due to its negative impact on grain yield and quality. In the present study, we conducted the validation of previously published markers or functional markers associated with PHS resistance in [...] Read more.

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) of wheat poses a major challenge to global food security due to its negative impact on grain yield and quality. In the present study, we conducted the validation of previously published markers or functional markers associated with PHS resistance in a panel of 200 wheat cultivars adapted to Southeastern European conditions. In field experiments conducted in four environments in Croatia, the germination index (GI) was assessed, and significant genetic, environmental, and genotype–environment interactions were detected. The broad-sense heritability for GI was high (0.86), confirming the predominant role of genetic factors in determining PHS resistance. Twenty-two polymorphic SNP markers were analyzed for their effects on GI, of which nine markers from chromosomes 3A, 3B, 4A, 5A, and 7B showed significant genotypic effects across environments, especially TaMKK3-A and wsnp_Ex_rep_c66324_64493429. In addition, nine marker combinations were identified, which showed significant differences in GI between allele combinations. Overall, this study elucidates the genetic basis of PHS resistance in wheat cultivars adapted to the agro-climatic conditions of Southeast Europe and provides insights for marker-assisted breeding strategies to improve PHS resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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23 pages, 27683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Potential of Cymbopogon citratus L. Essential Oil: In Vitro and In Silico Insights into Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cytotoxicity in Cancer Cells

by Tamara Maksimović, Daliana Minda, Codruța Șoica, Alexandra Mioc, Marius Mioc, Daiana Colibășanu, Alexandra Teodora Lukinich-Gruia, Maria-Alexandra Pricop, Calin Jianu and Armand Gogulescu

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091341 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study aims to assess the potential anticancer activity of lemongrass essential oil (LEO) using in vitro and in silico methods. The steam hydrodistillation of the aerial parts yielded 3.2% (wt) LEO. The GC-MS analysis of the LEO revealed the presence of α-citral [...] Read more.

This study aims to assess the potential anticancer activity of lemongrass essential oil (LEO) using in vitro and in silico methods. The steam hydrodistillation of the aerial parts yielded 3.2% (wt) LEO. The GC-MS analysis of the LEO revealed the presence of α-citral (37.44%), β-citral (36.06%), linalool acetate (9.82%), and d-limonene (7.05%) as major components, accompanied by several other minor compounds. The antioxidant activity, assessed using the DPPH assay, revealed that LEO exhibits an IC₅₀ value of 92.30 μg/mL. The cytotoxic effect of LEO, as well as LEO solubilized with Tween-20 (LEO-Tw) and PEG-400 (LEO-PEG), against a series of cancer cell lines (A375, RPMI-7951, MCF-7, and HT-29) was assessed using the Alamar Blue assay; the results revealed a high cytotoxic effect against all cell lines used in this study. Moreover, neither one of the tested concentrations of LEO, LEO-PG, or LEO-TW significantly affected the viability of healthy HaCaT cells, thus showing promising selectivity characteristics. Furthermore, LEO, LEO-PG, and LEO-TW increased ROS production and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in all cancer cell lines. Moreover, LEO treatment decreased all mitochondrial respiratory rates, thus suggesting its ability to induce impairment of mitochondrial function. Molecular docking studies revealed that LEO anticancer activity, among other mechanisms, could be attributed to PDK1 and PI3Kα, where the major contributors are among the minor components of the essential oil. The highest active theoretical inhibitor against both proteins was β-caryophyllene oxide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Bioactive Substances Identification, Extraction, and Application)

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18 pages, 4754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome and Small-RNA Sequencing Reveals the Response Mechanism of Brassica napus to Waterlogging Stress

by Xianshuai Song, Lan Ge, Kaifeng Wang, Nian Wang and Xinfa Wang

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091340 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is highly susceptible to waterlogging during the seedling stage; however, most of the studies on its gene expression under waterlogging stress have focused on transcriptional regulation, with little work conducted on post-transcriptional regulation to date. To elucidate this [...] Read more.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is highly susceptible to waterlogging during the seedling stage; however, most of the studies on its gene expression under waterlogging stress have focused on transcriptional regulation, with little work conducted on post-transcriptional regulation to date. To elucidate this regulatory network, comparative transcriptome and miRNA analyses in the leaves and roots of rapeseed Zhongshuang11 (ZS11) were performed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified by comparing the normal planting condition (the control group, CKT) with waterlogging treatment (WLT). DEGs identified in leaves and roots were enriched in different metabolic pathways, indicating their distinct mechanisms in response to waterlogging stress. In total, 68 and 82 DEmiRNAs were identified in leaves and roots, respectively, predicted to target 543 and 2122 DEGs in each tissue. Among these, 12 and 9 transcription factors (TFs) were exclusively targeted by DEmiRNAs in leaves and roots, respectively. Notably, six upregulated TFs in leaves were associated with the ethylene response and were predicted targets of bna-miR172 family members, and four TFs in roots participated in the ethylene response pathway. Furthermore, bna-miR169, along with novel-miR-23108 and novel-miR-42624 family members, played crucial roles in waterlogging response of rapeseed. Combining with the determination results of ethylene and jasmonic acid content, a preliminary model of miRNA-mediated gene expression regulation in rapeseed response to waterlogging stress was developed. These findings advance our understanding of transcriptional regulation under waterlogging and lay a theoretical foundation for improving rapeseed waterlogging tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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21 pages, 21121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Fresh Leaf Elements on Flavor Components and Aroma Quality in Ancient Dancong Tea Gardens Across Varying Altitudes

by Xinyuan Lin, Wei Huang, Zihao Qiu, Jiyuan Yao, Hongbo Zhao, Waqar Khan, Binmei Sun, Shaoqun Liu and Peng Zheng

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091339 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

China′s ancient tea gardens boast a rich resource, and their unique environmental conditions cause their quality differences. In this study, flavor components and aroma compounds of fresh leaves from four Dancong ancient tea gardens (Zimao (ZMF), Baixiang (BX), Xialiao (HSK), and Da′an (DAF)) [...] Read more.

China′s ancient tea gardens boast a rich resource, and their unique environmental conditions cause their quality differences. In this study, flavor components and aroma compounds of fresh leaves from four Dancong ancient tea gardens (Zimao (ZMF), Baixiang (BX), Xialiao (HSK), and Da′an (DAF)) at different altitudes were determined by HPLC and GC–MS and then correlated with elemental contents. The results showed that low-altitude tea gardens ZMF had a higher caffeine content (5.21%) and astringency index (0.82) compared to other high-altitude tea gardens, which led to a more bitter taste and astringent sensation. Fresh leaves from ZMF had a higher content of linalool (151.31 μg/kg) and geraniol (61.09 μg/kg) than those of other tea gardens. Correlation analysis showed that the bitter and astringent indexes had a strong correlation with element N content (correlation coefficient: 0.74, 0.48); volatile compounds had significant positive or negative correlations with various elemental contents, among which the correlation coefficient between element Al content and linalool content of fresh leaves was −0.83 (p < 0.001). The fresh leaves of ZMF tea gardens had a higher N content and lower Al, Si, and Hf content, which may cause more bitterness astringency and differences in volatile compounds in their teas than those of higher altitude tea gardens. The results of the study further provide guidance for the scientific management of Dancong ancient tea gardens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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15 pages, 2554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Major Gene with Polygene Inheritance Analysis of Prostrate Growth Habit in Hybrids of Chrysanthemum yantaiense × C. indicum

by Dawei Li, Yuxian Xu, Yuchao Tang, Tongjun Zhou, Hai Li, Ziyu Guo, Yilin Liang, Yuxin Wang, Yuyuan Chen and Ming Sun

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091338 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Plant architecture is a crucial trait for ornamental plants. Chrysanthemum with prostrate growth habit is a novel cultivar group of ground-cover chrysanthemum, which have high ornamental value, strong lodging resistance, and outstanding landscape greening capability. To explore the genetic mechanism underlying the prostrate [...] Read more.

Plant architecture is a crucial trait for ornamental plants. Chrysanthemum with prostrate growth habit is a novel cultivar group of ground-cover chrysanthemum, which have high ornamental value, strong lodging resistance, and outstanding landscape greening capability. To explore the genetic mechanism underlying the prostrate growth habit in chrysanthemum, we used tetraploid prostrate-type Chrysanthemum yantaiense as the female parent and erect-type Chrysanthemum indicum as the male parent to produce four generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂). Five traits related to prostrate growth habit in chrysanthemum were investigated including plant height (PH), crown width of the plant (CP), creeping index (CI), gravitropic set-point angle (GSA), and growth habit (GH). The major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance analysis was conducted on five traits across four generations over two years. For the five traits, the coefficients of variation (CVs) were wide-ranging and high (16.64–42.75%), with the PH having the highest CV among them. Genetic analysis revealed that PH conformed to the additive-dominant-epistatic polygene model (C-0) and the model of two equally dominant major genes plus additive-dominant polygene (E-5). The most suitable genetic model for CI was an additive-dominant major gene plus additive-dominant-epistatic polygene model (D-0). The best-fit models for CP and GH were both C-0. For GSA, the best-fit models were E-4 and C-0. Additionally, it appeared that both genetic and environmental factors influenced the prostrate growth habit, as the heritability of major genes and polygenes was less than 50%. This study can serve as a theoretical foundation for the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and further exploration of the genetic mechanisms underlying plant architecture in chrysanthemum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flower Germplasm Resources and Genetic Breeding, 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 13767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Record of Flower Bud Galls in Senega (Fabales: Polygalaceae): The Case of S. salasiana and Their Effect on Plant Reproduction

by Agustina Martinez, Nicolás Kuzmanich and Alejandro Farji-Brener

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091337 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

We report the first case of flower bud galls in a species of the mainly American genus Senega (Polygalaceae), specifically in the South Andean Patagonian plant species S. salasiana. The galls were found to be induced by gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) and [...] Read more.

We report the first case of flower bud galls in a species of the mainly American genus Senega (Polygalaceae), specifically in the South Andean Patagonian plant species S. salasiana. The galls were found to be induced by gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) and mites (Acari). We also assessed their impact on plant reproduction by measuring the relationship between inflorescence density (number of inflorescences/plant cover) and gall abundance in two populations next to San Carlos de Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina. Plant reproduction was negatively related to the number of galled inflorescences, suggesting that high levels of gall abundance strongly reduced plant reproductive success. Our study illustrates a novel case of flower galls in the genus Senega and highlights the negative impact of this type of herbivory on plant fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Animal Interactions: Highlighting Effects of Plant Anatomy, Natural History, and Environmental Changes)

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11 pages, 33530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges in Typification Within Taxonomically Complex Groups: The Case of the Linnaean Name Centaurea phrygia (Asteraceae)

by Gianmarco Tavilla, Manuel B. Crespo and Pedro Pablo Ferrer-Gallego

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091336 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

The Linnaean names have undergone significant changes over time, mainly in taxonomically complex aggregates where hybridisation or genetic introgression are frequent. A notable example is the name Centaurea phrygia, which Linnaeus applied in 1753 in a broad sense, including several taxa that [...] Read more.

The Linnaean names have undergone significant changes over time, mainly in taxonomically complex aggregates where hybridisation or genetic introgression are frequent. A notable example is the name Centaurea phrygia, which Linnaeus applied in 1753 in a broad sense, including several taxa that are now recognised as distinct at the specific or subspecific rank. In this context, the typification of the Linnaean name C. phrygia is discussed. The original elements in the protologue, comprising five specimens and one illustration, are critically analysed. The five specimens are excluded for selection as lectotype because they do not correspond to the current concept, use and circumscription of the name C. phrygia subsp. phrygia. The name is lectotypified using an illustration published by Clusius in his “Rariorum plantarum historia”. However, the selected lectotype is demonstrably ambiguous, and the name may not be applied to a single currently recognised taxon with certainty. For that reason, C. phrygia may be a clear example for a proposal to conserve the name with a conserved type. However, because the illustration cited by Linnaeus in 1753, and here selected as lectotype, is part of the protologue and therefore cannot be in serious conflict with it or be superseded, we propose a solution to conclusively fix the case of that Linnaean name. Accordingly, we propose an epitype from an element that unambigously represents the current concept and use of the name C. phrygia subsp. phrygia. The epitype selected is a modern and well-preserved specimen kept at PRC (with barcode PRC452350) and with several duplicates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy and Nomenclature of Euro + Mediterranean Vascular Plants)

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17 pages, 1997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenomic Inference Suggests Differential Deep Time Phylogenetic Signals from Nuclear and Organellar Genomes in Gymnosperms

by Yu-En Lin, Chung-Shien Wu, Yu-Wei Wu and Shu-Miaw Chaw

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091335 - 28 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The living gymnosperms include about 1200 species in five major groups: cycads, ginkgo, gnetophytes, Pinaceae (conifers I), and cupressophytes (conifers II). Molecular phylogenetic studies have yet to reach a unanimously agreed-upon relationship among them. Moreover, cytonuclear phylogenetic incongruence has been repeatedly observed in [...] Read more.

The living gymnosperms include about 1200 species in five major groups: cycads, ginkgo, gnetophytes, Pinaceae (conifers I), and cupressophytes (conifers II). Molecular phylogenetic studies have yet to reach a unanimously agreed-upon relationship among them. Moreover, cytonuclear phylogenetic incongruence has been repeatedly observed in gymnosperms. We collated a comprehensive dataset from available genomes of 17 gymnosperms across the five major groups and added our own high-quality assembly of a species from Podocarpaceae (the second largest conifer family) to increase sampling width. We used these data to infer reconciled nuclear species phylogenies using two separate methods to ensure the robustness of our conclusions. We also reconstructed organelle phylogenomic trees from 42 mitochondrial and 82 plastid genes from 38 and 289 gymnosperm species across the five major groups, respectively. Our nuclear phylogeny consistently recovers the Ginkgo–cycads clade as the first lineage split from other gymnosperm clades and the Pinaceae as sister to gnetophytes (the Gnepines hypothesis). In contrast, the mitochondrial tree places cycads as the earliest lineage in gymnosperms and gnetophytes as sister to cupressophytes (the Gnecup hypothesis) while the plastomic tree supports the Ginkgo–cycads clade and gnetophytes as the sister to cupressophytes. We also examined the effect of mitochondrial RNA editing sites on the gymnosperm phylogeny by manipulating the nucleotide and amino acid sequences at these sites. Only complete removal of editing sites has an effect on phylogenetic inference, leading to a closer congruence between mitogenomic and nuclear phylogenies. This suggests that RNA editing sites carry a phylogenetic signal with distinct evolutionary traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Distribution of Vascular Plants)

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15 pages, 2229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Light Intensity and Light Spectrum of LED Light Sources on Photosynthesis and Secondary Metabolite Synthesis in Ocimum basilicum

by Luca Jokic, Isabell Pappert, Tran Quoc Khanh and Ralf Kaldenhoff

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091334 - 28 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Basil is best known as an aromatic and medicinal herb due to its rich profile of bioactive compounds. While secondary metabolite production, coupled with growth, has been well studied, photosynthesis has often been overlooked in this regard. In this study, we investigate the [...] Read more.

Basil is best known as an aromatic and medicinal herb due to its rich profile of bioactive compounds. While secondary metabolite production, coupled with growth, has been well studied, photosynthesis has often been overlooked in this regard. In this study, we investigate the effect of light intensities of blue, green, red, and white light of semiconductor LEDs up to 10000 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ on photosynthetic efficiency and primary and secondary metabolism. Chlorophyll fluorescence data indicate that the conversion of light into chemical energy is the same under green, red, and white light, and 35% increased under blue light. Primary metabolism, represented by assimilation rate, shows that blue light has the lowest assimilation, whereas red and (surprisingly) green light have the highest. Light saturation is reached at 1500 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, while assimilation under green light is maintained up to 5000 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The earliest photoinhibition occurred under blue light in comparison to the other light wavelength under investigation. Blue light also enhances the production of phenolic and flavonoid concentrations up to 40% or 100%, respectively. These results show that photosynthesis, photoinhibition, and secondary metabolite production are wavelength-dependent and indicate how energy fluxes between these processes are related. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)

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14 pages, 1940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytophthora inundata: A New Root Pathogen of Citrus in Europe and the Mediterranean Region

by Cristian Bua, Maria Catena Tambè, Sebastiano Conti Taguali, Mario Riolo, Alessandro Vitale, Antonella Pane and Santa Olga Cacciola

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091333 - 28 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Citruses are one of the major fruit crops globally. Among Mediterranean citrus producers, Sicily (southern Italy) is renowned for its high-quality fresh fruit production. Phytophthora diseases are a serious issue for citrus production worldwide and Phytophthora nicotianae is a prevalent causal agent of [...] Read more.

Citruses are one of the major fruit crops globally. Among Mediterranean citrus producers, Sicily (southern Italy) is renowned for its high-quality fresh fruit production. Phytophthora diseases are a serious issue for citrus production worldwide and Phytophthora nicotianae is a prevalent causal agent of root rot in most citrus growing areas globally and particularly in the Mediterranean region. This study reports the occurrence of Phytophthora inundata as a root pathogen of declining mature citrus trees in eastern Sicily in association with P. nicotianae. This is the first record of P. inundata on citrus in Europe and the Mediterranean region. The species was identified on the basis of a morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis, which included the internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. Pathogenicity tests on citrus saplings showed P. inundata was a less aggressive pathogen than P. nicotianae. However, the co-inoculation of both species produced more severe symptoms than inoculation with a single species, indicating an additive effect of these two pathogens and suggesting that opportunistic secondary pathogens like P. inundata may have a crucial role in complex diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Plant Disease Diagnostics and Surveillance in Plant Protection)

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20 pages, 4118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Peach Leaf Extract (Prunus persica L.) Mitigates Metabolic Syndrome and Oxidative Stress in High-Fructose Diet Rats

by Djihane Bali, Zoubida Mami-Soualem, Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou, Nassima Benzazoua, Chahrazed Belarbi, Youssouf Kachekouche, Waleed Aldahmash, Md Ataur Rahman and Abdel Halim Harrath

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091332 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 67

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of peach leaf extract (Prunus persica L.) against metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress in Wistar rats subjected to a high-fructose diet. The Wistar rats were divided into groups and fed a high-fructose diet, with [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of peach leaf extract (Prunus persica L.) against metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress in Wistar rats subjected to a high-fructose diet. The Wistar rats were divided into groups and fed a high-fructose diet, with or without supplementation of peach leaf extract. The extract was characterized by its bioactive compounds, including an organic acid yield of 53.8%, total phenolic content (TPC) of 273.36 ± 1.929 mg GAE/g DW, flavonoid content (TFC) at 149.02 ± 57.47 mg QE/g DW, condensed tannins (TCT) at 2.34 ± 0.171 mg CE/g DW, and flavonols at 81.67 ± 0.497 mg DE/g DW. In vitro tests showed significant antioxidant potential, with a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 44.11 ± 6.328 mg AAE/g DW, DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 4.89 mg/mL), and reducing power assay (FRAP, IC₅₀ = 0.525 mg/mL). The results indicated that the extract significantly reduced body weight gain, plasma insulin levels (0.30 ± 0.00 U(IU)/mL), glycemia (0.955 ± 0.068 g/L), total cholesterol (0.555 ± 0.177 g/L), and triglycerides (0.720 ± 0.141 g/L). Regarding oxidative stress markers, the extract decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA, 4567 ± 121 μmol/L), hydroperoxides (1304 ± 288 μmol/L), and carbonylated proteins (0.029 ± 0.020 μmol/L), while increasing levels of vitamin C (25.84 ± 3.00 mg AAE/L), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC, 6.043 ± 0.345 UA), and catalase activity (0.0052 ± 0.00008 μL/mL). These findings suggest that P. persica L. may alleviate impairments related to metabolic syndrome by improving metabolic profiles and reducing oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fructose diet, making it a potential dietary supplement for managing metabolic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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12 pages, 2741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of In Vitro Heavy Metal Tolerance in Tocoyena brasiliensis Mart. (Rubiaceae)

by Allex Sandro Durão Martins, Thais Huarancca Reyes, Lorenzo Guglielminetti and Cláudia Roberta Damiani

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091331 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 151

Abstract

Zinc (Zn: 0–400 mg L⁻¹ zinc acetate), lead (Pb: 0–400 mg L⁻¹ lead acetate), and cadmium (Cd: 0–8 mg L⁻¹ cadmium chloride) tolerance in stem explants of Tocoyena brasiliensis Mart. from seeds collected in the Brazilian Cerrado were studied under [...] Read more.

Zinc (Zn: 0–400 mg L⁻¹ zinc acetate), lead (Pb: 0–400 mg L⁻¹ lead acetate), and cadmium (Cd: 0–8 mg L⁻¹ cadmium chloride) tolerance in stem explants of Tocoyena brasiliensis Mart. from seeds collected in the Brazilian Cerrado were studied under controlled conditions. The explants showed a regular growth activity in a metal-free medium. All metals did not affect explant survival, except for 400 mg L⁻¹ Zn, which resulted in lethality. Shoot number was not affected by metal treatment, while shoot length and leaf number varied depending on the metal. Cd induced a gradual reduction in leaf number without affecting shoot length. Pb gradually reduced the shoot length at concentrations beyond 200 mg L⁻¹, while no effects were found in Zn concentrations from 0 to 200 mg L⁻¹. Pb and Zn induced leaf production at 50 mg L⁻¹, while a gradual reduction was observed with increasing concentration. Callus formation was not affected by Cd, while increasing Zn and Pb concentrations reduced this cell division and organization with Zn, showing drastic effects. Altogether, T. brasiliensis explants demonstrated high tolerance to Cd and Pb. However, further studies are needed to explore the phytoextraction capacity of this species at in vitro and planta levels. Full article

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17 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Study on the Qualitative and Quantitative Changes of Amino Acids in Whole Apple, Apple Peel, and Flesh Samples Grown in Lithuania

by Aurita Bračiulienė, Vaidotas Žvikas, Mindaugas Liaudanskas and Valdimaras Janulis

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091330 - 28 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Amino acids are vital gradient compounds involved in protein synthesis and the regulation of physiological functions. Ten essential amino acids cannot be produced endogenously and must be obtained through dietary sources of animal or plant origin. Apples are among the most widely consumed [...] Read more.

Amino acids are vital gradient compounds involved in protein synthesis and the regulation of physiological functions. Ten essential amino acids cannot be produced endogenously and must be obtained through dietary sources of animal or plant origin. Apples are among the most widely consumed fruits globally and contain not only vital nutrients such as carbohydrates, fatty acids, organic acids, and amino acids but also a rich variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic and triterpenic acids. Due to their diverse range of health-promoting compounds, apples could serve as a potential plant-based source of amino acids. Scientific literature provides fragmented data describing the qualitative and quantitative variation of amino acid composition in apples and their different parts. The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in the qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids in whole apples, as well as in their peel and flesh samples, grown under Lithuanian climatic conditions. This study investigated 10 different apple cultivars, grown in Lithuania. A total of 15 free amino acids were identified using the UHPLC–MS/MS methodology, including 7 essential and 8 nonessential amino acids. In the apple sample, the predominant amino acid was aspartic acid (Asp). The highest content of Asp was found in apple flesh (742.73 ± 37.14 μg/g dw, p < 0.05), followed by whole apple (705.32 ± 35.27 μg/g dw, p < 0.05), and apple peel (370.78 ± 18.54 μg/g dw, p < 0.05) samples of the ‘Lodel’ cultivar. The distribution of total amino acid content (TAAC) in different apple parts is presented in descending order: apple flesh > whole apple > apple peel. The Lithuanian apple cultivars—‘Alva’ (547.26 ± 27.36 μg/g dw–998.13 ± 49.91 μg/g dw), ‘Lodel’ (561.85 ± 28.09 μg/g dw–954.24 ± 47.62 μg/g dw), and ‘Rubin’ (132.92 ± 6.65 μg/g dw–835.08 ± 41.75 μg/g dw)—were identified as those that accumulated the highest TAAC in their fruit samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Qualitative and Quantitative Changes in Plant Metabolite Contents—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 3163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Traits and Water–Nutrient Utilization Efficiency of Hippophae rhamnoides Fine Roots Under Different Stubble Heights in Arsenic Sandstone Area, Inner Mongolia

by Yajie Xu, Yuefeng Guo, Yongjie Yue, Longfei Hao, Wei Qi, Runhong Gao and Xiaoyu Dong

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091329 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 120

Abstract

Hippophae rhamnoides (family Elaeagnaceae) is a deciduous shrub that has become a uniquely advantageous species in the arsenic sandstone area of Inner Mongolia due to its well-developed root system and strong tillering ability. This study, by taking 10-year-old H. rhamnoides in the arsenic [...] Read more.

Hippophae rhamnoides (family Elaeagnaceae) is a deciduous shrub that has become a uniquely advantageous species in the arsenic sandstone area of Inner Mongolia due to its well-developed root system and strong tillering ability. This study, by taking 10-year-old H. rhamnoides in the arsenic sandstone area as the research object and analyzing the morphological traits of their fine roots and their coordination within soil under different stubble heights (0, 10, 15, and 20 cm) and non-stubble treatment, aims to select the optimal stubble height that is most conducive to the rejuvenation of H. rhamnoides and thus improve the decline in the productivity of H. rhamnoides in this region. The results reveal significant differences in fine root and soil properties under different stubble heights (p < 0.05). Among different traits, fine root area density shows the highest total coefficient of variation, making it the most sensitive trait. Principal component analysis results indicate that after stubble treatment, the traits of H. rhamnoides fine roots center on high specific surface area (0.316) + high specific root length (0.312), shifting toward a resource-acquisition ecological strategy with the best foraging efficiency observed under a stubble height of 15 cm. Soil N:P and C:P can explain 66% and 61% of the root morphological traits strategies deployed during stubble treatment, respectively. Fine roots exhibit high adaptability to the breaking of phosphorus limitation and fixation of carbon and nitrogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Development and Morphogenesis)

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18 pages, 2012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Volcanic Slag on Cucumber Yield, Quality, and Rhizosphere Soil Environment

by Qi Chen, Xiaohong Li, Wanwu Zhang, Dongxu Xue, Qiyuan Sun, Hangtao Xing, Wei Wang and Chunyan Wu

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091328 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 115

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of adding volcanic slag to soil on the growth, yield, and quality of cucumbers. It also analyzed the changes in the physicochemical properties of the rhizosphere soil, as well as the diversity and structural changes of [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the effect of adding volcanic slag to soil on the growth, yield, and quality of cucumbers. It also analyzed the changes in the physicochemical properties of the rhizosphere soil, as well as the diversity and structural changes of the bacterial community present in the soil of the cucumber plants. This study used conventional fertilization and cultivation techniques and set up five treatments: HS500, HS1000, HS1500, and HS2000 (representing 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 kg/ha of volcanic slag added per 667 sq.m in the cultivation trough, respectively), and control (CK; representing 0 kg of added volcanic slag). The Illumina MiSeq System was used to analyze the soil microbial community. The findings revealed that the HS1000 treatment had the most significant promoting effect on increasing cucumber yield, whereas the HS2000 treatment exhibited no significant change compared with the CK treatment. The HS500, HS1000, and HS1500 treatments increased the yield by 12.89%, 24.28%, and 19.56%, respectively, compared with the CK treatment. The HS1000 treatment increased the soluble sugar, vitamin C, and soluble solid contents by 12.39%, 17.57%, and 24.33%, respectively, compared with the CK treatment. The organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), available potassium (AK), and available phosphorus (AP) contents in the rhizosphere soil of cucumber plants were the highest under the HS1000 treatment. The alpha diversity analysis revealed that the Chao1, Shannon, and ACE indexes reached the highest under the HS1000 treatment, which were significantly higher than the CK treatment. In contrast, the Simpson index and coverage had no significant changes between treatments. The dominant phyla in each treatment were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria, among others. The redundancy analysis of soil physicochemical properties and 15 bacterial genera of interest revealed that the available phosphorus, available potassium, and NH4+-N contents were the primary factors influencing the bacterial community in cucumber rhizosphere soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)

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17 pages, 1074 KiB

Open AccessReview

Expansins in Salt and Drought Stress Adaptation: From Genome-Wide Identification to Functional Characterisation in Crops

by Siarhei A. Dabravolski and Stanislav V. Isayenkov

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091327 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 185

Abstract

Expansins are cell wall-modifying proteins that play a pivotal role in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation to abiotic stress. This manuscript explores the functions of expansins in salt and drought stress responses across multiple plant species, highlighting their involvement in cell wall [...] Read more.

Expansins are cell wall-modifying proteins that play a pivotal role in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation to abiotic stress. This manuscript explores the functions of expansins in salt and drought stress responses across multiple plant species, highlighting their involvement in cell wall loosening, transcriptional regulation, ion and osmotic homeostasis, and phytohormone signalling. Genome-wide identification and expression analyses revealed differential regulation of expansin genes under abiotic stress conditions. In Nicotiana tabacum, overexpression of NtEXPA4 and NtEXPA11 promoted root elongation and ion homeostasis, improving salt and drought tolerance. Similarly, Brassica rapa BrEXLB1 was found to modulate root architecture and phytohormone-mediated stress responses. In Oryza sativa, OsEXPA7 was linked to cation exchange and auxin signalling under salt stress conditions. Conversely, in Populus trichocarpa, PtEXPA6 exhibited a negative regulatory role in salt stress tolerance, highlighting species-specific differences in expansin function. Expansins also contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, as observed in transgenic plants with increased activities of SOD, POD, APX, and CAT, which reduced oxidative damage under stress. Additionally, enhanced accumulation of soluble sugars and proline in expansin-overexpressing plants suggests their involvement in osmotic adjustment mechanisms. The interplay between expansins and ABA, auxins, and ethylene further underscores their role in integrating mechanical and hormonal stress responses. Despite substantial progress, limitations remain in understanding the broader regulatory networks influenced by expansins. Future research should focus on elucidating their downstream molecular targets, transcriptional interactions, and functional diversity across different plant species. Expansins represent promising candidates for improving crop resilience to environmental stress, making them valuable targets for future breeding and biotechnological approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)

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18 pages, 2706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Yield Sensitivity of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Genotypes to Different Agrivoltaic Environments in Tropical Nigeria

by Uchenna Noble Ukwu, Onno Muller, Matthias Meier-Gruell and Michael Ifeanyi Uguru

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091326 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 149

Abstract

Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction is a magnitude change in the performance of a genotype when grown in contrasting environments. The sensitivity of a genotype to different environmental conditions is an important determinant of its suitability for cultivation in a specific [...] Read more.

Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction is a magnitude change in the performance of a genotype when grown in contrasting environments. The sensitivity of a genotype to different environmental conditions is an important determinant of its suitability for cultivation in a specific environment or across multiple environments. In many nations of the world, where the drive to achieve a net-zero CO₂ emission by 2030 has spurred significant investments in clean energy sources such as photovoltaics with a resultant conversion of some agricultural lands to photovoltaic facilities, there is a need to find the right balance between addressing the food and energy crises. Agri-photovoltaics (APV) offer a sustainable solution by allowing crops to grow underneath photovoltaic panels. However, selection efficiency and repeatability of APV experimental results could be marred by the presence of G × E interaction. The study objective was to identify mungbean genotype(s) with a high yield potential and broad adaptability across APV environments. Five mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes, Tvr18, Tvr28, Tvr65, Tvr79, and Tvr 83, were assessed under six contrasting APV environments, EPV-R, EPV-D, NPV-R, NPV-D, WPV-R, and WPV-D, at the Agri-PV Food and Energy Training Center, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The experiment was a split-plot design, with the environment as the whole-plot factor while genotype was the sub-plot factor with five replications. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and the Finlay and Wilkinson joint regression analysis confirmed significant genotype, environment, and G × E interaction effects for mungbean seed yield. Two genotypes, Tvr28 and Tvr83 expressed broad adaptability to the APV environments with higher yields (2.60 and 2.50 t ha⁻¹), ranking first and second, respectively. In contrast, the Tvr79 genotype displayed the highest sensitivity (2.95) to environmental variation and was unstable across the environments with higher IPCA1 and ASV scores of −1.17 and 1.39, respectively. The EPV-R recorded the highest yield (2.61) with low interaction effect (0.38), whereas the WPV-D environment had the least yield (1.71) and was the most unstable (−0.48). Conclusively, the Tvr28 and Tvr83 genotypes and the EPV-R environment were the ideal genotypes and environment, respectively, and are therefore recommended for use in APV facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Breeding for Food and Nutrition Security)

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14 pages, 4596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systematic Preparation of Liposomes with Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Extract

by Yasmine Miguel Serafini Micheletto, Brenda Vieira de Jesus, Gisele Louro Peres and Vânia Zanella Pinto

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1325; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091325 - 28 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Lipid vesicles, liposomes and phytosomes have been gaining significant attention in various applications for phytochemical preservation. Furthermore, yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contains a high content of bioactive compounds with functional properties; however, its liquid extract exhibits limited stability. For the first [...] Read more.

Lipid vesicles, liposomes and phytosomes have been gaining significant attention in various applications for phytochemical preservation. Furthermore, yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contains a high content of bioactive compounds with functional properties; however, its liquid extract exhibits limited stability. For the first time, lipid vesicles containing yerba mate extract were produced and characterized. They were prepared using pure or purified phosphatidylcholine (PC) and n-hexane as a solvent via the reverse phase evaporation method. Their characterization was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, Zeta potential (PZ), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The decrease or absence of FTIR bands and UV–vis absorbance (325 nm) from the yerba mate extract suggests the successful dispersion of yerba mate extract in the liposome membrane, ensuring its encapsulation or complexation. Additionally, the size of lipid vesicles decreased from 625.1 nm to 440.5 nm (pure PC) and from 690.0 nm to 518.6 nm (purified PC) after the addition of yerba mate extract PZ values showed a slight change in all vesicles enhancing colloidal stability. This, combined with the reduction observed in DLS, suggests membrane reorganization, leading to the formation of unilamellar liposomes. Our observations indicate the possible formation of phytosomes, although additional studies are necessary to confirm this mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Value and Phytochemical Composition of Plant Foods)

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16 pages, 2744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prolonged Diuretic, Natriuretic, and Potassium- and Calcium-Sparing Effect of Hesperidin in Hypertensive Rats

by Sabrina Lucietti Dick Orengo, Rita de Cássia Vilhena da Silva, Anelise Felício Macarini, Valdir Cechinel Filho and Priscila de Souza

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091324 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 144

Abstract

Systemic hypertension is a major global health concern, significantly contributing to the risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases. Antihypertensive medications play a crucial role in lowering blood pressure, with diuretics serving as a particularly effective first-line therapy. However, the development of new [...] Read more.

Systemic hypertension is a major global health concern, significantly contributing to the risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases. Antihypertensive medications play a crucial role in lowering blood pressure, with diuretics serving as a particularly effective first-line therapy. However, the development of new compounds with diuretic properties, renal protective effects, and unique mechanisms of action remains a critical area of research for improving clinical outcomes. In this context, the present study investigated the diuretic and renal protective potential of the citrus flavonoid hesperidin in rats. Male spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats were treated with hesperidin at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg daily for seven days. Urine samples were analyzed for electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, and Ca²⁺), biochemical parameters, and crystal precipitation, while renal tissues were examined histologically. Hesperidin treatment resulted in significant diuretic and natriuretic effects, along with potassium- and calcium-sparing properties. Furthermore, a marked reduction in calcium oxalate crystal formation was observed in the hesperidin-treated group. Histological analysis indicated a protective effect on renal tissue, with structural preservation observed in hypertensive rats. Docking studies revealed that hesperetin, the active metabolite of hesperidin formed upon oral administration, exhibited a high binding affinity for the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). This hypothesis may explain its role in preventing urinary crystalluria and contributing to calcium-sparing effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Metabolites from Plants as Potential Treatments for Global Diseases)

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13 pages, 4938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Application of SSR Markers for Aquilaria sinensis on the Basis of Whole-Genome Resequencing Data

by Yu Chen, Kunlin Wu, Jieru Xu, Shenghe Zhao, Zhihua Tu, Dandan Rao, Beibei Chen, Nanbo Jiao, Jinhui Chen and Xiaona Dong

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091323 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 132

Abstract

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. is an economically important tree specie that produces agarwood, a valuable medicinal and aromatic resin, when injured. However, its large-scale cultivation has led to confusion regarding its resources and genetic backgrounds, hindering the conservation and management of A. sinensis [...] Read more.

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. is an economically important tree specie that produces agarwood, a valuable medicinal and aromatic resin, when injured. However, its large-scale cultivation has led to confusion regarding its resources and genetic backgrounds, hindering the conservation and management of A. sinensis accessions. This study systematically developed and validated simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers by using whole-genome resequencing (WGR) data from 60 A. sinensis accessions to elucidate their genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 56,657 SSR sequences (24,430 loci) were identified, which were dominated with dinucleotide repeat motifs (73.59%). After stringent quality control, 46 high-quality SSR loci were obtained, and 93 primer pairs were designed for amplification validation. Ultimately, 20 primer pairs with stable amplification and high polymorphism were selected, of which 11 exhibited high polymorphism (polymorphic information content: 0.554–0.688). These 20 primer pairs identified a total of 121 alleles, with an average of 6 alleles per locus. These primers successfully classified 149 A. sinensis accessions into three subpopulations, achieving a discrimination rate of 95.97%. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that genetic variation within the individuals accounted for 84% of the total variation. This study establishes a rapid and efficient SSR-based method by leveraging resequencing data for large-scale marker discovery in A. sinensis. It further provides a robust technical framework for the conservation and sustainable utilization of this valuable species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution of Land Plants)

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14 pages, 3073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Siparuna gesnerioides and Siparuna guianensis Essential Oils in Aedes aegypti Control: Phytoanalysis, Molecular Insights for Larvicidal Activity and Selectivity to Non-Target Organisms

by Milton L. Montaño-Campaz, Eugenio E. Oliveira, Beatriz Toro-Restrepo, Tito Bacca, Carolina Feuillet-Hurtado, Javier G. Mantilla Afanador, Renata Pereira Lopes Moreira, Luiza Alves Mendes, Raimundo Wagner S. Aguiar and Lucimar G. Dias

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091322 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 131

Abstract

Synthetic insecticides are widely used against mosquitoes, but misuse has led to environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived alternatives, such as essential oils, seem to offer a safer option, minimizing these problems without compromising efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the essential oil from [...] Read more.

Synthetic insecticides are widely used against mosquitoes, but misuse has led to environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived alternatives, such as essential oils, seem to offer a safer option, minimizing these problems without compromising efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the essential oil from Siparuna gesnerioides (Kunth) A.DC., a Neotropical plant, for its effectiveness in controlling Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) larvae, a major vector of human diseases. We first assessed the phytochemistry of the essential oil and used in silico approaches to predict potential physiological targets of its larvicidal activities. Selectivity assays were conducted with Belostoma anurum (Herrich-Schäffer), a non-target predatory water bug. The major constituents of S. gesnerioides essential oil were γ-elemene (45.8%) and germacrene D (43.8%). This essential oil effectively killed larvae from both susceptible and resistant mosquito strains (LC₅₀ = 0.070 μg/mL). However, such concentrations killed more than 80% of B. anurum nymphs. Molecular modeling suggested that the essential oil major components (γ-elemene and germacrene D) interact stably with mosquito acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), indicating a potential mechanism of action. Our results reinforce the potential of Siparuna essential oils in mosquito control. Nevertheless, the non-selective impact on mosquito predators, as seen with S. gesnerioides, highlights the need for caution in field applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Insect Control: The Potential Impact of Plant Essential Oils)

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36 pages, 1572 KiB

Open AccessReview

Combating Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): From Molecular Mechanisms to Resistant Crops

by Himanshu Yadav, Philip A. Roberts and Damar Lopez-Arredondo

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091321 - 27 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) are significant plant–parasitic nematodes that cause major yield losses worldwide. With growing awareness of the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment, there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies for controlling RKN [...] Read more.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) are significant plant–parasitic nematodes that cause major yield losses worldwide. With growing awareness of the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment, there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies for controlling RKN in agricultural fields. In recent years, implementing multiple approaches based on transcriptomics, genomics, and genome engineering, including modern platforms like CRISPR/Cas9, along with traditional genetic mapping, has led to great advances in understanding the plant–RKN interactions and the underlying molecular mechanisms of plant RKN resistance. In this literature review, we synthesize the contributions of relevant studies in this field and discuss key findings. This includes, for instance, transcriptomics studies that helped expand our understanding of plant RKN-resistance mechanisms, the overexpression of plant hormone-related genes, and the silencing of susceptibility genes that lead to plant RKN resistance. This review was conducted by searching scientific sources, including PubMed and Google Scholar, for relevant publications and filtering them using keywords such as RKN–plant defense mechanisms, host–plant resistance against RKN, and genetic mapping for RKN. This knowledge can be leveraged to accelerate the development of RKN-resistant plants and substantially improve RKN management in economically important crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology and Genomics of Plant-Pathogen Interactions)

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20 pages, 2161 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rootstock Breeding of Stone Fruits Under Modern Cultivation Regime: Current Status and Perspectives

by Juanjuan Ling, Wenjian Yu, Li Yang, Junhuan Zhang, Fengchao Jiang, Meiling Zhang, Yuzhu Wang and Haoyuan Sun

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091320 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 155

Abstract

Stone fruits (Prunus spp.) occupy a pivotal position in global fruit production due to their significant nutritional profile and distinctive organoleptic characteristics. Contemporary orchard systems are undergoing transformation through innovative cultivation approaches, notably high-density dwarfing systems, greenhouse cultivation, agri-tech integration, and simplified [...] Read more.

Stone fruits (Prunus spp.) occupy a pivotal position in global fruit production due to their significant nutritional profile and distinctive organoleptic characteristics. Contemporary orchard systems are undergoing transformation through innovative cultivation approaches, notably high-density dwarfing systems, greenhouse cultivation, agri-tech integration, and simplified management. As a crucial agronomic component in modern stone fruit cultivation, rootstock systems confer multi-benefits including enhanced environmental resilience, improved scion productivity, superior fruit quality, controlled vigor, and dwarfing capacity. While the majority of European apple orchards have transitioned to dwarfing rootstock systems, achieving substantial gains in productivity and profitability, stone fruit cultivation lags significantly due to the key gaps in prunus rootstock development, including genetic complexity, extended evaluation cycles, clonal propagation barriers, and limited research programs. Urgent innovation is required to address these challenges in rootstock breeding to meet the demand of sustainable stone fruit production. This review systematically examines strategic breeding objectives and innovative molecular methodologies in prunus rootstock development, with particular emphasis on marker-assisted selection and genomic prediction technologies. We provide a comprehensive synthesis of breeding achievements across major commercial rootstock cultivars, while proposing forward-looking research strategies incorporating CRISPR-based genome editing and multi-omics approaches. The synthesized insights establish a theoretical pathway for advancing rootstock genetic improvement and sustainable orchard management practices in stone fruit cultivation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Planting Techniques and Production of Horticultural Crops)

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Plants, Volume 14, Issue 9 (May-1 2025) – 82 articles

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