Search Results (6)

This study investigated the Yongning Fortress ruins in Taiyuan through a comprehensive analytical approach employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and ion chromatography (IC). The research focused on elucidating the disturbance mechanisms and environmental impacts induced by the root systems of five representative herbaceous species on rammed earth structures. The results demonstrated distinct, species-specific disturbance patterns. Melica roots created three-dimensional network damage, Artemisia capillaris primarily caused deep root penetration, Fallopia aubertii exhibited coupled physical–chemical effects, Convolvulus arvensis induced shallow horizontal expansion damage, while Cirsium formed a heterogeneous structure characterized by dense taproots and loose lateral roots. Environmental conditions, particularly moisture content, significantly influenced disturbance intensity. All root activities led to common deterioration processes, including particle rounding, gradation degradation, and formation of organic–mineral composites. Notably, vegetation markedly altered soluble salt distribution patterns, with Cirsium increasing total salt content to 3.7 times that of undisturbed rammed earth (0.48%), while sulfate ion concentration (1.16 × 10⁻³) approached hazardous thresholds. The study established a theoretical framework linking plant traits, disturbance mechanisms, and environmental response, and proposed risk-based zoning strategies for preservation. These outcomes provide significant theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the scientific conservation of rammed earth heritage sites. Full article

Carrots, a multi-nutrient dietary source rich in natural bioactive compounds, have gained broad recognition due to their nutritional properties and potential health-promoting effects. Studying metabolic changes during carrot maturation can provide deeper insights into the formation of their nutritional value and quality. Using Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS) metabolomics, we systematically profiled metabolic dynamics during orange-red carrot maturation, with large-scale compound detection, structural identification, and absolute quantification. The results showed that a total of 607 metabolites were detected. Further analysis of three distinct stages of taproot swelling and maturation revealed the following: Most sugars in primary metabolites exhibited an increasing accumulation trend across the three stages. Organic acids (including TCA cycle intermediates) displayed a pronounced decreasing accumulation pattern. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly upregulated expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the TCA cycle from the fleshy root formation stage (30 days after sowing, DAS), expansion stage (50 DAS), and maturation stage (115 DAS) in carrots. Phytochemical profiling identified 206 secondary metabolites (92 phenolic acids and 114 non-phenolic compounds). Notably, many phenolic acids maintained relatively high levels during early carrot development but exhibited a rapid decline in subsequent stages. The extensive downregulation of genes involved in phenolic acid biosynthesis pathways likely drives the rapid decline in phenolic acid content during early developmental stages. Correlation analysis further revealed significant crosstalk between primary and secondary metabolites during carrot maturation, with a pronounced negative correlation between sugars and secondary metabolites. These data provide a global perspective of carrot metabolomics and a comprehensive analysis of metabolic variations during development, establishing a molecular and metabolic basis for a deeper and more systematic understanding of carrot quality traits. Full article

Panax ginseng taproot serves as a crucial storage organ and constitutes a significant component of Chinese herbal medicine. In China, ginseng is cultivated using two primary methods: under-forest planting and farmland planting. These methods create distinct habitats that notably influence the morphology of ginseng taproots. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing ginseng taproot expansion remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to delineate the patterns of ginseng taproot expansion by examining taproots transplanted into farmland (TCG) and forest environments (TLCG and TQCG). Our findings indicate that light intensity and soil available potassium levels in TCG plots significantly exceed those in TLCG and TQCG plots. Compared with TLCG and TQCG, the taproot diameter of TCG increased by 11.54% and 27.73%, respectively. At the same time, combined with the microstructure of the transverse section of the taproot, it showed that the expansion of the TCG taproot was closely related to cell expansion. During TCG taproot expansion, there was an increase in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content, significant starch accumulation, and a decrease in lignin content. By analyzing the expression of key genes, we found that compared with TLCG and TQCG, the expression of genes PgTPS1 and PgALDH1 was upregulated, and the expression of genes PgHCT1, PgPAL3, PgPER3, and PgPER51 were downregulated in TCG taproot. Additionally, the transcription factors PgARF18.1 and PgbHLH42 were identified as responsive to habitat changes, playing pivotal roles in taproot expansion. In conclusion, this study provides foundational insights into the regulatory mechanisms of ginseng taproot expansion, offering significant implications for enhancing the quality and value of ginseng. Full article

Sugar beet is an important sugar crop, and its roots are mainly used for processing raw materials to produce products such as sugar, molasses, and saccharin, as well as being used as fodder for livestock. BvCPD, a key enzyme gene for brassinosteroid (BR) synthesis, regulates the development of parenchyma cells and vascular bundles by promoting BR synthesis, which promotes the expansion of the sugar beet taproot and influences the growth, development, and yield of sugar beets. This study investigated the impact of BvCPD on the physiological metabolism of sugar beet utilizing BvCPD overexpression, silent, and wild-type (WT) lines. BvCPD increased the chlorophyll content and maximum photochemical efficiency and improved the photosynthetic characteristics of sugar beet leaves. Simultaneously, BvCPD increased the rate of sugar beet taproot respiration and ATP content by enhancing the activities of phosphoglycerate kinase, alcohol dehydrogenase, sucrose synthase, and sucrose synthase catabolism. Moreover, BvCPD induced changes in the sugar fraction content, which increased the sugar yield of a single plant. In addition, BvCPD promoted water absorption, nitrogen accumulation, and lignin/cellulose synthesis activities, facilitated by increased activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, cellulose synthase, and protein serine/threonine phosphatases, providing the requisite energy and materials for sugar beet growth. These findings not only provide a new perspective for understanding the physiological mechanisms regulating the growth of sugar beets but also provide a theoretical basis for the future improvement of sugar beet varieties through molecular breeding techniques. Full article

Clarifying the optimal combination of N fertilizer application rate and application method can maximize the yield of drip-irrigated sugar beet in arid areas, which is of great significance for reducing farmland N pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this three-year field experiment in Xinjiang, China, the effects of three N application rates [75 kg ha⁻¹ (N1), 150 kg ha⁻¹ (N2), and 225 kg ha⁻¹ (N3)] and three N application methods [the proportion of N applied at canopy rapid growth stage, taproot expansion stage, and sugar accumulation stage were (M₁) 100%: 0%: 0%, (M₂) 70%: 30%: 0%, and (M₃) 50%: 30%: 20%] on the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and distribution, leaf senescence, yield, and agronomic N use efficiency (aNUE) of drip-irrigated sugar beet were explored. The results showed that N application (N1, N2, and N3 treatments) increased the shoot DMA by 27.7% (three-year average), 52.6%, and 83.1%, and the taproot DMA by 28.3%, 43.2%, and 61.6%, respectively (p < 0.05), compared with CK (no N supply) treatment. The N application methods M₂ and M₃ increased the shoot DMA by 5.6% (three-year average) and 1.0% (p > 0.05), respectively, and the taproot DMA by 7.2% and 3.6% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with M₁. In addition, M₂ could delay the end of shoot and taproot growth (t_e) and the occurrence of maximum growth rate (t_m). In particular, the N3M₂ treatment increased the leaf area index (LAI) by 20.4–75.9% (p < 0.05) compared with other treatments by increasing the leaf area duration (LAD) and decreasing the leaf senescence rate (LSR). The taproot yield and sugar yield of N3M₂ treatment reached the maximum at harvest time, but there was no significant difference in taproot yield and sugar yield between N3M₂ treatment and N2M₂ treatment. The aNUE in N2M₂ treatment was the highest (p < 0.05), which was 1.29–7.85 times higher than that of other treatments. Therefore, reducing the N application rate from 225 kg·ha⁻¹ to 150 kg·ha⁻¹ and applying 70% and 30% of 150 kg N ha⁻¹ at the canopy rapid growth stage and the taproot expansion stage, respectively, could achieve the goal of increasing sugar beet yield and N use efficiency. This study will provide an important reference for the sustainable production of sugar beet under drip irrigation in Xinjiang, China. Full article

The RNA-binding glycine-rich proteins (RBGs) of the glycine-rich protein family play vital roles in regulating gene expression both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. However, the members and functions in response to abiotic stresses of the RBG gene family remain unclear in Brassica oleracea. In this study, a total of 19 BoiRBG genes were identified through genome-wide analysis in broccoli. The characteristics of BoiRBG sequences and their evolution were examined. An analysis of synteny indicated that the expansion of the BoiRBG gene family was primarily driven by whole-genome duplication and tandem duplication events. The BoiRBG expression patterns revealed that these genes are involved in reaction to diverse abiotic stress conditions (i.e., simulated drought, salinity, heat, cold, and abscisic acid) and different organs. In the present research, the up-regulation of BoiRBGA13 expression was observed when subjected to both NaCl-induced and cold stress conditions in broccoli. Moreover, the overexpression of BoiRBGA13 resulted in a noteworthy reduction in taproot lengths under NaCl stress, as well as the inhibition of seed germination under cold stress in broccoli, indicating that RBGs play different roles under various stresses. This study provides insights into the evolution and functions of BoiRBG genes in Brassica oleracea and other Brassicaceae family plants. Full article