Plants

46 pages, 29575 KB

Open AccessArticle

New and Rare Taxa of Lepidoziaceae (Marchantiophyta) in East Indochina (Southeast Asia)

by Vadim A. Bakalin, Ksenia G. Klimova, Elena V. Kushnevskaya, Van Sinh Nguyen, Hung Manh Nguyen, Alen K. Eskov, Nikolay G. Prilepsky, Anna S. Kartasheva and Seung Se Choi

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071136 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Ongoing studies on the Lepidoziaceae in East Indochina have yielded new information on the distribution and morphology of a number of family representatives. This study aimed to provide new data in this regard. The latter task looks quite justified, taking into account the [...] Read more.

Ongoing studies on the Lepidoziaceae in East Indochina have yielded new information on the distribution and morphology of a number of family representatives. This study aimed to provide new data in this regard. The latter task looks quite justified, taking into account the fact that East Indochina houses a notable portion of the worldwide Lepidoziaceae diversity, especially in the genus Bazzania. The materials for the paper were 48 specimens collected throughout East Indochina. The cited specimens contain 18 taxa, discussed in respect of their ecology, distribution, and morphology. All the taxa discussed in this paper are supplemented with illustrations, and their morphological descriptions based on the Indochinese materials are also included in most cases. One taxon (Bazzania appendiculata subsp. cambodiana subsp. nov.) is described as new-for-science. Six species are new to Indochina, three species are new to East Indochina, one species is new to Vietnam, and three species are new to Cambodia. A comparison of the currently known taxonomic diversity with that of Malaysia, which borders East Indochina, reveals that the diversity of Lepidoziaceae in East Indochina is still clearly understudied, and further research is likely to yield new discoveries. The final target in this field is the creation of a thorough taxonomic revision of the family in this region in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Bryophyte Flora: New Records, Rare Species, and Conservation Challenges)

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12 pages, 3108 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cloning and Characterization of IbDREB1d and Its Role in Plant Growth Regulation in Sweet Potato

by Guoliang Li, Yongqing Xu, Zhaomiao Lin, Hong Zhang, Sai Xie, Yongxiang Qiu, Guochun Xu, Huawei Li, Rongchang Ji, Wenbin Luo, Hao Tang and Si-Xin Qiu

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071135 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

DREB (Dehydration-Responsive Element-Binding Protein) transcription factors are a subfamily of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family and play a crucial role in the regulation of plant responses to abiotic stress. In this study, we successfully cloned the IbDREB1d gene from the leafy sweet potato [...] Read more.

DREB (Dehydration-Responsive Element-Binding Protein) transcription factors are a subfamily of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family and play a crucial role in the regulation of plant responses to abiotic stress. In this study, we successfully cloned the IbDREB1d gene from the leafy sweet potato cultivar Fucaishu18. The open reading frame (ORF) of the IbDREB1d gene comprises 792 base pairs and encodes a protein consisting of 263 amino acids. Protein sequence analysis indicates that IbDREB1d is characterized by acidic, hydrophilic, and unstable properties, with its closest phylogenetic relationships to Ipomoea trifida and Ipomoea triloba. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that IbDREB1d is expressed in the roots, stems, and leaves of sweet potato, with increased expression under low temperature, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and drought conditions. Overexpression of IbDREB1d in sweet potato resulted in transgenic plants exhibiting dwarfism, shortened internode lengths, smaller leaf size, and microscopic evidence of impaired vascular tissue development. Hormonal analysis indicated significant reductions in the levels of indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, salicylic acid, and zeatin in these transgenic plants. These decreases may explain the observed phenotypic changes, such as inhibited growth and reduced leaf size. This study provides novel theoretical insights into the role of IbDREB1d in stress-responsive expression and modulating plant growth in sweet potato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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20 pages, 16995 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Transcriptome and Stem Anatomy Analysis Reveals That the Phenylpropanoid Pathway Is a Key Driving Factor for Lodging Resistance in Brassica rapa

by Hongyan Wei, Junmei Cui, Jiaping Wei, Yan Fang, Zefeng Wu, Guoqiang Zheng and Zigang Liu

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071134 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Brassica rapa is widely cultivated in alpine and cold mountainous regions due to its strong cold tolerance. However, lodging severely limits its yield and quality. This study integrated agronomic traits, stem microstructure, and transcriptomic profiles to explore the mechanism of lodging resistance by [...] Read more.

Brassica rapa is widely cultivated in alpine and cold mountainous regions due to its strong cold tolerance. However, lodging severely limits its yield and quality. This study integrated agronomic traits, stem microstructure, and transcriptomic profiles to explore the mechanism of lodging resistance by comparing a resistant cultivar (Ganyou 3064, GY) and a susceptible cultivar (Tianyou 2022, TY) across four developmental stages (full flowering, final flowering, podding, and maturity). At the four growth stages, the stem breaking strength of GY was 1.71, 1.93, 1.88, and 1.88 times that of TY, respectively. Compared with TY, the gravity center height of GY was decreased by 25.04%, 16.6%, 11.18%, and 8.98% at these four stages, respectively. Similarly, the lodging index of GY was decreased by 65.94%, 55.08%, 56.06%, and 55.63% compared with TY, respectively. Biochemical and anatomical analyses revealed that compared with TY, the lignin content of GY increased by 1.93%, 2.7%, 3.05%, and 3.42% at the four stages, while the cellulose content increased by 92.75%, 45.32%, 44.4%, and 49.92%, respectively. Meanwhile, the epidermal thickness, cortical thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle area, and vascular bundle density of GY were also significantly increased. Transcriptomic and KEGG pathway analyses revealed a predictive defense mechanism of GY. At the final flowering stage, GY showed pre-activation of hormone and MAPK signal transduction, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; it shifted to energy supply and sustained cell wall reinforcement at the podding stage. In addition, upregulated genes in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (such as PAL3, CCoAOMT, and CAD9) indicated that enhanced stem lignification is a key molecular determinant of lodging resistance. In summary, GY enhances its lodging resistance through coordinated morphological and transcriptional regulation. This study is the first to integrate the lodging characteristics of Brassica rapa, offering valuable candidate genes and phenotypic markers for molecular breeding. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Nutraceutical Properties of Fruits Derived from Some Wild-Growing Plant Species (Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L.)

by Constantin Lungoci, Iuliana Motrescu, Laurian Vlase and Ioan Puiu

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071133 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Wild-growing plant species are sustainable, cost-effective and underexploited sources for bioactive compounds with great nutraceutical potential. In this work, we analysed the fruits of several wild plant species: Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L. Liquid chromatography [...] Read more.

Wild-growing plant species are sustainable, cost-effective and underexploited sources for bioactive compounds with great nutraceutical potential. In this work, we analysed the fruits of several wild plant species: Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed diverse concentrations of phenolic acids, with the highest values observed for rutoside (22.183 µg mL⁻¹) and isoquercitrin (11.663 µg mL⁻¹) in S. nigra L., chlorogenic acid (7.422 µg mL⁻¹) in R. tinctorum L., caftaric acid (4.942 µg mL⁻¹) in P. americana L., and quercitrin (1.380 µg mL⁻¹) and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1.196 µg mL⁻¹) in S. ebulus L. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that S. nigra L. had the highest concentration of total phenols (14.21 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW) and the highest flavonoid content (8.07 mg QE g⁻¹ FW). The lowest values were recorded for R. tinctorum L. (total phenols) and P. americana L. (flavonoids). The antioxidant activity was generally high, with the lowest value of 76.08% for S. nigra L. and over 90% for all other species, peaking at 93.25% for P. americana L. The Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay showed a similar pattern. S. ebulus L. and R. tinctorum L. exhibited the highest carbohydrate content and protein solubility, respectively. P. americana L. fruits had the highest ascorbic acid concentration, 0.136 mg g⁻¹ FW. These results highlight the remarkable nutraceutical potential of certain wild fruits, identifying them as rich and cost-effective sources of bioactive compounds, particularly antioxidants, with promising perspectives for future studies on their therapeutic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plant Natural Products: Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2850 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Tobacco Stalk Biochar Remediation in Microplastic-Contaminated Soil on Early Rice Growth Indicators and Soil Quality

by Qiong Yang, Suhang Li, Rou Ma, Longcheng Jiang, Jiaojiao Liu, Jiaxin Yao, Ying Liu, Jun Ren, Yang Luo, Yangzhou Xiang and Xuqiang Luo

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071132 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Microplastic pollution in farmland soils has emerged as a global concern due to its potential to degrade soil health, inhibit crop growth, and enter the food chain. However, effective and environmentally friendly remediation strategies remain limited, particularly regarding the use of biochar to [...] Read more.

Microplastic pollution in farmland soils has emerged as a global concern due to its potential to degrade soil health, inhibit crop growth, and enter the food chain. However, effective and environmentally friendly remediation strategies remain limited, particularly regarding the use of biochar to mitigate polyethylene microplastic (PE-MP) stress in agroecosystems. This study investigates whether tobacco stalk biochar (TSB) can alleviate PE-MPs stress in rice seedlings. A two-factor pot experiment was conducted to systematically analyze the responses of soil physicochemical properties, rice growth indicators, and antioxidant enzyme activities to the combined application of varying concentrations of PE-MPs (0, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/w)) and TSB (0, 3%, 6%, and 9% (w/w)). The results show that TSB significantly increased soil pH and organic matter content, effectively mitigating the decline in available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium caused by PE-MPs (e.g., under the M3B3 treatment, available nitrogen and phosphorus contents increased by 68.7% and 226%, respectively, compared with those under the M3B0 treatment). Under low-concentration PE-MP (0.5%) stress, an appropriate amount of TSB (3%) resulted in the highest rice germination rate, vigor index, and stress tolerance index, while significantly inducing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) to alleviate oxidative damage. However, high-concentration combinations of TSB and PE-MPs exhibited an antagonistic effect. In conclusion, tobacco stalk biochar can synergistically mitigate microplastic stress on rice through multiple pathways, with its remediation effects exhibiting significant dose dependence and interactive complexity. These findings provide a theoretical and technical basis for the ecological remediation of microplastic pollution in farmland. Full article

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

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19 pages, 3508 KB

Open AccessArticle

Saline-Alkaline Stress Suppresses Soybean Germination and Early Seedling Growth via Induction of DNA Damage in Roots

by Gege Yang, Rui Sun, Yingyi Zhang, Jiaxin Song, Jiahui Li, Zhihui Luan and Wenjing Qi

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071131 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Saline-alkaline (SA) soils pose a serious threat to soybean production worldwide. Although severe saline-alkaline stress can reduce yield by up to 30%, the mechanisms underlying saline-alkaline-induced inhibition of root growth remain unclear. In this study, two soybean cultivars with contrasting tolerance, Chang Nong [...] Read more.

Saline-alkaline (SA) soils pose a serious threat to soybean production worldwide. Although severe saline-alkaline stress can reduce yield by up to 30%, the mechanisms underlying saline-alkaline-induced inhibition of root growth remain unclear. In this study, two soybean cultivars with contrasting tolerance, Chang Nong 26 (CN26) and Jiyu 441 (JY441), were exposed to saline-alkaline stress induced by NaHCO₃ and Na₂CO₃ at Na⁺ concentrations of 0, 21, and 45 mmol·L⁻¹. The effects on seed germination, early seedling growth, antioxidant responses, and root DNA damage were systematically examined. High-level saline-alkaline stress significantly inhibited germination and root elongation in both cultivars. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities increased markedly under stress, indicating activation of antioxidant defenses. Catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) to scavenge ROS and maintain cellular redox balance. Nevertheless, oxygen-free radicals (OFRs) accumulated to a significantly greater extent in the root tips of CN 26 than in JY441, suggesting lower tolerance in CN 26. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis revealed pronounced DNA damage in root tips under saline-alkaline stress, with more polymorphic bands detected in CN 26 than in JY441. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of DNA damage repair-related genes (RAD51, OGG1, RAD4, and ATM) was downregulated in CN 26 roots under stress, whereas E2FA and WEE1 expression was upregulated. In contrast, these DNA repair genes in JY441 were significantly induced during the early stage of stress exposure and subsequently declined. Collectively, this study demonstrates that saline-alkaline stress inhibits soybean growth through the induction of oxidative DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in roots. The reduced capacity for DNA repair in CN 26 likely contributes to its greater sensitivity to saline-alkaline stress. This study provides mechanistic insights into saline-alkaline stress-induced growth inhibition in soybean and offers a theoretical basis for breeding stress-tolerant cultivars. Full article

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

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21 pages, 4286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolite-Mediated Antioxidant-Rich Bacterial Isolates for the Control of Anthracnose Disease and Enhancement of the Post-Harvest Shelf Life of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

by T. Damodaran, Karma Beer, Prasenjit Debnath, Sumit K. Soni, Maneesh Mishra, M. Muthukumar, Nisha Sulakhe and Prabhat Kumar Shukla

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071130 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), being a climacteric fruit, is highly perishable due to rapid ripening and post-harvest diseases like anthracnose, which significantly shorten its shelf life and limit long-distance sea export. To mitigate these constraints, a chemical-free secondary metabolite-based formulation (SMsF) was [...] Read more.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), being a climacteric fruit, is highly perishable due to rapid ripening and post-harvest diseases like anthracnose, which significantly shorten its shelf life and limit long-distance sea export. To mitigate these constraints, a chemical-free secondary metabolite-based formulation (SMsF) was developed to delay ripening and control post-harvest anthracnose during storage. The SMsF possesses dual-action properties and is derived from the culture filtrate of Priestia aryabhattai, exhibiting ACC deaminase activity that restricts ethylene formation. It is also rich in antifungal compounds such as vanillic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, palmitic acid, and BBIT, which inhibit anthracnose development. Additionally, it contains antioxidants including quercetin, coumaryl quinic acid, oleic acid, and acetylglycitin that enhance shelf life and disease resistance. The efficacy of SMsF was evaluated in mango cv. Banganapalli was stored at 12 ± 1 °C and 85–90% relative humidity under simulated reefer conditions (SRC). Integration of gamma irradiation with SMsF provided superior results in disease control and shelf-life extension. The combined treatment maintained higher fruit firmness (0.86 kg cm⁻²), optimal total soluble solids (14.3 °B), desirable acidity (0.22%), and complete suppression of anthracnose (PDI = 0) up to 40 days of storage under SRC compared with the control. The findings conclusively demonstrate that the synergistic application of SMsF and gamma irradiation effectively regulates ripening, enhances fruit quality, and ensures complete disease suppression, thereby significantly extending storage life. This approach holds strong scientific and commercial significance as a sustainable, residue-free, and export-oriented technology capable of improving long-distance transportation, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting safe mango trade. Full article

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

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20 pages, 3014 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hormonal Status and the Probable Role of Phytohormones in Response of Pea Cultivar Sparkle and Mutant E107 (brz) to Aluminum and Iron Toxicity

by Oleg S. Yuzikhin, Alexander I. Shaposhnikov, Tatiana S. Azarova, Polina V. Guro, Miroslav I. Lebedinskii, Edgar A. Sekste, Nadezhda A. Vishnevskaya, Vera I. Safronova and Andrey A. Belimov

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071129 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Toxic aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) alter the hormonal balance of plants, leading to metabolic disorders and growth inhibition. Plants adapt to abiotic stress by optimizing phytohormone biosynthesis. However, the impact of toxic Al and Fe on plant hormonal status is poorly understood. [...] Read more.

Toxic aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) alter the hormonal balance of plants, leading to metabolic disorders and growth inhibition. Plants adapt to abiotic stress by optimizing phytohormone biosynthesis. However, the impact of toxic Al and Fe on plant hormonal status is poorly understood. Pea cultivar Sparkle and its mutant E107 (brz), accumulating Al and Fe due to disfunction of metal transporter gene OPT3, were cultivated in hydroponics supplemented or not with 80 µM of AlCl₃ or 300 µM of FeCl₃. Root and shoot biomass of E107 decreased due to Al or Fe treatments approximately by 30%, whereas growth of Sparkle was not affected. The Al and Fe content in the roots and shoots of the metal-treated mutant was circa twice that of Sparkle. Treatment with Al and Fe reduced the content of nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, S) in roots and/or shoots in both genotypes. Compared with Sparkle, untreated E107 possessed lower IAA and higher ethylene and tZR contents in roots but lower GA3, DHZ and tZ content in shoots. Mutant E107 had: lower GA3 and ethylene but higher DHZ, tZ and tZR contents in Al-treated roots; higher ABA, SA, IAA, GA3, DHZ, and tZ contents in Al-treated shoots; lower ABA and SA but higher JA, GA3, DHZ and ethylene contents in Fe-treated roots; higher ABA, SA, IAA, GA3, DHZ, and tZ contents in Al-treated shoots; higher ABA, JA, and GA3 but lower ethylene and tZR contents in Fe-treated shoots. Metal toxicity mainly reduced the content of phytohormones in roots and increased it in shoots. Hormonal disturbances were more significant in E107 than in Sparkle, and the effect of Al was stronger than Fe. Thus, toxic Al and Fe lead to complex, metal- and organ-specific changes in the hormonal status of E107. Hormonal changes might be associated with both defense reactions and the toxic effects of metals on plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology (3rd Edition))

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24 pages, 6043 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into the Interactions of Microalgae and Combined Macrolide Antibiotics: Removal Efficiency, Physiological–Biochemical Responses and Transcriptomic Analysis

by Ting Guan, Junzhuang Wu, Guoxin Tang, Feifan Wu, Wei Gao, Shuhan Ren and Wei Li

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071128 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

The widespread occurrence of macrolide antibiotics (MLs) in aquatic environments poses potential ecological risks; however, the interactive effects of MLs, especially combined MLs on microalgae and their removal mechanisms, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the removal efficiency, physiological–biochemical responses, and molecular mechanisms [...] Read more.

The widespread occurrence of macrolide antibiotics (MLs) in aquatic environments poses potential ecological risks; however, the interactive effects of MLs, especially combined MLs on microalgae and their removal mechanisms, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the removal efficiency, physiological–biochemical responses, and molecular mechanisms of Chlorella pyrenoidosa under single and combined exposure to erythromycin (ERY) and roxithromycin (ROX) over 14 days. The results demonstrated that antibiotic removal efficiency was concentration-dependent and higher in low-concentration treatment. The removal rates of ERY (0.15 mg/L) and ROX (0.02 mg/L) reached 100% and 66.86%, respectively. Notably, in the combined low-concentration group, the presence of ROX promoted the degradation of ERY, with the removal being 11.06–14.77% higher than in single treatment. Conversely, in high-concentration combined treatments (1.63 mg/L ERY + 0.5 mg/L ROX), the removal of ERY was inhibited and the removal of ROX was comparable with the corresponding single treatment. High-concentration treatment groups and combined-treatment groups significantly inhibited microalgae growth and total chlorophyll content, modified the chlorophyll composition, and induced severe oxidative stress. Correlation analysis revealed that antibiotic removal was positively correlated with cell density, chlorophyll content, CAT, CYP450, and GST activities while negatively correlated with SOD, ROS, and MDA. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant disruption of xenobiotic metabolism pathways, photosynthesis-related processes, and DNA replication/mismatch repair pathways. Key genes involved in stress signaling (e.g., MKK3, MPK3), detoxification (e.g., CYP97, GSTP), and photosynthesis (e.g., HemL) were differentially regulated, providing molecular evidence for the observed physiological responses and removal behaviors. These findings provide valuable insights for the ecological risk assessment of antibiotic mixtures and the development of microalgae-based wastewater treatment technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microalgal Responses to Emerging Contaminants: Ecotoxicological Mechanisms and Biotechnological Applications)

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22 pages, 7282 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Phenolic Acids as Selective Bioherbicides: A Preliminary Study on Their Effects on Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Germination and Soil Beneficial Bacteria

by Maja Šćepanović, Irina Tanuwidjaja, Laura Pismarović, Valentina Šoštarčić and Mirna Mrkonjić Fuka

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071127 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of six phenolic acids applied individually and in combination at concentrations of 0–20 mM on Ambrosia artemisiifolia and soil bacteria. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), and protocatechuic acid (PKA) [...] Read more.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of six phenolic acids applied individually and in combination at concentrations of 0–20 mM on Ambrosia artemisiifolia and soil bacteria. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), and protocatechuic acid (PKA) were tested on both plants and bacteria, whereas p-coumaric (PCA), vanillic (VA), and ferulic (FA) acids were tested only on soil bacteria. The estimated EC₅₀ for radicle inhibition were 4.9 ± 0.1 mM for PHBA, 4.1 ± 0.7 mM for CGA, 6.6 ± 0.7 mM for PKA, 10.1 ± 0.9 mM for CGA + PHBA + PKA, 4.6 ± 0.4 mM for ferulic, vanillic, and p-coumaric acids (FA + VA + PCA), and 2.5 ± 0.3 mM for the combination of all six phenolic acids. Bacterial strains were less susceptible to individual phenolic acids compared to their combinations. PKA and CGA showed the strongest antibacterial activity, with PKA inhibiting 78% and killing 74% of strains at ≤10 mM, while CGA inhibited 61% and killed 57%. Conversely, PCA and VA had the weakest antibacterial effects, requiring ≥20 mM for complete inhibition. Among test genera, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Peribacillus, and Pseudomonas were more susceptible than Enterobacter and Lelliottia. Subinhibitory concentrations of individual phenolic acids did not affect bacterial motility, except for PKA. The study suggests that VA, PCA and FA alone or combined and PHBA alone, appear promising for weed management. Reduced herbicide strategies may safely incorporate CGA and PKA at concentrations below 2.5 mM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Weed Control and Management)

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14 pages, 841 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Origin of AHAS2 Genes in Brassica Allotetraploids and Association of Its Orthologs with Agronomic Traits in B. napus

by Yani Zhang, Yaxing Yang, Qiaofeng Xie, Tao Chen, Ziyue Hong, Zhaoxin Hu and Shengwu Hu

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071126 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 377

Abstract

Acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) are key targets for herbicide resistance breeding in Brassica crops, yet the evolutionary origin and functional role of AHAS2 genes in Brassica napus (AACC) and B. carinata (BBCC) remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the distribution, ancestry, and agronomic [...] Read more.

Acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) are key targets for herbicide resistance breeding in Brassica crops, yet the evolutionary origin and functional role of AHAS2 genes in Brassica napus (AACC) and B. carinata (BBCC) remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the distribution, ancestry, and agronomic trait associations of AHAS2 across 227 accessions representing six Brassica species. Bra.AHAS2 was amplified in 21 of 42 B. rapa (AA) accessions, and Bol.AHAS2 in 10 of 15 B. oleracea (CC) accessions. In B. napus, BnaA.AHAS2 and BnaC.AHAS2 were amplified in 73/131 and 30/131 accessions, respectively, with 19 accessions showing amplification of both homologs. All seven B. carinata accessions amplified BcaC.AHAS2. No AHAS2 homologs were amplified in three B. nigra (BB) or 29 B. juncea (AABB) accessions. Phylogenetic and gene structure analyses revealed that BnaA.AHAS2 (in B. napus) originated from Bra.AHAS2 of B. rapa, whereas BnaC.AHAS2 (in B. napus) and BcaC.AHAS2 (in B. carinata) derived from Bol.AHAS2 of B. oleracea. Association analysis showed the amplification of BnaA.AHAS2 or BnaC.AHAS2 was not associated with tribenuron-methyl resistance. However, amplification of BnaA.AHAS2 was significantly associated with reduced plant height, branching height, silique number on the terminal raceme, seed yield per plant, and thousand-seed weight in B. napus. Furthermore, haplotypes of BnaA.AHAS2 (BnaA05g03070D) were significantly associated with eicosenoic acid content, oleic acid content, flowering time, and cadmium translocation. Collectively, these findings resolve the diploid progenitor origins of AHAS2 in Brassica allotetraploids and reveal previously unrecognized associations of AHAS2 with agronomic and stress-related traits, offering valuable insights for molecular breeding in oilseed Brassica crops. Full article

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

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20 pages, 3559 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Niche Modeling of the Narrow-Range Endangered Endemic Lepidium olgae in Uzbekistan

by Khusniddin Abulfayzov, Bekhruz Khabibullaev, Khabibullo Shomurodov, Natalya Beshko, Suluv Sullieva, Yaoming Li and Lianlian Fan

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071125 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 517

Abstract

Narrow-range endemic plant species are highly sensitive to environmental variability due to their restricted distributions and narrow ecological niches, yet quantitative assessments of such species in Central Asian mountain ecosystem remain limited. This study applied an ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) approach to [...] Read more.

Narrow-range endemic plant species are highly sensitive to environmental variability due to their restricted distributions and narrow ecological niches, yet quantitative assessments of such species in Central Asian mountain ecosystem remain limited. This study applied an ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) approach to assess the ecological constraints and conservation efforts of Lepidium olgae, a strict endemic species of the Nuratau Mountains in Uzbekistan. Species occurrence records from field surveys and herbarium data were integrated with remotely sensed climatic, vegetation, topographic, soil, and atmospheric variables. Parsimonious models (Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), Multiple Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Surface Range Envelope (SRE)) were implemented in BIOMOD2 4.3.4, and ensemble predictions were used to reduce algorithmic uncertainty and identify core habitat patterns. Results showed that wet-season precipitation was the dominant driver of species distribution, followed by vegetation productivity (NDVI) and thermal stability, indicating a strong dependence on moisture availability and stable microhabitats. Ensemble projections revealed a highly fragmented potential distribution, with suitable habitats covering only 8% of the reserve area, closely matching the observed distribution of 6.5%. This strong spatial overlap confirms a narrowly constrained realized ecological niche. These findings highlight the critical role of microhabitat stability for the persistence of Lepidium olgae and provide a spatially explicit basis for prioritizing in situ conservation and guiding model informed translocation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

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24 pages, 2217 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wild Insects Contribute More to Mango Pollination and Yield than Exotic Honeybees During Induced Off-Season Flowering in Southern Mexico

by Rodrigo Lucas-García, Víctor Rosas-Guerrero, Eduardo Cuevas and Carina Gutiérrez-Flores

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071124 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 634

Abstract

Adequate pollination of pollinator-dependent crops relies on the abundance and diversity of pollinators, and any temporal mismatch can lead to decreased productivity. Induced off-season flowering is widely used to anticipate the blooming time and to have a favorable market to generate greater economic [...] Read more.

Adequate pollination of pollinator-dependent crops relies on the abundance and diversity of pollinators, and any temporal mismatch can lead to decreased productivity. Induced off-season flowering is widely used to anticipate the blooming time and to have a favorable market to generate greater economic income. However, the relationship between off-season flowering, effective pollination, and crop yield remains poorly understood. In this study, we compared pollinator and yield metrics of mango among its natural and off-season flowering across two years. We found that the composition, richness, and abundance of their effective pollinators varied across flowering seasons. Remarkably, blowflies were the floral visitors that deposited the highest number of pollen grains per visit and were the most important pollinators during the off-season, while honeybees and stingless bees were more important in the natural season. Mango yield was more positively related to the abundance of wild pollinators in both seasons than to honeybees. However, in both flowering seasons, mango trees suffered from pollen limitation and had a high incidence of malformed fruits. These findings highlight the important role of wild pollinators in maintaining and improving the mango yield and quality, mainly during the induced flowering season, improving the income to mango producers and increasing food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

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16 pages, 1090 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Distillation Time on the Yield and Chemical Composition of Leaf Essential Oil from Abies koreana

by Chanjoo Park, Nahyun Kim, Soo-Kyeong Jang and Mi-Jin Park

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071123 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 575

Abstract

Distillation time (DT) is a key parameter influencing yield and chemical composition, and its optimisation is crucial for production. This study is the first laboratory-scale investigation of the effect of distillation time (DT) on the leaf essential oils of Abies koreana, aiming [...] Read more.

Distillation time (DT) is a key parameter influencing yield and chemical composition, and its optimisation is crucial for production. This study is the first laboratory-scale investigation of the effect of distillation time (DT) on the leaf essential oils of Abies koreana, aiming to maximise oil yield and target bioactive components for cosmetic applications. Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation at 14 DTs (1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, 280, 360, and 480 min), and the yields, chemical profiles, and fragrance characteristics were comparatively analysed. The control (exhaustive hydrodistillation: 20 h) yielded 2.82% and was dominated by D-limonene, bornyl acetate, and camphene. The contents of bioactive compounds associated with whitening and anti-wrinkle activities (α-pinene, D-limonene, borneol, and bornyl acetate) varied markedly with DT. The highest oil yield was obtained at 80 min (0.30 ± 0.01%), while the targeted components were achieved at 80–160 min. Heatmap-based multivariate analysis revealed distinct compositional differences between oils distilled at 80 min and 160 min, with DT shifting fragrance profiles from fresh, monoterpene-rich notes (linalyl acetate, camphor, and fenchol) to longer-lasting, sesquiterpene-dominated aromas (α-bisabolol and β-eudesmol). Therefore, distillation time significantly influenced A. koreana oil, with shorter distillation (80 min) maximising yield and longer distillation (80–160 min) enriching bioactive components for cosmetic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts)

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25 pages, 4322 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early Eocene Palynofloral Diversity and Nothofagus Niche Modeling Across Western Gondwana

by Luis Felipe Hinojosa, Francy Milena Carvajal, Mirta Quattrocchio, Damián A. Fernández and María Fernanda Pérez

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071122 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 661

Abstract

During warm intervals such as the Early Eocene, megathermal vegetation belts expanded toward higher latitudes, displacing mesothermal and microthermal biota. Here, we examine the diversity and paleoclimate of the Early Eocene Ligorio Márquez Formation (LMF) in the context of other Paleogene Patagonian palynofloras, [...] Read more.

During warm intervals such as the Early Eocene, megathermal vegetation belts expanded toward higher latitudes, displacing mesothermal and microthermal biota. Here, we examine the diversity and paleoclimate of the Early Eocene Ligorio Márquez Formation (LMF) in the context of other Paleogene Patagonian palynofloras, and we model the potential distribution of Nothofagus using Early Eocene climate simulations. From 35 processed samples, 20 yielded palynomorphs and 85 morphospecies were distinguished. We hypothesize that species richness in the LMF is comparable to other Eocene microfloras, and that climate models will confirm mesothermal conditions for this formation while identifying western Gondwana as the primary region of climatic suitability for Nothofagus. Our results indicate that the LMF hosted a diverse flora under mesothermal, humid-temperate conditions (Köppen–Geiger climate Cfa, within the broader Cf no-dry-season regime). Ecological niche modeling further indicates that western Gondwana (South America, the Antarctic Peninsula, New Zealand, and Australia) provided broadly suitable climatic conditions for Nothofagus. In Experiment 1 (modern-to-Eocene transfer), Maxnet models showed high discriminatory power (AUC_test = 0.86–0.88) with low omission at P10 (OR_P10 = 0.099–0.128). In Experiment 2 (Eocene-to-Eocene calibration), performance was consistently high across GCMs (AUC_test = 0.87–0.98; OR_P10 = 0.091–0.182). However, conditions across Antarctica were likely challenging, limiting its effectiveness as a dispersal corridor during the Eocene. Finally, our results suggest that the ancient South Pacific High influenced the northern distributional limit of Nothofagus in South America. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant Ecology)

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15 pages, 1569 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Footprints of Multiple Host Lineages in the Mitochondrial and Nuclear Genomes of the Holoparasite Prosopanche americana

by Laura E. Garcia, Maria Emilia Roulet, Lucía A. Garay and M. Virginia Sanchez-Puerta

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071121 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 748

Abstract

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a hallmark of the evolution of parasitic plants, facilitated by the haustorial connection. While mitochondrial HGT is widespread, the extent of nuclear HGT and the long-term retention of foreign genetic material in holoparasitic lineages remain poorly understood. This [...] Read more.

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a hallmark of the evolution of parasitic plants, facilitated by the haustorial connection. While mitochondrial HGT is widespread, the extent of nuclear HGT and the long-term retention of foreign genetic material in holoparasitic lineages remain poorly understood. This study explores the genomic architecture of Prosopanche americana (Hydnoraceae), a non-photosynthetic holoparasite currently specialized on Fabaceae. Through a comparative phylogenomic approach integrating draft mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) and nuclear transcriptomes of P. americana, we identified a multi-layered landscape of foreign DNA. The mtDNA of P. americana contains 18 foreign regions (>500 bp) primarily derived from Solanales, Malvales, and Fabales. Notably, 13 of these regions are shared with P. panguanensis, indicating they were acquired in their common ancestor before speciation and ecological shift. In the nuclear genome, we identified 303 horizontally acquired transcripts (99 orthogroups) with high confidence. Functional analysis revealed an enrichment of foreign genes involved in metabolic pathways and plastid functions (e.g., photosystems and thylakoids) exclusively derived from the ancestral host order Solanales. Our results demonstrate that the genome of P. americana acts as a “molecular fossil,” preserving evidence of past ecological interactions with diverse host lineages. The disparity in HGT footprints between the current host (Fabaceae) and ancestral hosts suggests a period of high genomic plasticity followed by host specialization, providing new insights into the timing and dynamics of horizontal gene flow in holoparasitic Piperales. Full article

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

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14 pages, 5513 KB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Analysis of CbbHLH35 Reveals Its Role in Drought and Cold Stress Tolerance in Caladium bicolor

by Yinzhu Cao, Yan Huang, Huafeng Wu, Ximeng Yang, Fan Li, Shenchong Li and Shunzhao Sui

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071120 - 6 Apr 2026

Viewed by 503

Abstract

Caladium bicolor is an important ornamental foliage plant; however, its tropical origin makes it highly sensitive to environmental stresses such as drought and low temperature, which limits its cultivation and industrial development. Basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors play key roles in plant responses [...] Read more.

Caladium bicolor is an important ornamental foliage plant; however, its tropical origin makes it highly sensitive to environmental stresses such as drought and low temperature, which limits its cultivation and industrial development. Basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors play key roles in plant responses to abiotic stresses, but their functions in C. bicolor remain largely unknown. Here, a bHLH transcription factor gene, CbbHLH35, was cloned from C. bicolor, and its sequence characteristics, subcellular localization, expression patterns, and potential roles in stress responses were analyzed. The results showed that CbbHLH35 contains a conserved bHLH domain and is localized in the nucleus. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that CbbHLH35 is expressed in different tissues, with the highest expression in tubers, and is significantly induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), drought, and low-temperature treatments. Transgenic C. bicolor plants overexpressing CbbHLH35 were generated and subjected to drought and cold stress. Compared with control plants, the overexpression lines showed higher chlorophyll content and POD activity but lower electrolyte leakage and MDA content, indicating enhanced drought and cold tolerance. These results suggest that CbbHLH35 plays a positive role in regulating drought and cold tolerance in C. bicolor and represents a promising candidate gene for the molecular breeding of stress-resistant cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology (3rd Edition))

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17 pages, 4632 KB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Nitrogen Status in Zanthoxylum armatum var. novemfolius Using Machine Learning Algorithms and UAV Hyperspectral and LiDAR Data Fusion

by Shangyuan Zhao, Yong Wei, Jinkun Zhao, Shuai Wang, Xin Ye, Xiaojun Shi and Jie Wang

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071119 - 6 Apr 2026

Viewed by 454

Abstract

Accurate monitoring of nitrogen (N) status is critical for precision N management and optimizing the yield and quality of Zanthoxylum armatum var. novemfolius (ZA). However, individual sensors often struggle to simultaneously capture the biochemical variations and complex canopy structural changes of ZA. Therefore, [...] Read more.

Accurate monitoring of nitrogen (N) status is critical for precision N management and optimizing the yield and quality of Zanthoxylum armatum var. novemfolius (ZA). However, individual sensors often struggle to simultaneously capture the biochemical variations and complex canopy structural changes of ZA. Therefore, field experiments were conducted over two consecutive years, applying four N-application rates (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N ha⁻¹) to ZA. At each phenological stage, hyperspectral imagery and LiDAR point clouds were collected via three UAV flight altitudes (60 m, 80 m, and 100 m), and canopy nitrogen concentration (CNC) and aboveground nitrogen accumulation (AGNA) were measured. This study developed a framework by synergistically fusing UAV-derived hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and LiDAR data for CNC and AGNA monitoring. Results showed that the response of nitrogen status indicators to fertilization was phenology-specific: CNC showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) among treatments during the vigorous vegetative growth stage (VGS) but differed significantly (p < 0.05) during the fruit expansion stage (FES); AGNA differed significantly among treatments at VGS and FES (p < 0.05). The two-step screening yielded NDSI _{(732, 879)} and NDSI _{(560, 690)} as the optimal CNC indicators at VGS and FES, respectively (r = 0.83 and 0.93), whereas the NDSI _{(711, 986)} and NDSI _{(515, 736)} were identified as the optimal AGNA indicators at VGS and FES, respectively (r = 0.91 and 0.71). Across all phenological stages, Random Forest Regression consistently delivered the highest accuracy for CNC (R² = 0.93–0.98, RMSE = 0.87–1.02 g kg⁻¹) and AGNA (R² = 0.95–0.97, RMSE = 1.92–2.55 g plant⁻¹), outperforming MLR, PLSR, and SVR. This synergistic framework provides a high-precision, non-destructive methodology for the precision N monitoring of woody crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote and Proximal Sensing for Diagnosis of Plant Health)

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15 pages, 2761 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide InDel Marker Development and Genetic Diversity Analysis of 52 Tomato Germplasm Accessions

by Chenjiao Huang, Di Ge, Yaxuan Zhang, Zhiye Ge, Yicheng Wu, Qianrong Zhang, Yunxia Zhao and Chonghui Ji

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071118 - 6 Apr 2026

Viewed by 519

Abstract

To address the challenges of narrow genetic backgrounds and low phenotypic selection efficiency in tomato breeding, comparative genomics was applied. Based on the genomic sequences of five tomato varieties (‘Micro-Tom’, ‘Moneymaker’, ‘M82’, ‘Heinz 1706’, and ‘LA2093’), a total of 285,796 InDel loci were [...] Read more.

To address the challenges of narrow genetic backgrounds and low phenotypic selection efficiency in tomato breeding, comparative genomics was applied. Based on the genomic sequences of five tomato varieties (‘Micro-Tom’, ‘Moneymaker’, ‘M82’, ‘Heinz 1706’, and ‘LA2093’), a total of 285,796 InDel loci were preliminarily identified. Based on these loci, a total of 255 pairs of molecular markers were developed. Subsequently, based on InDel length, polymorphism, and electrophoretic performance, 63 InDel markers with stable amplification, clear polymorphic bands, and coverage across all 12 chromosomes were rigorously selected. These markers were subsequently used to analyze the genetic diversity of 52 tomato germplasm resources. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values of the markers ranged from 0.074 to 0.402, with an average of 0.2804. Cluster analysis based on InDel genotyping data divided the 52 germplasm samples into four distinct groups with significant genetic differentiation, which was validated in conjunction with previously collected phenotypic data from the 52 tomato germplasm resources. Furthermore, a set of core InDel primer combinations (24 pairs) was selected to construct unique DNA fingerprint profiles for each germplasm group. Overall, the InDel markers developed in this study provide an efficient tool for evaluating genetic diversity in tomato germplasm and offer a reliable molecular basis for germplasm identification, heterosis prediction, and marker-assisted breeding, thereby facilitating the development of improved tomato cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Big Data Mining in Plant Stress Resistance Evolution and Germplasm Innovation)

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12 pages, 589 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spider Mite Response, Agronomic Performance, and Stability of a Urochloa spp. Diversity Panel Under Field Conditions

by Adrian Mating’i Kimani, David Kariuki Muruu, Paula Espitia-Buitrago, Sylvia Henga, Catherine Muui, Frank Chidawanyika and Rosa Noemi Jauregui

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071117 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 739

Abstract

Spider mites (Oligonychus trichardti) are emerging as a major constraint to Urochloa forage productivity in East Africa; however, knowledge of genotypic variation and tolerance remains limited. Herein, 55 Urochloa genotypes were evaluated under field-infested and non-infested conditions across two seasons using [...] Read more.

Spider mites (Oligonychus trichardti) are emerging as a major constraint to Urochloa forage productivity in East Africa; however, knowledge of genotypic variation and tolerance remains limited. Herein, 55 Urochloa genotypes were evaluated under field-infested and non-infested conditions across two seasons using an alpha-lattice design. Agronomic and physiological traits, including plant height (PH), tiller number (TN), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), total dry weight (TDW), and mite damage indices (visual severity index (VSI) and stress tolerance index (STI)) were assessed. Infestation reduced biomass by 22.4% on average, with reductions of up to 45% in susceptible genotypes. Significant genotypic variation was detected for PH, TN, TDW, and VSI. Heritability estimates under mite infestation were moderate to high for all traits except TDW, suggesting that direct selection of these traits could be effective in breeding programs aimed at improving mite resistance. VSI showed a strong negative correlation with NDVI (r = −0.63), supporting its value as a phenotyping indicator of spider mite response. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis revealed significant genotype × environment interactions for TDW. The AMMI biplot identified Xaraes, ILRI_13369, and ILRI_14787 as high-yielding and stable genotypes, while the AMMI Stability Value (ASV) and the Weighted Average of Absolute Scores from the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (WAASB) identified CIAT_16122, CIAT_664, ILRI_14801, ILRI_14787, and ILRI_13266 as the most stable and broadly adapted across environments. STI further highlighted ILRI_13751 (2.71) and ILRI_13531 (2.58) as highly tolerant under stress. Overall, the study reveals substantial exploitable genetic diversity and identifies stable, high-yielding, and mite-tolerant genotypes suitable for breeding to improve Urochloa productivity in East Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Resources and Improvement of Forage Plants)

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27 pages, 7959 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Physiological, Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Provide Insights into the Adaptive Mechanism of Salix viminalis Roots in Response to Cadmium Stress

by Jiahui Yin, Jingyi Sun, Mengyao Wan, Baizhou Li, Hang Liu, Rui Yin and Wei Ning

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071116 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 632

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is widely dispersed in the environment and has emerged as a major environmental contaminant. Although Salix viminalis shows potential for phytoremediation of Cd pollution, the defence mechanism of its roots against heavy metals remains unclear. This study explores the adaptive response [...] Read more.

Cadmium (Cd) is widely dispersed in the environment and has emerged as a major environmental contaminant. Although Salix viminalis shows potential for phytoremediation of Cd pollution, the defence mechanism of its roots against heavy metals remains unclear. This study explores the adaptive response of S. viminalis roots to Cd stress from physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic perspectives. The results suggest that Cd stress exerts inhibitory effects on root growth and development. Compared with the control (Cd-free), the root volume and dry weight of S. viminalis exposed to Cd decreased by 26% and 29%, respectively. After exposure to Cd stress for 14 and 21 days, the Cd content in the roots increased by 117-fold and 134-fold, the hydrogen peroxide content increased by 89% and 110%, and the malondialdehyde content increased by 82% and 88%, respectively. This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that the continuous accumulation of Cd in the roots may have aggravated the degree of lipid peroxidation. A total of 9171 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 169 differential metabolites (DIMs) were identified through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Further combined analyses revealed the potential roles of several pathways in the defensive response of S. viminalis roots against Cd stress, including plant hormone signal transduction, thiamine metabolism, glycolysis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and other pathways. Notably, the feedback regulatory effects formed by thiamine metabolism and hormone signal transduction related to auxin, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid play a crucial role in the early stage when roots are exposed to Cd stress. These effects mobilized osmotic adjustment in roots by enhancing saccharide metabolism and activated the Cd detoxification process by altering lipid metabolism, thereby contributing positively to the defence of willow roots against Cd stress. These findings provide insights into the adaptive mechanism of S. viminalis roots in response to Cd and the application of fast-growing woody plants in heavy metal phytoremediation. Full article

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

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20 pages, 3513 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolutionary and Transcriptomic Analyses of the Plant TPST-Sulfated Peptides System, with Insights from Woody Liriodendron chinense

by Yu Liu, Kaiyue Hong, Teja Manda, Xiangyang Hu and Liming Yang

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071115 - 4 Apr 2026

Viewed by 435

Abstract

Sulfated peptides, such as PSK, PSY, CIF, and RGF, are crucial regulators of plant growth, development, and stress responses, with their activity dependent on post-translational tyrosine sulfation by tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST). This study explores the evolutionary history and the interaction mechanisms between TPST [...] Read more.

Sulfated peptides, such as PSK, PSY, CIF, and RGF, are crucial regulators of plant growth, development, and stress responses, with their activity dependent on post-translational tyrosine sulfation by tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST). This study explores the evolutionary history and the interaction mechanisms between TPST and sulfated peptides in plants. Systematic analyses of multi-species genomes show that TPST can be traced back to the chlorophyte lineage, whereas PSK, a sulfated peptide, appears to have emerged in gymnosperms. TPST is evolutionarily conserved, typically present in low copy numbers across plant lineages, while its peptide substrates have expanded in angiosperms. In Liriodendron chinense, TPST-sulfated peptide gene promoters are enriched with cis-regulatory elements linked to abscisic acid, gibberellin responsiveness, and anaerobic induction. Synteny analyses revealed collinearity between sulfated peptide genes in L. chinense, Magnolia biondii, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Populus trichocarpa, but not with Oryza sativa. Molecular docking identified key TPST-PSK interaction sites in the sulfotransferase domain, with several critical residues facilitating binding. Transcriptomic and co-expression network analyses revealed that LcTPST was expressed at lower levels than its peptide precursor genes, while LcPSK2 remained highly expressed after the torpedo stage of somatic embryogenesis. Stress conditions significantly increased PSK-associated module connectivity, enriched in transcription factors such as WRKY, bHLH, bZIP, and MADS. This study provides insights into the evolutionary, structural, and regulatory aspects of the TPST-sulfated peptide system in plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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29 pages, 9416 KB

Open AccessArticle

Weed Discrimination at the Seedling Stage in Dryland Fields Under Maize–Soybean Rotation

by Yaohua Yue and Anbang Zhao

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071114 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 371

Abstract

Under maize–soybean rotation systems, weeds and crops at the seedling stage in dryland fields exhibit high similarity in morphological structure, scale distribution, and spatial arrangement. In addition, complex illumination conditions, occlusion, and background interference further complicate accurate weed discrimination. To address these challenges, [...] Read more.

Under maize–soybean rotation systems, weeds and crops at the seedling stage in dryland fields exhibit high similarity in morphological structure, scale distribution, and spatial arrangement. In addition, complex illumination conditions, occlusion, and background interference further complicate accurate weed discrimination. To address these challenges, this study proposes an improved YOLOv11n-based weed detection method for seedling-stage crops under dryland rotation conditions, aiming to enhance detection accuracy and robustness in UAV-acquired field images. Three key improvements were introduced to enhance model performance: (1) the incorporation of Dynamic Convolution (DynamicConv) to adaptively strengthen feature representation for weeds with varying morphologies and scales in low-altitude remote sensing imagery; (2) the design of a SlimNeck lightweight feature fusion architecture to improve multi-scale feature propagation efficiency while reducing computational cost; (3) the cascaded group attention mechanism (CGA) is integrated into the C2PSA module, thereby improving discrimination capability under complex background conditions. These results represent consistent improvements over baseline models, including YOLOv5, YOLOv6, YOLOv8, YOLOv11, and YOLOv12. Specifically, detection performance for broadleaf weeds and Poaceae weeds reached mAP@0.5 values of 87.2% and 73.9%, respectively. Overall, the proposed method demonstrates superior detection accuracy and stability for seedling-stage weed identification under rotation conditions, providing reliable technical support for variable-rate herbicide application and precision field management. Full article

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

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18 pages, 3676 KB

Open AccessArticle

De Novo Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of ‘Qing Zhou Mi’ Landrace Peach and Analysis of Late Maturity and Fruit Weight Traits in Peach

by Miao Li, Qingtao Gong, Guixiang Li, Jing Gao and Anning Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071113 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 438

Abstract

‘Qing Zhou Mi’ (QZM) is a typical representative landrace of the late-ripening, high-resistance, and small-fruited peaches found in northern China. However, its genetic information has not been systematically analyzed. In this study, we sequenced and de novo assembled the QZM genome. The chromosome-level [...] Read more.

‘Qing Zhou Mi’ (QZM) is a typical representative landrace of the late-ripening, high-resistance, and small-fruited peaches found in northern China. However, its genetic information has not been systematically analyzed. In this study, we sequenced and de novo assembled the QZM genome. The chromosome-level genome was 252.39 Mb in size, with a contig N50 of 24.35 Mb. Comparative genomic analysis found a total of 9.24 Mb unique fragments and 418 genes in the QZM genome, most of which were associated with resistance. Compared with the genomes of some early maturing peach accessions, the differentiation ability of the ACC oxidase and ethylene receptor gene families related to ethylene synthesis and transport in QZM was significantly weakened. In the genome-wide association study, we identified PpNAC1 as a major gene regulating the late-ripening trait of QZM. In addition, we discovered a novel locus associated with fruit weight and focused on a candidate gene in its regulation, PpLOB33. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for further research on the genetic basis underlying the core traits of QZM, providing precise targets for molecular breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Genetic Diversity and Molecular Evolution)

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18 pages, 2330 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Biochemical and Ultrastructural Responses of Tanacetum vulgare L. to Multi-Metal Stress

by Ilya Alliluev, Natalia Chernikova, Victoria Kazachkova, Irshad Ahmad, Aleksei Fedorenko, Vladislav Popov, Artem Babenko, Victor Chaplygin, Saglara Mandzhieva and Tatiana Minkina

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071112 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 772

Abstract

Coal combustion at power stations is a significant source of heavy metal accumulation in plants and soil, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. The objective of the study was to investigate the adaptive strategies of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) exposed [...] Read more.

Coal combustion at power stations is a significant source of heavy metal accumulation in plants and soil, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. The objective of the study was to investigate the adaptive strategies of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) exposed to heavy metal pollution in the impact zone of the Novocherkassk State Power Station (Russia). In the impact zone, soil concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn exceeded background levels by 1.4–8.2 times. An analysis of heavy metal translocation revealed selective accumulation mechanisms. The Cd translocation factor increased by 5.6-fold and Pb by 6-fold, correlating with a 14- and 22-fold enrichment of mobile compounds of Cd and Pb in the rhizosphere. T. vulgare demonstrated a coordinated antioxidant response: the activity of superoxide dismutase (+27%), guaiacol peroxidase (+375%), catalase (+348%), as well as the content of glutathione (+11%), increased in shoots. However, the polyphenol content in the shoots decreased by approximately 22%. Despite severe ultrastructural damage, T. vulgare maintained high biomass productivity. This selective translocation phenotype, combined with high biomass productivity, makes the species a promising candidate for the phytoremediation of coal-contaminated soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Plants to Heavy Metal Toxicity)

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16 pages, 1629 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Analysis of Wild Rice Mitochondrial Genomes Reveals Structural Variation, Repeat Dynamics, and the Evolution of orf182

by Weixiong Long, Jie Wang, Lihua Luo, Lujian Zhou, Wei Chen, Laiyang Luo, Weibiao Xu, Yonghui Li, Longan Yan, Yaohui Cai and Hongwei Xie

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071111 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 559

Abstract

The widespread adoption of hybrid rice has played a pivotal role in ensuring food security in China. However, the heavy reliance on wild-abortive (WA) cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) systems raises potential biosafety concerns. In this study, we screened a global collection of wild [...] Read more.

The widespread adoption of hybrid rice has played a pivotal role in ensuring food security in China. However, the heavy reliance on wild-abortive (WA) cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) systems raises potential biosafety concerns. In this study, we screened a global collection of wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) accessions using orf182-specific molecular markers to characterize the geographic distribution patterns of this gene. Mitochondrial sequencing and assembly of 11 representative wild rice species harboring orf182 revealed 16 novel genes. A total of 469 mitochondrial genes were classified into 23 gene families, with nine families containing single-copy homologous genes, indicating significant gene duplication in mitochondria. We observed a strong positive correlation between mitochondrial genome size and the quantity and size of repetitive sequences. Collinearity analysis revealed extensive mitochondrial variation and large-scale inversions in Guangdong wild rice. Comparative genome analysis uncovered inversions, translocations, and several variations surrounding orf182, with a 71 bp repeat sequence mediating the formation of the orf182-nad6 chimeric gene. Gene copy number analysis (GCNV) revealed variable orf182 gene copy counts (1, 2, and 3) in wild rice species. Additionally, successful transformation of orf182 from various sources into sterile lines was achieved. These findings provide valuable resources for advancing hybrid rice development in China, thus contributing to enhanced food security. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2597 KB

Open AccessArticle

CtARF4 Regulates Inflorescence Development Through Transcriptional Regulation of CtMADS24 in Safflower

by Hengshuo Ge, Ping Xue, Yuting Liu, Xiaohui Pu, Weicong Zhu, Shiyu Luan, Qi Yang and Yuanyuan Dong

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071110 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 393

Abstract

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a traditional economic crop in China valued for its medicinal petals and high-quality seed oil. Despite the importance of floret number and capitulum architecture for petal yield in safflower, the molecular regulators linking auxin signaling to inflorescence [...] Read more.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a traditional economic crop in China valued for its medicinal petals and high-quality seed oil. Despite the importance of floret number and capitulum architecture for petal yield in safflower, the molecular regulators linking auxin signaling to inflorescence development in this species remain poorly understood. Auxin response factors (ARFs) are key transcriptional regulators mediating auxin-responsive gene expression and developmental processes, yet their functions in safflower inflorescence development have not been systematically investigated. In this study, we identified 25 CtARF genes from the safflower genome and classified them into five phylogenetic subfamilies. Cis-regulatory analysis predicted the presence of hormone- and development-related elements in CtARF-associated promoter regions. Expression profiling revealed that CtARF4, a member of the CtARF III subfamily, exhibits preferential expression during flower development. CtARF4 was localized to the nucleus and shown to interact with the CtMADS24 promoter and the Aux/IAA protein CtIAA9 in heterologous systems. Transient overexpression of CtARF4 increased floret number and length and promoted flowering, whereas virus-induced gene silencing resulted in opposite phenotypes. In addition, CtARF4 perturbation was associated with a reduction in IAA content as measured by a kit-based assay. Collectively, these findings suggest that CtARF4 functions as an auxin-responsive transcriptional regulator contributing to inflorescence development in safflower. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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20 pages, 3354 KB

Open AccessArticle

¹H NMR Approach for Evaluating the Effects of a Natural Detergent on Olive Trees Infected by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca

by Miriana Carla Fazzi, Chiara Roberta Girelli and Francesco Paolo Fanizzi

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071109 - 3 Apr 2026

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Abstract

X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) is the etiological agent of “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome” (OQDS). Cellina di Nardò (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae), one of the major Salento cultivars, is highly susceptible to Xfp, usually showing acute symptoms after infection. [...] Read more.

X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) is the etiological agent of “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome” (OQDS). Cellina di Nardò (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae), one of the major Salento cultivars, is highly susceptible to Xfp, usually showing acute symptoms after infection. NuovOlivo^® a plant-derived formulation made with vegetal oils and water infusion from multi botanical species has been reported as effective against OQDS in plants affected by Xfp. A non-targeted ¹H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) fingerprinting approach, with unsupervised and supervised analysis, was applied to observe the possible changes in the metabolic profile in leaf samples of cultivars Cellina di Nardò naturally affected by Xfp treated with NuovOlivo^® compared to untreated plants. The major differences were observed for the content of quinic acid, malate, mannitol, glucose, oleuropein, and aldehyde derivatives in treated compared to untreated samples. The resulting data indicated a season-dependent plant response to both disease and treatment. Moreover, the overall differences observed between the two investigated years, suggest a general decrease in the differences for the discriminating metabolites over time. The protocol NuovOlivo^® was demonstrated to promote changes in the metabolic profile of olive leaves, suggesting a possible role of this treatment, integrated with good agricultural practices, against Xfp and OQDS. Full article

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

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23 pages, 3378 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Green Treasure from Appennine Flora for Colon and Liver Health: Characterization and Evaluation of the Protective Effects from Aerial Parts of Helichrysum italicum

by Maria Loreta Libero, Gianluca Genovesi, Mariachiara Gabriele, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Giustino Orlando, Luigi Brunetti, Sheila Leone, Lucia Recinella, Gokhan Zengin, Giovanni Caprioli, Laura Acquaticci, Mehmet Veysi Cetiz, Luigi Menghini, Claudio Ferrante and Simonetta Cristina Di Simone

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071108 - 3 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Helichrysum italicum Mill. (Asteraceae), a perennial evergreen species native to the Mediterranean basin, has been traditionally employed to treat various inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as respiratory, digestive, gallbladder, and bladder disorders. The plant is valued for its essential oil. It contains [...] Read more.

Helichrysum italicum Mill. (Asteraceae), a perennial evergreen species native to the Mediterranean basin, has been traditionally employed to treat various inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as respiratory, digestive, gallbladder, and bladder disorders. The plant is valued for its essential oil. It contains phenols and flavonoids, which play a fundamental role in the protective effects associated with the traditional use of extracts of its aerial parts. The goal of the study was to investigate the phytochemical and biological properties of polar extracts, specifically water and hydroalcoholic (50% ethanol) extracts, obtained from the aerial parts of H. italicum. The extracts were evaluated for phenolic composition and concurrently assessed for antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory activities. Additionally, the biocompatibility of the extracts was investigated using eco-toxicological models, including Artemia salina lethality and Daphnia magna cardiotoxicity assays, as well as allelopathic studies. CCD841CoN colon epithelial cell viability was also assessed in the presence of the extracts. The extracts’ protective effects were examined in an ex vivo inflammatory model using isolated mouse colon and liver tissues exposed to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Their influence on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression was investigated, as well. Docking studies were also performed to uncover on the potential mechanisms underpinning the biological effects observed in the study. The phytochemical analysis showed that hydroxycinnamic acids and quercetin derivatives were the primary components in both extracts. In particular, the hydroalcoholic extract showed higher phenol levels and more potent scavenging/reducing and enzyme inhibitory activities against tyrosinase, cholinesterases, glucosidase, and amylase. Using the aforementioned eco-toxicological and in vitro cell models, the extracts’ biocompatibility was determined to be in the range of 200–1000 µg/mL. Within this concentration interval, the extracts effectively mitigated LPS-induced stimulation of COX-2 and IL-6 gene expression. Docking studies suggest that hydroxycinnamic acids (notably chlorogenic acid) and flavonoids (including quercetin, rutin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin) play a pivotal role in the extracts’ anti-inflammatory activity. In conclusion, this study provides scientific evidence supporting the ethnopharmacological use of H. italicum in managing oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders, especially in the digestive system. Phenolics in the extracts likely enhance their therapeutic potential. These findings warrant further research, including in vivo studies, to assess the extracts’ efficacy and safety profile comprehensively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected and Extended Full Papers from the 2025 International Scientific Conference on Plant Biodiversity and Sustainability)

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33 pages, 3328 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiyear Soil–Fruit Transfer Dynamics of Macro- and Trace Elements in Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Under Field Conditions

by Ionela Ramona Zgavarogea, Nadia Paun, Claudia Sandru, Violeta-Carolina Niculescu, Ana Maria Nasture, Augustina Mirabela Pruteanu, Irina-Aura Istrate and Oana-Romina Botoran

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071107 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 472

Abstract

Understanding the soil–plant transfer of both essential and non-essential elements is crucial for evaluating the crop nutritional quality, environmental interactions, and food safety. This study delivered a multiyear and multielement assessment under field conditions of the element uptake, translocation, and accumulation in raspberry [...] Read more.

Understanding the soil–plant transfer of both essential and non-essential elements is crucial for evaluating the crop nutritional quality, environmental interactions, and food safety. This study delivered a multiyear and multielement assessment under field conditions of the element uptake, translocation, and accumulation in raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), based on data collected over two growing seasons (2024–2025) in two contrasting Romanian agroecosystems. Two commercial cultivars (Opal and Delniwa) were investigated under fertilized and unfertilized conditions. The concentrations of essential macroelements such as Ca, Mg, Na, and K, as well as trace elements (Li and Sr), were determined in soils and fruits using ICP-OES and AAS. The soil–fruit transfer was quantified through the transfer factor, assisted by a robust statistical framework which integrated spatial–temporal variability and non-parametric analysis. The results highlighted two contrasting accumulation regimes. The essential macroelements revealed a dynamic uptake pattern driven by the physiological demand, soil availability, and fertilization. K exhibited the highest transfer capacity, while Ca had a restricted translocation to the fruits, due to the intrinsic transport limitations. On the other hand, Li and Sr revealed a constrained accumulation, characterized by low concentrations, weak responsiveness to fertilization, and a strong dependence on the soil geochemical background and interannual dilution processes. The spatial variability between the cultivation sites and year-to-year changes in the dilution intensity was evidenced as the dominant driver of the transfer efficiency, while the varietal differences had a secondary but detectable role, mainly for the Ca–Sr discrimination. Overall, the results evidenced that the multielement accumulation in the raspberries was governed by the interplay between the soil geochemistry, physiological transport constraints, and environmental variability. Furthermore, the research provided a field-based, multiyear evidence supporting improved soil management, cultivar selection, as well as the strategies that may increase the fruit nutritional quality while minimizing the trace element risks. Full article

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

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Plants, Volume 15, Issue 7 (April-1 2026) – 149 articles

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