International Journal of Plant Biology

25 pages, 8337 KB

Open AccessArticle

CRISPR/Cas9-Induced Dwarfism in Barley: Impacts on Yield-Related Traits and Root Architecture

by Jovana Eskildsen, Tobias Hanak, Rebecca Hood-Nowotny, Magdalena Musialak-Lange, Ewelina Sokolowska, Sylwia Kierszniowska, Claus Krogh Madsen, Inger Holme and Henrik Brinch-Pedersen

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080077 - 20 Aug 2026

Abstract

Dwarf cereal cultivars were crucial for the Green Revolution. Dwarfed, lodging-resistant varieties remain essential today, as climate change brings more storms and downpours. In barley, the dwarfing gene HvDEP1 has been widely used in breeding. Although its pleiotropic effects on agronomic traits have [...] Read more.

Dwarf cereal cultivars were crucial for the Green Revolution. Dwarfed, lodging-resistant varieties remain essential today, as climate change brings more storms and downpours. In barley, the dwarfing gene HvDEP1 has been widely used in breeding. Although its pleiotropic effects on agronomic traits have been examined, previous studies relied on cultivars developed via random mutagenesis, which carry background mutations that may influence phenotypes. Moreover, its impact on root traits remains underexplored. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate precise HvDEP1 mutants and introduce dwarfism into the barley cultivar ‘Maythorpe.’ We assessed the effects on above-ground morphology, yield-related traits, root architecture, biomass via ¹³C labelling, and the root metabolome. HvDEP1 mutations significantly reduced plant height, straw, spike, and awn length, as well as thousand-grain weight. An in-frame mutant showed intermediate height, straw, and awn phenotypes. Belowground, in a root experiment restricted to knockout line #12, specific root length and the length of the finest (0–0.25 mm) roots were reduced, while total root length was lower but not significantly so; (p = 0.062). Root metabolomic profiling detected no genotype-associated differences. These results provide new insights into HvDEP1′s role in both shoot and root systems and demonstrate that precise CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing can rapidly introduce dwarfism while revealing trade-offs in other agronomic traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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12 pages, 5694 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rice-Based Trichoderma Inocula Enhance Fruit Production of Cutleaf Groundcherry (Physalis angulata L.) in the Amazon

by César Augusto Ticona-Benavente, Erica Ines Almeida de Souza, Álvaro Brasil Barbosa Neto, Jean Piere Jesús Chicana Marina, José Ramirez-Chung, Johnny Campos-Cedano and Jorge Villacres-Vallejo

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080076 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

In Amazonian Spodosols, soil acidity and nutrient constraints limit the cultivation of cutleaf groundcherry. One sustainable alternative for cultivating this species is the use of Trichoderma inoculants, but studies on their use in this crop are scarce. This study evaluated whether rice-based inocula [...] Read more.

In Amazonian Spodosols, soil acidity and nutrient constraints limit the cultivation of cutleaf groundcherry. One sustainable alternative for cultivating this species is the use of Trichoderma inoculants, but studies on their use in this crop are scarce. This study evaluated whether rice-based inocula of Trichoderma harzianum (TH) CCB-LA101 and T. viride (TV) CCB-LA103 improved growth and fruit production of cutleaf groundcherry and whether the responses varied with the application dose. Plants were grown in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement: two Trichoderma species and three inoculum doses applied to the soil (0, 4, and 8 g plant⁻¹; Trichoderma concentration of 3.2 × 10⁹ CFU g⁻¹). Species and dose affected fruit width, length, number, and yield, with TH more effective than TV at increasing fruit number and yield. The contrast between inoculated and non-inoculated plants was significant for all traits. The 8 g plant⁻¹ dose significantly increased fruit number and yield by 22.8% and 17.7%, respectively, relative to the non-inoculated control, whereas fruit width and fruit length decreased by 8.3% and 7.3%, respectively. Considering the six treatment combinations, the 8 g plant⁻¹ TH inoculum (TH8) was the only treatment to significantly increase fruit yield, with net returns for smallholders estimated at USD 1104.46 ha⁻¹. Therefore, under the tested conditions, TH8 could be used to grow cutleaf groundcherry in Amazonian Spodosols. Full article

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

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13 pages, 6827 KB

Open AccessArticle

Image-Based Phenotyping for Early Assessment of Radiosensitivity of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Seedlings Irradiated with Gamma Rays

by Antonio Samudio Oggero, Daisy Ramírez Monzón, Héctor D. Nakayama, Luis Felipe Medeiro Alves, Valter Arthur, Oscar Vega Alvarenga, Gloria A. Resquín Romero, Wilson Romero Vergara and Juan D. Avalos Añazco

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080075 - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Calibrating the mutagenic dose is the first practical step of any radiation mutation-breeding programme, and it is usually summarised by the median lethal dose (LD50) or the median growth-reduction dose (GR50). We asked whether an accessible, image-based phenotyping pipeline can quantify the early [...] Read more.

Calibrating the mutagenic dose is the first practical step of any radiation mutation-breeding programme, and it is usually summarised by the median lethal dose (LD50) or the median growth-reduction dose (GR50). We asked whether an accessible, image-based phenotyping pipeline can quantify the early radiation response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) seedlings finely enough to estimate GR50 and to rank organ- and pigment-level sensitivities. Seeds of the traditional Paraguayan landrace kumandá pyta’i were exposed to Cobalt-60 gamma rays at 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 Gy, grown in a greenhouse, and photographed at the early seedling stage. A single calibrated photograph (5.1 px mm⁻¹) of 83 seedlings was segmented in Fiji/ImageJ 1.54p and analysed with Python to extract morphometric traits (total, root, and shoot length, root:shoot ratio, tortuosity, and a two-dimensional biomass proxy) and colorimetric traits (CIE L*a*b*, a normalised greenness index, and colour-class pixel fractions). Because the data departed from normality, dose effects were tested with Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman rank correlation, and Dunn post hoc tests, and GR50 was estimated by regression of each trait expressed as a percentage of the control. Total length, shoot length, and the biomass proxy declined significantly with dose (Spearman ρ = −0.40, −0.51, and −0.47; all p < 0.001), preceded by a low-dose stimulation at 100 Gy. Estimated GR50 values were ≈390 Gy for shoot length, ≈510 Gy for total length, and ≈550 Gy for the biomass proxy, within the range reported for other cowpea genotypes. Shoot elongation was more radiosensitive than root elongation, so the root:shoot ratio did not decline; tortuosity showed no dose response. Among pigment traits, the loss of greenness was the most robust signal (a* increased, ρ = +0.62, p = 5 × 10⁻¹⁰; green pixel fraction fell from 0.32 to near zero by 500 Gy). These results show that single-photograph phenotyping resolves a coherent, statistically supported dose response and yields a GR50 estimate usable for dose calibration. For kumandá pyta’i, doses of roughly 300–400 Gy (below GR50) are the most defensible starting window for mutation induction. The framework is reproducible and low-cost, but it is based on one greenhouse experiment and a single genotype, and should be validated across independent trials and cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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38 pages, 3246 KB

Open AccessReview

Physiological, Morphological, and Transcriptomic Basis of Biostimulant-Induced Abiotic Stress Resilience in Horticultural Crops: A Review

by Awais Ali, Md Noor E Azam Khan, Nishma Dhakal, Fahmida Fiza, Zhiheng Xing, Joseph Masabni and Genhua Niu

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080074 - 16 Aug 2026

Abstract

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of abiotic stresses, including salinity, drought, heat, and heavy metal toxicity, which strongly threaten productivity, quality, and market value in horticultural crops. Although plant biostimulants have been widely reviewed in agronomic crops, their role in [...] Read more.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of abiotic stresses, including salinity, drought, heat, and heavy metal toxicity, which strongly threaten productivity, quality, and market value in horticultural crops. Although plant biostimulants have been widely reviewed in agronomic crops, their role in horticultural systems remains less comprehensively synthesized, particularly across different crop groups, stress types, application methods, and molecular response mechanisms. This review addresses this gap by systematically compiling current evidence on the use of biostimulants to improve abiotic stress resilience in horticultural crops, with particular emphasis on morphological, physiological, biochemical, and recently emerging molecular responses, especially transcriptomic evidence with supporting metabolomic information where available. Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using two searches covering 2016–2025 for morphological/physiological responses and 2021–2025 for molecular/genetic responses. Of 780 records initially identified, 134 studies met the inclusion criteria. Across these studies, the most frequently evaluated biostimulants were seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic substances, protein hydrolysates, and microbial inoculants, particularly PGPR and AMF. Biostimulant application consistently improved stress tolerance by enhancing antioxidant capacity, osmotic adjustment, nutrient use efficiency, cell wall strengthening, and hormonal regulation. Foliar applications were frequently used for rapid mitigation of drought- and heat-induced canopy-level physiological responses, whereas soil/root-zone application was more common for salinity and heavy metal stress. Emerging molecular evidence, dominated by transcriptomic studies and supported by limited metabolomic data, indicates that biostimulants may induce molecular priming through stress-responsive gene networks and associated metabolic adjustments. Overall, biostimulants show strong potential to improve abiotic stress resilience in horticultural crops, but broader adoption is constrained by variable efficacy, limited mechanistic validation, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks. Future research should prioritize multi-environment validation and functional genetics to support more reliable and targeted biostimulant use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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Graphical abstract

36 pages, 1200 KB

Open AccessReview

Phenomics and High-Throughput Phenotyping of Photosynthetic Traits for Improving Abiotic Stress Resilience in Wheat and Rice

by Amit Yadav, Anuradha Singh, Saurabh Pandey and Jyotirmaya Mathan

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080073 - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Photosynthesis is the fundamental biological process underlying plant growth, crop productivity, and global food security. However, its efficiency is highly vulnerable to abiotic stresses, which disrupt chlorophyll biosynthesis, electron transport, carbon assimilation, stomatal regulation, and photoprotective mechanisms, ultimately reducing crop yield. Improving photosynthetic [...] Read more.

Photosynthesis is the fundamental biological process underlying plant growth, crop productivity, and global food security. However, its efficiency is highly vulnerable to abiotic stresses, which disrupt chlorophyll biosynthesis, electron transport, carbon assimilation, stomatal regulation, and photoprotective mechanisms, ultimately reducing crop yield. Improving photosynthetic resilience under adverse environments has therefore become a major objective of modern crop improvement. Recent advances in phenomics and high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) have transformed the evaluation of photosynthesis-related traits by enabling rapid, non-destructive, and large-scale assessment across diverse environments, while facilitating quantitative characterization of structural, physiological, biochemical, and thermal responses to abiotic stress. Technologies including chlorophyll fluorescence, gas-exchange analysis, thermal imaging, hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR, and UAV-based sensing provide comprehensive insights into plant physiological responses and stress adaptation. Integration of these phenomic approaches with genomic information and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytical frameworks has strengthened genomic and phenomic prediction, enabling more accurate identification of candidate genes, selection of superior genotypes, and accelerated genetic gain. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in photosynthesis-related traits, phenomics, HTP technologies, and their integration with genomics and AI-assisted breeding, highlighting current challenges, knowledge gaps, and future opportunities for developing climate-resilient wheat and rice cultivars and promoting sustainable crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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22 pages, 2860 KB

Open AccessReview

Trends, Impact and Perspectives of Research on the Annonaceae Family in Mexico: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Blanca Patricia Castellanos-Potenciano, Erika Belem Castillo-Linares and Eder Ramos-Hernández

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080072 - 13 Aug 2026

Abstract

The Annonaceae family in Mexico comprises a wide diversity of species with economic, cultural, agricultural, and pharmacological importance; however, research on this group remains fragmented. Therefore, this study analyzed the scientific output on Annonaceae in Mexico using a bibliometric approach. A total of [...] Read more.

The Annonaceae family in Mexico comprises a wide diversity of species with economic, cultural, agricultural, and pharmacological importance; however, research on this group remains fragmented. Therefore, this study analyzed the scientific output on Annonaceae in Mexico using a bibliometric approach. A total of 342 articles published between 1980 and 2025 in the Web of Science were retrieved and analyzed using VOSviewer version 1.6.16. The results showed a sustained increase in annual scientific production; approximately 90% of the articles were published in Q1 journals, with impact factors ranging from 1.3 to 13.4, highlighting the scientific relevance of this family. The main research areas were plant sciences, agriculture, biochemistry and molecular biology, entomology, and food science and technology. Emerging topics focused on the antitumor potential of species such as Annona muricata, A. cherimola, A. coriacea, and A. purpurea. Research on Annonaceae in Mexico has expanded in a multidisciplinary manner, although limited interaction between different areas and institutions persists. This field offers opportunities for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and the development of biotechnological and pharmacological applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology and Biodiversity)

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13 pages, 1904 KB

Open AccessArticle

Micropropagation of Nymphaea pubescens: An Efficient Protocol for Tuber-Derived Tissue Culture, Shoot Multiplication, and Field Establishment

by Nattawut Rodboot and Sureerat Yenchon

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080071 - 13 Aug 2026

Abstract

Waterlilies (Nymphaea spp.) are ecologically and ornamentally important aquatic plants, yet their micropropagation remains challenging due to endophytic contamination and the recalcitrant nature of tuber explants. This study established an efficient in vitro protocol for Nymphaea pubescens using field-collected tubers. Surface sterilization [...] Read more.

Waterlilies (Nymphaea spp.) are ecologically and ornamentally important aquatic plants, yet their micropropagation remains challenging due to endophytic contamination and the recalcitrant nature of tuber explants. This study established an efficient in vitro protocol for Nymphaea pubescens using field-collected tubers. Surface sterilization with 0.2% mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) for 15 min achieved complete sterility with 80% explant viability, and an “escape technique” of excising newly emerged shoots from the maternal tuber reduced latent bacterial contamination. Liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.1 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), and 0.5 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) produced greater shoot multiplication (17.20 ± 2.53 shoots/explant) and elongation (1.03 ± 0.22 cm) than semi-solid medium (9.70 ± 2.11 shoots/explant; 0.70 ± 0.13 cm) (p < 0.01). Transfer to semi-solid maturation medium with glutamine and casein hydrolysate produced the highest survival rate (100%) and significantly improved shoot quality (p < 0.01), mitigating hyperhydricity from prolonged liquid culture. Rooting on semi-solid medium with 0.5 mg/L NAA yielded 90% rooting, and over 80% of acclimatized plantlets established successfully in the field within two weeks. These results provide a practical, reproducible protocol for conservation and mass propagation of N. pubescens and a foundation for future in vitro mutation breeding in ornamental waterlilies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Reproduction)

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24 pages, 9000 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dosage-Specific Effects of Commercial Seaweed Extracts on Seedling Growth, Biomass Accumulation and Root Growth Traits of Capsicum annuum

by Prabhaharan Renganathan, Kristina Borisovna Ukhatkina, Makhmutov Almaz, Ilya Isidorovich Van Erp and Lira A. Gaysina

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080070 - 7 Aug 2026

Abstract

Commercial seaweed extracts (SWEs) are widely used as plant biostimulants; however, information on formulation-specific optimum dosages for greenhouse-grown Capsicum annuum seedlings is limited. This study evaluated the effects of five commercial SWE formulations applied at five dosages (1–5 mL L⁻¹) on [...] Read more.

Commercial seaweed extracts (SWEs) are widely used as plant biostimulants; however, information on formulation-specific optimum dosages for greenhouse-grown Capsicum annuum seedlings is limited. This study evaluated the effects of five commercial SWE formulations applied at five dosages (1–5 mL L⁻¹) on seedling growth, biomass accumulation, and root growth under greenhouse conditions. Morphological traits, biomass characteristics, and growth efficiency indices were assessed using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches to identify formulation-specific optimum application rates. Commercial SWE application significantly (p < 0.05) increased chlorophyll content, shoot and root growth, and fresh biomass, although the magnitude of the response varied among the formulations and application rates. The optimum dosages identified by the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) were ASCO at 2 mL L⁻¹, AQUA at 3 mL L⁻¹, BIO at 2 mL L⁻¹, KAT at 3 mL L⁻¹, and SAGA at 3 mL L⁻¹. Principal component and Pearson correlation analyses further demonstrated coordinated improvements across multiple growth traits. These findings demonstrate that optimum seedling performance depends on formulation-specific rather than universal application rates. The identified optimum dosages provide practical guidance for selecting commercial seaweed biostimulant application rates in greenhouse C. annuum nurseries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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15 pages, 2001 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acaricidal and Repellent Activities of Rhizobacterial Isolates Against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) Under Laboratory and Greenhouse Conditions

by Said Bahoch, Salahddine Chafiki, Soumaya El Assri, Abdessamad Elaasri, Rachid Elaini, Fouad Elame, Ahmed Wifaya, Mohamed Ouknin, El Hassan Mayad, Rachid Bouharroud and Redouan Qessaoui

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080069 - 6 Aug 2026

Abstract

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a highly polyphagous and economically important pest affecting a wide range of crops worldwide. This study evaluated the potential of four rhizobacterial isolates—Leucobacter aridicollis (IQR1), Paenochrobactrum sp. (IQR2), uncultured bacterium IQR3, and marine bacterium [...] Read more.

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a highly polyphagous and economically important pest affecting a wide range of crops worldwide. This study evaluated the potential of four rhizobacterial isolates—Leucobacter aridicollis (IQR1), Paenochrobactrum sp. (IQR2), uncultured bacterium IQR3, and marine bacterium AK6_052 (IQR5)—as candidate biological control agents against T. urticae. The rhizobacterial isolates were obtained from the tomato rhizosphere at the INRA experimental farm (Agadir, Morocco) and evaluated for their acaricidal and repellent activities against T. urticae. Corrected mortality and repellency index were assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure. All four isolates exhibited acaricidal activity, with IQR3 and IQR5 showing the greatest efficacy. Corrected mortality reached 69.9% with IQR3 at the highest concentration after 72 h of exposure. The isolates showed no statistically significant repellent activity. Under greenhouse conditions (10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), IQR3 was associated with the lowest infestation incidence (64%), the lowest infestation severity (13.3%) and the lowest adult density (1.8 adults leaf⁻¹); IQR5 showed a comparable trend. Overall, IQR3 and IQR5 represent promising rhizobacterial candidates for the sustainable management of T. urticae in tomato production. Further studies are needed to optimize their formulation, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and validate their efficacy under field conditions. Full article

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

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18 pages, 5737 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pollen Viability and Stigma Receptivity in Zephyranthes: Implications for Controlled Pollination

by Kornkanok Chamchusri, Bhornchai Harakotr, Panumart Rithichai and Yaowapha Jirakiattikul

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080068 - 3 Aug 2026

Abstract

Knowledge of pollen viability, pollen longevity, and stigma receptivity in Zephyranthes remains limited despite their importance for successful hybridization. Therefore, this study evaluated these reproductive traits in four Zephyranthes species (Z. traubii, Z. candida, Z. grandiflora, and Z. citrina [...] Read more.

Knowledge of pollen viability, pollen longevity, and stigma receptivity in Zephyranthes remains limited despite their importance for successful hybridization. Therefore, this study evaluated these reproductive traits in four Zephyranthes species (Z. traubii, Z. candida, Z. grandiflora, and Z. citrina) and one cultivar, ‘Pim Chomphu’, to provide baseline reproductive information for controlled pollination. Pollen viability was evaluated using tetrazolium staining at different collection times and storage conditions, whereas stigma receptivity was assessed using 6% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), with reproductive outcomes following controlled self-pollination evaluated at the corresponding time points. Tetrazolium-based pollen viability exhibited taxon-specific temporal patterns; however, viability was generally high at 11:00, corresponding to 1 day after anthesis (1 DAA) in Z. traubii and the day of anthesis (0 DAA) in the remaining taxa. The combined protocol of desiccation followed by storage at −5 °C or −20 °C maintained tetrazolium-based pollen viability for up to 120 days. Although all taxa showed positive H₂O₂-based stigma responses across the evaluated time points, reproductive outcomes following self-pollination differed markedly among taxa. Z. citrina set fruit at all pollination times, whereas Z. candida failed to set fruit. The remaining taxa showed variable fruit set and seed germination depending on pollination timing. These results indicate that positive H₂O₂-based stigma responses should be interpreted as biochemical indicators of potential stigma receptivity and considered together with subsequent reproductive outcomes. These findings provide baseline reproductive information to support pollen management and controlled pollination in Zephyranthes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Reproduction)

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Graphical abstract

18 pages, 14305 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploratory SSR-Based Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Differentiation Among Four Wild Almond Populations in Kazakhstan

by Aidyn Orazov, Talant Samarkhanov, Anar Myrzagaliyeva, Moldir Yermagambetova, Sultan Kauanov, Yerlan Turuspekov, Serik Irsaliyev, Shynar Tustubayeva and Bauyrzhan Turalin

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080067 - 31 Jul 2026

Abstract

Wild almond relatives are valuable reservoirs of allelic variation for crop improvement and conservation, yet Kazakhstan’s wild-almond genetic resources remain poorly characterised. We conducted an exploratory SSR assessment of 80 putative individuals from four taxon-locality groups (20 per group), each representing one sampled [...] Read more.

Wild almond relatives are valuable reservoirs of allelic variation for crop improvement and conservation, yet Kazakhstan’s wild-almond genetic resources remain poorly characterised. We conducted an exploratory SSR assessment of 80 putative individuals from four taxon-locality groups (20 per group), each representing one sampled population: Prunus ledebouriana, P. tenella, P. petunnikowii, and P. spinosissima. Of 22 nuclear simple sequence repeat loci screened for cross-taxon transferability, 15 generated reproducible profiles and were retained; their even genome-wide distribution was not verified. Across the full dataset, the mean number of alleles was 3.55, the effective number of alleles was 2.62, expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.544, and 95.0% of loci were polymorphic. Missing genotypes ranged from 0.0% to 34.7% among groups, and six loci had at least 20% missing data. AMOVA attributed 76.5% of variation to within-group differences and 23.5% to among-group differences (PhiPT = 0.235, p = 0.001). PCoA, unbiased Nei distances, UPGMA, and descriptive Bayesian clustering separated the four sampled groups. A nine-locus sensitivity analysis that excluded the six high-missing loci retained P. spinosissima as the group with the highest mean He (0.699), whereas P. petunnikowii increased from 0.471 to 0.609. Thus, the low full-panel estimate for P. petunnikowii was not robust to missing data. Because taxon identity was fully confounded with locality and the marker panel was limited, the results are interpreted as a regional marker-transferability and methodological baseline rather than as species-wide or genome-wide inference. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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39 pages, 3922 KB

Open AccessReview

What Defines a Plant Chemotype? Conceptual Boundaries, Chemical Criteria, and Methodological Challenges

by Mauricio Mateus Guimaraes-Silva, Matheus Chaves de Jesus, Dannily Augusto Rebouças, Lorraynne Oliveira-Souza Abreu, Claudete da Costa-Oliveira, Elaine de Lima de Jesus, Orlando Maia Barboza, Tamara do Nascimento da Silva, Philippe Barreto de Almeida, Renato Crespo Pereira, Davyson de Lima Moreira and Ygor Jessé Ramos

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080066 - 30 Jul 2026

Abstract

Plant chemical diversity constitutes an essential dimension of biodiversity, arising from interactions among genetic background, biosynthetic regulation, the environment, ontogeny, ecology, and evolutionary history. Although the term chemotype is widely used for distinguishable chemical patterns within a taxon, its meaning remains inconsistent across [...] Read more.

Plant chemical diversity constitutes an essential dimension of biodiversity, arising from interactions among genetic background, biosynthetic regulation, the environment, ontogeny, ecology, and evolutionary history. Although the term chemotype is widely used for distinguishable chemical patterns within a taxon, its meaning remains inconsistent across plant biology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, chemical ecology, and natural-product standardization. This conceptual review examines the historical development, conceptual boundaries, chemical criteria, biological significance, and methodological requirements of plant chemotypes. We define a chemotype as a distinguishable, recurrent, relatively stable, analytically reproducible, and biologically interpretable intraspecific chemical pattern expressed by individuals, populations, or lineages of the same taxon. Assignment should be based primarily on chemical discontinuity, diagnostic markers, recurrence, relative stability, and analytical reproducibility; ecological, functional, biosynthetic, and genetic information should be treated as supporting evidence when available. The framework applies to volatile and non-volatile systems, including essential oils, cannabinoids, alkaloids, phenolics, and glucosinolates, while recognizing that platform coverage, annotation confidence, and taxon-specific biology can alter the inferred groups. We distinguish chemotypes from chemical phenotypes, chemical ecotypes, chemical geotypes, chronotypes, chemovars, and chemophenetic groups and propose three evidence levels: putative, supported, and confirmed chemotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology and Biodiversity)

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23 pages, 14309 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Salt and Drought Tolerance Classification in the Kazakhstan Cotton Collection Using Optimal Phenotypic Traits

by Aisulu Orken, Nurbek Zhumabay, Nazerke Amangeldyeva, Malika Ramazanova, Sabir Makhmadjanov, Laura Tokhetova, Shuga Manabayeva and Dilnur Tussipkan

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080065 - 28 Jul 2026

Abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions, salinity and drought limit cotton productivity. As the northernmost cotton-growing country, Kazakhstan often deals with these issues. The objective of this study was to classify salt- and drought-tolerant groups within the Kazakhstan cotton collection based on key phenotypic [...] Read more.

In arid and semi-arid regions, salinity and drought limit cotton productivity. As the northernmost cotton-growing country, Kazakhstan often deals with these issues. The objective of this study was to classify salt- and drought-tolerant groups within the Kazakhstan cotton collection based on key phenotypic traits. Fifty-six Gossypium hirsutum genotypes were evaluated under controlled conditions using NaCl and PEG-6000. Six morphophysiological traits, including germination rate, plant height, fresh weight, root dry weight, and relative water content, were analyzed. Increasing NaCl and PEG levels reduced vegetative growth, while germination remained relatively stable under moderate stress. Regression analysis identified 200 mM NaCl as the optimal salinity level for salt tolerance and 20–30% PEG as the optimal level for drought tolerance. Cluster analysis using membership function values grouped the genotypes into five tolerance categories. Eight lines including M-4016-6, M-4031-8, M-4014-6, M-4029-9, M-4016-7, M-4016-8, M-4020-2, and M-4016-4 exhibited high tolerance to both stresses. Additional lines exhibited combined tolerance, indicating strong breeding potential. Principal component analysis revealed an inverse relationship between salt and drought tolerance, suggesting stress-specific adaptation. This study is the first to report on the development of a classification system for salt and drought tolerance in the Kazakhstan Cotton Collection. The results demonstrate substantial genetic variability and highlight the potential for developing cotton cultivars adapted environments prone to stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)

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25 pages, 2617 KB

Open AccessArticle

Regulation of Photomorphogenesis, Structural Quality, and Physiological Status in Sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.) Across LED Light Quality Treatments

by Hiju Yoo, Samuel Lee, Young Jin Choi, Yeong Sunwoo, Jeong Geun Lee, Siyeon Yoo, Ji Min Seo, Sunyoung Lee, Gyurim Kim, Eun Bin Cha, Sang Yong Nam and Jae Hwan Lee

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080064 - 28 Jul 2026

Abstract

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.) is a promising leafy vegetable for controlled-environment production, but integrated information on its growth, structural quality, optical traits, and photochemical responses to light-emitting diode (LED) spectra remains limited. To our knowledge, this study provides the first systematic comparison [...] Read more.

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.) is a promising leafy vegetable for controlled-environment production, but integrated information on its growth, structural quality, optical traits, and photochemical responses to light-emitting diode (LED) spectra remains limited. To our knowledge, this study provides the first systematic comparison of five contrasting LED spectral conditions in sorrel using morphological, biomass, structural-quality, reflectance-based, and chlorophyll-fluorescence indicators. Plants were grown for six weeks under red light (RL), green light (GL), blue light (BL), purple-phyto light (PL) containing red, blue, and far-red components, or white light (WL) at a color temperature of 6500 K. Sorrel responses differed markedly among spectral environments and could not be explained by a single growth parameter. WL produced the highest mean shoot dry weight (505 mg), which was approximately 30.5% higher than that under PL (387 mg), although the difference between the two treatments was not statistically significant. WL also produced 46.5% greater leaf area than PL (50.1 versus 34.2 cm²) and showed the highest mean PI_ABS value (4.00). In contrast, PL showed the highest mean root dry weight (25.5 mg) and Dickson quality index (9.4), together with a relatively low shoot-to-root ratio (17.7) and top-heavy index (20.0), indicating a less shoot-biased structural pattern. BL restricted growth and leaf development and was associated with lower soil plant analysis development units, normalized difference vegetation index, photochemical reflectance index, F_v/F_m, and PI_ABS, indicating that BL alone may have limited suitability for sorrel cultivation under the present experimental conditions. Under the tested conditions, WL appeared more suitable for yield-oriented production, whereas PL may be considered when shoot–root structural balance is prioritized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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33 pages, 36453 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Diversity and Multivariate Characterization of Opuntia ficus-indica from the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys of Northern Ecuador

by Lucía Vásquez-Hernández and Galo Pabón-Garcés

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080063 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) xerophyte whose intraspecific morphological diversity remains poorly documented in Andean agroecosystems. This study characterized the phenotypic diversity of 55 accessions collected along an altitudinal gradient in the dry inter-Andean valleys of northern Ecuador. [...] Read more.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) xerophyte whose intraspecific morphological diversity remains poorly documented in Andean agroecosystems. This study characterized the phenotypic diversity of 55 accessions collected along an altitudinal gradient in the dry inter-Andean valleys of northern Ecuador. Twenty morphological descriptors were used to analyse the data. Quantitative descriptors showed moderate to high variability, with reproductive and defensive characters exhibiting greater variation than vegetative descriptors. MCA revealed substantial chromatic diversity, with fruit peel and pulp color emerging as the strongest qualitative discriminators among morphotypes. Cluster analysis identified three statistically distinct groups: a small-fruited, highly spinescent morphotype restricted to the most arid sites; an intermediate and phenotypically diverse morphotype distributed across all provinces; and a large-fruited, low-spinescence morphotype with the highest seed numbers, consistent with a more advanced domestication trajectory. The primary differentiation axis reflected a trade-off between spine investment and reproductive output. Five discriminant descriptors—fruit weight, spine length, seed number, peel color, and pulp color—provide a robust baseline for germplasm characterization and support conservation, breeding, and nutraceutical valorization in Andean drylands. The findings of this research contribute to filling a critical knowledge gap regarding Andean cactus pear germplasm, providing a scientific basis for conservation, sustainable management, and future breeding and agro-industrial initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology and Biodiversity)

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15 pages, 1551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Molecular Responses of Sensitive, Moderate, and Tolerant Sugarcane Cultivars to Drought Stress

by Risky Mulana Anur, Muslimah Arniyanti, Intan Ria Neliana, Bambang Sugiharto, Wahyu Indra Duwi Fanata, Tri Handoyo and Parawita Dewanti

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080062 - 24 Jul 2026

Abstract

Water deficit is one of the most critical factors for determining the growth and yield of sugarcane. Understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms of sugarcane responses is essential for developing resilient cultivars. In this study, three sugarcane cultivars, NX04 (sensitive), BL (moderate), and [...] Read more.

Water deficit is one of the most critical factors for determining the growth and yield of sugarcane. Understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms of sugarcane responses is essential for developing resilient cultivars. In this study, three sugarcane cultivars, NX04 (sensitive), BL (moderate), and NXI-4T (tolerant), were grown in a greenhouse for 2 months and then subjected to drought stress for 8 days after planting. Morphological variation showed that the tolerant sugarcane cultivar exhibits a longer root system and delays leaf chlorosis and rolling. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased in the sensitive and moderate cultivars, although it slightly increased in the tolerant cultivars at 8 days after drought stress. The increase was accompanied by increases in proline content and in gene expression of the catalase (Cat) and ascorbate peroxidase (Apx) across all cultivars, which protect cells from oxidative damage. Interestingly, the expression of the photosynthetic Pepc (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase) and Sps (sucrose-phosphate synthase) genes was significantly decreased, whereas SPS activity increased under drought stress. This implies that the SPS protein may be regulated through post-translational modification. The expression of transcription factors (TFs) of NAC, rather than DREB, was significantly upregulated in the tolerant cultivar under 8 days of drought stress, in line with the delay of chlorosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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22 pages, 6028 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rhizospheric Bacteria from Argan and Raspberry Enhance Tomato Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum

by Safouane Benjaa, Rachid Bouharroud, Salahddine Chafiki, Soumaya El Assri, Abdelmalek Mahroug, Ahmed Wifaya, My Abdelmajid Kassem and Redouan Qessaoui

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080061 - 24 Jul 2026

Abstract

Pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum are major soilborne fungal pathogens responsible for Fusarium wilt in tomato, leading to significant yield losses worldwide. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of rhizospheric bacterial isolates from argan (Argania spinosa) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus [...] Read more.

Pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum are major soilborne fungal pathogens responsible for Fusarium wilt in tomato, leading to significant yield losses worldwide. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of rhizospheric bacterial isolates from argan (Argania spinosa) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus) soils through an integrated approach combining in vitro screening, greenhouse validation, and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 27 bacterial isolates were screened for antifungal activity using dual culture assays, of which ten exhibited more than 50% inhibition of fungal growth. Selected isolates were further evaluated for volatile organic compound (VOC)-mediated inhibition. Despite strong in vitro performance for several isolates, greenhouse experiments revealed that antifungal activity in vitro was not a reliable predictor of in planta efficacy. Among the tested isolates, BSA25, BSA23, and BSF8 significantly reduced disease severity and incidence under greenhouse conditions, with BSA25 achieving the greatest suppression. In addition to disease control, certain isolates promoted plant growth under pathogen stress, indicating dual functionality as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis (Neighbor-Joining, Kimura 2-parameter) revealed that the isolates belong to PGPR-associated genera, including Bacillus and Pseudomonas, while also highlighting functional variability among closely related taxa. Overall, this study demonstrates that multi-trait evaluation, integrating mechanistic screening and in planta validation, provides a more reliable framework for selecting effective biocontrol agents. The identified isolates, particularly BSA25, represent promising candidates for further evaluation for sustainable management of Fusarium wilt in tomato production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Health in the Context of Fungal and Other Microbial Threats: Systematics, Pathogenesis and Integrated Management)

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17 pages, 2717 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Evaluation and Genetic Parameter Estimation of a Collection of Bambara Groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.)] Landraces in the Sudan–Sahelian Zone in Burkina Faso

by Mariam Kiebre, Jacques Ouedraogo, Ignace Tondé, Jocelyne Wendpingrenoma Ouangraoua, Clémence Zerbo, Zakaria Kiebre, Romaric Kiswendsida Nanema, Fanta Reine Sheirita Tietiambou, Hamid El Bilali, Filippo Acasto and Jacques Nanema

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080060 - 24 Jul 2026

Abstract

Effective utilization of plant genetic resources requires agro-morphological evaluation of collections across diverse growing regions. The objectives of this study are to assess genetic diversity and estimate genetic parameters through morphological traits of Bambara groundnut. The study was conducted over two growing seasons [...] Read more.

Effective utilization of plant genetic resources requires agro-morphological evaluation of collections across diverse growing regions. The objectives of this study are to assess genetic diversity and estimate genetic parameters through morphological traits of Bambara groundnut. The study was conducted over two growing seasons at the SUSTLIVES project site in Gampela (Central Burkina Faso) using an RCBD with three replicates. A total of eight qualitative and eight quantitative traits were used to estimate variability within a collection of 153 landraces. The results revealed a substantial variability in all the qualitative traits, with the number of modalities ranging from 2 to 10, seed color being the variable trait. Based on qualitative traits related to seed, the landraces were grouped into 12 morpho-groups. The analysis of variance showed the presence of significant variation between landraces and across years and their interactions for all of the quantitative traits. The heritability values ranged from 46.12% (seed weight per plant) to 88.66% (days to 90% maturity). The landraces KKou4, KKou2, ODap3, ODap4, KLay68, BPle2, KTog6, KSag11, ZMag4 and ODap1 were identified as high-yielding landraces. Future selection efforts for Bambara groundnut should therefore continue to evaluate the genotypes that have a high potential for grain yield under various pedoclimatic environments of the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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13 pages, 2980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Multilocus DNA-Barcoding Assessment of Four Morus alba L. Accessions from Mangystau, Kazakhstan, with Low-Coverage Oxford Nanopore Quality Control

by Akzhunis Imanbayeva, Nurzhaugan Duisenova, Nazerke Tolep, Aidyn Orazov, Ainur Tuyakova and Akimzhan Lukmanov

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(7), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17070059 - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

The reliable identification of cultivated and naturalised mulberries is complicated by morphological plasticity, the historical movement of the planting material, and partly discordant nuclear and plastid signals. We evaluated four field-identified Morus alba L. trees, one from each of four localities in Mangystau, [...] Read more.

The reliable identification of cultivated and naturalised mulberries is complicated by morphological plasticity, the historical movement of the planting material, and partly discordant nuclear and plastid signals. We evaluated four field-identified Morus alba L. trees, one from each of four localities in Mangystau, Western Kazakhstan, using archived consensus sequences for ITS, matK, rbcL, and trnH-psbA, together with a low-coverage Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) dataset. Because the design comprised one tree per locality (n = 4), analyses were restricted to accession-level descriptive comparisons, and no population-genetic, phylogeographic, or formal phylogenetic inference was attempted. Archived alignment summaries indicated mean pairwise distances of 0.13% for matK, 0.44% for ITS, 0.94% for rbcL, and 2.92% for trnH-psbA; these values are reported as retained dataset descriptors rather than estimates of population diversity. An additional product generated with Rosaceae-derived s6pdh primers was excluded because the target identity and orthology could not be verified. The ONT run yielded 19,958 pass reads (69.27 Mb; read N50 3574 bp). Reference-enriched assembly produced a 14,824 bp candidate plastid-associated contig, approximately 9.3% of a typical Morus plastome. Its short length, incomplete and non-collinear annotations, and the absence of retained depth, polishing, assembly graph, and join support diagnostics preclude its interpretation as a complete, circular, or structurally validated plastome. This study provides a transparent pilot baseline for Mangystau mulberries and establishes quality control criteria for replicated sampling, validated markers, and deeper organelle sequencing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology and Biodiversity)

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