New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Crops crops	2.1	2.9	2021	20.7 Days	CHF 1200
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	5.6	10.0	2000	17.5 Days	CHF 2900
International Journal of Plant Biology ijpb	-	4.2	2010	17.5 Days	CHF 1400
Stresses stresses	-	10.0	2021	16.5 Days	CHF 1200

15 pages, 1551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Molecular Responses of Sensitive, Moderate, and Tolerant Sugarcane Cultivars to Drought Stress

by Risky Mulana Anur, Muslimah Arniyanti, Intan Ria Neliana, Bambang Sugiharto, Wahyu Indra Duwi Fanata, Tri Handoyo and Parawita Dewanti

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(8), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17080062 - 24 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Water deficit is one of the most critical factors for determining the growth and yield of sugarcane. Understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms of sugarcane responses is essential for developing resilient cultivars. In this study, three sugarcane cultivars, NX04 (sensitive), BL (moderate), and [...] Read more.

Water deficit is one of the most critical factors for determining the growth and yield of sugarcane. Understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms of sugarcane responses is essential for developing resilient cultivars. In this study, three sugarcane cultivars, NX04 (sensitive), BL (moderate), and NXI-4T (tolerant), were grown in a greenhouse for 2 months and then subjected to drought stress for 8 days after planting. Morphological variation showed that the tolerant sugarcane cultivar exhibits a longer root system and delays leaf chlorosis and rolling. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased in the sensitive and moderate cultivars, although it slightly increased in the tolerant cultivars at 8 days after drought stress. The increase was accompanied by increases in proline content and in gene expression of the catalase (Cat) and ascorbate peroxidase (Apx) across all cultivars, which protect cells from oxidative damage. Interestingly, the expression of the photosynthetic Pepc (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase) and Sps (sucrose-phosphate synthase) genes was significantly decreased, whereas SPS activity increased under drought stress. This implies that the SPS protein may be regulated through post-translational modification. The expression of transcription factors (TFs) of NAC, rather than DREB, was significantly upregulated in the tolerant cultivar under 8 days of drought stress, in line with the delay of chlorosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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16 pages, 1548 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Priestia aryabhattai Inoculation on Growth, Grain Production, and Oxidative Metabolism of Common Bean Under Contrasting Irrigation Regimes

by Breno Miranda Bagagi, Ronaldo de Oliveira-Elias, Jéssica Pigatto de Queiroz Barcelos and Fernando Ferrari Putti

Stresses 2026, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses6030049 - 21 Jul 2026

Viewed by 370

Abstract

Water deficit represents a major environmental constraint that severely limits the growth and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Although inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate drought-induced stress, the efficacy of specific strains, [...] Read more.

Water deficit represents a major environmental constraint that severely limits the growth and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Although inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate drought-induced stress, the efficacy of specific strains, such as Priestia aryabhattai CMAA 1363, remains to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the morpho-agronomic and biochemical responses of common bean to seed inoculation with P. aryabhattai CMAA 1363 under two contrasting irrigation regimes: 100% (well-watered) and 40% (water-restricted) of available water capacity (AWC) under greenhouse conditions. Water restriction significantly compromised plant performance, reducing plant and pod length, root dry biomass, and yield components (pod and grain counts, and total grain mass). Conversely, bacterial inoculation enhanced vegetative traits, increasing plant length by approximately 15% and root dry biomass by approximately 25% compared to non-inoculated controls. Notably, under severe water deficit (40% AWC), inoculated plants achieved a 20% increase in total grain mass per plant relative to their non-inoculated counterparts. Biochemical profiling indicated that inoculation effectively attenuated oxidative stress, as evidenced by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and modulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while water-stressed plants adapted by accumulating total soluble sugars and increasing peroxidase (POD) activity. Overall, P. aryabhattai CMAA 1363 promotes vegetative development, preserves grain production under drought, and orchestrates antioxidant defense mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a sustainable bioinput to improve common bean resilience in water-limited agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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24 pages, 6308 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Foliar Biostimulants Derived from Animal Waste on Mitigating the Effects of Drought on Maize Crops in Southern Romania

by Roxana Horoias, Cristian Cioineag, Marius Becheritu, Paul Borovina, Valentina Serban, Carmen Gaidau, Jiri Pecha, Lubomir Sanek and Cristina Apostol

Stresses 2026, 6(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses6030043 - 3 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Drought represents one of the major constraints limiting maize productivity in southeastern Europe, particularly under non-irrigated conditions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of foliar biostimulants derived from animal collagen and keratin hydrolysates in mitigating drought stress and improving maize performance in southern Romania [...] Read more.

Drought represents one of the major constraints limiting maize productivity in southeastern Europe, particularly under non-irrigated conditions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of foliar biostimulants derived from animal collagen and keratin hydrolysates in mitigating drought stress and improving maize performance in southern Romania during a six-year field experiment (2020–2025). During the screening phase (2020–2022), four formulations (FM1, FM2, KC, and K2) were applied at two rates (5 and 10 L ha⁻¹) and compared with an untreated control. Significant effects of biostimulant formulation and dose were identified for plant height and grain yield (p < 0.001). Duncan’s multiple range test showed that K2 applied at 10 L ha⁻¹ achieved the highest mean grain yield (87.71 q ha⁻¹), significantly exceeding the untreated control (70.94 q ha⁻¹). Based on these results, K2 was selected for long-term validation during 2023–2025 and subsequently evaluated across the entire six-year experimental period. Mean grain yield increased from 52.06 q ha⁻¹ in the untreated control to 58.74 and 64.91 q ha⁻¹ following K2 application at 5 and 10 L ha⁻¹, respectively. Yield improvements were particularly pronounced during years characterized by severe precipitation deficits, when relative yield increases reached up to 41.9%. Economic analysis demonstrated positive net returns in all experimental years, with average profits of 108.6 EUR ha⁻¹ and 206.9 EUR ha⁻¹ for the 5 and 10 L ha⁻¹ application rates, respectively. The results demonstrate that keratin-based biostimulants derived from industrial by-products can improve maize productivity, enhance drought resilience, and contribute to circular-economy approaches in sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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22 pages, 15057 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of PYL Genes in Brassica napus Under ABA and Drought-Stress Treatments

by Rana Muhammad Amir Gulzar, Nazir Ahmad, Xiaohong Zhao, Tong Zhao, Jianyin Zhan, Hongrui Yu, Muhammad Haseeb Javaid, Raheel Munir, Muhammad Mudassir Nazir and Iqbal Hussain

Stresses 2026, 6(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses6030041 - 27 Jun 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1031

Abstract

Brassica napus L. is a major oilseed crop whose productivity is significantly affected by abiotic stresses such as drought. PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYL) proteins act as key abscisic acid (ABA) receptors and play central roles in stress responses. However, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the [...] Read more.

Brassica napus L. is a major oilseed crop whose productivity is significantly affected by abiotic stresses such as drought. PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYL) proteins act as key abscisic acid (ABA) receptors and play central roles in stress responses. However, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the PYL gene family in B. napus is still lacking, limiting our understanding of their functions in plant and stress adaptation. This study reports the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the PYL gene family in B. napus (rapeseed), cultivar ZS11, identifying 25 BnPYL genes grouped into four subfamilies, I (four genes), I-II (five genes), II (five genes), III (11 genes), and their encoded proteins were predicted to be mainly localized in the chloroplast. Structural analysis revealed diverse exon–intron organization and 10 conserved motifs. All identified BnPYLs contained Polyketide_cyc2 domains (PF10604), supporting their annotation as members of the PYL family. Promoter analysis identified cis-regulatory elements related to light response, stress regulation, and hormonal signaling. Computational analysis of post-translational modifications suggested that phosphorylation sites are mainly localized at serine and threonine residues. Tertiary structure modelling revealed conserved three-dimensional architectures among BnPYL proteins, suggesting potential functional conservation. Expression profiling and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that several BnPYL genes respond to ABA-mediated drought stress, with BnPYL15 and BnPYL22 exhibiting the highest induction (4–5-fold) and BnPYL2, BnPYL5, BnPYL6, BnPYL17, BnPYL18, and BnPYL25 showing significant upregulation (2.0–4.5-fold), suggesting potential roles in enhancing drought tolerance in B. napus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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24 pages, 9624 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Assessment of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Salinity-Stressed Zea mays: From Antimicrobial Bioactivity to Molecular Docking Simulations

by Mostafa Ahmed, Diaa Attia Marrez, Zoltán Tóth and Kincső Decsi

Stresses 2026, 6(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses6020029 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 546

Abstract

Salinity stress adversely affects plant growth, yield, and productivity. It requires an investigation of ameliorative techniques, for example, spraying synthesized nanoparticles such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOnps). This current research studied the impact of sodium chloride as a stressor (150 mM NaCl) and [...] Read more.

Salinity stress adversely affects plant growth, yield, and productivity. It requires an investigation of ameliorative techniques, for example, spraying synthesized nanoparticles such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOnps). This current research studied the impact of sodium chloride as a stressor (150 mM NaCl) and the application of ZnOnps (2 g L⁻¹) on some biochemical properties of maize (Zea mays) leaves. The experiment involved examining some mineral concentrations (Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn), fatty acid profile, and the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of aqueous and diethyl ether maize leaf extracts, supported by molecular docking studies of the 17 previously determined phenolic compounds against DNA gyrase and alpha-L-fucosidase enzymes. Applying ZnOnps markedly decreased sodium concentrations from 5.8 to 1.9 mg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) and established ion balance. ZnOnps also reduced γ-linolenic acid levels to 60% under stress, returning them to normal (34%), while increasing palmitic acid to 30%. Determining the antimicrobial activities indicated that extracts from plants sprayed with ZnOnps exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity, as evidenced by the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations against bacterial and fungal strains, including Salmonella typhi and Aspergillus flavus. The computational molecular docking confirmed the antimicrobial findings, with the compound apigenin-7-glucoside, which exhibited the highest binding affinity scores for antibacterial (−7.4 kcal/mol), and the compound chlorogenic acid as antifungal (−7.2 kcal/mol) against the enzyme targets. Thus, ZnOnps can be considered an efficient strategy for mitigating salinity stress in maize plants while elevating the antimicrobial activity and stability of variant secondary compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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21 pages, 5858 KB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Predictions and Evolutionary Analysis of LrK10 Kinase-Related Putative PSTOL1 Gene Homeologs in Wheat and Orthologs of Its Wild Relatives

by Karthikeyan Thiyagarajan, Kalenahalli Yogendra, Carolina Saint Pierre, Santosh Kumar Singh, Chitranjan Kumar, Doyeli Sanyal, Garima Thakur, Deepika Singh, Deepshikha Thakur, Ajay Tomar, Prashant Vikram and Ravi Valluru

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(10), 4513; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27104513 - 18 May 2026

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Abstract

Phosphorus Starvation Tolerance 1 in rice (OsPSTOL1, known as Phosphorus uptake 1, Pup1) is a receptor-like cytoplasmic protein kinase that confers tolerance to phosphorus deficiency. The OsPSTOL1 gene possesses a Ser/Thr kinase and shows high amino-acid sequence similarity with [...] Read more.

Phosphorus Starvation Tolerance 1 in rice (OsPSTOL1, known as Phosphorus uptake 1, Pup1) is a receptor-like cytoplasmic protein kinase that confers tolerance to phosphorus deficiency. The OsPSTOL1 gene possesses a Ser/Thr kinase and shows high amino-acid sequence similarity with the leaf rust receptor-like kinase (OsLrK10). We hypothesise that the putative wheat genes TaPSTOL1 and TaLrK10 have a common ancestral origin and that putative TaPSTOL1 diverged recently, acquiring new structural modifications and biological functions in the process. In this study, we identified all putative TaPSTOL1 homeologs and examined the evolutionary relationship between TaPSTOL1 and TaLrK10 in Triticum species. Our results indicate that the putative TaPSTOL1 diverged recently without possessing the amino-terminal domain, which is a typical characteristic of TaLrK10. We observed numerous conversion tracts between these two genes, and the substitution pattern of randomly selected amino acids indicates that dynamic selection pressures acted on both genes. The putative TaPSTOL1 shows high nucleotide diversity compared to TaLrK10 within Triticum species. Further, a multiple-sequence analysis reveals that the third exon of TaLrK10 appears to have been duplicated and diverged as a putative single-exon-based TaPSTOL1 in bread wheat. Overall, our comparative analysis indicates that both TaPSTOL1 and TaLrK10 appear to have diverged from a common ancestor, acquiring distinct structural organisations and biological functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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15 pages, 1162 KB

Open AccessReview

Reactive Oxygen and Carbonyl Species: Dual Regulators of Abiotic Stress Signaling and Tolerance in Plants

by Mohammad Saidur Rhaman, Shams Ur Rehman, Israt Jahan, Bir Jahangir Shirazy, Jotirmoy Chakrobortty, Md. Asadulla Al Galib, Rojina Akter, Sumaiya Farzana and Yanjie Xie

Stresses 2026, 6(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses6020023 - 30 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are integral components of plant signaling networks that mediate interactions between plants and their environment, thereby regulating diverse physiological and biochemical processes. While controlled ROS production is essential for stress perception and signal transduction, excessive ROS accumulation induces oxidative [...] Read more.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are integral components of plant signaling networks that mediate interactions between plants and their environment, thereby regulating diverse physiological and biochemical processes. While controlled ROS production is essential for stress perception and signal transduction, excessive ROS accumulation induces oxidative damage. ROS-mediated lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to the formation of highly electrophilic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds collectively referred to as reactive carbonyl species (RCS). Under severe abiotic stress conditions, excessive RCS accumulation exerts cytotoxic effects and causes widespread cellular dysfunction. In contrast, at subtoxic levels, RCS function as important secondary messengers that modulate stress-responsive signaling pathways, including programmed cell death, stomatal regulation, and adaptive responses to abiotic stresses. This review critically synthesizes current advances in understanding the dual roles of ROS and RCS as both damaging agents and signaling molecules in plants. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanistic basis of ROS-RCS crosstalk and their interactions in abiotic stress tolerance. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging research gaps and outlines future perspectives aimed at translating redox signaling insights into strategies for improving plant stress resilience under changing environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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15 pages, 1286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Fertilization with Filter Cake, Microbial Consortium, and Amino Acids Improves Peanut Performance Under Water Scarcity Conditions

by Lissett Abreus Hernández, Alexander Calero Hurtado, Kolima Peña Calzada, Ana María Espinosa Negrín and Janet Jiménez Hernández

Stresses 2026, 6(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses6020019 - 7 Apr 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 656

Abstract

Water deficit is a major abiotic constraint limiting peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production. This study evaluated the combined effects of filter cake, foliar application of an amino acid-based biostimulant, microbial consortium inoculation, on peanut growth, physiology, and yield under water scarcity conditions. [...] Read more.

Water deficit is a major abiotic constraint limiting peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production. This study evaluated the combined effects of filter cake, foliar application of an amino acid-based biostimulant, microbial consortium inoculation, on peanut growth, physiology, and yield under water scarcity conditions. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replicates, where filter cake (0 and 5 t ha⁻¹) was assigned to main plots, amino acid application to subplots (0.25 and 0.50 L ha⁻¹), and microbial consortium to sub-subplots (100 and 200 mL m⁻²). At 50 days after sowing, plant growth parameters, relative chlorophyll content, and aboveground biomass were assessed, while yield components and seed yield were determined at harvest. Results indicated that the combined treatment with 5 t ha⁻¹ filter cake, 0.50 L ha⁻¹ amino acids, and 200 mL m⁻² microbial consortium, consistently produced the highest main stem length (increase of 40%), aboveground biomass accumulation (increase of 41%), number of matured pods per plant (increase of 38%), seed mass per plant (increase of 87%), and final seed yield (increase of 86%) compared to the lowest-input treatment (F₀A_0.25M₁₀₀) under water-limited conditions. These findings indicate that the integrated fertilization can improve phenological, physiological, and yield responses and represents a sustainable approach to improve peanut resilience and productivity under water scarcity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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16 pages, 1435 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bacillus aryabhattai Improves Agronomic Performance and Water Use Efficiency of Common Bean Under Deficit Irrigation Levels

by Ana L. P. Oliveira, João P. Santos, Gustavo F. Silva and Fernando F. Putti

Crops 2026, 6(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops6020038 - 30 Mar 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1222

Abstract

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is of great food and economic importance in Brazil, but its productivity is highly affected by water deficit due to its superficial root system and short cycle. With the increase in prolonged droughts, irrigation has become [...] Read more.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is of great food and economic importance in Brazil, but its productivity is highly affected by water deficit due to its superficial root system and short cycle. With the increase in prolonged droughts, irrigation has become a solution, albeit a costly one, for small farmers. In this scenario, bioinputs, such as Bacillus aryabhattai, represent a sustainable and low-cost strategy to improve crop performance under reduced irrigation conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of B. aryabhattai to improve the agronomic performance of the common bean under reduced irrigation levels. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with a 2 × 4 factorial design (presence/absence of B. aryabhattai and four irrigation levels: 40, 60, 80, and 100% of the ETc). Agronomic and productive variables were evaluated. The results showed better performance at 80 and 100% ETc, achieving 16 and 20 g per plant⁻¹. Inoculation increased water use efficiency by 13% and contributed to higher grain yield. It was concluded that rational irrigation management combined with the use of B. aryabhattai improves agronomic performance and water use efficiency under reduced irrigation levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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19 pages, 2214 KB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Water Stress on Growth, Physiology, and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.): Bibliographic Review

by Magdoline Mustafa Ahmed Osman, Ronald Kuunya, Rania Alrasheed, András Tamás, Illés Árpád and Tamás Rátonyi

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17030021 - 6 Mar 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1921

Abstract

Water stress is a major challenge that limits the growth, development, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) worldwide, especially under climate change, particularly abiotic stresses. This review presents a comprehensive bibliometric and literature-based analysis of research on maize’s response to drought [...] Read more.

Water stress is a major challenge that limits the growth, development, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) worldwide, especially under climate change, particularly abiotic stresses. This review presents a comprehensive bibliometric and literature-based analysis of research on maize’s response to drought and water scarcity from 1975 to 2025, using VOS viewer1.6.20 software, facilitating the detection of co-authorship networks, thematic groupings, and patterns of keyword co-occurrence within the selected publications. Data from the Web of Science were examined to assess publication trends, keyword networks, and international collaborations. A literature search was conducted by combining the keywords ((“maize”) OR (“corn”) AND (“drought”) OR (“water stress”) AND (“yield”)). Relevant studies were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database using this search string. The Mann–Kendall test revealed a significant positive trend (p = 0.001) in publications on water scarcity (R² = 0.8526), with 396 relevant studies identified globally, regardless of language. The analysis of publication trends demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the volume of publications over the examined period, featuring major contributions from Kenya, Switzerland, Mexico, China, and the United States. The most influential publication focuses on a biotic stressor that significantly reduces maize grain yield. These results emphasise the need for integrated strategies that combine genetic improvement and sustainable irrigation to mitigate the impacts of water stress. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundation for guiding future research and policy development to improve maize resilience against the effects of water stress under changing climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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19 pages, 2889 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of VOC Profiles in Populus deltoides cv. Harvard I-63/51 and P. × canadensis cv. Conti 12 Poplars Attacked by Megaplatypus mutatus

by Celeste Arancibia, Laura Mitjans, María Victoria Bertoldi, Andrés Morales, Magdalena Gantuz, Leonardo Bolcato, Patricia Piccoli, Natalia Naves, Juan Alberto Bustamante and Ricardo Williams Masuelli

Stresses 2026, 6(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses6010006 - 31 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1181

Abstract

Megaplatypus mutatus, a major poplar pest in South America, tunnels into the xylem, weakening trunks and reducing wood quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are key mediators of plant–insect interactions and may reflect genotype-specific defence strategies. This study analysed VOC profiles of young [...] Read more.

Megaplatypus mutatus, a major poplar pest in South America, tunnels into the xylem, weakening trunks and reducing wood quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are key mediators of plant–insect interactions and may reflect genotype-specific defence strategies. This study analysed VOC profiles of young and adult Populus deltoides cv. Harvard and P. × canadensis cv. Conti 12 under natural M. mutatus infestation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry putatively annotated 31 VOCs, including green leaf volatiles (GLVs), pentyl leaf volatiles (PLVs), terpenes, alcohols, aromatics and phenolics, 12 of which, to our knowledge, have not been previously reported in Populus VOC profiles. Harvard trees showed ~14.5-fold higher total VOC abundance than Conti trees. In Conti, constitutive VOC emissions remained stable regardless of infestation status or age. In contrast, under infestation, Harvard trees emitted10-fold higher constitutive VOCs than non-infested Harvard trees and ~52-fold higher than Conti, a pattern consistent with increased defensive activity. GLVs and PLVs relatively dominated both genotypes, although Harvard showed higher emissions. Terpenes were not detected in young Conti trees under our analytical conditions but were abundant and diverse in infested Harvard trees, which may indicate a stronger terpene-associated response in this clone. Several compounds were detected only under specific genotype–condition combinations in our dataset and therefore represent candidate volatiles for future behavioural and functional studies. These results are consistent with differences in VOC emission patterns between genotypes and age classes, improve our understanding of putative chemical cues in the interaction between Populus and M. mutatus, and provide a basis for future work towards sustainable pest management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights into Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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