Search Results (507)

Point data, such as population, disease incidence, and greenhouse gas emissions, are commonly aggregated to a uniform grid of raster data for storage and representation. In many remote sensing applications, polygons are instead used to describe regions of interest (e.g., countries and cities) which form the spatial basis for analysis. The values associated with these polygons are estimated by aggregating the underlying gridded raster data within the boundary of the polygon. The conventional approach to this aggregation relies on determining if the grid cell centroid lies within the polygon, which has accuracy limitations with potentially severe consequences. In this work, we quantify the consequence of sub-optimally aggregating gridded raster data to polygons, demonstrating that the use of the centroid alone is rarely the most accurate. Across real-world population, greenhouse gas emissions, and snowfall datasets, we further demonstrate that these aggregation-method differences emerge systematically across commonly used geographic boundaries, particularly for coarse-resolution raster datasets aggregated to county- and city-scale polygons. We compare centroid aggregation with proportional aggregation and bilinear interpolation using 2× and 10× upsampling. The centroid method is consistently sub-optimal, generally underperforming alternative aggregation methods when the polygon area is larger than the grid cell area. Worse, the centroid method may exhibit up to 100× the error of the other aggregation methods when polygon area is no larger than grid cell area. Our findings suggest that centroid aggregation is often sub-optimal relative to alternative approaches, particularly in low-PGR settings. Full article

Since the status of C. jambhiri is “rare” and C. aurantifolia is endowed with folk medicinal properties, our study aimed at producing true-to-type seedlings for further conservation by using PGRs, ferrous sulfate, and casein hydrolysate in MS medium to induce in vitro germination and “callus” formation from seeds of C. jambhiri Lush. It also focused on evaluation of suitable species and the best type of explant for organogenesis. The present study was undertaken to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for C. jambhiri Lush. and C. aurantifolia. The frequency of callus induction increased to its maximum when 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 1.0 mg/L picloram were added individually. The calli derived from 2,4-D exhibited maximum regeneration potentiality. In addition, sucrose (30 g/L), dextrose (60 g/L), and coconut water (10 mL/L and 15 mL/L) also enhanced callus induction. Regarding heavy metals, 100 ppm of Fe₂SO₄ exhibited maximum germination percentage (84.33%) from seeds of C. jambhiri Lush. However, maximum callus induction (50.00%) was induced from the seeds of C. aurantifolia incubated in Fe₂SO₄ (400 ppm). The maximum number of shoots per callus was produced (5.13) with the addition of 200 mg/L casein hydrolysate in the callus-induction medium. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant association of the number of plantlets/calluses with shoot length and regeneration percentage, respectively. It was phenotypically observed that the tissue culture traits performed better from explants derived from C. jambhiri Lush. than C. aurantifolia when subjected to varying concentrations of PGRs, carbon sources, organic adjuvants, and heavy metals, respectively. Full article

Agave guiengola Gentry is a microendemic ornamental species native to Oaxaca, México, with restricted distribution and threatened by human activities, placing it at risk of extinction. Two culture media were evaluated: Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and modified MS medium, together with medium consistency (semisolid and liquid) and plant growth regulators (PGRs): 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) (5.0 mg L⁻¹) for MS media and a combination of kinetin (KIN) and 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) (5.0–9.0 and 0.1–1.0 mg L⁻¹ respectively) for modified media. Shoot clusters were grown in two consecutive 30-day phases, with transfer to opposite consistency after the first month of cultivation (first phase). Growth, hyperhydricity, rooting and callus formation were evaluated. Treatments using modified formulation + KIN + IAA under both consistencies had the greatest growth (5.5 and 5.0 cm²). Hyperhydricity was more frequent in liquid MS media (up to 100%), while adjusted MS medium had lower incidence with or without PGRs (0.0% and 6.6%). Transfer from liquid-to-semisolid medium reduced hyperhydricity (10.47%) compared with the reverse (31.35%). Rooting occurred frequently with modified formulation media. Callogenesis occurred mainly using MS + BA media (up to 93.2%), associated with adventitious shoot formation. A synergistic biphasic effect is proposed using semisolid MS + BA followed by modified MS liquid + KIN + IAA, optimizing in vitro growth for conservation. Full article

Jatropha curcas L. is an important biofuel plant, but its narrow cultivation range and low seed yield limit its large-scale commercialization. Both genetic improvement and the large-scale clonal propagation of elite genotypes require an efficient and reliable regeneration system. In this study, a high-frequency adventitious shoot regeneration protocol was developed using leaf explants from one-year-old greenhouse-grown plants derived from seeds. An L₉(3³) orthogonal design was employed to optimize the concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). The optimal combination for adventitious shoot induction was 1.0 mg·L⁻¹ TDZ, 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ IBA, and 1.5 mg·L⁻¹ BA. Furthermore, the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide donor, was investigated. Supplementation with 2.0 mg·L⁻¹ SNP significantly increased both the regeneration frequency and the shoot number per explant when compared to the control. Leaf maturity also significantly influenced the regeneration capacity, with the fourth expanded leaf at the light-green stage showing the greatest response. Under optimized conditions, including PGRs, SNP, and appropriate explant maturity, adventitious shoots were observed within 4 weeks, with a regeneration frequency of 88.0% and an average of 18.7 shoots per explant. This system provides a practical basis for the propagation and genetic improvement of J. curcas. Full article

SDG Indicator 11.3.1, defined as the ratio of land consumption rate (LCR) to population growth rate (PGR), is widely used to assess the efficiency of urban land use. However, its applicability becomes increasingly uncertain in regions characterized by population decline, dispersed settlement structures, and mixed urban–rural land systems. This study examines the applicability and interpretive limitations of SDG Indicator 11.3.1 in Yunlin and Chiayi, two non-metropolitan agricultural prefectures in Taiwan, over 2010–2025. Using county-level population data, GHSL-based built-up area estimates, and supplementary land-use and household statistics, it calculates LCR, PGR, and LCRPGR. The results are then interpreted with supplementary indicators, including per capita built-up area (PBUA), absolute built-up area change (∆Urb), and population density within built-up areas (DBU). The results show that both prefectures experienced continued built-up expansion despite population decline, resulting in negative LCRPGR values at the prefecture level and predominantly negative values at the county level. When interpreted together with rising PBUA and declining DBU, these results indicate a process of land dilution associated with diseconomies of density and shrinkage-related sprawl, rather than compact or efficient spatial adjustment. The findings suggest that negative LCRPGR values in shrinking regions should not be interpreted as evidence of efficient land use. Instead, SDG Indicator 11.3.1 should be treated as a diagnostic starting point whose interpretation requires supplementary indicators and territorial context. By focusing on non-metropolitan agricultural prefectures, this study extends the discussion of SDG Indicator 11.3.1 beyond rapidly growing metropolitan areas and demonstrates the need for a more context-sensitive framework for evaluating land-use efficiency in low-growth and shrinking regions. Full article

Efficient propagation of Hydrangea arborescens is essential for the stable production of high-quality plantlets. However, propagation via stem cuttings is often limited by environmental conditions and inconsistent rooting. This study aimed to identify an effective in vitro culture medium by integrating quantitative growth traits with image-based quality analysis. Seven culture media (M1–M7), consisting of Murashige and Skoog (MS), McCown Woody Plant (McCown), and Gamborg B5 basal media supplemented with different plant growth regulator combinations, were evaluated based on shoot number, root number, plant height, and fresh weights, and plantlet quality was assessed using Green area, ExG (excess green index), and a composite z-score. Significant differences were observed among treatments. M5 and M7 produced the highest shoot numbers, and M7 showed the greatest fresh weight. Image-based analysis indicated that M2 and M7 exhibited the highest overall quality, whereas M3 showed the lowest performance. Basal media types did not significantly affect plantlet quality, whereas hormone treatments enhanced both shoot multiplication and callus formation. A positive association was observed between callus formation rate and shoot number (Spearman’s ρ = 0.74, p < 0.001). Overall, M7 (Gamborg B5 medium supplemented with 30 g∙L⁻¹ sucrose, 1.5 mg∙L⁻¹ BA, and 0.25 g∙L⁻¹ gelrite) provided a balanced combination of high propagation efficiency and plantlet quality, and these findings contribute to the efficient production of high-quality planting materials. Full article

The production of pre-basic (G0) seed tubers underpins the certified potato value chain. However, the transition from in vitro laboratory conditions to the ex vitro greenhouse environment remains a persistent production constraint, with reported mortality rates of 50–70%. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes data from 63 selected studies (spanning 2010–2026) to propose a conceptual “Physiological Competence Framework”. We introduce a conceptual hypothesis termed the “Nitrogen Paradox”, which suggests that excessive ammonium influx may inhibit lignin biosynthesis, explaining the structural vulnerability of the vitrotype. Our analysis proposes three pillars for acclimatization success: (1) Nutritional hardening and exogenous PGR modulation, characterized by reduced nitrogen and sucrose levels to mitigate hyperhydricity; (2) photo-autotrophic induction, where optimized LED spectra replace conventional lighting to stimulate stomatal functionality; and (3) rhizosphere engineering, utilizing bio-priming with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to create a biotic shield against transplant shock. Furthermore, we examine emerging evidence for nanoparticle-based stress priming (AgNPs, ZnNPs). The evidence supports replacing high-nitrogen multiplication media with reduced-nitrogen formulations, replacing fluorescent lamps with balanced Red–Blue LED spectra, and incorporating PGPR bio-priming before transplant. Full article

Hainan is the dominant production area of the red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) cv. ‘Jindu No.1’ in China, and cutting propagation is the main method for its large-scale seedling cultivation. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are the key factors regulating the rooting of cuttings. Existing studies mostly focus on the concentration optimization of a single agent, lack systematic broad-spectrum screening of commonly used PGRs in agriculture, and have the problem of disconnection between laboratory results and field production. To screen an efficient root-promoting PGR scheme suitable for large-scale seedling cultivation in Hainan production areas, this study established a three-level experimental system of “broad-spectrum primary screening→gradient re-screening→soil culture scenario verification”, used 14 kinds of PGRs commonly used in agricultural production as materials, and carried out a systematic evaluation combined with principal component analysis (PCA). 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and potassium indole-3-butyrate (K-IBA) were identified as high-efficiency agents in the primary screening, with a rooting rate of 100%, and the core root morphological indexes were significantly better than those of the water control (p < 0.05). Two independent experiments verified the stability of the “total growth–thickness” binary regulation mechanism of the pitaya root system. In the re-screening test, 400 mg·L⁻¹ NAA had the best comprehensive performance, synergistically improving the total root growth and root thickness, and 125 mg·L⁻¹ K-IBA had the most significant effect in promoting the longitudinal extension of roots, with the average root length increased by 760.0% compared with the control. Soil culture tests confirmed that the two optimal schemes had stable and reliable application effects in field substrate cultivation. The results of this study can provide technical support for the large-scale seedling cultivation of ‘Jindu No.1’ pitaya, and the established three-level screening system also provides a methodological reference for PGR screening in cutting propagation of similar tropical crops. Full article

Cannabis sativa is a multipurpose dioecious species whose crop performance is governed by sex expression. Although sex is genetically determined by an X/Y chromosome system, plants can develop flowers of the opposite sex through sex reversion, commonly induced by manipulating endogenous hormone levels using plant growth regulators (PGRs). Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of PGRs that promote or inhibit major hormone pathways implicated in plant sex expression. Male and female clones from two accessions were treated with foliar applications of nine PGRs and four combinatory treatments to assess sex- and genotype-specific responses. Floral biomass and the proportion of each sex were recorded at harvest to assess treatment effectiveness. Ethylene emerged as the primary regulator of chemically modulated sex reversion in C. sativa, with its inhibition by silver thiosulfate inducing strong female-to-male reversion and its promotion by ethephon inducing equally strong male-to-female reversion in the inflorescences. Gibberellin promotion on its own resulted in female-to-male reversion at the axial nodes only, while its inhibition showed no reciprocal effects. The combination of silver thiosulfate and gibberellic acid resulted in the most complete female-to-male reversion, and all sex-reverted flowers were fertile. Together, the results indicated that flowers at axial nodes and at the terminal ends of inflorescences are under different hormonal control. Cytokinins, auxins, and jasmonates were found to exert minimal influence on sex reversion. All treatments exhibited pleiotropic effects, particularly gibberellic acid and paclobutrazol, which altered resource allocation, shifting biomass away from and towards floral tissue, respectively. These findings advance our understanding of the hormonal regulation of sex expression in C. sativa and identify optimized approaches for its manipulation. Full article

To overcome the seasonal constraints of explant availability and facilitate genetic improvement in Catalpa ovata, this study established a dual-pathway in vitro regeneration system (encompassing adventitious shoot organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis) using mature zygotic embryos. We systematically evaluated the synergistic effects of maternal genotypes, plant growth regulators (PGRs), basal media, and the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA). Genotype screening revealed significant divergence in regenerative potential, with the half-sib family 32F17 exhibiting superior responsiveness (84.7% callus induction). A high cytokinin-to-auxin ratio (ZA3 medium) optimally drove direct shoot organogenesis. For adventitious shoot proliferation, the addition of TDZ significantly improved the multiplication coefficient (up to 2.99 on ZB4 medium), although a physiological trade-off with shoot elongation was observed. In parallel, the application of 10 µM TSA significantly enhanced somatic embryogenesis from embryogenic calli, effectively alleviating the inhibitory constraints of exogenous PGRs. For rhizogenesis, the DKW basal medium proved superior to half-strength MS, with the ZE3 treatment (0.1 mg·L⁻¹ NAA + 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ IBA) yielding the highest rooting frequency (69.6%) and robust root architecture. Notably, while somatic embryo conversion remained recalcitrant, plantlets derived exclusively from the adventitious shoot organogenesis pathway were successfully acclimatized ex vitro. These transplanted plantlets exhibited consistently high survival rates (83.1–84.4%) across all tested genotypes, effectively overcoming the initial genotype-dependent recalcitrance. Collectively, this optimized protocol provides a reliable technical platform for the large-scale clonal propagation and biotechnological breeding of C. ovata. Full article

Plant growth regulation is orchestrated by complex hormonal networks involving gibberellin and auxin signaling pathways. In this study, a comprehensive in silico approach was employed to comparatively evaluate the plant growth regulators (PGRs) forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and strigol (STG) against two key proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana: Gibberellin 3-beta-dioxygenase 2 (GA3Ox2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of bioactive gibberellins, and the auxin signaling repressor IAA7. These targets were specifically selected because they represent critical regulatory nodes in two major hormonal pathways controlling plant growth: GA3Ox2 governs the final steps of gibberellin activation, while IAA7 modulates auxin-responsive gene expression through its interaction with Auxin Response Factors. Therefore, their combined analysis enables the evaluation of potential regulatory effects of PGRs on both gibberellin biosynthesis and auxin-mediated transcriptional control. Molecular docking analyses revealed that both ligands exhibited higher binding affinity toward GA3Ox2 than IAA7, with STG showing slightly more favorable binding energies (−7.91 kcal/mol for GA3Ox2 and −5.43 kcal/mol for IAA7) compared to CPPU (−7.18 and −4.79 kcal/mol, respectively). These results suggest a structural preference of both PGRs toward the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway. To further assess complex stability under near-physiological conditions, 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted using the CHARMM36m force field. Despite its slightly lower docking scores, CPPU demonstrated greater conformational stability, lower RMSD fluctuations, and more persistent hydrogen bonding patterns, particularly in complexes with IAA7. In contrast, STG induced more pronounced conformational rearrangements, although it promoted slightly more compact protein conformations in certain systems. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy supported the computational findings by confirming the presence of key functional groups responsible for hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Collectively, the results indicate that although STG exhibits higher initial binding affinity, CPPU forms more dynamically stable complexes with both proteins. These findings suggest that CPPU may represent a more robust candidate for sustained modulation of auxin and gibberellin signaling pathways in plant growth regulation. Full article

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are extensively used in modern agriculture to modify plant developmental processes, enhance productivity, and improve crop quality under increasingly variable environmental conditions. While their agronomic benefits are well established, growing attention has been directed toward understanding their broader environmental implications. In this current review, we analyze recent research published over the last five years to evaluate the environmental behavior and ecological impacts of widely used natural and synthetic plant growth regulators. Particular emphasis is placed on their persistence and mobility in soil and water, their interactions with soil microbial communities, and their effects on non-target terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Recent advances in analytical detection and ecotoxicological assessment have revealed that several PGRs, despite being applied at low doses, may exhibit prolonged environmental residence and subtle biological effects, particularly following repeated applications. Alterations in soil enzyme activity, shifts in microbial community structure, and growth disturbances in non-target plants and aquatic primary producers have been increasingly reported. The review also discusses emerging strategies aimed at reducing environmental risks, including precision application technologies, the development of biodegradable regulators, and improved regulatory frameworks. Overall, these findings highlight the need for integrated risk assessment approaches and long-term field studies to support the sustainable use of plant growth regulators in agroecosystems. Full article

Pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) is highly susceptible to Alternaria solani-induced early blight, a well-studied pathogen in other Solanaceae but rarely investigated in pepino. Although branching critically shapes plant architecture and environmental adaptability, its relationship with disease resistance remains unclear. Field trials compared natural growth (W1) and manual bud removal (W2); W2 showed a disease incidence of 51.0% ± 4.8, significantly lower than that of W1 (64% ± 4.8), and a reduced disease index (DI) of 3.79 ± 1.46 at 30 days after treatment. Pot experiments evaluated three plant growth regulators (PGRs): flumetralin (TA), pendimethalin (TB), and butralin (TC). All suppressed lateral buds, with TA most effective—achieving a 75.25% ± 1.23 bud suppression rate (BSR) and 61.00% ± 1.46 bud suppression efficacy (BSE), along with shorter plant height (16.0 ± 1.4 cm), thicker stems (7.43 mm ± 0.29), and larger leaves (12.39 cm² ± 0.73) compared to the control. Under A. solani stress, PGR-treated plants exhibited markedly enhanced resistance, as evidenced by smaller lesion areas, elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased defense hormones—especially salicylic acid (SA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). TA boosted SA and IAA by 2.25× and 2.35× compared to the control. These findings demonstrate that PGRs mediated bud suppression not only optimizes plant architecture but also strengthens antioxidant and hormonal defenses, offering a sustainable strategy for pepino production. Full article

Cutaneous metastases are an uncommon but clinically relevant manifestation of breast cancer (BC), often indicating advanced disease and biological progression. Temporal heterogeneity between primary tumors and metastatic lesions, particularly involving hormone receptors (HRs) and HER2 status, may influence prognosis and treatment decisions. We retrospectively analyzed BC patients with cutaneous metastases diagnosed at a tertiary care center between 2015 and 2024. Clinical data, histopathological features, and immunohistochemical profiles of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and HER2 were evaluated in paired primary tumors and cutaneous metastatic lesions under uniform pre-analytic and analytic conditions. Receptor discordance and survival outcomes were assessed. Among 660 patients with metastatic BC, 28 (4.2%) developed cutaneous metastases. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years, with chest wall as the most frequent site of skin involvement. HR-positive/HER2-negative tumors were predominant, while triple-negative breast cancer accounted for 19.4% of cases and was associated with a shorter disease course and earlier cutaneous metastatic spread. Receptor discordance occurred in 18.2% for ER, 36.4% for PgR and 41.4% for HER2, mainly involving transitions to or from HER2-low status. After skin involvement, prognosis remained poor. Cutaneous BC metastases show marked receptor heterogeneity, reflecting dynamic tumor evolution. These findings support re-biopsy and biomarker reassessment to guide personalized treatment in metastatic BC. Full article

Uncontrolled urban sprawl represents a significant challenge for many countries worldwide. This article analyzes discussions sparked by increased land consumption driven by urban sprawl in Timișoara’s peri-urban area, Romania. In this context, the objective is to identify the processes of transformation and dysfunction of spaces under the effect of peri-urban expansion. Methodologically, geospatial and satellite data were utilized to assess the evolutionary trend of peri-urbanization. Secondly, an evaluation of land-use types at the level of peri-urban sub-neighborhoods was conducted. Furthermore, an analysis of the online reactions of the inhabitants of these spaces was conducted. The results demonstrate differentiated urban growth patterns in the spatial expansion dynamics of peri-urban spaces, which have emerged along major communication axes and in response to the configuration of available land and proximity to the urban core of each locality. Based on LCR/PGR indicators, these patterns can be further categorized into compact and expansive growth models. Furthermore, deficiencies in fundamental infrastructure pose a significant challenge for a considerable proportion of the local population. The study provides authorities and urban planners with reflective analyses on how to better manage peri-urban development. The results of the study support coherent, preventive, and sustainable urban development to avoid replicating the dysfunctions observed in the studied areas in other peri-urban areas. Full article