Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (1,494)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = ecological rooting

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
17 pages, 660 KiB  
Review
Multi-Scale Drought Resilience in Terrestrial Plants: From Molecular Mechanisms to Ecosystem Sustainability
by Weiwei Lu, Bo Wu, Lili Wang and Ying Gao
Water 2025, 17(17), 2516; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172516 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Global climate change has intensified the frequency, intensity, and spatial heterogeneity of drought events, posing severe threats to the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. Plant drought resilience, which encompasses a plant’s capacity for drought resistance, post-stress recovery, and long-term adaptation and transformation to sustain [...] Read more.
Global climate change has intensified the frequency, intensity, and spatial heterogeneity of drought events, posing severe threats to the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. Plant drought resilience, which encompasses a plant’s capacity for drought resistance, post-stress recovery, and long-term adaptation and transformation to sustain ecosystem functionality, has emerged as a central focus in botanical and ecological research. This review synthesizes the conceptual evolution of plant drought resilience, from early emphasis on resistance and recovery to the current multi-dimensional framework integrating adaptation and transformation, and synthesizes advances in understanding multi-scale drought resilience in terrestrial plants—spanning molecular, physiological, individual, community, and ecosystem levels. Key mechanisms include molecular/physiological adaptations (osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, hydraulic regulation, carbon–water reallocation via gene networks and aquaporins), morpho-anatomical traits (root architectural plasticity, leaf structural modifications, and hydraulic vulnerability segmentation), community/ecosystem drivers (biodiversity effects, microbial symbioses, and soil–plant–feedback dynamics). We critically evaluate quantitative metrics and expose critical gaps, including neglect of stress legacy effects, oversimplified spatiotemporal heterogeneity, and limited integration of concurrent stressors. Future research should prioritize multi-scale and multi-dimensional integrated analysis, long-term multi-scenario simulations with field validation, and harnessing plant–microbe interactions to enhance drought resilience, providing a theoretical basis for ecosystem sustainability and agricultural production under climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Conservation and Ecological Restoration)
22 pages, 5113 KiB  
Article
Populus ussuriensis PuWRKY22 Transcription Factor Activates the ABA Receptor PYL4 to Enhance Drought Resistance
by Qiuhui Wang, Danni Li, Lihua Yang, Yu Yang, Shuchao Huang, Yipeng Zhao and Qingjie Guan
Plants 2025, 14(17), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172621 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Drought stress poses a significant threat to tree growth, making the development of drought-resistant species essential for ecological restoration. WRKY transcription factors are critical regulators of plant drought responses; however, the role of WRKY22 in the woody species Populus ussuriensis K. remains unclear. [...] Read more.
Drought stress poses a significant threat to tree growth, making the development of drought-resistant species essential for ecological restoration. WRKY transcription factors are critical regulators of plant drought responses; however, the role of WRKY22 in the woody species Populus ussuriensis K. remains unclear. In this study, the PuWRKY22 gene was cloned from P. ussuriensis via homologous cloning and was found to be highly expressed in leaves and responsive to abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Subcellular localization confirmed that PuWRKY22 is a nuclear protein. Using fluorescein enzyme complementation assays, PuWRKY22 was shown to bind specifically to W-box cis-elements, indicating its function as a transcriptional regulator. Under ABA and osmotic (sorbitol) stress, the seed germination rate, root growth, and biomass of tobacco and Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana strains overexpressing PuWRKY22 were significantly increased. Additionally, these overexpressed strains exhibited a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and a decrease in membrane lipid peroxidation. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that PuWRKY22 activates expression of the ABA receptor gene Ptr.PYL4 (Potri.006G104100.v4.1), which regulates stomatal closure to minimize water loss. Consistent with this, stomatal observations and photosynthetic measurements demonstrated that PuWRKY22 enhances drought tolerance by protecting photosystem II and preserving chlorophyll content. Collectively, this study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which PuWRKY22 enhances drought resistance in woody plants through ABA signaling, providing a foundation for breeding drought-tolerant forest species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1257 KiB  
Article
Effects of Nitrogen–Phosphorus Co-Application on Biomass Allocation and Accumulation in Two-Year-Old Pinus yunnanensis Seedlings
by Jianzhen Liao, Yaqi Li, Boning Yang, Chiyu Zhou, Zixing Pan, Lin Chen, Nianhui Cai and Yulan Xu
Biology 2025, 14(9), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14091115 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
Pinus yunnanensis is a significant native tree species in southwestern China, contributing substantially to the area’s ecological stability and economic growth. However, its growth rate tends to be relatively slow during the seedling stage, and fertilization is crucial to promote seedling growth. This [...] Read more.
Pinus yunnanensis is a significant native tree species in southwestern China, contributing substantially to the area’s ecological stability and economic growth. However, its growth rate tends to be relatively slow during the seedling stage, and fertilization is crucial to promote seedling growth. This study used two-year-old P. yunnanensis seedlings as experimental materials and applied a 3 × 3 factorial design, combining three nitrogen (N) levels (0, 0.4, and 0.8 g·plant−1) supplied in the form of urea with three levels of phosphorus (P) (0, 0.8, and 1.6 g·plant−1) supplied in the form of superphosphate to form nine treatments, denoted as T1 to T9. This study was carried out in the open-air nursery of Southwest Forestry University, with fertilization beginning in July and observations continuing until December of the same year. Using allometric growth analysis and constructing the fertilizer response regression equation, we investigated the effects of fertilization on biomass accumulation in P. yunnanensis. The findings revealed that fertilization significantly increased the biomass allocation ratio to roots but decreased the allocation to needles and aboveground parts (p < 0.05). Allometric growth analysis showed that root growth was more rapid than stem and needle growth, and the growth rate of belowground parts exceeded that of aboveground parts. Allometric growth between organs differed among treatments, whereas the allometric growth relationship between aboveground and belowground biomass showed no significant difference across treatments. Moderate N and P fertilizer application promoted biomass accumulation in all organs, with T5 (N: 0.4 g·plant−1; P: 0.8 g·plant−1) exhibiting the highest biomass accumulation. Based on the comprehensive analysis of optimal N and P fertilizer requirements for biomass accumulation across different organs, the recommended fertilizer application rates are as follows: N 0.5–0.6 g·plant−1 and P 0.5–0.9 g·plant−1, with an optimal N:P ratio ranging from 1:0.8 to 1:1.8. The results establish a scientific rationale for enhancing fertilization methods in P. yunnanensis seedling cultivation, contributing to the slow growth issue during the seedling stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Conservation Biology and Biodiversity)
14 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
The Therapeutic Benefits of Outdoor Experiences in India
by Soumya J. Mitra, Vinathe Sharma-Brymer, Denise Mitten and Janet Ady
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091144 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
Drawing on in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study explores the therapeutic benefits of outdoor experiences through the lived experiences of 24 outdoor practitioners, including educators, environmentalists, therapists, and program leaders. Three core themes emerged: (a) nature as an emotional regulator and reflective [...] Read more.
Drawing on in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study explores the therapeutic benefits of outdoor experiences through the lived experiences of 24 outdoor practitioners, including educators, environmentalists, therapists, and program leaders. Three core themes emerged: (a) nature as an emotional regulator and reflective space; (b) therapeutic benefits of human–nature relationships; and (c) decolonial, bioregional, and cultural healing. Although practitioners facilitated physical challenges and skill-building for their participants, they primarily described outdoor experiences as relational, somatic, and culturally rooted practices that foster emotional regulation, grief processing, identity integration, and social inclusion. Healing emerged through solitude, silence, ancestral connections, sacred landscapes, inclusive dynamics, and the restoration of cultural knowledge. This study’s results challenge Western-centric outdoor education models by foregrounding Indigenous and postcolonial perspectives embedded in Indian ecological traditions. The results contribute to global discussions on decolonizing outdoor fields and offer implications for culturally responsive, emotionally safe, and ecologically grounded practices. Full article
12 pages, 1717 KiB  
Article
Land-Use Change Impacts on Glomalin-Related Soil Protein and Soil Organic Carbon in Huangshan Mountain Region
by Yuan Zhao, Yuexin Xiao, Wei Chen, Buqing Wang and Zongyao Qian
Forests 2025, 16(9), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091362 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
The glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), a class of stable glycoproteins produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, constitute an important microbial-derived carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the response of GRSP accumulation to land-use change and quantitative contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, as [...] Read more.
The glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), a class of stable glycoproteins produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, constitute an important microbial-derived carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the response of GRSP accumulation to land-use change and quantitative contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, as well as the environmental and edaphic factors controlling GRSP dynamics in different land-use systems, require further elucidation. To address these knowledge gaps, we systematically collected surface soil samples (0–20 cm depth) from 72 plots across three land-use types—tea plantations (TP; n = 24), artificial forests (AF; n = 24), and natural forests (NF; n = 24) in China’s Huangshan Mountain region between July and August 2024. GRSP was extracted via autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min) in 20 mM citrate buffer (pH 8.0), fractionated into total GRSP (T-GRSP), and quantified using the Bradford assay. Results revealed distinct patterns in soil carbon storage, with NF exhibiting the highest concentrations of both SOC (33.2 ± 8.69 g kg−1) and total GRSP (T-GRSP: 2.64 ± 0.34 g kg−1), followed by AF (SOC: 14.9 ± 2.55 g kg−1; T-GRSP: 1.42 ± 0.25 g kg−1) and TP (SOC: 7.07 ± 1.72 g kg−1; T-GRSP: 0.58 ± 0.11 g kg−1). Although absolute GRSP concentrations were lowest in TP, its proportional contribution to SOC remained consistent across land uses (TP: 8.72 ± 2.84%; AF: 9.69 ± 1.81%; NF: 8.40 ± 2.79%). Statistical analyses identified dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon as primary drivers of GRSP accumulation. Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that land-use type influenced SOC through its effects on MBC and fine-root biomass, which subsequently enhanced GRSP production. These findings demonstrate that undisturbed forest ecosystems enhance GRSP-mediated soil carbon sequestration, emphasizing the critical role of natural forest conservation in ecological sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1803 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nitrogen Application Rate on Growth Physiology, Yield Quality, and Nitrogen Fertilizer Utilization Rate of Liriope muscari in Pots
by Yuhong Yuan, Jihong Xiao, Shaoyan Liu, Tianyou He, Jundong Rong and Yushan Zheng
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081104 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Liriope muscari is a medicinal and ornamental herbaceous plant with significant economic value, as its tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes. However, the current production of medicinal plants is characterized by wasteful use of resources and ecological risks caused by the unreasonable [...] Read more.
Liriope muscari is a medicinal and ornamental herbaceous plant with significant economic value, as its tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes. However, the current production of medicinal plants is characterized by wasteful use of resources and ecological risks caused by the unreasonable application of nitrogen fertilizers. In this study, based on uniform application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, six nitrogen application levels were set in pot experiments (expressed as N): N0: 0 kg/ha, N1: 208.33 kg/ha, N2: 416.66 kg/ha, N3: 625 kg/ha, N4: 833.33 kg/ha, N5: 1041.66 kg/ha). The morphological characteristics, photosynthetic physiology, tuber yield and quality, and seven nitrogen fertilizer utilization indices of L. muscari were analyzed and measured. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to investigate the mechanism by which nitrogen influences its growth and development, photosynthetic characteristics, tuber yield and quality, and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. The results showed that (1) nitrogen significantly promoted plant height, crown width, tiller number, and chlorophyll synthesis , with the N3 treatment (625 kg/ha) reaching the peak value, and the crown width and tiller number increasing by 26.44% and 38.90% compared to N0; the total chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate increased by 39.67% and 77.04%, respectively, compared to N0; high nitrogen (N5) inhibited photosynthesis and increased intercellular CO₂ concentration; (2) Fresh weight of tuberous roots, polysaccharide content, and saponin C content peaked at N3 (34.67 g/plant, 39.89%, and 0.21%), respectively, representing increases of 128.69%, 28.37%, and 33.66% compared to N0; (3) Nitrogen uptake, nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, agronomic utilization efficiency, and apparent utilization efficiency were optimal at N3, while high nitrogen (N4–N5) reduced nitrogen fertilizer efficiency by 40–60%; (4) SEM analysis indicated that tiller number and transpiration rate directly drive yield, while stomatal conductance regulates saponin C synthesis. Under the experimental conditions, 625 kg/ha is the optimal nitrogen application rate balancing yield, quality, and nitrogen efficiency. Excessive nitrogen application (>833 kg/ha) induces photosynthetic inhibition and “luxury absorption”, leading to source-sink imbalance and reduced accumulation of secondary metabolites. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the precise management of nitrogen in Liriope-type medicinal plants. It is expected to alleviate the contradictions of “high input, low output, and heavy pollution” in traditional fertilization models. Full article
20 pages, 3222 KiB  
Article
Polypropylene Microplastics and Cadmium: Unveiling the Key Impacts of Co-Pollution on Wheat–Soil Systems from Multiple Perspectives
by Zhiqin Zhang, Haoran He, Nan Chang and Chengjiao Duan
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15082013 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
The interaction between microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals and their ecological risks to the soil–plant system has attracted widespread attention. This study explored the effects of polypropylene (PP) alone or combined with cadmium (Cd) pollution on wheat seed germination, plant growth, and the [...] Read more.
The interaction between microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals and their ecological risks to the soil–plant system has attracted widespread attention. This study explored the effects of polypropylene (PP) alone or combined with cadmium (Cd) pollution on wheat seed germination, plant growth, and the soil environment from multiple perspectives through seed germination experiments and pot experiments. The results of the seed germination experiment showed that the addition of 50 mg L−1 PP could promote the growth of seeds. However, medium and high concentrations of PP had significant inhibitory effects on seeds. For PP + Cd co-pollution, the addition of 50 mg L−1 PP could partially alleviate the stress of Cd alone. However, with the increase in PP concentration, the co-pollution showed stronger toxicity to seeds. Moreover, the synergistic effect of PP and Cd was greater than the antagonistic effect; both of them aggravated the stress on wheat. The results of the pot experiment showed that the soil microenvironment was significantly affected by PP alone or combined with Cd pollution. It was manifested as reducing soil moisture and pH, affecting soil nutrient cycling, and inhibiting the activities of soil enzymes (except for catalase). In addition, the MPs and Cd significantly affected the physiological characteristics of plants. Specifically, the addition of 50 mg L−1 PP alone promoted or had no significant effect on wheat growth. However, with the increase in PP concentration, the biomass and chlorophyll content of plants decreased significantly, while carotenoids, oxidative damage, and antioxidant enzyme activities increased significantly. Moreover, PP + Cd co-pollution led to stronger phytotoxicity. Moreover, PP exposure caused an increase in plant shoot and root Cd concentrations, promoting Cd transport from roots to shoots. Correlation heat maps and RDA analysis revealed that plant Cd concentration was significantly correlated with soil environmental factors and plant physiological indicators. Finally, the results of the linear model (%) of relative importance indicated that pH and MDA content were important soil and plant variables affecting the increase in Cd concentration in plant tissues. This study is of great significance for evaluating the ecological risks of MPs-Cd composite pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3197 KiB  
Article
Exploration of Molecular Mechanism and Key Factors for the Survival of ‘Yueshenda 10’ Cuttings Under ABT1 Treatment
by Zhiling Wang, Hao Dou, Jiajia Sun and Jin’e Quan
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080991 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 132
Abstract
Mulberry trees are not only economically significant forest trees with substantial added value but also serve as exceptional candidates for environmental management and ecological enhancement. However, in the widely applied cutting propagation of mulberry, the intensity of adventitious root formation in cuttings has [...] Read more.
Mulberry trees are not only economically significant forest trees with substantial added value but also serve as exceptional candidates for environmental management and ecological enhancement. However, in the widely applied cutting propagation of mulberry, the intensity of adventitious root formation in cuttings has long remained a key challenge in the cutting process. Our research group previously found that 800 mg/L Rooting Powder No. 1 (ABT1) has an obvious promoting effect on the development of adventitious roots in mulberry cuttings, but its molecular mechanism has not yet been studied. In this research, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was employed to sequence the ‘Yueshenda 10’ mulberry during four distinct cutting stages. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, shifts in gene expression and metabolic pathways were scrutinized, pinpointing the pivotal role of plant hormones in this context. Furthermore, using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), the study analyzed gene expression across all samples, identifying two modules, “black” and “blue”. These modules were predominantly expressed in the treatment group during the rooting phase and minimally expressed in the control group. Critical genes such as gene21267 and gene16291 from the black module, alongside gene18291 and gene20028 from the blue module, were identified as key to the rooting success of the ‘Yueshenda 10’ cuttings. This investigation not only supports the nutrient propagation and effective use of mulberry trees but also clarifies the molecular basis of adventitious root formation in these plants, extending the research to other related species. This work fosters the diversification and enhancement of the mulberry industry chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1640 KiB  
Review
Advances in Water and Nitrogen Management for Intercropping Systems: Crop Growth and Soil Environment
by Yan Qiu, Zhenye Wang, Debin Sun, Yuanlan Lei, Zhangyong Li and Yi Zheng
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15082000 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
Intercropping is an eco-friendly, sustainable agricultural model that significantly improves yield stability, nutrient use efficiency, and soil health through spatiotemporal niche complementarity, increases biodiversity, and improves soil health. Water and nitrogen play crucial roles in limiting and regulating efficient resource utilization and ecological [...] Read more.
Intercropping is an eco-friendly, sustainable agricultural model that significantly improves yield stability, nutrient use efficiency, and soil health through spatiotemporal niche complementarity, increases biodiversity, and improves soil health. Water and nitrogen play crucial roles in limiting and regulating efficient resource utilization and ecological sustainability in intercropping systems. Synchronizing water and nitrogen inputs to match crop demands optimizes the spatiotemporal distribution of these resources, alleviates interspecific competition, and promotes mutualistic interactions, which significantly impacts crop growth, yield, and soil environment. This paper reviews the mechanisms of intercropping and water–nitrogen coupling regulation, aligning water and nitrogen supply with crop growth patterns, spatial configuration parameters, irrigation management techniques, and environmental climate change, and explores the response mechanisms of water–nitrogen coupling on crop growth, yield, and soil environmental adaptation. It can provide some references for researchers, extension agents, and policymakers. Research indicates that water–nitrogen coupling can enhance photosynthetic efficiency, promote root development, optimize nutrient uptake, and improve soil water dynamics, nitrogen cycling, and microbial community structures. Intercropping enhances the climate resilience of agricultural systems by leveraging species complementarity for resource utilization, strengthening ecosystem stability, and improving buffering capacity against climate change impacts such as extreme precipitation and temperature fluctuations. Future studies should further elucidate the differential effect of water–nitrogen coupling across regions and climatic conditions, focusing on multidimensional integrated administration strategies. Combining precision agriculture technologies and climate change predictions facilitates the development of more adaptive water–nitrogen coupling models to provide theoretical support and technical guarantees for sustainable agriculture. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Commons and Care in Senegal: Social Security in the Face of Social and Environmental Change in Casamance
by Alina Schönmann and Tobias Haller
Land 2025, 14(8), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081678 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 148
Abstract
This article examines shifting practices of commoning among the Jola in the Casamance region of Senegal. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and a theoretical background of New Institutional Political Ecology as well as commoning, it explores how a collective social security system formed through [...] Read more.
This article examines shifting practices of commoning among the Jola in the Casamance region of Senegal. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and a theoretical background of New Institutional Political Ecology as well as commoning, it explores how a collective social security system formed through collectively labored rice fields is increasingly strained by socio-economic pressures and environmental change. While migration due to environmental change is often cited as a primary cause for labor shortages in the rice fields, the study highlights deeper transformations linked to a powerful naturalist ontology leading to deagrarianization. Newly formed systems of solidarity, such as the association Servir Bubajum Áyii, adapt persisting commoning principles to contemporary needs, maintaining commoning principles rooted in pre-colonial commons and support mechanisms with values such as discretion and dignity despite the changes. Full article
17 pages, 2865 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Growth and Carrying Capacity of Porphyra spp. Under Aquaculture Conditions on the Southern Coast of Korea Using Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB)
by Dae Ho Tac, Sung Eun Park and Ji Young Lee
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081586 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Understanding the growth dynamics and ecological constraints of Porphyra spp. is essential for optimizing sustainable seaweed aquaculture. However, most existing models lack physiological detail and exhibit limited performance under variable environmental conditions. This study developed a mechanistic Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model to [...] Read more.
Understanding the growth dynamics and ecological constraints of Porphyra spp. is essential for optimizing sustainable seaweed aquaculture. However, most existing models lack physiological detail and exhibit limited performance under variable environmental conditions. This study developed a mechanistic Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model to simulate structural biomass accumulation, carbon and nitrogen reserve dynamics, and blade area expansion of Porphyra under natural environmental conditions in Korean coastal waters. The model incorporates temperature, irradiance, and nutrient availability (NO3 and CO2) as environmental drivers and was implemented using a forward difference numerical scheme. Field data from Beein Bay were used for model calibration and validation. Simulations showed good agreement with the observed biomass, reserve content, and blade area, with root-mean-square error (RMSE) typically within ±10%. Sensitivity analysis identified temperature-adjusted carbon assimilation and nitrogen uptake as the primary drivers of growth. The model was further used to estimate dynamic carrying capacity, revealing seasonal thresholds for sustainable biomass under current farming practices. Although limitations remain—such as the exclusion of reproductive allocation and tissue loss—the results demonstrate that DEB theory provides a robust framework for modeling Porphyra aquaculture. This approach supports scenario testing, spatial planning, and production forecasting, and it is adaptable for ecosystem-based management including integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and climate adaptation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Environmental Science)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2715 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses Reveal How Rhizobacteria Acinetobacter calcoaceticus Enhance the Growth and Stress Tolerance in Lespedeza davurica
by Yinping Liang, Lin Jiang, Yining Zhang, Zhanchao Guo, Linjuan Han, Peng Gao, Xiaoyan Zhao and Xiang Zhao
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081992 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 190
Abstract
Background: Lespedeza davurica is an important perennial leguminous shrub endemic to China’s Loess Plateau, and it plays a crucial role in ecosystem restoration and soil erosion control. However, phosphorus deficiency and environmental stresses limit its growth potential and ecological function. Methods: In the [...] Read more.
Background: Lespedeza davurica is an important perennial leguminous shrub endemic to China’s Loess Plateau, and it plays a crucial role in ecosystem restoration and soil erosion control. However, phosphorus deficiency and environmental stresses limit its growth potential and ecological function. Methods: In the present study, the interaction between Acinetobacter calcoaceticus DP25, a phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacterium isolated from L. davurica rhizosphere, and L. davurica was investigated. We performed biochemical analyses of leaves from L. davurica planted in saline–alkali soil to monitor antioxidant defense systems and stress-related metabolites, and conducted a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches to elucidate the bacteria-mediated enhancement of growth and stress tolerance in L. davurica. Results: DP25 inoculation substantially enhanced L. davurica growth performance, increasing plant height by 47.68%, biomass production by 102.54–132.42%, and root architecture parameters by 62.68–78.79% (p < 0.0001). Catalase activity, a key antioxidant enzyme, showed a marked increase of 41.53% (p < 0.001), while malondialdehyde and free proline contents decreased by 18.13% and 19.33%, respectively (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 263 differentially expressed genes, with enrichment in carotenoid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathways. Metabolomic profiling identified 246 differentially accumulated metabolites, highlighting enhanced secondary metabolite production and stress response mechanisms. Integration of multi-omics data revealed 19 co-regulated pathways involved in growth promotion and stress tolerance. Conclusions: A. calcoaceticus DP25 enhances L. davurica growth through coordinated regulation of metabolic pathways involved in photosynthesis, antioxidant defense, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. These findings provide molecular insights into beneficial plant–microbe interactions and support the development of sustainable strategies for ecosystem restoration in degraded environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress on Pathogenicity of Fungi in Crops—2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2058 KiB  
Article
Effects of Water-Nitrogen Management on the Growth and Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization of Intercropped Alfalfa
by Huile Lv, Yuanbo Jiang, Guangping Qi, Minhua Yin, Yanxia Kang, Yanlin Ma, Yayu Wang, Feng Xiao, Jianqing Peng, Haiyan Li, Chongqin Luo, Junxian Chen, Yanbiao Wang and Mingzhu Wang
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162572 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Agroforestry is an ecological agricultural model that promotes the coordinated development of agriculture and animal husbandry. Exploring appropriate water and nitrogen management strategies for forage grasses in agroforestry systems is of great significance for improving productivity. This study aims to investigate the effects [...] Read more.
Agroforestry is an ecological agricultural model that promotes the coordinated development of agriculture and animal husbandry. Exploring appropriate water and nitrogen management strategies for forage grasses in agroforestry systems is of great significance for improving productivity. This study aims to investigate the effects of different water and nitrogen management practices on the growth, nitrogen uptake, and utilization efficiency of intercropped alfalfa in a goji berry-alfalfa system. It is assumed that moderate water deficiency combined with appropriate nitrogen fertilizer can optimize the growth of alfalfa in the intercropping of wolfberry and alfalfa. This study was based on a 2-year (2021 and 2022) field trial, focusing on alfalfa in a goji berry||alfalfa system. Four irrigation levels [full irrigation (W0, 75–85% θfc), mild water deficit (W1, 65–75% θfc), moderate water deficit (W2, 55–65% θfc), and severe water deficit (W3, 45–55% θfc)] and four nitrogen application levels [no nitrogen (N0, 0 kg·hm−2), low nitrogen (N1, 150 kg·hm−2), medium nitrogen (N2, 300 kg·hm−2), and high nitrogen (N3, 450 kg·hm−2)] were set up to systematically analyze the effects of water and nitrogen regulation on biomass allocation, nitrogen translocation, hay yield, and nitrogen use efficiency of alfalfa. The results showed that (1) irrigation and nitrogen application levels significantly affected the stem-to-leaf and root-to-shoot ratios of alfalfa (p < 0.01). The smallest stem-to-leaf ratio (0.758) was observed under W1N2, while the smallest root-to-shoot ratio (0.595) was observed under W0N2. (2) Irrigation and nitrogen application levels significantly affected nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen translocation in alfalfa (p < 0.05). The maximum nitrogen accumulation was observed under W0N2, which was 43.39% higher than that under W0N0. The maximum nitrogen translocation was observed under W1N2, which was 15.1% and 33.4% higher on average than that under W0N0 and W3N0, respectively. (3) Irrigation and nitrogen application had highly significant effects on alfalfa hay yield (p < 0.01). The highest hay yield (8325 kg·hm−2 and 12,872 kg·hm−2) was achieved under W0N2. The nitrogen productivity of alfalfa increased with increasing water deficit and initially increased, then decreased with increasing nitrogen application. The nitrogen use efficiency of alfalfa followed the order N2 > N1 > N3 and W1 > W0 > W2 > W3, with the highest value of 9.26 under W1N2. Based on the comprehensive evaluation of alfalfa in agroforestry systems under water and nitrogen regulation using the entropy weight-TOPSIS method, mild water deficit combined with medium nitrogen application (W1N2) can optimize the stem-to-leaf ratio, root-to-shoot ratio, and nitrogen use efficiency of alfalfa without significantly reducing yield and nitrogen production efficiency. This water-nitrogen combination is suitable for use in goji berry||alfalfa systems in the Yellow River irrigation area of Gansu Province and similar ecological zones. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1873 KiB  
Article
Peak Soil Erosion Risk in Mixed Forests: A Critical Transition Phase Driven by Moso Bamboo Expansion
by Jie Wang, Xin Wang, Youjin Yan, Liangjie Wang, Haibo Hu, Bing Ma, Hongwei Zhou, Jiacai Liu, Fengling Gan and Yuchuan Fan
Agriculture 2025, 15(16), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15161772 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 177
Abstract
Driven by climate change and human activities, the expansion of highly invasive moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) into coniferous forests induces a serious ecological imbalance. Its rapidly spreading underground roots significantly alter soil structure, yet the mechanisms by which this expansion affects [...] Read more.
Driven by climate change and human activities, the expansion of highly invasive moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) into coniferous forests induces a serious ecological imbalance. Its rapidly spreading underground roots significantly alter soil structure, yet the mechanisms by which this expansion affects soil detachment capacity (Dc), a key soil erosion parameter, remain unclear. While bamboo expansion modifies soil physicochemical properties and root characteristics, influencing Dc and, consequently, soil erosion resistance, the underlying mechanisms, particularly stage-specific variations, are not thoroughly understood. In this study, we examined Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora Siebold & Zucc.) forest (CF), moso bamboo–Japanese white pine mixed forest (MF), and moso bamboo forest (BF) as representative stages of bamboo expansion. By integrating laboratory-controlled measurements of soil physicochemical properties and root traits with field-based flume experiments, we comprehensively investigate the effects of moso bamboo expansion into CF on soil detachment capacity. The results of the study can be summarized as follows: (1) Expansion of moso bamboo significantly changed soil physicochemical properties and root characteristics. Soil bulk density was the highest in the MF (1.13 g·cm−3), followed by the CF (1.08 g·cm−3) and BF (1.03 g·cm−3); non-capillary porosity increased significantly with expansion (CF 0.03% to MF 0.10%); and although the stability of aggregates (MWD) increased by 24.5% from the CF to MF, root mass density (RMD) in the MF (0.0048 g·cm−3) was much higher than that in the CF (0.0009 g·cm−3). This intense root competition between forest types, combined with increased macroporosity development, compromised overall soil structural integrity. This weakening may lead to a looser soil structure during the transition phase, thereby increasing erosion risk. (2) There were significant stage differences in Dc: it was significantly higher in the MF (0.034 kg·m−2·s−1) than in the CF (0.023 kg·m−2·s−1) and BF (0.018 kg·m−2·s−1), which revealed that the MF was an erosion-sensitive stage. (3) Our Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) results revealed that soil physicochemical properties (soil moisture content and soil total nitrogen) dominated Dc changes through direct effects (total effect −0.547); in comparison, root properties indirectly affected Dc by modulating soil structure (indirect effect: −0.339). The results of this study reveal the dynamics and mechanisms of Dc changes during bamboo expansion, and for the first time, we identify a distinct Dc peak during the mixed forest transition phase. These findings provide a scientific basis for moso bamboo forest management, soil erosion risk assessment, and optimization of soil and water conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 861 KiB  
Review
Role of Plant-Derived Smoke Solution on Plants Under Stress
by Amana Khatoon, Muhammad Mudasar Aslam and Setsuko Komatsu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167911 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Plants are constantly exposed to various environmental challenges, such as drought, flooding, heavy metal toxicity, and pathogen attacks. To cope with these stresses, they employ several adaptive strategies. This review highlights the potential of plant-derived smoke (PDS) solution as a natural biostimulant for [...] Read more.
Plants are constantly exposed to various environmental challenges, such as drought, flooding, heavy metal toxicity, and pathogen attacks. To cope with these stresses, they employ several adaptive strategies. This review highlights the potential of plant-derived smoke (PDS) solution as a natural biostimulant for improving plant health and resilience, contributing to both crop productivity and ecological restoration under abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Mitigating effects of PDS solution against various stresses were observed at morphological, physiological, and molecular levels in plants. PDS solution application involves strengthening the cell membrane by minimizing electrolyte leakage, which enhances cell membrane stability and stomatal conductance. The increased reactive-oxygen species were managed by the activation of the antioxidant system including ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase to meet oxidative damage caused by challenging conditions imposed by flooding, drought, and heavy metal stress. PDS solution along with other by-products of fire, such as charred organic matter and ash, can enrich the soil by slightly increasing its pH and improving nutrient availability. Additionally, some studies indicated that PDS solution may influence phytohormonal pathways, particularly auxins and gibberellic acids, which can contribute to root development and enhance symbiotic interactions with soil microbes, including mycorrhizal fungi. These combined effects may support overall plant growth, though the extent of PDS contribution may vary depending on species and environmental conditions. This boost in plant growth contributes to protecting the plants against pathogens, which shows the role of PDS in enduring biotic stress. Collectively, PDS solution mitigates stress tolerance in plants via multifaceted changes, including the regulation of physico-chemical responses, enhancement of the antioxidant system, modulation of heavy metal speciation, and key adjustments of photosynthesis, respiration, cell membrane transport, and the antioxidant system at genomic/proteomic levels. This review focuses on the role of PDS solution in fortifying plants against environmental stresses. It is suggested that PDS solution, which already has been determined to be a biostimulant, has potential for the revival of plant growth and soil ecosystem under abiotic and biotic stresses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Molecular Plant Sciences)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop