Search Results (3,052)

Euonymus maackii is an important ornamental tree species valued for its autumn foliage in northern China. To precisely elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the distinct leaf coloration types in E. maackii during autumn, this study aimed to identify the optimal reference genes for qRT-PCR normalization across different tissues, developmental stages, and autumn leaf coloration types. Using 10 different tissues of E. maackii as experimental materials, 10 candidate reference genes were comprehensively evaluated for expression stability using three software tools, including geNorm, and the RefFinder online platform, with structural genes of the pigment biosynthesis pathway employed for validation. The comprehensive evaluation revealed that TIP41 was the most stable reference gene across different tissues, developmental stages, and the full sample set; EF-1α exhibited the highest stability among samples representing different autumn leaf coloration types; and GAPDH was the least stable in all sample groups. Quantitative validation of target genes demonstrated that when EF-1α and TIP41 were used in combination for normalization, the expression patterns of pigment biosynthesis structural genes were highly consistent with the phenotypic changes observed in autumn leaf coloration. In summary, this study recommends TIP41 as a universal reference gene for expression analysis across different tissues and developmental stages of E. maackii; for studies involving different autumn leaf coloration types, a dual-reference normalization approach combining EF-1α and TIP41 is recommended. Full article

Flavonoids are essential secondary metabolites that predominantly affect flower pigmentation in plants. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying flower color divergence is crucial for ornamental plant breeding. This study aimed to elucidate the factors responsible for the differences in color between white-petaled Cosmos bipinnatus and orange-petaled Cosmos sulphureus. We employed an integrated approach combining untargeted LC–MS/MS metabolomics and high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of fresh petals to analyze pigment composition and differential gene expression. Petal pigment extraction, total flavonoid quantification, and metabolomic profiling consistently revealed that differences in flavonoid abundance are responsible for flower color divergence between the two species. In contrast, carotenoids, previously considered potential contributors to flower coloration, were neither evident in the oil phase of the pigment extracts nor detected by metabolomic analysis. Flavonoid compounds accumulated at relatively high levels in the orange petals of C. sulphureus, reaching 11.36 times that of C. bipinnatus, contributing to its bright appearance. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differences in gene expression patterns between the two species, highlighting key candidate genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, such as chalcone synthase. These findings indicate that the orange coloration of C. sulphureus may be associated with CHS-regulated accumulation of naringenin chalcone and downstream compounds in the flavonoid metabolic pathway after CHS, providing valuable theoretical support for a deeper understanding of the causes underlying the differences in flower color between C. bipinnatus and the orange-petaled C. sulphureus. Full article

Stilbocrea banihashemiana Bolboli, Tavakolian & Mostowf. is an emerging pathogen causing canker and dieback in a broad range of fruit and ornamental trees in Iran, and its distribution is expanding across the country. Extensive surveys conducted over five consecutive years (2019–2023) yielded 88 isolates of S. banihashemiana from multiple hosts, including different fig (Ficus caricae L.) cultivars, as well as loquat (Eryobotria japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.), pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), and walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees, across eight distinct regions of southern Iran. Species identification was performed morphologically and molecularly by employing the S. banihashemiana-specific primer pair TEF-Sb1 and TEF-Sb3. The genetic diversity of the S. banihashemiana population of isolates was assessed using eight inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers. The UPGMA dendrogram demonstrated broad genetic variability among the isolates, with similarity coefficient values spanning from 0.46 to 1.00. This wide range indicates the presence of multiple divergent genotypes within the population, rather than a single dominant lineage. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) grouped the 88 isolates into three distinct genetic clusters that partially corresponded to geographic origin and host species. Pathogenicity assessment of 53 selected isolates from various hosts and geographic origins on detached fig shoots demonstrated highly significant variability in aggressiveness among isolates originating from different host species and geographically distinct regions. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) combined with heatmap-based clustering of the aggressiveness dataset clearly separated the isolates into four distinct groups, ranging from highly to less aggressive. A susceptibility assessment of 10 fig cultivars using the ex-type-isolate of S. banihashemiana revealed that the pathogen caused internal lesions and wood discoloration in all cultivars. Based on statistical analysis, the cultivars were classified into three groups: susceptible (cv. ‘Siah’), moderately susceptible (‘Brown Turkey’, ‘C8-M’, ‘C8-F’, ‘Dehdez’, ‘Gilasi’, ‘Payves’, ‘Shah-Anjeer’ and ‘Sabz’), and less susceptible (‘Matti’). High genetic variability, multiple-host association, and partial geographic structure indicate that in Fars Province S. banihashemiana’s population structure and epidemiology are complex, with high adaptive potential. This complexity may influence disease spread, management strategies, and long-term evolutionary trajectories. Full article

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL), yet its application has remained largely focused on human medicine, with limited consideration of animal hosts and veterinary diagnostics. This retrospective study aimed to characterise the occurrence of WHO critical- and high-priority yeasts in veterinary clinical submissions in Portugal within an explicit One Health framework. All yeast-positive submissions received by a Portuguese veterinary diagnostic laboratory between 2019 and 2026 were reviewed. Isolates were identified phenotypically, by an automated identification system and by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Data on host species, sample type and year of submission were analysed using standard descriptive and inferential statistics. Among 2033 mycological submissions, 219 were yeast-positive. Out of these, 82 isolates (37.4%) corresponded to WHO critical- or high-priority taxa, most frequently Candida albicans, followed by Nakaseomyces glabratus, Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans, the Candida parapsilosis complex and Candida tropicalis. The remaining 137 isolates (62.6%) corresponded to non-WHO taxa, among which the most frequent were Papiliotrema laurentii and Debaryomyces hansenii (n = 21 each; 15.3%), followed by the Stephanoascus ciferrii complex (n = 15; 11.0%), Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Candida sake (n = 12 each; 8.8%), and Wickerhamomyces anomalus (n = 9; 6.6%). WHO-prioritised taxa were recovered predominantly from ornamental birds, as well as from dogs, cats and marine mammals. These findings demonstrate that FPPL-listed yeasts are regularly detected among yeast-positive veterinary diagnostic submissions and highlight ornamental birds as prominent hosts within this dataset. Full article

Drought stress is one of the most prevalent abiotic stressors and severely impairs plant growth and productivity. Therefore, identifying functional genes associated with drought tolerance is essential for the molecular breeding of drought-resistant crops. The RD22 (Responsive to Desiccation 22) gene family encodes conserved BURP domain-containing proteins that participate in plant responses to drought stress. In this study, two RD22 homologs, DsRD22a and DsRD22b, were isolated and characterized from the drought-tolerant ornamental species Dianthus spiculifolius. Sequence analysis showed that both proteins contain a conserved BURP domain and are typical members of the RD22 family. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that both genes were predominantly expressed in leaves and stems. Abiotic stress assays demonstrated that the expression levels of DsRD22a and DsRD22b were significantly induced by abscisic acid (ABA), osmotic stress, and salt stress, whereas their transcriptional responses to relatively low-temperature and oxidative stress were relatively weak. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that DsRD22a and DsRD22b proteins are localized in the cytoplasm. Heterologous overexpression assays showed that transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines overexpressing DsRD22a or DsRD22b exhibited significantly enhanced tolerance to salt and osmotic stresses compared with wild-type (WT) plants. Soil drought assays further confirmed that the transgenic lines had higher soluble protein contents and improved drought tolerance than WT plants. These findings suggest that DsRD22a and DsRD22b positively regulate plant responses to drought stress, potentially by promoting soluble protein accumulation. Collectively, DsRD22a and DsRD22b represent valuable candidate genes for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in plants. Full article

Introduction: The global ornamental fish trade is a rapidly expanding sector and a major pathway for the introduction of non-native species, particularly in freshwater ecosystems in developed countries. The introduction of non-native species can result in a range of ecological impacts, including predation, competition, hybridization, and disease transmission, often leading to ecosystem degradation and biotic homogenization. Therefore, it represents a clear ecological risk, especially serious in freshwater systems with a high endemism rate, such as the Iberian Peninsula. The occurrence of ornamental non-native species in the Iberian Peninsula has been common, yet little has been done to describe the overall ornamental fish trade as a first step to evaluate invasion risk. Objective: This study characterizes the import dynamics of ornamental freshwater fish in Portugal between 2020 and 2024 and evaluates its potential role as a pathway for species introductions. Methodology: Data were obtained from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests database, including information on species composition, quantities, sizes, prices, and countries of origin. A total of 431 records were analyzed, resulting in 27,689 validated entries of imported freshwater fish, which were taxonomically verified and filtered to retain only freshwater species. Results: A total of 666 species from 88 families were identified, with an average of 380 species imported annually, reflecting high taxonomic diversity. Import volumes increased from approximately 1.25 million individuals in 2020 to 1.75 million in 2024, while total import value nearly doubled from €300,000 to €600,000. Imports were predominantly from five Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, and largely supported by aquaculture production (88%). A stable core of highly traded species, including Carassius auratus, Poecilia reticulata, and Paracheirodon innesi, suggests a sustained and very high propagule pressure, while some species variability was observed on yearly basis, suggesting the importance of monitoring programs on actual imports. Conclusions: Overall, the ornamental fish trade represents a significant and growing pathway for biological invasions in Portugal. The combination of increasing trade volume, high species diversity, and persistent dominance of key taxa highlights the need for improved monitoring, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness to mitigate ecological risks. Full article

Relict yew plants (Taxus L.) are not only ornamental plants with valuable wood but also have the ability to synthesize the unique compound taxol, which is successfully used in the treatment of cancer due to its powerful cytotoxic effect. Due to the presence of taxol, all parts of yew plants are extremely poisonous, but there have been cases where animals have eaten yew cones without fatal consequences. The biosynthesis of taxol is carried out due to the interaction of the isoprenoid and phenolic pathways of the secondary metabolism of plants. Despite the close attention of researchers to the peculiarities of taxol metabolism, there is very little data on the tissue and intracellular localization of both taxols and phenolic compounds in yew plants. Polyphenols are known to be physiologically active mediators involved in respiration, photosynthesis, plant growth and development, as well as in the process of in vitro dedifferentiation. Since Taxus is a relict species and has a limited and hard-to-reach range in nature, technologies that allow yew plants to be restored without removing plant material from the natural environment are of great practical importance: overcoming deep physiological dormancy of seeds, microclonal reproduction and initiation of plant growth. In vitro cultures are possible sources of biologically active and medicinal products. The aims and objectives of this study are to determine the characteristics of the formation and localization of phenolic compounds with high biological activity in various organs of plants of the genus Taxus and to determine the biological activity of ethanolic extracts from this plant. The objects of this study were the generative organs of Taxus canadensis, collected during the entire growing season (April–October) from plants growing in the Moscow region. The localization of various classes of polyphenols was determined by histochemical methods using light microscopy. Histochemical studies have shown the abundant presence of polyphenols in yew megastrobiles, microstrobiles, cones, seeds and aril. Ethanolic plant extracts were used to determine the biological activity. Flavans were dominant in the aril at various stages of vegetation, which was confirmed by our biochemical and histochemical studies. Extractive substances of T. canadensis show high antibacterial activity, especially in its shoot extracts. Ethanolic extracts from plant shoots showed greater biological activity than seed extracts. Aril extracts had the lowest cytotoxicity. Full article

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is a traditional ornamental plant of high economic and cultural value, but its flower longevity is often limited by petal water loss. Cuticular wax serves as an essential barrier against non-stomatal water loss, and the AP2/EREBP (APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Element Binding Protein) transcription factor family is known to regulate wax biosynthesis. However, little information is available on the roles of AP2/EREBP genes in petal cuticle formation in tree peony. In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing on petals of the tree peony cultivar ‘Bai Wang Shi Zi’ at three developmental stages (early, middle, and late). Using the assembled transcriptomic data, we identified 29 high-confidence AP2/EREBP family members, which were phylogenetically classified into AP2, ERF, and DREB subfamilies. Expression profiling revealed that 18 of these genes exhibited stage-specific expression patterns during petal development. Among them, two homologs of Arabidopsis SHN1 (SHINE 1) and WRI3 (WRINKLED 3), designated PsSHN1 and PsWRI3, showed peak expression at the middle stage. By co-expression analysis and phylogenetic comparison, three downstream candidate genes were identified and named PsCER2, PsKAS1, and PsLTPG1, based on their homology with known wax-related genes. Dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that PsSHN1 and PsWRI3 can activate the promoters of PsCER2, PsKAS1, and PsLTPG1, suggesting a possible cooperative regulation of cuticle formation. Collectively, our findings provide promising candidate genes for prolonging floral lifespan by improving petal cuticular wax accumulation, and lay a preliminary foundation for molecular breeding and quality improvement of tree peony and other ornamental flowers. Full article

Celosia cristata and Alternanthera philoxeroides both belong to the family Amaranthaceae. Of the two species, C. cristata serves as a medicinal herb as well as an ornamental plant, whereas A. philoxeroides is a notorious invasive weed. In 2024, leaf spot symptoms were observed on C. cristata and A. philoxeroides in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, China. Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analysis using sequences of ITS, GAPDH, TEF1, RPB2, and Alt a 1, the pathogen isolated from both hosts was identified as the same species, Alternaria alternantherae. However, differences in morphology were observed between the strains from different hosts. Pathogenicity assays confirmed that this species can cross-infect both host plants. In addition, sensitivities of the pathogen to four fungicides (prochloraz, tebuconazole, azoxystrobin, and carbendazim) were tested in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that the pathogen was highly sensitive to fungicides prochloraz and tebuconazole. These findings provide valuable insights into the management of leaf spot disease on C. cristata and the development of integrated control strategies for A. philoxeroides. Full article

Aquatic envenomations may cause severe tissue injury, neurologic morbidity, and even mortality among those whose leisure and/or occupational activities expose them to marine and freshwater animals. The Motoro ray, or Potamotrygon motoro (also known as an ocellate river stingray) is endemic to freshwater tributaries throughout Brazil, and is a frequent source of severe envenoming of local fisherman and those residing near waterways. Local wound management including immersion in warm water, wound cleaning and debridement, as well as antibiotics are mainstays of treatment, as are local anesthetics (e.g., nerve blocks) and systemic opioid analgesics; however, high-quality evidence supporting such interventions is lacking. We present a case of a Canadian who was envenomed by his pet Motoro ray, and describe his clinical presentation and evolution of symptoms over the subsequent months. With the ever-increasing trade of exotic wildlife, clinicians, public health authorities, and those within the broader wildlife regulatory ecosystem should be attuned for unanticipated adverse consequences, such as those described herein. We further situate this case within the existing published literature around this particular species of ray, which is not typically considered an ornamental fish. Full article

Multimodal large language models can read architectural images and design instructions but they still struggle to turn architectural rules into editable, executable models in professional modeling environments. To address this limitation, this paper presents MLLMto3D, an MCP-driven closed-loop framework that connects multimodal reasoning with Rhino-based modeling, feedback, and revision. The framework consists of five phases: visual parsing, JSON-based intent serialization, code synthesis, MCP-driven Rhino execution and feedback, and verification with bounded repair. Its core mechanism is JSON-based intent serialization, which converts image-derived architectural information into machine-readable modeling parameters under a predefined JSON schema. The schema separates geometric and compositional constraints, including height, bay rhythm, facade zones, and alignment rules, from design variables such as materials, openings, and ornament. Building on this mechanism, Skills modules externalize facade typology knowledge and safe Rhino scripting patterns, providing callable professional constraints for code synthesis to reduce design-intent deviation and API hallucination. The framework is evaluated through an experimental design case study on a site in Shanghai’s Hengfu Historic District, where the generation of new façades is informed by a nearby heritage architectural reference. The results show that MLLMto3D can generate a parametrically adjustable Rhino model while preserving the main compositional constraints, thereby advancing AI-assisted architectural 3D generation toward a controllable, verifiable, and iterative modeling process. Full article

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive Asian wood borer that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. White fringetree is a secondary host of EAB in North America that is generally more resistant and resilient than ash. Past studies have mostly focused on ornamentally planted and managed trees over short time scales; the long-term fate of this species in the wild is uncertain. We revisited an unmanaged wild population of white fringetree in Ohio ten years after it was first studied, measuring tree size and health, evidence of EAB attack, and woodpecker activity. We hypothesized that EAB attack would have greater negative effects on this population than previously observed in managed populations. In 2024, 68% of trees showed signs of previous attack by EAB with declining health and 15% had evidence of current-year attack. Thirty percent of trees in the study had died. White fringetrees in managed populations have generally fared well in the aftermath of EAB, but trees in this wild population showed substantial attack and damage, some continuing to host EAB for several years. Wild white fringetrees may meet the same fate as ash trees in the face of EAB, but over longer time scales. Full article

Zingiberaceae is an ecologically, economically, and culturally important plant family in tropical Asia, yet its diversity and ethnobotanical significance remain insufficiently documented in several parts of Thailand. This study investigated the diversity, traditional uses, preliminary regional conservation status, and selected taxonomic aspects of Zingiberaceae in Lop Buri Province, central Thailand. Field surveys, herbarium studies, morphological comparisons, informal ethnobotanical interviews, quantitative use analyses, and preliminary conservation assessments were conducted from 2024 to 2025. A total of 110 taxa, comprising 109 species and one putative natural hybrid, were recorded in 13 genera and three tribes. These included wild, cultivated, introduced, and locally utilized taxa documented from natural habitats, home gardens, agricultural areas, and other human-associated habitats. Among them, 43 taxa were recorded from natural habitats as wild or naturally occurring populations, whereas 95 taxa were newly documented for Lop Buri Province. Natural habitats, particularly limestone areas, mixed deciduous forests, and dry evergreen forests, supported important native and endemic taxa. Ethnobotanical data from 110 informants documented 5113 use reports for 106 taxa, covering food, spice, medicinal, ornamental, ritual and belief-based, cosmetic, and commercial uses. Curcuma and Alpinia turned out to be the most frequently utilized genera. A putative natural hybrid, Curcuma × lopburiensis, is also described. These findings highlight Lop Buri Province as a hot spot for Zingiberaceae diversity and an important area for traditional plant knowledge and conservation in central Thailand. Full article

Lupinus angustifolius is an important ornamental plant; however, its poor tolerance to alkaline soils limits its cultivation and production. Based on the alkaline-tolerance-related Gshdz4-GsNAC019-GsEXPA8 regulatory module previously screened and identified in soybean, we used Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation to overexpress in lupine roots the combinations Gshdz4-GsNAC019-GsEXPA8 (HNE), Gshdz4-GsNAC019 (HN), and GsNAC019-GsEXPA8 (NE) to investigate their effects on root development and alkaline tolerance. RT-PCR confirmed the successful generation of all overexpression lines. Under 100 mM NaHCO₃ stress, all overexpression lines exhibited less wilting and longer survival than the wild type (WT), with the HNE line showing the best phenotype. Physiological measurements showed that the overexpression lines had significantly higher proline content, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, POD) activities, and root activity, as well as lower malondialdehyde content. DAB and NBT staining of leaves indicated reduced accumulation of O₂⁻ and H₂O₂, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity. Root architecture analysis revealed that root length, surface area, volume, tip number, and fork number were significantly increased in HNE, HN, and NE lines compared with WT, with the most pronounced effect observed in HNE. Bioinformatics analysis and qPCR confirmed that Gshdz4 binds to and activates the promoter of the endogenous LaNAC072 (the lupine homolog of GsNAC019), while GsNAC019 binds to and activates the promoter of the endogenous LaEXPA8 (the lupine homolog of GsEXPA8), thereby triggering the endogenous alkaline tolerance regulatory mechanism. Furthermore, the overexpression combinations significantly upregulated the expression of alkaline stress-responsive genes, including LaSOS1, LaNHX6, LaP5CS, LaMYB39, and LaDnaJ1. This study provides theoretical support for molecular breeding of alkaline-tolerant lupine. Full article

Fish represent the most species-rich group within the phylum Chordata, possessing exceptional nutritional and ornamental value. Global aquaculture, particularly finfish farming, is experiencing rapid expansion worldwide, and fish serve as crucial model organisms for vertebrate developmental biology and functional genomics research. However, traditional breeding methods are plagued by limitations such as low precision and lengthy breeding cycles. Currently, gene editing technologies represented by the CRISPR/Cas system, base editing, and prime editing have provided revolutionary tools for dissecting gene function, modeling human diseases, targeted trait improvement, and ecological adaptation studies. This review describes the evolutionary history of gene editing technology, compares gene delivery strategies in fish embryos, and highlights landmark applications in key areas, including gene function research, aquaculture breeding, ornamental fish coloration regulation, and human disease model construction. Finally, we propose that innovation should be pursued while ensuring biosafety and regulatory compliance, to promote the transformation of fish gene editing toward large-scale and safe application. Full article