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Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2026 | Viewed by 6468

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Dr. Naysa Flávia Ferreira Do Nascimento

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Department of Plant Science and Environmental Sciences, Center for Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, University Campus II, Areia 58397-000, PB, Brazil
Interests: genetic diversity; phenotypic variability; plant genetic resources; population genetics; genetic improvement methods

Prof. Dr. Edna Ursulino Alves

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Guest Editor

Department of Plant Science and Environmental Sciences, Center for Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, University Campus II, Areia 58397-000, PB, Brazil
Interests: seeds of tropical plants; conservation ecology; global change biology; fruiting phenology; tropical plant reproduction; temperature effects on reproduction; rainfall seasonality; tropical phenology under global change

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Tropical and subtropical plants exhibit remarkable ecological and physiological diversity, enabling them to thrive in highly variable and often challenging environments. Tropical ecosystems, which include rainforests, savannas, and arid environments, play a crucial role in maintaining global biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and regulating climate. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the study of the physiological responses of tropical and subtropical plants to biotic and abiotic factors, as well as in understanding their reproductive ecology, phenology, and interactions with fauna and the environment.

This Special Issue will bring together original contributions and reviews addressing current and innovative topics in the field, such as mechanisms of adaptation to climate change, strategies for efficient use of resources, population dynamics, ecological interactions, and potential applications in the context of a sustainable bioeconomy. The goal is to offer a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of recent advances, fostering scientific dialog and promoting new perspectives for the conservation and sustainable management of tropical and subtropical vegetation.

Dr. Naysa Flávia Ferreira Do Nascimento
Prof. Dr. Edna Ursulino Alves
Guest Editors

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Keywords

tropical plants
plant ecology
plant physiology
environmental adaptations
phenotypic diversity
climate change
biodiversity conservation
sustainable management

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3553 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Impacts of Nitrogen Forms, Rice Husk Biochar, and Water Regime on Purple Rice Yield and Grain Quality

by Rachanat Limsomnuek, Supapohn Yamuangmorn, Rotsukon Jawana, Suthaphat Kamthai, Montri Sanwangsri and Chanakan Prom-u-thai

Biology 2026, 15(4), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15040349 - 17 Feb 2026

Viewed by 605

Abstract

Purple rice contains beneficial bioactive compounds, but the concentrations can be influenced by the growing conditions. This study investigated the interactive effects of water regime, biochar amendment, and nitrogen (N) sources on the yield and grain quality of purple rice. Purple rice grown under flooded conditions combined with biochar and urea or ammonium demonstrated significant increases in grain yield and yield components such as plant height, number of spikelets per panicle, and the percentage of filled grains compared to non-flooded conditions. Nitrate consistently resulted in the lowest yields and grain quality, especially under non-flooded conditions and with no added biochar. Grain anthocyanin concentration was highest under flooded conditions, with the maximum observed with biochar and nitrate application and with ammonium application without biochar. In contrast, the grain phenol content and antioxidant capacity were maximized by the biochar and water applications. The findings indicate that rice husk biochar can improve productivity without altering the color shade of purple rice. Combining flooding, biochar, and ammonium or urea improves the agronomic performance of purple rice, though the impact on nutritional qualities is more complex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology)

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21 pages, 3053 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Seed to Young Plant: A Study on Germination and Morphological Characteristics of Crateva tapia L. (Capparaceae)

by Rosemere dos Santos Silva, Flávio Ricardo da Silva Cruz, Maria Lúcia Maurício da Silva, Maria das Graças Rodrigues do Nascimento, Edlânia Maria de Sousa, Joel Maciel Pereira Cordeiro, João Henrique Constantino Sales Silva and Edna Ursulino Alves

Biology 2025, 14(12), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121729 - 2 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1105

Abstract

Crateva tapia L. is a native tree species of the Caatinga biome, with medicinal and allelopathic properties. This study aimed to characterize the biometric and morphological traits of fruits, seeds, seedlings, and young plants of C. tapia, as well as to evaluate the germination pattern of its seeds under different temperatures, in order to understand the reproductive strategies and optimal conditions for its propagation. The results are intended to support conservation efforts, ecological restoration, and the sustainable use of the species within the Caatinga biome. The research was carried out at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, Campus II, Areia–PB, Brazil. The biometric data were obtained from 100 fruits and 100 seeds obtained from eight mother plants. The imbibition curve was determined from the weight of the seeds during 216 h at different temperatures, and the germination test was performed concomitantly. The fruits were morphologically described regarding the external and internal aspects of the pericarp. The seeds were described according to their consistency, color, texture, shape, hilum, and embryo. The fruits of C. tapia vary in size, fresh mass, and number of seeds, characterized as amphisarcidium, indehiscent, and polyspermic. The seeds are small, brown, reniform, and biting, with a cotyledonary embryo with a poorly differentiated hypocotyl–radicle axis, with a well-developed hilum and surrounded by a fleshy mesocarp. The germination of C. tapia seeds is epigeal-phanerocotyledonous; the seedlings have white axial roots containing absorbent hairs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology)

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18 pages, 1922 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Expression of Diaspores Indicates Genetic Diversity in Natural Populations of Spondias tuberosa (Anacardiaceae)

by João Henrique Constantino Sales Silva, Joyce Naiara da Silva, Caroline Marques Rodrigues, Eduardo Luã Fernandes da Silva, Luís Gustavo Alves de Almeida, Maria Karoline Ferreira Bernardo, Kaline Lígia do Nascimento, Ruth da Silva Ramos, Naysa Flávia Ferreira do Nascimento and Edna Ursulino Alves

Biology 2025, 14(12), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121641 - 21 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 634

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess phenotypic variation and its implications for genetic diversity in natural populations of Spondias tuberosa. Fruits were harvested from 38 mother plants from three natural populations, and the physical traits of the fruits, endocarps, and physiological quality of the seeds were evaluated in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 25 fruits per genotype. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were grouped via the Scott–Knott method. Genetic diversity was evaluated via UPGMA and Tocher clustering methods, which are based on the Mahalanobis distance (D²) and canonical variables, whereas the relative importance of the characters was evaluated via the Singh method. The results indicated high phenotypic variability, with fruit length was the main discriminant trait among genotypes. The groupings formed six (UPGMA) and 12 groups (Tocher), indicating greater divergence within populations. The analysis of phenotypic data provides a solid basis for understanding the ecological dynamics of and supporting sustainable management practices for S. tuberosa, in line with bioeconomic objectives. This study highlights the importance of preserving phenotypic variability in populations, which is essential for the adaptation of species to environmental changes and for improving local bioeconomies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology)

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28 pages, 6267 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of Macadamia integrifolia Varieties Based on the Comparison of Seedling Adaptability and Quality Differences

by Xibin Zhang, Xu Li, Liangyi Zhao, Zhitao Yang, Chengping Luo, Fuyan Ma, Weifeng Zhao, Baoqiong Zhang, Wenxiu Yang, Xuehu Yang and Liangliang Sun

Biology 2025, 14(12), 1638; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121638 - 21 Nov 2025

Viewed by 985

Abstract

Macadamia (Macadamia spp.), as a high-value cash crop, relies on varietal adaptability screening and quality optimization for enhanced industrial benefits. However, existing research has predominantly focused on the mature tree stage. Systematic studies on the physiological characteristics during the seedling stage and comprehensive multi-indicator evaluations remain insufficient, limiting improved variety selection and industrial development. This study investigated three macadamia varieties (A4, A16, A203). We systematically measured leaf morphology, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and free amino acid content at the seedling stage, combined with a comprehensive analysis of mature fruit morphology, mineral elements, amino acid composition, and pericarp phenolic compounds. The results indicated that at the seedling stage: A4 exhibited the highest SPAD value and CAT activity, significantly exceeding A16 and A203 by 137.14% and 139.82%, respectively, alongside the lowest MDA content, highlighting its superior stress resistance; A16 showed the highest Pn, Cleaf, and WUE, with total amino acid content being 38.09% and 18.79% higher than A4 and A203, respectively; A203 demonstrated the highest light energy utilization efficiency, significantly higher SOD activity compared to A16 and A203, and the lowest O²⁻ content. Regarding fruit quality: A16 kernels contained the highest total amino acids and umami amino acids, with sweet and aromatic amino acids also being significantly higher than in other varieties; A203 performed notably well in K, Mg, and Mn content, with medicinal amino acids accounting for over 70% of the total; A4 pericarp contained significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds, such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid, compared to A16 and A203, some exceeding 80%. Correlation analysis revealed a complex regulatory network among fruit traits, mineral elements, amino acids, and phenolics. In summary, A4, A16, and A203 possess respective advantages in high stress resistance, superior flavor quality, and high nutritional functionality. This study establishes a comprehensive “morphology–photosynthesis–antioxidant activity–amino acids–quality” evaluation system, providing a scientific basis for targeted breeding and whole-industry-chain development of macadamia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology)

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15 pages, 1826 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Pigmentation Changes in Bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana ‘Miss Manila’ During Different Developmental Periods

by Xiangdong Liu, Yuwan Ma, Jiawen Yan, Yan Liu, Yaqi Huang, Siyin Deng, Jiawen Dong and Yulin Hu

Biology 2025, 14(11), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14111607 - 17 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1738

Abstract

Bougainvillea has large and vibrant-colored bracts, which are widely used in landscape gardening. In order to study the changing pattern of pigmentation and the expression of genes related to pigment synthesis during different developmental periods of the bracts of B. × buttiana, we determined the color parameters of the bracts of B. × buttiana has by using colorimetric color cards and colorimeters, and quantitatively determined the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, betacyanin, betaxanthin and flavonoids, and the expression of genes related to pigment synthesis was detected during the BR1 and BR3. The results showed that the bracts of B. × buttiana ‘Miss Manila’ can be classified into four distinct growth and developmental stages, namely Bract Primordial Stage (BR1), Bract Color Transition Stage (BR2), Bract Maturation Stage (BR3), and Bract Senescence Stage (BR4). The BR1 have lower color saturation, brightness, and redness, and with bract development, their color saturation, brightness, and redness gradually increased. In addition, chlorophyll content was highest at the BR1 (2.2 mg/g), and from the BR1, flavonoids and betalain content began to increase, and higher betacyanin content in all stages, with betacyanin being the highest at the BR3 at 4.94 mg/g. Correlation analysis of the color parameters with pigment content showed that chlorophyll a, betacyanin, and flavonoid contents were significantly correlated with the bract color changes. With bract development, the betalain metabolism pathway BgDODA gene was significantly up-regulated; the flavonoid metabolism pathway BgDFRA and BgF3H genes were significantly up-regulated, whereas the BgDTX, BgFLS, and BgCHIL genes were significantly down-regulated; and the chlorophyll metabolism pathway BgSGR gene was significantly up-regulated, whereas the BgPORA gene was down-regulated in expression. ProtParam-based analysis characterized the BgFLS-encoded protein as a stable, hydrophilic 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxidoreductase lacking transmembrane domains and a signal peptide, and the BgCHIL-encoded protein as a stable, hydrophilic chalcone isomerase also lacking transmembrane domains and a signal peptide. In summary, betalain metabolism, flavonoid metabolism and chlorophyll metabolism jointly regulate the bract color change of B. × buttiana has, and it is possible that the genes of BgCHIL, BgFLS, BgSGR, and BgF3H are involved in the regulation of the bract color change of B. × buttiana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology)

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15 pages, 5101 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polyamine Homeostasis and Morphophysiological Responses to Salinity in Dizygostemon riparius: An Endemic Species from Brazilian ‘Cerrado’ Biome

by Jordanya Ferreira Pinheiro, Sérgio Heitor Sousa Felipe, Irislene Cutrim Albuquerque, Vitória Karla de Oliveira Silva-Moraes, Givago Lopes Alves, Marion Nayon Braga Soares, Juliane Maciel Henschel, Laíse Trugilio Moreira Marinho, Claudete Santa-Catarina, Diego Silva Batista, Fábio Afonso Mazzei Moura de Assis Figueiredo, Fabrício de Oliveira Reis, Tiago Massi Ferraz, Aldilene da Silva Lima and Thais Roseli Corrêa

Biology 2025, 14(11), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14111494 - 25 Oct 2025

Viewed by 894

Abstract

Dizygostemon riparius is an endemic tropical Brazilian species whose physiological responses to salinity are poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of NaCl (0, 50, and 100 mM) on in vitro-grown D. riparius by integrating growth, anatomical, photosynthetic, and biochemical analyses. Salinity significantly reduced biomass and growth parameters, indicating impaired development. Photosystem II efficiency declined, as evidenced by decreases in the performance index and chlorophyll content, while anatomical changes such as epidermal thickening and reduced vascular bundles reflected structural adjustments under stress. At the biochemical level, salinity altered polyamine metabolism, with reductions in total free polyamines, suggesting potential limitations in defense mechanisms. Hyperhydricity observed under high salinity indicated a non-adaptive response. Overall, D. riparius displayed limited tolerance to salt stress, with physiological and biochemical impairments outweighing structural plasticity. This study provides the first data-driven characterization of salinity effects in this species and highlights the value of in vitro culture as a tool to investigate stress responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology)

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