Search Results (273)

This study aims to enhance the early warning and monitoring of frost damage in triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack), as well as to identify frost-tolerant materials. To this end, this work focused on phenotyping the dynamics of triticale under different damage intensities using spectral indices. Sixteen triticale genotypes were planted under three sowing date (SD) treatments, with three sowing rate (SR) gradients set for each SD. The multispectral data of triticale under six frost damage intensities were acquired using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. A total of eight spectral indices (SIs) were extracted from samples under each intensity. In general, for each combination of SD and SR, all SIs decreased monotonically with increasing damage intensity. These indices are therefore suitable for monitoring frost damage in triticale under complex sowing scenarios. Under early frost damage, the relative decline rates (RDRs) of the SRI (Simple Ratio Vegetation Index), EVI2 (Enhanced Vegetation Index 2), NIRv (Near-Infrared Reflectance of Vegetation), and GLI (Green Leaf Index) were higher than those of other indices, indicating that they are more sensitive to early frost damage and thus more suitable for frost warning. Under frost stress, the RDRs of the indices were higher in early-sown samples than in late-sown samples. SD plays a more significant role than SR in determining the response of triticale indices to frost damage. Models were developed to detect triticale under varying damage intensities with SIs and classification algorithms—XGBoost, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The SVM classifier demonstrated the best generalization performance (overall accuracy: 98.03%; F1-score: 0.98). The detection contributions of indices within the optimal model were evaluated by their respective SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) values. The GLI, NIRv, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), and GNDVI (Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were identified as key indices, as they exhibit higher cumulative SHAP values. Identification models for triticale with different frost tolerance levels were established based on the time-series data of these key indices and the above four algorithms. The optimal model based on the SVM algorithm achieved an identification accuracy exceeding 90%. The average overwintering dynamics and frost damage responses of the key indices were analyzed for triticale with different frost tolerance levels under all treatments. Under frost stress, these indices and their RDRs in frost-tolerant triticale were generally higher and lower, respectively, than those in frost-sensitive triticale. These four key indices can thus assist in the identification of frost tolerance in triticale. This study aids in the early warning and monitoring of frost damage in triticale under complex planting scenarios and the evaluation of overwintering performance in triticale germplasm. Full article

The cultivation of Hericium erinaceus in China accounts for about 85% of the global supply. Its decentralized production systems have developed across diverse climate zones, leading to distinct, location-specific practices recorded in local technical standards. This scoping review synthesizes these empirical protocols from five agro-climatic regions. It illustrates how adaptive strategies such as cold-tolerant strains in the northeast and market-driven precision in the subtropics are associated with yield stability. These practices reflect two interconnected forms of diversity. One is the diversity of cultivation systems themselves, from forest-based methods to industrial-scale production systems. The other is the diversity of locally adapted strains developed for specific environments. We use the Intelligent Germplasm–Cultivation–Processing–Market (GCPM) Integration framework to connect local practices with broader questions of systemic resilience. The evidence draws on field-validated standards, not controlled experiments, reflecting the current state of research. This work presents China’s practical knowledge as a reference for designing context-sensitive, climate-resilient cultivation systems elsewhere, suggesting that resilience may depend more on intelligent adaptation to local conditions than on one-size-fits-all solutions. Full article

Globally, Central Asian wild fruit forests are critical repositories of wild fruit germplasm resources and provide essential ecosystem services. However, their habitats are facing escalating degradation risks driven by climate warming, shifting precipitation regimes, and intensifying anthropogenic disturbances. Accurately quantifying climate-driven spatiotemporal variations in habitat suitability for keystone wild fruit tree species is therefore an essential prerequisite for formulating targeted conservation and management strategies in arid and semi-arid landscapes. In this study, we applied the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to simulate the current (2000–2020 baseline) and future (2030s, 2050s, 2070s) potential suitable habitats of two dominant wild fruit tree species, Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M.Roem. and Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., in the Ili Valley, a core distribution area of Central Asian wild fruit forests in northwestern China. We integrated rigorously screened species occurrence records with key environmental predictors and characterized future climate conditions using three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs; SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) spanning low to high radiative forcing levels. The model exhibited excellent predictive performance (AUC > 0.85), confirming the robustness and reliability of our habitat suitability simulations. Elevation and annual precipitation were identified as the dominant environmental variables governing habitat suitability for both species, highlighting the critical role of terrain–hydroclimate interactions in maintaining viable dryland refugia for wild fruit forests. Under the baseline climate scenario, the total area of suitable habitats reached 24.014 × 10³ km² for Malus sieversii and 18.990 × 10³ km² for Prunus cerasifera. Future climate projections revealed a consistent and significant contraction trend in suitable habitats for both species, with the magnitude of habitat loss escalating with increasing radiative forcing and longer projection time horizons. Specifically, under the high-emission SSP585 scenario by the 2070s, the suitable habitat area is projected to decline by 7.579 × 10³ km² for Malus sieversii and 9.883 × 10³ km² for Prunus cerasifera relative to the baseline. Our findings delineate climate-vulnerable hotspots of wild fruit forests and provide a robust spatial scientific basis for prioritizing in situ conservation, targeted habitat restoration, and anthropogenic disturbance regulation to support the long-term persistence of these irreplaceable wild fruit germplasm resources under accelerating global climate change. Full article

This study analyzed seven foliar traits of Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae) in 87 individuals across three germplasm movement zones in Tabasco, Mexico (VIII: humid; XIV: intermediate; XXI: dry) to assess differentiation and climatic relationships. Leaf length, area, petiolule length, leaflet number, rachis length, width, and stomatal density were measured. Univariate tests, canonical correlation analysis, redundancy analysis, and a relative phenotypic plasticity index were applied. Significant morphological differentiation was found: zone XIV exhibited the largest leaves and longest rachises, zone VIII the highest stomatal density, and zone XXI smaller, more subdivided leaves. The first canonical axis (r = 0.846, p < 0.001) associated long and wide leaves with warm, humid conditions, while the second (r = 0.810, p < 0.001) linked stomatal density and width to temperature minimum. Climate explained 55.7% of morphological variation, primarily through water and temperature gradients. High plasticity in leaf area, rachis length, and stomatal density suggests adaptive flexibility, yet consistent inter-zonal differences indicate local adaptation. These results demonstrate a strong correspondence with Tabasco’s germplasm movement zones and providing morphological evidence to support reforestation and germplasm management strategies under variable climatic conditions. Full article

The accurate and efficient extraction of individual tree phenotypic traits for seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in natural forests is crucial for germplasm exploration, precision silviculture, and ecological restoration. This study extracted structural and biochemical traits of seabuckthorn in Tibet’s Lhasa valley using Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) LiDAR, multispectral imagery, and the N-PROSAIL model. Firstly, building on a classification conducted through multi-scale spatial analysis and hierarchical clustering with dynamic thresholds, shrub interference was effectively reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of individual tree segmentation. Tree height and crown width were derived from the segmentation results, and a DBH estimation model was developed using handheld LiDAR data. Finally, leaf nitrogen content was mapped within canopies using random forest combined with the N-PROSAIL model and nitrogen reference data. The results demonstrated that the optimized segmentation method successfully extracted structural traits (F1 = 84.21%). Tree height was accurately estimated (R² = 0.814, RMSE = 0.580 m), and the DBH prediction model performed satisfactorily (R² = 0.779, RMSE = 1.725 cm). The random forest model also effectively estimated leaf nitrogen content (R² = 0.680, RMSE = 2.074 mg/g). Full article

Lagerstroemia suprareticulata, an endemic ornamental species in limestone karst ecosystems of Guangxi—a global biodiversity hotspot—holds significant ecological value. However, habitat degradation and anthropogenic pressures have driven this species to the brink of extinction, leading to its classification as Endangered (EN) on the China Biodiversity Red List. To address this crisis, we conducted whole-genome resequencing to generate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for comprehensive analyses of genetic diversity, population structure, demographic history, and adaptive variation. Our results reveal four distinct genetic clusters in L. suprareticulata, all of which share a history of population expansion followed by contraction. Maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) projects a severe contraction in the range under high-carbon-emission scenarios. Selective sweep analysis identified genomic regions under positive selection, including those associated with protein homeostasis, metabolism, signal transduction, and developmental regulation. Genotype–environment association (GEA) analysis further identified adaptive SNPs linked to temperature and precipitation, which were enriched in genes regulating transmembrane transport, stress response, and the immune system. Additionally, risk of non-adaptedness (RONA) analysis identified high-risk populations. By integrating genomic data with advanced analytical approaches, this study enhances our understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of L. suprareticulata to limestone karst habitats and provides critical insights for its conservation. Full article

Endoplasmic reticulum-mediated protein quality control (ERQC) safeguards secretory pathway proteostasis by recognizing, retaining, repairing, and removing misfolded proteins, and is therefore essential for plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. This system relies on ER-associated degradation (ERAD), in which irreparably misfolded proteins are first recognized in the ER, then exported across the ER membrane to the cytosol, where they are ubiquitinated by ER membrane-anchored ubiquitin ligases, and subsequently degraded by the cytosolic proteasome. Studies in yeast and mammals have defined several conserved ERAD branches, including a multiprotein ERAD complex centered on the polytopic ER membrane E3 ligase HMG-CoA reductase degradation protein 1 (Hrd1), which integrates substrate recognition, membrane retrotranslocation, ubiquitin conjugation, and cytosolic extraction. Recent advances in Arabidopsis show that plants retain the core Hrd1 ERAD architecture while incorporating additional regulatory elements that adapt this machinery to plant-specific physiological demands. Genetic and biochemical analyses of misfolded receptor kinases and engineered substrates have uncovered conserved and plant-specific components of the plant Hrd1 complex, revealing how the plant ERAD pathway integrates ERQC with hormone signaling, stress adaptation, immune responses, and growth regulation. This review synthesizes recent advances in plant ERAD research and highlights key conceptual and mechanistic questions that remain to be resolved. Full article

Zanthoxylum plants are a perennial economic crop which have garnered significant attention owing to their distinctive smell and taste. Their main flavor characteristics include a numbing sensation, bitterness, and aroma, which are mostly contributed by secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes. As an important spice and a natural food additive, Zanthoxylum has broad application prospects and economic value in the production of food, medicine, animal feed, and raw chemical materials. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the economic uses and main flavor metabolites of Zanthoxylum. Furthermore, molecular biology research into the plant was summarized in detail. This will provide a reference for the future development and utilization of Zanthoxylum, and reveal the molecular mechanisms involving the biosynthesis of its flavor metabolites. Full article

Increasingly frequent extreme droughts threaten forest vegetation and highlight the need to identify drought-tolerant germplasm. To support conservation and cultivation of Illicium lanceolatum, we investigated ecotypic differences in photosynthetic responses to short-term drought and rewatering under varying light intensity. One-year-old seedlings from four I. lanceolatum ecotypes originating from the Zhejiang (Lin’an, LA; Kaihua, KH), Jiangxi (Wu’ning, WN), and Fujian (Nan’ping, NP) provinces in China were subjected to drought stress by withholding irrigation and subsequent rewatering. Photosynthesis–light response curves were measured before drought; 2, 4, and 7 days after the last watering; and following rewatering. Short-term drought significantly affected photosynthetic traits in an ecotype-dependent manner. Maximum net photosynthetic rate, light saturation point, light compensation point, and apparent quantum yield increased during drought, indicating enhanced utilization of both high and low light. After rewatering, stomatal conductance increased significantly in the WN and KH ecotypes but declined in the NP ecotype when compared with those under the initial water supply. Instantaneous water use efficiency (A/E) recovered rapidly in all ecotypes and exceeded pre-drought levels. Under light intensity above 1500 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, stomatal conductance exhibited a significant nonlinear relationship with water use efficiency. Overall, these physiological responses indicate that I. lanceolatum is moderately drought-tolerant and exhibits mild sensitivity to soil water variation. The WN and KH ecotypes showed superior improvement in water use efficiency under drought and high light, suggesting their potential for breeding drought-resistant cultivars and for afforestation in drought-prone environments. Full article

Many species within the genus Tabidia Snellen, 1880 exhibit significant differences in wing pattern and genital morphology, which are inconsistent with the definition of Tabidia, indicating that the genus is not monophyletic. To address this, the present study revises the taxonomy of the Chinese species previously placed in Tabidia based on wing morphological characteristics, differences in male and female genitalia, and phylogenetic relationships inferred from the mitochondrial COI gene and mitochondrial genomes. As a result, two new genera are established: Melanoleucagen. nov. and Scintillagen. nov. These new genera are confirmed to belong to the tribe Agroterini Acloque, 1897. Furthermore, three cryptic new species are discovered: Melanoleuca luteamacula sp. nov., Melanoleuca qianshanensis sp. nov., and Melanoleuca yingshanensis sp. nov. Based on the morphological characteristics of adult appearance and genitalia, an identification key to the species of these two new genera is provided. Illustrations of adult specimens and their genital structures are provided, along with a world catalog of the species for the three relevant genera: Tabidia, Melanoleuca, and Scintilla. Full article

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a globally destructive threat to coniferous forests, causing severe ecological and economic losses. Conventional resistance breeding is critically hampered by long life cycles of trees and field evaluation challenges. To address these limitations, we developed a three-tier biotechnology pipeline with a dual-output goal (generating both resistant germplasm and mechanistic insights) designed to bridge the in vitro–field gap. This strategy is founded upon the resolution of a longstanding pathogenesis debate, which established aseptic PWNs as a standardized research tool. The pipeline integrates high-throughput in vitro cellular screening (Tier 1), whole-plant validation via organogenesis (Tier 2), and scaled production coupled with mechanistic investigation through somatic embryogenesis (Tier 3). Tier 1 enables rapid phenotypic screening, Tier 2 validates resistance in whole plants, and Tier 3 facilitates mass production and in-depth study. It operates as a closed-loop, knowledge-driven system, simultaneously accelerating PWN-resistant germplasm development and empowering molecular mechanism discovery. Validated across Pinus massoniana and P. densiflora, this work provides a concrete, community-usable model system that directly addresses a core methodological bottleneck in forest pathology. This strategy effectively bridges the in vitro–field gap, offering a replicable model for perennial crop breeding and contributing to resilient forest management. Full article

Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors characterized by a typical N-terminal LOB domain and are critical for plant growth, development, and stress response. Currently, LBD genes have been investigated in various plant species, but they have yet to be identified in Neolamarckia cadamba, known as a ‘miracle tree’ for its fast growth and acknowledged for its potential medicinal value in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia. In this study, a total of 65 NcLBD members were identified in N. cadamba by whole-genome bioinformatics analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed their classification into two clades with seven distinct groups, and their uneven distribution across 18 chromosomes, along with 6 tandem repeats and 58 segmental duplications. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of transcription factor binding motifs within NcLBD promoters identified the MYB-related and WRKY families exhibited the most significant enrichment in the NcLBD promoter. Protein interaction network analysis revealed potential interactions among NcLBD proteins, as well as their interactions with various transcription factors. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses of NcLBDs transcript levels showed distinct expression patterns both across various tissues and under different hormone and abiotic stress conditions. Specifically, NcLBD3, NcLBD37, and NcLBD47 were highly expressed in vascular cells and induced by abiotic stress, including cold, drought, and salt, suggesting their significant role in the processes. In summary, our genome-wide analysis comprehensively identified and characterized LBD gene family in N. cadamba, laying a solid foundation for further elucidating the biological functions of NcLBD genes. Full article

Phloeosinus cupressi Hopkins is an invasive bark beetle that poses a serious threat to Cupressus trees, with potential ecological and economic impacts globally. Native to North America, it has spread to Australia and New Zealand, and climate change may further alter its range. Global trade increases the risk of spread, highlighting the need for predictive modeling in management. In this study, we employed CLIMEX and random forest (RF) models to project the potential global distribution of P. cupressi, incorporating host distribution data for Cupressus. Climatic suitability is concentrated in temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean zones, including Europe, the U.S., South America, China, Australia, and New Zealand, totaling 10,165.22 × 10⁴ km². Coldest-quarter precipitation (bio19) and annual temperature range (bio7) were identified as the most influential variables. Under RCP6.0 scenarios, suitable areas are projected to expand northward, increasing by ~18%. Regional shifts include contraction in southern Europe and South China, expansion in southern Argentina, southeastern Australia, and coastal New Zealand. Temperature sensitivity is expected to exceed precipitation, enhancing colonization. Due to global Cupressus trade, quarantine and monitoring should focus on high-risk regions. Our findings support early detection, long-term monitoring, and control measures for managing P. cupressi under climate change. Full article

In the present study, we developed an efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. (paper mulberry) using leaf explants from a hybrid genotype. First, we optimized surface sterilization of leaf explants. Treatment with 0.6% (w/v) sodium hypochlorite for 8 min, followed by three rinses with sterile water and blotting on sterile filter paper, yielded a 33.60% explant survival rate and reduced contamination to 35.84%. Second, we refined the co-cultivation step for transformation using A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 carrying pCAMBIA1300-35S-eGFP. Leaf discs were infected for 20 min and co-cultured for 2 days on co-cultivation medium overlaid with sterile filter paper, which limited the overgrowth of A. tumefaciens. After co-cultivation, explants were transferred sequentially to callus induction, shoot induction, shoot multiplication, and rooting media supplemented with 250 mg·L⁻¹ cefotaxime and 200 mg·L⁻¹ Timentin, as well as 5.0 mg·L⁻¹ hygromycin at a concentration that completely suppressed regeneration of non-transformed explants. Meanwhile, after transfer to the callus induction medium, eGFP fluorescence was detected in resistant calli as an initial screening for transformants. The integration and expression of the transgene were further confirmed by PCR and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) after the resistant calli developed into plantlets. Collectively, this streamlined protocol provides a practical platform for functional genomics and genetic improvement of B. papyrifera. Full article

Around 85% of all land plants have symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, microscopic soil fungi that build extensive filamentous network in and around the roots. These links strongly influence plant development, water uptake, mineral nutrition, and defense against abiotic stresses. In this context, the use of AMF as a biological instrument to enhance plant drought resistance and phenotypic plasticity, through the formation of mutualistic associations, seems like a novel strategy for sustainable agriculture. This review synthesizes current understanding on the mechanisms through which AMF alleviates drought stress in agriculture. We focus on how AMF help maintain nutrient and water homeostasis by modulating phytohormones and signaling molecules, and by orchestrating associated biochemical and physiological responses. Particular emphasis is placed on aquaporins (AQPs) as key water-and stress-related channels whose expression and activity are modulated by AMF to maintain ion, nutrient, and water balance. AMF-mediated host AQP responses exhibit three unique patterns under stressful conditions: either no changes, downregulation to limit water loss, or upregulation to promote water and nutrient uptake. Nevertheless, little is known about cellular and molecular underpinnings of AMF effect on host AQPs. We also summarize evidence that AMF enhance antioxidant defenses, osmotic adjustment, soil structure, and water retention, thereby jointly improving plant drought tolerance. This review concludes by outlining the potential of AMF to support sustainable agriculture, offering critical research gaps, such as mechanistic studies on fungal AQPs, hormonal crosstalk, and field-scale performance, which propose future directions for deploying AMF in drought-prone agroecosystems. Full article