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Young Researchers in Plant Sciences
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Young Researchers in Plant Sciences

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 10524

Editor

Prof. Dr. Luigi De Bellis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), Salento University, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: plant physiology; horticulture; biodiversity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, we aim to feature the early-career researchers in the field of plant science. The senior authors of the contributions should be a) the first or last author in addition to the corresponding author and b) either within 10 years of completing their PhD (or equivalent) or an assistant professor/on tenure track. We invite submissions from diverse research fields, including topics dealing with the whole range of structural (from subcellular compartments to ecosystems), biochemical (atoms to supramolecules), functional (wild types to transgenics and CASPR/Cas-altered) and interactive levels (with other plants, microorganisms, animals, and humans). Manuscripts of the mechanistic nature are particularly welcome as opposed to descriptive ones. Articles submitted for this Special Issue should meet all standard requirements of individual Biology articles (regarding quality, novelty, and significance) and be relevant to a broad international and interdisciplinary readership.

Authors featured in this Special Issue will have the opportunity to be nominated for next year's Young Investigator Award. They will receive a cash prize and and a subsequent free publication of an article in Biology. In addition, a few free APCs are available for the best scholars who will contribute to this special issue; requests accompanied by manuscript title, authors and abstracts, should be sent to .

Prof. Dr. Luigi De Bellis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biodiversity
  • biogeography
  • biotic and abiotic stress responses
  • carbon sequestration
  • ecosystem functions
  • gene–function relationships
  • photosynthesis
  • phytohormones
  • phytoremediation
  • plant interactions with viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals
  • primary and secondary metabolism
  • seed development
  • signalling pathways
  • structure–function simulation modelling

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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17 pages, 3309 KB  
Article
Fusarium pseudograminearum Isolates Show Enhanced Growth and Na+ Uptake but Suppressed Mycotoxin Production After Exposure to NaCl at Different Temperatures
by Emiliano Delli Compagni, Mario Masiello, Miriam Haidukowski, Giulia Carmassi, Antonio Moretti, Alberto Pardossi and Susanna Pecchia
Biology 2026, 15(3), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15030280 - 4 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1048
Abstract
Several Fusarium species have demonstrated the ability to thrive in saline soils and to tolerate or prefer high salt concentrations. In this context, the potential halophilic or halotolerant lifestyle of Fusarium pseudograminearum was investigated. Four isolates (3B, PVS-Fu 7, ColPat-1, and CBS 109956) [...] Read more.
Several Fusarium species have demonstrated the ability to thrive in saline soils and to tolerate or prefer high salt concentrations. In this context, the potential halophilic or halotolerant lifestyle of Fusarium pseudograminearum was investigated. Four isolates (3B, PVS-Fu 7, ColPat-1, and CBS 109956) were grown at different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C) and NaCl concentrations (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 g L−1), and daily growth, mycotoxin production, and K+ and Na+ accumulation within hyphae were assessed. All F. pseudograminearum isolates exhibited strong adaptability to saline conditions, with significantly enhanced growth in the presence of NaCl. All isolates accumulated Na+ within their hyphae while retaining K+. The production of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) was generally suppressed following NaCl exposure, consistent with the known inhibitory effect of reduced water activity on mycotoxin biosynthesis. However, at 22 °C, two isolates, 3B and CBS 109956, showed no significant differences in ZEA production between the control (no salt) and the medium containing the lowest NaCl concentration tested (7 g L−1). Notably, isolate 3B, obtained from the halophyte Salicornia europaea, retained the highest levels of both Na+ and K+ within hyphae and showed the greatest overall adaptation to salinity. These results confirm the hypothesis that the ability of F. pseudograminearum to colonize and infect a halophytic host is indicative of a halophilic lifestyle. In the context of increasing soil salinization, these findings help identify conditions that permit pathogen persistence without hazardous mycotoxin accumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Plant Sciences)
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27 pages, 2553 KB  
Article
Biotechnological Potential of Algerian Saffron Floral Residues: Recycling Phytochemicals with Antimicrobial Activity
by Nouria Meliani, Bouchra Loukidi, Larbi Belyagoubi, Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou, Salim Habi, Alessia D’Agostino, Antonella Canini, Saber Nahdi, Nassima Mokhtari Soulimane, Angelo Gismondi, Abdel Halim Harrath, Erdi Can Aytar and Gabriele Di Marco
Biology 2026, 15(2), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15020197 - 21 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1159
Abstract
This study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial potential of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) tepal extracts obtained via different solvent systems. Here, a biochemical screening was performed using spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, while molecular docking simulations were carried out to evaluate the [...] Read more.
This study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial potential of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) tepal extracts obtained via different solvent systems. Here, a biochemical screening was performed using spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, while molecular docking simulations were carried out to evaluate the possible interactions between saffron tepal metabolites and bacterial target proteins. In parallel, antioxidant activity was assessed using radical scavenging assays, whereas antimicrobial potential (i.e., MIC, MBC, and MFC) was tested against selected bacterial strains. Results indicated that aqueous successive and crude extracts yielded the highest concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. In detail, HPLC-DAD analysis specifically identified significant levels of gallic acid, epicatechin, and various anthocyanins. These extracts demonstrated robust antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This latter evidence was corroborated by the docking analyses, which revealed that chlorogenic acid and petunidin-3-glucoside exhibited high binding affinities for 2NRK and 2NZF, whereas epicatechin and pelargonidin effectively targeted 8ACR. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of C. sativus tepals as natural bioactive agents, suggesting a promising role in overcoming antibiotic resistance and supporting their development for pharmaceutical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Plant Sciences)
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26 pages, 2665 KB  
Article
Contrasted Ethnobotanical and Literature Knowledge of Anti-Mosquito Plants from Guadeloupe
by Yolène Duchaudé, Laura Brelle, Muriel Sylvestre, Anubis Vega-Rúa and Gerardo Cebrián-Torrejón
Biology 2025, 14(7), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070888 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 3865
Abstract
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, vector of dengue, is a major public health threat in the Caribbean. In Guadeloupe, where dengue outbreaks occur frequently, traditional plant-based remedies are part of the local heritage but remain poorly documented. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-mosquito [...] Read more.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, vector of dengue, is a major public health threat in the Caribbean. In Guadeloupe, where dengue outbreaks occur frequently, traditional plant-based remedies are part of the local heritage but remain poorly documented. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-mosquito potential of 38 Guadeloupean plants through an ethnobotanical survey. A semi-structured online questionnaire was conducted over five months, targeting the plant knowledge of residents. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to identify and validate relevant species. Ethnobotanical indices such as Frequency of Citation (FC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were calculated. Out of the 38 surveyed plants, 22 were confirmed for their traditional anti-mosquito uses. The most cited species included Cymbopogon citratus (93.3%), Artocarpus altilis (25%), and Pimenta racemosa (18.3%). Comparative analysis with existing literature showed that 12 of these plants had not been previously reported for vector control. This highlights the value of ethnobotanical approaches for discovering alternative, eco-friendly vector control options and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. The study reveals both the high potential of Guadeloupean flora and the risk of cultural erosion, supporting further research into the bioactive compounds of the most cited species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Plant Sciences)
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13 pages, 1978 KB  
Article
How to Define Spacing Among Forest Trees to Mitigate Competition: A Technical Note
by Khodabakhsh Zabihi, Vivek Vikram Singh, Aleksei Trubin, Nataliya Korolyova and Rastislav Jakuš
Biology 2025, 14(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14030296 - 15 Mar 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2580
Abstract
Establishing an optimum range of inter-species spacing that reduces competition among trees and mitigates the effects of drought is a critical yet complex challenge in forest management. Stand density plays a crucial role in forest functioning by regulating resource allocation within individual trees. [...] Read more.
Establishing an optimum range of inter-species spacing that reduces competition among trees and mitigates the effects of drought is a critical yet complex challenge in forest management. Stand density plays a crucial role in forest functioning by regulating resource allocation within individual trees. Higher stand densities have been shown to reduce sap velocities, indicating intensified competition for water and other resources. However, determining the precise spacing that minimizes competition while maintaining ecosystem balance remains unclear. In this study, conducted in temperate Norway spruce forests at an altitude range of 400–500 m in the Czech Republic, we propose a novel technique to define tree spacing that reduces competitive interactions. We used xylem sap flow residuals of an ordinary least square (OLS) regression model to filter out the effects of elevation and diameter at breast height (DBH) on field-measured sap flow for 101 planted Norway spruce trees with a DBH range of 40 ± 5 cm (≈90–100 years old). The model residuals allowed us to account for the most important driver of sap flow variability: tree density and its underlying effects on individual tree traits. To minimize the confounding effects of temporal and spatial variability, we used twelve consecutive daily measurements of sap flow (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) taken at the start of the growing season. By constructing an experimental variogram, we quantified sap flow variability as a function of tree spacing. The results showed a steady sap flow pattern at tree densities of 12, 11, and 10 trees per 314 m2 (equivalent to 350 ± 32 trees per hectare), corresponding to inter-tree spacing measurements of 5.12 m, 5.34 m, and 5.60 m, respectively. These findings suggest that when the N number of trees (median) per unit area (A) is in equilibrium with resource availability, increasing or decreasing the n number of trees may not significantly change competition levels (A; f(A) = N ± n). The size or deviation of n depends on the area to define the minimum and maximum thresholds or tolerance capacity for the number of trees allowed to be in the area. This technique—using a variogram of sap flow residuals to determine tree spacing—can be periodically applied, such as every 10–15 years, and adapted for different elevation gradients (e.g., within 100 m intervals). It offers a practical tool for forest managers and policymakers, guiding thinning and planting strategies to enhance forest resilience in the face of water-stress conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Plant Sciences)
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9 pages, 1854 KB  
Brief Report
The Interaction Between PGD2 and G6PD6 Is Involved in Aromatic Amino Acid Synthesis
by Qian Tang, Zhuanglin Shen, Jiaqin Huang, Dingxuan Zhang and Qiao Zhao
Biology 2025, 14(12), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121712 - 30 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 676
Abstract
The biosynthesis of AAAs in plants primarily relies on the shikimate pathway, with metabolic flux sustained by NADPH and E4P generated via the OPP pathway. However, how OPP enzymes coordinate to support AAA production remains unclear. Here, we investigated the direct interaction between [...] Read more.
The biosynthesis of AAAs in plants primarily relies on the shikimate pathway, with metabolic flux sustained by NADPH and E4P generated via the OPP pathway. However, how OPP enzymes coordinate to support AAA production remains unclear. Here, we investigated the direct interaction between two consecutive NADPH-producing enzymes, G6PD6 and PGD2, and its role in metabolic coupling. Using BiFC, Co-IP, pull-down assays, and domain mapping, we showed that G6PD6 and PGD2 form a cytosolic protein complex via the C-terminal domain of PGD2. Structural modeling identified potential interaction residues: PHE294, GLY297, and LEU298 in PGD2, and GLY351, LYS499, and ALA500 in G6PD6. Overexpression of either enzyme partially rescued the dwarf phenotype of adh2 mutants caused by AAA deficiency. These findings indicate that the PGD2–G6PD6 complex coordinates OPP-derived reductive power and carbon flux to support downstream AAA biosynthesis. This study reveals a functional link between OPP enzyme interactions and AAA production, suggesting that metabolic flux can be regulated through direct enzyme–enzyme association. Future work will explore how this complex responds to metabolic demand and whether additional components contribute to coordinating flux between the OPP and shikimate pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Plant Sciences)
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