Search Results (869)

Stem hollowness is a common disorder in broccoli, often reducing marketable yield. This study analyzed factors influencing its development and identified agronomic strategies for mitigation. Three field trials with the varieties ‘Parthenon’ and ‘Naxos’ investigated the effects of plant density, soil mineral nitrogen supply, and foliar boron application on plant growth, head characteristics, and hollow stem development. The proportion and severity of hollow stems were significantly affected by variety, plant density, and nitrogen supply. Increasing plant density markedly reduced the disorder, with symptoms nearly absent at close spacing. ‘Parthenon’ showed high susceptibility at wide spacing, showing 30–70% incidence depending on nitrogen supply, whereas ‘Naxos’ exhibit only 1–28%. Foliar boron application had no effect. The cavity formation correlated closely with head traits and varied with cultivation and weather conditions. Hardly any hollow stems occurred at stem diameters below 3.3–4.4 cm and head weights below 330–447 g. Above these values, the severity of damage increased linearly with increasing stem diameter (R² = 0.78–0.93) and head weight (R² = 0.74–0.84). Vegetative growth had only a minor influence. Overall, stem hollowness is mainly linked to head traits, with variety and plant density being the most effective factors for its reduction. Full article

Conservation of the gallery forest in Berenty Reserve is becoming increasingly urgent. Any deterioration threatens its increasingly rare lemur species. Following a trial planting programme started in 2016 on three plots, with measurement of seedling growth in 2017 and 2018, we returned in 2025 to measure the changes in height, canopy cover and stem diameter. Key insights were that growth had accelerated markedly after 2018. Trees in the forest can be divided into three main species groups—upper canopy, lower canopy and dryland species—but we found scant relationship between species growth and their eventual canopy height, which could have consequences for future planting schemes and management. The plots in the mid-forest showed the highest growth rates. Mortality of seedlings was highest on the riverside plot, but there was also wild recruitment from the forest. The plots by the river and in the mid-forest received the largest number of recruits. The chief problem for the study was that we were only in Berenty for short periods and could not oversee ongoing activities in the plant nursery and in the forest. Consequently, there were problems arising from nursery treatment, unrecorded replanting and difficulties tracking the growth of individuals across years. Future work, based on our results, will focus on identifying and planting species best suited for recovery on the varied sites. Overall, temporal depth is essential for making appropriate restoration decisions based on long-term ecological functioning. Full article

Age-associated hair loss is primarily driven by decreased function and proliferation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), often exacerbated by increased inhibitory signaling and changes in the stem cell niche. Macrophage polarization to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype is known to increase stem cell proliferation. We investigated the effects of poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) on hair growth in middle-aged skin, focusing on its role in modulating macrophage polarization and HFSC activity. Senescent macrophages were analyzed for Piezo1 activity, macrophage polarization, and secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) after PDLLA treatment. Downstream effects on HFSC proliferation, stemness, and Wnt signaling were assessed, including inhibition experiments using the Piezo1 blocker GsMTx4. In vivo analyses assessed hair follicle number, diameter, length, anagen duration, and hair coverage following PDLLA administration in middle-aged mice. PDLLA increased Piezo1 expression and activity in senescent macrophages, enhancing M2 polarization and secretion of HGF and IGF-1. This activated the RAS/ERK signaling pathway, promoting HFSC proliferation and stemness. Furthermore, PDLLA upregulated Wnt signaling molecules (Wnt3a, Wnt10b, and β-catenin) and anagen phase-related factor (Axin2, LEF1, and Lgr5), which were decreased by GsMTX4. In middle-aged animal skin, PDLLA administration led to increased hair follicle number, diameter, and length, as well as prolonged anagen and greater hair coverage. Collectively, these findings suggest that PDLLA rejuvenates the middle-aged skin microenvironment, at least in part through Piezo1-associated M2 macrophage polarization and enhanced HFSC function, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for age-related hair loss targeting both the immune and the stem cell compartments. Full article

Active restoration structures such as microtopographic water-harvesting designs are widely implemented in dryland ecosystems to improve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and promote vegetation recovery. We assessed the combined effects of planted species identity, planting diversity (mono-, bi- and multi-species mixtures), and micro-catchment (half-moon) structures on seedling performance and spontaneous natural regeneration in a hyper-arid restoration pilot site in Sharaan National Park, northwest Saudi Arabia. Thirteen native plant species, of which four—Ochradenus baccatus, Haloxylon persicum, Haloxylon salicornicum, and Acacia gerrardii—formed the dominant planted treatments, were established in 18 half-moons and monitored for survival, growth, and natural recruitment. Seedling survival after 20 months differed significantly among planting treatments, increasing from 58% in mono-plantings to 69% in bi-plantings and 82% in multi-plantings (binomial GLMM, p < 0.001), indicating a positive effect of planting diversity on establishment. Growth traits (height, collar diameter, and crown dimensions) were synthesized into an Overall Growth Index (OGI) and an entropy-weighted OGI (EW-OGI). Mixed-effects models revealed strong species effects on both indices (F_12,369 ≈ 7.2, p < 0.001), with O. baccatus and H. persicum outperforming other taxa and cluster analysis separating “fast expanders”, “moderate growers”, and “decliners”. Trait-based modeling showed that lateral crown expansion was the main driver of overall performance, whereas stem thickening and fruit production contributed little. Between 2022 and 2024, half-moon soils exhibited reduced electrical conductivity and exchangeable Na, higher organic carbon, and doubled available P, consistent with emerging positive soil–plant feedbacks. Spontaneous recruits were dominated by perennials (≈67% of richness), with perennial dominance increasing from mono- to multi-plantings, although Shannon diversity differences among treatments were small and non-significant. The correlation between OGI and spontaneous richness was positive but weak (r = 0.29, p = 0.25), yet plots dominated by O. baccatus hosted nearly two additional spontaneous species relative to other plantings, highlighting its strong facilitative role. Overall, our results show that half-moon micro-catchments, especially when combined with functionally diverse native plantings, can simultaneously improve soil properties and promote biotic facilitation, fostering a transition from active intervention to passive, self-sustaining restoration in hyper-arid environments. Full article

Accurate assessment of stand structure is fundamental for elucidating the relationship between forest structure and ecological function, which is vital for enhancing forest quality and ecosystem services. This study, conducted in a 1 hm² plot of old-growth broadleaved-Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain, integrated Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), precise geographic coordinates, Quantitative Structure Models (QSM), and wood density data. This methodology enabled a precise, non-destructive quantification of key structural parameters—DBH, tree height, crown overlap, stand volume, and carbon storage—and the development of species-specific allometric equations. The results demonstrated that TLS-derived DBH estimates were 99% accurate, consistent across diameter classes. The overall crown overlap rate (DBH ≥ 5 cm) was 59.1%, decreasing markedly to 26.7% and 19.2% at DBH thresholds of 20 cm and 30 cm, respectively. Allometric models based on DBH showed higher predictive accuracy for stem biomass than for branches, and for broadleaved species over conifers. Notably, conventional models overestimated stem biomass while underestimating branch biomass by 1.34–92.85%, highlighting biases from limited large-tree samples. The integrated TLS-QSM approach provides a robust alternative for accurate biomass estimation, establishing a critical foundation for large-scale, non-destructive allometric modeling. Its broader applicability, however, necessitates further validation across diverse forest ecosystems. Full article

To investigate the effects of varying degrees of shading on the photosynthetic characteristics of Spuriopinnella brachycarpa (Kom.) Kitag. experiments were conducted under five shading treatments: 0% (full sunlight), 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. The results demonstrated that shading significantly influenced plant growth and photosynthesis. Plant height, stem diameter, and leaf area in the control group (0% shading) were significantly greater than those in shaded treatments, although a 40% shading treatment notably increased the aboveground harvestable biomass, demonstrating greater potential for economic yield compared to the control. All shading treatments significantly enhanced the net photosynthetic rate of S. brachycarpa compared to the control; however, excessive shading (i.e., 80% shading) led to a reduction in the net photosynthetic rate, falling below that observed under full sunlight. The 40% shading treatment yielded the most substantial improvement in net photosynthetic rate. Shading also significantly enhanced the maximum quantum yield of PSII, facilitating improved use of light energy for photosynthesis while reducing energy dissipation as heat. Additionally, antioxidant activity in shaded plants was markedly higher than in the control, with the highest levels observed under 40% shading. These findings suggest that moderate shading, particularly at 40%, is optimal for improving photosynthetic efficiency, light energy utilization, and antioxidant activity in S. brachycarpa Full article

Growers rarely use the grafting method on a double-root system due to limited information on the added advantages for increased plant vigour and yield of soilless-grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The study aimed to investigate the effect of combining rootstock cultivar and the grafting method on the growth, yield, and quality of soilless-grown cucumber in a non-temperature-controlled (NTC) tunnel. Two rootstock cultivars, Flexifort (Flex) (Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata) and Ferro (Fer) (C. maxima × C. moschata), were grafted with scion cultivar Hoplita (H) to either single- (1R) or double- (2R) root systems, and the original scion root system was combined with either a Flexifort or Ferro rootstock (O1R) to two root systems and a non-grafted plant (Hoplita). Plants were grown in 10 L containers filled with sawdust as a growing medium. The leaf number was higher in ‘HO1RFlex’ combinations, while the non-grafted plants had a significantly lower leaf number. Thicker stem diameter was obtained from non-grafted plants. The tallest plants were obtained from HO1Fer combinations at 39, 53, and 101 days after transplanting (DAT), while non-grafted plants at 25 and 101 DAT were the shortest plants. Plants grafted to single- or double-root systems, regardless of rootstock cultivar, had higher early, marketable, and total yield compared to non-grafted cucumber. Many medium-sized fruits were obtained in ‘HO1RFlex’ combinations during the early harvest. The total soluble solids (TSSs) of cucumber juice were higher in ‘H1RFer’ while fruit mineral content was not affected by the combined rootstock cultivar and grafting method. Grafting to a double-root system using the original scion roots combined with rootstock or double rootstock had a limited effect compared to plants grafted to a single-root system. It is recommended that scion be grafted to a single-root system of either rootstock Ferro or Flexifort compared to a double-root system, particularly for the cost effectiveness of seeds and labour used in grafting, as well as for improved vegetative growth, including early marketable and total yield of cucumber. The growing containers of various sizes need further investigation to allow for the root extension and growth of grafted plants. Full article

Soil salinization severely constrains agricultural productivity and ecosystem sustainability. Suaeda salsa L. is a representative halophyte and demonstrates strong adaptability and potential for saline–alkali land restoration. To elucidate its physiological responses to salt stress, pot experiments were conducted under four salinity levels, namely CK (0 mM NaCl), LS (800 mM NaCl), MS (1600 mM NaCl), and HS (2400 mM NaCl), with 20 replicates per treatment, and the dynamics of endogenous hormone were analyzed using targeted metabolomics. The soil salinity levels were prepared by adding NaCl solutions of different molarities to achieve the desired salinity treatments. Results showed that low to moderate salinity (CK-LS: 0–800 mM) promoted growth performance, whereas higher salinity (HS: 2400 mM) significantly inhibited biomass accumulation, plant height, and stem diameter (p < 0.01). Salinity markedly affected nutrient accumulation in Suaeda salsa, with Na increasing up to 222%, K decreasing by 17–33%, Ca by 7–21%, Mg by 35–46%, and S by 45–56% across growth stages, while Fe remained unchanged. Under increasing salinity, stress-related hormones such as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and indole derivatives were upregulated, while gibberellins decreased markedly. Zeatin and its derivatives showed significant increases under MS (p < 0.01). Correlation analysis indicated positive associations of abscisic acid and zeatin with growth traits, and negative correlations for gibberellins (R > 0.6). These findings suggest that Suaeda salsa adapts to saline conditions by modulating hormone-mediated ion balance, osmotic regulation, and defense metabolism, thereby optimizing growth and biomass allocation under salt stress. Full article

To investigate the adaptability and efficacy of biogas residue soil conditioner in conjunction with other commercially available soil conditioners in arid conditions, a study was conducted using dryland maize as the experimental crop. Five treatments were implemented based on the “dry sowing and wet emergence” method for Xinjiang cotton: T1 with traditional fertilization, T2 with biogas residue soil conditioner, T3 with biogas residue soil conditioner and endophytic arbuscular mycorrhizal bacteria, T4 with commercial Fuli Bang soil conditioner, and T5 with commercial Tianji soil conditioner. Results indicated that the combined use of biogas residue particulate soil conditioner and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (T3) had the most positive effects. T3 treatment reduced soil bulk density, increased soil organic matter content, and enhanced rhizosphere microbial diversity. Compared to T1, T3 led to a decrease in soil bulk density by 8.89%, higher microbial diversity indices, and significant increases in plant height, stem diameter, and yield by 6.25%, 15.48%, and 37.43%, respectively. Moreover, T3 showed elevated antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and POD) and lower malondialdehyde content, indicating enhanced stress resilience and root activity. T3 showed ideal balance in yield, aboveground growth, and root stress resilience. It also improved soil organic matter levels and structure, highlighting the significant potential of combining biogas residue soil conditioner and endophytic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to alleviate spring drought stress. Full article

Urban vegetation plays a role as a sink, but accurately estimating carbon storage requires cultivar-specific allometric equations due to variations in growth patterns. This study develops and compares carbon storage models for cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus L.: ‘Wonhwa’ and ‘Chilbo’, ranked first and second in preference in South Korea and most widely planted in urban areas, to address the lack of specific data for these popular varieties. We destructively sampled 106 trees from experimental nurseries in Korea, measuring growth parameters, partitioned biomass, and component-specific carbon content. A non-linear regression equation modeled the relationship between root collar diameter (RCD) and total carbon storage. RCD proved the most effective predictor, resulting in high-performance power-function models (R² = 0.99) for both cultivars: ‘Wonhwa’ (CS = 0.02RCD^2.41) and ‘Chilbo’ (CS = 0.01RCD^2.38). An extra sum-of-squares F-test confirmed a statistically significant difference between the models (p < 0.001). Notably, both cultivars exhibited a branch-dominant allocation pattern (accounting for approximately 50–51% of total biomass), which contrasts significantly with the stem-dominant pattern typically observed in forest-grown trees. The observed inter-cultivar differences indicate that using a single species-level equation can yield inaccurate carbon estimates. Consequently, we recommend that urban managers apply these cultivar-specific equations rather than generic species-level models to minimize estimation uncertainty and support precise carbon inventory management. Full article

Tendon injuries present significant clinical challenges due to limited intrinsic healing and complex pathological mechanisms. Here, we developed a novel 3D bioprinted methacrylated type I collagen (ColMA) scaffold integrated with Growth Differentiation Factor-5 (GDF-5)-loaded Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and dynamically cultured it under perfusion to establish a tenogenic microenvironment in vitro. Pathological human Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells (hTSPCs) derived from tendinopathic surgical explants were encapsulated to investigate their impaired extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and associated pro-inflammatory signaling. GDF-5-loaded nanoparticles (average diameter 140 ± 40 nm) were fabricated via microfluidic-assisted nanoprecipitation and homogeneously incorporated within the ColMA synthetic ECM to enable sustained growth factor release. Continuous perfusion culture (1 mL/min) ensured efficient mass transfer and supported cell viability above 70% over 21 days. Pathological hTSPCs exhibited impaired ECM remodeling, characterized by the absence of type I collagen and a 2.56-fold increase in type III collagen at day 7, indicative of a fibrotic-like phenotype. Western blot densitometry demonstrated a 5.31-fold elevation in secreted tenomodulin at day 14, while ECM analysis verified a type III to type I collagen ratio of 4.5. In addition, a markedly pro-inflammatory cytokine profile was observed, with elevated secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) from day 7 onward, consistent with the chronic inflammatory status of cells derived from pathological tendon tissues. This modular 3D platform represents a robust in vitro model for mechanistic studies and the advancement of personalized regenerative strategies targeting chronic tendon disorders. Full article

Branch characteristics (quantity, morphology, and distribution) are critical determinants of tree growth and wood quality. However, the influence of species mixing, particularly mixing ratios, on branch development remains poorly understood. This study examined the branch attributes of Betula alnoides and Castanopsis hystrix in a six-year-old mixed-species trial plantation including monoculture of each species, and three mixtures at ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 (B. alnoides–C. hystrix) in Pingxiang, Guangxi, China. Branch quantity (number, proportion, and density), morphology (diameter, length, and angle), and distribution (vertical and horizontal) were measured or recorded from 40 sampled dominant or codominant trees (20 B. alnoides and 20 C. hystrix). The results showed that mixing significantly increased the number and density of branches over 124.2% and 53.2%, respectively, in the lower crown (below 10 m) of B. alnoides, with these metrics positively correlated to the proportion of C. hystrix, while mixing exerted limited effects on branch quantity and size of C. hystrix. The 1:3 and 1:5 mixtures yielded more small branches (diameter < 10 mm) as well as more large branches (>25 mm) for B. alnoides. Branch distribution was almost uniform in different horizontal directions for both species, while variations in branch quantity and morphology along the stem were primarily species-specific; and both aspects remained consistent across the different mixing ratios. In conclusion, mixing B. alnoides with a low proportion of C. hystrix is proposed to produce high-quality solid wood for both species. Future studies should investigate alternative mixing patterns and higher proportions of B. alnoides in mixture with C. hystrix to optimize large-size and high-quality timber production. Full article

Global climate change has intensified land desertification in the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern China, highlighting the urgent need to cultivate plant species with ideal architecture and well-developed root systems to combat ecosystem degradation. Amorpha fruticosa is widely used as a windbreak and sand-fixation shrub; however, its rapid growth and high transpiration during the early planting stage often result in excessive water loss, low survival rates, and limited vegetation restoration effectiveness. Plant growth retardants (PGRts) are known to suppress apical dominance and promote branching. In this study, one-year-old A. fruticosa seedlings were treated with different combinations of paclobutrazol (PP₃₃₃) and uniconazole (S₃₃₀₇) to investigate their effects on plant morphology and biomass allocation; it aims to determine the optimal formula for cultivating shrub structures with excellent windbreak and sand-fixation effects in land desertification areas. The results showed that both PP₃₃₃ and S₃₃₀₇ significantly inhibited plant height while promoting basal stem diameter, branching, and root development. Among all treatments, the S₃₃₀₇ 200 mg·L⁻¹ + PP₃₃₃ 200 mg·L⁻¹ combination (SD3) was the most effective, resulting in the greatest increases in basal diameter, branch number, total root length, and root-to-shoot ratio, while significantly reducing height increment, leaf length and leaf area (p < 0.05). Under the S₃₃₀₇ 200 mg·L⁻¹ + PP₃₃₃ 300 mg·L⁻¹ treatment (SD4), leaf width and specific leaf area were reduced by 17.92% and 38.89%, respectively, compared with the control. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive or negative relationships among most growth traits, with leaf length negatively correlated with other morphological indicators. Fresh and dry weights of both aboveground and root tissues were significantly positively correlated with basal diameter (R = 0.38) and branch basal diameter (R = 0.33). Principal component analysis demonstrated that the SD3 treatment achieved the highest comprehensive score (2.91), indicating its superiority in promoting a compact yet robust plant architecture. Overall, the SD3 treatment improved drought resistance and sand-fixation capacity of A. fruticosa by “dwarfing and strengthening plants while optimizing root–shoot allocation.” These findings provide theoretical support for large-scale cultivation and vegetation restoration in arid and semi-arid regions and offer a technical reference for growth regulation and windbreak and sand-fixation capacity in other xerophytic shrub species. Full article

This study determined the optimal nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (N-P-K) ratios for maximizing growth performance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea), bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis). A response surface methodology experiment with 15 N-P-K treatments (0–1.5 g/L per nutrient) was conducted under controlled conditions. Growth parameters including plant height, biomass, leaf area, and root development were measured after four weeks and analyzed using principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. Optimal ratios were species-specific: spinach achieved maximum performance with N-P-K = 2-0-2 (13.15 g fresh weight, 13.88 g total biomass), bok choy with N-P-K = 0-2-2 (2631.31 mm² leaf area, 4.42 mm stem diameter), and Chinese cabbage with N-P-K = 2-0-2 (14.14 cm height, 9883.44 mm² leaf area). High nitrogen levels were negatively correlated with root development across all species (r = −0.531 to −0.690, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that species-specific nutrient management strategies are essential for optimal leafy vegetable production. Balanced N-P-K ratios prevent nutrient toxicity while maximizing growth, providing evidence-based guidelines for precision fertilization in controlled environment agriculture. Full article

Silicon (Si) may benefit the growth and physiology of various cultivated species, especially under stress conditions. Here, we hypothesized that soil Si supplying as Ca₂SiO₄ would increase the drought tolerance and water use efficiency of young Coffea arabica L. (Arabica coffee) plants, by maintaining shoot water status and photosynthesis under low water availability. To test such a hypothesis, morphological and physiological (leaf water potential, leaf gas exchange, photochemical activity, chlorophyll content) traits of coffee plants were evaluated under varying soil Ca₂SiO₄ applications (0, 3000, 6000 kg ha⁻¹) and water availability. The chemical composition of plant tissues was evaluated under well-watered conditions after six months of Ca₂SiO₄ application, with fertilized plants showing higher concentrations of Ca (leaves and roots) and B (all plant organs) as compared to plants not supplied with Ca₂SiO₄ (control treatment). As there were no changes in Si concentration in plant organs under Ca₂SiO₄ application, our data indicate that the coffee species is a Si non-accumulator, or at least the cultivar ‘Catuaí Vermelho’ evaluated herein. Additionally, the photosynthetic capacity of coffee plants increased with 6000 kg Ca₂SiO₄ ha⁻¹ compared to the control under well-watered conditions, as given by increases in gross and net photosynthesis under light saturation, light saturation point, maximum RuBisCO carboxylation rate, maximum electron transport-dependent RuBP regeneration, and maximum rate of triose phosphate use. Such photosynthetic improvements underlined high leaf CO₂ assimilation, transpiration, carboxylation efficiency, and chlorophyll content in plants grown under Si supplying and well-watered conditions. The negative impact of water deficit on leaf gas exchange was alleviated by Ca₂SiO₄ application, but the instantaneous water use efficiency was maintained as similar in both water regimes, as expected for Si non-accumulator species. Morphologically, coffee stem diameter was increased under Ca₂SiO₄ application, regardless of water regime. In conclusion, our data revealed that high Ca₂SiO₄ doses benefit coffee performance and also suggest that the use of steel slag—an industrial byproduct rich in Ca₂SiO₄—can be considered as a sustainable practice for residue recycling in agriculture while improving C. arabica growth and physiology under varying water availability. Full article