Plants

17 pages, 7675 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profiling of Sticta caulescens De Not.: Green Extraction and Multiscale Chemotaxonomic Analysis

by Nicolás Cifuentes-Araya, Diego Valdivia, Mariano Walter Pertino, Daniela Marroquín-Guerra, Osvaldo Yáñez, Olimpo García-Beltrán, Alejandro Ardiles and Carlos Areche

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1761; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111761 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 951

Abstract

The aim of this research was to identify the wealth of secondary metabolites in the Chilean lichen Sticta caulescens, applying green chemistry approaches and comparing the following two extraction methods: (a) conventional maceration with methanol, and (b) microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using ethyl [...] Read more.

The aim of this research was to identify the wealth of secondary metabolites in the Chilean lichen Sticta caulescens, applying green chemistry approaches and comparing the following two extraction methods: (a) conventional maceration with methanol, and (b) microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using ethyl lactate as a solvent. In addition, chemoinformatic and chemotaxonomic studies were conducted on S. caulescens and other species of the genus Sticta, which have been reported in previous studies. A UHPLC/ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed for the identification of 32 metabolites obtained from maceration and 33 from MAE, considering carbohydrates, aromatic compounds, acids, depsides, depsidones, dibenzofurans, lipids, anthraquinones, and triterpenes. Maceration using methanol yielded a slightly higher extract percentage than with ethyl lactate (6.3% versus 5.0%), while MAE extracted an almost identical spectrum of metabolites using ethyl lactate,—though including one compound detected only under MAE conditions. This highlighted both the method efficiency and selectivity. This study also incorporates a comprehensive chemoinformatic and chemotaxonomic analysis of secondary metabolites across 12 Sticta species. A computational comparison (Morgan fingerprints, Jaccard similarity, hierarchical clustering, Murcko scaffolds) demonstrated that S. caulescens is one of the most chemically diverse species, closely related to S. cordillerana, and forming part of a major chemotaxonomic lineage, which is characterized by high scaffold richness and shared aromatic/depsidone biosynthetic pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Extraction and Bioactivity of Plant Active Compounds)

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21 pages, 1520 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variability, Trait Association, and Multi-Trait Selection of New Indeterminate Tomato Genotypes Under Protected Cultivation

by Ramya Shekhar, Awani Kumar Singh, Ramesh Kumar Yadav, Harshawardhan Choudhary, Ram Asrey, Gyan Prakash Mishra, Bhanushree Narayanswami, Paresh Chaukhande, K. G. Gainiamliu, Chaithra Mutthuraju, Rakesh Kumar, Saheb Pal, Chetna Shaktawat, Narendra Singh and Jogendra Singh

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111760 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 857

Abstract

Tomato is an important vegetable crop suited to both open-field and protected cultivation. Indeterminate genotypes with high yield potential and desirable quality traits are especially suited to off-season production under protected cultivation. The present study evaluated 57 indeterminate tomato genotypes over two consecutive [...] Read more.

Tomato is an important vegetable crop suited to both open-field and protected cultivation. Indeterminate genotypes with high yield potential and desirable quality traits are especially suited to off-season production under protected cultivation. The present study evaluated 57 indeterminate tomato genotypes over two consecutive years under protected conditions to assess genetic variability, genetic divergence, and trait associations across 16 important yield-attributing and quality traits. The analysis of variance depicted significant differences among genotypes for all traits under study. The traits, viz., fruit weight and number of fruits per cluster, exhibited high heritability and high genetic gain, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and the possibility of direct selection. A significant, positive correlation between fruit weight and the number of plant clusters and yield was observed. Analysis of genetic divergence following Mahalanobis D² statistics classified the genotypes into seven clusters. The number of flowers per cluster and fruit width were the top contributors to the total genetic divergence. Cluster VI outperformed for earliness and yield, Cluster V outperformed for nutritional quality, while Cluster VII was superior for fruit size. Principal Component Analysis revealed that the first five components cumulatively explained 83.3% of the total variation, with PC1 defined by fruit number trait and PC2 by yield and earliness traits. The Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) was used to select the best-performing genotypes, highlighting PIDGT-39, PIDGT-42, and PIDGT-29 as elite. Thus, the findings of the present study provide deeper insights into the genetic makeup of indeterminate tomato genotypes and potential parental accessions for tomato improvement, to enhance yield and quality under protected conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops: Advances and Sustainability—2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 2982 KB

Open AccessArticle

Precipitation and Species Composition Mediate Litter Mixing Decomposition Effects in Arid Desert Regions

by Tingting Xie, Lishan Shan, Haixia Wang, Zhuopeng Fan and Hongyong Wang

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111759 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 735

Abstract

Mixed-species litters exhibit decomposition characteristics distinct from those of monospecific litters and are highly sensitive to precipitation changes in arid desert regions. However, the effects of altered precipitation on mixed-litter decomposition in these ecosystems remain poorly understood. Fresh leaf litter of Reaumuria soongarica [...] Read more.

Mixed-species litters exhibit decomposition characteristics distinct from those of monospecific litters and are highly sensitive to precipitation changes in arid desert regions. However, the effects of altered precipitation on mixed-litter decomposition in these ecosystems remain poorly understood. Fresh leaf litter of Reaumuria soongarica, Salsola passerina and Nitraria sphaerocarpa was collected from arid desert habitats. We investigated decomposition differences among three monospecific litters and four mixed-species litters under different precipitation treatments. For both monospecific and mixed litters, increased precipitation significantly accelerated mass loss and nitrogen release through the entire experimental period. Compared with the natural precipitation treatment (CK), litter mass loss increased by 10.97–18.07%, while nitrogen (N) release increased by 4.64–7.96% after 12 months of decomposition. By contrast, decreased precipitation only significantly reduced carbon release. Increased precipitation did not shift the non-additive effects on mass loss from antagonistic to synergistic; it only weakened the antagonistic effects. Mixing effects on nutrient release varied among litter mixtures. Two-species mixtures exhibited stronger antagonistic effects than three-species mixtures, and increased precipitation moderately enhanced the synergistic effects in two-species mixtures. In conclusion, precipitation change altered litter decomposition in desert plants but had limited effects on litter-mixture interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

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23 pages, 1492 KB

Open AccessReview

Physiological Responses, Molecular Basis, and Integrated Regulation of Heat Tolerance in Soybean

by Haoyang Geng, Yiting Xin, Hongmiao Jin, Zhifu Zheng, Tian Pan and Zhaoqiong Zeng

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111758 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 483

Abstract

Global warming has led to frequent occurrences of extreme heat, posing a huge threat to soybean (Glycine max L.) yield. As a major source of plant protein and oil, soybean is particularly sensitive to heat stress during its growth and development, especially [...] Read more.

Global warming has led to frequent occurrences of extreme heat, posing a huge threat to soybean (Glycine max L.) yield. As a major source of plant protein and oil, soybean is particularly sensitive to heat stress during its growth and development, especially in critical stages such as flowering and seed filling. Heat tolerance in crops is a complex trait governed by polygenic networks and environmental interactions; although existing studies have identified several heat-tolerance-related genes, the molecular regulatory networks regulating crop responses to heat stress remain elusive. This review synthesizes recent advances in soybean heat tolerance research, with a particular emphasis on physiological responses and molecular regulatory mechanisms under heat stress. We further evaluate the potential of modern technologies, including gene editing, marker-assisted selection, and pan-genomics, for the precise improvement of heat tolerance in soybean. Additionally, we outline sustainable agronomic practices and field management strategies to mitigate heat stress. The development of heat-tolerant soybean varieties depends not only on the identification of superior alleles but also requires a shift from gene-centric genetic improvement toward a system-wide solution that integrates “Genotype × Environment × Management”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Organ Development and Stress Response)

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15 pages, 646 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Traditional Medicine in Tropical Countries: Uncovering the Main Antioxidant Compounds and Antihypertensive Potential of the Diospyros comorensis Leaves as Health-Promoting Food Application for Local Population

by Ahmed Ali, Dario Donno, Zoarilala Rinah Razafindrakoto, Nantenaina Tombozara, Azali Ahamada-Himidi, Mamy Julien Randrianirina, Giovanni Gamba, Jean François Rajaonarison, Gabriele Loris Beccaro and David Ramanitrahasimbola

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111757 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 1066

Abstract

Diospyros comorensis Hiern is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized in the management of cardiovascular disorders. Despite its common use, the pharmacological properties and phytochemical composition remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the vasorelaxant, diuretic, and antioxidant activities, as well as toxicity and [...] Read more.

Diospyros comorensis Hiern is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized in the management of cardiovascular disorders. Despite its common use, the pharmacological properties and phytochemical composition remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the vasorelaxant, diuretic, and antioxidant activities, as well as toxicity and phytochemical profiling, of a methanol–water extract of D. comorensis leaves (MDCR) and a decoction of D. comorensis leaf (DDCR) extract. The main phytochemicals were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. The vasorelaxant effect was evaluated in vitro on phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings. Diuretic activity was determined by measuring Wistar rats’ urine output and electrolyte levels (Na⁺, Cl⁻, and K⁺). Toxicity was assessed using Swiss mice. The extracts showed a total phenolic content (TPC) of 29,693.02 ± 3493.75 mg GAE/100 g DW (Folin–Ciocalteu method), which was markedly higher than the total phenolics quantified by HPLC (3743.12 ± 457.32 mg/100 g DW, representing 76.38% of the total bioactive fraction). Among the quantified constituents, ellagic acid (56.36%) was the main compound. Both extracts exhibited marked antioxidant capacity along with significant vasorelaxant effects on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aorta rings, with EC50 values of 3.83 ± 0.81 µg/mL for MDCR and 4.87 ± 0.79 µg/mL for DDCR. Acute toxicity was not observed with either extract. The identified compounds may be involved in the observed antioxidant and pharmacological effects. These results show experimental evidence useful to support the traditional use of D. comorensis leaves in managing high blood pressure and highlight the antihypertensive potential of this Comorian endemic species. Further studies are necessary to characterize the biological mechanisms involved and relative bioactive substances. Reporting the pharmacological activities of D. comorensis may contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources in the Comoros Islands and Madagascar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Bioactive Molecules and Substances and Their Applications as Health-Promoting Agents in Humans: Biochemical Mechanisms, Analytical Strategies, and Functional Properties)

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21 pages, 10769 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trait Plasticity, Resource Redirection and Strong Recovery Capacity Enhance Volkameria inermis Tolerance and Adaptation to Long-Term Foliar Salt Stress

by Weilun Ding, Kunxian Tang, Jianhui Liu, Yuanmin Sun, Shan Chen, Fei Zhang, Luchun Cai and Wenhui You

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111756 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 307

Abstract

Salt tolerance is a key factor limiting coastal vegetation restoration. In backshore areas, foliage is frequently exposed to salt mist and wave splash, which severely constrains plant survival and restoration outcomes. While root salt tolerance under short-term stress has been widely studied, foliar [...] Read more.

Salt tolerance is a key factor limiting coastal vegetation restoration. In backshore areas, foliage is frequently exposed to salt mist and wave splash, which severely constrains plant survival and restoration outcomes. While root salt tolerance under short-term stress has been widely studied, foliar salt tolerance remains poorly understood. Here, using a self-developed experimental apparatus, we investigated the salt tolerance mechanisms of the coastal shrub Volkameria inermis through a long-term (159-day) foliar salt stress experiment (0–3.0% NaCl), followed by a 64-day recovery period. Field suitability was also evaluated at different coastal locations in Quanzhou Bay, Fujian Province. The results show that: (1) trait plasticity (e.g., leaf thickening), resource redirection (e.g., reduced growth rate, and new bud emergence in unstressed parts), and strong recovery capacity together enhance V. inermis adaptation to long-term foliar salt stress; (2) V. inermis exhibits adaptability to salinity ≤2.0% and survival under 3.0% despite severe injury; (3) besides osmotic adjustment, proline accumulation helps alleviate oxidative damage; and (4) field data demonstrated that leaf thickness and leaf water content were significantly associated with distance from the sea and elevation, thereby validating the salt-adaptation strategies observed under controlled conditions. This study provides a novel methodological framework and practical insights for selecting salt-tolerant species in coastal restoration. Full article

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

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19 pages, 3227 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Microplastics and Cd/Pb Co-Contamination on Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Growth and Antioxidant Systems

by Shengxue Guan, Yiwen Hu, Ke Jiang, Taoze Liu, Jiegang Liu, Hui Wang and Zhanghong Wang

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111755 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 403

Abstract

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb) in agricultural soils has become a global environmental and ecological risk. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of polyethylene (PE) microplastics and combined Cd/Pb [...] Read more.

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb) in agricultural soils has become a global environmental and ecological risk. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of polyethylene (PE) microplastics and combined Cd/Pb contamination on the growth and development, heavy metal accumulation, and antioxidant system of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Yunyan 87). The results showed that low-dose PE and low concentrations of heavy metals had minor impacts on tobacco growth and the antioxidant system; in contrast, high-dose PE and elevated heavy metal treatments markedly induced increases in malondialdehyde content (MDA) and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). Under co-contaminated conditions, the addition of low-dose PE reduced the translocation capacity of heavy metals, alleviated heavy metal-induced oxidative stress responses, and promoted tobacco growth. Conversely, high-dose PE promoted the translocation of Cd into tobacco plants and increased Cd contents in tobacco leaves, leading to marked decreases in soluble protein and soluble sugar contents, and causing severe reductions in plant height, number of functional leaves, and biomass. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that the direct effect of PE on tobacco growth was not significant; instead, it primarily acted as a regulatory factor, exerting either promotional or inhibitory effects on tobacco growth at different doses. The impact of Cd/Pb on tobacco growth appeared to involve two potential pathways. On the one hand, Cd/Pb induced direct toxicity through their accumulation within tobacco tissues. On the other hand, they exerted indirect regulation primarily by modulating the activities of the tobacco antioxidant system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effect of Heavy Metals on Plants, 2nd Volume)

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3 pages, 146 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Orchids at the Intersection of Climate, Biotic Interactions, and Evolutionary Dynamics

by Zuzana Štípková and Vladan Djordjević

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111754 - 5 Jun 2026

Viewed by 254

Abstract

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are among the most species-rich and ecologically specialised families of flowering plants, combining remarkable evolutionary success with exceptional sensitivity to environmental changes [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orchid Conservation and Biodiversity)

26 pages, 3834 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Sowing Date and Nitrogen Management to Trade Off Yield and Nitrate Leaching in Maize-Soybean Intercropping Under CMIP6 Climate Scenarios in the North China Plain

by Xiaoli Niu, Zhen Yang, Jie Zhang, Xiaoqing Sun, Zhandong Liu, Shihao Jin, Jiaxing Cai, Bingwu Zhang and Yunyan Sun

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111753 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 370

Abstract

Climate change threatens nitrogen cycling in agricultural ecosystems. Optimizing sowing dates and nitrogen management for maize–soybean intercropping is critical for sustainable production in the North China Plain (NCP). Using a calibrated Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model driven by three representative global climate [...] Read more.

Climate change threatens nitrogen cycling in agricultural ecosystems. Optimizing sowing dates and nitrogen management for maize–soybean intercropping is critical for sustainable production in the North China Plain (NCP). Using a calibrated Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model driven by three representative global climate models (GCMs) selected from 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) GCMs, we evaluated management strategies under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) across three climatic zones for near-term (2030–2059) and long-term (2070–2099) periods. Under SSP5-8.5, warming was 1.8–2.2 times greater than under SSP2-4.5, nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) leaching increased by 12.1%, and nitrate storage in the 100–150 cm soil layer rose by 53.4% in Zone III. Biological nitrogen fixation contributed 20.1–29.1% of soybean nitrogen uptake under low nitrogen and 14.9–23.4% under medium nitrogen. Optimal strategies were identified: sowing on 7 June (S3) with medium nitrogen (220.8 kg N ha⁻¹) under SSP2-4.5, and advancing sowing to 28 May (S2) with medium nitrogen under SSP5-8.5 to alleviate heat stress. This study reveals a climate-driven “earlier supply–shortened demand–concentrated leaching” mismatch, providing adaptive management guidance for maize–soybean intercropping systems in the NCP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water and Nitrogen Management in Soil–Crop Systems—4th Edition)

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16 pages, 7222 KB

Open AccessArticle

Correlative Changes in Endogenous Polyamines and Hormones Associated with Aging in Ancient Cinnamomum camphora

by Jinling Feng, Mengping He, Jindian Sun, Xinyu Wen, Guanrong Ye, Yangyang Feng, Qingshan Chen, Hongwei Wu, Yousry A. El-Kassaby and Zhijian Yang

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1752; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111752 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 385

Abstract

Plant aging and senescence are key determinants of lifespan, yet the coordinated changes in endogenous polyamines and hormones during long-lived tree aging remain largely unclear. Cinnamomum camphora exhibits sequential senescence from leaves to trunk, with leaf physiology shifting toward senescence around 450 years. [...] Read more.

Plant aging and senescence are key determinants of lifespan, yet the coordinated changes in endogenous polyamines and hormones during long-lived tree aging remain largely unclear. Cinnamomum camphora exhibits sequential senescence from leaves to trunk, with leaf physiology shifting toward senescence around 450 years. This study aimed to clarify the patterns of polyamines and hormones across a wide age gradient (10–810 years) and their associations with aging in ancient C. camphora. Newly expanded leaves were analyzed using curve fitting, correlation, regression, and path analysis. Tree age significantly influenced most polyamine and hormone indices, except for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylate glucoside (SAG). Spermidine (Spd) and gibberellic acid (GA) were negatively correlated with aging, and cytokinin (CK) and cadaverine (Cad) were positively correlated with aging. Free salicylic acid (SAF) was closely related to the senescence transition point. Polyamines and hormones interacted strongly. Cad was positively correlated with CK, and Spd was positively correlated with GA. A model combining Spd, GA/ABA, and CK/GA reliably predicted ancient tree age. Overall, Spd and CK exhibited the strongest negative and positive correlations with aging, respectively, providing insights into the physiological regulation of longevity in ancient trees. Full article

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

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13 pages, 2112 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Cold Tolerance Evaluation of Seven Ilex Species Based on Physiological Responses of Detached Leaves to Acute Low-Temperature Stress

by Bo Lu, Xiaolong Wang, Xinran Chong, Haoran Jia, Chuanyong Wang, Hong Chen and Ting Zhou

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111751 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 221

Abstract

The genus Ilex L., the sole member of the family Aquifoliaceae, is valued for its high ornamental value. However, low winter temperatures restrict the distribution of its evergreen species in colder regions. In this study, detached leaves of seven evergreen Ilex cultivars [...] Read more.

The genus Ilex L., the sole member of the family Aquifoliaceae, is valued for its high ornamental value. However, low winter temperatures restrict the distribution of its evergreen species in colder regions. In this study, detached leaves of seven evergreen Ilex cultivars were subjected to acute low-temperature stress, and key physiological parameters (cell membrane permeability, osmoregulatory substances, and chloroplast pigments) were measured. The results showed that under low-temperature stress, relative electrical conductivity (REC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with decreasing temperature, while soluble protein (SP), soluble sugar, and free proline (Pro) contents first increased and then decreased. A positive association was observed between REC and MDA, as well as between REC and SP, while REC showed a negative association with Pro. Furthermore, random forest analysis indicated that MDA, proline, and chlorophyll a together accounted for 72.6% of the variance in REC. These findings demonstrate the physiological responses of detached leaves of evergreen Ilex species to acute low-temperature stress and offer an initial assessment of their cold tolerance. Full article

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

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18 pages, 5949 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Canopy Position on the Biochemical, Nutritional, and Nutraceutical Quality Characteristics of Grapefruit Cultivars During Fruit Growth and Development

by Meryam Manzoor and Muhammad Akbar Anjum

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1750; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111750 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 273

Abstract

Citrus fruit quality traits are governed by canopy position, harvest maturity, and cultivar, influencing nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) is recognized for its antioxidant-rich, health-promoting properties; however, limited information exists on how canopy microclimate interacts with developmental stages to [...] Read more.

Citrus fruit quality traits are governed by canopy position, harvest maturity, and cultivar, influencing nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) is recognized for its antioxidant-rich, health-promoting properties; however, limited information exists on how canopy microclimate interacts with developmental stages to affect nutritional-quality attributes. In a two-year study, four grapefruit cultivars (Rio Red, Star Ruby, Shamber, and Flame) were evaluated to determine the effects of canopy position (outer vs. inner) and harvest time on biochemical characteristics, antioxidant potential, and pigment accumulation under subtropical conditions in Pakistan. Fruits were collected monthly from August to December (6–10 months after anthesis; MAA). The results demonstrated that canopy position and harvest time had pronounced effects on fruit quality. Outer canopy fruits presented higher total soluble solids, ripening index, sugars, pigment accumulation, and antioxidant compounds across development stages. Fruit quality improved with maturity, and peaked in mid-December with maximal total soluble solids, ripening index, sugars, and pigment content accumulation. Overall, all the cultivars showed similar profiles in the change in fruit quality traits during growth and development. Rio Red and Star Ruby outperformed Shamber and Flame across most traits, highlighting cultivar-specific differences in metabolite accumulation. Together, canopy microclimate, harvest maturity, and cultivar are key determinants of bioactive–nutritional quality traits in grapefruit. In practice, managing canopy exposure and harvest windows with cultivar choice enhances health-promoting metabolites and nutritional quality, with added gains in commercial value and tree productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Therapeutic Metabolites from Ethnomedicine and Agri-Food Sources: Emerging Research and Applications)

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24 pages, 8808 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Kappaphycus alvarezii Biostimulant on Growth, Biochemistry, Essential Oil, and Rhizosphere of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Plants

by Aline Nunes, Luana Vanessa Peretti Minello, Eva Regina Oliveira, Alex Ricardo Schneider, Felipe de Souza Dutra, Tainara Guizolfi, Lohan Rodrigues Brandão Santos, Valéria Cress Gelli, Camille Eichelberger Granada, Raul Antonio Sperotto, Sidnei Moura, Marcelo Maraschin and Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111749 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 449

Abstract

Seaweed-derived biostimulants are a promising strategy for improving crop performance in sustainable agriculture. In this context, this study evaluated the effects of foliar application of Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts, obtained from two Brazilian regions (São Paulo: Kal-SP and Santa Catarina: Kal-SC), at different concentrations [...] Read more.

Seaweed-derived biostimulants are a promising strategy for improving crop performance in sustainable agriculture. In this context, this study evaluated the effects of foliar application of Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts, obtained from two Brazilian regions (São Paulo: Kal-SP and Santa Catarina: Kal-SC), at different concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) on the growth, biochemical profile, essential oil yield, and rhizosphere microbiome of Ocimum basilicum under field conditions. Morphological analysis indicated that the 5% and 7% concentrations increased plant height, biomass, root development, and inflorescence production, with biomass gains of up to 51% and essential oil production increases of up to 142% compared to the control. Biochemical responses varied by extract origin, with Kal-SC promoting greater increases in photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant activity, and carbon-related metabolites, whereas Kal-SP induced only minor metabolic changes. The algal biostimulant modulated essential oil yield and composition, promoting treatment-dependent shifts in major terpenoid compounds. Microbiome analysis showed no significant changes in alpha diversity, but significant shifts in beta diversity and functional groups, such as Bacillaceae, indicating rhizosphere reorganization. Overall, the effectiveness of K. alvarezii-based biostimulants depends on concentration and biomass source, highlighting their potential as sustainable agricultural bioproducts and the importance of standardized extraction for consistent outcomes. Full article

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

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25 pages, 2695 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Potential of Post-Distillation Residue of Clinopodium albanicum (Griseb. ex K. Malý) Melnikov: Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities with Molecular Docking Insights

by Dejan Stojković, Jelena Božunović, Biljana Filipović, Sergey Bolevich, Nikoleta Premović Valente, Marija Ivanov, Mladen Rajaković, Gokhan Zengin, Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba, Stefani Bolevich, Uroš Gašić and Marina Soković

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111748 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 532

Abstract

The valorization of post-distillation by-products represents a key strategy within circular economy frameworks, particularly for medicinal and aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family. This study investigates, for the first time, the chemical composition and biological potential of the liquid residue obtained after hydrodistillation [...] Read more.

The valorization of post-distillation by-products represents a key strategy within circular economy frameworks, particularly for medicinal and aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family. This study investigates, for the first time, the chemical composition and biological potential of the liquid residue obtained after hydrodistillation of Clinopodium albanicum (Griseb. ex K.Malý) Melnikov, an endemic Balkan species. Untargeted LC–HRMS/MS analysis revealed a complex metabolomic profile dominated by hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, including caffeoylquinic acids, alongside a diverse flavonoid fraction comprising quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and acacetin derivatives. The presence of sugars and organic acids further indicated a broad metabolic composition. The evaporated liquid residual extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity (DPPH: 32.54, ABTS: 27.80, FRAP: 35.95 mmol GAE/100 mg). Pronounced antibacterial activity was observed against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MICs 0.5–1 mg/mL). Additionally, the extract demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida auris and Candida parapsilosis, as well as strong antibiofilm effects against P. aeruginosa (up to 95.52% inhibition). Molecular docking supported these findings, revealing strong binding affinities of key phenolics toward the bacterial targets FabI and D-Ala-D-Ala ligase. Overall, the results highlight the potential of this by-product for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial, Enzyme Inhibitory and Wound-Healing Properties of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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21 pages, 17266 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate-Driven Prediction of the Future Distribution of Phytolacca americana L. Using a BIOMOD2 Ensemble Modelling Framework

by Youning Wang, Chuan Du, Di Yang, Jiaxu Li, Wang Han and Liyan Zhao

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111747 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 339

Abstract

Phytolacca americana L. is an invasive perennial plant that has become increasingly widespread in China, but its current climatic suitability and future redistribution under climate change remain insufficiently quantified. This study aimed to identify the major environmental drivers of P. americana distribution and [...] Read more.

Phytolacca americana L. is an invasive perennial plant that has become increasingly widespread in China, but its current climatic suitability and future redistribution under climate change remain insufficiently quantified. This study aimed to identify the major environmental drivers of P. americana distribution and to project its potential habitat suitability under future climate scenarios. We compiled a national occurrence dataset and retained 683 quality-controlled presence records after taxonomic verification, coordinate checking, and 5 km spatial thinning. A BIOMOD2 ensemble modelling framework was used to integrate nine algorithms, and future projections were generated using CMIP6 climate data under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 across four time periods from 2021 to 2100. The ensemble model showed strong predictive performance, with TSS = 0.804 and ROC = 0.967. May shortwave radiation, January mean temperature, and annual temperature range were identified as the dominant predictors of habitat suitability. Under current climate conditions, highly suitable habitats were mainly concentrated in warm and humid regions of eastern and southern China. Future projections indicated that suitable habitats may expand toward northern, northwestern, and higher-elevation regions, whereas highly suitable habitats may become redistributed or fragmented under stronger climate forcing. Centroid analyses further suggested non-linear, scenario-dependent shifts rather than a simple poleward expansion. These findings provide a spatial basis for early warning, targeted monitoring, and pathway-focused management of P. americana in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Modeling)

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17 pages, 2793 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Diversity in Populus trichocarpa Buds: Insights into Population Variation and Antifungal Properties

by Sam C. Cothron, Luke Leftwich, Jin-Gui Chen and Feng Chen

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111746 - 4 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Buds are a critical stage in the annual growth–dormancy cycle of perennial woody plants and are essential for survival and biomass accumulation. To safeguard these structures, trees employ both physical and chemical protection. Although Populus buds are known to contain rich phytochemistry, population-level [...] Read more.

Buds are a critical stage in the annual growth–dormancy cycle of perennial woody plants and are essential for survival and biomass accumulation. To safeguard these structures, trees employ both physical and chemical protection. Although Populus buds are known to contain rich phytochemistry, population-level variation remains largely unexplored. Here, we characterized bud phytochemistry across a population of Populus trichocarpa natural variants using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and examined the antifungal properties of bud extracts. In the reference genotype Nisqually-1, a total of 32 lipophilic metabolites were detected, belonging to four chemical groups: terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, linear hydrocarbons, and others. Analysis of 49 additional P. trichocarpa natural variants revealed both shared features and substantial variation. All lines contained metabolites from the phenylpropanoid, linear hydrocarbon and terpenoid classes, which consistently dominated the profiles. However, quantitative differences in individual metabolites and relative class abundances distinguished the lines, allowing them to be grouped into three chemotypic clusters. To assess potential biological implications of phytochemical variance, we tested antifungal activity of bud extracts against the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Extracts from all 50 lines significantly inhibited fungal growth compared with controls. Correlation analyses between metabolite abundance and inhibition strength identified candidate metabolites that were most strongly associated with antifungal activity. Together, these findings reveal both conserved and variable components of bud phytochemistry in P. trichocarpa. The observed chemical diversity and consistent antifungal effects suggest that bud metabolites contribute to defense and may reflect adaptation across natural populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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18 pages, 5576 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Characterization of the WOX Gene Family in Polygonatum cyrtonema and Its Applications for Regeneration

by Yan Shi, Binjie Huang, Cong Li, Jinping Si and Donghong Chen

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111745 - 4 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a medicinally and edible perennial herb, yet functional studies in this species are constrained by limited knowledge of regeneration-associated developmental regulators. Here, we performed a genome-wide characterization of the WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family in P. cyrtonema. Eleven PcWOX [...] Read more.

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a medicinally and edible perennial herb, yet functional studies in this species are constrained by limited knowledge of regeneration-associated developmental regulators. Here, we performed a genome-wide characterization of the WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family in P. cyrtonema. Eleven PcWOX genes were identified and classified into the ancient, intermediate, and modern/WUS clades. Comparative phylogenetic, syntenic, structural, and chromosomal analyses indicated that the PcWOX family retains a conserved evolutionary framework but also exhibits clear lineage-specific diversification. Tissue- and stage-specific expression profiling, promoter cis-element analysis, and subcellular localization further supported functional differentiation among PcWOX members, particularly between PcWOX5 and PcWUS. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified 33 co-expression modules, including six key modules strongly associated with PcWOX abundance patterns, and prioritized 49 candidate transcription factors (TFs) to construct PcWOX-centered regulatory networks. These TFs showed marked tissue- and stage-dependent heterogeneity. Heterologous assays in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that both PcWUS and PcWOX5 enhanced regeneration competence but produced distinct developmental outputs. These findings support PcWUS and PcWOX5 as promising candidate morphogenic regulators and provide a useful framework for future mechanistic studies, homologous validation, and regeneration improvement in P. cyrtonema. Full article

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

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39 pages, 10699 KB

Open AccessArticle

SCPA-Net: Text-Enhanced Cross-Platform Framework with Semantic Consistency Enhancement for Pine Wilt Detection

by Shicong He, Weizhi Zhao, Peng Wang and Mingfang He

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111744 - 4 Jun 2026

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Abstract

With the rapid development of UAV and satellite remote sensing, in combination with deep learning, high-efficiency monitoring of pine wilt disease (PWD) for forest health management is now feasible. Accurate detection has not yet been realised. The sensing platforms have different ranges of [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of UAV and satellite remote sensing, in combination with deep learning, high-efficiency monitoring of pine wilt disease (PWD) for forest health management is now feasible. Accurate detection has not yet been realised. The sensing platforms have different ranges of space, observation areas and imaging orientations. At the same time, the target groups for PWD often have weak phenotypic features, are easily affected by a complex forest background, and show irregular data distributions at different stages of the disease. The above factors are limits to the performance of traditional methods based only on general visual features. To address the problems mentioned above, we propose the cross-platform semantic-consistent and phenotype-adaptive detection network SCPA-Net for high-precision PWD detection in both UAV and satellite images. First, we construct a cross-platform multimodal framework to integrate remote sensing images and disease-related text descriptions. The above design adds semantic prior knowledge to expand the model’s capacity for high-level phenotypic attribute extraction without direct observation. Second, to reduce the semantic gap caused by the different platforms, improve the semantic consistency of UAV and satellite images, strengthen discriminative feature channels and salient regions, and address cross-platform misalignment. Third, since the targets are often associated with complex forest environments, target-context relational modeling is enhanced and irrelevant interference is suppressed to reduce the impact of non-causal attributes. As pine wilt disease symptoms gradually progress from mild to severe (e.g., crown discoloration, texture variation, and wilting severity), differences among disease stages may lead to learning imbalance and knowledge forgetting; therefore, a staged adaptation strategy has been proposed. First, the model learns from relatively easy examples. Subsequently, it progressively learns from more difficult examples to enhance generalization performance. Experiments have been conducted on a self-built cross-platform dataset, a satellite dataset, the PDT public dataset, and the Roboflow dataset, and the proposed method has achieved better detection accuracy and generalization. The framework can address the problem of PWD detection in challenging-to-process forestry remote sensing data reasonably well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Artificial Intelligence for Plant Research—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 5156 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Membrane-Localized PtCOR8 Enhances Cold Tolerance in Poncirus trifoliata Through the ATCT Motif-Mediated Promoter Activation

by Na Li, Ben Zhang, Ling Gong, Cong He, Chunmiao Zhang, Xiang Liu, Suming Dai, Yingzi Zhang, Bing Wang, Guiyou Long and Dazhi Li

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111743 - 4 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Cold stress is a critical abiotic factor that severely limits plant growth and agricultural productivity in subtropical regions. Poncirus trifoliata exhibits exceptional cold hardiness and is widely used as a rootstock in Citrus. However, the key genes and mechanisms conferring this resilience [...] Read more.

Cold stress is a critical abiotic factor that severely limits plant growth and agricultural productivity in subtropical regions. Poncirus trifoliata exhibits exceptional cold hardiness and is widely used as a rootstock in Citrus. However, the key genes and mechanisms conferring this resilience remain largely unexplored. Here, we characterized PtCOR8, a cold-induced gene isolated from P. trifoliata. Phylogenetic and subcellular localization analyses confirmed that PtCOR8 encodes a plasma membrane-localized protein belonging to the WCOR413 family. Functional validation revealed that heterologous overexpression of PtCOR8 in tomato significantly enhanced cold tolerance, concomitant with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, elevated peroxidase (POD) activity, and upregulation of cold-responsive genes (e.g., CIN8). Notably, expression profiling of COR8 in 16 citrus accessions under natural overwintering conditions indicated a strong positive correlation between its expression level and cold tolerance of different genotypes. Transgenic tomato plants with PtCOR8 driven by its native promoter also presented enhanced cold tolerance, confirming that the native promoter is sufficient to drive functional expression under cold stress in the tomato system. Through promoter deletion and β-glucuronidase (GUS) staining experiments, the ATCT motif was further identified as a cis-acting element capable of mediating cold-induced promoter activity. Our findings uncover a dual-layered mechanism in which the PtCOR8 protein alleviates membrane lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage, while its transcription level is precisely modulated by a novel promoter regulatory mechanism, thereby improving freezing tolerance. This study provides important genetic insights and a valuable gene resource for cold-resistant citrus breeding. Full article

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

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15 pages, 1907 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Substrate Moisture Content on the Growth of an Exotic Species, Myriophyllum aquaticum

by Mingkai Leng, Xiaodong Wu, Xing Wang, Xuguang Ge, Fan Xun, Xinhui Yu, Haoran Liu, Haoyue Li and Xin Mou

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111742 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 311

Abstract

In this study, we investigated how substrate moisture content affects the growth performance and adaptive responses of Myriophyllum aquaticum. Through a controlled simulation experiment, we systematically analyzed the morphological characteristics and physiological responses of plants under five moisture levels: 0–15%, 15–30%, 30–45%, [...] Read more.

In this study, we investigated how substrate moisture content affects the growth performance and adaptive responses of Myriophyllum aquaticum. Through a controlled simulation experiment, we systematically analyzed the morphological characteristics and physiological responses of plants under five moisture levels: 0–15%, 15–30%, 30–45%, 45–60%, and 60–75%. The results indicate that optimal growth of M. aquaticum occurred at a substrate moisture content of 60–75%, with significant increases in plant height, branching ability, and biomass. A drought acclimation response was triggered at moisture levels ≤45%, characterized by shortened root length, increased total senescent internode length, biomass allocation shift toward aboveground parts, decreased chlorophyll a content, and elevated accumulation of malondialdehyde. Plants died at moisture levels ≤15%. However, they survived at 15–30% moisture, although their biomass continued to decline. A key finding was that under conditions where the sediment surface lacked water but the substrate moisture remained at 60–75%, plants achieved efficient water utilization and canopy reconstruction through rapid root extension and stem node proliferation, and the relative growth rate was significantly higher than that of the drought group (≤45% moisture). This strong adaptive capacity under specific water conditions, combined with its dehydration tolerance, suggests that M. aquaticum could potentially have a competitive advantage over native submerged plants that rely on stable water bodies, particularly in hydrologically fluctuating habitats. This study revealed that morpho-physiological plasticity driven by water gradients may be a key mechanism contributing to the invasive potential of M. aquaticum, providing new insights into its possible expansion potential in zones with fluctuating water levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Invasion: 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 7700 KB

Open AccessReview

Toward Sustainable Paclitaxel Bioproduction: Plant Biology, Biosynthesis and Platform Engineering

by Meng Zhang, Xing Xing and Hongliang Zhu

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111741 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 501

Abstract

Paclitaxel (Taxol), a taxane diterpenoid from Taxus species, is a clinically important microtubule-stabilizing anticancer agent widely used in chemotherapy. However, its supply remains limited by precursor scarcity and the molecule’s structural complexity. The biosynthetic pathway from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) to paclitaxel is estimated [...] Read more.

Paclitaxel (Taxol), a taxane diterpenoid from Taxus species, is a clinically important microtubule-stabilizing anticancer agent widely used in chemotherapy. However, its supply remains limited by precursor scarcity and the molecule’s structural complexity. The biosynthetic pathway from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) to paclitaxel is estimated to involve 19 to 23 enzymatic steps. Recent multi-omics approaches have substantially elucidated this pathway, yet key mechanistic questions persist, notably the formation of the oxetane ring. Complete heterologous biosynthesis is further hampered by poor cytochrome P450 (CYP) expression in non-native hosts and insufficient metabolic flux. This review synthesizes advances across four themes: (1) progressive elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway, with emphasis on the CYP-mediated oxygenation cascade and oxetane ring formation; (2) genomic and regulatory insights from Taxus genome assemblies, transcription factor networks, and spatial multi-omics; (3) metabolic engineering in microbial hosts, including Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and non-conventional chassis; and (4) plant-based heterologous production platforms. Critical bottlenecks are identified, including unresolved enzymatic steps, CYP functional expression, flux partitioning, and bioprocess scale-up. Strategies to overcome these challenges are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Synthesis, Activities and Functions)

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23 pages, 14878 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Region Segmentation and Visual Whiteness Analysis in Cold-Region Rice Seedbeds Based on Improved DAC-UNet

by Jiaxin Gao, Feng Tan, Fangming Tian, Zihan Zhu, Yaxuan Wang, Xue Chen, Chengye Yu and Xunpeng Shan

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111740 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 362

Abstract

Soil whitening in cold-region rice seedbeds is visually associated with surface drying and moisture variation. The timely and objective monitoring of soil surface conditions is therefore important for seedbed management. In response to the inefficiencies of manual scouting and the limitations of conventional [...] Read more.

Soil whitening in cold-region rice seedbeds is visually associated with surface drying and moisture variation. The timely and objective monitoring of soil surface conditions is therefore important for seedbed management. In response to the inefficiencies of manual scouting and the limitations of conventional threshold-based methods under varying illumination and complex soil textures, this study presents a seedbed soil whitening analysis method that combines an enhanced DAC-UNet for semantic segmentation with colour feature analysis. First, a binary segmentation dataset of soil and background was created using RGB seedbed images. Within the U-Net framework, deformable convolution, ASPP++ multi-scale feature aggregation, and the CBAM attention mechanism were introduced to improve the model’s representation of irregular boundaries, scale variations, and complex illumination conditions. Comparative experiments demonstrated that the proposed model achieves 90.63% MIoU, 94.82% mPA, and 97.52% accuracy on the soil segmentation task. Based on the segmented soil region, a Whiteness Index (WI) was formulated to characterize soil surface whitening and generate whitening heatmaps. This enables quantitative description and spatial visualization of whitening characteristics within the soil region. Experimental results showed that the proposed method can effectively capture visual differences among different soil whitening states and provide intuitive visual reference information for soil surface condition analysis in cold-region rice seedbeds. Full article

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15 pages, 20667 KB

Open AccessArticle

First Report and Biological Characterization of Penicillium crustosum Causing Root Rot in Polygonatum kingianum (Yunnan, China)

by Ming-Xian Zhang, Zi-Han Chen, Li-Hua Wang, Xiao-Yi Yang, You-Yong Zhu and Yu Zhao

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111739 - 3 Jun 2026

Viewed by 482

Abstract

Root rot is a major disease restricting the cultivation and production of Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl. This study aimed to identify the causal agent and characterize its biological properties. Pathogens were isolated from diseased rhizomes showing typical symptoms, and their pathogenicity was [...] Read more.

Root rot is a major disease restricting the cultivation and production of Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl. This study aimed to identify the causal agent and characterize its biological properties. Pathogens were isolated from diseased rhizomes showing typical symptoms, and their pathogenicity was confirmed through Koch’s postulates using both detached rhizome inoculation and field pot experiments with spore suspension irrigation, in which typical root rot symptoms were reproduced. Based on morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, CaM, RPB2, and TUB), the pathogen was identified as Penicillium crustosum. Biological characterization revealed that the optimal conditions for mycelial growth and sporulation were 25 °C and pH 8–9, with Czapek agar being the most suitable medium. Light conditions significantly influenced fungal development; continuous darkness (24 h) favored mycelial growth, while an alternating light/dark cycle (12 h/12 h) significantly enhanced sporulation. Furthermore, the pathogen exhibited the highest utilization efficiency for soluble starch as a carbon source and peptone or yeast extract as a nitrogen source. These physiological traits suggest a strong adaptive capacity of the pathogen to environmental conditions associated with host rhizomes, which may contribute to disease development under cultivation conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. crustosum causing root rot in P. kingianum. The findings provide a basis for accurate pathogen identification and improve current understanding of the biological characteristics of this pathogen, thereby supporting future studies on disease monitoring and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant–Fungal Pathogen Interaction—2nd Edition)

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107 pages, 8100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution, Systematics and Classification of Commelinales (Commelinids, Monocots) Based on a Giant Morphological Taxon-Character Matrix

by Marco O. O. Pellegrini

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111738 - 3 Jun 2026

Viewed by 641

Abstract

Despite being strongly recovered as monophyletic by molecular studies, Commelinales completely lacks any morphological support or circumscription. It is also the Monocot order that suffered the most striking changes across different classification systems, with its type family, Commelinaceae, being the only consistent member [...] Read more.

Despite being strongly recovered as monophyletic by molecular studies, Commelinales completely lacks any morphological support or circumscription. It is also the Monocot order that suffered the most striking changes across different classification systems, with its type family, Commelinaceae, being the only consistent member since its proposition. The order currently consists of Commelinaceae, Haemodoraceae, Hanguanaceae, Philydraceae and Pontederiaceae, presenting a Pantropical distribution and great ecological and morphological diversity. Based on extensive field, cultivation, ecological, herbarium, botanical illustration and literature research, I present the first morphological phylogeny for Commelinales, based on an extensive 600-character matrix, sampling almost a third of the species in the order. All five families are recovered as monophyletic, with 49 of the 59 currently recognised genera also recovered as monophyletic. The M P and BA topologies are greatly congruent with the available molecular hypotheses for Commelinales, highlighting the importance of morphology in understanding the systematics of plant groups. Almost all genera are morphologically supported by at least one exclusive synapomorphy. Thus, based on a combination of morphological and molecular data, Aneilema, Callisia, Coleotrype, Elasis, Thyrsanthemum, Tricarpelema and Tripogandra (Commelinaceae) are recircumscribed to represent monophyletic genera. Five new genera of Commelinaceae are described, in addition to the reestablishment of Aploleia, Cuthbertia, Gibasoides and Hadrodemas (Commelinaceae), and Orthotylax (Philydraceae). The circumscription of Anigozanthos (Haemodoraceae) is broadened to include Macropidia, Conostylis (Haemodoraceae) is broadened to include Blancoa, and Wachendorfia (Haemodoraceae) is broadened to include Barberetta. Finally, I propose an updated classification for Commelinales, recognising two suborders, one superfamily, five families, four subfamilies, 10 tribes, 13 subtribes (four of them newly described here), and 64 genera (five of them newly described here). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Plant Biogeography, Systematics, and Taxonomy)

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19 pages, 4373 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Transcriptomic Evaluation of Drought Tolerance in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Identification of Resilient Germplasm

by Lixin Sun, Juan Zhou, Xiaoyan Zhao, Hongxia Ding, Rui Ma, Minshan Sun and Feng Wei

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111737 - 3 Jun 2026

Viewed by 533

Abstract

Drought stress is a major constraint on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production. Screening for drought tolerance at the seedling stage can accelerate the identification of resilient germplasm. In this study, six alfalfa cultivars were selected and subjected to drought stress at the [...] Read more.

Drought stress is a major constraint on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production. Screening for drought tolerance at the seedling stage can accelerate the identification of resilient germplasm. In this study, six alfalfa cultivars were selected and subjected to drought stress at the seedling stage. Morphological traits (stem diameter, plant height, biomass, and root–shoot ratio) and oxidative/antioxidant indicators (malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide (O₂•⁻), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity) were quantified in leaves and roots. Drought stress significantly reduced plant height (by up to 42.4% in ZL2) and biomass (by up to 30% in some cultivars), but increased the root–shoot ratio (by 50–166%). MDA and O₂•⁻ levels increased by 10–174% in leaves and 8–65% in roots across cultivars. Antioxidant enzyme activities rose markedly: SOD by 23–125% in leaves and 2–100% in roots; POD by 47–240% (leaves) and 38–166% (roots); CAT by 9–129% (leaves) and 30–227% (roots); GR by 35–107% (leaves) and 23–172% (roots); APX by 8–175% (leaves) and 3–89% (roots), indicating a coordinated leaf–root antioxidant defense. Transcriptome analysis of the tolerant cultivar ZM3 revealed 853 differentially expressed genes, which were enriched in pathways such as the non-homologous end-joining DNA repair pathway. Multivariate assessment of seedling-stage performance identified ZM3 and ZL2 as the most drought-tolerant cultivars. Collectively, these findings provide germplasm leads and empirical evidence for coordinated leaf–root antioxidant strategies in alfalfa, informing the selection and improvement of drought-tolerant cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Regulatory Mechanisms of Plant Responses to Abiotic Stress)

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20 pages, 8747 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Full-Length Reference Gene Stability in Phoebe zhennan Under Primary Abiotic and Biotic Stresses

by Beibei Chen, Yingxuan Luo, Yuan Li, Zhenqi Liao, Zhongbiao Ding and Weiyi Liu

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111736 - 3 Jun 2026

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Abstract

(1) Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) requires reliable reference genes for accurate data normalization; however, optimal reference genes for the economically and ecologically valuable timber species Phoebe zhennan remain uncharacterized; (2) Here, we selected nine candidate reference genes derived from full-length transcriptome [...] Read more.

(1) Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) requires reliable reference genes for accurate data normalization; however, optimal reference genes for the economically and ecologically valuable timber species Phoebe zhennan remain uncharacterized; (2) Here, we selected nine candidate reference genes derived from full-length transcriptome sequencing to evaluate their expression stability across abiotic (drought) and biotic (Colletotrichum fructicola infection) stresses. Transcript abundance was analyzed via RT-qPCR using four distinct algorithms (Delta Ct, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper), with RefFinder used to reconcile analytical discrepancies and generate a definitive consensus ranking; (3) Our analysis showed that expression stability is highly context-dependent: CYP20-1 and HSP70-1 were the most stable reference genes under drought stress, whereas Actin-101 and Actin constituted the optimal pair under disease stress. For cross-condition assessments, Actin-101 and β-Tubulin served as the most reliable baseline combination. Subsequent empirical validation quantifying stress-responsive transcripts demonstrated a significant positive correlation between RT-qPCR relative expression and corresponding RNA-seq data (drought: R = 0.80; disease: R = 0.76); (4) This study identifies and validates the first set of reference genes for P. zhennan, providing a foundation for accurate gene expression analysis in this species, which is crucial for understanding its response to environmental stresses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Analysis of Plant Adaptation to Abiotic Stresses)

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19 pages, 11113 KB

Open AccessArticle

Alternative Splicing of SCL30a Generates Distinct Isoforms to Modulate ABA Signaling in Arabidopsis

by Tiantian Wu, Ping Lin, Ying Li, Yuan Tian, Mohammad Saidur Rhaman, Fuyuan Zhu, Yinggao Liu and Yanjie Xie

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111735 - 3 Jun 2026

Viewed by 794

Abstract

Alternative splicing (AS) coupled with nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) is an important post-transcriptional mechanism that regulates the expression of many genes, including serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins across eukaryotes. In plants, SR proteins participate in diverse developmental processes and stress responses, particularly in abscisic acid (ABA) [...] Read more.

Alternative splicing (AS) coupled with nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) is an important post-transcriptional mechanism that regulates the expression of many genes, including serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins across eukaryotes. In plants, SR proteins participate in diverse developmental processes and stress responses, particularly in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. However, the functional differences among individual splice isoforms of SR proteins remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated SCL30a, a plant-specific SR protein in Arabidopsis thaliana. By integrating third-generation long-read transcriptome sequencing, NMD stability assays, and subcellular localization analyses, we identified five alternatively spliced SCL30a transcripts. Among them, SCL30a.2 and SCL30a.3 contain premature termination codons (PTCs), display nucleocytoplasmic localization, and are rapidly degraded through the NMD pathway. In contrast, the other three isoforms, SCL30a.1, SCL30a.4, and SCL30a.5, retain an intact RS domain and localize exclusively to the nucleus. Functional analyses showed that SCL30a acts as a positive regulator of ABA signaling. Loss-of-function mutants of SCL30a displayed reduced ABA sensitivity in both root growth and seed germination assays, whereas complementation or overexpression of three stable isoforms of SCL30a (SCL30a.1, SCL30a.4, and SCL30a.5) enhanced ABA responsiveness. Transcriptome analysis further showed that the expression of a subset of ABA-related genes, particularly SnRK2.6, was significantly altered in ABA-treated scl30a mutants and SCL30a.1-OE lines compared with WT plants. In addition, genetic evidence showed that overexpression of SnRK2.6 rescued the ABA-insensitive phenotype of the scl30a mutant. Together, these findings suggest that SnRK2.6 may function as a candidate downstream component associated with SCL30a-mediated ABA responses. 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, 2105 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Seedling-Stage Responses of Lumnitzera littorea to Substrate Type and Salinity-Structured Irrigation Regimes in Can Gio, Vietnam

by Duc-Hoan Huynh, The-Kiet Bui-Nguyen, Ngoc-Hiep Dang, Thi-Phuong-Linh Nguyen, Thi-Thu-Thao Luong and Hoang-Dung Tran

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111734 - 3 Jun 2026

Viewed by 934

Abstract

Reliable nursery production is essential for producing ex situ planting stock of the locally threatened mangrove Lumnitzera littorea in Can Gio, Vietnam. We evaluated 12-month seedling performance using two nursery substrates—CTI (topsoil) and CTII (mixed substrate)—and salinity-structured irrigation regimes: C, a dynamic river/tidal [...] Read more.

Reliable nursery production is essential for producing ex situ planting stock of the locally threatened mangrove Lumnitzera littorea in Can Gio, Vietnam. We evaluated 12-month seedling performance using two nursery substrates—CTI (topsoil) and CTII (mixed substrate)—and salinity-structured irrigation regimes: C, a dynamic river/tidal water plus freshwater reference regime and seven fixed-salinity treatments (E1–E7: 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35‰). Each substrate–regime combination comprised three replicate cells of 40 seedlings (N = 1920). The primary endpoints were month 12 survival (SR12), seedling height among survivors (H12), and root collar diameter among survivors (Do12). Statistical inference was confined to E1–E7; C was retained as a descriptive operational reference. For E1–E7, substrate and regime significantly affected SR12 and H12, whereas Do12 varied by regime but not by substrate; no substrate × regime interaction was detected. SR12 declined sharply at 30–35‰, especially under CTI, and the high-salinity H12 and Do12 estimates were based on few survivors. CTII outperformed topsoil alone, particularly for survival and survivor-conditioned height. The findings support conservative nursery guidance for Can Gio: use a mixed substrate and avoid sustained high fixed-salinity irrigation, without extending the inference to a species-wide salinity optimum or post-planting field performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Salt Tolerance in Plants: Genetic Mechanisms, Germplasm Screening, Cultivation Measures and Rehabilitation of Saline-Alkali Lands)

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17 pages, 4297 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity Analysis and Core Collection Development of Indian Mungbean (Vigna radiata) Germplasm

by Manickam Dhasarathan, Adhimoolam Karthikeyan, Santhi Madhavan Samyuktha, Lekshmi Jeeva Kasi Vishwanathan, Gunasekaran Ariharasutharsan, Natesan Senthil and Muthaiyan Pandiyan

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111733 - 3 Jun 2026

Viewed by 733

Abstract

Mungbean is an important legume crop native to India. In this study, 500 indigenous mungbean accessions collected from diverse eco-geographical regions of India were evaluated for agronomic trait genetic variability and core collection development. The accessions were grown in an augmented design during [...] Read more.

Mungbean is an important legume crop native to India. In this study, 500 indigenous mungbean accessions collected from diverse eco-geographical regions of India were evaluated for agronomic trait genetic variability and core collection development. The accessions were grown in an augmented design during 2019 and 2020, and data were recorded for seven quantitative and 13 qualitative traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), frequency distribution, and box-plot analyses revealed substantial phenotypic variation among the accessions. Traits including plant height (PHT), number of pods per plant (NPP), hundred-seed weight (HSW), and single-plant yield (SPY) exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance, indicating the predominance of additive genetic effects. Principal component analysis showed that the first three principal components explained 70% of the total phenotypic variation. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index further indicated high levels of genetic diversity within the population. Based on quantitative traits, the accessions were grouped into six major clusters and 42 sub-clusters, with SPY, NPP, HSW, PHT, and days to 50% flowering (DFF) contributing substantially to genetic divergence. Correlation analysis suggested that direct selection for SPY and indirect selection through associated traits, including NPP, HSW, PHT, NSP, and pod length (POL), may enhance yield improvement. The germplasm collection also possessed desirable traits such as high yield potential, contrasting maturity groups, and plant types suitable for mechanical harvesting and bold-seeded type. A representative core set comprising 50 accessions was developed using the PowerCore program, providing valuable genetic resources for mungbean breeding and genetic improvement programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Plants—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1694 KB

Open AccessArticle

Jasmonoyl-L-Isoleucine Induces Systemic Photosynthetic Responses to Local Heat Stress by Contributing to Abscisic Acid Accumulation

by Darya Kuznetsova, Vladimir Vodeneev and Maria Ladeynova

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111732 - 3 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Systemic regulation of photosynthesis is crucial for plant survival in variable environments, yet the hormonal mechanisms coordinating photosynthetic responses to local stimuli are not fully elucidated. This study investigates the interplay between jasmonates (JAs) and abscisic acid (ABA) in systemic photosynthetic responses induced [...] Read more.

Systemic regulation of photosynthesis is crucial for plant survival in variable environments, yet the hormonal mechanisms coordinating photosynthetic responses to local stimuli are not fully elucidated. This study investigates the interplay between jasmonates (JAs) and abscisic acid (ABA) in systemic photosynthetic responses induced by local heat stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using phytohormone quantification, chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange measurements in wild-type and transgenic plants impaired in JA biosynthesis, this study showed that local heating-induced variation potential propagation triggers JA biosynthesis in systemic unstimulated leaves, followed by changes in ABA content, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic activity. Rapid systemic increases in jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile) levels are essential for the systemic decreases in stomatal conductance and the consequent reduction in carbon assimilation. Systemic increases in JA-Ile levels also contribute to systemic accumulation of ABA, likely to maintain reduced stomatal conductance. Thus, the data support a model in which JA-Ile acts as a mediator of early stages of the systemic photosynthetic response, whereas ABA likely contributes to late stages of this response. These results highlight the complex integration of hormonal signals in the regulation of photosynthesis under stress conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Hormones and Signaling)

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Plants, Volume 15, Issue 11 (June-1 2026) – 172 articles

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