Plants

16 pages, 1459 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screening and Evaluation of Quinoa Germplasm for Saline–Alkali Tolerance Based on Germination Vigor Traits

by Qinghan Bao, Xiaowei Wei, Yang Wu, Yongping Zhang, Yue Zhang and Yang Wang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152413 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 351

Soil salinization and alkalization caused by global climate change have become major constraints on crop production worldwide. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), owing to its exceptional adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, is considered a promising crop for saline–alkali agriculture. Successful screening and evaluation [...] Read more.

Soil salinization and alkalization caused by global climate change have become major constraints on crop production worldwide. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), owing to its exceptional adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, is considered a promising crop for saline–alkali agriculture. Successful screening and evaluation of saline–alkali-tolerant germplasm at the germination stage is essential for breeding quinoa varieties with enhanced tolerance to compound saline–alkali stress. In this study, 23 quinoa accessions originating from different regions were evaluated for saline–alkali tolerance by exposing seeds to compound saline–alkali solutions at different concentrations in a Petri dish germination assay. During the germination stage, relative vigor index, germination rate, germination energy, shoot length, root length, and fresh weight were determined, and saline–alkali tolerance was assessed using multivariate statistical analyses. The germination ability and seedling growth potential of quinoa germplasm gradually declined with increasing saline–alkali stress. Based on the comprehensive saline–alkali tolerance index at the germination stage, eight accessions were identified as highly tolerant and four accessions as highly sensitive to saline–alkali stress. Among them, LL1 and Z27 exhibited outstanding tolerance and were identified as elite saline–alkali-tolerant germplasm resources. The results indicated that vigor index and fresh weight at the germination stage can serve as key parameters for evaluating saline–alkali tolerance in quinoa germplasm. Overall, this study provides valuable germplasm resources and a practical basis for breeding new quinoa varieties with enhanced saline–alkali tolerance, as well as for the identification and utilization of stress-resistance-related genes in quinoa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitigation Strategies and Tolerance of Plants to Abiotic Stresses—3rd Edition)

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24 pages, 5152 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Physiological Changes and Ethylene-Related Gene Expression During Petal Senescence in Red-Flowered Strawberry ‘140’

by Lixiang Miao, Jiyao Qiu, Yijia Ma, Chaocui Nong, Ziping Fan, Rongping Ren, Ming Jiang, Qingxi Chen and Yuji Huang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2412; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152412 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 289

Abstract

Red-flowered strawberry possesses both ornamental and edible value, but its short single-flower lifespan severely limits its ornamental potential. In this study, petals of the red-flowered strawberry cultivar ‘140’ were collected at five developmental stages (large bud, half-bloom, full-bloom, initial withering, and withered) to [...] Read more.

Red-flowered strawberry possesses both ornamental and edible value, but its short single-flower lifespan severely limits its ornamental potential. In this study, petals of the red-flowered strawberry cultivar ‘140’ were collected at five developmental stages (large bud, half-bloom, full-bloom, initial withering, and withered) to systematically analyze the senescence process from morphological characteristics, physiological, and ethylene-related gene expression perspectives. The results showed that the epidermal cell breakage rate increased continuously during petal senescence, with lower epidermal cells consistently exhibiting higher breakage rates than the upper epidermal cells. Moisture content decreased progressively, while relative electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion contents increased continuously. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities, as well as glutathione content, exhibited unimodal responses, peaking at different stages. Both ethylene and abscisic acid contents increased and then decreased, with ethylene showing greater amplitude and faster rate of change. The ethylene biosynthesis gene FaACO1 and signaling genes FaETR1, FaETR2, FaEIN2, FaEIN7, FaERF13, and FaERF118 were significantly upregulated at full-bloom or initial withering stages, with FaERF118 showing the highest and continuously increasing expression. These findings indicate that water loss, membrane lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species accumulation synergistically drive petal senescence, with the ethylene signaling pathway playing a key regulatory role. Full article

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

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22 pages, 6230 KB

Open AccessArticle

Iron Chlorin e6 Improves Soybean Yield by Maintaining Chlorophyll Stability and Promoting Carbohydrate Accumulation Under Saline–Alkali Stress

by Wei Chen, Suyu Chen, Yanli Du, Liang Cao, Chunyuan Ren, Lu Lin, Xin Du, Jinghan Xu, Jiping Xu, Yuxian Zhang and Qiang Zhao

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2411; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152411 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 354

Abstract

Saline–alkali stress is a widespread abiotic stress that severely impairs crop growth and yield formation. Iron Chlorin e6 (ICe6), a novel plant growth regulator, is essentially a chlorophyll derivative, and possesses potential application value in regulating plant chlorophyll metabolism and improving plant stress [...] Read more.

Saline–alkali stress is a widespread abiotic stress that severely impairs crop growth and yield formation. Iron Chlorin e6 (ICe6), a novel plant growth regulator, is essentially a chlorophyll derivative, and possesses potential application value in regulating plant chlorophyll metabolism and improving plant stress resistance. In this study, the saline–alkali-sensitive soybean cultivar Henong 95 and saline–alkali-tolerant soybean cultivar Hefeng 50 were used as experimental materials, and foliar spraying with 120 nmol/L ICe6 was conducted at the R1 stage. The results indicated that relative to CK, SA treatment markedly inhibited soybean growth, accompanied by reduced antioxidant capacity, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and significantly lowered photosynthetic pigment content. Carbohydrate accumulation was substantially suppressed, which ultimately resulted in yield reduction (HN95: −12.31%; HF50: −11.08%). ICe6 treatment mitigated saline–alkali-induced growth inhibition in soybean plants, as reflected by markedly restored antioxidant indices, sharply decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂, and O₂⁻ levels, and notably increased leaf area (HN95: +49.72%; HF50: +19.82%) and chlorophyll content (HN95: +36.06%; HF50: +90.75%). Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling showed that, relative to the SA control, ICe6 treatment led to the identification of 2896 DEGs in HN95 and 3530 DEGs in HF50, with significant enrichment in photosynthesis- and chlorophyll metabolism-related pathways, e.g., GO:0009765 (photosynthesis, light harvesting). Differential metabolites were chiefly enriched in isoflavonoid biosynthesis—a source of antioxidants—and amino acid biosynthesis, which governs chlorophyll precursor synthesis. These findings suggest that ICe6 may enhance chlorophyll content by modulating the expression of genes involved in chlorophyll metabolism, contributing to light capture and chlorophyll biosynthesis, facilitating carbohydrate accumulation and ultimately contributing to increased yield under saline–alkali stress (HN95: +5.74%; HF50: +5.83%). Full article

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

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20 pages, 3081 KB

Open AccessReview

Shaping Plant Adaptation in a Warmer World: Developmental Plasticity Under Moderately Elevated Temperatures

by Junfeng Zhai, Xin Liu, Xiaobin Sun, Ruize Han, Jiewei Zhang and Yan Liang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152410 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 430

Abstract

As global warming raises ambient temperatures, plant growth and productivity are being profoundly affected. Although the impacts of extreme heat stress have received extensive attention, the developmental consequences of moderately elevated temperatures remain less understood. As sessile organisms, plants rely on developmental plasticity [...] Read more.

As global warming raises ambient temperatures, plant growth and productivity are being profoundly affected. Although the impacts of extreme heat stress have received extensive attention, the developmental consequences of moderately elevated temperatures remain less understood. As sessile organisms, plants rely on developmental plasticity to adjust their growth and development in response to warm environments. Understanding how plants sense temperature and convert this signal into developmental outputs is crucial for determining their adaptive strategies to climate change and for applying this knowledge to breed climate-resilient crops. Here, we review current advances in understanding how moderately elevated temperatures regulate developmental plasticity throughout the plant life cycle, including the perception of moderate warmth, the resulting developmental plasticity during vegetative and reproductive growth, and the coordination and trade-offs between these two phases. We also highlight major unanswered questions in this field and propose strategies for manipulating developmental plasticity to breed climate-resilient crops. Full article

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

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27 pages, 4819 KB

Open AccessReview

African Polyherbal Formulations for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential

by Nokukhanya Thembane, Siphamandla Hlatshwayo, Sanele Nobleman Mhlungu, Siboniso Percival Sithole, Phikelelani Ngubane, Mlungisi Ngcobo and Nceba Gqaleni

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2409; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152409 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 625

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a major public health challenge in Africa, where limited healthcare access and the high cost of conventional therapies sustain reliance on African traditional medicine (ATM). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and safety [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a major public health challenge in Africa, where limited healthcare access and the high cost of conventional therapies sustain reliance on African traditional medicine (ATM). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and safety of African polyherbal formulations for T2D management. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, following a protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251168831). We searched PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2024. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Polyherbal formulations consistently improved glycaemic control, insulin sensitivity, antioxidant status, and lipid profiles. Meta-analysis of 10 preclinical studies demonstrated a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose compared with that of diabetic controls (SMD = −5.22, 95% CI: −5.55 to −4.89; p < 0.001; I² = 93.88%). Proposed mechanisms included β-cell protection, stimulation of insulin secretion, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and attenuation of oxidative stress. Safety data were limited and inconsistently reported. Human evidence was limited to one quasi-experimental clinical study and one acute human OGTT study. African polyherbal formulations demonstrate promising antidiabetic potential; however, methodological heterogeneity, limited phytochemical characterisation, inadequate safety assessment, and scarce clinical evidence highlight the need for standardised preclinical studies and well-designed clinical trials to support evidence-based integration into healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants: Advances in Phytochemistry and Ethnobotany (3rd Edition))

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18 pages, 7872 KB

Open AccessArticle

Percent Tolerance to Phosphorus Deficiency (PTPD) as a Potential Metric for Genotypic Screening in Soybean (Glycine max L.)

by Jing Zhao, Debin Yu, Demin Rao, Hongtao Wang, Ziru Hao, Qiang Qiu, Yinkai Zhao, Xiaohui Wang, Tong Cheng, Xiujuan Yan, Minghao Zhang, Botao Cong, Mingshu Li, Fangang Meng and Wei Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152408 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 266

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) deficiency severely limits soybean (Glycine max L.) productivity. This study proposed a three-stage screening framework to identify reliable traits and P-efficient genotypes. In Experiment I, percent tolerance to phosphorus deficiency (PTPD) was calculated for ten growth parameters across 98 genotypes [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency severely limits soybean (Glycine max L.) productivity. This study proposed a three-stage screening framework to identify reliable traits and P-efficient genotypes. In Experiment I, percent tolerance to phosphorus deficiency (PTPD) was calculated for ten growth parameters across 98 genotypes under P-deficient and control conditions. Principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation identified six key indicators in Experiment I, which were subsequently refined to five indicators through further analysis: SPAD at V3 and R1, photosynthetic rate at R1, shoot dry weight at R8, and seed number per plant at R8. Experiment II re-evaluated these traits using 12 contrasting genotypes under three P levels, identifying CN 15 as the most P-efficient and SN 22 as the most P-inefficient. Experiment III further revealed that CN 15 maintained superior PSII performance and exhibited a 26.2% increase in grain P-utilization efficiency under 0 µM KH₂PO₄ treatment. This integrated framework offers a preliminary reference for screening P-efficient soybean genotypes under controlled conditions, pending field evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Organ Development and Stress Response—2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 1011 KB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oil Composition and Biological Activities of Hyptis eriocephala, an Aromatic Lamiaceae Species from Southern Ecuador

by Diana Guaya, Ana Cristina Hernández and Vladimir Morocho

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2407; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152407 - 6 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Hyptis eriocephala is an aromatic Lamiaceae species from southern Ecuador whose essential oil has not previously been characterized. To establish an initial phytochemical and biological baseline, aerial parts collected at Villonaco were subjected to three independent steam-distillation runs, yielding 0.13 ± 0.04% ( [...] Read more.

Hyptis eriocephala is an aromatic Lamiaceae species from southern Ecuador whose essential oil has not previously been characterized. To establish an initial phytochemical and biological baseline, aerial parts collected at Villonaco were subjected to three independent steam-distillation runs, yielding 0.13 ± 0.04% (w/w) essential oil. Volatile constituents were tentatively assigned by GC–MS using concordant EI mass-spectral and linear retention-index evidence, whereas relative composition was determined by GC–FID peak-area normalization without an internal standard, calibration curves, or response correction factors. Sixty-five constituents accounted for 96.81% of the total GC–FID peak area. The relative profile was dominated by hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (67.88%), followed by hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.36%), with α-copaene (28.20 ± 0.24%), germacrene D (9.29 ± 0.09%), α-pinene (6.98 ± 0.03%), α-cubebene (6.70 ± 0.06%), δ-cadinene (6.03 ± 0.07%), limonene (5.44 ± 0.05%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.31 ± 0.05%), and β-phellandrene (4.96 ± 0.02%) were the principal constituents. The oil showed a narrow antibacterial response, with MIC values of 250 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecium ATCC 27270 and 2000 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433. Radical-scavenging activity was assay-dependent: activity was measurable in the ABTS assay (SC₅₀ = 76.87 ± 1.05 µg/mL; TEAC = 30.06 ± 1.16 µM TE/g EO), whereas 50% DPPH scavenging was not reached at 8000 µg/mL. The oil preferentially inhibited BuChE (IC₅₀ = 125.3 ± 1.03 µg/mL) over AChE (IC₅₀ = 385.9 ± 1.02 µg/mL). These findings establish a preliminary phytochemical and biological baseline for the Villonaco material but do not demonstrate a species-wide chemotype, mechanism of action, or therapeutic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Essential Oils: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Applications)

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21 pages, 1935 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Association Studies of Agronomic and Yield Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata)

by Yanchao Du, Jingwen Xu, Huiming Li, Mingxing Zhou, Xu Pang, Jianbing Yan, Ye He, Guowu Lian and Faqiang Feng

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2406; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152406 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 494

Abstract

Sweet corn is a globally important dual-purpose crop for both food and fresh vegetables. The plant architecture and ear-related traits directly determine its yield potential and field ecological adaptability. To elucidate the genetic architecture of these traits and identify superior alleles for breeding, [...] Read more.

Sweet corn is a globally important dual-purpose crop for both food and fresh vegetables. The plant architecture and ear-related traits directly determine its yield potential and field ecological adaptability. To elucidate the genetic architecture of these traits and identify superior alleles for breeding, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 11 agronomic traits using 30,597 high-quality SNP markers in a panel of 101 elite sweet corn inbred lines. Population genetic structure was analyzed using sparse non-negative matrix factorization (sNMF) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) algorithms, revealing three main clusters and six subpopulations. The clustering pattern was highly consistent with germplasm origin. Association mapping with the fixed and random Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) model identified 16 significant marker–trait associations (MTAs), distributed across seven target agronomic traits. The phenotypic variance explained (PVE) by individual loci ranged from 8.0% to 16.0%. Among these, five stable MTAs across environments, a novel ERN locus (SNP25518) specific to sweet corn, and most association intervals overlapped with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Within the ±0.15 Mb (defined by LD decay) flanking windows around the significant SNP loci, a total of 236 candidate genes were annotated, which are primarily involved in hormone signaling, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, cell division, and plant growth and development. In summary, this study dissected the genetic basis of key agronomic traits in sweet corn and provides a foundation for marker-assisted selection and functional validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)

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15 pages, 14683 KB

Open AccessArticle

Controlled Irrigation Mitigates Flooding-Induced Yield Loss in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at the Jointing Stage by Regulating Growth and Biomass Allocation

by Yanmei Yu, Yujiang Xiong, Yan Meng, Peng Chen and Hang Guo

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152405 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 383

Abstract

Flooding during the rice (Oryza sativa L.) jointing stage threatens yield stability in regions with concentrated rainfall and limited drainage. However, the extent to which the water regime before flooding modifies rice growth and yield formation remains poorly understood. A pot experiment [...] Read more.

Flooding during the rice (Oryza sativa L.) jointing stage threatens yield stability in regions with concentrated rainfall and limited drainage. However, the extent to which the water regime before flooding modifies rice growth and yield formation remains poorly understood. A pot experiment was conducted over two years to compare controlled irrigation (CI) with conventional flooding irrigation (CF) across three flooding depths and two durations imposed at the jointing stage. Flooding increased tiller number, plant height, and total leaf area, but reduced net photosynthetic rate and grain yield. Yield loss increased with flooding depth and duration. Under corresponding flooding treatments, CI moderated vegetative expansion and maintained a higher net photosynthetic rate, greater root dry matter, and a higher root-to-shoot ratio than CF. Relative to the corresponding non-flooded controls, yield loss ranged from 4.11% to 39.33% under CI and from 5.63% to 52.50% under CF. The lower yield loss under CI was associated with greater effective panicle number, higher seed setting rate, and better maintenance of photosynthetic activity and root biomass. These findings indicate that the water regime before flooding can influence biomass allocation and yield formation during the jointing stage flooding. Controlled irrigation combined with timely drainage may help reduce yield risk in rice systems exposed to temporary flooding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Soil and Water Management for Climate-Resilient Crop Production)

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29 pages, 14499 KB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin and Brassinolide Enhance Cold Tolerance in Osmanthus fragrans: Insights from Integrated Physiological and Multi-Omics Analyses

by Hui Xia, Wenxuan Huang, Jingjing Zou, Hongguo Chen, Xuan Cai, Jie Yang, Zeqing Li, Xiangling Zeng, Yuanhang Wu and Yingting Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2404; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152404 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 413

Abstract

Low-temperature stress severely restricts the growth, development, and ornamental value of Osmanthus fragrans Lour. However, the molecular mechanisms by which brassinolide (BR) and melatonin (MT) alleviate low-temperature-induced damage remain unclear. Here, O. fragrans branches were exposed to low-temperature stress (5, 0, −5, −10, [...] Read more.

Low-temperature stress severely restricts the growth, development, and ornamental value of Osmanthus fragrans Lour. However, the molecular mechanisms by which brassinolide (BR) and melatonin (MT) alleviate low-temperature-induced damage remain unclear. Here, O. fragrans branches were exposed to low-temperature stress (5, 0, −5, −10, −15, and −20 °C for 12 h) and treated with exogenous MT (50, 100, and 200 μM) or BR (0.5, 1, and 2 μM). An integrated approach combining phenotypic observation, physiological measurements, transcriptomics, and metabolomics was employed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying BR- and MT-mediated cold tolerance. The results showed that low-temperature stress significantly increased electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, while reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities. Compared with the control, BR and MT treatments alleviated leaf chlorosis and wilting, reduced oxidative damage, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Integrated transcriptome–metabolome analyses demonstrated that BR and MT commonly activated phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, thereby promoting antioxidant metabolite accumulation, while suppressing α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism associated with stress-induced lipid remodeling. Network-based transcriptomic analyses identified transcription factors, including ARF, EIL, bHLH, and GRAS, as potential regulators of cold-responsive pathways. Furthermore, BR primarily regulated hormone-responsive networks, whereas MT mainly maintained redox homeostasis and metabolic reprogramming. These findings reveal the coordinated regulatory mechanisms underlying BR- and MT-mediated cold tolerance, providing potential targets for improving cold resilience in O. fragrans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omics in Plant Development and Stress Responses)

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25 pages, 4706 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Effects of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics on the Composition and Functional Attributes of the Oat (Avena sativa L.) Rhizosphere Microbiome

by Lingping Zhao, Zhibo Yang, Wanqiao Zhang, Qunying Wang, Shitu Tan, Pei Mao and Wenfeng Ma

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152403 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 385

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly accumulating in agricultural soils, while their effects on crop-associated rhizosphere microbial communities and ecological functions remain insufficiently understood, particularly for different polymer types. In this study, polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics with the same particle size (2 μm) [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly accumulating in agricultural soils, while their effects on crop-associated rhizosphere microbial communities and ecological functions remain insufficiently understood, particularly for different polymer types. In this study, polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics with the same particle size (2 μm) were applied at different concentrations (0, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 5%, w/w) to investigate their effects on oat rhizosphere bacterial communities and predicted functional potentials. The results showed that microplastic addition significantly altered bacterial community diversity, composition, and predicted functional profiles. Compared to the control (Ctrl), the 1% PE treatment significantly reduced bacterial richness-related indices (p < 0.05), whereas PS mainly affected bacterial diversity. Microplastic treatments also reshaped dominant bacterial taxa and altered the predicted functional potentials associated with carbon and nitrogen cycling. In particular, the 1% PE treatment significantly reduced the predicted relative abundance of the carbon fixation-related gene cbbL (p < 0.05). In addition, high-concentration (5%) PE enhanced several predicted functional potentials related to nitrogen cycling, including nifH, ureA, and amoC. Overall, PE and PS microplastics induced polymer- and concentration-dependent changes in oat rhizosphere bacterial communities. These findings suggest that microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils may influence ecosystem processes by modifying microbial diversity and potential biogeochemical functions. This study provides new insights into the ecological consequences of different microplastic polymers in crop rhizosphere ecosystems and highlights the importance of considering polymer-specific effects when evaluating soil microplastic pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Soil Interactions)

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18 pages, 6477 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Partitioning of Phenylpropanoid- and Auxin-Related Metabolites in Sparganium stoloniferum Tubers

by Mengru Sang, Qinan Liu, Ying Dong, Zheng Jiang, Jingjie Dang, Siyi Liu, Chenyan Lu and Qinan Wu

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2402; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152402 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 359

Abstract

Phenolic acids and flavonoids are major bioactive constituents of Sparganium stoloniferum tubers (SL), yet their spatial organization within this medicinal organ remains insufficiently characterized, limiting understanding of how anatomical structure relates to metabolite distribution. To address this, we integrated mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), [...] Read more.

Phenolic acids and flavonoids are major bioactive constituents of Sparganium stoloniferum tubers (SL), yet their spatial organization within this medicinal organ remains insufficiently characterized, limiting understanding of how anatomical structure relates to metabolite distribution. To address this, we integrated mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), non-targeted LC–MS and targeted LC–MS/MS metabolomics, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) analysis to characterize the spatial patterns of phenylpropanoid- and auxin-related metabolites and selected transcripts in SL. MSI and non-targeted LC–MS profiling showed that phenylpropanoid- and flavonoid-related metabolites were preferentially accumulated in the peripheral cortex rather than in the stele, although the stele constitutes the dominant internal tissue of the tuber. Targeted LC–MS/MS further confirmed that representative hydroxycinnamic acids and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were enriched in the cortex and, for most validated metabolites, in the cell wall-enriched fraction. Notably, spatial metabolomic profiling also revealed a contrasting stele-biased distribution of indole-related metabolites, including indole-3-acetamide-related features detected by MSI and non-targeted LC–MS and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) enrichment validated by targeted LC–MS/MS. RT–qPCR analysis showed that phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes were generally more highly expressed in the cortex and cell wall-enriched fraction, whereas auxin-related genes showed higher expression in the stele. Together, these results show cortex-biased phenylpropanoid accumulation, preferential association of most validated phenylpropanoid-related metabolites with the cell wall-enriched fraction, and stele-associated IAA accumulation and auxin-related transcript expression. This study provides a spatial framework for understanding metabolite partitioning in medicinal aquatic storage organs and highlights the importance of integrating anatomical, metabolomic, and gene expression information in medicinal plant research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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22 pages, 983 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Xylem Development in Horticultural Plants

by Lili Zhou, Menghao Wang and Shengjun Feng

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2401; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152401 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 367

Abstract

Xylem, a critical vascular tissue extensively distributed in stems and roots, plays indispensable roles in horticultural plant development. It facilitates water and mineral transport, provides mechanical support through secondary cell wall lignification, and precisely modulates ion homeostasis (e.g., Na⁺/K⁺ balance), [...] Read more.

Xylem, a critical vascular tissue extensively distributed in stems and roots, plays indispensable roles in horticultural plant development. It facilitates water and mineral transport, provides mechanical support through secondary cell wall lignification, and precisely modulates ion homeostasis (e.g., Na⁺/K⁺ balance), thereby enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses. Consequently, xylem function directly impacts crop yield and quality. Recent breakthroughs in molecular biology have significantly advanced our understanding of the regulatory networks governing xylem development, including key transcription factors, hormonal signaling pathways (particularly auxin, cytokinin, and brassinosteroids), and their interactions with environmental cues. This review systematically summarizes current progress on the molecular mechanisms underlying xylem differentiation, secondary wall biosynthesis, and stress-responsive vascular adaptation in horticultural species. We further discuss emerging research frontiers, existing technical challenges, and prospective directions, aiming to provide a theoretical framework for genetic improvement and precision cultivation of horticultural crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology—2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 3042 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Daucus carota L. subsp. carota Seed Extracts: Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Modulation of the Arachidonic Acid Cascade

by Monica Maio, Gilda D’Urso, Alessandra Capuano, Francesca Fantasma, Michela Aliberti, Ester Colarusso, Gabriella Saviano, Vincenzo De Felice, Paola Fortini, Gianluigi Lauro, Maria Giovanna Chini, Agostino Casapullo, Giuseppe Bifulco and Maria Iorizzi

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2400; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152400 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 362

Abstract

Wild plant biodiversity represents a largely untapped source of chemically diverse metabolites. However, many wild edible species remain poorly characterized despite their potential as sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Daucus carota L. subsp. carota, commonly known as wild carrot, has attracted [...] Read more.

Wild plant biodiversity represents a largely untapped source of chemically diverse metabolites. However, many wild edible species remain poorly characterized despite their potential as sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Daucus carota L. subsp. carota, commonly known as wild carrot, has attracted interest due to its long history of medicinal use. In this study, seed extracts collected from populations growing in two Italian regions (Lazio and Molise) were investigated to evaluate their phytochemical composition, mineral content, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory potential. The metabolite profiles were characterized by qualitative Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis, allowing the identification of several phenolic compounds and other secondary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was assessed using in vitro assays, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and soluble epoxide hydrolase, two key enzymes involved in the arachidonic acid cascade. To gain further insight into the possible mechanisms underlying these activities, molecular docking analyses were performed on selected metabolites identified in the extracts, exploring their interactions with the target enzymes. The extracts displayed promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while docking results supported the potential role of specific metabolites in enzyme modulation. These findings highlight the value of underexplored wild D. carota seeds as a source of natural compounds with potential applications in the development of nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Products from Plants: Extraction, Characterization and Application)

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17 pages, 2385 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Bioactive Metabolites from Dust-like Seeds of Cremastra appendiculata via Metabolomics, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and Molecular Networking

by Zhao Liu, Yuan Chen, Kai-Peng Liu, Ruo-Xuan Xu, Gang Ding and Yan-Duo Wang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2399; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152399 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 343

Abstract

Orchid seeds are dust-like and lack endosperm, which limits their capacity to support germination using endogenous nutrient reserves. Successful germination therefore depends on the establishment of a compatible symbiotic association with germination-promoting orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF). In plant-root symbioses, host-derived small molecules, such [...] Read more.

Orchid seeds are dust-like and lack endosperm, which limits their capacity to support germination using endogenous nutrient reserves. Successful germination therefore depends on the establishment of a compatible symbiotic association with germination-promoting orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF). In plant-root symbioses, host-derived small molecules, such as strigolactones and flavonoids, function as early chemical signals that recruit microbial partners and stimulate their growth. However, the chemical constituents that may facilitate fungal recognition, growth, or colonization during orchid seed germination remain poorly understood. In this report, we combined metabolomics, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, molecular networking, phytochemical isolation, and bioactivity assays to characterize bioactive metabolites from the seeds of the medicinal orchid Cremastra appendiculata. Metabolomic profiling revealed abundant primary metabolites, including lipids, amino acids, organic acids, saccharides, and nucleosides. And then, nineteen secondary metabolites were isolated and identified, including two new structures. Functional assays showed that selected organic acids, saccharides, and lignanamides promoted the growth of Coprinellus disseminatus, a fungus required for seed germination, whereas lignanamides inhibited the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. These findings provide the first systematic chemical and functional characterization of metabolites from C. appendiculata seeds and offer new insight into the molecular basis of symbiosis between orchids and fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Bioactive Compounds in Plants)

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32 pages, 1888 KB

Open AccessReview

Splicing Factors in Plant Abiotic Stress Responses: Regulatory Mechanisms and Perspectives

by Jiahui Guo, Qing Gao, Mengyu Zhou, Hongli Wang, Yijia Ruan, Xiaoyu Wang, Yujing Liu, Xinlei Du, Yishan Fu, Teng Zhang, Jintong Wang, Junfeng Zhang and Lei Cao

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2398; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152398 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 382

Abstract

Splicing factors, as core determinants of splice-site selection and dynamic spliceosome assembly, play pivotal roles in stress responses. This review systematically categorizes splicing factors involved in plant abiotic stress responses according to their functions as major spliceosomal components, dividing them into small nuclear [...] Read more.

Splicing factors, as core determinants of splice-site selection and dynamic spliceosome assembly, play pivotal roles in stress responses. This review systematically categorizes splicing factors involved in plant abiotic stress responses according to their functions as major spliceosomal components, dividing them into small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and associated components, spliceosome assembly and disassembly factors, splicing regulatory factors, and proteins related to non-canonical RNA splicing. On this basis, we summarize their regulatory mechanisms of these factors under salt, drought, abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, temperature, and oxidative stresses. Through analyses across multiple species—including Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, maize, soybean, and wheat—we reveal both the evolutionary conservation and species-specific divergence of splicing-factor-mediated regulation. Currently, a large amount of research is still mainly at the transcriptome analysis or single phenotype validation stages, lacking in-depth analysis of direct targets, splicing isomer functions, and molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, current research is heavily concentrated on Arabidopsis, with relatively insufficient functional validation and breeding applications in crops such as maize and wheat. Despite substantial progress, several bottlenecks remain for translational applications in breeding, such as functional redundancy among splicing factor family members, growth penalties associated with overexpression, and tissue-specific and developmental-stage-dependent effects. To address these challenges, we discuss promising strategies, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated splice-site editing, the use of inducible or tissue-specific promoters, and targeted modulation of upstream kinases, although extensive field trials and rigorous evaluations remain necessary. Collectively, this review provides a theoretical framework for understanding the roles of splicing factors in RNA-level regulation of plant stress adaptation and highlights their potential for breeding improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems-Level Understanding of Plant Adaptation to Abiotic Stress: Physiological and Biochemical Perspectives)

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25 pages, 6624 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Mungbean (Vigna radiata) to Alternaria alternata

by Dano Tillaboyeva, Hilola Matniyazova, Olga Myachina, Laziza Mavasalieva, Elena Abdrashitova, Gulrukhsor Ergasheva, Nodira Mamadalieva, Otabek Kuziev, Mingjigit Abdurakhimov, Dildora Amonova, Gulchexra Ashurova, Atanazar Rakhimov and Ramish Egamberdiev

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152397 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 680

Abstract

Alternaria alternata causes severe foliar disease and substantial yield losses in mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek). However, the physiological and hormonal mechanisms driving resistance in locally adapted varieties remain largely unknown. We evaluated nine genotypes of Uzbekistan under controlled A. alternata [...] Read more.

Alternaria alternata causes severe foliar disease and substantial yield losses in mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek). However, the physiological and hormonal mechanisms driving resistance in locally adapted varieties remain largely unknown. We evaluated nine genotypes of Uzbekistan under controlled A. alternata inoculation across four growth stages (budding, flowering, podding, harvest), measuring salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), photosynthetic pigments, leaf water relations, morphology, and yield components. Infection triggered highly variable SA responses. Surprisingly, strong SA induction offered no yield protection: Barqaror showed a 212% SA increase but suffered the most severe grain weight loss (−62.6%). Conversely, Turon maintained high baseline JA and was the only genotype to increase chlorophyll a at podding (+16.8%). Disease stress did not significantly affect 1000-seed weight (p = 0.184), indicating that A. alternata primarily disrupts early pod formation rather than the seed-filling process. Zilola demonstrated the best overall yield stability, exhibiting near-complete pod retention (−0.8%) and moderate grain weight loss (−26.7%) while maintaining acceptable seed size. These findings emphasize that protecting early pod set is more critical than seed-filling capacity under infection. Consequently, Zilola represents a highly promising parental line for breeding A. alternata-tolerant mung beans in Central Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Underutilised Legumes and Grasses for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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22 pages, 2225 KB

Open AccessReview

Glechoma hederacea (L.): Phytochemical Profile, Biological Activities and Emerging Perspectives in Oral Health—A Review

by Alicia-Denisa Bereteu-Costa, Annamaria Pallag, Georgiana Ioana Potra Cicalău, Mariana Ganea, Manuela Bianca Pașca, Monica Tabita Morar and Gabriela Ciavoi

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2396; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152396 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 542

Abstract

Current interest in the use of medicinal plants for the prevention and management of various diseases has increased significantly due to the need to identify effective, safe, and sustainable natural agents. Glechoma hederacea L., a perennial species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, has [...] Read more.

Current interest in the use of medicinal plants for the prevention and management of various diseases has increased significantly due to the need to identify effective, safe, and sustainable natural agents. Glechoma hederacea L., a perennial species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, has traditionally been used in European folk medicine for the treatment of respiratory, inflammatory, and digestive disorders. Modern research has highlighted a complex phytochemical profile dominated by phenolic acids, flavonoids, and volatile compounds that have been associated with a variety of biological activities. Experimental studies have reported antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects. The present review summarizes current data regarding the phytochemical composition and biological properties of Glechoma hederacea, with particular emphasis on its potential applications in oral hygiene products and complementary dental therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Antioxidant Function in Plant Based Extract)

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20 pages, 2986 KB

Open AccessReview

Crop Growth Models: Development, Applications, Recent Advances, and Future Perspectives

by Guoan Li, Ying Wang, Yin Zhao, Zhen Liu, Shaoke Li and Xi Huang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2395; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152395 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 582

Abstract

Global climate change has posed a serious threat to agricultural production and food security. Crop growth models, with their excellent simulation and prediction capabilities, have become one of the important tools for guiding agricultural production and ensuring food security. This study provides a [...] Read more.

Global climate change has posed a serious threat to agricultural production and food security. Crop growth models, with their excellent simulation and prediction capabilities, have become one of the important tools for guiding agricultural production and ensuring food security. This study provides a review of the research progress in crop growth models. The development history of the models is summarized into four stages, including process modeling, system simulation, model application, and algorithm expansion. According to different driving factors, the crop growth models can be categorized into solar radiation-driven, soil moisture content-driven, meteorological factor-driven, and integrated factor-driven models. In terms of the countries of development, the models mainly include those from the Netherlands, the United States, Australia, and China. Regarding applications, crop growth models are primarily applicable to adaptability assessment, agricultural resource and crop cultivation management, and climate change evaluation. Since their initial development, these models have enhanced their mechanistic nature through various approaches, such as incorporating surface mulching modules, considering the response of root water uptake to soil salt stress, and preliminarily introducing physiological regulation processes. By integrating with remote sensing technology, the spatial scale of the models has been expanded from the point scale to the regional or even global scale, and the accuracy of regional-scale yield estimation has been significantly improved through assimilation with remote sensing. Meanwhile, crop growth models have also been combined with intelligent algorithms to optimize irrigation scheduling, and to perform model parameter optimization. Looking forward, potential future research directions of crop growth models include extending the soil submodule from one-dimensional to two/three-dimensional water–heat–solute transport, moving toward a more mechanistic crop growth modeling, integration with remote sensing, and incorporating artificial intelligence. This study serves as a reference for further development and application of crop growth models, and provides technical support for the development of sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Modeling in Agriculture)

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21 pages, 2375 KB

Open AccessArticle

Black and White Mulberry Extracts: Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Antiatherogenic and Antiplatelet Properties

by Eirini Lantavou, Maria Xenaki, Sofia Bellou, Stavros Beteinakis, Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis, Alexandros D. Tselepis, Despoina Pantazi and Panagiotis Stathopoulos

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2394; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152394 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 646

Abstract

Mulberry fruits are rich sources of bioactive phytochemicals with potential cardiovascular-relative bioactivity properties. In the present study, phenolic/alkaloid-enriched extracts from black (Morus nigra) and white (Morus alba) mulberries were chemically characterized and evaluated for their anti-atherogenic and antiplatelet activities [...] Read more.

Mulberry fruits are rich sources of bioactive phytochemicals with potential cardiovascular-relative bioactivity properties. In the present study, phenolic/alkaloid-enriched extracts from black (Morus nigra) and white (Morus alba) mulberries were chemically characterized and evaluated for their anti-atherogenic and antiplatelet activities in vitro. LC-HRMS analysis revealed distinct phytochemical profiles, with the black mulberry extract (BlackM) being characterized by a high abundance of anthocyanins, predominantly cyanidin- and pelargonidin-based glycosides, whereas the white mulberry extract (WhiteM) was particularly rich in pyrrolidine alkaloids, including morusimic acid isomers. Both extracts also contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as rutin, quercetin derivatives, and chlorogenic acid derivatives. BlackM markedly increased the resistance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to Cu²⁺-induced oxidation, whereas WhiteM more effectively inhibited the propagation phase of lipid peroxidation and significantly suppressed arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. BlackM induced a modest, albeit non-significant, reduction in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is among the first studies to comparatively investigate the effects of black and white mulberry extracts on LDL oxidation, platelet aggregation and NETs formation. Overall, these findings support the potential use of mulberry-derived phytochemicals as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals for the prevention of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Berries and Health: Bioactive Compounds in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals)

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16 pages, 6497 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Expression and Secondary Metabolic Regulation Underlying Variegated Leaf Formation in Sweetpotato

by Kangbowen Wang, Peng Li, Genmin Lv, Haojia Zhang, Zhelin Liang and Kai Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152393 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 373

Abstract

Variegated sweetpotato leaves are of interest for ornamental and functional-food applications, yet the molecular and metabolic basis of their coloration remains poorly understood. A sweetpotato accession with variegated leaves was found incidentally in the field, with rare and vivid Pink-purple coloration in the [...] Read more.

Variegated sweetpotato leaves are of interest for ornamental and functional-food applications, yet the molecular and metabolic basis of their coloration remains poorly understood. A sweetpotato accession with variegated leaves was found incidentally in the field, with rare and vivid Pink-purple coloration in the apical leaves. To investigate the mechanism underlying this interesting phenotype, this material was maintained in the laboratory, and variegated and normal green leaves from this plant were analysed by transcriptome profiling, miRNA sequencing and metabolome analysis. By integrating differential mRNA expression analysis, target-gene prediction, miRNA sequencing and metabolite identification, we screened candidate miRNA-mRNA modules associated with this leaf-colour formation. Using FDR < 0.05 and |log₂FC| ≥ 1 as thresholds, 49 differentially expressed miRNAs and 692 regulatory relationships involving differentially expressed target mRNAs associated with these miRNAs were identified. Functional annotation indicated that the iba_638_x1- G10133|TU16655 and iba_730_x1- G3592|TU5891 modules were associated with anthocyanin/flavonoid biosynthesis and vacuolar transport, respectively. Metabolome analysis showed that the total relative abundance of flavonoids in Pink leaves was 2.98-fold higher than that in CK, and 28 flavonoids accumulated to more than 2-fold higher levels in Pink than in CK. The differentially accumulated metabolites mainly included anthocyanin glycosides, such as petunidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, and flavonol glycosides, such as quercetin-3-O-sophoroside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside. These results indicate that the variegated phenotype of Pink leaves is mainly associated with differential accumulation of anthocyanin glycosides and flavonol glycosides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics and Evolution of Sweetpotato)

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28 pages, 467 KB

Open AccessReview

Challenges in Aphid Pest Management Including Global Case Studies and Prospects

by Adalbert Balog, Artúr Botond Csorba, Hugh D. Loxdale, Sándor Keszthelyi, Adriana Aurori and Ciprian George Fora

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2392; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152392 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 987

Abstract

Aphids are among the most economically important pests affecting agricultural productivity worldwide. Despite various control strategies, managing aphid populations remains a challenge due to their rapid reproduction, ability to transmit pathogenic plant viruses, and their resistance to insecticides. The present article presents the [...] Read more.

Aphids are among the most economically important pests affecting agricultural productivity worldwide. Despite various control strategies, managing aphid populations remains a challenge due to their rapid reproduction, ability to transmit pathogenic plant viruses, and their resistance to insecticides. The present article presents the current major difficulties experienced in the control of aphid pests, detailing various case studies, whilst recent scientific findings from Europe, the United States of America, and other global regions are described in order to clarify the challenges and the possibilities in sustainable pest management. Overall, we conclude that the complexity of aphid pest control demands integrated management strategies supported by robust policy frameworks. Enhanced collaboration between researchers, policymakers, farmers, and industry stakeholders is essential to develop sustainable solutions that address both immediate pest control needs and long-term agroecosystem resilience. Furthermore, studies are necessary, which especially include molecular genetics and ecological assessments, in order to understand the life history and rapid evolution of aphids, and hence, formulate the most rational means to combat them, both in the greenhouse and field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Sustainable Innovative Crop Pest Management)

24 pages, 10017 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Dual Branch Fusion Network for Simultaneous Tea Leaf Disease Diagnosis and Age-Based Quality Grade Evaluation

by Xin Zhang, Jiahua Ren, Siyu Qin and Xiu Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152391 - 4 Aug 2026

Viewed by 367

Abstract

The simultaneous diagnosis of diseases and evaluation of age quality grades in tea leaves are critical for precision agriculture and the economic valuation of tea products. Although deep learning has shown promise in agricultural vision tasks, current multi-task models often suffer from performance [...] Read more.

The simultaneous diagnosis of diseases and evaluation of age quality grades in tea leaves are critical for precision agriculture and the economic valuation of tea products. Although deep learning has shown promise in agricultural vision tasks, current multi-task models often suffer from performance degradation due to feature conflicts: tea leaf disease recognition relies heavily on macro-structural lesions, whereas tea leaf-age quality grading depends on micro-textural features such as trichome density and color uniformity. To address this discrepancy, we propose a novel dual branch fusion network. Our architecture fundamentally decouples the feature extraction process by utilizing a dual branch mechanism. The first branch employs global average pooling to capture first-order spatial statistics; it can retain the global structural layout necessary for macro-lesion detection. The second branch introduces a dimensionality-reduced self-bilinear pooling module to compute second-order covariance matrices; it can effectively capture the fine-grained textural patterns essential for micro-grade classification. These decoupled features are subsequently fused and optimized through a weighted multi-task loss function. Experimental results on a comprehensive tea leaf dataset demonstrate that the proposed dual fusion framework significantly outperforms baseline models. The proposed network can rescue the disease classification accuracy drop observed in standard bilinear models while maintaining exceptional grading performance. Furthermore, the proposed network maintains a compact parameter footprint and low computational complexity. This balance renders it suitable for deployment on agricultural Internet of Things edge devices where inference speed is critical. Full article

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

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23 pages, 8573 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inoculation with Trichoderma in Coffea arabica Seedlings: Effects on Morphological Indices and Seedling Quality Under Nursery Conditions

by Alina Alexandra Camacho-Villalobos, Luiz Paulo Amaringo-Córdova, Tatiana Mildred Ucañay-Ayllon, Noelito Salgado-Veramendi, Jhoffre David Flores-Jaramillo and Uriel Aldava-Pardave

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152390 - 4 Aug 2026

Viewed by 452

Abstract

Microbial inoculants such as Trichoderma have been proposed as sustainable tools to improve seedling quality in coffee nurseries; however, their effectiveness may vary according to formulation and genotype. This study evaluated three treatments: a solid Trichoderma formulation (1 kg m⁻³ of substrate) [...] Read more.

Microbial inoculants such as Trichoderma have been proposed as sustainable tools to improve seedling quality in coffee nurseries; however, their effectiveness may vary according to formulation and genotype. This study evaluated three treatments: a solid Trichoderma formulation (1 kg m⁻³ of substrate) based on a multispecies consortium (T. harzianum, T. asperellum, and T. viride; 5 × 10⁹ conidia g⁻¹), a liquid formulation of T. harzianum (1 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹; 1 L m⁻³ of substrate), and a non-inoculated control, using three Coffea arabica varieties (Catimor, Marsellesa, and Gran Colombia) under controlled nursery conditions. A linear mixed model was applied, considering variety and inoculant type as fixed effects and replicates as random effects. The results show that the biostimulant response is strongly modulated by the variety × inoculant interaction. The solid formulation was superior in promoting the expansion of the photosynthetic apparatus, increasing leaf area by 24.6%. In turn, the liquid formulation optimized structural vigor, increasing stem diameter by 17.3% and reducing slenderness by 13.1%. Inoculation reduced the lignification index by 10.4%, favoring dynamic vegetative growth. These improvements were integrated into the Dickson Quality Index, which reached values of 0.41–0.70, greatly exceeding the critical threshold of 0.20 for medium- to high-quality seedlings. It is concluded that Trichoderma acts as a physiological compensator that harmonizes plant architecture, although its efficacy depends on specific compatibility with the genotype, which is essential for ensuring the successful establishment of coffee plants under field conditions. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1186 KB

Open AccessReview

Faster, Smarter, Precise: Integrating Speed Breeding and CRISPR-Based New Genomic Techniques into the Conventional Field Crop Breeding Pipeline

by Velimir Mladenov, Rada Šućur, Borislav Banjac, Milana Čurčić, Teodora Feher Kričković, Jasna Musić, Sofija Petrović, Bojan Drašković, Faheem Shehzad Baloch and Wei Hu

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152389 - 4 Aug 2026

Viewed by 731

Abstract

Generation time is the principal bottleneck constraining genetic gain in plant breeding. Speed breeding (SB) addresses this by simultaneously managing the photoperiod, light spectrum and intensity, temperature, CO₂ concentration, mineral nutrition, growing substrate volume, and post-harvest seed dormancy, enabling four to seven [...] Read more.

Generation time is the principal bottleneck constraining genetic gain in plant breeding. Speed breeding (SB) addresses this by simultaneously managing the photoperiod, light spectrum and intensity, temperature, CO₂ concentration, mineral nutrition, growing substrate volume, and post-harvest seed dormancy, enabling four to seven generations per year in long-day cereals and legumes, and four to five generations in optimised short-day systems. This review evaluates SB against the conventional pedigree framework; synthesises validated environmental parameters and crop-specific protocols; and examines principal SB applications in hybridisation, genomic selection, disease-resistance screening, and allele introgression. A structured comparison of major review and protocol papers identifies broad consensus on core parameters alongside genuine divergence on far-red light supplementation. Critical evaluation addresses genotype-by-environment interaction, incomplete trait coverage, infrastructure costs, and unresolved questions on the biological integrity of rapidly advanced generations. The review further discusses new genomic techniques (NGTs), particularly CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, in the context of the EU’s June 2026 NGT regulation, under which Category 1 plants carrying only targeted endogenous modifications are exempt from GMO authorisation. When combined with SB, this regulatory shift can compress the interval from gene-editing event to registered variety from decades to a few years. Speed breeding, NGTs, and conventional field-based selection are most productively treated as complementary elements of a unified pipeline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cereal Breeding and Genetics)

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26 pages, 7026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Tat Retrotransposons Reveals Mosaic Phylogenetic Patterns Among Land Plants

by Antonina Prokopeva, Kirill Plotnikov and Mikhail Biryukov

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2388; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152388 - 4 Aug 2026

Viewed by 455

Abstract

Transposable elements (TEs) are rarely used as phylogenetic markers because of their high copy number, frequent recombination, and potential for horizontal transfer. However, their long-term coexistence with host genomes suggests that some TE lineages may preserve information about the evolutionary history of their [...] Read more.

Transposable elements (TEs) are rarely used as phylogenetic markers because of their high copy number, frequent recombination, and potential for horizontal transfer. However, their long-term coexistence with host genomes suggests that some TE lineages may preserve information about the evolutionary history of their genomic environment. Here, we investigate whether Tat LTR retrotransposons of the Ty3/Gypsy superfamily retain a phylogenetic signal informative for deep plant evolution. We reconstructed the phylogeny of Tat reverse transcriptase domains among representative lineages of land plants, including bryophytes, lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, and basal angiosperms. The analysis revealed stable clusters characterized by both structural specificity, determined by the position of the additional ribonuclease H domain, and taxonomic specificity. In many cases, the Tat subclusters reproduced established host relationships at the genus and family levels, particularly within conifers, indicating a predominantly vertical mode of inheritance. The distribution of Tat lineages also preserved signals relevant to unresolved questions of plant phylogeny. Among seed plants, different Tat lineages reflected aspects of existing alternative hypotheses, including the association of gnetophytes both with conifers II and angiosperms. Interestingly, the strong separation between two major conifer groups, pines and cypress with yews, was observed. Among non-seed plants, the topology of Tat lineages highlighted the unique position of lycophytes by the preservation of multiple ancient transposon lineages associated with early diversification after aRNH domain acquisition. It also suggested that the origins of mosses and hornworts involved different patterns of lineage elimination from a common ancestor that carried all structures found in lycophytes. We propose a conceptual framework in which TE clusters are interpreted as collections of partially independent evolutionary lineages rather than as a single species tree. Under this view, Tat retrotransposons provide an additional layer of phylogenetic information that complements conventional molecular markers and reflects the mosaic nature of plant genome evolution. The present work, therefore, represents the first implementation of this approach rather than its final methodological form. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolutionary Genomics IV)

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27 pages, 4926 KB

Open AccessArticle

DFS: A Feature–Sample Collaborative Optimization Framework for Machine Learning-Based Forest Aboveground Biomass Estimation Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing

by Yi Zhu, Zilin Ye, Peisong Yang, Ziqing Ye and Guoxiong Zhou

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2387; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152387 - 4 Aug 2026

Viewed by 393

Abstract

High-precision estimation of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial for global carbon cycle monitoring and sustainable forest management. However, existing machine learning-based approaches often suffer from high-dimensional feature redundancy, uneven spatial distribution of training samples, and inefficient hyperparameter optimization, which collectively limit estimation [...] Read more.

High-precision estimation of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial for global carbon cycle monitoring and sustainable forest management. However, existing machine learning-based approaches often suffer from high-dimensional feature redundancy, uneven spatial distribution of training samples, and inefficient hyperparameter optimization, which collectively limit estimation accuracy and computational efficiency. To address these issues, this study proposes a synergistic feature-sample optimization framework (DFS) for high-precision forest AGB estimation. First, with the involvement of forestry experts, we constructed the Hunan and Hubei datasets covering typical subtropical forest types through multi-source remote sensing and ground plot sampling. Second, we propose the Dual-Criteria Adaptive Feature Selection (DCAFS) method, integrating ReliefF and mutual information criteria to adaptively select key features highly correlated with AGB, eliminating spectral redundancy while preserving biomass-sensitive information. Next, we introduce a Bidirectional Active Learning Sample Optimization mechanism, called BALSO, and in its forward step, plots with high uncertainty and representativeness are given priority, so samples with high AGB variability can be captured effectively; in the backward step, spatially redundant samples and feature-redundant samples are removed through density peak clustering, and by doing this, sample selection and spatial distribution are optimized at the same time, so plot balance gets improved. Finally, the framework brings in a parameter tuning structure based on Dream Optimization Algorithm, namely DOA, and through staged exploration together with local fine-tuning, DOA makes model hyperparameters and AGB data distribution characteristics align in an adaptive manner, which helps improve convergence efficiency and estimation stability. Input variables comprise Landsat 8 OLI spectral bands, GLCM texture features, vegetation indices, and Sentinel-1/2 data. On the Hunan dataset, the framework achieved an

R^{2}

of 0.83 and an RMSE of 25.6 Mg·ha⁻¹; on the Hubei dataset, it achieved an

R^{2}

of 0.86 and an RMSE of 26.8 Mg·ha⁻¹. The framework was further validated on an independent public dataset from Inner Mongolia. These results demonstrate that the DFS framework provides an effective and feasible approach for regional-scale forest AGB estimation and carbon monitoring. Full article

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

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24 pages, 2962 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genotypic Differences in Potato Yield and Starch Content Response to Potassium Fertilization Under Drought Stress

by Yuying Sang, Dong Wang, Yikun Li, Handa Zhang, Mingshou Fan and Ziyi Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2386; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152386 - 4 Aug 2026

Viewed by 365

Abstract

Drought stress constrains potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, and potassium (K) fertilization may alleviate it, but genotype-dependent responses remain unclear. Six cultivars (‘V7’, ‘DXY’, ‘JZS-3’, ‘SY-2’, ‘JZS-12’, ‘ZJ-7’) were grown under four treatments: low K with normal irrigation (T1) or drought (T2), [...] Read more.

Drought stress constrains potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, and potassium (K) fertilization may alleviate it, but genotype-dependent responses remain unclear. Six cultivars (‘V7’, ‘DXY’, ‘JZS-3’, ‘SY-2’, ‘JZS-12’, ‘ZJ-7’) were grown under four treatments: low K with normal irrigation (T1) or drought (T2), and K application with normal irrigation (T3) or drought (T4). Dry matter in roots, stems, leaves, and tubers was measured at 50–110 days after planting, starch content at 70–110 days, and final yield recorded. Drought (T2) reduced yield by 28.6–52.3% versus T1; K under drought (T4) recovered yield by 12.8–41.5%. Starch decreased by 18.5–35.2% under drought but was restored to 82.6–94.3% of T1 levels with K. SY-2 showed the highest biomass and yield across treatments, while V7 was most affected. Based on yield responses, cultivars fell into four categories: K-efficient/drought-tolerant (SY-2), K-responsive/drought-tolerant (DXY), K-non-responsive/drought-tolerant (JZS-12), and K-inefficient/drought-sensitive (V7). K application mitigates drought-induced losses, but benefits are genotype-dependent. This classification supports genotype-specific K recommendations in water-limited systems, and SY-2 is a valuable genetic resource for breeding for K-use efficiency and drought tolerance. Physiological assessments of leaf relative water content and stomatal conductance confirmed that drought treatment effectively induced water stress and revealed that genotype-specific stomatal regulation underpinned the differential yield responses to K fertilization under drought. Full article

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

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24 pages, 2884 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate-Resilient Bread Wheat for Arid Environments: Adaptation and Yield Performance of Diverse Genotypes Across Contrasting Growing Conditions

by Naser B. Almarri, Mohamed Mansour, Sally E. Elwakeel, Elsayed E. Elshawy, Ibrahim F. Mersal, Abdullah D. Alkhathami, Nada M. Alsofuani, Mohamed Hichem Neily and Elsayed Mansour

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2385; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152385 - 3 Aug 2026

Viewed by 490

Abstract

Environmental variability poses major challenges to bread wheat production in arid regions. This study evaluated the adaptation, productivity, and grain quality of fifteen diverse bread wheat genotypes. The evaluated germplasm comprised advanced breeding lines developed by the Arab Center for the Studies of [...] Read more.

Environmental variability poses major challenges to bread wheat production in arid regions. This study evaluated the adaptation, productivity, and grain quality of fifteen diverse bread wheat genotypes. The evaluated germplasm comprised advanced breeding lines developed by the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), Saudi landraces, newly released cultivars, and a cultivar derived from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons (2022/2023 and 2023/2024) at two contrasting arid environments in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh exhibited warmer, drier conditions, with higher soil calcium carbonate content than Hail. Significant effects (p ≤ 0.01) of genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment interaction were detected for all traits studied. Compared with Hail, Riyadh exhibited lower grain and biological yields, fewer spikes/m², lighter grains, reduced plant height, and shorter growth duration. Riyadh-1 achieved the highest grain yield (7.54 t/ha) and biological yield (21.44 t/ha). ACS-1454, ACS-1422, ACS-1372, and Maeaa also demonstrated superior productivity and adaptation. Local landraces were characterized by late heading and maturity, whereas ACS-1454, ACS-1422, ACS-1400, and ACS-1464 exhibited early phenology across environments. LR-12 and LR-599 exhibited the highest protein and gluten contents, whereas Riyadh-1 and Yecora recorded the highest gluten index values. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering, and AMMI identified Riyadh-1, ACS-1454, ACS-1422, ACS-1372 and Maeaa as promising candidates for cultivation and breeding. Furthermore, the local landraces (LR-12 and LR-599) represent valuable sources of adaptive genetic diversity and grain quality for climate-resilient wheat cultivars. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Variation and Classification of Melon Germplasm Resources Based on DUS Test Characteristics

by Yundan Cong, Guorong Yan, Zhongqing Li, Chaohong Deng, Yue Ma, Fan Wang, Lianjia Zhao, Ning Liu, Wei Wang and Yu Song

Plants 2026, 15(15), 2384; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152384 - 3 Aug 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 308

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) germplasm resources are vital for seed-industry innovation and cultivar breeding. To systematically characterize their phenotypic variation, classification relationships, and breeding potential, 403 melon accessions were evaluated using nine quantitative characteristics specified in the guidelines for tests of distinctness, [...] Read more.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) germplasm resources are vital for seed-industry innovation and cultivar breeding. To systematically characterize their phenotypic variation, classification relationships, and breeding potential, 403 melon accessions were evaluated using nine quantitative characteristics specified in the guidelines for tests of distinctness, uniformity, and stability. These characteristics included fruit longitudinal diameter, fruit transverse diameter, fruit peduncle length, internode length, flesh thickness, petiole length, rind thickness, soluble solids content, and seed cavity diameter. The evaluated population exhibited extensive phenotypic variation, with coefficients of variation ranging from 14.0% to 57.4%. Rind thickness showed the greatest variation, while fruit transverse diameter, flesh thickness, fruit peduncle length, and fruit longitudinal diameter also displayed considerable differentiation. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index ranged from 1.74 to 1.96, indicating substantial diversity in fruit morphology, vegetative growth, internal fruit structure, and quality-related characteristics. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed close developmental relationships among fruit-related characteristics, with rind thickness showing the strongest positive correlation with flesh thickness. Principal component analysis extracted three components with eigenvalues greater than one, which together explained 65.22% of the total phenotypic variation and primarily represented fruit morphological structure, vegetative growth, and fruit quality. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the 403 accessions into four quantitative phenotypic groups, with highly significant differences among the groups for all nine characteristics. Furthermore, a weighted comprehensive selection index identified several accessions with superior combined agronomic performance, among which accession 20225110454A ranked first. These findings provide a quantitative phenotypic basis for melon germplasm conservation, core collection development, parental selection, and breeding-oriented resource utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Germplasm Resources and Innovation)

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Plants, Volume 15, Issue 15 (August-1 2026) – 168 articles

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