Search Results (1,068)

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an economically valuable crop worldwide including in the United States due to its nutritional benefits in human health and widespread use as a spice or vegetable. Although numerous viruses have been reported infecting peppers in the USA, little is known about the diversity and distribution of pepper-infecting viruses in Oklahoma. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive pepper virome study to identify viruses infecting pepper and their incidence across six different counties in Oklahoma. A total of 310 plant samples including pepper and other potential hosts were collected during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. Samples were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and/or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Viral contigs identified via HTS were further validated through RT-PCR or PCR assays followed by Sanger sequencing. In total, 17 distinct viruses were detected, including 15 RNA and two DNA viruses, with several representing putatively novel findings. The most prevalent virus was beet curly top virus (BCTV), followed by tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), potato yellow dwarf virus/constricta yellow dwarf virus (PYDV/CYDV), and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). Virus incidence varied by season and location, with some surveys showing infection rates exceeding 80%. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of the pepper virome in Oklahoma and valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of pepper-infecting viruses. These findings will support the development of informed, targeted strategies for virus detection and management in pepper production systems. Full article

Understory vegetation, particularly dwarf bamboo, plays a crucial role in regulating forest nutrient cycles by intercepting litter and altering decomposition processes, yet its overall impacts remain understudied and insufficiently quantified. This study employs a combination of field surveys and decomposition bag experiments to investigate how understory dwarf bamboo (Fargesia decurvata) alters the spatial–temporal patterns of leaf litter production and decomposition. We found that the dwarf bamboo intercepted more than 25% of canopy litterfall, altering its spatial distribution and reducing decomposition efficiency in the bamboo crown (BC). Leaf trait-decomposition relationships differed strongly across habitats, being positive for saturated fresh weight (SFW), leaf thickness (LFT), and leaf area (LA) and dry weight (DW) in bamboo habitats but weaker in the bamboo-free habitat (NB). Potassium release was significantly higher in the BC treatment, whereas carbon release showed the opposite trend. In contrast, nitrogen and phosphorus exhibited net enrichment across all treatments, with phosphorus enrichment being slower in BC than in bamboo-covered ground surface (BG) and NB. Our results demonstrate that the understory dwarf bamboo reshapes the spatial distribution of litter and nutrient release dynamics during decomposition, resulting in element-specific nutrient release patterns. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how understory dwarf bamboo mediates nutrient cycling dynamics in forest communities. Full article

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is an herbaceous, evergreen, dwarf shrub of the genus Vaccinium in the family Ericaceae, often used as a functional food. Cranberries are primarily distributed in the northern United States—including Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Maine—as well as in Quebec, Canada; the state of Columbia; Chile in South America; and northeastern Europe. They are also found in China’s Greater Khingan Range and Fuyuan City, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province. The plants thrive in cool environments and exhibit considerable adaptability to soil conditions, preferring acidic soils. Cranberries are rich in a variety of biologically active components, such as polyphenols (proanthocyanidins, chlorogenic acid, flavonols, anthocyanins, caffeic acid, etc.), triterpenoids, and other nutrients. Studies have shown that the chemical components extracted from cranberry fruit have pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and urinary tract infection prevention and treatment, and are commonly used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the prevention of urinary tract infections, blood pressure lowering, and the fight against Helicobacter pylori, among other clinical diseases. Cranberries also play a huge role in daily nutrition, and they are named for their richness in a variety of mineral elements, trace elements and vitamins. This work uses information from Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and related papers. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological mechanism of action, clinical application value and nutritional significance of cranberry was conducted in recent years to provide references for the further extraction of chemical components in cranberry and rational clinical application, which can help to guide people to rationalize their diets and promote the formation of healthy diets. Full article

Viral diseases pose a significant threat to lily (Lilium spp.) cultivation; however, large-scale assessments of virus prevalence and diversity in South Korea are limited. This study combined RT-PCR surveys, high-throughput sequencing (HTS), and analyses of 48 lily hybrid transcriptomes to characterize the lily virome. RT-PCR screening of 100 samples from 13 regions showed that 87% were infected, primarily with lily mottle virus (LMoV, 65%), Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV, 34%), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, 34%), and lily symptomless virus (LSV, 25%). Mixed infections were approximately twice as frequent as single infections and were associated with greater symptom severity, particularly in triple-virus combinations. High-throughput sequencing expanded detection to six viruses, including milk vetch dwarf virus (MDV) and lily virus B (LVB), the latter confirmed as a variant of strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV). Near-complete genomes of several viruses were assembled and validated through RT-PCR. Transcriptome mining identified eight virus species across 26 cultivars; PlAMV was the most common, and viral loads varied significantly among hybrids. Phylogenetic analyses revealed close relationships between Korean and Chinese isolates and host-related clustering in PlAMV. These findings highlight the complexity of lily viromes in South Korea and provide essential resources for diagnostics, disease management, and biosecurity. Full article

Plants of the genus Lavandula are widely studied for their pharmaceutical and food relevance. The composition of lavender essential oil is primarily genotype-dependent but also influenced by environment, developmental stage, and morphology. This study assessed biomass, morphology, oil yield, and chemical composition of seven cultivars (L. angustifolia Boston Blue, L. angustifolia Dwarf Blue, L. Abrialis, L. Super A, L. Super Z, L. Maime, and L. sumiens) cultivated in Tuscany (Italy) over two growing seasons years (2019–2020 and 2020–2021) at two sites (IT and VR). Most morphological traits were significantly affected by cultivar, site, and year, with IT and lavandin cultivars outperforming VR and true lavender. Cultivar strongly influenced compound concentrations, confirming genetic control. True lavender oils showed distinctive profiles compared to ISO 3515:2002/Cor 1:2004 and the literature: lower linalool (~12.8% vs. 25–38%), higher linalyl acetate (~22.7% vs. 25–45%), negligible camphor (~0%), and very low 1,8-cineole (0.7%). Lavandin oils matched ISO 8902:2009 and the literature for major compounds (1,8-cineole 7%, camphor 8.9%, and linalool 23.4%), except for linalyl acetate (14.2%), below the standard range (20–38%). Overall, cultivar choice significantly shaped essential oil yield and chemical profiles, highlighting genetic and environmental interactions that are crucial for lavender breeding and industrial applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Chinese dwarf cherry (Cerasus humilis) is an endemic shrub fruit tree species in China. Its fruit is flavorful, nutrient-rich, and has considerable research and utilization potential. However, most currently cultivated varieties of C. humilis are highly acidic and primarily used for processing. Consumer-preferred, low-acid, fresh-eating varieties are scarce, limiting industrial development. We used 208 F₁ individuals derived from a cross between high-acid “Nongda 4” and the low-acid “DS-1”. Methods: Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) was used to develop single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and construct a high-density genetic linkage map. Using two years of fruit titratable acidity phenotypic data, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and candidate gene screening were performed. Results: The genetic map contained 2491 SNP markers, assigned to eight linkage groups. The total genetic distance was 672.71 cm, with an average distance of 0.27 cm between markers, indicating high map quality. QTL mapping identified 18 loci associated with fruit titratable acidity, including 11 major-effect QTLs (logarithm of odds, LOD ≥ 3.5). These major-effect QTLs were concentrated on linkage groups LG2 and LG5, with an explained phenotypic variation of 8.6–31.13%. Two candidate genes were identified within QTL intervals: phosphoester phosphatase and MATE transmembrane transporter. The phosphatase gene’s expression showed a strong correlation with titratable acid content (p < 0.01, correlation coefficient 0.93), suggesting that it plays an important role regulating fruit acidity in C. humilis. Conclusions: This study supports marker-assisted breeding of low-acid, fresh-eating varieties, aiding commercial promotion of C. humilis. Full article

Three isoenergy diets with different crude protein (CP) levels (H = 175, M = 173, and L = 165 g/kg, as is), were fed to 117 sex balanced rabbits (coloured dwarf breed) from 28 to 45 weeks of age. Feed intake, body weight, and fatness were unaffected by the dietary treatment. By reducing dietary CP content, rabbits in group L had a significantly reduced proportion of digestible protein (DP) relative to maintenance requirements compared to group H; p < 0.001), but still exceeding their DP needs. The initial body weight of females was significantly greater than that of males, a difference maintained throughout the study period. Males consumed more feed than females (86.0 vs. 75.2 g/d, p < 0.001) and at 45th week, the skin fold width of males was higher than that of females (p < 0.001). DP balance remained positive in both sexes but was higher in males than females (+3.37 vs. +2.50 g DP/d; p < 0.001). Contrarily, the energy balance was positive in males (+57.9 kJ DE/d) and negative in females (−20.3 kJ DE/d). In conclusion, a dietary CP level of 165 g/kg is considered adequate for adult companion rabbits at maintenance. It is therefore advisable to diversify diets by sex to better meet their nutritional requirements. Full article

JmjC domain proteins play crucial roles in plant growth and development, regulation of epigenetic processes, flowering control, and stress defence. However, these proteins have not been systematically identified or characterised in tomato. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification of JmjC domain-containing genes (JMJ family) in tomato and identified 23 SlJMJ genes within the tomato genome. Expression analysis indicated that SlJMJ15 was responsive to drought stress, prompting us to investigate its functional role in tomato plants. We found that SlJMJ15-RNAi lines displayed a severe dwarf phenotype, whereas SlJMJ15-overexpression lines exhibited increased drought sensitivity compared to wild-type plants, indicating that SlJMJ15 negatively regulates drought tolerance in tomatoes. Further investigation suggests that SlJMJ15 may reduce drought tolerance in tomatoes by modulating the expression of key genes involved in abscisic acid signalling pathways through its demethylation activity. This study deepens our understanding of the roles of SlJMJ family genes in tomato growth and abiotic stress responses, laying the foundation for developing strategies to improve drought stress tolerance in tomatoes. Full article

We compare the observational properties of rotation-powered binary millisecond pulsars (BMSPs) in the Galactic Field with various companion types. First, BMSPs with diverse companion types exhibit different properties in the relation of binary orbital period versus companion mass, and in the spin period distribution of neutron stars (NSs), etc., implying multiple origins of BMSPs. Second, BMSPs with companions of CO/ONeMg white dwarfs (CO-BMSPs) show fewer sources than those with companions of Helium white dwarfs (He-BMSPs), which may result from the different evolutionary histories or accretion efficiencies in their progenitors. Third, BMSPs with main-sequence companions (MS-BMSPs) and ultra-light companions or planets (UL-BMSPs) are mostly eclipsing sources that are detected in both radio and $\gamma$-ray bands (i.e., radio+$\gamma$ sources), implying that they may be younger systems and share a faster average spin period and higher average accretion rate than CO-BMSPs/He-BMSPs. We propose that the predecessors of MS-BMSPs may share a short binary orbital distance with low-mass companion stars of $M_{\mathrm{c}}\sim 0.5$–$0.8{\mathrm{M}}_{\odot }$, which induces an efficient binary accretion process, and ultimately leaves a BMSP with a main-sequence companion due to the low efficiency of its hydrogen burning. Lastly, radio+$\gamma$ He-BMSPs share a faster average spin period of NSs than radio-only He-BMSPs. Meanwhile, these two groups of sources share similar companion mass distributions, implying the $\gamma$-ray evaporation effect may not obviously strip the companion mass of He-BMSPs during ∼0.3 Gyr, which may be due to the strong gravitational potential energy of the white dwarf companions. Full article

Introduced salmonids are a major threat to New Zealand’s non-migratory galaxiids, yet evidence for predator-driven habitat shifts remains limited. We experimentally tested whether dwarf galaxiids (Galaxias divergens) altered habitat use in response to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) presence or odour. Two habitat contrasts were offered: coarse versus fine substrate and open versus vegetated cover, under three predator treatments (trout-present, trout-odour-only, trout-absent). Generalised linear mixed models showed no significant effects of trout treatment on galaxiid habitat choice in either experiment. Substrate use was stable, with a consistent preference for coarse substrate regardless of predator cues, while vegetation cover had no detectable influence on behaviour. These results suggest that trout presence is unlikely to deter dwarf galaxiids from entire river reaches, but their limited behavioural response may leave them more exposed to predation where refuge is scarce. Habitat enhancement, particularly maintaining coarse substrate and reducing fine sediment, is likely to support the resilience of this short-lived, r-selected species. Full article

The construction of infectious clones (ICs) is essential for studying viral replication, pathogenesis, and host interactions. Milk vetch dwarf virus (MDV), a nanovirus with a multipartite, single-stranded DNA genome, presents unique challenges for IC development due to its segmented genome organization. To enable functional analysis of its genome, we constructed full-length tandem-dimer-based ICs for all eight MDV genomic segments. Each segment was cloned into a binary vector and co-delivered into Nicotiana benthamiana, Nicotiana tabacum, Vicia faba, and Vigna unguiculata plants via Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation. Systemic infection was successfully reconstituted in all host plants, with PCR-based detection confirming the presence of all viral segments in the infected leaves of nearly all tested plants. Segmental accumulation in infected plants was quantified using qPCR, revealing non-equimolar distribution across hosts. This study establishes the first complete IC system for MDV, enabling reproducible infection, replication analysis, and quantitative segment profiling. It provides a foundational tool for future molecular investigations into MDV replication, host interactions, and viral movement, advancing our understanding of nanovirus biology and transmission dynamics. Full article

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja is a rare and multifunctional tree species endemic to China. This study aimed to establish a feasible method for polyploid induction in C. paliurus with colchicine treatment, and the obtained polyploid plants were identified and characterized. In this study, natural diploid and tetraploid C. paliurus seedlings were treated with different concentrations and durations of colchicine to induce polyploidization. The results indicated that a colchicine concentration of 0.4% for 4 d was the most suitable induction protocol, respectively. Compared with diploid and tetraploid control plants, the induced polyploid plants were shorter and thinner. The number of compound leaves in induced polyploids were fewer, and the compound leaf areas became smaller. The stomatal density of induced polyploids decreased, but the stomata became larger and wider, with an increased number of chloroplasts in the guard cells. The induced polyploids exhibited higher levels of carotenoid, and the contents of soluble sugar, soluble starch, and soluble protein were higher than those of controls. The polyploid plants exhibited an increase in the contents of growth-inhibiting hormones (JA) and a decrease in those of growth-promoting hormones (IAA, GA₃, BR). In summary, the induced polyploids with a dwarfing effect would provide superior germplasm resources for leaf-harvesting plantation. As C. paliurus is endemic to China, our results have a rather local effect. Overall, the established polyploid induction method of C. paliurus will provide technical support for creating superior C. paliurus germplasm resources and subsequent plant breeding research. Full article

When misfolded or unfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER stress occurs, which contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases. A previous study from our research group showed that aqueous extract from the Sambucus ebulus L. fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by reducing ER stress. The extract was found to contain high levels of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, idaein, epicatechin, resveratrol, and chrysanthemin. The present review summarizes the effects of these phytochemicals on ER stress. We queried the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for primary studies discussing ER stress markers influenced by neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, idaein, epicatechin, resveratrol, and chrysanthemin. Forty-two articles were selected for review. No sufficient data were found regarding neochlorogenic acid and idaein in the context of ER stress. Other polyphenols, at low concentrations, reduce ER stress markers following exposure to stress agents in various experimental models. Interestingly, high doses of resveratrol activate pro-apoptotic signaling in cancer cell lines. A causal relationship between the polyphenols in the extract and ER stress modulation was identified. The PERK pathway was most strongly associated with the effects of the listed compounds. Although further research is needed, recent findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of these phytochemicals for conditions associated with chronic cellular stress. Full article

Crown fire hazard assessment and behavior prediction in dwarf pine (Pinus pumila) forests are dictated by the amount of canopy fuel available, topography, and weather. In this study, we collected data on CFL (available canopy fuel load), CBD (canopy bulk density), and CBH (canopy base height) through the destructive sampling of dwarf pine trees in the Greater Khingan Mountains of Northeast China. Allometric equations were developed for estimating the canopy’s available biomass, CFL, and CBD to support the assessment of canopy fuel. Three burning scenarios were designed to investigate the impact of various environmental parameters on fire behavior. Our findings indicated that the average CFL of a dwarf pine was 0.36 kg·m⁻², while the average CBD was measured at 0.17 kg·m⁻³. The vertical variation trends of both CFL and CBD exhibited consistency, with values increasing progressively from the bottom to the top of the tree crown. Fire behavior simulations indicated that the low CBH of dwarf pine trees increased the likelihood of crown fires. Various factors, including wind speed, slope, and CBH, exerted considerable influence on fire behavior, with wind speed emerging as the most critical determinant. Silvicultural treatments, such as thinning and pruning, may effectively reduce fuel loads and elevate the canopy base height, thereby decreasing both the probability and intensity of crown fires. Full article

A data set on Stark broadening parameters defining the Lorentzian line profile (spectral line widths and shifts) for 31 multiplets of four-times-charged nitrogen ion (N V), with lines broadened by impacts with electrons (e), protons (p), He II ions, $\alpha$ particles (He III), and B III, B IV, B V, and B VI ions, is given. The above-mentioned data have been calculated within the frame of the semiclassical perturbation theory, for temperatures from 50,000 K to 1,000,000 K, and densities of perturbers from 10¹⁵ cm⁻³ up to 10²¹ cm⁻³. These data are, first of all, of interest for diagnostics and modeling of laser-driven plasma in experiments and investigations of proton–boron fusion, especially when the target is boron nitride (BN). Data on Stark broadening by collisions with e, p, He II ions, and $\alpha$ particles are useful for the investigation of stellar plasma, in particular for white dwarf atmospheres and subphotospheric layer modeling. Full article