Search Results (966)

Nai plum (Prunus salicina Lindl. var. cordata) is a high-value fruit crop in southern China, yet its post-harvest quality is often compromised by fruit browning, a major constraint to storage and marketability. Addressing this challenge requires a deeper understanding of the species’ reproductive biology, which underpins both fruit set and cultivar improvement. In this study, we characterized the flowering biological characteristics of Nai plum accessions introduced from Yanling and Liuyang (Hunan Province) and Shaoguan and Lechang (Guangdong Province). Using field observations combined with microscopic and submicroscopic techniques, we documented flowering phenology, flowering dynamics, floral organ traits, pollen viability and stigma receptivity. The flowering period was in March, lasting 26–28 d, and the group blooming period was divided into three stages: Initial opening stage, Full blooming stage, and Final flowering stage. The single-flower opening process was divided into eight stages. Pollen viability followed a unimodal curve, peaking at the petal flattening stage (PF) across all accessions, though peak values varied by provenances. Stigmas were of the wet type, with receptivity following a weak–strong–weak pattern; peak receptivity occurred at early flowering (EF) and PF in most accessions. The EF of Nai plum from Yangling (S1) lasted for 7 h, and PF lasts for 28 h. The EF of Nai plum from Yangling (S2) lasted for 3 h, and the PF lasted for 11 h. Both the EF and the PF of Nai plum from Shaoguan (S3) lasted for 14 h. The bud white stage (BW) of Nai plum from Lechang (S4) lasted for 6 h and the EF lasted for 7 h. The EF of Nai plum from Liuyang (S5) lasts for 7 h, and the PF lasted for 28 h. These findings clarify the reproductive phenology and floral biology of Nai plum, providing foundational knowledge that can inform breeding strategies and cultivation practices aimed at improving fruit set and, ultimately, post-harvest quality. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a traditional economic crop in China valued for its medicinal petals and high-quality seed oil. Despite the importance of floret number and capitulum architecture for petal yield in safflower, the molecular regulators linking auxin signaling to inflorescence development in this species remain poorly understood. Auxin response factors (ARFs) are key transcriptional regulators mediating auxin-responsive gene expression and developmental processes, yet their functions in safflower inflorescence development have not been systematically investigated. In this study, we identified 25 CtARF genes from the safflower genome and classified them into five phylogenetic subfamilies. Cis-regulatory analysis predicted the presence of hormone- and development-related elements in CtARF-associated promoter regions. Expression profiling revealed that CtARF4, a member of the CtARF III subfamily, exhibits preferential expression during flower development. CtARF4 was localized to the nucleus and shown to interact with the CtMADS24 promoter and the Aux/IAA protein CtIAA9 in heterologous systems. Transient overexpression of CtARF4 increased floret number and length and promoted flowering, whereas virus-induced gene silencing resulted in opposite phenotypes. In addition, CtARF4 perturbation was associated with a reduction in IAA content as measured by a kit-based assay. Collectively, these findings suggest that CtARF4 functions as an auxin-responsive transcriptional regulator contributing to inflorescence development in safflower. Full article

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is a commercially important medicinal and ornamental plant; however, its functional genomics remain poorly understood because of the lack of efficient cell-based research tools. To address this limitation, we established an optimized method for isolating viable protoplasts from petal and mesophyll tissues of G. jasminoides and developed a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated transient expression system. For petal protoplast isolation, the optimal enzyme combination consisted of 3.0% cellulase R-10 and 1.0% macerozyme R-10 supplemented with 0.5 M D-mannitol, yielding 5.26 × 10⁶ protoplasts per gram fresh weight (FW) with 80.63% viability. For mesophyll protoplast isolation, 1.5% cellulase R-10 and 0.5% macerozyme R-10 supplemented with 0.5 M D-mannitol produced 8.75 × 10⁶ protoplasts g⁻¹ FW with 84.55% viability. PEG-mediated transient transformation was optimized at 20% PEG4000 for petal protoplasts and 40% PEG4000 for mesophyll protoplasts, resulting in efficient GFP expression. This system was successfully applied to subcellular localization analyses of floral regulatory proteins (GjAP3, GjPI, and GjSEP) and defense-related proteins (GjNPR1 and GjTGA2), as well as to the validation of protein–protein interactions between GjSEP and GjPI and between GjNPR1 and GjTGA2 using bimolecular fluorescence complementation and yeast two-hybrid assays. Collectively, these results establish a reliable and species-specific protoplast-based platform for rapid functional characterization of genes in G. jasminoides, providing an effective tool for future studies on gene regulation, metabolic engineering, and molecular breeding in this horticultural plant species. Full article

Intergeneric hybridization of Vanda and Papilionanthe holds promise for pyramiding superior ornamental and stress-tolerant traits, though systematic studies on their hybrids remain scarce. Using Vanda lamellata var. Boxallii (♀), Papilionanda ‘Hetty Henderson’ (♂), and 72 progenies, we investigated parent–progeny relationships via iPBS markers, spectral phenomics, and morphology, alongside floral water balance and thermotolerance. Six iPBS primers amplified 90 bands (92.98% polymorphism), confirming high genetic diversity. Spectral reflectance (400–1000 nm) revealed organ-specific genetic differentiation. Clustering analyses consistently indicated that progenies were genetically and phenotypically closer to the female parent, with spectral/morphological patterns matching genetic groupings. Resistance evaluations showed progenies had significantly stronger floral water storage capacity than both parents, while the female parent excelled in water transport traits. Progenies developed thicker petal/sepal cuticles, though the male parent exhibited superior thermotolerance indices. This study clarifies the genetic regulation of stress resistance in these hybrids, providing critical support for precise early screening in orchid breeding. Full article

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat.) is a globally popular ornamental plant, but most cultivars lack efficient petal-based transient transformation systems, limiting floral trait molecular mechanism exploration. Protoplasts are versatile tools for gene localization, interaction, and functional characterization. Here, we established a petal protoplast isolation and transient transformation system for C. morifolium ‘Wandai Fengguang’ via L₉(3⁴) orthogonal design: optimal isolation (0.6 M mannitol, 8 h enzymatic digestion time, 0.4% macerozyme R-10, 4% cellulase R-10) and transformation (40% PEG4000, 12 μg plasmid, 10 min transfection, a protoplast density of 1 × 10⁶ protoplasts mL⁻¹). Under these conditions, protoplast yield was 5.14 × 10⁶ protoplasts g⁻¹·FW, viability 87.41%, and transformation efficiency 51.50%, with good applicability for six additional germplasms. We further analyzed CmVIT1 protein localization. Compared with the previous system, this system significantly improved protoplast yield and transformation efficiency, facilitating the transient transformation of genes related to floral traits in chrysanthemum and providing a methodological framework for other horticultural crops. Full article

Pingyin rose essential oil (PREO) is extracted from fresh petals exclusively cultivated in Shandong Province. This PREO has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for decades to treat skin issues like excessive oxidative stress and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of PREO on the inflammatory pathway in HaCaT cells produced by LPS. In vitro methods were used to ascertain the expression of inflammatory proteins, and network pharmacological analysis was employed to predict the signaling pathway. According to our findings, PREO significantly reduced LPS-induced oxidative stress, decreasing nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by 42% and 38%, respectively, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 35%, while enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 28% (p < 0.01). PREO treatment (0.1%, 18 h) markedly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, with mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 reduced by 52%, 47%, 45%, and 40%, respectively. Mechanistically, PREO inhibited the TLR4-NF-κB pathway, downregulating MyD88 and TRIF expression by 60% and 55%, and reducing NF-κB p65 and IκB-α phosphorylation by 50% and 48%. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified Citronellol (54.37% of PREO) as the major bioactive component, exhibiting strong binding affinities with IKKβ (−5.7 kcal/moL) and MyD88 (−4.5 kcal/moL). This research, distinct from previous investigations on Rosa rugosa polyphenols, provides a novel mechanistic link between PREO’s traditional use and its observed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in keratinocytes, specifically through inhibition of the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Full article

AGL6 genes are critical floral regulators in diverse angiosperms, yet their roles in legumes remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize GmAGL6 genes in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv. Williams 82). We identified four homologs (GmAGL6a–d) featuring conserved MADS-box and K-box domains that cluster within the AGL6 lineage. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed significant transcript enrichment during flower bud differentiation and maturation. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated quadruple knockout lines to evaluate gene function. Phenotypic analysis showed that, unlike the homeotic transformations typical of AGL6 loss in monocots, Gmagl6 quadruple mutants retained a standard papilionaceous floral structure without keel petal aberrations. However, the mutants did not show significant changes in floral height or width, but exhibited a significantly increased floral height-to-width ratio and smaller mature seeds, while vegetative architecture and podding capacity remained unaffected. These results suggest that GmAGL6 genes in soybean may function primarily in the regulation of floral proportion and seed development rather than floral organ identity. This research provides insights into the evolution of specialized legume flowers and suggests candidate genes for seed size improvement. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally important vegetable crop and a key model species for studying reproductive development in other Solanaceae members with edible fleshy fruits, such as eggplant, sweet and hot peppers, and Physalis spp. The morphogenesis and patterning of tomato floral organs fundamentally determine fruit yield and quality. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing and gene editing have significantly deepened our understanding of the molecular network regulating tomato reproductive development. This process, from the transition of vegetative shoot apical meristem to the inflorescence meristem, forming floral meristems with primordia of sepals, petals, stamens, carpels, and fruits, is precisely coordinated by a genetic network involving homeobox and other types of transcription factors, along with signaling pathways. This review systematically outlines the core regulatory network, with an emphasis on the MADS-domain transcription factor family and its associated ABCDE model. Integrating insights from hormone signaling and mutant phenotypes, we summarize the maintenance of inflorescence meristem identity, the specification of floral meristems, and the morphogenetic patterns and core gene regulatory mechanisms for each floral whorl in tomato. We further extend this framework to the flower–fruit continuum, examining how carpel development, floral meristem termination, and ovule differentiation influence fruit morphology, locule number, pericarp structure, and metabolic traits. Finally, we discuss the integration of floral organ development with molecular design breeding and formulate a forward-looking research agenda that translates floral regulatory mechanisms to breeding strategies for yield, uniformity, and fruit quality. This synthesis provides a theoretical foundation and genetic resources for the genetic improvement of tomato flower architecture and its underlying regulatory mechanisms. Full article

Although the genus Rhododendron is globally distributed and rich in bioactive constituents, the metabolomic landscapes of most species remain unexplored, hampering elucidation of their adaptive strategies and pharmaceutical potential. Objectives: This study sought to construct comprehensive metabolic atlases of four representative yet understudied Rhododendron species—R. triflorum, R. faucium, R. nivale, and R. strigillosum—and to quantify inter-specific metabolic divergence by UPLC-MS/MS-based, widely targeted metabolomics. Methods: The petals of four Rhododendron species were freeze-dried, pulverised, and extracted with 70% methanol (containing an internal standard). Metabolites were separated on an SB-C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 µm) using a 0–95% acetonitrile gradient (flow rate 0.35 mL min⁻¹, 40 °C) and analysed by tandem mass spectrometry. Reliable quantification was ensured by molecular weight database matching, ion source standardisation, and quality control (QC), achieving a coefficient of variation (CV) < 15%. Principal component analysis (PCA) and optimised partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed on standardised data with unit variance. Results: A total of 3705 metabolites were confidently identified, dominated by flavonoids (870), terpenoids (572), phenolic acids (394), and amino-acid derivatives (332). PCA and OPLS-DA models revealed clear species-specific clustering (R²Y ≥ 0.98, Q² ≥ 0.95; permutation test p < 0.01). Comparative analysis yielded 1495 significantly differential metabolites; R. triflorum exhibited the highest cumulative abundance, followed by R. faucium, R. nivale, and R. strigillosum. KEGG enrichment highlighted “metabolic pathways” as the most significantly over-represented, together with flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. Conclusions: The study delivers the first high-coverage metabolomic reference for four neglected Rhododendron species, evidencing profound inter-specific metabolic differentiation centred on flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. The data provide a robust foundation for understanding molecular adaptation to alpine environments and for accelerating targeted drug discovery from Rhododendron resources. Full article

Flower senescence is a key physiological constraint on the ornamental and commercial longevity of cut roses. Although abscisic acid (ABA) is recognized as a promoter of this process, the molecular circuitry through which ABA operates, particularly the specific contributions of MYB transcription factors, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identify RcMYB002 as a negative regulator of rose flower senescence. Transient overexpression of RcMYB002 significantly delays senescence, preserves anthocyanin accumulation, and modulates antioxidant enzyme activities in a time-dependent manner, consequently attenuating ABA-triggered oxidative stress. In contrast, silencing RcMYB002 accelerates senescence-associated phenotypes. At the molecular level, ABA suppresses RcMYB002 transcript accumulation, while yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays indicate that RcMYB002 interacts with the promoter regions of senescence-associated genes SAG12 and SAG21, consistent with a role in their transcriptional regulation. Taken together, our results support a model in which ABA promotes flower senescence by downregulating RcMYB002, thereby derepressing downstream senescence-executing genes. This work provides a molecular basis for understanding flower senescence and offers a potential target for extending rose vase life. Full article

High-order Poincaré sphere (HOPS) beams have attracted tremendous interest due to their complex polarization and phase characteristics. However, manipulating the second harmonics generation (SHG) of HOPS beams is still challenging. Here, we developed a vector-coupled wave model to predict petal-shaped intensity patterns and reveal a linear correlation between petal number and topological order (n = 2 → 4). Moreover, we experimentally investigated the multidimensional regulation of SHG in HOPS beams through tailored phase-matching strategies. By employing three distinct configurations—(i) type-I phase matching, (ii) type-II phase matching, and (iii) orthogonally arranged BBO crystals based on Type-I phase matching—we establish a comprehensive framework for controlling the spatial and polarization properties of SHG in n = 2 HOPS beams. These results advance the manipulation of structured light in nonlinear optics, providing insights for optimizing applications in optical communication and polarization imaging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac) is one of the most popular ornamental plant species. Through the ages, many parts of S. vulgaris, including fruits, flowers, leaves, and branches, have been used in folk medicine due to their beneficial biological activity. Lilac flowers are the basis of many supplements available on the market. Moreover, its petals and flowers are edible and are an aromatic ingredient in preserves and desserts. However, the data about the antioxidant properties of various parts of S. vulgaris is limited only to the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extracts—so far, the effect of S. vulgaris flower extract on the parameters of oxidative stress in biological materials, including plasma, has not been demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the protective effects of the extract from S. vulgaris L. flowers against oxidative stress in human plasma, and its influence on the coagulation process in vitro. Methods: We measured the levels of three parameters of oxidative stress in human plasma treated with H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ (the donor of hydroxyl radicals): lipid peroxidation (based on the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), protein carbonylation, and thiol oxidation. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was used as a reference antioxidant. In addition, we studied the effect of the extract on three coagulation parameters of human plasma-activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). We also compared the biological properties of the extract from S. vulgaris flowers with the properties of a phenolic extract from Taraxacum officinalis (dandelion) flowers, as they have proven antioxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo models and can modulate hemostasis in vitro. Results: Our UHPLC-HRMS analyses of S. vulgaris extract led to a tentative identification of 50 compounds, mainly phenolics and secoiridoids. For the first time, the present study demonstrated that the extract from S. vulgaris flowers (at the concentrations of 1–50 µg/mL) significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation induced by H₂O₂/Fe²⁺. Moreover, the concentrations of 1–25 µg/mL significantly reduced the oxidation of thiol groups in plasma treated with H₂O₂/Fe²⁺. The anticoagulant tests also demonstrated that S. vulgaris flowers extract, at physiologically relevant concentrations (1–50 µg/mL), did not affect blood clotting times in vitro, suggesting that it is hemostatically safe. Conclusions: Despite the differences in composition, the extracts from lilac flowers and dandelion flowers exhibited similar protective effects against oxidative damage to human plasma components. However, the extract from S. vulgaris flowers had a stronger inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation than the extract from dandelion flowers. Full article

Photosynthetic algae–microbial fuel cells (PAMFCs) are attractive for energy-positive wastewater treatment and carbon mitigation. However, PAMFC performance under continuous flow is often constrained by limited cathodic electron-acceptor supply and unstable photosynthetic biofilms, while the extent to which cathode interfacial engineering can stabilize diurnal power output and assimilative NH₄⁺–N removal remains unclear. In this study, the sponge-like and petal-like ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-modified carbon fibers (ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-pCFs and ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-pCFp) and pre-fabricated carbon felt (pCF) were used as cathode materials to construct three sets of PAMFC systems. Under light–dark cycling, the engineered cathodes reached steady operation within about 6.5 d and increased the steady-state voltage to approximately 0.35 V, compared with approximately 0.08 V for pCF. Under continuous-flow conditions, cathodic NH₄⁺–N removal exhibited a stable diurnal rhythm, with higher removal during illumination at about 43–51% than in the dark at about 29–30%, consistent with algal assimilation as the primary nitrogen sink, while cathode modification mainly improved the cathodic microenvironment and response stability. Compared with pCF, the ZnO_0.2–NiO@rGO cathode enriched a more even, Chlorophyta-dominated algal biofilm with an approximate relative abundance of 80%, indicating that its selective interfacial environment favors biofilm stabilization and sustains in situ oxygen production and cathodic electron-acceptor supply. Consequently, the composite cathode enhanced voltage output and stabilized light-enhanced, assimilative NH₄⁺–N removal under aeration-free operation, while establishing an interpretable link between electrochemical performance and 18S rDNA-derived community assembly features, thereby providing a low-cost cathode design basis for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. Full article

This study examined nectar and pollen production as well as pollinator visitation in Nigella damascena (Ranunculaceae), an annual ornamental and seed crop, over two flowering seasons. Flower anthesis lasted 6–7 days, with protandry: the male phase began on the first day, and pollen presentation continued until corolla senescence. Peak stigma receptivity occurred in 5-day-old flowers, resulting in a partial overlap of male and female functions between days 5 and 7. Nectar was secreted by petal-derived structures, with secretion beginning in 1-day-old flowers and steadily increasing, peaking on the day of maximum stigma receptivity. The nectar sugar composition differed between floral phases; it was sucrose-dominant in the male phase and sucrose-rich in the female phase. Significant year effects were observed for flowering abundance, nectar traits (volume, sugar production, concentration), and pollen output. Flowers were visited predominantly by honey bees, but bumblebees, solitary bees, and dipterans were also recorded. These results demonstrate that floral reward traits vary between years and contribute to differences in the temporal availability of nectar and pollen resources. Full article

Osmanthus fragrans, a fragrant plant native to China, is extensively utilized in the food and cosmetics industries. However, its optimal harvest period spans only 2–3 days, restricting industrial utilization. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of plant growth, yet their roles in O. fragrans petal opening and senescence remain unexplored. Here, we performed high-throughput sequencing of O. fragrans petals across six developmental stages, generating a valuable transcriptomic resource. We identified 57,860 mRNAs and 2414 lncRNAs, including 6499 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and 494 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs). Co-expression and WGCNA analyses revealed key modules associated with petal opening (Turquoise module) and senescence (Blue module). The Blue module, significantly correlated with the S6 senescence stage, contained hub lncRNAs novel_00098659 and novel_00077227 co-expressed with multiple transcription factors and hormone signaling components, including 10 ERFs, OfEIN3, OfJAZ, and OfMYC2. Transient overexpression of novel_00077227 in tobacco accelerated leaf senescence in a hormone-dependent manner, with significant increases in electrolyte leakage and MDA content, and reductions in chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activities. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that novel_00077227 alters the expression of tobacco homologs of predicted target genes involved in ethylene, auxin, jasmonate, and ABA signaling pathways. This study provides a valuable transcriptomic resource of senescence-associated lncRNAs in O. fragrans and offers evidence for the potential involvement of a key candidate, novel_00077227, in hormone-associated senescence regulation. These findings provide a foundation for future functional studies and potential applications in extending flower longevity. Full article