Kiwifruit, classified as a respiratory climacteric fruit, faces challenges due to its limited resistance to storage and transportation. Although low-temperature storage is a cost-effective and widely used method, the cold injury it induces poses significant hurdles to industrial development. In this study, we selected ‘Taishan 1’, the dominant kiwifruit cultivar in Shandong Province, as the experimental material. Through transcriptome sequencing, we identified the key gene AcMYC2, which plays a crucial role in the kiwifruit’s response to low-temperature stress. Subsequently, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) was performed on ‘Taishan 1’ kiwifruit, and gene overexpression was validated in tomatoes. The results demonstrated that AcMYC2 enhances cold tolerance in kiwifruit accompanied by multiple physiological processes, including antioxidant activity, lipid metabolism, and cell wall degradation. These findings offer significant insights into mitigating cold injury during low-temperature storage of kiwifruit and provide a theoretical foundation for advancing postharvest preservation techniques. Full article

The dehydration response element binding protein (DREB) family of the AP2/ERF superfamily functions as a key regulatory component in plant adaptation to water-deficit conditions. However, studies on the DREB A4 subfamily in poplar (Populus trichocarpa) are insufficient. In this study, members of the DREB A4 subgroup in poplar were identified and analyzed via bioinformatic analysis. A pCAMBIA-2300-PtrDREB4 expression vector was constructed and transformed into Arabidopsis, followed by phenotypic analysis of transgenic plant in response to drought stress. A total number of 29 DREB A4 members were identified in the poplar genome. Synteny analysis revealed that 19 gene pairs went through segmental duplication at least 12.84 million years ago. Their promoter regions were enriched with cis-elements related to stress resistance, hormone regulation, and growth and development. Upstream regulator analysis of poplar DREB A4 genes identified 425 transcription factor genes, which belonged to 39 families. Gene expression analysis demonstrated distinct expression patterns of DREB A4 genes in leaves, roots and stems with a notable response to drought stress. Ectopic expression of PtrDREB4 in yeast and Arabidopsis increased the drought tolerance of transformants, indicating the positive role of PtrDREB4 in response to drought stress. These findings collectively established a theoretical foundation for further functional exploration of DREB A4 genes in poplar. Full article

Climate change-induced drought threatens the persistence of Araucaria araucana, an endangered and endemic conifer of the Southern Andes. Beneficial plant–microbe interactions may contribute to drought resilience. Here, we evaluated the effects of a root-endophytic bacterium with the capacity to produce N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) on the growth and drought tolerance of A. araucana. For this, a root endophytic bacterium was isolated from A. araucana and identified as Erwinia billingiae. It was characterized for plant growth-promoting traits, and inoculated into A. araucana seedlings under drought conditions). The bacteria produced N-butyryl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) under control conditions and C4-HSL and N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) under drought stress. The strain also produces indoleacetic acid, ammonia, siderophores and solubilizes phosphate. Under drought stress, non-inoculated seedlings showed marked reductions in shoot and root biomass, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), and soluble sugars. In contrast, inoculated seedlings under drought displayed significantly higher shoot and root biomass, reaching levels comparable to those of well-watered controls. Chlorophyll content increased from 5.42 to 9.35 mg L⁻¹, and RWC increased from 62% to 71% in inoculated plants under drought conditions. Soluble sugar content increased from 25.74 to 36.34 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight following inoculation. Drought-induced oxidative stress was significantly alleviated in inoculated seedlings, with lower malondialdehyde and proline accumulation compared to non-inoculated drought-stressed plants. Antioxidant responses were modulated, indicating improved redox balance under water limitation. These results demonstrate that a root-endophytic bacterium with AHL production can enhance drought tolerance in A. araucana seedlings. This study provides novel evidence supporting the role of beneficial endophytes in microbiome-based strategies for conserving native forest species under climate change. Full article

The lunar surface soil (regolith) represents a potential substrate for crop cultivation in future extraterrestrial bases. However, the absence of indigenous microbial activity severely limits nutrient availability in lunar soil. In this study, the effects of three commercial microbial fertilizers on improving simulated lunar soil and promoting lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth were experimentally evaluated. The results showed that microbial fertilizers significantly increased the contents of available nutrients (N, P, and K) and organic matter in simulated lunar soil, thereby enhancing lettuce growth and biomass accumulation. Compared with the treatment without adding microbial fertilizer application (CK), the aboveground and belowground fresh weights of lettuce increased by up to 91.61% and 89.08%, respectively, under the microbial fertilizer MLQ treatment. In addition, microbial fertilizer treatment increased nutrient accumulation and photosynthetic pigment contents in lettuce, alleviated oxidative stress by improving antioxidant system performance, and consequently enhanced lettuce quality. High-throughput sequencing analysis further revealed that the dominant bacterial genera under these conditions were Bacillus, Glutamicibacter, Acetobacter, Enterococcus, and Microbacterium, while the dominant fungal genera included Saccharomyces, Pichia, and Trigonopsis. These findings provide theoretical support for the development of functional microbial fertilizers tailored for simulating lunar soil. Full article

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is a globally invasive pest that inflicts significant damage on economically important vegetable crops such as cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp). To elucidate the interactions between host plants and F. occidentalis and to support the development of sustainable management strategies, this study evaluated the host selectivity and life history parameters of F. occidentalis living on these plant species to assess its adaptability. Transcriptome–metabolome profiles and associated metabolites were analyzed in healthy plants and in those infested by F. occidentalis for 48 h to characterize the defense responses of both host species. The results showed that both plant species are attractive to F. occidentalis, with a stronger preference observed for cowpeas. However, the reproductive output of F. occidentalis was significantly higher on cucumbers (16.99 ± 0.43 eggs/female) than on cowpeas (12.00 ± 0.38 eggs/female) plants, indicating a mismatch between host preference and performance. Feeding by F. occidentalis strongly induced the brassinolide and jasmonic acid signaling pathways, activated the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, increased the accumulation of the lignin precursor sinapyl alcohol, and promoted lignin biosynthesis, thereby enhancing cell wall rigidity as a physical defense barrier. These findings demonstrate that cucumbers and cowpeas coordinately regulate lignin synthesis through hormone–metabolism crosstalk as a defensive strategy against thrips attack. In response, F. occidentalis adjusts its host selection and reproductive investment to overcome plant defenses, reflecting an adaptive counter-strategy in host–herbivore interactions. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant–thrips interactions and supports the development of environmentally friendly pest control approaches. Full article

Monoculture and mixed sowing are common practices for restoring degraded alpine meadow grasslands. To investigate the effects of different sowing patterns on soil bacterial community characteristics in alpine artificial grasslands, this study examined a 20-year-old established artificial grassland, systematically analyzing plant community attributes, soil physicochemical properties, and the diversity and functional structure of soil bacterial communities under various monoculture and mixed-sowing treatments. The results showed that: (1) Mixed-sowing treatments significantly improved soil physicochemical properties and plant community characteristics. The P4 (Elymus nutans + Poa pratensis + Festuca sinensis + Poa crymophila) mixed-sowing treatment notably enhanced vegetation performance and soil conditions. Compared with the monoculture P1 (Elymus nutans) treatment, aboveground biomass (AGB) and soil organic matter (SOM) content increased by 57.23% and 68.25%, respectively, indicating that perennial grass mixtures improve soil water and nutrient retention, thereby promoting plant growth. (2) Microbiome analysis revealed that mixed sowing significantly optimized the structure of rhizosphere bacterial communities. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), which represent sequence-based taxonomic units and their abundance information, were most abundant in the P4 mixed-sowing treatment, reaching a total of 5685 OTUs. In terms of bacterial diversity indices, the OTU richness, Ace index, and Chao1 index in the P4 mixed-sowing treatment were 26.12%, 25.81%, and 24.34% higher, respectively, than those in the monoculture P1 treatment, with all differences being statistically significant (p < 0.05). (3) Mantel test and redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that soil electrical conductivity (SEC) and pH were negatively correlated with bacterial diversity indices, while soil organic matter (SOM) was identified as the key environmental driver shaping bacterial community assembly. In summary, appropriate grass mixtures effectively enhance “plant–soil–microbe” interactions, leading to improved soil fertility and optimized bacterial communities, representing a viable strategy for long-term ecological restoration and sustainability of alpine artificial grassland ecosystems. The P4 treatment—comprising a four-species mixture of Elymus nutans, Poa pratensis, Poa crymophila, and Festuca sinensis—achieved the best overall performance. Full article

Drought stress is one of the most severe abiotic constraints limiting crop productivity worldwide, a challenge that is intensifying under ongoing climate change. In recent years, beneficial microorganisms have emerged as sustainable, nature-based tools to enhance plant drought tolerance and stabilize agricultural production under water-limited conditions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the major groups of beneficial bacteria involved in drought stress mitigation, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), a functional subgroup of rhizosphere-associated microbes, endophytic bacteria, rhizosphere-associated microbes, and cyanobacteria, highlighting their primary physiological, biochemical, and soil-mediated mechanisms. These microorganisms enhance drought resilience through multiple complementary pathways, such as modulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin (IAA) signaling, ACC deaminase activity, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, improved nutrient acquisition, and enhancement of soil structure and water retention. The review further discusses practical application strategies, including seed inoculation, soil and root application, foliar spraying, the use of single strains versus microbial consortia, and advances in bioformulations and carrier materials that improve microbial survival and field efficacy. Emphasis is placed on recent experimental and field studies demonstrating the effectiveness of microbial inoculants under drought conditions. Collectively, the evidence highlights the potential of beneficial bacteria as key components of climate-resilient agriculture and underscores the need for integrated, formulation-driven approaches to translate laboratory success into consistent field performance. Full article

Plant nitrogen content (PNC) is a core physiological parameter characterizing crop nitrogen nutrition status. Its precise and dynamic monitoring is crucial for crop growth diagnosis, optimizing nitrogen fertilizer management, enhancing fertilizer use efficiency, and reducing agricultural nonpoint source pollution. This study utilized multispectral imagery from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to extract vegetation indices (VIs) and texture feature values (TFVs) during critical growth stages of alfalfa. By combining TFVs to construct texture indices (TIs), variables exhibiting extremely significant correlations with alfalfa PNC (p < 0.001) were identified. We used VIs, TIs, and their combined features as model inputs. The performance of four machine learning models—random forest regression (RFR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), and gradient boosting (XG-Boost)—was comprehensively assessed for estimating alfalfa PNC. Our results indicate the following: (1) The correlation coefficients |r| between VIs and alfalfa PNC ranged from 0.56 to 0.68; TIs constructed from TFVs significantly enhanced PNC correlation compared to raw texture values, with |r| exceeding 0.6. (2) Integrating VIs and TIs substantially improved the accuracy of PNC estimation models across growth stages. Compared to using VIs or TIs alone, the validation set R² increased by 5.4–19.7%, 1.7–16.4%, and 5.2–17.2% for the branching, budding, and initial flowering stages, respectively. (3) The XG-Boost model demonstrated optimal performance across all growth stages and input variables. Particularly during the budding stage, the VIs + TIs model achieved the highest fitting accuracy: training set R² = 0.81, RMSE = 0.15%; validation set R² = 0.80, RMSE = 0.12%. In summary, integrating multispectral vegetation indices and texture indices effectively enhances the accuracy of PNC estimation in alfalfa, providing scientific support for precision field management and fertilization decisions in alfalfa cultivation. Full article

Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE) in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES) was investigated as a green approach to extract bioactive compounds from the pseudofruit of Rosa canina L. Initially, the thermal stability of protease (Neutrase^®) was evaluated at different temperatures (30–80 °C) in the NaDES Choline Chloride: Glycerol (1:2 molar ratio) (ChCl: Gly) with 20% (w/w) water as a cosolvent and in a buffer solution of the same pH. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses revealed that ChCl:Gly markedly enhanced enzyme stability, extending half-life by up to 13-fold at 30–50 °C by increasing the enthalpic barrier to deactivation. EAE in NADES parameters, including enzyme loadings and extraction time, were optimized based on total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), yielding maximum values of 135.75 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g DW and 65.05 ± 0.58 mg CAE/g DW, respectively. Extracts obtained under optimal conditions exhibited enhanced antioxidant, antidiabetic (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition), anti-aging (tyrosinase inhibition), and antibacterial (inhibition of Escherichia coli growth) activities, outperforming enzyme-free extracts in all cases. The optimum extract also significantly reduced A431 cell viability (27–40%, p < 0.05). Overall, EAE in NaDES improved both enzyme stability and extraction efficiency, offering a sustainable and effective alternative for producing bioactive plant extracts. Full article

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is globally cultivated for its high-quality fiber; yet, its seed, rich in oil and protein, offers untapped potential for various applications, including food, feed, and industry. With cottonseed oil gaining renewed attention as a valuable co-product, efforts to enhance oil content must contend with long-standing breeding priorities focused on lint yield and fiber quality. A central challenge lies in the complex and often antagonistic genetic relationships between oil accumulation and key agronomic traits. Notably, negative correlations between seed oil content and fiber yield, as well as the pleiotropic nature of several regulatory genes and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), present significant barriers to dual-trait improvement. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the genetic and molecular interplay between cottonseed oil content and other agronomic traits. We examine the architecture of oil-related QTLs and pleiotropic loci, co-expression patterns of shared transcriptional regulators, and metabolic trade-offs influencing carbon allocation between seed and fiber. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and systems biology are explored as tools to disentangle these trait interactions. We highlight strategies such as multi-trait genomic selection, CRISPR-based uncoupling of antagonistic loci, and the use of wild and exotic germplasm to overcome linkage drag. By providing an integrative overview of the constraints and opportunities at the intersection of oil and agronomic trait improvement, this review lays the groundwork for the development of dual-purpose cotton ideotypes. We propose a conceptual framework for breeding programs to simultaneously enhance fiber yield and oil productivity in a sustainable and climate-resilient manner. Full article

Flavonols contribute significantly to both plant defense and human health. In apple (Malus domestica), flavonols accumulate at high levels in leaves and fruit skin but are present at low levels in the fruit flesh, the primary tissue consumed by humans. Enhancing flavonol content in the flesh requires a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns and functional roles of four apple flavonol synthase genes (MdFLS1, 2, 3, 4). MdFLS1, 2, 3 exhibited higher expression in fruit skin than in flesh, while MdFLS4 was not expressed in either tissue. Transient overexpression of each gene promoted flavonol accumulation in apple fruit flesh, indicating that all four genes encode functional flavonol synthases. This enzyme activity was further confirmed through stable overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis and tomato plants. Notably, light exposure of apple fruit flesh enhanced the expression of MdFLS1 and MdFLS2 and increased flavonol accumulation. These findings advance our understanding of flavonol biosynthesis in apple. Full article

Carnation is one of the most popular ornamental flowers worldwide. Due to its high ornamental and economic value, breeding techniques have advanced rapidly, leading to the continuous emergence of new varieties. However, this has also resulted in issues such as synonymy and homonymy. Therefore, utilizing DNA fingerprinting for rapid and accurate variety identification can play a crucial role in germplasm identification and the resolution of intellectual property disputes. In this study, we performed reduced-representation genome sequencing on 50 carnation accessions to develop single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. After filtering, 82,584 high-quality SNPs were obtained. These SNPs were used to conduct principal component analysis, population structure analysis, and cluster analysis on the 50 carnation accessions. From these high-quality SNPs, 130 SNP loci were further selected and converted into Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers. Preliminary screening using 92 carnation accessions yielded 53 KASP markers, and a subsequent screening with 217 carnation accessions identified 45 core KASP markers. Using these core markers, a fingerprint database was successfully constructed for 309 carnation accessions, achieving a distinguishing power of 99.987%. This study employed SNP fingerprinting and genetic analysis for the screening and identification of carnations, broadening the genetic basis at the molecular level and supporting subsequent variety protection efforts, thereby providing a scientific basis for carnation selection and identification. Full article

Forests’ conversion to tea plantations is a land use transition type with high economic value in China. How this conversion affects soil weathering and nutrient characteristics remains unclear. Here, we selected six soil profiles (three pairs) from representative tea plantations and adjacent forests in China. We quantified the weathering intensity (chemical index of alteration (CIA), base-to-alumina ratio (ba), and weathering index of Parker (WIP)) by soil geography and elemental geochemistry methods and revealed nutrient distributions along with soil profiles. The results showed that soluble elements (such as K₂O, CaO, MgO and Na₂O) and SiO₂ were noticeably leached, while Al₂O₃ and P₂O₅ were enriched. The geochemical indices showed that the soil profiles of tea plantations (CIA: 80.6%, ba: 0.3 and WIP: 34.6%) experienced stronger chemical weathering than those of forest soils (CIA: 76.0%, ba: 0.4 and WIP: 39.7%). The mean sensitivity indexes (SI) of soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) were −7.0%, −24.8%, 53.7% and −8.6%, respectively. This reflected that tea plantations would lead to soil acidification, organic matter depletion, phosphorus enrichment, and potassium deficiency. Our work underscores the significant impact of anthropogenic tea-garden cultivation on pedogenesis; future management must emphasize rational fertilization to prevent soil degradation. Full article

Conifer bark extracts have attracted growing interest for their potential to protect and support endothelial function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Abies alba Mill. and Cedrus brevifolia (Hook. f.) Henry bark extracts on vascular endothelial function. The bark extracts were characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Bioactivity studies were first conducted in EA.hy926 endothelial cells to investigate the effects of bark extracts on cell viability and proliferation, nitric oxide production, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. The vasorelaxant effects of bark extracts in rat aortic rings, as well as their impact on in vitro arginase activity, were further assessed. Abies alba bark extract was more effective in enhancing nitric oxide production (8.8-fold vs. 7.4-fold at 0.1 mg/mL), reducing oxidative stress (by 33% vs. 26% at 0.1 mg/mL), and inhibiting angiogenesis in EA.hy926 endothelial cells. It also exhibited stronger arginase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 68.30 µg/mL vs. 115.31 µg/mL). Both bark extracts showed marked vasorelaxant activity (EC₅₀ < 15 µg/mL), mainly mediated by an endothelial nitric oxide synthase-related mechanism, with the Cedrus brevifolia bark extract being more active. Overall, our findings indicate that both bark extracts are promising candidates for supporting endothelial function. Full article

The pursuit of sustainable alternatives has spurred interest in plant-derived bioherbicides with multi-target actions to combat resistance. This study explored the herbicidal potential of Agave lechuguilla extract (AGE) against the widely problematic weed Chenopodium album L. (lambsquarters). Various methods, including germination assays, biochemical profiling, measurements of antioxidant enzyme activity, isothermal microcalorimetry, and both macroscopic and microscopic morphological analyses, were employed to evaluate the effects of AGE relative to glyphosate (1.5%). The results indicated that AGE inhibited seed germination in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 30 g/L dose exhibiting the most significant effect. Treatment with 30 g/L of AGE led to a notable decrease in total carbohydrate content and catalase activity, an increase in total lipids, and an enhancement of glutathione reductase activity. Additionally, it suppressed metabolic heat output and severely disrupted root and cellular architecture, resulting in a reduction of cell area by 51.1%. In contrast, glyphosate primarily increased lipid content and induced near-complete metabolic suppression while causing distinct morphological and enzymatic alterations. The findings demonstrate that AGE functions as a multi-target pre-emergence bioherbicide, disrupting processes related to germination, metabolism, oxidative balance, and morphology through mechanisms that differ from the single-target action of glyphosate. This underscores its potential for sustainable weed management. Full article