Search Results (155)

Attractive local endemic plant species of biodiversity hotspots represent promising candidates for the introduction of novel horticultural crops, as the floricultural industry continuously seeks new ornamental products with unique features. This study investigated the postharvest performance of the cut inflorescences of Campanula pelviformis and Petromarula pinnata (Campanulaceae), two single-island endemic plants (Crete, Greece) with well-documented ornamental potential. Fifteen replicate cut inflorescences per treatment from two different populations of C. pelviformis and one population of P. pinnata were placed individually in vases containing three holding solutions (1% sucrose, FloraLife^®, and deionized water). Vase life (VL) longevity and floral development were monitored daily, whereas inflorescence fresh weight and remaining solution percentage were recorded every two days. In addition, petal color parameters were assessed at three time points during the experimental period. The FloraLife^® solution significantly increased VL (20.40 ± 0.87 days), fresh weight, and reduced remaining solution percentage in C. pelviformis, whereas untreated inflorescences resulted in the greatest VL in P. pinnata (19.87 ± 0.26 days), while increased fresh weight and decreased remaining solution percentage were observed by the 1% sucrose treatment. Flower open rate (FOR) final values and flower fall rate (FFR) values were higher in the untreated cut inflorescences of C. pelviformis (90.3% and 51.37%, respectively), while no significant effects were observed in those of P. pinnata (>78% and >41.37%, respectively). Over time, a gradual increase in FOR occurred in inflorescences of C. pelviformis with FloraLife^® solution and in untreated ones of P. pinnata, while increases in FFR were also observed in the same treatments. Minimal changes in petal colour parameters were recorded in C. pelviformis inflorescences during the experimental period. These findings provided first-time evidence into the postharvest handling of the inflorescences of these local Cretan endemics, thus paving the way to their further valorization for the diversification of Mediterranean floriculture with unique phytogenetic resources. Full article

Background: Flower color is a well-defined trait in Platycodon grandiflorus, whereas little is known about the effects of flower color variation on the metabolic profiles of reproductive organs. Triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids have common precursors upstream, suggesting a potential carbon flux trade-off. Methods: Untargeted UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics was performed on the reproductive organs of purple- and white-flowered P. grandiflorus at six stages of flower development. Mfuzz time-series clustering, PCA, and metabolite correlation networks were used for data analysis. Results: Six clusters were assigned to 25 metabolites (17 triterpenoid saponins and 8 flavonoids). Flavonoid glycosides were found to possess a conserved inverted V-shaped accumulation pattern in both germplasms. By contrast, saponins derived from triterpenoids showed strong germplasm-dependent accumulation patterns. White-flowered plants showed sustained accumulation, with a peak at the young fruit stage. In purple-flowered plants, accumulation peaked transiently at the withering stage, followed by a decline. PCA validated that metabolic divergence increased with developmental progression. Conclusions: Based on the metabolomic profiles, we hypothesize a putative trade-off model in which floral color divergence may change upstream carbon flux allocation between the triterpenoid saponin and flavonoid pathways. The young fruit stage of white-flowered plants is a candidate harvesting period for bioactive saponins. These conclusions are based only on the pattern of metabolite accumulation and need to be validated by multi-omics. Full article

The flower color of Michelia odora, an important landscape tree plant, shows significant ornamental value, but its regulatory mechanisms remain to be further explored. The present work integrated metabolomic with transcriptomic analyses for elucidating the anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanisms in light pink and deep pink M. odora flowers. Our metabolomic analysis identified 13 differentially expressed anthocyanins, 11 of which, especially cyanidins, were significantly accumulated within deep pink petals versus light pink ones. As revealed by our transcriptomic analysis, 33 differential genes were related to flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Further, transcription factor genes, encompassing three MoMYB alongside two MobHLH genes, were likely the hub genes that modulated anthocyanin biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time PCR validation indicated that certain genes, like MoPAL, MoC4H, Mo4CL, MoCHS, MoCHI, MoUGT75C1, MoMYB3, MobHLH1, and MobHLH3, displayed concurrent expression with anthocyanin accumulation within deep pink petals. Collectively, these results indicate the role of anthocyanin accumulation in deep pink color, and the effect of upregulated genes on increasing anthocyanin levels. Our results shed novel light on color change mechanisms underlying M. odora, and provide a theoretical basis for flower breeding. Full article

Background: Ontogenetic flower color change is a prevalent adaptive phenomenon in plants, yet the temporal orchestration of multiple pigment pathways during rapid developmental transitions remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the metabolic and transcriptional basis of the petal basal marking color transition in Weigela japonica from yellow through yellow-orange to purple-red within a 4-day blooming period. Methods: Metabolomic analysis of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids was conducted using UPLC-MS/MS across four developmental stages (S0–S3). Differentially accumulated metabolites were screened based on VIP > 1, |Log₂FC| ≥ 1, and p < 0.05. Transcriptome sequencing was performed using the NovaSeq 6000 platform, and differentially expressed genes were identified using DESeq2. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to identify hub genes associated with pigment accumulation. Key structural genes were validated by qRT-PCR. Results: Metabolomics revealed distinct stage-specific pigment accumulation: carotenoids peaked during the yellow-orange stage (S2), while anthocyanins and flavonoids surged in the final purple-red stage (S3). KEGG enrichment indicated that carotenoid metabolism operates as a discrete module, anthocyanin biosynthesis as a terminal-specific route, and flavonoid metabolism as an intermediary hub bridging the two pathways. Transcriptome analysis identified stage-specific gene expression patterns: PAL and C4H were active at S0–S1, CHS/CHI/F3H peaked at S1-S2, and DFR/ANS were maximally expressed at S2–S3. Carotenoid genes (PSY, LCY, ZDS) showed synchronous expression during the yellow-orange phase. WGCNA identified MYB44, bHLH92, and ERF3 as hub genes strongly correlated with the S3 anthocyanin surge. Conclusions: These findings suggest a sequential activation model in W. japonica, in which temporally partitioned pigment metabolism and stepwise transcriptional regulation converge to orchestrate rapid ontogenetic color change. The study provides a framework for understanding developmental color transitions in ornamental plants, though causal regulatory relationships remain to be functionally validated. Full article

This study investigates the influence of pH and extract concentration on the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Camellia sinensis extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Synthesis was performed at pH 1–12 using undiluted and diluted extracts (2:5 and 1:5). The colloids were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SAED, and elemental mapping. Both parameters significantly affected nanoparticle formation, morphology, and optical properties. At extreme pH values and low extract concentrations, AuNP formation was suppressed. The pH range of 3–6 produced diverse morphologies: spherical (~18 nm), triangular (~21 nm), rod-shaped (~25 nm), and anisotropic flower-like structures (~53 nm). At higher pH values, smaller, more uniform spherical nanoparticles formed, including red (~18 nm) and yellow colloids (~6 nm). These changes were reflected in distinct UV–Vis spectra and color variations. Toxicity tests using Chlorella kessleri revealed no inhibition of algal growth. In contrast, selected AuNPs colloids reduced germination and root growth of Sinapis alba, with germination falling below 50% for spherical AuNPs smaller than 18 nm and root length decreasing by more than 60% compared to the positive control. Under the tested conditions, controlled adjustment of pH and extract concentration allows tuning of AuNP properties through a simple green synthesis approach. Full article

Impatiens walleriana is a widely cultivated ornamental species extensively used in landscaping and garden design, with its vibrant floral colors constituting one of the primary determinants of its ornamental value. We found in preliminary observations that treatment of I. walleriana seeds with colchicine at 60 mg L⁻¹ induced significant flower color variation, with petals changing from purple to pink. Based on this, the present study used the wild-type (purple) and induced mutant plants (pink) of I. walleriana as materials, and systematically elucidated the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying its flower color variation via integrated analysis of targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics. Metabolomic analysis identified 84 anthocyanin-related metabolites. Metabolite composition and accumulation levels differed significantly between Iw-MU and Iw-WT. Pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin were markedly elevated in Iw-MU, while procyanidins accumulated to higher levels in Iw-WT. These metabolic differences may serve as the key metabolic basis for the petal color transition to pink. Transcriptomic analysis identified a total of 689 differentially expressed genes, of which 386 were upregulated and 303 were downregulated. Subsequent functional annotation and enrichment analysis revealed that the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway played a key regulatory role in flower color variation. Among these, the significant downregulation of key anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, DFR and ANS, likely suppressed the production of colored anthocyanins. In contrast, the expression levels of ANR and LAR genes were significantly upregulated, which may drive the metabolic flux to shift toward proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. This study elucidated the metabolomic composition characteristics and key regulatory genes associated with the floral color transition from pinkish-purple to light pink in I. walleriana, as well as clarified the core metabolic pathways and molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying this variation. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of flower color and the breeding of new cultivars in I. walleriana. Full article

Yellow bells (Tecoma stans) is a popular ornamental flowering plant used in public spaces. Its flowers are considered a medicinal herb rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using dried yellow bells flower (YB) as a dietary supplement for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Nile tilapia (0.74 ± 0.01 g body weight) were divided into six groups for an eight-week feeding trial, during which their diets were supplemented with 5 different levels by weight of YB: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%. The control group received a non-supplemented diet. Parameters related to growth, feed utilization, skin and fillet coloration, gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition were observed. Survival, feed utilization, and skin and fillet coloration were unaffected by YB supplementation, and growth performance was generally maintained up to 8% dietary inclusion. However, at 4 to 6% YB intestinal cellulase activity and gastrointestinal radical-scavenging activities were significantly increased, while amylase and protease activities, and the amylase/trypsin ratio, were maintained. Fillet quality was improved at 4% YB, with higher myosin and total myofibrillar protein contents but without changes in RNA, total protein, or RNA/protein ratio. At moderate YB inclusion levels, white blood cell counts were lower and packed cell volume and hemoglobin levels were higher, indicating improved physiological status. Whole-body crude protein and ash were increased at higher YB levels, whereas moisture and lipid were unchanged. Overall, dietary inclusion of around 4% YB was associated with favorable improvements in gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition in Nile tilapia. Full article

To reveal how the characteristic flavor of jasmine tea is generated, this study analyzed the coordinated changes in sensory properties, chemical components, and aroma migration behavior during scenting. Sensory evaluation, biochemical assays, and headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) integrated with orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and relative odor activity value (rOAV) filtering were applied to tea samples before and after scenting. After scenting, aroma and taste scores increased significantly, and liquor color shifted from tender green to pale yellow. Amino acids and soluble sugars increased, while astringent substances such as tea polyphenols and catechins decreased. Key floral compounds, including cis-3-hexenyl benzoate and methyl anthranilate, were transferred from jasmine flowers to the tea base and enriched, likely contributing to the typical aroma profile. The retention rate of aroma in spent flowers was positively correlated with hydrophobicity (logP, r > 0.46, p < 0.01) and negatively with polarity (TPSA, r > −0.42, p < 0.05), suggesting regulation by hydrophobic partitioning. In contrast, aroma transfer to the tea base showed no simple correlation with any single physicochemical parameter, suggesting multi-factor regulation. This study provides insights into the scenting process and offers a theoretical reference for quality control in jasmine tea production. Full article

Impatiens hawkeri W. Bull (I. hawkeri) is popular among consumers due to its diverse flower colors and year-round blooming. However, changes in ecological conditions, cultivation methods, and planting scale have led to increased disease incidence and diversity, particularly the widespread and destructive leaf spot disease. Currently, studies addressing the pathogen species and its biological characteristics remain limited. In this study, a highly pathogenic strain (IH-4) was selected from previously isolated fungi associated with leaf spot in I. hawkeri. Its taxonomic status was confirmed using upright fluorescence microscope analysis, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)/large subunit (LSU)/RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2)/β-tubulin (tub2) rRNA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic tree construction. Additionally, the biological characteristics of the pathogen and its sensitivity to 8 chemical fungicides were assessed. Strain IH-4 was identified as Ectophoma multirostrata (E. multirostrata) through combined morphological and molecular approaches. Optimal growth conditions included a temperature of 25 °C, a pH of 7, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium, fructose as the optimal carbon source, and urea as the optimal nitrogen source, with the fastest growth observed under a semi-light photoperiod (12 h light/12 h dark). Fungicide sensitivity assays indicated that 25% azoxystrobin exhibited the lowest half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀, 0.0724 μg/mL) and the steepest virulence regression slope (1.7), demonstrating the strongest inhibitory activity and highest sensitivity. Microscopic observations revealed that IH-4 hyphae penetrate I. hawkeri leaf tissues via stomata, colonize internally, and consequently cause host damage. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the timely and effective management of leaf spot disease in I. hawkeri. Full article

Behavioral flexibility allows animals to adjust their behavior in response to environmental changes. Hummingbirds, with their tetrachromatic color vision and enlarged hippocampal formation, represent an excellent model for studying cognitive flexibility in color discrimination. We evaluated three components of behavioral flexibility (exploration, exploitation, and inhibition) in two sympatric hummingbird species, the resident White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis) and the migratory Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus), using a reversal learning task with artificial flowers of different colors for evaluating exploration, exploitation, and inhibition simultaneously. Birds were trained to associate nectar rewards with either spectrally similar (red-yellow) or dissimilar (red-violet) color pairs. Our results revealed interspecific differences in exploration behavior depending on the rewarding color during training, while both species showed similar exploitation and inhibition capacities. The migratory S. platycercus showed stronger neophobia toward non-red flowers compared to the resident B. leucotis. Both species quickly learned the color-rewarding association when red was rewarding but required more visits when non-red colors were rewarding. These findings suggest that while both species can flexibly adjust their foraging behavior, differences in their ecology and migratory behavior may influence their initial responses to novel color cues. Full article

Cherry blossom trees are iconic ornamental plants of the spring known for their vibrant colors and elegant forms. However, their short flowering period limits their ornamental value. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is notable for its ability to flower a second time in autumn. Study of the secondary flowering of this variety may offer insights into the development of cherry blossoms. Here, we studied the secondary flowering of Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ by collecting three types of flower buds: the terminal buds of long branches in autumn (LB), the basal buds of short branches in autumn (SB), and flower buds in spring (FB). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were then conducted on autumn flower buds to identify key metabolic pathways associated with secondary flowering. These pathways were primarily involved in nutrient accumulation and plant hormone biosynthesis. We then quantified changes in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and gibberellic acid (GA₃), as well as levels of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and starch in flower buds. Correlation analysis indicated that IAA was necessary for flower bud development; ABA was weakly correlated with secondary flowering; and JA was significantly negatively correlated with secondary flowering. The GA₃ content was higher in LB than in SB and was significantly positively correlated with secondary flowering. Additionally, nutrient levels were higher in LB than in SB, suggesting that the accumulation of sufficient nutrients supports the second bloom. Correlation analysis revealed that ABA and GA₃ levels were positively correlated in flower buds, but GA₃ was negatively correlated with JA levels. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the secondary flowering phenomenon in Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ and offers valuable insights for extending the ornamental period of cherry blossom trees. Full article

Flower color, as an important trait of ornamental plants, has been a research hotspot in recent years. In this study, we selected Prunus campanulata (Maxim.) (ZH, red), P. dielsiana (Schneid.) (WH, white), and two cherry blossom varieties ‘Yanzhi Fei’ (FH, deep pink) and ‘Yanzhi Xue’ (XH, pinkish white) obtained by open-pollination hybridization as material. By means of bioinformatics methods such as metabolomics and transcriptomics, it is expected to deeply study the molecular mechanism of the gradient changes in flower color between the parents and offspring of cherry blossoms. Metabolomics analysis indicated that a total of 84 flavonoid related metabolites were identified, among which 31 were associated with the anthocyanin metabolic pathway, including three major types of anthocyanin substances: cyanidin, delphinidin, and malvidin. Transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 7712 differential genes were detected between P. campanulata and P. dielsiana; there were 3948 differential genes between P. campanulata and ‘Yanzhi Xue’, 2802 between P. campanulata and ‘Yanzhi Fei’, and 2511 between ‘Yanzhi Xue’ and ‘Yanzhi Fei’. After screening based on anthocyanin accumulation, nine key enzyme genes were obtained. Joint analysis showed that the relative expression trends of structural genes such as PAL, 4CL, CHI, DFR, and CYP75B in the samples were consistent with those of anthocyanins, and they had a high correlation with downstream metabolites. The results of this study lay a certain scientific foundation for the future directional improvement and breeding of cherry blossom colors. Full article

Background: Paeonia lactiflora Pall. produces substantial quantities of nectar during the bud stage. In the production of cut flowers, this nectar attracts contaminants that compromise the quality of the flowers. The current practice of rinsing flowers with clean water escalates production costs. Consequently, reducing nectar secretion during the bud stage has emerged as a significant technical challenge for the industry. Nonetheless, insufficient fundamental knowledge concerning the structure of P. lactiflora nectaries and the physiology of nectar secretion impedes the development of pertinent regulatory technologies. Methods: This study established a “nectar secretion index” to evaluate nectar production in various P. lactiflora cultivars. Nectar sugar concentration and composition were measured using a refractometer and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Observations of changes in nectary epidermal morphology and anatomical structure during nectar secretion were conducted using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Key Results: The quantity of nectar secreted by various P. lactiflora cultivars can differ. The indices were not significantly correlated with flowering period, flower color, or flower type. At the peak of nectar secretion, the sugar concentration of nectar secretion by different cultivars’ flower buds varied. Sucrose is the primary sugar component in this nectar. Nectar is secreted along the basal margins of the bracts and sepals on the abaxial surface of all cultivars. Specialized raised stomata are located on the upper epidermis, through which nectar is secreted. In contrast, the epidermal stomata located outside nectar-secreting areas exhibit a normal morphology. Specialized stomata do not secrete nectar concurrently. The stomatal aperture and the percentage of nectar-secreting stomata at the secretion sites are significantly higher in high-nectar-producing cultivars than in low-nectar-producing cultivars. Anatomical observations of bract nectaries indicate that, irrespective of nectar production levels, specialized stomata are consistently located adjacent to vascular bundles. During the initial stage of nectar secretion, no starch was detected in the bract nectaries. In contrast, the stomata in non-secretory epidermal cells of bracts maintain a normal morphology, and calcium oxalate crystals were observed within the subepidermal tissues. Throughout the nectar secretion process, the content of photosynthetic pigments and the Fv/Fm ratio in the bracts and sepals of various cultivars correlated with nectar secretion volume. Conclusions: This study, informed by observations of numerous P. lactiflora cultivars, elucidates the structural characteristics of its nectaries and the nectar secretion properties of various cultivars during the bud stage. It confirms that these nectaries are classified as extrafloral nectaries, specifically structural nectaries consisting of specialized raised stomata and closely associated vascular bundles beneath them. No significant differences in nectary structure or location were noted among cultivars with differing nectar yields. However, both the aperture of nectary stomata and the percentage of nectar-secreting stomata exhibited a significant positive correlation with secretion levels. The intrinsic photosynthetic potential at the nectary sites varies significantly among cultivars. The nectar is not derived from stored cellular starch but likely originates simultaneously from both photosynthesis and phloem transport. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of subsequent regulatory technologies. Full article

Background: The Camellia genus is widely recognized for its remarkable diversity in floral morphology and coloration, with Camellia petelotii (Merr.) Sealy being particularly notable for its rare golden-yellow flowers, which possess exceptional ornamental value. Despite its horticultural significance, the molecular mechanisms governing its flowering process remain poorly elucidated, presenting a substantial barrier to effective conservation and breeding initiatives. Methods: To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis, focusing on three distinct developmental stages of C. petelotii floral organs: the alabastrum stage (S1), the half-opened flower stage (S2), and the full bloom stage (S3). These samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing using the Illumina platform. Following rigorous quality control and alignment with the reference genome, we performed transcript assembly and integrated comprehensive gene annotation data with quantitative gene expression profiles. Results: Our analysis identified 18,732 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showing significant expression changes across developmental stages. Notably, we identified 134 DEGs as potential flowering-related genes, which were functionally associated with key pathways involved in floral regulation, including plant hormone signal transduction (e.g., AUX/IAA, ARF, SAUR, GH3, JAR4, GID1 and SOC1), starch (SS, SUS, BAM) and sucrose metabolism (HK, FrK, and GH32), circadian rhythm regulation (e.g., PIF3, ELF3, LHY, and PRR), and the Autonomous pathway. Building upon these findings, we have proposed a comprehensive model illustrating the regulatory network underlying flowering transition in C. petelotii. The reliability of the transcriptomic data was demonstrated through the validation of 11 genes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Conclusions: These insights not only enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of flowering in this species but also provide a valuable theoretical framework for future genetic improvement and breeding programs of C. petelotii. Full article

To overcome the limitations of ground-based observations, this study aims to identify optimal color indices for detecting tree phenological events using time-series Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) orthomosaics. We monitored 37 woody taxa at the Korea National Arboretum from April to November 2025. By extracting Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) values from canopy polygons, we calculated four indices: Brightness, Green Chromatic Coordinate (GCC), Red Chromatic Coordinate (RCC), and Green-Red Vegetation Index (GRVI). We then evaluated signal detectability using Z-score standardization. The analysis confirmed that 74.6% of phenological events were detectable. Specifically, flowering and autumn coloration showed high detection rates (88.9% and 100%, respectively), identifying Brightness, RCC, and GRVI as key indicators for capturing these distinct visual changes. Conversely, gradual transitions like leaf-out showed lower detectability. These findings demonstrate that selecting specific color indices based on the visual characteristics of each event enables effective quantitative monitoring. This study provides a methodological basis for utilizing UAV-based indices as a complementary tool in long-term ecological monitoring. Full article