Search Results (275)

Brassicaceae-based bio-disinfestation is a promising non-chemical option to manage lettuce Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae (FOLac), but evidence integrating pathogen suppression, residue chemistry, and soil microbiome response remains limited. We conducted a greenhouse mesocosm assay with naturally infested soil to compare biofumigation (uncovered soil) and biosolarization (plastic-covered soil for 40 days) using five Brassicaceae residues (Brassica carinata, B. juncea, B. napus, Sinapis alba and Raphanus sativus) applied at two field-equivalent doses. Biosolarization created a distinct disinfestation environment, increasing soil temperature by an average of 2.74 °C and shifting oxidation–reduction potential toward reducing conditions. This strategy consistently reduced culturable Fusarium populations, F. oxysporum-assigned colony-forming units (CFU) and lettuce wilt severity compared with uncovered biofumigation. The strongest disease suppression was observed under plastic-covered conditions, including the soil-only control, indicating that the covered microenvironment was a major driver of suppressiveness, while Brassicaceae residues modulated the magnitude and consistency of the response. Glucosinolate profiling revealed contrasting residue chemistries among species, providing a biochemical context for interpreting species-dependent effects. Shotgun metagenomics further showed that biosolarization and biofumigation produced distinct genus-level microbial community structures, with significant effects of strategy, timepoint and their interaction, and higher Shannon diversity under biosolarization. Overall, the integration of disease severity, culture-based inoculum quantification, physicochemical indicators, residue chemistry and metagenomics supports Brassicaceae-based biosolarization as a promising pre-plant approach for suppressing FOLac wilt in naturally infested soils, with the plastic-covered disinfestation environment emerging as the main driver of suppression and Brassicaceae residues modulating the response. Full article

Brassicaceae plants, among the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide, are recognized as rich sources of biologically active compounds. In this study, nine species belonging to the cruciferous genus Thlaspi were investigated, including T. alliaceum, T. arvense, T. violascens, T. aghricum, T. cataonicum, T. annuum, T. watsonii, T. cariense, and T. elegans. In the past, pennycress species were consumed to alleviate hunger and provide nutritional support during periods of food scarcity. To evaluate the antioxidant capacities of methanol and water extracts obtained from Thlaspi species, several complementary assays were employed, including 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical (ABTS^•+) scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals (DPPH^•) scavenging, N,N-dimethylphenylenediamine radicals (DMPD^•+) scavenging, Fe³⁺-2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine (TPTZ)-reducing, Fe³⁺ ion-reducing, and Cu²⁺ ion-reducing assays. The IC₅₀ values of both methanol and water extracts from the aerial parts of Thlaspi species for ABTS^•+, DPPH^•, and DMPD^•+ scavenging activities were studied compared with antioxidant standards, including α-tocopherol, Trolox, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts ranged from 8.29 to 49.14 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract and from 2.33 to 74.66 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g extract, respectively. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of water and methanol extracts of Thlaspi species against α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and carbonic anhydrase (CA II) enzymes were evaluated. The IC₅₀ values were determined to range from 122.4 to 245.9 μg/mL for α-amylase, from 17.3 to 24.1 μg/mL for AChE, and from 41.9 to 256.5 μg/mL for CA II inhibition. In addition, the phenolic profiles of Thlaspi species were comprehensively characterized by LC-MS/MS analysis using 53 reference standards. The findings demonstrated that the aerial parts of Thlaspi species are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants and may serve as promising natural sources with potential applications in the management of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer. Full article

Background: Between 2012 and 2023, extensive fieldwork was carried out in coastal Croatia to document traditional plant use. Among the wild vegetables collected, we noted two edible species of leafy greens that are both wild-gathered and cultivated. These are Soda inermis Fourr. (syn. Salsola soda L., Amaranthaceae) and Bunias erucago (Brassicaceae). Methods: The aim of this paper was to review their use in Croatia, both based on the published data and our unpublished observations, altogether encompassing 502 interviews on wild food use. Results: S. inermis was recorded in 11 localities (20 interviews). Although mainly cultivated, it is gathered from the wild and sold at vegetable markets on a few islands of northern Dalmatia and near Zadar. B. erucago was recorded in 40 localities (78 interviews). Used chiefly in central and southern Dalmatia as well as on a few adjacent islands, it is usually collected from the wild, more rarely cultivated. Conclusions: S. inermis represents a declining tradition of cultivation that is closely tied to specific ecological niches and worth preserving. The more resilient B. erucago is either a neglected crop or an example of incipient domestication. Cultivation trials should be undertaken to establish its potential as a future crop. Full article

Intercropping flowering plants is an ecofriendly and sustainable orchard management practice, yet its effects on multiple ecosystem services remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a two-year field experiment using four species of intercropped flowering plants, including Sechuangzi Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson (Apiaceae), Japanese catnip Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. (Lamiaceae), rapeseed Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae), and hairy vetch Vicia villosa Roth. (Fabaceae), in an apple orchard. We selected 22 ecosystem service indicators to establish a comprehensive framework for assessing orchard ecosystem services. In 2020, 19 indicators differed significantly between intercropped flowering plant plots and clean-tillage control plots, while 18 indicators showed significant differences in 2021. The ecosystem service indicators were grouped into six composite multifunctional indicators representing pollination, pest control, habitat provisioning, food provisioning, nutrient cycling, and carbon stock, all of which showed significant enhancement in flowering plant plots compared with the controls. Crucially, these six composite indices demonstrated synergistic interactions, with no trade-offs observed. Compared to clean-tillage control plots, total ecosystem services in 2020 increased by 228% in C. monnieri plots, 222% in B. napus plots, 217% in V. villosa plots, and 126% in S. tenuifolia plots; in 2021, the increases were 248%, 214%, 209%, and 115%, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that intercropping selected flowering plants can improve multiple measured ecosystem service indicators in apple orchards. This practice may provide a promising orchard-floor management strategy for enhancing ecosystem service multifunctionality under the conditions of this two-year field experiment. Full article

The application of the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been applied for metabolite profiling in sprouts of Brassicaceae (broccoli, kale, radish), sunflower, and Fabaceae (alfalfa, clover, lentil, and mung bean). Soluble carbohydrates were quantitatively the major fraction of total polar metabolites in Brassicaceae and sunflower sprouts. The main sugars in sunflower, mung bean, and Brassicaceae sprouts were fructose and glucose, while in clover, alfalfa, and lentil sprouts, the dominant sugar was sucrose. Myo-inositol was found in the sprouts of all analyzed species, while d-chiro-inositol, epi-inositol, or scyllo-inositol, as well as d-pinitol, were present in the sprouts of some legumes. Among the amino acids in clover and alfalfa sprouts, asparagine, serine, and threonine were quantitatively dominant. During cold storage of sprouts or their drying, a decrease in the content of monosaccharides and an increase in the levels of sucrose were found. Furthermore, such conditions of sprouts storage caused an accumulation of raffinose, proline, and γ-aminobutyric acid. The reduction in the content of monosaccharides and the increase in the content of free amino acids in dried sprouts is new information. Moreover, information about the small effects of low-temperature storage and drying of sprouts on the content of cyclitols seems to be valuable. Full article

The YABBY family consists of plant-specific transcription factors that regulate organ polarity and reproductive development. As a member of this family, CRABS CLAW (CRC) plays crucial roles, but its molecular mechanism in oilseed rape stigma development remains unclear. In this study, we identified YABBY genes in four Brassicaceae species. The results showed that CRC proteins are highly conserved in structure, but their cis-acting elements vary among species. To explore its function, we performed transcriptome sequencing on an oilseed rape CRC-deficient mutant (sd). The transcriptome data revealed multiple changes in the sd mutant. Specifically, brassinosteroid (BR) signaling factors were downregulated. Sugar transporters and auxin-related genes showed abnormal expression. Furthermore, pro-senescence and programmed cell death (PCD) genes were upregulated, whereas the classic senescence pathway remained unchanged. Based on these findings, we propose a potential mechanism. The loss of CRC disrupts BR signaling, sugar transport, and calcium homeostasis. This disruption triggers non-classic death of stigma papilla cells, which hinders pollen tube penetration and reduces seed set. Notably, increasing environmental humidity partially rescued the seed set, likely by delaying cell death. Although these transcriptomic insights warrant further experimental validation, this study provides valuable clues and genetic resources for future research on reproductive development in oilseed rape. Full article

In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and characterized the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Eutrema scapiflorum, an alpine species endemic to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). The assembled plastome is 153,041 bp in length and exhibits a typical quadripartite structure, comprising a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,547 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,506 bp, which are separated by two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,994 bp each. Structurally, the genome encodes 132 unique genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Comparative analysis across eight species revealed that genome size variation is primarily driven by the SSC region. Notably, the IR/SC boundaries in E. scapiflorum are highly conserved, which contrasts with the significant IR expansion observed in Capsella tenella. Furthermore, simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis identified 78 loci, predominantly mononucleotide A/T repeats located in intergenic spacers. Nucleotide diversity analysis pinpointed accD and ycf1 as the most variable genes. Selection pressure analysis indicated that most genes are under purifying selection, while seven protein-coding genes (ycf2, nadhE, cemA, clpP, psbH, ycf4, nadhB) exhibited signatures of positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1). Subsequently, phylogenomic analyses robustly resolved E. scapiflorum within the tribe Arabideae, showing its closest relationship to Alliaria petiolata. Divergence time estimation dated the split between E. scapiflorum and its closest relative to the middle Miocene (~17.57 Ma). Collectively, these findings provide crucial genomic resources and new insights into the structural evolution, phylogenetic placement, and potential adaptive mechanisms of this alpine species within the Brassicaceae family. Full article

The distribution of mercury (Hg) species in soils, as affected by (i) the physicochemical and biological properties of the soils, (ii) the lithogenic vs. anthropogenic sources of soil Hg pollution, and (iii) soil–plant interactions, was investigated in a model pot experiment in which Sinapis alba (Brassicaceae) was planted. The pseudototal (aqua regia-soluble) Hg contents in soils originating from the vicinity of the former cinnabar mine varied between 16.6 and 44.7 mg/kg, whereas in soils from sites where the amalgamation technique had been used for the extraction of gold from ore-bearing materials, the pseudototal Hg values varied between 1.63 and 10.1 mg/kg. However, Hg accessibility was low, with mobilizable Hg(II) accounting for 3–11% of total soil Hg and mobilizable methylmercury (MeHg) remaining below 1%, indicating a limited bioavailable pool under the studied conditions. Mobilizable Hg(II) showed significant negative relationships with total soil carbon and cation exchange capacity (CEC), reflecting its strong association with charged functional groups of the soil sorption complex. The low Hg accessibility in the soil resulted in low Hg contents in plants, not exceeding the feed safety thresholds, with a significant proportion of Hg taken up by the plants being retained in the roots. The results of the determination of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) indicated its relevance in soil mercury cycling, where further research on the role of plants in GEM emissions is necessary. In this context, the GEM concentrations increased in plants found in soils collected close to the former cinnabar mine. These aspects should be investigated further in future studies. Full article

Rising global temperatures, increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events, with associated growth of agricultural land use and urban expansion, represent critical drivers of biodiversity loss. Within this framework, urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to environmental stressors such as the heat-island phenomenon, soil sealing and depletion, and the accumulation of heavy metals and other pollutants. Recent sustainability-oriented urban policies recognize the strategic role of green infrastructures in mitigating these impacts by delivering essential ecosystem services, including phytoremediation. Here, the focus on herbaceous plants allows the selection of species with short life cycles and high colonization rates in marginal or disturbed urban habitats (e.g., roadside verges, compacted soils, and limited-volume planting areas). Therefore, the present review systematically examines herbaceous plant species with documented phytoremediation capabilities, focusing on Mediterranean native taxa evaluated under urban or peri-urban conditions. A total of 29 species met the selection criteria: taxonomically, Asteraceae represented the most frequent family (35%), followed by Fabaceae (21%), Brassicaceae, and Poaceae (each accounting for 10%). From a functional-trait perspective, hemicryptophytes dominated the dataset (66%), followed by therophytes (31%). Of the selected taxa, 55% primarily exhibited phytoextraction, 14% showed phytostabilization, and 31% demonstrated dual functionality, through combined extraction and stabilization pathways. These traits, combined with ecological adaptability to Mediterranean climatic regimes, support their application in Mediterranean urban environments. Full article

Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) are persistent contaminants increasingly subjected to regulatory restrictions. To date, their effects on terrestrial plants remain poorly investigated. To address these knowledge gaps, a comparative assessment was conducted to identify the most sensitive plant species and the most responsive early-growth endpoints. Five PFCAs were selected according to their carbon-chain length (from 3 to 8 C-atoms). Seven plant species were exposed to a wide range of concentrations (from 0.01 up to 100 µg kg⁻¹). Germination and root elongation were evaluated as developmental endpoints to assess both acute and sublethal effects. Across species, germination exhibited weak responses, whereas root elongation appeared to be the most sensitive screening parameter, displaying divergent species-specific patterns. Notably, Sinapis alba and Cucumis sativus emerged as the most responsive species, although they exhibited opposite responses. While mustard exhibited low-dose root stimulation, cucumber showed root inhibition. Interestingly, species within the same family (Brassicaceae and Cucurbitaceae) showed contrasting sensitivity, suggesting that PFCA phytotoxicity is species-specific rather than driven by taxonomic relatedness. This divergent pattern may be linked to distinct morpho-physiological traits, supporting their use as suitable model organisms for phytotoxicity screening of PFCAs. Full article

Self-incompatibility (SI) is an important plant mechanism that prevents inbreeding depression by recognizing and rejecting self-pollen, thereby promoting outcrossing. However, SI can also act as a barrier in breeding programs, presenting significant challenges to breeders. Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), a tropical fruit species of substantial economic importance, also serves as a valuable system for investigating SI mechanisms within the Passifloraceae. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of SI in passion fruit has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the SI system in yellow passion fruit (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) and employed transcriptomic analysis to examine the time-course transcriptional responses following different pollination treatments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct gene expression dynamics under different pollination treatments: self-pollinated samples exhibited stronger and earlier transcriptional changes, whereas the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cross-pollinated samples was relatively lower. Numerous pathways previously associated with sporophytic self-incompatibility (SSI) were enriched in the stigma samples after self-pollination. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial signaling molecules involved in pollen germination and pollen tube growth during SI responses. Our results showed that ROS-related pathways were enriched in stigma tissues after self-pollination. In addition, oxidative stress-related responses were detected in the style shortly after self-pollination, suggesting that plastid-associated or general oxidative stress processes may also be involved, although the precise source of ROS requires further validation. FERONIA, ROP9, and ARC1 are key genes related to the SI system in Brassica. In the passion fruit SI response, the expression levels of these genes increased in the style, indicating a spatial expression pattern different from that reported in classical Brassicaceae SSI systems. Together with cytological observations showing that self-pollen rejection occurs at the stigma surface, our results suggest that yellow passion fruit may employ an SSI-like regulatory framework while exhibiting a lineage-specific spatial deployment of SI-related regulators. Overall, this study provides new transcriptomic insights into the SI mechanism of yellow passion fruit, establishes a molecular framework for understanding SI in P. edulis f. flavicarpa, and offers novel insights into the diversity of plant SI systems. Full article

Melissopalynological analysis (the microscopic examination of pollen in honey) provides valuable information regarding both the geographic and botanical origins of honey. This study aims to verify the authenticity of different types of honey by assessing their claimed floral sources and, indirectly, locations. Twelve samples of various botanical origins were collected: from Romania (linden, black locust, rapeseed, hawthorn, mint, thyme, multifloral, pasture, manna), New Zealand (Manuka honey), Spain (chestnut honey), and Malaysia (Tualang honey). In the study, 16 botanical families were identified across the 12 types of honey analyzed. The frequency of botanical families shows that Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Brassicaceae are the most widespread. A moderate frequency was observed for Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae. Other families had a lower distribution, such as Myrtaceae and Ericaceae. Rapeseed honey was the most abundant monofloral honey type based on species level pollen dominance (96.86%), followed by chestnut honey (94.17%) and linden honey (84.45%). Meanwhile, thyme honey (52.84%) and mint honey (51.1%) had a specific pollen abundance just over 50% at the family level (Lamiaceae). Full article

Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing secondary metabolites predominantly found in Brassicaceae plants, which, upon enzymatic hydrolysis, generate bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties. These derivatives modulate key inflammatory pathways by inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and suppressing iNOS and COX-2 expressions. They also activate NRF2-dependent antioxidant defenses, upregulating enzymes such as HO-1 and NQO1, and regulate MMPs, contributing to tissue protection during chronic inflammation. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies consistently demonstrates their ability to attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress. Although approximately 137 glucosinolates have been identified, only about twelve have been investigated in detail regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of their derivatives, highlighting a significant gap in current knowledge and considerable potential for the discovery of new therapeutic compounds. In this context, a systematic survey was conducted of plant species reported in scientific literature as sources of glucosinolates, with particular emphasis on studies evaluating their extracts and fractions for anti-inflammatory potential in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Additionally, this review also aims to highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of glucosinolate-derived compounds, focusing on their modulation of the NF-κB and NRF2 signaling pathways and their ability to regulate matrix metalloproteinases. It also emphasizes that, despite the broad diversity of glucosinolates identified to date, only a limited number have been functionally investigated. By addressing this gap, and based on the systematic survey performed, this review underscores the need for further research to fully explore their therapeutic potential. Full article

This paper explores the role of the Taurus Mountains in shaping species differentiation and biogeographical regions, including distinct ecological zones at various altitudes. The genus Aethionema is a monophyletic group in tribe Aethionemeae, subfamily Aethionemoideae (Brassicaceae), a sister group to the rest of the family. Aethionema has significant taxonomic complexity, particularly in Türkiye, where the genus has the highest species diversity. In this study, four new species (Aethionema kadriyeae, A. uysalii, A. beysehirense, and A. ermenekense) are described based on morphological, palynological and phylogenetic analyses. The diagnoses, detailed descriptions, distribution maps, and illustrations of the new species are provided. Pollen and seed morphology, including detailed measurements of size, ornamentation, and shape, is given. Phylogenetic analyses using DNA sequences from nuclear region (ITS) and chloroplast region (rpl32-trnL^UAG) were conducted to determine the evolutionary relationships within the genus. Overall, this research provides new insights into the biodiversity and evolutionary history of Aethionema in Türkiye, highlighting the significance of the Taurus Mountains in supporting rich ecological diversity. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of agricultural soils poses a serious threat to crop productivity and food safety due to its high mobility, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. This study investigated the effects of increasing Cd levels on growth performance, physiological responses, Cd partitioning, mineral nutrient disruption, and Cd accumulation in four Brassicaceae crops (cress, watercress, broccoli, and white cabbage). Plants were grown in plastic pots filled with 4 kg of soil under controlled greenhouse conditions and exposed to five different Cd concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg kg⁻¹). Cd exposure significantly affected growth and physiological responses in a species-dependent manner. Compared to the control, shoot dry weight decreased by up to 66.4% in broccoli and 51.7% in cress at the highest Cd level, while white cabbage exhibited comparatively greater tolerance. Oxidative stress indicators showed contrasting patterns, with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) increasing by up to 8.8-fold, whereas proline and membrane permeability (MP) responses varied among species. Photosynthetic pigments declined in cress but increased in broccoli under high Cd conditions, suggesting differential adaptive strategies. Cd accumulated predominantly in roots; however, root retention capacity declined at elevated Cd concentrations (20–50 mg kg⁻¹ soil), leading to greater Cd translocation to shoots. Elevated translocation factors and shoot Cd distribution demonstrated that physiological tolerance did not necessarily limit Cd accumulation in edible tissues. Cd stress also induced notable imbalances in essential mineral nutrients, particularly potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn), reflecting strong Cd–nutrient interactions at uptake and transport levels. These nutrient disruptions not only exacerbated physiological stress responses but also reduced the nutritional quality of plant tissues. Notably, species maintaining relatively stable growth under moderate Cd exposure still accumulated substantial Cd concentrations in shoots, highlighting a critical disconnect between agronomic performance and food safety. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that Brassicaceae crops exhibit contrasting strategies in response to Cd stress, with significant implications for Cd entry into the food chain. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating physiological assessment with metal partitioning and nutrient balance analyses when evaluating crop suitability for cultivation in Cd-contaminated soils and for mitigating potential risks to human health. Full article