Plants

19 pages, 3194 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Proteomic and Functional Analyses Reveal the Roles of Organelle-Specific Small Heat Shock Proteins (sHSPs) in Tomato Thermotolerance

by Bolun Xie, Hui Zhou, Huiling Liu, Chenglang Li, Yuhao Song, Yipei Xie, Yanyan Yan and Li Tian

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111590 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2026

Abstract

Global warming-induced extreme heatwaves present a severe threat to global tomato yield and production stability. To elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying heat stress tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), this study utilized label-free quantitative proteomics to profile alterations in protein abundance [...] Read more.

Global warming-induced extreme heatwaves present a severe threat to global tomato yield and production stability. To elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying heat stress tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), this study utilized label-free quantitative proteomics to profile alterations in protein abundance in tomato leaves in response to heat stress. A total of 294 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, with function enrichment in the systematic activation of core stress-responsive biological processes, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade, the endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, and glutathione metabolism. Among them, heat shock protein (HSP) family members exhibited the most significant changes, particularly two small heat shock proteins (sHSPs), designated as SlsHSP1 and SlHSP17.4. Functional validation showed that silencing either SlsHSP1 or SlHSP17.4 drastically impaired heat tolerance in tomato plants. Specifically, silenced lines displayed excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, with SlsHSP1-silenced plants showing more severe heat-induced phenotypic damage. Subcellular localization assays further demonstrated SlsHSP1 was located in the ER and SlHSP17.4 in the nucleus. Collectively, this study unravels multiple heat defense regulatory networks in tomato, in which organelle-specific sHSPs like SlsHSP1 and SlHSP17.4 synergistically maintain protein homeostasis and cellular redox balance, conferring broad-spectrum stress resistance in plants under high-temperature stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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17 pages, 2957 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing Ethnomedicinal Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg Grown Under Different Cultivation Methods Using Stable Isotopes and Elemental Analyses

by Chunan Wang, Xianbo Wang, Hanyi Mei, Yongzhi Zhang, Chunlin Li, Karyne M. Rogers, Zuguang Li, Yuwei Yuan and Jing Nie

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101589 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a high-value edible and medicinal homologous plant, routinely grown under conventional field or greenhouse production systems across Asia. However, mislabeling of conventional products as the rarer (and more expensive) wild version may occur for financial gain. In [...] Read more.

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a high-value edible and medicinal homologous plant, routinely grown under conventional field or greenhouse production systems across Asia. However, mislabeling of conventional products as the rarer (and more expensive) wild version may occur for financial gain. In this study, stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ²H, and δ¹⁸O) and metal contents (Cr, Cu, Ni, As, Cd, Pb) were used to characterize plant tissues (tuber root, stem, leaf) and corresponding soils originating from simulated-wild-cultivated (WC) and greenhouse-cultivated (GC) pot trials using the same soil. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes served as key indicators for distinguishing GC and WC products. Specifically, δ¹³C values of GC plant tissues were 1.4 to 2.4‰ more positive than those of WC plant tissues (p < 0.05), and δ¹⁵N values in GC tissues were 2.7 to 4.6‰ more positive than δ¹⁵N in WC tissues (p < 0.01). Lower δ¹⁵N values observed in WC products indicate slower nitrogen turnover compared with GC products. Soil metal concentrations had significant differences between the two cultivation systems, but only limited effects on metal bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) in T. hemsleyanum tissues. Pb and Cd concentrations in root tissues had large differences between cultivation systems, and carbon dynamics in GC plants were more negatively affected by Pb levels in soils. These findings provide the first investigation of T. hemsleyanum grown under different cultivation practices and establish a scientific basis for distinguishing other wild or simulated-wild labeled food and medicinal plant products from conventionally grown products in future studies. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1456 KB

Open AccessArticle

AhNPR4B Interacts with AhPR2-Like and May Contribute to Disease Resistance and Cold Tolerance in Peanut

by Xiaoyu Zhang, Xiaoji Zhang, Zhenbo Chen, Rui Zhang, Yunyun Xue, Na Li, Yuexia Tian, Huiqi Zhang, Dongmei Bai and Xin Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101588 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production faces persistent threats from various infectious diseases. Planting healthy varieties with robust botanical defense networks is critical for minimizing future costs. Non-expressor of pathogenesis-related (NPR) regulators are involved in immune activation and act as key targets for [...] Read more.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production faces persistent threats from various infectious diseases. Planting healthy varieties with robust botanical defense networks is critical for minimizing future costs. Non-expressor of pathogenesis-related (NPR) regulators are involved in immune activation and act as key targets for deeper stress adaptation, and are thus promising targets for genetic enhancement. In this study, we characterized the peanut NPR4B protein and demonstrated its local subcellular binding to the nucleus. Ectopic overexpression of AhNPR4B in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly enhanced resistance to the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea and enhanced cold tolerance, as supported by quantitative and statistical analyses (p < 0.05). As regards underlying molecular events, Y2H (Yeast 2-Hybrid) analysis revealed a binding in vitro physical relation of AhPR2-like to AhNPR4B. This binding was demonstrated in vivo through BiFC (Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation). These results suggest that the AhNPR4B-AhPR2-like complex may act as a key regulatory module associated with biotic and abiotic stress signaling, potentially contributing to broad-spectrum stress resistance. These findings provide foundational insights into the functional roles of AhNPR4B and its interaction with AhPR2-like in regulating stress resistance and support its potential as a candidate target for future genetic improvements to enhance stress resilience in peanuts. Full article

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

18 pages, 1202 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated RNA-Seq and DAP-Seq Analyses Identify a DntMYB1-Centered Regulatory Module Controlling Purple Flower Formation in Nobile-Type Dendrobium

by Yuying Yin, Jieqiu Wu, Jie Li, Zhiyong Tan, Junqiang Fan, Huacai Zhuang, Zaowen Li, Haiping Fu and Cong Xu

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1587; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101587 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Flower color is a key ornamental trait in Nobile-type Dendrobium, yet the molecular basis underlying purple flower formation remains poorly understood. In this study, a white-flowered paternal cultivar and its purple-flowered filial line were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of purple [...] Read more.

Flower color is a key ornamental trait in Nobile-type Dendrobium, yet the molecular basis underlying purple flower formation remains poorly understood. In this study, a white-flowered paternal cultivar and its purple-flowered filial line were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of purple floral pigmentation. Comparative phenotypic analysis showed that floral color divergence was established early during flower development, and anthocyanidin profiling of full-bloom petals revealed that purple flowers accumulated substantially higher levels of most anthocyanidins than white flowers, with delphinidin- and cyanidin-derived anthocyanidins together accounting for 80.26% and 94.56% of the total anthocyanidins in white- and purple-flowered materials, respectively. Transcriptome profiling identified a total of 21,235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with significant enrichment of phenylpropanoid- and flavonoid-related pathways, and MYB transcription factors prominently represented among the candidate regulators across the three comparison groups. Among them, DntMYB1 was identified as a C1 subgroup R2R3-MYB associated with floral pigmentation, and transient overexpression assays in Phalaenopsis hybrid V3 and a Nobile-type Dendrobium hybrid supported its positive role in visible purple pigmentation. By integrating RNA-seq and DAP-seq analyses, we identified 3205 candidate downstream targets of DntMYB1 and established a DntMYB1-centered regulatory module. Among these candidates, one Dnt4CL1 gene and one DntF3′H1 gene were validated as robust direct targets of DntMYB1 through yeast one-hybrid, EMSA, and dual-luciferase assays. These findings suggest that DntMYB1 is associated with purple flower formation by coordinately regulating both upstream precursor metabolism and downstream anthocyanin biosynthesis, providing new insight into the molecular regulation of flower color in Nobile-type Dendrobium and useful candidate genes for ornamental trait improvement. Full article

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

22 pages, 4581 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate-Driven Redistribution of Early-Spring Ephemeral Plant Communities in Cold Arid Deserts: Evidence from the Gurbantunggut Desert, China

by Yang Xue, Jiazheng Ma, Songmei Ma, Yuting Chen, Xu Sun, Mengyuan Ren and Liqiang Shen

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101586 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Early-spring ephemeral plants act as pioneer species on stabilized dunes in cold arid deserts; they are capable of rapid growth under extreme drought and low-temperature conditions while sustaining dune ecosystem functions. These species are highly sensitive to climate change, yet their spatiotemporal dynamics [...] Read more.

Early-spring ephemeral plants act as pioneer species on stabilized dunes in cold arid deserts; they are capable of rapid growth under extreme drought and low-temperature conditions while sustaining dune ecosystem functions. These species are highly sensitive to climate change, yet their spatiotemporal dynamics and the mechanisms by which climatic factors regulate their growth remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the Gurbantunggut Desert, China, using long-term NDVI time series to extract phenological traits associated with their life cycle and developed a remote-sensing-based analytical framework to quantify the distribution patterns of early-spring ephemeral plants and their environmental drivers. We combined random forest (RF), structural equation modeling (SEM), and convolutional neural networks (CNN) to assess the relative importance and pathways of key climatic drivers and to predict future distribution changes. Our results indicate that: (1) the life cycle extraction method achieved a classification accuracy exceeding 80%, and from 2001 to 2022, the overall distribution of early-spring ephemeral plants exhibited an increasing trend; (2) snowend, snowday, and precipitation during the driest quarter were the primary drivers of ephemeral plant distribution, collectively explaining over 60% of the observed variation, and structural equation modeling further revealed that snow and precipitation had significant positive effects on their distribution; and (3) under future climate scenarios, Medium-NDVI areas are projected to expand northward and westward, with the potential emergence of new suitable habitats in northern localities by mid-century. Climate warming may facilitate the dispersal and latitudinal migration of early-spring ephemeral plants. Based on these findings, biodiversity conservation efforts should prioritize ecologically sensitive transitional zones and promote species migration and establishment under climate change through the construction of ecological corridors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Science and Practice)

19 pages, 3069 KB

Open AccessArticle

ZmPRN1 Negatively Regulates Salt Stress Tolerance by Modulating ROS Homeostasis in Maize (Zea mays L.)

by Lei Ma, Wenzong Li, Ke Zhang, Qingyun Zhang, Hua Xu, Baobao Wang, Lei Wang and Junjie Zou

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1585; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101585 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Soil salinization is a major abiotic stress limiting maize (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity worldwide. Recently, many genes involved in salt stress have been identified. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in maize remain largely elusive. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Soil salinization is a major abiotic stress limiting maize (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity worldwide. Recently, many genes involved in salt stress have been identified. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in maize remain largely elusive. In this study, we identified a member of the ZmPIRIN family genes, ZmPRN1, acting as a negative regulator in response to salt stress. The expression levels of ZmPRN1 were down-regulated under salt and H₂O₂ treatment. Subcellular localization analysis showed that ZmPRN1 is localized to the chloroplast. Under salt stress, the Zmprn1-Mu mutant exhibited higher survival rates and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation compared to wild-type plants. Whereas, ZmPRN1 overexpression lines were more sensitive to salt stress, and had higher ROS levels and lower chlorophyll content than wild-type plants. Transcriptome analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in the oxidation-reduction process. Furthermore, yeast-two hybrid and split-luciferase complementation assays revealed that ZmPRN1 can interact with the chloroplast NDH complex subunit NDF4, the RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase RING371, and the auxin-responsive protein IAA27. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that ZmPRN1 negatively regulates salt tolerance in maize by modulating ROS homeostasis, providing a valuable genetic resource for breeding salt-tolerant maize varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding of Crops—3rd Edition)

18 pages, 7805 KB

Open AccessArticle

Regulatory Effects of Stubble Management on Leaf-Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Stoichiometric Relationships in Caragana korshinskii

by Wenli Ma, Min Yan, Hejun Zuo and Xue Chen

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101584 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Restoration of degraded shrublands is a major challenge for combating desertification in arid and semi-arid regions. Caragana korshinskii Kom., a dominant sand-fixing shrub widely planted in northern China, often shows growth decline and structural degradation as stand age increases. Stubble management is widely [...] Read more.

Restoration of degraded shrublands is a major challenge for combating desertification in arid and semi-arid regions. Caragana korshinskii Kom., a dominant sand-fixing shrub widely planted in northern China, often shows growth decline and structural degradation as stand age increases. Stubble management is widely used to rejuvenate degraded shrublands; however, its influence on nutrient cycling and carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus (C-N-P) stoichiometric coupling within the leaf-soil system remains unclear. Here, we conducted a two-factor field experiment in a 30-year-old degraded C. korshinskii plantation in the Kubuqi Desert, northern China, manipulating stubble height and stubble density. Moderate stubble height (10 cm) significantly increased leaf N concentration (27.37 g kg⁻¹) and improved soil C and N availability, whereas higher stubble height (20 cm) led to elevated leaf N:P ratios (24.2), indicating stronger phosphorus limitation. In addition, all stubble density treatments significantly reduced leaf C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios. Among them, the two stubbled after one retained exhibited the most pronounced effect, with C:N and C:P decreasing to 14 and 273, respectively, and N:P to 20, suggesting an improved nutrient balance and allocation efficiency. Multivariate analyses showed that lower stubble heights combined with alternate-plant stubble patterns (H2D1 and H2D2) enhanced leaf-soil nutrient coupling and promoted coordinated recovery of C-N-P stoichiometry during regeneration. Overall, stubble management regulates shrub rejuvenation mainly by modifying leaf-soil nutrient coupling rather than single-element responses. It is recommended that, in the management of degraded C. korshinskii shrublands, a stubble height of approximately 10 cm combined with staggered cutting (alternate-plant or every two plants) be prioritized as an optimized management regime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Phytomanagement for Soil Health Restoration and Sustainability)

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29 pages, 1590 KB

Open AccessReview

Amino Acids as Multifunctional Molecules in Plants: From Fundamental Metabolism to Precision Agriculture

by Zhaofeng Wang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101583 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the fundamental building blocks of proteins and are additionally responsible for a multitude of other biological functions. This review synthesizes recent evidence elucidating that amino acids function as vital players in nitrogen transport, stress defense, [...] Read more.

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the fundamental building blocks of proteins and are additionally responsible for a multitude of other biological functions. This review synthesizes recent evidence elucidating that amino acids function as vital players in nitrogen transport, stress defense, and perhaps most intriguingly as signaling molecules. For example, glutamate triggers calcium signals through GLR receptors to guide root growth and pollen tubes. Others, like proline and glutathione, protect cells from drought, salt, and oxidative damage. Aromatic and sulfur-containing amino acids also feed into the production of hormones (auxin, ethylene) and a wide range of defense compounds. Beyond metabolism, we highlighted how plants sense amino acid status via ancient sensors such as PII and the TOR pathway, which fine-tune growth and resource allocation. Understanding this hidden side of amino acids opens new doors for agriculture. We discussed how these insights could lead to smarter biostimulants, gene-edited crops with better nutrient efficiency, and nano-based delivery systems. In short, amino acids are not just food for plants—they are signals, shields, and switches that shape how plants grow and cope with stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)

26 pages, 6272 KB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Evolution and Mechanisms of Plants NRAMP Transporters in Response to Heavy Metal Stress

by Li Hao, Jingjing Chen, Mazarin Akami, Cabrel Bafong Ngueya, Diane Pocssie Samenoug, Haiyang Tang, Qianqian Tang, Qingfeng Zheng, Yiling Peng, Yanli Zhang, Fuhui Rong, Jin Wu, Rongsen Wang, Chenchen Zhao, Xiaojian Wu and Wei Jiang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101582 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Heavy metals in the soil inhibit plant growth, which significantly reduce the crop yield and quality. Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Proteins (NRAMP) are widely distributed on the plasma and vacuolar membranes of plant roots, stems, and leaves. The NRAMP gene family plays a crucial [...] Read more.

Heavy metals in the soil inhibit plant growth, which significantly reduce the crop yield and quality. Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Proteins (NRAMP) are widely distributed on the plasma and vacuolar membranes of plant roots, stems, and leaves. The NRAMP gene family plays a crucial role in modulating plant heavy-metal uptake, sequestration, distribution, and translocation, while the molecular evolution and mechanisms underlying these processes remain unclear. Here, we reviewed recent progress on plant NRAMP genes, focusing on their structural characteristics and functions in the absorption, transport, accumulation, and detoxification of various heavy metals. Furthermore, we performed an evolutionary analysis of NRAMP in green plants, indicating expansion and tandem duplication in ferns. In addition, their key amino acid sequences and secondary structures were highly conserved across plant species. The expression of diverse tissue showed that NRAMP genes displayed distinct spatial regulation in the leaves and roots. We also explored the underlying molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways by which NRAMP genes influence heavy metal uptake. Therefore, by integrating structural conservation, molecular evolution, tissue- and single-cell expression patterns, ion-stress-responsive expression, regulatory pathways, and the Cd–Mn nutrient–toxin trade-off, this review provides a framework for identifying unresolved NRAMP functions and for guiding future strategies in low-heavy-metal crop breeding, metal homeostasis engineering, and phytoremediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combined Stresses on Plants: From Mechanisms to Adaptations)

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23 pages, 10508 KB

Open AccessArticle

(E)-2-Hexenal Combats Rice Sheath Blight Through Direct Pathogen Inhibition and Host Defense Reprogramming

by Wenyan Fan, Wenjuan Wang, Xinyan Liang, Liting Feng, Xinyi Lv, Jitong Li, Yiping Wang and Jinglan Liu

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101581 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have garnered substantial research interest in recent years due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and potent antimicrobial properties against various plant pathogens. As a typical herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV) elicited by Nilaparvata lugens (Brown planthopper, BPH), (E)-2-hexenal has been [...] Read more.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have garnered substantial research interest in recent years due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and potent antimicrobial properties against various plant pathogens. As a typical herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV) elicited by Nilaparvata lugens (Brown planthopper, BPH), (E)-2-hexenal has been identified as a promising natural antimicrobial agent. In this study, we investigated the protective potential of (E)-2-hexenal against Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) in rice, focusing on both its direct antifungal activity and host-mediated defense mechanisms. In vitro antifungal assays demonstrated that treatment with 100 μL/mL (E)-2-hexenal resulted in a 91.07% inhibition of R. solani mycelial growth after 48 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and chitinase activity analysis revealed that (E)-2-hexenal suppressed fungal growth by disrupting the structural integrity of the pathogen cell wall. Furthermore, 100 μL/mL (E)-2-hexenal effectively conferred protection to detached rice leaves. Whole-plant inoculation assays confirmed that (E)-2-hexenal pretreatment significantly alleviated disease symptoms and triggered systemic resistance in rice plants. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that (E)-2-hexenal treatment enhanced the activities of defense-related enzymes, elevated hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels, and promoted the accumulation of defensive metabolites in rice leaves. HPLC-MS quantification further revealed significant increases in the endogenous levels of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). Transcriptomic KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, diterpenoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant–pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction. Collectively, these results suggest that (E)-2-hexenal enhances rice resistance to sheath blight disease via a dual-action mechanism: direct inhibition of fungal development and activation of host immune responses. Our findings highlight the potential application of (E)-2-hexenal and other VOCs in developing eco-friendly strategies for sustainable rice disease management. Full article

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

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16 pages, 2874 KB

Open AccessArticle

Overexpression of OsAGO18 Promotes Early Seedling Development and Root Elongation in Rice

by Cheng Tang, Xiaoliang Shan, Xinwei Liao, Qiwang Hu, Xiaoxiao Hu, Ran Wei and Hongwei Zhao

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101580 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Argonaute (AGO) proteins are central components of RNA silencing. While OsAGO18 is a known defense factor in antiviral immunity, its involvement in basal development and its transcriptomic behavior during fungal stress remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, based on its specific [...] Read more.

Argonaute (AGO) proteins are central components of RNA silencing. While OsAGO18 is a known defense factor in antiviral immunity, its involvement in basal development and its transcriptomic behavior during fungal stress remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, based on its specific dual-localization in chloroplasts and processing bodies (P-bodies), we investigated the pleiotropic effects of OsAGO18 through transcriptomic network analysis of rice responding to the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae B.C. Couch. Our analysis revealed that the OsAGO18-mediated co-expression network is highly correlated with ribosome biogenesis and cell wall organization. Notably, the analyzed datasets reveal that this growth-related network is significantly suppressed upon M. oryzae challenge, highlighting a transcriptomic shift in OsAGO18 during the growth-to-defense transition. Phenotypic evaluations demonstrated that OsAGO18 overexpression accelerates early seedling growth and primary root elongation by promoting endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) accumulation, whereas ago18 mutants maintain basal growth rates without significant IAA fluctuations, reflecting robust genetic compensation within the highly redundant AGO family. Mechanistically, our integrated analysis suggests that OsAGO18 acts as a putative molecular decoy to sequester miR396d, thereby relieving the repression of the Growth-Regulating Factor OsGRF6 and triggering downstream auxin-dependent cascades. Collectively, our findings highlight OsAGO18 as a pivotal regulator of early seedling development and characterize its transcriptomic responsiveness to biotic stress, providing a plausible molecular link between post-transcriptional RNA regulation and rice growth coordination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Development and Morphogenesis)

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4 pages, 267 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Bhattarai et al. Characterisation of a 4A QTL for Metribuzin Resistance in Wheat by Developing Near-Isogenic Lines. Plants 2021, 10, 1856

by Rudra Bhattarai, Hui Liu, Kadambot H. M. Siddique and Guijun Yan

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1579; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101579 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Physiological and Molecular Characterization of Crop Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses)

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21 pages, 12110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering Cell-Type-Specific Transcriptional Regulation in Tomato Leaves Through Ensemble Machine Learning and Single-Cell Transcriptomics

by Hui Shen, Wen Liu, Yuanheng Li, Zhaoyilan He, Zheng’an Yang, Zongli Hu and Ting Wu

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1578; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101578 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has substantially advanced plant transcriptional landscapes. However, decoding cell-type-specific transcriptional regulation in non-model crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) remains challenging. An integrated computational pipeline was applied using high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression (hdWGCNA) and ensemble machine learning [...] Read more.

High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has substantially advanced plant transcriptional landscapes. However, decoding cell-type-specific transcriptional regulation in non-model crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) remains challenging. An integrated computational pipeline was applied using high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression (hdWGCNA) and ensemble machine learning to analyze tomato leaf single-cell transcriptomes. Unsupervised clustering identified 19 cell subpopulations mapped to five major cell-types: mesophyll cells (50.6%), guard cells (31.0%), trichomes (8.3%), vascular cells (7.5%), and lamina epidermis (2.6%). hdWGCNA revealed eight cell-type-specific modules, linking mesophyll cells to photosynthesis and guard cells to redox homeostasis. Machine learning classifiers prioritized candidate transcription factors (TFs), with XGBoost achieving the highest accuracy (0.85) to define cell identity. A consensus of 33 core TFs was identified, from which four candidate TFs (SlWRKY-78, SlWRKY-75, SlERF-57, and SlGLK-49) were selected for in silico knockout (KO) analysis. The simulations predicted that these knockouts might dysregulate core functional pathways, such as serine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity and protein binding. Furthermore, CellOracle simulations suggested that the virtual deletion of the guard-cell-associated SlWRKY-78 and SlWRKY-75 could induce a directional trajectory shift from the terminally differentiated guard cells back to the less differentiated mesophyll territory. These findings provide a promising computational framework for deciphering cell-type-specific regulatory programs in horticultural crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Approaches to Decoding Plant Molecular Networks)

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11 pages, 1150 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Frequency Adventitious Shoot Regeneration from Leaf Explants of Jatropha curcas L.

by Bobin Liu, Jienan Chen, Lin Zhang, Meng-Zhu Lu, Jiakai Liao and Jin Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101577 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Jatropha curcas L. is an important biofuel plant, but its narrow cultivation range and low seed yield limit its large-scale commercialization. Both genetic improvement and the large-scale clonal propagation of elite genotypes require an efficient and reliable regeneration system. In this study, a [...] Read more.

Jatropha curcas L. is an important biofuel plant, but its narrow cultivation range and low seed yield limit its large-scale commercialization. Both genetic improvement and the large-scale clonal propagation of elite genotypes require an efficient and reliable regeneration system. In this study, a high-frequency adventitious shoot regeneration protocol was developed using leaf explants from one-year-old greenhouse-grown plants derived from seeds. An L₉(3³) orthogonal design was employed to optimize the concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). The optimal combination for adventitious shoot induction was 1.0 mg·L⁻¹ TDZ, 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ IBA, and 1.5 mg·L⁻¹ BA. Furthermore, the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide donor, was investigated. Supplementation with 2.0 mg·L⁻¹ SNP significantly increased both the regeneration frequency and the shoot number per explant when compared to the control. Leaf maturity also significantly influenced the regeneration capacity, with the fourth expanded leaf at the light-green stage showing the greatest response. Under optimized conditions, including PGRs, SNP, and appropriate explant maturity, adventitious shoots were observed within 4 weeks, with a regeneration frequency of 88.0% and an average of 18.7 shoots per explant. This system provides a practical basis for the propagation and genetic improvement of J. curcas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hormonal Regulation of Plant Growth and Resilience)

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24 pages, 6438 KB

Open AccessReview

Urban Spontaneous Plants and Vegetation: Advantages and Management Challenges

by Francesca Bretzel and Daniela Romano

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101576 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Urbanisation has led to dramatic alterations in pre-existing natural environments, resulting in several subsequent phenomena, such as the disappearance of habitats suitable for many plant and animal species and the concurrent arrival of generalist and non-native species, contributing to environmental homogenisation. Towns and [...] Read more.

Urbanisation has led to dramatic alterations in pre-existing natural environments, resulting in several subsequent phenomena, such as the disappearance of habitats suitable for many plant and animal species and the concurrent arrival of generalist and non-native species, contributing to environmental homogenisation. Towns and cities serve as crossroads for transport, people, and animals, making them susceptible to colonisation by many types of plant species, dispersed either intentionally or unintentionally by these biotic vectors. Abiotic vectors, such as wind and water, also influence the composition of vegetation assemblages. Urban spontaneous vegetation occurs in (1) undisturbed areas, including brownfield sites, commons, and marginal lots, and (2) disturbed sites, such as green areas, parks, lawns (not subject to weeding), ancient monuments and walls, peripheral and industrial areas, and railways. When disturbance occurs, vegetation remains at early successional stages. Within this framework, with the aim of comparing existing contradictions and identifying knowledge gaps, we reviewed the literature on the characteristics of spontaneous plants and vegetation in urban areas, the different habitats in which they grow, the ecosystem services they provide, and management strategies, considering human perception. Our results highlight that studies on spontaneous plants are well-developed in terms of botany and ecology; however, some gaps remain, particularly regarding their integration into urban design and maintenance practices. Concerning public perception and acceptance, cultural and geographical differences emerged that deserve further investigation. In conclusion, spontaneous plants can represent a valuable heritage for cities, helping to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Plants and Practices for Resilient Urban Greening)

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21 pages, 1878 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change Restructures the Suitable Habitat of Bambusa emeiensis in Southwestern China: Disproportionate Core-Habitat Loss and Divergent Centroid Shifts

by Miao Liu, Chunju Cai, Guanglu Liu, Xiaopeng Shi, Shuguang Li and Shaohui Fan

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101575 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Bamboo is an ecologically and economically important forest resource in China, and understanding how climate change reshapes bamboo habitat suitability is essential for sustainable cultivation, introduction, and germplasm conservation. Bambusa emeiensis, an accepted bamboo species native to southern China and widely cultivated [...] Read more.

Bamboo is an ecologically and economically important forest resource in China, and understanding how climate change reshapes bamboo habitat suitability is essential for sustainable cultivation, introduction, and germplasm conservation. Bambusa emeiensis, an accepted bamboo species native to southern China and widely cultivated in southwestern China, has important management and utilization value, yet its future habitat dynamics and the stability of its highly suitable core habitats remain poorly understood. To address this gap, an ensemble species distribution modeling framework based on BIOMOD2 was used to predict the current and future suitable habitats of B. emeiensis under multiple climate scenarios, identify the dominant environmental constraints, and compare shifts between overall suitable habitat and highly suitable core habitat. The ensemble model showed high discrimination capacity under random cross-validation, but its transferability should be interpreted cautiously because occurrence records may be spatially autocorrelated and the projections remain correlative. Annual temperature range, elevation, and precipitation of the warmest quarter emerged as the strongest statistical predictors of distribution. Under the current climate, suitable habitats were concentrated in southwestern China, especially in the transitional zone spanning southern Sichuan, southwestern Chongqing, and northern Guizhou. Across all six future scenarios examined, the total suitable area declined relative to the current climate, with reductions ranging from about 25% under SSP3-7.0–2090s to more than 50% under SSP5-8.5–2050s, and highly suitable core habitat contracted even more strongly (by 41–95% across scenarios). In addition, centroid shifts of overall suitable habitat were not always synchronized with those of highly suitable core habitat, suggesting that climate change may reorganize not only habitat extent, but also the internal spatial arrangement of optimal environments. These findings indicate that the future management of B. emeiensis should prioritize the persistence, connectivity, and managed directional relocation of core habitats rather than relying solely on changes in total suitable area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

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23 pages, 7618 KB

Open AccessArticle

Allium aralii (Amaryllidaceae, sect. Codonoprasum), a New Species from Southeastern Anatolia (Türkiye) Based on Morphological Characters and Phylogenetic Evidence

by Mehmet Maruf Balos, Yavuz Bülent Köse, Veysel Sonay and Fatmanur Tunç

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101574 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Allium aralii Balos, Köse & Sonay sp. nov. (Amaryllidaceae, sect. Codonoprasum) is described as a new species from southeastern Anatolia, Türkiye. The species is morphologically distinguished from its closest relatives—A. euphraticum, A. turcicum subsp. turcicum, A. turcicum subsp. fusciflorum [...] Read more.

Allium aralii Balos, Köse & Sonay sp. nov. (Amaryllidaceae, sect. Codonoprasum) is described as a new species from southeastern Anatolia, Türkiye. The species is morphologically distinguished from its closest relatives—A. euphraticum, A. turcicum subsp. turcicum, A. turcicum subsp. fusciflorum, and A. yilandaghense—by a unique combination of characters: blackish outer bulb tunics, semi-cylindrical solid leaves exceeding the inflorescence, an extremely long persistent two-valved spathe (4.5–28.0 cm), a lax hemispherical inflorescence (3–4 cm diam., 10–70 flowers), a goblet-shaped perigon with dentate inner tepals, exserted bicolored stamens (white at base and apex, purple in the middle), a reticulate-foveate ovary, and verrucate seed ornamentation with undulate anticlinal walls. Seed micromorphology examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further supports species delimitation. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast matK sequences place A. aralii within a well-supported clade containing A. turcicum and allied species, corresponding to the eastern Mediterranean lineage of sect. Codonoprasum. ITS genetic distances between A. aralii and its morphologically closest relatives range 0.0632, falling within the typical interspecific range for Allium. The species is known from a single locality in Bozova district (Şanlıurfa) with fewer than 100 mature individuals and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria. This discovery highlights southeastern Anatolia as an underexplored center of Allium diversification and underscores the importance of integrative taxonomy for species delimitation within this taxonomically complex group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Taxonomy, Systematics, and Morphology of Land Plants)

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20 pages, 4181 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Harvest Timing and Stir-Frying on the Bioactive Compounds, Bioactivities, and Flavor of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen: An Integrated Analysis via GC-IMS, Electronic Sensors, and Caenorhabditis elegans Model

by Junguang Ning, Hanbing Zhu, Jia Tian, Li Dai, Decang Kong, Ping Liu, Jin Zhao, Lili Wang, Mengjun Liu and Zhihui Zhao

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101573 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

This study investigated the comprehensive effects of harvest timing and stir-frying on Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS) quality using chemical profiling, Caenorhabditis elegans bioassays, and intelligent sensory analysis (electronic nose (E-nose), electronic tongue (E-tongue), and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS)). Results indicated that delaying [...] Read more.

This study investigated the comprehensive effects of harvest timing and stir-frying on Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS) quality using chemical profiling, Caenorhabditis elegans bioassays, and intelligent sensory analysis (electronic nose (E-nose), electronic tongue (E-tongue), and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS)). Results indicated that delaying harvest to 15 September significantly promoted bioactive accumulation, with total saponins reaching 9.54 g kg⁻¹ at this stage. Stir-frying the optimal raw material further enhanced pharmacological efficacy; spinosin content increased 1.48-fold, and C. elegans motility cessation time significantly shortened from 240 s to 180 s, demonstrating superior sedative activity. Additionally, stir-frying improved the total sensory score from 53.8 to 80.4, characterized by a harmonized balance of bitterness and umami. GC-IMS analysis identified Maillard reaction products, specifically 2-methylpyrazine and 2-methylbutanal as key markers responsible for the distinctive roasted aroma. Consequently, harvesting the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa at physiological maturity, followed by the stir-frying of ZSS effectively enhances its sedative effects and flavor profile. Full article

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

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18 pages, 6118 KB

Open AccessArticle

Triacontanol Boosts Soybean Nodulation via GmHSP26-Mediated Antioxidant Enhancement

by Bingjie Niu, Minglei Cheng, Xudong Lu, Lili Sun, Shuang Lu, Jinke Guo, Hongyan Zhu and Lixiang Wang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101572 - 21 May 2026

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a globally crucial food crop and a model plant for studying symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes. Triacontanol (TRIA) is a natural plant growth regulator that enhances photosynthetic efficiency, stress tolerance, antioxidant enzyme activities and yield in [...] Read more.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a globally crucial food crop and a model plant for studying symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes. Triacontanol (TRIA) is a natural plant growth regulator that enhances photosynthetic efficiency, stress tolerance, antioxidant enzyme activities and yield in crops. However, its regulatory role in nodulation and nitrogen fixation in legumes remains unclear. In this study, soybean seedlings inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA110 were treated with different concentrations of TRIA (0, 0.33, 0.5, 1 and 2 μg/mL). Then, oxidative stress indicators and comparative transcriptomic analysis were performed to check the oxidative status and screen the candidate genes under TRIA treatment. Our results showed that the 0.5 μg/mL TRIA treatment produced the greatest nodule number. TRIA treatment significantly induced antioxidant responses in soybean roots. Comparative transcriptome identified 867 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of DEGs revealed that a large number of genes were enriched in pathways related to oxidative activity. Combined with the expression pattern, we identified a Glutathione S-Transferase family gene, GmHSP26 (Glyma.07G139700), whose expression was induced by both TRIA and rhizobial infection, with its promoter activity was activated throughout the entire process of nodule development. Further function study using overexpression and gene editing proved that GmHSP26 was a positive regulator of soybean nodulation. Collectively, this study identifies the optimal TRIA concentration for promoting soybean nodulation, reveals the function and mechanism of GmHSP26 in response to TRIA-regulated nodulation, and provides a theoretical basis and genetic resource for enhancing nodulation and nitrogen fixation in leguminous crops through exogenous growth regulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

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