Search Results (128)

In recent years, low temperature has seriously threatened the citrus industry. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance the absorption of nutrients and water and tolerance to abiotic stresses. In this study, pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of low-temperature stress on citrus (trifoliate orange, Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) with AMF (Diversispora epigaea D.e). The results showed that AMF inoculation significantly increased plant growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic parameters. Compared with 25 °C, −5 °C significantly increased the relative conductance rate and the contents of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, soluble sugar soluble protein, and proline, and also enhanced the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, but dramatically reduced photosynthetic parameters. Compared with the non-AMF group, AMF significantly increased the maximum light quantum efficiency and steady-state light quantum efficiency at 25 °C (by 16.67% and 61.54%), and increased the same parameters by 71.43% and 140% at −5 °C. AMF also significantly increased the leaf net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate at 25 °C (by 54.76% and 29.23%), and increased the same parameters by 72.97% and 26.67% at −5 °C. Compared with the non-AMF treatment, the AMF treatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content at 25 °C (by 46.55% and 41.29%), and reduced them by 28.21% and 29.29% at −5 °C. In addition, AMF significantly increased the contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and proline at 25 °C (by 15.22%, 34.38%, and 11.38%), but these increased by only 9.64%, 0.47%, and 6.09% at −5 °C. Furthermore, AMF increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase at 25 °C (by 13.33% and 13.72%), but these increased by only 5.51% and 13.46% at −5 °C. In conclusion, AMF can promote the growth of the aboveground and underground parts of trifoliate orange seedlings and enhance their resistance to low temperature via photosynthesis, osmoregulatory substances, and their antioxidant system. Full article

Pinus radiata D. Don is planted in South Central Chile on a wide range of sites using genetically improved genotypes for timber production. As drought events are expected to increase with ongoing climatic change, the variability in gas exchange, which could impact growth and water use, needs to be evaluated. In this study, we assessed the genotypic variability of leaf-level light-saturated photosynthesis (A_sat), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration (E), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), and Chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP-test parameters) among 30 P. radiata genotypes (i.e., full-sib families) from third-cycle parents at age 6 years on three sites in Central Chile. We also evaluated tree height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH), and stem index volume (VOL). Families were ranked for HT as top-15 and bottom-15. In the OJIP-test parameters we observed differences at the family level for the maximum quantum yield of primary PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), the probability that a photon trapped by the PSII reaction center enters the electron transport chain (ψ_Eo), and the potential for energy conservation from photons captured by PSII to the reduction in intersystem electron acceptors (PI_ABS). Fv/Fm, PI_ABS, and ψ_Eo ranged from 0.82 to 0.87, 45 to 95, and 0.57 to 0.64, respectively. Differences among families for growth and not for leaf-level physiology were detected. DBT, H, and VOL were higher in the top-15 families (12.6 cm, 8.4 m, and 0.10 m³, respectively) whereas A_sat, g_s, E, and iWUE were similar in both the top-15 and bottom-15 families (4.0 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, 0.023 mol m⁻² s⁻¹, 0.36 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and 185 μmol mol m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively). However, no family by site interaction was detected for growth and leaf-level physiology. The results of this study suggest that highly improved genotypes of P. radiata have uniformity in leaf-level physiological rates, which could imply uniform water use at the stand-level. The family variation found in PI_ABS suggests that this parameter could be incorporated to select genotypes tolerant to environmentally stressful conditions. Full article

Salt stress severely impairs photosynthesis and development in tomato seedlings. This study investigated the regulatory role of exogenous melatonin (MT) on photosynthetic performance under salt stress by determining chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, Calvin cycle enzyme activities, and related gene expression. Results showed that salt stress significantly reduced chlorophyll content and impaired photosystem II (PSII) functionality, as evidenced by the increased minimum fluorescence (F_o) and decreased maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m) and effective PSII quantum yield (Φ_PSII). MT application mitigated these negative effects, as reflected by higher F_v/F_m, increased chlorophyll content, and lower non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). In addition, MT-treated plants exhibited improved PSII electron transport and more efficient use of absorbed light energy, as shown by elevated Φ_PSII and qP values. These changes suggest improved PSII functional stability and reduced excess thermal energy dissipation. Furthermore, MT significantly enhanced both the activity and expression of key enzymes involved in the Calvin cycle, including ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), Rubisco activase (RCA), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), transketolase (TK), and sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (SBPase), thereby promoting carbon fixation and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration under salt stress. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous MT synthesis by p-CPA exacerbated salt stress damage, further confirming MT’s crucial role in salt tolerance. These findings demonstrate that exogenous MT enhances salt tolerance in tomato seedlings by simultaneously improving photosynthetic electron transport efficiency and upregulating the activity and gene expression of key Calvin cycle enzymes, thereby promoting the coordination between light reactions and carbon fixation processes. This study provides valuable insights into the comprehensive regulatory role of MT in maintaining photosynthetic performance under saline conditions. Full article

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is highly dependent on water availability, with physiological sensitivity varying throughout its phenological cycle. In the context of increasing water scarcity and greater climate variability, identifying critical periods where water stress negatively impacts productivity and tuber quality is essential. This study evaluated the physiological response of potatoes under different deficit irrigation strategies in field conditions, and aimed to determine the irrigation reduction thresholds that optimize water use efficiency without significantly compromising yield. Five irrigation regimes were applied: well-watered (T1; irrigation was applied when the volumetric soil moisture content was close to 35% of total water available), 130% of T1 (T2, 30% more than T1), 75% of T1 (T3), 50% of T1 (T4), and 30% of T1 (T5). Key physiological parameters were monitored, including gas exchange (net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv’/Fm’, ΦPSII, electron transport rate), and photosynthetic pigment content, at three critical phenological phases: tuberization, flowering, and fruit set. The results indicate that water stress during tuberization and flowering significantly reduced photosynthetic efficiency, with decreases in stomatal conductance (gs), effective quantum efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII), and electron transport rate (ETR). In contrast, moderate irrigation reduction (75%) lowered the seasonal application of water by ~25% (≈80 mm ha⁻¹) while maintaining commercial yield and tuber quality comparable to the fully irrigated control. Intrinsic water use efficiency increased by 18 ± 4% under this regime. These findings highlight the importance of irrigation management based on crop phenology, prioritizing water supply during the stages of higher physiological sensitivity and allowing irrigation reductions in less critical phases. In a scenario of increasing water limitations, this strategy enhances water use efficiency while ensuring the production of tubers with optimal commercial quality, promoting more sustainable agricultural management practices. Full article

The use of biostimulants is one of the recognized strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of drought on crops. In a greenhouse tomato experiment, the effect of two biostimulants in combination with three levels of drought was investigated. Specifically, the doses of 150 mL and 1000 g ha⁻¹ of a plant-derived polyhydroxy acids extract (B1) and a Sargassum seaweed extract (B2), respectively, were studied in combination with drought levels of 85, 63.75, and 42.5% of field capacity. Four applications were performed during key growth stages. The effects were comprehensively investigated by assessing agronomic and physiological traits of the plants at three defined time points during the experimental period. Furthermore, organoleptic characteristics, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity in the fruits, and overall yield components were evaluated. Drought stress provoked a consistent negative impact on several physiological traits, such as stomatal conductance (up to −58.3%), net photosynthesis (up to −47.9%), and quantum yield. A comparable impact was observed on agronomic traits, such as plant height, stem thickness, and number of leaves, with reductions of up to 13.6%. Both biostimulants’ applications enhanced certain physiological features across all irrigation levels, including net photosynthesis by up to 44.3% and chlorophyll content index by up to 33.4%, while B2 further increased intrinsic water use efficiency by up to 42.9% compared to the respective controls. However, this trend was not reflected in the evaluated post-harvest parameters, such as fruit yield, fruit number, fruit weight, and quality indices. These findings suggest that biostimulants may have a supporting role in physiological responses under drought stress but have limited effects on fruit production. Future research should focus on optimizing the formulation, dosage, and timing of biostimulant applications, as these factors may be critical to enhancing plant tolerance to drought stress and improving fruit yield responses. Full article

Nitrogen is a key element in promoting crop growth and development and improving photosynthesis. This study aimed to study the response of two rice genotypes to the restoration of N supply after varying periods of N deficiency. We used the low-nitrogen-tolerant rice Jijing 88 (JJ 88) and the nitrogen-sensitive rice variety Xinong 999 (XN 999) as test materials. The results of this study indicated that, compared to XN 999, JJ 88 has a higher content of the photosynthetic pigments. Photosynthesis in JJ 88 has strong adaptability under low-nitrogen conditions. Upon an increase in the nitrogen supply level, the maximum regeneration rate of ribulose biphosphate (RuBP, J_max) and the maximum carboxylation rate of RuBP (V_cmax) in JJ 88 showed a relatively large increase. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (Φ_PSII), the efficiency of excitation capture by open PSII centers (Fv′/Fm′), photochemical fluorescence quenching (qP), and the electron transfer rate (ETR) decreased slightly, while the non-photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ) increased slightly. Under low-nitrogen conditions, low-nitrogen-tolerant rice varieties maintain reasonable growth during the seedling stage. With an increase in the nitrogen supply level, the dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthesis, and electron transfer ability of plants improve, but not to normal nitrogen supply levels. However, compared with XN 999, JJ 88 has a more proactive recovery ability. The research results provide valuable guidance for the breeding of nitrogen-efficient rice varieties and nitrogen fertilizer management. Full article

In natural photosynthesis, solar energy is utilized to convert water and CO₂ into energy-rich compounds. However, in practice, the maximum quantum efficiency of natural photosynthesis is limited to 6.0%. Conversely, artificial photosynthesis (AP) systems utilize solar energy to convert CO₂ into biosynthetic solar fuels and value-added chemicals. To mimic natural photosystems, AP integrates light-harvesting chemical catalysts with the enzyme-mediated biological catalysis occurring in microorganisms. Similar to solar energy-based optoelectronic power sources, AP has also been recognized as a promising option for reducing carbon emissions generated by the fossil fuel-based power sector. Typical quantum efficiency of AP is 5–10%; in some cases, it exceeds 20%. Recent advancements have focused on nanomaterial biohybrids (NBHs), combining nanomaterial-based photocatalysts/photosensitizers with microorganisms/enzymes for enhanced oxidation/reduction reactions. The synergistic interaction between nanomaterials and microorganisms, facilitated by their comparable size and tunable surface properties, enables improved solar energy absorption, charge separation, and conversion. NBHs offer a versatile platform for sustainable solar energy harvesting and conversion, overcoming the limitations of natural and fully abiotic photosynthesis systems. This review highlights recent breakthroughs in diverse platforms of sunlight and visible light-driven NBH-based AP systems for CO₂ fixation, H₂ production, water splitting, and value-added chemical synthesis. The synthesis strategies, operating mechanisms, and challenges are highlighted. Full article

The response of the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 010 was tested in Mars simulations to investigate the possibility of photosynthesis in near-surface protected niches. This cyanobacterium colonizes lithic niches enriched in far-red light (FRL) and depleted in visible light (VL) and is capable of far-red light photoacclimation (FaRLiP). Biofilms were grown under FRL and VL and exposed in a hydrated state to a low-pressure atmosphere, variable humidity, and UV irradiation, as occur on the Martian surface. VL biofilms showed a maximum quantum efficiency that dropped after 1 h, whereas a slow reduction occurred in FRL biofilms up to undetectable after 8 h, indicating that UV irradiation was the primary cause of photoinhibition. Post-exposure analyses showed that VL and FRL biofilms were dehydrated, suggesting that they entered a dried, dormant state and that top-layer cells shielded bottom-layer cells from UV radiation. After Mars simulations, the survivors (12% in VL biofilms and few cells in FRL biofilms) suggested that, during the evolution of Mars habitability, near-surface niches could have been colonized by phototrophs utilizing low-energy light. The biofilm UV resistance suggests that, during the loss of surface habitability on Mars, microbial life-forms might have survived surface conditions by taking refuge in near-surface protected niches. Full article

Synthetic non-metallic nanoparticles (NMNPs) such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanodots (CNDs), and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been explored to treat harmful algal blooms. However, their strain-specific algicidal activities have been rarely investigated. Here we determined their acute toxicity to nine freshwater cyanobacterial strains belonging to seven genera, including Microcystis aeruginosa UTEX 2386, M. aeruginosa UTEX 2385, M. aeruginosa LE3, Anabaena cylindrica PCC 7122, Aphanizomenon sp. NZ, Planktothrix agardhii SB 1810, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Lyngbya sp. CCAP 1446/10, and Microcoleus autumnale CAWBG635 ATX. We prepared in-house three batches of CNDs using glucose (CND-G) or chloroform and methanol (CND-C/M) as the substrate and one batch of single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs). We also ordered a commercially synthesized CPP called γ-Zein-CADY. The axenic laboratory culture of each cyanobacterial strain was exposed to an NMNP at two dosage levels (high and low, with high = 2 × low) for 48 h, followed by measurement of five endpoints. The endpoints were optical density (OD) at 680 nm (OD₆₈₀) for chlorophyll-a estimation, OD at 750 nm (OD₇₅₀) for cell density, instantaneous pigment fluorescence emission (FE) after being excited with 450 nm blue light (FE₄₅₀) for chlorophyll-a or 620 nm red light (FE₆₂₀) for phycocyanin, and quantum yield (QY) for photosynthesis efficiency of photosystem II. The results indicate that the acute toxicity was strain-, NMNP type-, dosage-, and endpoint-dependent. The two benthic strains Microcoleus autumnale and Lyngbya sp. were more resistant to NMNP treatment than the other seven free-floating strains. SWCNTs and fraction A14 of CND-G were more toxic than CND-G and CND-C/M. The CPP was the least toxic. The high dose generally caused more severe impairment than the low dose. OD₇₅₀ and OD₆₈₀ were more sensitive than FE₄₅₀ and FE₆₂₀. QY was the least sensitive endpoint. The strain dependence of toxicity suggested the potential application of these NMNPs as a target-specific tool for mitigating harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Full article

Mulberry (Morus alba L.), a species of significant ecological and economic importance, is widely cultivated for sericulture, soil conservation, and environmental restoration. Despite its remarkable resilience to environmental stresses, the combined impact of elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) and drought stress on aboveground–root–soil interactions remains poorly understood, particularly in the context of global climate change. Here, we investigated the effects of eCO₂ and drought on physiological leaf and root indicators, nutrient absorption and allocation, and soil properties in mulberry seedlings. Mulberry seedlings were grown in environmentally auto-controlled growth chambers under ambient CO₂ (420/470 ppm, day/night) or eCO₂ (710/760 ppm) and well-watered (75–85% soil relative water content, RWC), moderate-drought (55–65% RWC), or severe-drought (35–45% RWC) conditions. Results showed that both above- and below-ground plant biomass production were significantly promoted by eCO₂, particularly by 36% and 15% under severe drought, respectively. This could be attributed to several factors. Firstly, eCO₂ improved leaf photosynthesis by 25–37% and water use efficiency by 104–163% under drought stresses while reducing negative effects of drought on the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry and the photochemical quenching coefficient. Secondly, eCO₂ significantly decreased proline accumulation while increasing soluble sugar contents, as well as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, in both leaves and roots under drought stress. Lastly, eCO₂ promoted soil sucrase, urease, and phosphatase activities, as well as plant nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake while facilitating their allocation into roots under drought stress. These findings demonstrate that eCO₂ enhanced the drought tolerance of mulberry plants through improvements in photosystem II efficiency, water use efficiency, antioxidative defense capacity, and nutrient uptake and allocation, providing critical insights for sustainable mulberry plantation management under future climate change scenarios. Full article

As the economy develops and urbanization progresses, the amount of arable land continues to decline. In this context, the cultivation of double-season rice is particularly important for enhancing yield per unit area. However, research on the physiological mechanisms that contribute to high yields in double-season early rice varieties with short growing seasons is still limited. To address this gap, we conducted a field study using two early rice varieties, Zhongzu18 and Yongxian15, to examine their production characteristics, photosynthesis, fluorescence, and energy metabolism. The results indicate that Zhongzu18 has a significantly higher seed-setting rate, grain weight, and total grain yield compared to Yongxian15. Additionally, Zhongzu18 exhibits a higher head rice rate and a lower degree of chalkiness, along with a reduced chalky grain rate. Furthermore, the total dry matter weight and the ratio of panicle weight to total weight for Zhongzu18 were significantly greater than those for Yongxian15. After anthesis, Zhongzu18 also demonstrated a higher leaf net photosynthetic rate and actual fluorescence quantum efficiency compared to Yongxian15. Moreover, the levels of ATP and ATPase, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of sucrose transport-related genes, were significantly increased in Zhongzu18 plants relative to Yongxian15. We conclude that the enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and energy production in Zhongzu18 lead to more effective assimilation and carbohydrate transport to the grains, resulting in higher grain yields and improved rice quality. Full article

The native Hotan Red grape germplasm from Xinjiang has strong saline–alkali tolerance. To clarify the physiological mechanisms of Hotan Red grapes in response to saline–alkali stress, Hotan Red hydroponic seedlings were used as the research material in this study and were subjected to the combined saline–alkali stress treatments of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mmol·L⁻¹. After the 15th day of stress, plant height, shoot thickness, saline–alkali injury index, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, osmoregulatory substance content, oxidation products and antioxidant enzymes of Hotan Red were determined. The results showed that the growth of plant height and shoot thickness of Hotan Red was inhibited, chlorophyll content decreased and the salinity damage index increased with increasing saline–alkali stress. Saline–alkali stress resulted in a non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis in Hotan Red, which was manifested by a decrease in net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, and an increase in the concentration of intercellular carbon dioxide, in which the net photosynthetic rate reached a minimum value of 3.56 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ under 120 mmol·L⁻¹ saline–alkali stress; the actual photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light and maximal quantum yield of PSⅡ decreased, with minimum values of 0.16 and 0.60, respectively. Accumulation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, proline, soluble sugars and soluble proteins, and enhancement of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities were observed in Hotan Red under saline–alkali stress. Partial least squares path model analysis showed that photosynthesis was the main driver of saline–alkali injury in Hotan Red, followed by oxidation products and antioxidant enzymes, with osmoregulators playing an indirect role. This study revealed the physiological mechanism by which Hotan Red tolerates saline–alkali stress, providing a basis for further research into the mechanism of saline–alkali tolerance in grapes. Full article

Chemical weed control is a significant agricultural concern, and reliance on a limited range of herbicide action modes has increased resistant weed species, many of which use C4 metabolism. As a result, the identification of novel herbicidal agents with low toxicity targeting C4 plants becomes imperative. An assessment was conducted on the impact of 3-cyanobenzoic acid on the growth and photosynthetic processes of maize (Zea mays), a representative C4 plant, cultivated hydroponically over 14 days. The results showed a significant reduction in plant growth and notable disruptions in gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence due to the application of 3-cyanobenzoic acid, indicating compromised photosynthetic activity. Parameters such as the chlorophyll index, net assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), maximum effective photochemical efficiency (F_v′/F_m′), photochemical quenching coefficient (q_P), quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (ϕ_PSII), and electron transport rate through PSII (ETR) all decreased. The A/PAR curve revealed reductions in the maximum net assimilation rate (A_max) and apparent quantum yield (ϕ), alongside an increased light compensation point (LCP). Moreover, 3-cyanobenzoic acid significantly decreased the carboxylation rates of RuBisCo (V_cmax) and PEPCase (V_pmax), electron transport rate (J), and mesophilic conductance (g_m). Overall, 3-cyanobenzoic acid induced substantial changes in plant growth, carboxylative processes, and photochemical activities. The treated plants also exhibited heightened susceptibility to intense light conditions, indicating a significant and potentially adverse impact on their physiological functions. These findings suggest that 3-cyanobenzoic acid or its analogs could be promising for future research targeting photosynthesis. Full article

The synergism between plant growth-promoting bacteria species (PGPB) was evaluated regarding the effect of inoculation on productivity and the physiological aspects of Urochloa brizantha. The study included seven experimental groups arranged in a 3 × 2 + 1 factorial design consisting of three inoculants (Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus sp. isolate EB-40, and Bacillus sp. isolate EB-40 + A. brasilense mixture), two application methods (seed and foliar spray), and controls. The MIX conjugate inoculation significantly increased plant height in all three harvests, with gains of 57%. At 60 and 90 days, MIX increased the number of tillers by 47% and the number of leaves by 61% compared to other treatments in all harvests. MIX also increased shoot dry mass in the second and third harvests, with improvements of 57–60% compared to the control. MIX improved the quantum efficiency of photosystem II and the ratio between variable and maximum chlorophyll fluorescence. Maximum fluorescence (Fm) was 11% higher in MIX-treated plants compared to the control, indicating increased potential photosynthesis. Variable fluorescence (Fv) efficiency improved by 22% for inoculation with A. brasilense and Bacillus sp. Our study reveals that A. brasilense plus the Bacillus sp. isolate EB-40 (MIX) has the potential to improve the resilience and productivity of U. brizantha. Full article

Torreya grandis is a widely cultivated fruit species in China that is valued for its significant economic and agricultural importance. The molecular mechanisms underlying pigment formation and photosynthetic performance in Torreya leaf color mutants remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing and measured photosynthetic performance indicators to compare mutant and normal green leaves. The research results indicate that the identified Torreya mutant differs from previously reported mutants, exhibiting a weakened photoprotection mechanism and a significant reduction in carotenoid content of approximately 33%. Photosynthetic indicators, including the potential maximum photosynthetic capacity (F_v/F_m) and electron transport efficiency (Ψ_o, φ_Eo), decreased significantly by 32%, 52%, and 49%, respectively. While the quantum yield for energy dissipation (φ_Do) increased by 31%, this increase was not statistically significant, which may further reduce PSII activity. A transcriptome analysis revealed that the up-regulation of chlorophyll degradation-related genes—HCAR and NOL—accelerates chlorophyll breakdown in the Torreya mutant. The down-regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis genes, such as LCY1 and ZEP, is strongly associated with compromised photoprotective mechanisms and the reduced stability of Photosystem II. Additionally, the reduced expression of the photoprotective gene psbS weakened the mutant’s tolerance to photoinhibition, increasing its susceptibility to photodamage. These changes in gene expression accelerate chlorophyll degradation and reduce carotenoid synthesis, which may be the primary cause of the yellowing in Torreya. Meanwhile, the weakening of photoprotective mechanisms further impairs photosynthetic efficiency, limiting the growth and adaptability of the mutants. This study emphasizes the crucial roles of photosynthetic pigments and photosystem structures in regulating the yellowing phenotype and the environmental adaptability of Torreya. It also provides important insights into the genetic regulation of leaf color in relation to photosynthesis and breeding. Full article