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Plant Responses to a Changing Climate: Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives:...
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Plant Responses to a Changing Climate: Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 1877

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sanja Manitašević Jovanović

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Guest Editor
Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: plant evolutionary ecology; plant–environment interaction; phenotypic plasticity; biochemical adaptations; heat stress proteins; I. pumila
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ana Vuleta

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Guest Editor
Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: plant evolutionary ecology; phenotypic plasticity; plant ecophysiology; phenotypic selection; pollination ecology; morphometrics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Anthropogenic climate changes has already produced numerous negative effects on natural ecosystems, including change in major ecological processes, alterations in ecosystem functioning, and decline in biodiversity. Directly affected by shifts in temperature, precipitation, and carbon dioxide levels, plants play a crucial role in responding and adapting to a changing climate. Climate change can alter plants’ phenology, affecting the timing of flowering, seed germination, and other plant life cycle events, consequently disrupting ecological relationships and biodiversity. In addition, through various morphological, physiological, and biochemical adjustments, such as alterations in leaf structure, water-use efficiency, or growth patterns, plants can acclimate to changing climate conditions. Studying plant responses to a changing climate produces insights into the resilience and vulnerability of different species, helping to identify potential conservation priorities. As climate change continues to escalate, impacting ecosystems worldwide, understanding how plant species are coping is crucial for predicting future ecological dynamics and devising effective conservation strategies.

The present Special Issue of Plants aims to compile the ecological and evolutionary aspects of plant responses to changing climates. Scientists from all over the world are invited to submit their original research articles, reviews, methodological papers, and perspectives on a wide range of topics, including changes in morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses to temperature and water availability, phenological shifts in flowering and fruiting, alterations in plant distribution patterns, and the impact of climate change on plant–pollinator interactions. Moreover, studies examining the genetic and epigenetic basis of plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions will shed light on the potential for evolutionary changes in plant populations.

In a time when human-induced climate change poses a threat to numerous species, comprehending how individual organisms can adapt and adjust becomes crucial for predicting the potential "winners and losers" in the face of future climate change. With this objective in mind, a multidisciplinary compilation of research will foster greater understanding and promote the significance of studying plant responses to climate change.

Dr. Sanja Manitašević Jovanović
Dr. Ana Vuleta
Guest Editors

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants 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

  • global warming
  • heat stress
  • oxidative stress
  • drought stress
  • photosynthesis
  • antioxidants
  • leaf functional traits
  • flowering phenology
  • acclimation
  • phenotypic plasticity
  • adaptation
  • epigenetics
  • acclimatization

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2963 KB  
Article
Study on the Mechanism of Eco-Friendly Hydrogel in Enhancing Condensation Water Utilization by Vegetation in Rocky Mountainous Areas
by Dan Ma, Shuai Zhang, Weijie Yuan and Yong Gao
Plants 2026, 15(12), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15121832 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
In rocky mountainous regions characterized by shallow, barren soils and water scarcity, non-rainfall water, such as condensation, plays a crucial ecological role in mitigating seasonal drought in forest trees. To enhance the water-use capacity of vegetation, this study utilized a previously developed eco-friendly [...] Read more.
In rocky mountainous regions characterized by shallow, barren soils and water scarcity, non-rainfall water, such as condensation, plays a crucial ecological role in mitigating seasonal drought in forest trees. To enhance the water-use capacity of vegetation, this study utilized a previously developed eco-friendly PVA–CS/SA–Ca2+ hydrogel. The primary objective was to elucidate the synergistic mechanisms by which the hydrogel optimizes condensed water utilization and drives the ecophysiological recovery of Pinus tabuliformis and Platycladus orientalis, two keystone afforestation species in northern China. Utilizing a controlled environmental chamber to simulate the condensation and humidification process, the experiment established three treatments: a control group (CK), a pot-sealed group (PS, to isolate soil water absorption), and a hydrogel-amended group (Hydrogel-Root Wrapping, HRW). To comprehensively evaluate the water utilization mechanisms, the amount of condensed water captured by the system was quantified, and hydrogen isotope tracing techniques were employed to precisely track water transport pathways and contribution rates. Concurrently, key physiological parameters were systematically determined, including leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, leaf water content, net photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate. The results demonstrated the following: (1) the hydrogel significantly enhanced the condensation water capture capacity of the system. The net mass gains of the Pinus tabuliformis and Platycladus orientalis systems under the HRW treatment reached 26.3 g and 32.9 g, respectively, which represented 1.17 and 1.30 times those of the CK treatment, and 1.52 and 1.54 times those of the PS treatment. (2) Isotope tracing confirmed that both tree species possess significant Foliar Water Uptake (FWU) capacity. Following condensation, the δ2H values in the leaves of Platycladus orientalis and Pinus tabuliformis surged to 113.5‰ and 85.3‰, respectively, with stem δ2H values increasing by 31‰ and 22‰ compared to their initial baseline. (3) The introduction of the hydrogel in the HRW treatment provided 11.2% and 10.9% of the stem water supply for Platycladus orientalis and Pinus tabuliformis, respectively, thereby reducing their dependence on soil water by 8.3% and 13.1%. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the fractional contribution of condensation water to stem water between the PS and CK treatments. (4) Regarding physiological responses, the application of the hydrogel material effectively improved the physiological status of the plants. The leaf water potentials of Pinus tabuliformis and Platycladus orientalis increased to −0.15 MPa and −1.32 MPa, respectively. Concurrently, stomatal conductance (3.25 and 3.64 mm·s−1) and leaf water content (58.4% and 67.4%) were significantly higher than those in the other treatments. In summary, the hydrogel can significantly enhance the capture, conversion, and utilization efficiency of condensation water by vegetation, effectively optimizing the water supply dynamics of the system. This provides key theoretical and technical support for ecological afforestation in difficult sites within rocky mountainous areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses to a Changing Climate: Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 12362 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Suitable Habitat for Weigela florida
by Sixiang Zhang, Feiteng Hao, Haonan Sun, Wenpan Dong, Kangjia Liu and Yiheng Wang
Plants 2026, 15(12), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15121763 - 7 Jun 2026
Viewed by 115
Abstract
Global climate change profoundly impacts the geographical distribution patterns and evolutionary dynamics of plants. As a vital ornamental and ecological shrub native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the wild germplasm resources of Weigela florida are facing dual threats from habitat [...] Read more.
Global climate change profoundly impacts the geographical distribution patterns and evolutionary dynamics of plants. As a vital ornamental and ecological shrub native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the wild germplasm resources of Weigela florida are facing dual threats from habitat fragmentation and climate warming. To elucidate the biogeographical mechanisms underlying the species’ responses to climate change and to formulate scientific conservation strategies, this study simulated the spatiotemporal dynamics of suitable habitats for W. florida across key historical periods spanning the Late Pliocene (~3.3 million years ago), Quaternary (~2.58 million years ago), the current period, and future climate scenarios using an optimized Maximum Entropy ecological niche model, and further tracked the migration trajectories of its spatial centroids. The results indicate that precipitation conditions, dry-season temperatures, and temperature seasonality are the dominant environmental factors limiting the distribution of wild W. florida. During the glacial–interglacial cycles, the area of its suitable habitat fluctuated significantly. Notably, the Korean Peninsula and the southern part of Northeast China maintained high habitat suitability across all geological historical periods, serving as long-term stable Quaternary glacial refugia for the species. Under various future climate scenarios, the total suitable habitat area of W. florida generally exhibits a shrinking trend, with habitat loss primarily concentrated at the western and southern edges of its distribution range. In the future, its spatial centroid shows a significant tendency to migrate towards higher latitudes (northeastward) to track suitable climatic niches. This study clarifies the macroscopic driving mechanisms behind the habitat dynamics of wild W. florida, providing critical spatial planning guidance for the refined evaluation and long-term sustainable utilization of its germplasm resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses to a Changing Climate: Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 14361 KB  
Article
Impacts of Climate Change on the Geographic Distribution of Dioscorea zingiberensis, a Traditional Medicinal Plant in China
by Ting-Ting Zhang, Xin Jiang, Hao-Ran Yang and Yun Jia
Plants 2026, 15(10), 1444; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101444 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 367
Abstract
D. zingiberensis C. H. Wright is a medicinally significant herbaceous vine endemic to China. Investigating the geographical distribution and migration routes of D. zingiberensis is crucial for the rational utilization and conservation of its genetic resources. However, the potential shifts in the distribution [...] Read more.
D. zingiberensis C. H. Wright is a medicinally significant herbaceous vine endemic to China. Investigating the geographical distribution and migration routes of D. zingiberensis is crucial for the rational utilization and conservation of its genetic resources. However, the potential shifts in the distribution patterns of wild populations under different climate scenarios remain poorly understood. Based on the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS, this study reveals significant range shifts in D. zingiberensis under future climate scenarios. Under SSP1-2.6, highly suitable habitats are projected to occur in Shaanxi, Hubei, Sichuan, and Gansu by the 2050s, with total suitable areas peaking at 211.41 × 104 km2. In contrast, the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario drives marked habitat contraction, with a core loss of 82.47 × 104 km2 by the 2070s, particularly in the central and southwestern provinces (e.g., Chongqing, Sichuan, Hubei, and Hunan). Centroid migration analysis indicates a pronounced northward shift; under SSP5-8.5, the centroid moves linearly northwestward by 205.43 km from Hubei to Sichuan, reflecting a sustained migration towards higher latitudes. These results underscore D. zingiberensis’s vulnerability to high-emission climates and its adaptive migration towards more suitable northwestern habitats. These findings provide critical information and a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wild medicinal resources of D. zingiberensis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses to a Changing Climate: Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 2479 KB  
Article
Reproductive Biology and Germination Ecology of Phytolacca acinosa in Its Secondary Range
by Aleksandra V. Stogova, Aleksandr A. Ivanovskii, Ekaterina V. Tkacheva, Marianna A. Zueva, Aleksandr K. Mamontov, Yulya. K. Vinogradova and Olga V. Shelepova
Plants 2026, 15(9), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091362 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 249
Abstract
Phytolacca acinosa Roxb., a perennial herb native to East Asia, is increasingly naturalizing in Europe, yet its reproductive ecology in the secondary range remains poorly understood. This study evaluated seed productivity across central and edge populations in the secondary range, fruit and seed [...] Read more.
Phytolacca acinosa Roxb., a perennial herb native to East Asia, is increasingly naturalizing in Europe, yet its reproductive ecology in the secondary range remains poorly understood. This study evaluated seed productivity across central and edge populations in the secondary range, fruit and seed morphometrics, and germination responses to cold storage, acid scarification (simulating bird endozoochory), and light exposure. Fruit production per raceme was influenced by an interaction between insolation and range position: reduced insolation increased fruit set in central populations but decreased it at the range edge. Raceme number per shoot was lower in spontaneous plants compared to cultivated ones. Fresh seeds exhibited strong dormancy with no germination without scarification. Acid scarification significantly enhanced germination, particularly with light exposure, reaching up to 55%. Cold storage did not increase germination percentage but accelerated germination of scarified seeds under light, reducing median germination time from 24 to 21 days. Compared to the congeneric P. americana, P. acinosa shows more stringent dormancy requirements. We conclude that P. acinosa retains deep seed dormancy in its secondary range and relies on bird-mediated endozoochory for both dispersal and dormancy release. At the northern range edge, reduced plant vigor and lower raceme numbers are partially offset by increased flower production per raceme, though fruit set remains constrained. The species does not exhibit the simplified germination requirements often associated with successful invaders; instead, its invasion success appears driven by a bet-hedging strategy combining persistent seed banks with specific dormancy-breaking cues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses to a Changing Climate: Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives: 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 9464 KB  
Article
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux in China Under Climate Change Using an Optimized MaxEnt Model
by Jieru Chen, Wei Zhang, Shimeng Cui, Xinyue Zhu, Yangyang Chen, Jingyuan Ren, Ziling Liu, Yiqiong Liu, Hai Liao and Jiayu Zhou
Plants 2026, 15(7), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071067 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 618
Abstract
Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux has been a traditional medicinal resource in China for over two millennia. However, sustainable utilization and preservation strategies for A. carmichaelii require a thorough understanding of environmental factors influencing its distribution. An optimized MaxEnt model was constructed using the ENMeval [...] Read more.
Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux has been a traditional medicinal resource in China for over two millennia. However, sustainable utilization and preservation strategies for A. carmichaelii require a thorough understanding of environmental factors influencing its distribution. An optimized MaxEnt model was constructed using the ENMeval package based on 185 quality-controlled occurrence records and 10 selected environmental variables (bioclimatic, edaphic, topographic, and anthropogenic). The optimized model demonstrated reliable predictive accuracy, with an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.896. Soil moisture (37.7% contribution), human footprint (HFP) (23.9%), and July solar radiation (11.1%) were the primary variables determining A. carmichaelii distribution. The suitable thresholds were defined as soil moisture > 87.34 mm, HFP > 10.69, and July solar radiation < 19,125.72 kJ m−2 day−1. At present, highly suitable habitat covers approximately 8.243 × 105 km2, predominantly located in the Sichuan Basin and surrounding regions, including Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and northeastern Yunnan. Future predictions under all Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios indicate a significant reduction in highly suitable habitat, with losses of 63.01% (2041–2060, SSP126), 62.62% (2041–2060, SSP245), 61.35% (2041–2060, SSP370), and 61.99% (2061–2080, SSP585). Habitat contraction mainly occurs toward higher altitudes and southwestern areas, with a maximum displacement distance of 50.56 km under the SSP585 scenario. This study enhances our understanding of environmental factors affecting the distribution of A. carmichaelii and offers guidance for its sustainable management and cultivation amid global climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses to a Changing Climate: Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives: 2nd Edition)
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