Jojoba is a woody oil crop of economic importance. However, it is sensitive to low temperatures, which hinders its cultivation in temperate arid regions. The apoplast is a cellular component outside the plasma membrane of plant cells and is widely involved in the response of plants to environmental stress. Here, we used the infiltration-centrifugation method to extract apoplast fluid from jojoba leaves

Pears (Pyrus spp.), which are distributed across temperate regions of Eurasia, include several economically important species. Pear species and cultivar classification is always controversial, because hybridization occurs easily, due to a low reproductive barrier. To reveal the genetic diversity and genetic relationships among pear genetic resources, we applied multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat

Soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum poses a major threat to the cultivation of colored calla lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana). This study identified ZeERF113 through transcriptome analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), revealing its close association with the accumulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) in colored calla lily after soft rot infection. The

Plant tissue culture represents an advanced biotechnological technique for propagating and conserving threatened plant species efficiently. This method enables the rapid production of genetically identical plants under controlled sterile laboratory conditions (in vitro). Its applications span forestry, horticulture, and, crucially, plant breeding. Nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools to address

Root-associated microbiota play a crucial role in the response of plants to environmental stress. Pyrus betulifolia is a wild pear species with strong saline-alkali resistance. However, it remains unclear whether the rhizosphere bacteria of P. betulifolia contribute to its saline-alkali response and which specific bacteria are key players in this process. In this study, we focused on the saline-alkali

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (danshen in Chinese) is a valuable medicinal crop. It is widely used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Basic region-leucine zippers (bZIPs) are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors in plants. Here, SmbZIP38, an abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive Group A member of bZIPs, was isolated from S. miltiorrhiza and functionally studied

Plant hormones play an important role in flower opening and senescence. However, to date, the roles of plant hormones in the senescence of sweet osmanthus flowers and the hormone metabolism crosstalk and hormone response networks have not been fully characterized. By analyzing the hormone metabolome and transcriptome at different stages of sweet osmanthus flower opening and senescence, we found that

As a large family of RNA helicases, DEAD-box (DDX) RNA helicases play crucial roles in almost all cellular RNA processing activities. However, the role of the DDX gene family in cold tolerance of mei (Prunus mume) remains unclear. In this study, we identified 45 DDX genes through whole-genome analysis unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes and scaffolds of mei. Based on the phylogenetic tree

Drought and salinity are severe environmental conditions that restrict the growth and reduce the quality of perennial ryegrass. The annexin family, as Ca2+- permeable transporters, is essential for plant stress responses and tolerance. This study identified an annexin gene, LpANN5, in perennial ryegrass. Subcellular localization observation suggested that LpANN5 protein was localized in the plasma

Seed vigor is critical for uniform germination and emergence, directly influencing subsequent seedling development. This is especially important under both normal and stress conditions that may arise post-sowing. Chilling stress during emergence and early growth poses significant challenges for tomato seedlings, potentially leading to uneven emergence, abnormal growth, and higher seedling mortality

Hemerocallis spp. commonly known as daylily or night lily, are important food or ornamental crops widely used worldwide. Flower size, color, and bud-related traits play a pivotal role in improving the ornamental value and economic benefits of Hemerocallis. However, the genetic basis for these horticulturally important traits and recombination landscape in Hemerocallis remains largely unexplored. Here

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is sensitive to salt stress. For breeding applications, it is of great significance to explore the genetic mechanism underlying salt tolerance in watermelon by analyzing the dehydration responsive element–binding (DREB) factor family members. However, they are rarely studied in watermelon. In this study, we identified ClaDREB gene family members in watermelon based on

Being sessile organisms, plants confer various environmental challenges that effect their productivity. Secondary metabolites, including glucosinolate (GSLs), are synthesized in plants to counteract environmental stresses through indirect or direct defensive responses. GSLs are secondary metabolites containing nitrogen and sulfur abundantly found in Brassicaceae, playing pivotal roles in plant stress

Aluminum is toxic to most plants, but low concentrations of aluminum are conducive to the growth of tea plants. However, it is not clear whether aluminum treatment alters the rhizosphere microbiome of tea plants, especially growth-promoting rhizosphere bacteria. In this study, we used 16S rRNA sequencing to demonstrate that after aluminum treatment, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the rhizosphere

Anthocyanins are the main pigments in ripe strawberry fruits. FaMYB10 and abscisic acid (ABA) are the two major regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the maturation process of strawberry fruits. However, the transcriptional regulation of FaMYB10, ABA biosynthesis, and anthocyanin accumulation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) remain largely unknown. Here, a yeast one-hybrid screen using the FaMYB10

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit firmness is a crucial determinant of fruit quality and postharvest storage capacity. The DNA-binding one-finger (Dof) transcription factor family has been demonstrated to play a significant role in regulating fruit ripening and softening; however, the genome-wide role of Dofs in determining apple firmness remains unclear. Here, we examined the expression patterns

Cucumber root rot, primarily caused by Fusarium solani, threatens global cucumber production through soil-borne infection, vascular wilt, and yield loss. Soil fumigation with Calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) effectively suppresses soil-borne pathogens but may impair beneficial soil microbiota. This study investigated the synergistic effects of Bacillus velezensis (ZF336) inoculation on reactivating beneficial

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent modification observed in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs), plays a crucial role in plant development and abiotic stress responses. However, its role in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit expansion and ripening under abiotic stress remains unexplored. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the changes in m6A levels and the expression patterns of m6A-modified

Ultraviolet B (UV–B) light affects the accumulation of secondary metabolites, especially pharmacologically important flavonoids, in many plants. However, whether UV-B irradiation influences the metabolite composition of rose (Rosa spp.) remains largely unknown. To explore the effects of UV-B on rose metabolites, we compared the physiological phenotypes of two rose cultivars, Rosa hybrida ‘Jardin de

Calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPK) play essential roles in regulating plant responses to various stresses. However, the molecular and functional properties of CBL–CIPK in drought response have been rarely characterised in potato plants. In this study, we subjected the potato ‘Atlantic’ cultivar (wild type [WT], ami-StCIPK2, and overexpression [OE] lines) to

Dwarf or semi-dwarf plant architecture characterized by reduced vine or internode length is a desirable trait for winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) production, but the regulatory mechanisms and specific genes responsible for this trait remain unidentified. In this study, we conducted map-based QTL cloning and functional characterization of a major-effect QTL, underlying the dwarf phenotype (short vine

The pH plays a key role in the growth and colonization of plant pathogens as well as the onset and progression of the symptoms they cause within the host. Plants may quickly alter their apoplastic pH (pHapo) to protect themselves against infection. However, pathogens can also alter the pH of their ambient environment to promote their own growth. Citrus canker is a serious plant disease caused by Xanthomonas

Wind disturbance has emerged as a potential eco-friendly method for seedling cultivation. In this study, an electromechanical device was designed and built to investigate the effects of airflow on the micro-environment and physiological activities of tomato seedlings in seedbeds by controlled experiments. The results indicated that airflow could enhance CO2 concentration near the seedling canopy, accelerate

Plant glucosinolates (GSLs) have attracted considerable attention due to their significant roles in plant defense mechanisms and cancer prevention. However, the gene expression characteristics and mechanisms underlying phenotypic variations in Brassica juncea, particularly in key vegetable and oilseed varieties, remain largely unexplored. This study examined the retention and the spatiotemporal expression

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most abundant internal modification in messenger RNA (mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), has emerged as a critical epitranscriptomic regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes. While the importance of m6A modification in various biological processes has been recognized, a comprehensive understanding of its diverse roles in plant biology and agricultural applications

Anthocyanins are vital secondary metabolites contributing to fruit pigmentation and antioxidative properties. While light is a well-known regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, the molecular basis of light-independent anthocyanin accumulation remains underexplored. In this study, integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome showed that the anthocyanin content in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum

Post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins is a crucial regulatory mechanism in plant cells, enabling rapid and purposeful regulation of their functions. Modified proteins play various roles in signaling pathways, including plant growth and development, plant metabolism, and the response to adversity stress. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies focusing on plant

Nitrate is the primary nitrogen source for plants and is a signaling molecule regulating various plant developmental processes. Despite its significance, limited information is available on nitrate signaling in Vitis vinifera. We identified nine VvRWP–RK genes distributed across eight chromosomes using genome–wide identification and evolutionary analyses. Among these, VvNLP1–4 and VvRKD1–5 are associated

Potato virus X (PVX) seriously threatens global potato cultivation, necessitating a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms responsible for resistance. The Rx1 and Rx2 genes play a pivotal role in breeding potatoes with broad-spectrum PVX resistance. However, current DNA markers for these genes present uncertainties, as they are found in both resistant and susceptible materials, complicating

Heavy metal contamination has adversely affected crop productivity around the world. Vanadium (V) toxicity is a significant environmental factor that lowers agricultural productivity by inhibiting plant development, diminishing nutrient uptake, and damaging root morphology. Melatonin (ME) is a well-known powerful antioxidant and multifunctional molecule that improves the resilience of plants against

UV-B application enhances the aroma quality of oolong tea; however, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the regulatory role of UV-B in the biosynthesis of α-farnesene, an important floral and fruity characteristic aroma. UV-B treatment significantly improved the aroma quality of ‘Foshou’ and ‘Yuquan’ oolong teas, increasing α-farnesene levels by 1.8- and 1.4-fold

As we all are aware of the deleterious and ill effects of various chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilizers, the agricultural community has to move towards an alternative having a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. Thus in this study, we analyzed the efficiency of growth promoting microorganism products (GPMPs) using Tricuran-P (Trichoderma harzianum T-22); Nitroxin (Azospirilium and Azotobacter

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a widespread phenomenon in crops and is beneficial for commercial hybrid breeding. Although CMS systems in Brassica species are extensively utilized, they are derived from relatively limited sources, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, a novel CMS line, named Neau, was identified through distant hybridization between Matthiola

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common modification in the transcriptome of biological RNA and plays roles that include maintaining the stability and transportation of mRNA, mRNA precursor shearing, polyadenylation, and the initiation of translation. With the improving understanding of RNA methylation, m6A modification is known to play vital roles in plant development and growth. The multi-petalization

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox L.), a well-known fragrant flowering shrub, is extensively planted for ornamental purpose and production of floral essential oil. Although the tepal color of wintersweet varieties exhibits the most remarkable diversity, variations in the floral scent traits are also noticeable across different cultivars. In this study, the floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in

Genotyping by Target Sequencing (GBTS) technology, known for its flexibility, high efficiency, high throughput, and low cost, has been increasingly employed in molecular breeding. However, there is still limited study on the design and development of high-throughput genotyping tools in watermelon. In this study, we identified 112 000 high quality SNPs by analyzing the resequencing data of 43 cultivated

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the main chemical compounds that determine the characteristic aroma and flavor of fruit. In this study, we identified a total of 97 VOCs, including 5C6 compounds, 12 aldehydes, 4 alcohols, 10 esters, 13 lactones, 18 terpenes, 8 norisoprenoids, 8 ketones, 3 hydrocarbons, 8 phenylalanine derivates, and 8 other compounds, in 60 peach cultivars using headspace solid-phase

Salt stress has a major effect on the quality and yield of crops, and many transcription factors (TFs), such as WRKY, NAC, and ERF TFs have been shown to participate in the regulation of salt stress. Squamosa promoter binding protein-like (SPL) TFs play a role in plant floral organ development, metal ion responses and disease resistance. However, the precise function of SPL TFs in regulating the salt

Grapevine cultivation is facing significant challenges from fungal diseases. Wild Vitis species exhibit extraordinary fungal resistance, offering valuable genetic resources for grapevine improvement, yet their genetic basis of fungal resistance remains largely unexplored. In this study, we assembled a haplotype-resolved, chromosome-level genome of Vitis pseudoreticulata, an East-Asian wild grapevine

Flavonoids, abundant in the fruits, are pivotal to their growth, development, and storage. In addition, they have significant beneficial effects on human health. Consequently, research is increasingly concentrating on the regulatory mechanisms governing flavonoid biosynthesis in fruits. Phytohormones are involved in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. The abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonate, cytokinins

Powdery mildew poses a significant threat to grapevine cultivation worldwide, resulting in increased production costs. Vitis quinquangularis accession ‘Danfeng-2’ accumulates high concentrations of stilbenes and exhibits resistance to powdery mildew. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms of stilbene accumulation and disease-resistance in ‘Danfeng-2’ and V. vinifera cultivar ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’

Photosynthetic CO2 assimilation forms the basis of crop growth and yield formation and is highly sensitive to soil cadmium (Cd) pollution. This study investigated the mechanisms behind Cd-induced inhibition of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings under hydroponic conditions. Pepper plants were exposed to Cd at 0.3 and 1.0 mg L−1, and their photosynthetic performance

Tea is a widely consumed and nutritious beverage, rich in amino acids, caffeine, and catechins, which contribute to its taste and health-promoting properties. While much research has focused on catechins, which are essential for black tea quality, di-hydroxy catechins have received less attention. The genetic mechanisms that regulate the accumulation of these specific still need to be better understood

An inappropriate flowering time and drought stress resistance in Brassica juncea (mustard) will decrease its yield and quality. B-box (BBX) transcription factors play an important role in the regulation of flowering and drought tolerance, but the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of the BBX family—especially BjuBBX6—remain largely unknown in Brassica juncea. In this study, we cloned the

The bulbil, originating in the leaf axil of Lilium lancifolium, functions as a vital reproductive organ for bulbous propagation. The mechanism of bulbil formation, however, is still unclear. In this study, we conducted histological, transcriptomic, and gene function analyses on leaf axil samples throughout bulbil formation. Histological analysis revealed that the bulbils arose from the axillary meristem

In kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta), fruit coloration is typically accompanied by ripening; however, the intrinsic connection between these two processes remains unclear. In this study, we found that ethylene and auxin accelerated and suppressed fruit coloration and ripening, respectively, in A. arguta. ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3-LIKE 2 (AaEIL2) and ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR (AaERF059) were mined and identified

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a group of oligomeric flavonoids also known as condensed tannins. PAs in human diet have antioxidant and health-promoting effects. BSISTER (BS) promotes the accumulation of PAs, but its direct target gene and regulation mechanism in PAs biosynthesis are not clear. Here, we reported VviBS1 and VviBS2 genes, which bind directly to the promoter of PA synthesis key genes VviANR

Chrysanthemum is rich in active compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, and its dried head flowers are commonly used for tea and medicinal purposes. However, the genetic determinism underlying chrysanthemum active compounds remains elusive. In this study, we evaluated a panel of 137 chrysanthemum accessions for total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, and isochlorogenic acid A across

Organic acid composition has a major influence on fruit taste and quality. In general, the fruits of common citrus varieties accumulate more citrate than malate. Here, we report that a citrus variety, ‘Haruka’ (Citrus tamurana × natsudaidai), accumulates more malate than citrate at the ripening stage. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Organic acid profiles were compared between ‘Haruka’

Leaf morphology is an important agronomic trait that affects photosynthetic efficiency and plant architecture. Some KNOXI (Class I KNOTTED1-LIKE HOMEOBOX) or CIN-TCP (CINCINNATA-LIKE TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS) transcription factors control leaf development by influencing GA (gibberellin) content. However, the knowledge about their interaction in regulating leaf morphogenesis

Drought stress is one of the factors limiting pepper production in water-stressed regions. It affects growth and development by inducing morphological, biochemical, and physiological changes. Breeding drought-resistant varieties is a sustainable strategy to mitigate drought, therefore, reliable evaluation systems are essential to identify drought-resistant pepper accessions. In this study, 100 pepper

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a globally important leafy vegetable. Understanding the genetic factors underlying its growth and regeneration is critical for advancing agricultural productivity and biotechnological applications. To address this, the study aimed to comprehensively identify and characterize the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) gene family in lettuce and investigate their potential

Global warming poses a huge challenge for plants to withstand increasing ambient temperatures. Cucumber is a kind of worldwide vegetable crop which is very sensitive to high temperature (HT). The mechanism of auxin affecting plant resistance to high temperature is still unclear. This study showed the relationship between auxin and heat resistance of cucumber. Here, we found that exogenous auxin improved

Tomato reproductive success and yield are particularly vulnerable to the negative effect of heat stress leading to stigma exsertion (protrusion) and lower pollen viability, both interfering with fertilization. Thus, understanding the regulation of these two traits in tomato is crucial for the yield and quality of the crop. Here, we found that knocking out the tomato MADS-domain transcription factor

Soft rot is a severe postharvest disease affecting kiwifruit production. The management of this disease primarily relies on the use of chemical fungicides. However, biological control using antagonistic microorganisms presents a promising alternative to fungicides. In the present study, whole-genome sequencing identified and characterized Bacillus velezensis RT-30, as a biocontrol strain. The antiSMASH

Root rot is a prevalent soil-borne fungal disease in citrus. Citron C-05 (Citrus medica) stands out as a germplasm within Citrus spp. due to its complete resistance to citrus canker and favorable characteristics such as single embryo and easy rooting. However, Citron C-05 was found to be highly susceptible to root rot during cultivation, with the specific pathogens previously unknown. In this study

As the abundant phenolic substance in peach fruit, chlorogenic acid (CGA) has various biological activities and is an important target for improving the nutritional and resistance qualities. Nevertheless, the gene functions and regulatory mechanisms of CGA biosynthesis in peach fruit are poorly understood. Using gene expression patterns from different developmental stages and different peach cultivars