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18 pages, 11501 KiB  
Article
Comparative Chloroplast Genomics, Phylogenomics, and Divergence Times of Sassafras (Lauraceae)
by Zhiyuan Li, Yunyan Zhang, David Y. P. Tng, Qixun Chen, Yahong Wang, Yongjing Tian, Jingbo Zhou and Zhongsheng Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157357 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 221
Abstract
In the traditional classification system of the Lauraceae family based on morphology and anatomy, the phylogenetic position of the genus Sassafras has long been controversial. Chloroplast (cp) evolution of Sassafras has not yet been illuminated. In this study, we first sequenced and assembled [...] Read more.
In the traditional classification system of the Lauraceae family based on morphology and anatomy, the phylogenetic position of the genus Sassafras has long been controversial. Chloroplast (cp) evolution of Sassafras has not yet been illuminated. In this study, we first sequenced and assembled the complete cp genomes of Sassafras, and conducted the comparative cp genomics, phylogenomics, and divergence time estimation of this ecological and economic important genus. The whole length of cp genomes of the 10 Sassafras ranged from 151,970 bp to 154,011 bp with typical quadripartite structure, conserved gene arrangements and contents. Variations in length of cp were observed in the inverted repeat regions (IRs) and a relatively high usage frequency of codons ending with T/A was detected. Four hypervariable intergenic regions (ccsA-ndhD, trnH-psbA, rps15-ycf1, and petA-psbJ) and 672 cp microsatellites were identified for Sassafras. Phylogenetic analysis based on 106 cp genomes from 30 genera within the Lauraceae family demonstrated that Sassafras constituted a monophyletic clade and grouped a sister branch with the Cinnamomum sect. Camphora within the tribe Cinnamomeae. Divergence time between S. albidum and its East Asian siblings was estimated at the Middle Miocene (16.98 Mya), S. tzumu diverged from S. randaiense at the Pleistocene epoch (3.63 Mya). Combined with fossil evidence, our results further revealed the crucial role of the Bering Land Bridge and glacial refugia in the speciation and differentiation of Sassafras. Overall, our study clarified the evolution pattern of Sassafras cp genomes and elucidated the phylogenetic position and divergence time framework of Sassafras. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
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22 pages, 4619 KiB  
Article
Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Regulatory Mechanisms of Adventitious Root Formation in In Vitro Culture of Cinnamomum camphora
by Yuntong Zhang, Ting Zhang, Yongjie Zheng, Jun Wang, Chenglin Luo, Yuhua Li and Xinliang Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157264 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Cinnamomum camphora is an ecologically and economically significant species, highly valued for its essential oil production and environmental benefits. Although a tissue culture system has been established for C. camphora, large-scale propagation remains limited due to the inconsistent formation of adventitious roots [...] Read more.
Cinnamomum camphora is an ecologically and economically significant species, highly valued for its essential oil production and environmental benefits. Although a tissue culture system has been established for C. camphora, large-scale propagation remains limited due to the inconsistent formation of adventitious roots (ARs). This study investigated AR formation from callus tissue, focusing on associated physiological changes and gene expression dynamics. During AR induction, contents of soluble sugars and proteins decreased, alongside reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) decreased significantly throughout AR formation. Zeatin riboside (ZR) levels initially declined and then rose, whereas gibberellic acid (GA) levels displayed the opposite trend. Comparative transcriptomic and temporal expression analyses identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were grouped into four distinct expression patterns. KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that 67 DEGs are involved in plant hormone signaling pathways and that 38 DEGs are involved in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway. Additionally, protein–protein interaction network (PPI) analysis revealed ten key regulatory genes, which are mainly involved in auxin, cytokinin, GA, ABA, and ethylene signaling pathways. The reliability of the transcriptome data was further validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Overall, this study provides new insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying AR formation in C. camphora and offers valuable guidance for optimizing tissue culture systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Phytohormone Signaling in Plants)
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15 pages, 845 KiB  
Article
Aboveground and Belowground Input Effects on Soil Health in Urban Camphor Tree Forests
by Xuejia Huang, Yuanying Peng, Wende Yan, Tianyi Yan, Xiaocui Liang, Junjie Lei, Xiaoyong Chen and Yaqin Qi
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6358; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146358 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 237
Abstract
Urban forests provide essential ecosystem services, including improving soil health, sequestering carbon (C), and supporting biodiversity. However, the effects of anthropogenic litter and root management on soil biogeochemical processes in urban environments remain poorly understood. This study applied the Detritus Inputs and Removal [...] Read more.
Urban forests provide essential ecosystem services, including improving soil health, sequestering carbon (C), and supporting biodiversity. However, the effects of anthropogenic litter and root management on soil biogeochemical processes in urban environments remain poorly understood. This study applied the Detritus Inputs and Removal Treatment (DIRT) framework to examine how aboveground and belowground organic inputs influence soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), soil water content (SWC), and enzymatic activities in subtropical urban camphor tree forests in China. Six treatments were implemented: litter removal (LR), litter addition (LA), root exclusion (RE), combined litter and root removal (LR + RE), combined litter addition and root exclusion (LA + RE), and an undisturbed litter control (LC). The results showed that the LA treatment significantly enhanced SOC, TN, SWC, and key soil enzyme activities (protease, catalase, and urease) compared to the LC, highlighting the crucial role of litter in enhancing soil fertility and microbial functioning. These elevated enzyme activities suggest intensified microbial nutrient cycling and metabolic activity in response to organic matter inputs. In contrast, the combined LR + RE treatment reduced SOC and enzyme activities but unexpectedly increased TN, indicating disrupted nutrient cycling, possibly due to accelerated microbial nitrogen mineralization and decomposition of existing soil organic matter in the absence of fresh carbon inputs. The LA treatment also showed the highest carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, reflecting a carbon-enriched environment that may favor long-term carbon stabilization. Additionally, SWC was most improved under the LA + RE treatment, suggesting its potential for enhancing soil moisture retention in urban settings. These findings underscore the complementary roles of litter and root inputs in maintaining soil health and biogeochemical balance in urban forests. The study provides insights into enzyme-mediated soil processes under varying organic input regimes and highlights the value of targeted organic matter management to enhance urban ecosystem services. Full article
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21 pages, 2314 KiB  
Article
Urea Fertilization Buffered Acid-Inhibiting Effect on Litter Decomposition in Subtropical Plantation Forests of Southern China
by Yonghui Lin, Xiangshi Kong, Zaihua He and Xingbing He
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071110 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Acid deposition, a major environmental issue causing soil acidification and microbial suppression, impacts forest nutrient cycling. Meanwhile, nitrogen (N) fertilization is widely applied in subtropical forests, yet its interaction with acid deposition on litter decomposition is unclear. We conducted a field experiment using [...] Read more.
Acid deposition, a major environmental issue causing soil acidification and microbial suppression, impacts forest nutrient cycling. Meanwhile, nitrogen (N) fertilization is widely applied in subtropical forests, yet its interaction with acid deposition on litter decomposition is unclear. We conducted a field experiment using two common tree species, Cunninghamia lanceolata and Cinnamomum camphora, and applied three acid deposition levels (0, 0.25, and 0.50 g H+ m−2 month−1) and four N fertilization levels (0, 3, 6, and 9 g N m−2 year−1) in a factorial design. Our results showed that acid deposition alone significantly reduced litter decomposition rates, with maximum mass loss decreasing by 23.6% for Cunninghamia and 36.3% for Cinnamomum (p < 0.05). Urea fertilization alone also suppressed decomposition, reducing maximum mass loss by 27.3% for Cunninghamia and 37.3% for Cinnamomum (p < 0.05). However, when combined, urea fertilization mitigated the suppressive effect of acid deposition, particularly under severe acid conditions, where maximum mass loss increased by 18.5% for Cunninghamia and 43.1% for Cinnamomum (p < 0.05). Acid deposition reduced microbial respiration and enzyme activities related to carbon cycling, while urea fertilization showed both positive and negative effects depending on the acid levels (p < 0.05). Urea can enhance the litter layer’s acid-buffering capacity, offering potential management insights for acid deposition-affected forests. Further research on microbial mechanisms across ecosystems is recommended. Full article
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20 pages, 4826 KiB  
Article
The Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol Essential Oil In Vitro
by Shanshan Xiao, Hang Yu, Yahui Guo, Yuliang Cheng and Weirong Yao
Plants 2025, 14(12), 1880; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121880 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 748
Abstract
Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol essential oil (BEO, 16.4% borneol) is a by-product obtained during the steam distillation process used to produce natural crystalline borneol (NCB, 98.4% purity). This study aimed to compare the antibacterial activity of BEO and NCB against Staphylococcus epidermidis, [...] Read more.
Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol essential oil (BEO, 16.4% borneol) is a by-product obtained during the steam distillation process used to produce natural crystalline borneol (NCB, 98.4% purity). This study aimed to compare the antibacterial activity of BEO and NCB against Staphylococcus epidermidis, and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of BEO in vitro. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), determined by broth microdilution, were identical for both BEO and NCB (0.5 mg/mL). Despite this, BEO exhibited stronger antibacterial activity, suggesting synergistic enhancement by other components. Mechanistic studies revealed that BEO disrupted the bacterial cell wall, causing leakage of nucleic acids and proteins, and ultimately bacterial death. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, BEO dose-dependently reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (r = −0.9847, −0.9456, −0.9315). Network pharmacology, combined with primary and secondary factor analysis, was employed to identify anti-inflammatory pathways and key active compounds. Borneol contributed over 50% to the anti-inflammatory effect, followed by β-caryophyllene, limonene, camphor, and γ-terpinene. These findings highlight the potential enhanced bioactivity of BEO due to multi-component synergy. Full article
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18 pages, 4242 KiB  
Article
Edible Safety Evaluation of Cinnamomum camphora Seed Kernel Oil: Sub-Chronic Toxicity and Teratogenicity Assessments
by Xianghui Yan, Ting Peng, Zheling Zeng, Pengbo Wang, Yifang Gao, Xuefang Wen, Jiaheng Xia, Deming Gong and Ping Yu
Foods 2025, 14(12), 2116; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14122116 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are regarded as an important ingredient for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel oil (CCSKO) contains more than 95% medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which is a significantly higher level than palm kernel oil (62%) and coconut [...] Read more.
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are regarded as an important ingredient for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel oil (CCSKO) contains more than 95% medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which is a significantly higher level than palm kernel oil (62%) and coconut oil (55%). However, the safety assessment of CCSKO, as the only natural MCT oil rich in capric acid and lauric acid found so far in the world, has not been fully verified. The study aimed to investigate the 90-day sub-chronic oral toxicity and teratogenicity of CCSKO. In the sub-chronic oral toxicity study, no clinically significant adverse events occurred in male or female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with CCSKO daily administration for 13 weeks. Moreover, there were no dose–response relationships between CCSKO and body-weight gain, food intake and food utilization in male or female SD rats. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the hematological properties or organ weights between the male and female SD rats. In the teratogenicity test, no toxicological signs were observed in either Wister pregnant rats or fetuses. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of CCSKO was determined to be more than 4 mL/kg body weight. These results suggested that CCSKO may be an excellent edible oil with high oral safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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14 pages, 1653 KiB  
Article
Threshold Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization Rates on Growth and Essential Oil Yield with Component Regulation in Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera
by Zhirong Liu, Xinyi Chen, Jiao Zhao, Luyuan Sun, Jian Guo, Yangyang Shao, Jia Liu, Lei Zhong, Haiyan Zhang, Yanbo Wang and Jie Zhang
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1387; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061387 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 469
Abstract
The determination of an optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization rate is critical for the sustainable large-scale cultivation of Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera for essential oil production. Both suboptimal and excessive nitrogen inputs can adversely affect plant sustainable development and essential oil biosynthesis, underscoring the [...] Read more.
The determination of an optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization rate is critical for the sustainable large-scale cultivation of Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera for essential oil production. Both suboptimal and excessive nitrogen inputs can adversely affect plant sustainable development and essential oil biosynthesis, underscoring the necessity of precise nutrient management. This study investigated the effects of five N application rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg·hm−2) on vegetative growth, essential oil yield, and quality. Growth parameters, including plant height, basal diameter, specific leaf area (SLA), and essential oil yield and yield rate. Oil composition was characterized via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The application of 90 kg·hm−2 N significantly enhanced plant height (74.31%), basal diameter (54.95%), SLA (20.91%), and biomass (181.8%) relative to the nitrogen-free control. Nitrogen uptake was concentrated in foliar tissues, accounting for 82.8% of total plant nitrogen accumulation. This fertilization rate also maximized essential oil yield (9.15 g·plant−1) and yield rate (2.44%), reflecting increases of 178.9% and 24.49%, respectively. Linalool was the predominant oil constituent (89.84–91.81%), with its highest concentration observed at the 90 kg·hm−2 treatment. At this rate, the relative abundance of oxygenated compounds increased by 0.97%, while hydrocarbon content decreased by 0.62%, indicating a qualitative improvement in oil composition. The findings reveal a threshold response to nitrogen input, wherein rates exceeding 90 kg·hm−2 did not confer further benefits and may reduce efficiency. Collectively, these results suggest that a nitrogen application rate of 90 kg·hm−2 optimally enhances vegetative growth, nitrogen assimilation, and both the quantitative and qualitative traits of essential oils in C. camphora var. linaloolifera. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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19 pages, 4269 KiB  
Article
Ecological Stoichiometry Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in Green Spaces Along the Urban-to-Rural Gradient of Nanchang, China
by Juan Wang, Qingpei Yang, Ting Zhou, Zhanhong Wang and Benfeng Yu
Forests 2025, 16(4), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040644 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 452
Abstract
Analyzing the soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content, along with their stoichiometric ratios across different urban-rural gradients, can offer essential insights into enhancing soil quality and the sustainable management of urban green space ecosystems. This study focused on Nanchang, China, examining two typical [...] Read more.
Analyzing the soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content, along with their stoichiometric ratios across different urban-rural gradients, can offer essential insights into enhancing soil quality and the sustainable management of urban green space ecosystems. This study focused on Nanchang, China, examining two typical urban forest types (Pinus massoniana forests and Camphora officinarum forests), two typical urban wetlands types (river wetlands and pond wetlands), as well as urban natural and artificial grasslands. It analyzed the distribution characteristics of organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and their stoichiometric ratios along the “urban-suburban-rural” gradients in surface (0–20 cm) and deep (20–40 cm) soil. The results indicated that in the deep soil of Pinus massoniana forests, rural areas exhibited significantly higher SOC content compared to suburban areas. In the surface soil of Camphora officinarum forests, the TN content and N:P were significantly greater in urban areas compared to rural areas (p < 0.05). Both soil layers in river wetlands showed significantly higher soil TN levels in urban areas compared to rural areas. Additionally, in the deep soil of pond wetlands, urban areas showed significantly greater TN content, C:P, and N:P, compared to rural areas (p < 0.05). For natural grasslands, soil C:N was significantly more in suburban and rural areas than in urban areas for both soil layers. In artificial grasslands, the SOC content in deep soil was significantly greater in rural areas compared to urban areas (p < 0.05). In the deep soil of suburban areas, soil TP content in Camphora officinarum forests was highly significantly greater than that in Pinus massoniana forests (p < 0.01). The SOC, TN content, and C:P were considerably higher in pond wetlands compared to river wetlands (p < 0.05). The SOC content of natural grasslands was significantly higher compared to artificial grasslands (p < 0.05). Nitrate nitrogen was highly significantly and positively correlated with soil N:P in the deep soil of Pinus massoniana forests (p < 0.01), and soil pH was highly significantly and negatively correlated with soil N:P in the surface soil of pond wetlands (p < 0.01). The urbanization process has altered the SOC, TN, and TP nutrient status to some extent, exacerbating the imbalance of nutrient elements in green space soils along the “urban-suburban-rural” gradients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest and Urban Green Space Ecosystem Services and Management)
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18 pages, 4297 KiB  
Article
Species-Specific Effects of Litter Management on Soil Respiration Dynamics in Urban Green Spaces: Implications for Carbon Cycling and Climate Regulation
by Qinqin Lin, Qiaoyun Wu, Can Chen, Han Lin, Anqiang Xie, Chuanyang Jiang and Xinhui Xia
Forests 2025, 16(4), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040642 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
The disposal of urban tree litter as waste has significant implications for material cycles, energy flows, and global climate change within urban ecosystems. However, the species-specific contributions of urban trees to atmospheric CO2 emissions through soil respiration (RS) remain [...] Read more.
The disposal of urban tree litter as waste has significant implications for material cycles, energy flows, and global climate change within urban ecosystems. However, the species-specific contributions of urban trees to atmospheric CO2 emissions through soil respiration (RS) remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of litter management on RS dynamics in urban green spaces, focusing on six common species (Mangifera indica, Ficus microcarpa, Cinnamomum camphora, Bauhinia purpurea, Triadica sebifera, and Celtis sinensis) in Fuzhou, China. Three litter treatments—litter retention (CK), litter removal (RL), and litter doubling (DL)—were established to monitor monthly RS fluctuations. Results indicate that DL significantly increased RS rates, while RL reduced them. The increase in RS due to litter addition was more pronounced than the decrease caused by litter removal for most species. RS rates exhibited a unimodal seasonal pattern, peaking in summer. Furthermore, litter treatments influenced the temperature sensitivity coefficient (Q10), with F. microcarpa showing the highest average Q10 (4.16) and M. indica the lowest (1.88). This study underscores the critical role of litter input in modulating RS in urban green spaces and highlights the joint but asymmetric effects of soil temperature and moisture on RS dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Urban Forestry)
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19 pages, 4421 KiB  
Article
Variations in Leaf Photosynthesis and Its Limitations at Different Canopy Positions in Mature Camphor Trees
by Hanbing Leng, Lingyan Zhou and Wei Yan
Forests 2025, 16(4), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040581 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
Urban forests play important roles in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. However, their adaptive mechanisms and limitations on photosynthesis throughout the canopy are poorly understood. This study takes the most widely distributed 50-year-old camphor plantations (Cinnamomum camphora) in Shanghai as [...] Read more.
Urban forests play important roles in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. However, their adaptive mechanisms and limitations on photosynthesis throughout the canopy are poorly understood. This study takes the most widely distributed 50-year-old camphor plantations (Cinnamomum camphora) in Shanghai as the research objects. We investigated the variations in leaf morphology and photosynthetic physiology and biochemistry at six different canopy positions during a summer and an autumn period. We discovered that on account of leaf nitrogen loss and water deficit, light-saturated photosynthesis (Amax) declined in upper sunlit leaves despite being exposed to high sunlight in the same fashion as stomatal and mesophyll conductance (gsw, gm), photochemical quenching coefficient and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII, qP), and maximum rate of electron transport and carboxylation (Jmax, Vcmax) during the growing season. Although seasonal change had little effect on Amax, the relative importance of limitations varied temporally. Mesophyll and biochemical limitation were the major contributors to the decline in the Amax in upper sunlit leaves between summer and autumn, respectively. Our study highlights the constraints of carbon fixation capacity in dense stands of mature camphor trees and offers technical support for the accurate prediction of canopy photosynthesis and the enhancement of carbon sequestration management in urban forests. Full article
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18 pages, 3472 KiB  
Article
The Mining of Candidate Genes Involved in the Camphor Biosynthesis Pathway of Cinnamomum camphora
by Yan Yang, Shengcai Zhou, Mingyang Ni, Yuting Zhang, Shixiong Lin, Junhong Zhang and Zaikang Tong
Plants 2025, 14(7), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14070991 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
Cinnamomum camphora is widely cultivated for its camphor in essential oil (EO), which is used in pharmaceutical industries. However, the candidate genes for the camphor biosynthesis pathway are unknown. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify differences in the composition of camphor- [...] Read more.
Cinnamomum camphora is widely cultivated for its camphor in essential oil (EO), which is used in pharmaceutical industries. However, the candidate genes for the camphor biosynthesis pathway are unknown. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify differences in the composition of camphor- and linalool-type camphor EOs and in conjunction with transcriptional analysis to identify terpene biosynthesis-related genes. The GC-MS analysis of C. camphora revealed 67 chemical components, including 32 monoterpenes and 35 sesquiterpenes, with camphor-type leaves dominated by camphor and linalool-type leaves by linalool. Transcriptome analysis revealed 6499 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between camphor- and linalool-type C. camphora, with 4244 upregulated and 2255 downregulated in the camphor-type. GO enrichment highlighted DEGs involved in monoterpene biosynthesis, cell wall organization, and membrane-related processes. KEGG analysis identified pathways such as monoterpenoid, diterpenoid, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as significantly enriched. Furthermore, DEGs encoding TPS, dehydrogenases, and transcription factors, which might contribute to the terpenoid diversity in C. camphora, were identified. Twenty-one candidate genes involved in the camphor biosynthesis pathway were identified, providing a foundation for further elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying camphor production in C. camphora. Full article
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18 pages, 2403 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Acid Rain and Understory Vegetation Removal on the Biological Activity of the Soils of the Cinnamomum camphora (Linn) Presl Plantation
by Zaihua He, Yini Liu, Yonghui Lin, Xiangshi Kong, Hong Lin and Xingbing He
Forests 2025, 16(3), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030525 - 16 Mar 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
Acid rain and understory vegetation removal are critical drivers altering soil ecosystem alterations. However, the mechanisms by which these factors influence soil moisture dynamics, nutrient availability, and microbially mediated enzyme activities remain insufficiently elucidated. This study investigated the impacts of simulated acid rain [...] Read more.
Acid rain and understory vegetation removal are critical drivers altering soil ecosystem alterations. However, the mechanisms by which these factors influence soil moisture dynamics, nutrient availability, and microbially mediated enzyme activities remain insufficiently elucidated. This study investigated the impacts of simulated acid rain and understory vegetation removal on soil properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community in a subtropical Cinnamomum camphor (Linn) Presl plantation. The results indicated that acid rain and understory vegetation removal significantly decreased the soil organic carbon (SOC) while concurrently elevating the C-acquiring enzyme activities and microbial C limitation. Understory vegetation removal markedly reduced the soil moisture, nutrient availability, and N- and P-acquiring enzyme activities. Additionally, acid rain increased the bacterial diversity, but the understory vegetation removal increased the fungal diversity. Moreover, both acid rain and understory vegetation removal enhanced the bacterial community deterministic processes and destabilized the community by shifting generalists toward specialists, but had no significant effect on the fungal community structure. Partial least squares path modeling revealed that the bacterial stability loss intensified the C limitation, while the fungal stability regulated the P limitation. Collectively, the findings highlighted the critical role of understory vegetation in buffering the soil microclimate and nutrient cycling, and demonstrated that bacterial communities are more responsive to acid rain and understory vegetation removal than fungal communities. This study provides insights into the mechanisms by which anthropogenic disturbances alter soil ecological functions in subtropical plantations, emphasizing the need for integrated forest management strategies to conserve and manage soil ecosystems in subtropical plantations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Does Forest Management Affect Soil Dynamics?)
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14 pages, 10909 KiB  
Article
Impact of Backpack LiDAR Scan Routes on Diameter at Breast Height Estimation in Forests
by Longwei Li, Linjia Wei, Nan Li, Shijun Zhang, Mengyi Hu and Jing Ma
Forests 2025, 16(3), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030527 - 16 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 459
Abstract
Forest resource surveys are of vital importance for grasping the current status of forest resources, formulating management strategies, and evaluating ecosystem functions. Traditional manual measurement methods have numerous limitations in complex forest environments. The emergence of LiDAR technology has provided a new approach. [...] Read more.
Forest resource surveys are of vital importance for grasping the current status of forest resources, formulating management strategies, and evaluating ecosystem functions. Traditional manual measurement methods have numerous limitations in complex forest environments. The emergence of LiDAR technology has provided a new approach. Backpack LiDAR has been increasingly applied due to its portability and flexibility. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the influence of different scanning routes on data quality and analysis results. In this study, forest plots of four tree species, namely Carya cathayensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Koelreuteria bipinnata, and Quercus acutissima in Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, were selected as the research objects. Six scanning routes were designed to collect point cloud data using backpack LiDAR. After preprocessing, including denoising and ground point classification, diameter at breast height (DBH) fitting and accuracy evaluation were carried out. The results indicated that the individual tree recognition rates of C. cathayensis, C. camphora, and K. bipinnata reached 100%, while that of Q. acutissima was between 64.71% and 78.07% and was significantly affected by the scanning route. The DBH fitting accuracy of each tree species varied among different routes. For example, C. cathayensis had high accuracy in routes 1 and 6, and C. camphora had high accuracy in routes 1 and 3. Tree species characteristics, scanning routes, and data processing methods jointly affected the DBH fitting accuracy. This study provides a basis for the application of backpack LiDAR in forest resource surveys. Although backpack LiDAR has advantages, it is still necessary to optimize data acquisition schemes targeting tree species characteristics and improve point cloud data processing algorithms to promote its in-depth application in the forestry field. Full article
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17 pages, 3135 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Key Genes Underlying Cold Stress Responses in Camphora
by Bowen Shi, Linlin Zheng, Yifeng Wang and Qirui Wang
Life 2025, 15(2), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020319 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 642
Abstract
The genus Camphora encompasses species of significant ecological and economic importance, such as C. parthenoxylon and C. officinarum, which exhibit distinct phenotypic traits and stress responses. This study seeks to elucidate the molecular basis of cold tolerance through comparative transcriptomic analysis complemented [...] Read more.
The genus Camphora encompasses species of significant ecological and economic importance, such as C. parthenoxylon and C. officinarum, which exhibit distinct phenotypic traits and stress responses. This study seeks to elucidate the molecular basis of cold tolerance through comparative transcriptomic analysis complemented by physiological characterization. RNA sequencing revealed 6123 differentially expressed genes between the two species, with enriched pathways related to cold stress, oxidative stress, carotenoid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis. Key genes, such as annexin D5, chlorophyll a/b-binding protein, early light-induced protein 1, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, were identified as critical regulators of frost resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, and carotenoid biosynthesis. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted the involvement of signal transduction, membrane stabilization, and secondary metabolism in adaptive responses. Physiological assays supported these findings, showing higher chlorophyll and carotenoid content and enhanced antioxidative enzyme activities in C. parthenoxylon. These results provide valuable insights into the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in Camphora species and offer promising targets for enhancing resilience in economically valuable plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)
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18 pages, 14560 KiB  
Article
Potential Distribution and Response of Camphora longepaniculata Gamble (Lauraceae) to Climate Change in China
by Yanzhao Zhu, Hanzhi Zhao, Yidi Liu, Minghui Zhu, Zitong Wan, Yujie Yan, Xiaoying Wang, Ya Xiang, Shanshan Gao, Chenlong Jiang, Yingying Zhang and Gang Zhao
Forests 2025, 16(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020338 - 14 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 875
Abstract
Camphora longepaniculata is an endangered evergreen tree listed as National Class II Protected Tree Species in China, highly valued for its medicinal and economic importance. Currently, research on this species has primarily focused on its pharmaceutical properties, while its potential distribution and responses [...] Read more.
Camphora longepaniculata is an endangered evergreen tree listed as National Class II Protected Tree Species in China, highly valued for its medicinal and economic importance. Currently, research on this species has primarily focused on its pharmaceutical properties, while its potential distribution and responses to climate change remain insufficiently explored. In this study, 36 valid occurrence records and 11 environmental variables were utilized to predict its potential distribution and assess its response to future climate scenarios. The MaxEnt model revealed that the current distribution of C. longepaniculata largely aligns with its predicted suitable habitats, with the primary range located in Sichuan Province. Furthermore, this model identified the highly suitable habitats to be predominantly concentrated in Sichuan and Shaanxi Provinces under climate change. Among the environmental variables, annual precipitation (bio12), minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), and elevation (dem) were the most influential, collectively contributing over 70% to the model’s predictive accuracy. Future climate projections compared to the current distribution suggest a northward expansion of suitable habitats for C. longepaniculata, although Sichuan Province is predicted to remain the core habitat under future scenarios. Kernel density analysis of occurrence points indicated that the largest concentration of distribution points is near the Sichuan Basin, reinforcing the importance of this region as a stronghold for the species. Based on the results of potential distribution and kernel density analysis, in situ conservation, artificial cultivation, and the establishment of wild protected areas and local germplasm banks are recommended for stable, suitable habitats, such as Sichuan Province and parts of Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces. This study not only sheds light on the potential geographical distribution of C. longepaniculata and its response to climate change but also provides a scientific basis for the development of targeted conservation strategies for this species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Responses of Trees and Forests to Climate Change)
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