To analyze the effects of in situ vegetable residue return on soil properties and microorganisms, this study conducted a continuous three-season in situ residue return experiment with four treatments: no return (CK), residue return (HTJ), residue return + compound microbial inoculant (HTJS), and residue return + ammonia water (HTJN). This study compared the treatment effects on soil quality. The results showed that, after the third tillage, the HTJS treatment increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and mineralizable organic carbon content, and significantly enhanced the activity of soil β-glucosidase and soil peroxidase, which are related to carbon cycling enzymes compared to other treatments. There were no significant differences in bacterial or fungal α-diversity among treatments. Differences in fungal community soil β-diversity among treatments were significant. The HTJS treatment enriched organic matter-degrading bacteria Flavisolibacter and Devosia. Although HTJS increased the relative abundance of Fusarium, the field disease incidence index did not increase. The soil quality index (SQI), based on the minimum dataset (MDS), showed that HTJS had the highest SQI after the third tillage. Further path model analysis revealed that soil carbon components index and soil physicochemical index were the main controlling factors influencing the SQI. In conclusion, in situ residue return with a compound microbial inoculant (HTJS) is an effective strategy to simultaneously enhance soil fertility and biological activity by regulating the microbial community structure and associated enzyme activities. Full article

Drip fertigation (DF) is increasingly adopted to improve winter wheat productivity, yet its interactions with planting density (PD) and the underlying source–sink mechanisms remain insufficiently quantified. Here, we evaluated winter wheat performance under two water–nitrogen (N) regimes—conventional management (CM) and DF—across a wide PD gradient (100–800 seeds m⁻²) during two growing seasons. Grain yield, yield components, population traits, dry matter production, source–sink indices, canopy N status, N uptake and N-use efficiencies were assessed. Across seasons, DF increased grain yield by 15.4–20.8% relative to CM. Yield exhibited a quadratic response to PD under both regimes; however, DF shifted the optimal PD upward (456–487 seeds m⁻²) compared with CM (377–378 seeds m⁻²) and sustained near-maximum yields over a broader PD range. DF improved population productivity by increasing productive stem percentage and grains per ear, resulting in greater grain number per m² (sink size). DF also strengthened source capacity during grain filling: post-anthesis dry matter production increased by 15.5–17.6% and strongly associated with yield (r² ≥ 0.819). Source–sink analysis suggested that DF was associated with more density treatments showing simultaneously high grain number and high post-anthesis dry matter accumulation, a pattern consistent with a broader high-yield density range. Enhanced N acquisition, especially after anthesis, may have contributed to this response. DF increased N nutrition index at anthesis and markedly increased post-anthesis N uptake by 47.7–49.5%, thereby raising total N uptake at maturity and grain N accumulation. DF improved fertilizer-N recovery efficiency and agronomic efficiency by 33.9–42.3% and 26.7–30.9%, respectively. Collectively, DF improved N uptake and source–sink coordination, enabling high yield and reduced yield penalties when planting density deviated from the optimum. Full article

In the North China Plain (NCP), wind and rain during the grain-filling period of winter wheat can cause lodging. The second basal internode (I2), a key load-bearing structure, plays a central role in yield stability. This study, under a constant nitrogen (N) application rate of 270 kg ha⁻¹, aimed to clarify how nitrogen basal-to-topdressing ratios regulate I2 characteristics to balance lodging resistance and yield increase. Field experiments were conducted across two seasons with three cultivars and three nitrogen split ratios (5:5, CK; 3:7, N1; and 7:3, N2). Dynamic measurements of I2 mechanical properties, morphology, anatomy, and composition were taken, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for analysis. Results showed that the culm lodging resistance index (CLRI) decreased by 41.8% from flowering to milk stage under all treatments, with CLRI at the milk stage of lodging treatments between 0.11 and 0.15. SEM supported a composition–structure–lodging resistance–yield chain, with CLRI as the key mediator. The N1 treatment significantly improved CLRI at all stages and increased yield by 12.2% compared to CK, making it a recommended nitrogen strategy for improving both yield and lodging resistance. These findings provide agronomically applicable nitrogen management guidelines for high-yield winter wheat systems. Full article

The majority of terrestrial plant species establish below-ground interconnections via arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) mycelium, thereby forming extensive common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs). CMNs serve as critical infrastructure for nutrient acquisition, mediating soil nutrient capture and distribution. In nitrogen-fixing plants, phosphorus (P) transport is particularly dependent on functional CMNs. The rapid expansion in graphene oxide (GO) production and its broad application have raised significant ecological concerns, particularly regarding its potential impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. Despite these concerns, the impact of GO on P transport dynamics within legume–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbioses remains critically scarce. This study established a symbiotic system using the model nitrogen-fixing legume Medicago sativa L. and AMF. This experimental system enabled a comprehensive assessment of GO effects on rhizosphere P mobilization, plant P acquisition, CMNs architecture, fungal community composition, and expression of key P transporter genes. Our results demonstrated that high GO concentrations significantly altered rhizosphere properties, increasing pH while reducing organic acid content and alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, GO exposure significantly inhibited root growth, mycorrhizal colonization rates, and plant P acquisition efficiency. Additionally, GO exposure altered AMF community composition, reduced rhizosphere microbial diversity, and suppressed P metabolism gene expression. Specifically, 0.6% GO induced significant downregulation of MsCS and GigmPT by 83.5% and 62.3%, respectively. This indicates that GO impairs plant P uptake by disrupting the core pathway involving GigmPT and MsCS, triggering P stress in M. sativa. Collectively, these findings provide compelling evidence that GO exposure disrupts legume–AMF symbiotic integrity, ultimately impairing P transport efficiency. Full article

Salt, drought and freezing stress were major abiotic factors limiting plant growth, development and yield. Halostachys caspica (Amaranthaceae), a halophyte native to saline-arid desert regions, tolerated multiple abiotic stresses, but its molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance remain unclear. By integrating the small RNA library and transcriptome data of H. caspica under high salinity, HcmiR172e was identified as a differentially expressed miRNA and selected for the study of multiple abiotic stress responses. Using its mature sequence (20 nt) to align with upregulated genes from the transcriptome, HcTOE3 (AP2 subfamily transcription factor belonging to the AP2/ERF family) was preliminarily predicted as its target gene through bioinformatic analysis. Our previous work demonstrated that HcTOE3 was strongly upregulated by multiple abiotic stresses, including salinity, drought, heat and low temperature. Furthermore, overexpression of HcTOE3 conferred freezing tolerance to Arabidopsis throughout the entire growth period. In this study, miRNA expression analyses showed that HcmiR172e was significantly downregulated in the assimilating branches of H. caspica under low temperature, heat, salt, drought, oxidative stress and abscisic acid (ABA) application. Tobacco transient expression assays and 5′RLM-RACE confirmed that HcmiR172e directly cleaved HcTOE3 transcripts in the region close to the 5′end of the ORF. HcmiR172e-overexpressing Arabidopsis displayed increased sensitivity to salt, drought, freezing stresses and ABA treatment, along with enhanced growth inhibition, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, decreased osmolyte content and downregulation of stress-responsive genes. In contrast, HcTOE3-overexpressing Arabidopsis exhibited the opposite phenotypes, physiological responses and corresponding gene expression patterns under multiple stress treatments. These findings collectively elucidated the antagonistic regulatory roles of HcmiR172e and HcTOE3 in plant abiotic stress responses, providing novel molecular targets for engineering stress-tolerant crops for saline, arid, freezing environments. Full article

Randia echinocarpa is an endemic shrub species of Mexico, commonly known as papache in the state of Sinaloa, where it has traditionally been used in medicinal practices. The present study evaluated the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of different tissues (leaf, bark, and fruit pulp) of R. echinocarpa. Phenolic compounds were characterized using HPLC–PDA–MS, which allowed the identification of seven compounds in the leaf, six in the bark, and six in the fruit pulp. Chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and rutin were among the most abundant compounds detected. Total phenolic content varied depending on tissue and season, with the highest concentration observed in leaves during autumn (2.770 ± 0.011 mg GAE g⁻¹) and the lowest in bark during winter (0.437 ± 0.009 mg GAE g⁻¹). This study also reports, for the first time, the concentrations of tannins and flavonoids in R. echinocarpa, with the highest content found in leaves during autumn (0.261 ± 0.003 mg EE g⁻¹ and 2.186 ± 0.005 mg RE g⁻¹, respectively). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, with leaf extracts showing the highest activity, with IC₅₀ values of 0.82 mg mL⁻¹ and 1.21 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. These results provide new information on the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of R. echinocarpa, contributing to the phytochemical characterization of this traditionally used medicinal species. Full article

Constituting the first synopsis on woody bamboos in southern South America, this contribution provides a comprehensive overview of its 12 native genera. The synopsis includes botanical descriptions for each genus, a complete checklist of the taxa, as well as information on their habitat, uses and applications, and flowering period. Furthermore, it provides keys that allow for the identification of the genera: one based on vegetative characters, and the other on both vegetative and reproductive characters. Full article

Intergeneric hybridization of Vanda and Papilionanthe holds promise for pyramiding superior ornamental and stress-tolerant traits, though systematic studies on their hybrids remain scarce. Using Vanda lamellata var. Boxallii (♀), Papilionanda ‘Hetty Henderson’ (♂), and 72 progenies, we investigated parent–progeny relationships via iPBS markers, spectral phenomics, and morphology, alongside floral water balance and thermotolerance. Six iPBS primers amplified 90 bands (92.98% polymorphism), confirming high genetic diversity. Spectral reflectance (400–1000 nm) revealed organ-specific genetic differentiation. Clustering analyses consistently indicated that progenies were genetically and phenotypically closer to the female parent, with spectral/morphological patterns matching genetic groupings. Resistance evaluations showed progenies had significantly stronger floral water storage capacity than both parents, while the female parent excelled in water transport traits. Progenies developed thicker petal/sepal cuticles, though the male parent exhibited superior thermotolerance indices. This study clarifies the genetic regulation of stress resistance in these hybrids, providing critical support for precise early screening in orchid breeding. Full article

Soil salinization is a major constraint on irrigated rice cultivation, mainly due to poor irrigation management and cropping in coastal areas. Seed priming is widely recognized as a cost-effective and practical approach to enhance early growth and improve tolerance to abiotic stresses, including salinity. This study evaluated the effects of seed priming of rice seeds from two cultivars, BRS Querência (Indica) and BRS 358 (Japonica), using aqueous carrot root extract at 0% (water), 25%, and 50% concentrations for 48 h. Seeds were sown in rhizotrons and exposed to 0, 75, or 150 mM NaCl. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits were evaluated at 21 days after sowing. Seed priming with carrot extract was associated with improved growth and physiological responses under salinity stress. Under 150 mM NaCl, primed seedlings showed approximately 40% higher chlorophyll index, 35% greater root volume, and 30% higher shoot dry mass compared to unprimed controls. The 25% extract concentration was particularly effective for BRS Querência, which showed enhanced root elongation and a higher nitrogen balance index. Activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase increased by 45–70%, while hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels decreased by approximately 50%, suggesting enhanced antioxidant responses and improved redox balance. Anthocyanin accumulation also increased in specific cultivar–treatment combinations, suggesting a potential effect on secondary metabolism and antioxidant pathways. Overall, carrot-based seed priming was associated with improved seedling performance, pigment stability, and regulation of oxidative stress under saline conditions. These results suggest that carrot-based seed priming may improve physiological performance under salinity stress. Full article

Salicylic acid enhances cadmium tolerance in plants by modulating antioxidant defenses and promoting cadmium immobilization in cell walls. However, its potential to mitigate cadmium-induced growth inhibition and physiological disturbances in the woody species Cornus alba L. remains unexplored. Cornus alba L. seedlings were used in the pot experiment with four treatments: control (CK); 40 mg·kg⁻¹ cadmium treatment (Cd); 100 µmol·L⁻¹ salicylic acid treatment (SA); and both salicylic acid and cadmium treatment (SACd). The results showed that salicylic acid reduced lipid peroxidation in cell membranes by enhancing root cadmium sequestration and reconfiguring the antioxidant enzyme system, thus demonstrating a synergistic protective effect. By inhibiting cadmium transport to the shoots, it thereby mitigated the cadmium-induced inhibition of photosynthesis and reproductive development. Transcriptome analysis indicated that salicylic acid upregulates key genes in sucrose and starch metabolism pathways (e.g., TPS, GN1_2_3, otsB), leading to enhanced carbon assimilation and energy supply. Furthermore, it upregulates the key terpenoid biosynthesis genes (including HMGR and GGPS), leading to a coordinated modulation of primary and secondary metabolic flux and an increased output of the related pathways. The results reveal a potential mechanism by which salicylic acid alleviates cadmium stress in Cornus alba L., offering new insights into its role in plant heavy metal stress responses. Full article

The Domains of Unknown Functions 1664 (DUF1664) genes are a class of genes with unknown functions, and their roles in abiotic stresses responses have not yet been reported. Using the hidden Markov model (HMM) profile of DUF1664 (PF07889) obtained from the Pfam database, along with Arabidopsis thaliana DUF1664 family protein sequences as reference, and verifying complete DUF1664 domains with the NCBI CD-Search online tool, seven DUF1664 family members were identified in the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) genome, designated as AhDUF1664-1A through AhDUF1664-4. Promoter analysis revealed that cis-acting elements in AhDUF1664 genes are associated with growth and development, stress responses, and plant hormone signaling, and these genes exhibit relatively conserved motifs. Functional validation showed that ectopic expression of AhDUF1664-1A enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana by modulating the expression of ABA signaling-related genes. Our findings identify the AhDUF1664 gene family in peanut and provide a basis for further investigation into the biological functions of these genes. Full article

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of eighteen different extracts derived from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves on spontaneous contractions, as well as contractions induced by potassium chloride (KCl) and acetylcholine in the ileum of rats, under in vitro conditions. The extracts were prepared with 96% v/v, 80% v/v, and 60% v/v ethanol, and absolute (100%) v/v, 80% v/v, and 60% v/v methanol, employing extraction techniques that included maceration, digestion, and sonication-assisted methods. Chemical characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of various phenolic acids, including rosmarinic, chlorogenic, caftaric, salvianolic acid B, cinnamic, caffeic, and chicoric acid, as well as flavonoids such as rutin and salvigenin. The evaluated extracts produced significant, concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on rat ileal contractions. Notably, the extract obtained via maceration with 80% methanol exhibited the most pronounced relaxant effects on spontaneous muscle contractions, achieving a maximum reduction of 46.16 ± 2.11%. Furthermore, the extract prepared with the same solvent using sonication-assisted extraction demonstrated superior efficacy in diminishing both the frequency and amplitude of KCl-induced ileal contractions, reducing contraction intensity caused by elevated potassium ion levels to 59.48 ± 3.34% at a maximum concentration of 1.5 mg/mL, thereby indicating its potential as a potent calcium channel blocker. Additionally, the extract prepared with 60% methanol through sonication-assisted extraction resulted in the most substantial reduction of acetylcholine-induced ileal contractions, decreasing contraction intensity to 35.74 ± 1.54% at the maximum concentration of 1.5 mg/mL, which suggests a high level of neurophysiological activity. By comparing extracts with different phytochemical profiles, this study provides additional insight into how variations in phenolic composition may influence different mechanisms of smooth muscle relaxation. This study affirms the significant spasmolytic properties of basil leaf extracts, thereby supporting their potential application in the management of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Full article

Invasive plant species frequently dominate contaminated ecosystems and are increasingly reported as accumulators of heavy metals and potentially toxic elements (PTEs). While this phenomenon is widely documented, its functional implications for contaminant dynamics and remediation-oriented management remain insufficiently synthesized. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of heavy metal and PTE accumulation in invasive plants across terrestrial and aquatic environments, with emphasis on tissue-specific partitioning, environmental context, and species-level variability. Based on field surveys, controlled experiments, and biomonitoring studies, we synthesize evidence for the accumulation of key elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the roots and above-ground tissues of terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants. The available literature reveals consistent patterns of root-dominated sequestration in many terrestrial invaders, contrasted with enhanced shoot accumulation in fast-growing aquatic species. These patterns underpin divergent functional roles, ranging from contaminant stabilization in soils and sediments to conditional phytoextraction under managed harvesting. Rather than promoting invasive plants as remediation tools, this review frames them as unavoidable functional components of contaminated landscapes. We critically evaluate their advantages, limitations, and ecological risks, identify key research gaps, and propose a context-aware framework for interpreting invasive plant–PTE interactions in environmental management. Full article

The chemotaxonomic classification of Cannabis sativa L. has historically relied on the Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) ratio, yielding canonical chemotypes I, II, and III. However, this binary framework overlooks the chemical diversity contributed by the minor cannabinoids. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) following the AOAC Official Method 2018.10 was employed to quantify nine cannabinoids (THCA, THC, CBDA, CBD, CBGA, CBG, CBC, CBDV, and CBN) across 36 commercially and medicinally relevant cannabis varieties. Quantitative profiling revealed substantial phytochemical heterogeneity, with total THC ranging from 0.41% to 15.64% and total CBD ranging from 0.09% to 12.32% (w/w). Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the first two principal components explained 62.7% of the total variance. PC1 (37.6%) captured the THCA–CBDA polarity axis, while PC2 (25.1%) was dominated by minor cannabinoids (CBC; loading 0.417), CBGA (0.314), and CBG (0.258). Supervised partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) using only the nine cannabinoid variables achieved 94.2% cross-validated accuracy and 100% test-set accuracy in predicting the chemotype class, with CBC identified as the third most discriminatory variable (variable importance in projection, VIP = 1.34). Hierarchical clustering resolved three principal clades and further subdivided THC-dominant accessions into CBC-enriched (Sour Diesel, Cinderella Jack) and CBGA-enriched (Mother Gorilla, Auto Lemon Kix) subclusters. A multivariate “metabolic coordinate” system based on PC1/PC2 scores is proposed as a quantitative and reproducible alternative to the traditional Type I/II/III and sativa/indica nomenclatures. This study introduces an empirically grounded framework for variety authentication, quality control, and enhanced precision breeding in the rapidly growing medicinal cannabis sector, for both human and veterinary applications. Full article