Plants

25 pages, 9606 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Networking-Guided Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of Honglanqi, an Underutilized Commercial Specification of Astragali Radix

by Xiangmei Tan, Aoao Wang, Hongmei Li, Minzhen Yin and Huasheng Peng

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101442 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Honglanqi (HLQ), a distinctive commercial specification of Astragali Radix (AR) characterized by rhytidome and interxylary cork, remains undervalued despite originating from premium long-cultivated material. The ethyl acetate fraction (HLQE) showed the greatest anti-inflammatory activity among the polarity-based fractions of an HLQ ethanol extract. [...] Read more.

Honglanqi (HLQ), a distinctive commercial specification of Astragali Radix (AR) characterized by rhytidome and interxylary cork, remains undervalued despite originating from premium long-cultivated material. The ethyl acetate fraction (HLQE) showed the greatest anti-inflammatory activity among the polarity-based fractions of an HLQ ethanol extract. We applied an integrated ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF-MS/MS) and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) strategy to systematically profile the chemical composition of HLQE. A total of 102 metabolites were annotated across seven compound classes, of which 18 were predicted as potential new compounds, and 37 were reported in AR for the first time. Three undescribed compounds, astragalinin A, astragalinin B, and astragquinone, were isolated and characterized, together with 19 known compounds. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, astragalinin A exhibited potent inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 (IC₅₀ < 10 μM). Astragquinone showed significant TNF-α inhibition with a favourable safety profile. Stereochemical configuration critically influenced anti-inflammatory potency, as demonstrated by the enantiomeric pair. Molecular docking predicted favourable binding orientations toward TNF-α and IL-6 in silico. These findings provide a comprehensive phytochemical and bioactivity profile of HLQ, supporting its value-added utilization as an underutilized AR resource. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity of Medicinal Plants)

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21 pages, 3532 KB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of an Evaluation System and Comprehensive Assessment of the Suitability of Different Processing Peppers for Mechanized Transplanting and Harvesting

by Biyi Liu, Shudong Zhou, Sha Yang, Jie Li, Wei Peng, Zhixuan Wang, Jingxuan Kuang and Junwei Wang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101441 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

To address the current mismatch between processing pepper cultivars and the requirements of mechanized production, this study aims to construct a comprehensive evaluation model for the suitability of mechanized transplanting and harvesting, thereby screening highly adaptable varieties. An evaluation system comprising eight indicators [...] Read more.

To address the current mismatch between processing pepper cultivars and the requirements of mechanized production, this study aims to construct a comprehensive evaluation model for the suitability of mechanized transplanting and harvesting, thereby screening highly adaptable varieties. An evaluation system comprising eight indicators for the transplanting stage and thirteen indicators for the harvesting stage was established using 105 processing pepper varieties (including 56 erect-fruit and 49 pendent-fruit peppers). Variation analysis, hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation analysis were integrated to reveal the clustering effects of the cultivars and the synergistic and antagonistic relationships among the indicators. Furthermore, a combined CRITIC–VIKOR model was applied to conduct a multi-criteria comprehensive ranking of mechanization suitability. The results indicated that the biomechanical properties of processing peppers exhibited a significantly higher degree of variation than conventional morphological indicators (e.g., the coefficient of variation for lodging resistance reached 93.60%). Significant differences were observed in the mechanization adaptation mechanisms between the two pepper types: erect-fruit peppers were primarily limited by fruiting branch toughness (weight: 5.907%), whereas pendent-fruit peppers were mainly constrained by fruit morphological uniformity. Compared with the traditional PCA model, the CRITIC–VIKOR model effectively identified varieties with critical biomechanical defects by constraining the “individual regret value”, which highly aligns with Liebig’s Law of the Minimum in mechanized operations. Based on this model, varieties with superior comprehensive mechanization adaptability were successfully identified, notably C21, C55, and C23 (erect-fruit peppers), and D20, D11, and D19 (pendent-fruit peppers). This study provides a theoretical foundation and mathematical modeling support for the directional breeding of mechanization-suitable cultivars, the integration of agronomy and agricultural machinery, and the quantitative evaluation of multi-trait pyramiding in processing peppers. Full article

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

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22 pages, 2189 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydroxymethylfurfural Formation and Sensory Implications in Raisins: Effects of Cultivar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil Pretreatment, and Storage Temperature

by Victoria Diniz Shimizu-Marin, Danilo Henrique Bruno, Yara Paula Nishiyama-Hortense, Carolina Olivati and Ellen Silva Lago-Vanzela

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101440 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a well-established marker of heat-induced reactions in sugar-rich foods. However, its accumulation in raisins in response to clean-label pretreatments and its association with consumer sensory perception remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) pretreatment, [...] Read more.

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a well-established marker of heat-induced reactions in sugar-rich foods. However, its accumulation in raisins in response to clean-label pretreatments and its association with consumer sensory perception remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) pretreatment, cultivar (BRS Clara and BRS Vitoria), and storage conditions (4, 25, and 35 °C) on HMF formation in raisins and on their sensory implications. Cultivar influenced physicochemical properties, but neither cultivar nor pretreatment significantly affected HMF levels after drying. During storage, HMF formation followed predominantly zero-order reaction kinetics, with Q10 values (7.33–8.39) confirming strong temperature dependence, and pronounced accumulation at 35 °C. Sensory analysis showed that flavor was the main driver of consumer perception, with burnt sugar notes more frequently cited as a disliked attribute in samples stored at higher temperatures, whereas samples stored at lower temperatures retained attributes closer to time zero. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a strong positive association between HMF and the burnt sugar descriptor (r = 0.86, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that EVOO pretreatment can improve drying efficiency without promoting HMF formation, and highlight the value of the combined chemical–sensory approach to assess quality changes in raisins from tropical-adapted grape cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Edible Plants: Extraction, Stability, and Functional Applications)

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15 pages, 1467 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal and Organ-Specific Variations of Alkaloids in Buxus obtusifolia (Mildbr.) Hutch: A Multivariate LC/MS Study

by Justus Wambua Mukavi, Jandirk Sendker, Njogu M. Kimani, Leonidah Kerubo Omosa and Thomas J. Schmidt

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101439 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Buxus obtusifolia (Mildbr.) Hutch is an evergreen shrub endemic to East Africa and is traditionally used to treat chest ailments. Our recent investigation on the dichloromethane leaf extract of this species yielded several aminosteroid alkaloids, some of which demonstrated promising in vitro antiprotozoal [...] Read more.

Buxus obtusifolia (Mildbr.) Hutch is an evergreen shrub endemic to East Africa and is traditionally used to treat chest ailments. Our recent investigation on the dichloromethane leaf extract of this species yielded several aminosteroid alkaloids, some of which demonstrated promising in vitro antiprotozoal activity warranting more detailed studies on this interesting plant and its bioactive constituents. Given that abiotic factors are known to influence the biosynthesis and accumulation of plant secondary metabolites, this study aimed to investigate seasonal and organ-specific variability in the alkaloid profile of B. obtusifolia to gain insights into the dynamics of their formation and, potentially, obtain hints at the best times to harvest individual alkaloids. Consequently, leaf and twig samples were collected each month from the same population over a period of one year and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with positive-mode electrospray ionization double quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI⁺–QqTOF–MS/MS). The resulting data, after conversion to <retention time: mass/charge ratio> (<t_R:m/z>) variables, were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) to characterize variations in the metabolite profile. Evaluation of the first three principal components revealed clear differences between leaves and twigs, as well as subtle overall seasonal changes with some distinct dry-season clustering. A volcano plot was used to further analyze the differences between the minor constituents of the two organs. In total, 15 aminosteroid alkaloids were identified as key contributors to these differences. This represents the first seasonal and organ-specific phytochemical variability investigation in B. obtusifolia. Thus, this study offered the first valuable insights into the possible association of some abiotic factors and the phytochemical profile of this plant. Studies including further populations of this species from different locations will have to show whether the present findings allow general conclusions with respect to the investigated compounds’ accumulation in response to external factors. Furthermore, the present results represent a basis to delineate the optimal harvest period for targeted isolation of larger quantities of bioactive aminosteroids for further development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Analysis and Metabolic Profiling in Plants—2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 16609 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) Triggers Jasmonate and Reactive Oxygen Species to Boost Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth, Flowering, and Grain Yield

by Yongxing Duo, Zhigang Wu, Junfeng Dai, Yong Yang and Lisha Zhang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101438 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) functions as a pivotal gaseous signaling molecule in plants, yet its role in promoting crop yield remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) application, a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), significantly accelerates growth, promotes [...] Read more.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) functions as a pivotal gaseous signaling molecule in plants, yet its role in promoting crop yield remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) application, a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), significantly accelerates growth, promotes flowering, and enhances grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Optimal NaHS treatment increased plant height, root length, and biomass accumulation, concomitant with elevated sucrose, starch, chlorophyll contents, and nitrate reductase activity. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that NaHS reprograms key biological pathways, including photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, lipid metabolism, the hormone signal transduction pathway, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. NaHS also remodels fatty acid metabolism, significantly increasing unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3)—the latter serving as the direct precursor for JA biosynthesis—thereby fueling jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. NaHS treatment also induced ROS accumulation while simultaneously activating antioxidant enzymes, maintaining redox homeostasis, and promoting cell proliferation in root meristems. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that NaHS enlarges peroxisomes and increases chloroplast oil body number, linking organellar dynamics to enhanced JA synthesis and ROS signaling. Collectively, our findings establish NaHS as a novel chemical regulator that coordinates JA and ROS signaling to boost rice growth, flowering, and grain yield, offering a promising strategy to improve crop productivity. Full article

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

23 pages, 888 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pea Powdery Mildew and Pea Performance in Pea–Cereal Intercropping Under Temperate Continental Field Conditions: Yield, Seed Physical Quality, and Land-Use Efficiency Under Low Natural Disease Pressure

by Milosav Grčak, Dragan Grčak, Miroljub Aksić, Vera Rajičić, Slaviša Gudžić and Katerina Nikolić

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101437 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Pea–cereal intercropping may combine ecological disease regulation with improved land-use efficiency, but field evidence for pea powdery mildew responses on the pea component under temperate continental conditions remains limited. A two-year field experiment (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) was conducted in Novi Sad, Serbia, to [...] Read more.

Pea–cereal intercropping may combine ecological disease regulation with improved land-use efficiency, but field evidence for pea powdery mildew responses on the pea component under temperate continental conditions remains limited. A two-year field experiment (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) was conducted in Novi Sad, Serbia, to evaluate the effects of intercropping on pea powdery mildew disease index (DI%), pea grain yield, seed physical quality traits, and land-use efficiency. Winter pea cv. Kosmaj was grown as a sole crop or in mixed intercropping (70% pea + 30% cereal seeding rates) with wheat, triticale, rye, or oat in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Powdery mildew DI% was assessed at BBCH 71–75, while pea grain yield, thousand-seed weight (TSW), hectoliter weight (HLW), and yield-based land equivalent ratio (LER) were determined at harvest. Under the low natural disease pressure recorded in the study, intercropping was associated with lower DI% than sole cropping (approximately 2.8-fold lower on seasonal means; p < 0.001), but DI% did not show a significant independent effect on pea grain yield, TSW, or HLW after accounting for year and cultivation system. Pea grain yield was generally lower under intercropping, although the magnitude of reduction depended on the cereal companion; pea–triticale maintained pea yield closest to the sole crop, whereas pea–oat showed the lowest pea yield. TSW and HLW were generally higher under intercropping, but additional analyses indicated that these traits reflected different response patterns. All intercrops achieved LER > 1, with the highest values recorded for pea–triticale. Full article

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

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20 pages, 20038 KB

Open AccessArticle

Net Primary Productivity Retrieval Based on ESTARFM Fusion and an Improved CASA Model

by Yuanji Cai, Chunling Chen, Wanning Li, Hao Han, Zhichao Ren, Zihao Wang and Ziyi Feng

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101436 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Net primary productivity (NPP) is an important indicator of ecosystem carbon accumulation capacity and vegetation productivity potential, and its accurate estimation is of great significance for agricultural management and regional carbon cycle research. To address the problem that the temporal continuity of single-source [...] Read more.

Net primary productivity (NPP) is an important indicator of ecosystem carbon accumulation capacity and vegetation productivity potential, and its accurate estimation is of great significance for agricultural management and regional carbon cycle research. To address the problem that the temporal continuity of single-source optical remote sensing data is easily affected by cloud cover, this study used Sentinel-2 imagery and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) product as data sources and constructed an NDVI time series with high spatial and temporal resolution for the study area based on the Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (ESTARFM) method. On this basis, the Simple Ratio (SR) index was incorporated to supplement canopy information, and the key parameters of the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model were differentially optimized for different crop types, thereby enabling remote sensing-based estimation of crop NPP. The results showed that the fused NDVI effectively compensated for observation gaps caused by cloud interference, and its temporal variation was generally consistent with the crop growth process. In addition, the Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) improved with the fused NDVI, which effectively characterized phenological differences among crops. Compared with the unoptimized model, the improved model significantly improved NPP estimation accuracy for both maize and rice. Specifically, for maize, the coefficient of determination (

R^{2}

) increased from 0.75 to 0.88, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) decreased from 67.00% to 34.68%. For rice, the MAPE decreased from 78.51% to 23.43%, while the mean absolute error (MAE) decreased from 345.1

gC \cdot m^{- 2} \cdot a^{- 1}

to 95.6

gC \cdot m^{- 2} \cdot a^{- 1}

. These results indicate that constructing a highly continuous vegetation index time series through spatiotemporal fusion, together with optimizing the CASA model by incorporating the SR index and crop-specific parameterization, can effectively improve the stability and accuracy of NPP estimation for agricultural crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Precision Agricultural Aviation)

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30 pages, 1024 KB

Open AccessReview

Improving Ramie Fiber: Current Progress and Future Directions in Molecular Breeding

by Linfeng Su, Fang Liu, Yinghong Tang, Song Gao, Hangfan Niu, Yanzhou Wang, Jianrong Chen and Touming Liu

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101435 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is renowned for its superior fiber strength, length, and unique properties, yet its genetic improvement has lagged behind other fiber crops. This review synthesizes recent advances in ramie fiber development at the genetic, genomic, and molecular levels. Population [...] Read more.

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is renowned for its superior fiber strength, length, and unique properties, yet its genetic improvement has lagged behind other fiber crops. This review synthesizes recent advances in ramie fiber development at the genetic, genomic, and molecular levels. Population genomic analyses have uncovered distinct domestication, improvement, and feralization signatures, identifying numerous fiber-related genes under selection. Parallel genetic and molecular studies have mapped scores of loci and genes governing fiber formation, laying the foundation for molecular breeding. However, despite the availability of genetic transformation systems, the need for methodological improvements remains a major challenge for engineering fiber traits via transgenic approaches. Overall, a solid research foundation has been established. Future progress in establishing marker-assisted and genomic selection breeding systems, optimizing transformation protocols, and developing efficient gene-editing methods holds promise for realizing molecular breeding to enhance fiber quality and yield in ramie. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization of Characteristic Economic Crops)

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21 pages, 3176 KB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin Alleviates Chromium Toxicity in Maize by Regulating Polyamine Metabolism and Enhancing Antioxidant Activity

by Juanjuan Ma, Ke Feng, Guo Wang, Xinru Wang, Leyong Feng and Jianhong Ren

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101434 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) contamination leads to the accumulation of Cr in crops, thereby posing a significant threat to food security and human health. It is essential to comprehend the mechanisms underlying Cr toxicity and to develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure healthy crop growth. [...] Read more.

Chromium (Cr) contamination leads to the accumulation of Cr in crops, thereby posing a significant threat to food security and human health. It is essential to comprehend the mechanisms underlying Cr toxicity and to develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure healthy crop growth. Melatonin (MT), a multifunctional regulatory molecule, plays a pivotal role in the response of plants to heavy metal stress. This study is designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms through which exogenous application of MT mitigates the toxicity of Cr stress in maize seedlings. The findings of the study indicate that under Cr stress conditions, treatment with MT significantly decreased the Cr concentrations in the roots and leaves of maize, with reductions of 22% and 28.5%, respectively. Concurrently, MT demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating the toxic effects induced by Cr exposure, as evidenced by substantial improvements in the leaf area, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate, which increased by 40.3%, 47.7%, and 64.8%, respectively. This led to a 42.2% increase in the total dry weight of maize. Further analysis indicates that MT modulates the antioxidant system, thereby reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and reducing membrane lipid damage associated with Cr toxicity. Moreover, MT upregulates the expression and activity of enzymes involved in polyamine synthesis while simultaneously inhibiting the activity of polyamine-degrading enzymes, leading to a 38% increase in total polyamine content. This study has enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms through which melatonin alleviates chromium toxicity in crops and has provided a theoretical foundation for its sustainable application in agricultural production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulation for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants)

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24 pages, 8034 KB

Open AccessReview

The Ubiquitin–Proteasome System in Flowering Plant Reproduction: Mechanisms, Functional Diversity, and Regulatory Networks

by Xiaohu Jiang, Han Su, Mengnan Chai, Fan Yang, Hanyang Cai, Yuan Qin and Maokai Yan

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101433 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is a highly conserved protein degradation pathway in eukaryotic cells. Through precisely controlled proteolysis of key regulatory proteins, the UPS plays a particularly critical role in plant sexual reproduction, where precise spatiotemporal regulation is essential. The UPS governs multiple [...] Read more.

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is a highly conserved protein degradation pathway in eukaryotic cells. Through precisely controlled proteolysis of key regulatory proteins, the UPS plays a particularly critical role in plant sexual reproduction, where precise spatiotemporal regulation is essential. The UPS governs multiple aspects of plant sexual reproduction, including male and female gametophyte development, pollen–pistil interactions, double fertilization, and post-fertilization embryogenesis and endosperm development. Among UPS components, E3 ubiquitin ligases play a central role by mediating the spatiotemporal degradation of key proteins, while E2 conjugating enzymes and deubiquitinating enzymes also make essential contributions. Through cross-species and cross-stage comparisons, we find that the UPS exhibits conserved regulatory logic—including cell-cycle gating, spatial control of protein accumulation, and signal integration—while also having evolved lineage-specific functional diversification. In this review, we systematically synthesize UPS functions across the reproductive cycle and highlight persistent knowledge gaps, aiming to provide an integrated framework and a reference for future studies investigating the regulatory roles of the UPS in plant sexual reproduction. Full article

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

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18 pages, 4596 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Warming and Dispersal Limitations Drive the Suitable Habitat Distribution of Castanopsis indica, Castanopsis hystrix, Schima wallichii Forest in China

by Huayong Zhang, Zhou Bian, Xiande Ji, Zhongyu Wang and Zhao Liu

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101432 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Global warming has increasingly threatened the suitable habitats of many species. However, ignoring dispersal limitations can substantially increase the uncertainty of species distribution predictions. This study employed optimised MaxEnt and MigClim models to explore the effects of global warming and dispersal limitations on [...] Read more.

Global warming has increasingly threatened the suitable habitats of many species. However, ignoring dispersal limitations can substantially increase the uncertainty of species distribution predictions. This study employed optimised MaxEnt and MigClim models to explore the effects of global warming and dispersal limitations on the suitable habitat distribution of Castanopsis indica, Castanopsis hystrix, Schima wallichii (C. indica, C. hystrix, S. wallichii) forest in China. The results reveal that under current climatic conditions, this forest is mainly distributed in southwestern China. The key environmental factors influencing its distribution include isothermality, temperature seasonality, minimum temperature of the coldest month, and precipitation seasonality, among which temperature-related factors play a dominant role. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable habitat distribution of this forest is projected to expand overall and exhibit a northwestward migration trend. Notably, dispersal limitations significantly constrain the actual expansion of this forest, preventing it from keeping pace with climate change. The inclusion of dispersal limitations results in a contraction of the suitable habitat distribution of this forest under future climate scenarios, with the overall centroid migrating towards the southwest. In the future, C. indica, C. hystrix, S. wallichii forest will have some unoccupied suitable areas in China, which are primarily located north of its current suitable habitats. This study provides new insights for reducing uncertainties in species distribution predictions under climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Forest Environment and Ecology)

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13 pages, 2821 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Molecular Evidence for a New Species of Ilex (Aquifoliaceae) from Guangdong, China, with Insights into Its Phylogenetic Position Within Ilex sect. Ilex

by Yizhe Zhao, Xiaosa Huang, Lei Jiang, Peng Zhou, Zhiyi Xie, Qiang Fan and Kewang Xu

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101431 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

Ilex lanceifolia K.W.Xu & Lei Jiang, a new species from the western Pearl River Delta of Guangdong, China, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. To test whether this newly discovered population represents a distinct lineage and to assess the congruence between [...] Read more.

Ilex lanceifolia K.W.Xu & Lei Jiang, a new species from the western Pearl River Delta of Guangdong, China, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. To test whether this newly discovered population represents a distinct lineage and to assess the congruence between leaf morphology and phylogeny, we integrated multivariate morphometrics, scanning electron microscopy, and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ITS, ETS, and nepGS sequences. The new species resembles I. xiaojinensis and I. peiradena in shrubby habit and lanceolate leaves but differs by its prominently raised abaxial leaf veins forming distinct reticulate areoles, and green to purplish-black petioles and young branchlets. However, phylogenetic analyses unexpectedly place it within Ilex sect. Ilex forming a clade with I. graciliflora and six other species, rather than with its morphological look-alikes. This discordance strongly suggests that the lanceolate leaf shape has evolved convergently in multiple lineages of Ilex, likely as an adaptive strategy to the high-humidity, low-light understory conditions of subtropical lowland forests. The new species is currently known only from a single population in Jiangmen City, with several thousand individuals but an extremely restricted range (<20 km²), warranting conservation attention. This discovery highlights the underestimated biodiversity of lowland forests in the Pearl River Delta and underscores the need to prioritize remnant habitat fragments in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification)

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2 pages, 599 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: dos Santos et al. Physiological Responses of Crotalaria spp. to the Presence of High Aluminum Availability in the Soil. Plants 2024, 13, 2292

by Beatriz Silvério dos Santos, Tassia Caroline Ferreira, Maiara Luzia Grigoli Olívio, Lucas Anjos de Souza and Liliane Santos de Camargos

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101430 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2026

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Plants to Biotic or Abiotic Stresses)

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22 pages, 7763 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution and Expression Analysis of PAO Gene Family in Cotton: Focusing on Fiber Development and Stress Response

by Huixin Gao, Xin Zhou, Fei Wang, Shandang Shi, Manhong Wang, Liping Zhu and Hongbin Li

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101429 - 7 May 2026

Abstract

Polyamines, a class of low-molecular-weight nitrogen-containing bases with high biological activity, are ubiquitous in organisms and play protective roles in plants under stress. Polyamine oxidase (PAO), a typical flavoprotein characterized as a glycoprotein, is a key enzyme in polyamine catabolism that directly mediates [...] Read more.

Polyamines, a class of low-molecular-weight nitrogen-containing bases with high biological activity, are ubiquitous in organisms and play protective roles in plants under stress. Polyamine oxidase (PAO), a typical flavoprotein characterized as a glycoprotein, is a key enzyme in polyamine catabolism that directly mediates polyamine breakdown and maintains intracellular polyamine homeostasis. However, the specific functions of PAOs in cotton fiber development remain largely unclear. In this study, we identified 23 GhPAO genes from the upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genome via comprehensive bioinformatics approaches. We systematically analyzed their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, chromosomal locations, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements, and expression patterns. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis confirmed that GhPAO10 and GhPAO21 exhibited the most pronounced transcript accumulation during both fiber development and stress response processes. Further yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that the GhPAO21 promoter was directly regulated by the transcription factor GhTGA1. Our findings provide a foundation for elucidating the functional roles of the PAO gene family in upland cotton and underscore potential candidate genes associated with fiber development and stress responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)

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43 pages, 1256 KB

Open AccessArticle

Basal Differences in the Transcriptional Profiles of Tomato Roots Associated with the Presence/Absence of the Resistance Gene Mi-1 and Time-Course Changes During the Compatible and Incompatible Interactions with the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne javanica

by Ana Rico, Alicia Ávila, Mariana Emiliozzi, Irene López-Vidriero, José M. Franco-Zorrilla and Gloria Nombela

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101428 - 7 May 2026

Abstract

The Mi-1 gene of tomato is responsible for the resistance of certain genotypes to root-knot nematodes or RKN (Meloidogyne spp.) and other harmful organisms such as aphids or whiteflies, in a complex cascade of transcriptional changes in which other tomato genes are [...] Read more.

The Mi-1 gene of tomato is responsible for the resistance of certain genotypes to root-knot nematodes or RKN (Meloidogyne spp.) and other harmful organisms such as aphids or whiteflies, in a complex cascade of transcriptional changes in which other tomato genes are also involved. The objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the Mi-1-mediated resistance of tomato to Meloidogyne javanica using oligonucleotide microarrays to identify additional plant genes involved in the compatible or incompatible tomato/nematode interactions. Microarray analysis was selected as it has been widely used to identify genes involved in plant resistance to pests and pathogens. In a first phase of the present work, the roots of uninfested tomato plants were analyzed, comparing the transcriptional profiles of susceptible (Moneymaker) and resistant (Motelle) cultivars. In Motelle, 180 transcripts were more expressed than in Moneymaker and only 44 transcripts showed lower expression. Motelle showed higher activity in salicylic, jasmonic and ethylene pathways, while the GAI protein was strongly repressed compared to Moneymaker. These and other basal differences provided valuable information on candidate genes associated with the presence of the Mi-1 gene in Motelle. Subsequent infection by M. javanica triggered an intense transcriptional reprograming that increased over time throughout both compatible (Moneymaker) and incompatible (Motelle) interactions, with scarce genes common to both interactions. At the early phase of infection (2 dpi), genes for the cell wall, hormones, RNA, stress, and transport were up-regulated in the compatible interaction, and signaling, protein, and redox genes were down-regulated; in the incompatible interaction, protease inhibitors were up-regulated, and hormone and RNA genes were down-regulated. Later (12 dpi), genes for hormones, the cell wall, RNA, stress, defense, and development were up-regulated in the compatible interaction, while transport and some stress/defense genes were down-regulated; the incompatible interaction showed mixed regulation within hormone, stress, and defense genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies for the Control of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes)

5 pages, 195 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Microbe-Induced Abiotic Stress Alleviation in Plants: From Hidden Partners to Central Drivers of Resilience

by Ying Ma

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101427 - 7 May 2026

Abstract

Our understanding of plant stress biology has shifted with debate toward a more integrative, microbiome-centered perspective. What was once primarily viewed as an intrinsic, plant-centered physiological problem is now often interpreted as a system-level outcome shaped by the interactions between plants and their [...] Read more.

Our understanding of plant stress biology has shifted with debate toward a more integrative, microbiome-centered perspective. What was once primarily viewed as an intrinsic, plant-centered physiological problem is now often interpreted as a system-level outcome shaped by the interactions between plants and their associated microbiomes[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microbe-Induced Abiotic Stress Alleviation in Plants, 2nd Edition)

28 pages, 1357 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabotyping of Prunus sargentii, Prunus nipponica var. kurilensis, and Prunus maximowiczii from Peter the Great Botanical Garden of BIN RAS

by Yuri G. Kalugin, Mayya P. Razgonova, Muhammad Amjad Nawaz and Kirill S. Golokhvast

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101426 - 7 May 2026

Abstract

Species of the genus Prunus, including Prunus nipponica var. kurilensis, Prunus sargentii, and Prunus maximowiczii, are widely distributed in the Far Eastern region, covering the territories of Northern China, Korea, Japan, the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin Island, and Primorsky Region in [...] Read more.

Species of the genus Prunus, including Prunus nipponica var. kurilensis, Prunus sargentii, and Prunus maximowiczii, are widely distributed in the Far Eastern region, covering the territories of Northern China, Korea, Japan, the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin Island, and Primorsky Region in Russia. As part of this study, the flowers of nine specimens of the aforementioned species were collected from the Peter the Great Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), which was founded in 1714 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Russia. This study is the first comprehensive metabolomic analysis of cherry blossoms from East Asia, with a particular focus on the varieties P. nipponica var. kurilensis, P. sargentii and P. maximowiczii. The main objective of the work was to identify and characterize biologically active polyphenolic substances and other chemotypes in the studied plant samples. Metabolomic analysis of flower extracts from three species of Prunus: P. nipponica var. kurilensis, P. sargentii, and P. maximowiczii revealed the presence of one hundred and eight polyphenol compounds and fourteen compounds belonging to other chemical groups. Principal component analysis showed that PC1 (26.6%) and PC2 (19.0%) explain 45.6% of the total variance. A clear separation of P. maximowiczii was observed, while P. nipponica from all regions was represented by a single species, and P. sargentii showed variability. Samples from Sakhalin were grouped separately. These results suggest that species identity and origin may influence the metabolic differentiation of the plant material studied. The observed separation of P. maximowiczii from other species may be due to both species-specific metabolism and adaptation to the environmental conditions in Sakhalin. A heatmap with hierarchical clustering revealed a clear clustering of samples based on their origin and species. Samples of P. sargentii from different sources were grouped together, indicating a similar metabolic profile. Samples of P. nipponica var. kurilensis formed a separate cluster with characteristic features of compound distribution. Samples of P. maximowiczii from Sakhalin also formed a separate cluster that was not related to the other two species. This supports the hypothesis that the subspecies that grow in the northern regions have a greater metabolic diversity. It is suggested that this richness of polyphenols is due to the harsh climatic conditions and the accompanying stress factors. The flowers of P. nipponica var. kurilensis, P. sargentii, and P. maximowiczii are characterized by a high content of biologically active compounds, which makes them promising objects for the creation of biologically active supplements and the development of new therapeutic agents in the pharmaceutical industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants: Sources, Identification and Applications)

19 pages, 6776 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Shaping Suitable Habitats and Quality of Lonicera macranthoides Hand.−Mazz.: Insights from MaxEnt, HPLC, Chemometrics, and Gene Expression Analysis

by Nan Xu, Canfeng Long, Meixin Zhou, Weijia Wang, Qiang Zeng, Yingying Shen, Pan Wu, Liqun Rao, Guoping Peng and Qiming Wang

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101425 - 7 May 2026

Abstract

Lonicera macranthoides Hand.−Mazz. is a valuable medicinal plant in China and is used worldwide. This study aimed to predict its suitable habitats in China using the MaxEnt model, and to assess the effects of environmental variables on indicator ingredients (chlorogenic acid, macranthoidin B, [...] Read more.

Lonicera macranthoides Hand.−Mazz. is a valuable medicinal plant in China and is used worldwide. This study aimed to predict its suitable habitats in China using the MaxEnt model, and to assess the effects of environmental variables on indicator ingredients (chlorogenic acid, macranthoidin B, and dipsacoside B) via HPLC and chemometrics. Furthermore, to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying environment−quality relationships, preliminary indoor versus outdoor stress experiments were conducted, analyzing the expression of chlorogenic acid biosynthetic genes using qRT−PCR. The results showed that precipitation of the driest month was the most influential variable affecting distribution. Currently, suitable areas are mainly located between 21° N and 33° N. During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), habitats were more expansive, whereas they contracted during the Mid−Holocene (MH). Future projections indicated habitat loss under the SSP585 scenario, which was partially mitigated under the SSP126 scenario by 2090 S. Higher contents of chlorogenic acid and saponins were found in suitable habitats and were associated with soil, altitude, and precipitation. Notably, outdoor combined stress (low temperature and low sunshine) significantly regulated the expression of LmPAL, LmCHS, LmCHI, LmC4H, LmCCoAOMT, and LmANS. This study serves as a scientific basis for the conservation, sustainable cultivation, and stress−oriented breeding of L. macranthoides in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Characteristics and Metabolic Pathways in Response to Combined Stress in Plants)

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19 pages, 10379 KB

Open AccessReview

Specialized Metabolic Reprogramming in Plant Immunity: Biosynthetic Networks, Spatiotemporal Regulation, and Quantitative Defense

by Adnan Amin

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101424 - 7 May 2026

Abstract

Specialized metabolic reprogramming is a central component of plant immunity. However, its integration across biosynthetic networks and defense phenotypes remains incompletely understood. This mini review examines how specialized metabolites are produced, regulated, spatially deployed, and linked to defense outcomes. We highlight how metabolites [...] Read more.

Specialized metabolic reprogramming is a central component of plant immunity. However, its integration across biosynthetic networks and defense phenotypes remains incompletely understood. This mini review examines how specialized metabolites are produced, regulated, spatially deployed, and linked to defense outcomes. We highlight how metabolites such as camalexin, indolic glucosinolates, benzoxazinoids, flavonoids, lignin precursors, pipecolic acid, and N-hydroxypipecolic acid are produced through pathway branching, metabolic flux redistribution, and coordination with primary metabolism. We further discuss how immune signaling modules and transcriptional regulators, including salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene pathways, together with transcription factors, regulate defense mechanisms through genes such as PAD3, CYP71A12, CYP71A13, ALD1, SARD4, FMO1, JAZ, and ORA59. Emphasis is placed on spatiotemporal compartmentation, including cell- and tissue-specific responses, plastidial and endoplasmic reticulum-associated metabolism, vacuolar sequestration, apoplastic deployment, and transport-dependent localization, as metabolite function depends greatly on when and where compounds accumulate. This review also evaluates how these metabolic programs are translated into quantitative defense phenotypes, such as resistance outcomes, growth–defense tradeoffs, and fitness costs. Finally, we evaluate emerging tools, including metabolomics, spatial metabolomics, multiomics integration, network inference, and predictive modeling, to elucidate causal relationships between metabolic reprogramming and immune performance. Collectively, the evidence supports a multiscale framework in which specialized metabolism links immune perception to quantitative defense output. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Analysis of Plant Development and Defense Responses)

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