Biology and Life Sciences

Abstract: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is an annual plant widely distributed throughout the world and has long been used as both food and medicinal plant. In recent years, it has attracted attention as potential functional food and sustainable plant resources. Its tolerance to drought, high temperature, and salt stress has also increased interest in its use as an alternative leafy vegetable under climate change. This review summarizes the compositional diversity of purslane, starting from comparisons between wild and cultivated types. Based on previous reports, the components found in wild and cultivated purslane are compared, and factors that may explain their differences are dis-cussed. Also, their traditional food uses, safety, and current evidence from human studies are introduced. Available evidence suggests that some differences can be observed between wild and cultivated purslane, but these differences are not always consistent. They may also be affected by plant part, growth stage, harvest time, fertilization, growing environment, and processing methods. Overall, comparative studies that consider genetic background, cultivation conditions, plant part, harvest stage, and processing conditions together are important for using purslane as a food and for evaluating its functional properties and safety.

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of an integrated irrigation practice (IP), including reg-ulated deficit irrigation (RDI), managed through an IoT-based platform, on a pear or-chard (Pyrus communis L., cv. ‘Krystali’) compared to the farmer’s standard practice (FP). Tree response was evaluated through the measurement of tree water relations, leaf physiological functions, biochemical parameters, fruit growth and quality, pro-duction, and aerial multispectral NDVI imaging. IP achieved 15.8% water savings, sig-nificantly enhancing water-use efficiency and increasing yield per tree. However, IP trees exhibited higher crop water stress index - CWSI values and lower midday stem water potential -Ψstem than FP, particularly by late July, indicating progressive water stress. Leaf-level responses revealed morphological and biochemical alterations to drought, including increased leaf mass per area (LMA), dry matter content (DM), and accumulation of proline, alongside declines in chlorophyll pigments. Despite these stress indicators, gas exchange parameters were maintained in IP, possibly due to fruit load modulating source–sink relationships and surpassing stomatal limitations. IP re-duced vegetative growth, as evidenced by lower winter pruning material mass, but this did not result in improved fruit quality. IP produced smaller fruit with lower an-tioxidant activity, polyphenolic content and soluble solids content/acidity ratio, alt-hough fruit firmness was improved. NDVI did not detect differences between the treatments on vegetative growth, or on canopy greenness, suggesting that IP trees maintained adequate photosynthetic capacity or that water stress was moderate for NDVI detection. The study highlights the need for integrating irrigation management with fruit thinning and careful scheduling to optimize both water productivity and marketable fruit quality in water-scarce pear production systems.

Abstract: Stem blight, caused by Phomopsis asparagi, is the most serious disease of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) cultivation in warm regions of east and southeast Asia including Japan. Although Asparagus kiusianus, a wild species endemic to Japan, shows strong resistance and is cross-compatible with cultivated asparagus, the genetic basis of this resistance remains unclear. In this study, we used BC₁ populations from interspecific crosses between A. officinalis and A. kiusianus to dissect the inheritance of stem blight resistance and identify markers suitable for marker-assisted selection. Disease severity was evaluated by P. asparagi inoculation, and RAD sequencing was used to construct a linkage map and perform QTL analysis. Segregation patterns suggested that resistance was controlled by major genes and polygenic factors depending on the cross combination. A major QTL was detected on chromosome 1, and SNP_PRK showed significant association (LOD > 3). A dCAPS marker derived from SNP_PRK identified resistant individuals, with about 80% of heterozygotes showing resistance. CAPS marker PR1 discriminated susceptible, resistant, and heterozygous genotypes, and its genotyping results for all three genotypes were identical to those obtained with PRK. This marker may therefore provide a useful basis for selecting resistant lines in breeding programs.

Abstract: Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a high-value horticultural crop; however, winter freezing injury significantly limits its introduction and stable production in cold-temperate regions. In this study, annual shoots of 16 major sweet cherry cultivars were collected during the dormancy phase and subjected to a simulated low-temperature gradient. Eight physiological indicators, namely, relative electrolyte conductivity (REC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, osmoregulatory substances, and antioxidant enzyme activities, were systematically measured along with the poststress recovery growth rate (RR). The semilethal temperature (LT₅₀) was calculated using a logistic equation, and a multidimensional comprehensive evaluation system for cold tolerance was constructed using the membership function method, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. The results indicated that low-temperature stress significantly induced membrane lipid peroxidation and osmotic compensation in the shoots. PCA revealed four principal components—osmoregulation potential, cell membrane damage threshold, cold-protective protein synthesis, and membrane stability—with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 79.47%. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between LT₅₀ (reflecting thermodynamic survival capacity) and the recovery growth rate (reflecting poststress regenerative capacity), suggesting that “passive endurance” and “active recovery” in sweet cherries are two relatively independent physiological processes. The comprehensive evaluation model classified the 16 cultivars into four cold-tolerance tiers: High Tolerance (Russia 8, Reid, Pacific Red, and Brooks); Moderate-High Tolerance (Tieton, Jiahong, Sandra Rose, and Early Lory); Moderate-Low Tolerance (Luyu, Rocket, Tamara, Lapins, Frisco, and Taisho-nishiki); and Sensitive (Summit and Kordia). The four-dimensional evaluation model developed in this study provides a scientific basis for cultivar selection in cold regions and offers a theoretical reference for the trade-off of traits in future molecular breeding for cold resistance in cherries.

Abstract: Greenhouse microclimates exhibit substantial spatial heterogeneity, whereas conventional evaluations based on average measurements cannot adequately describe the environmental conditions experienced by crops. This study developed a spatial frequency analysis method to quantify long-term temperature and relative humidity heterogeneity and coupled it with cucumber yield and downy mildew models to evaluate the biological consequences of environmental variability. Four representative greenhouse types were monitored using distributed sensor networks under different weather conditions. The proposed method successfully identified persistent environmental hotspots. Greenhouse structure determined the spatial distribution of environmental heterogeneity, whereas solar radiation primarily controlled its intensity. Long-season monitoring data indicate that the maximum spatial variations in temperature and humidity within the brick-wall solar greenhouse, the assembled greenhouse, the glass greenhouse, and the plastic multi-span greenhouse reach up to 10℃ and 46%, 8.5℃ and 46%, 12℃ and 50%, and 7℃ and 32%, respectively. The assembled solar greenhouse and plastic greenhouse exhibited higher environmental uniformity, while the brick-wall solar greenhouse and glass multi-span greenhouse showed pronounced spatial gradients. Environmental heterogeneity resulted in significant within-greenhouse differences in simulated cucumber yield, with the smallest variation occurring in the assembled solar greenhouse (5.3%) and the largest in the glass multi-span greenhouse (39.2%). Disease simulations further revealed clear spatial aggregation of cucumber downy mildew risk, with the southern region of the solar greenhouse exhibiting 17-67% higher cumulative infection risk than other positions. This study establishes an integrated framework linking greenhouse environmental heterogeneity with crop productivity and disease risk, providing a practical basis for spatially differentiated precision greenhouse management and greenhouse structural optimization.

Abstract: Agricultural and horticultural by-products represent an underexploited source of valuable bioactive compounds that can contribute to the development of more sustainable production systems. This study investigated the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil obtained from the horticultural byproducts of Artemisia dracunculus. The waste aerial biomass was subjected to steam distillation, and the essential oil was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Its antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory, phytotoxic, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activities were subsequently evaluated. The essential oil was characterized as an estragole-rich chemotype (71.88%), with trans-β-ocimene and cis-β-ocimene as other main constituents. The essential oil showed moderate antioxidant activity and good enzyme inhibitory activity and, despite showing limited effects on seed germination, it significantly inhibited radical elongation in selected plant species. Furthermore, it demonstrated excellent antibiofilm activity, significantly reducing the metabolic activity of mature cells of bacteria associated with biofilm formation: Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrate how horticultural by-products from A. dracunculus maintain a chemical profile comparable to conventional plant material and represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds with promising potential for sustainable agri-food applications.

Abstract: A model was developed in Budatétény Rose Garden (Hungary) to calculate the rose hip-based ornamental value (OV_hip) of cultivars. In this “Quantity Index × Quality Index” (Q×Q) model, the Quantity refers to hip production (visible hip surface area / bush surface area), whereas the Quality refers to the epicarp colour of the rose hip. Rapid determination of quantity under field-conditions requires ranking. To replace ranking class numbers with actual production-based values, a sample of items was both ranked (C_hip) and measured (Phip). A strong power-function relationship was found: P_hip= 0.12792×C_hip3.00120. Therefore, after normalization, the calculated P_hip values can be used as the Quantity Index. To determine the Quality Index, the aesthetic value of 21 rose hip samples was scored, and the epicarp colour of the same samples was also measured. A strong linear correlation was found between the scores and the a* dimension of the CIE colour space. Consequently the normalized CIE a* can be used as the Quality Index. The OV_hip is calculated as the multiplication of these indices. Using Q×Q model 704 items were evaluated in Budatétény. The highest OV_hip was recorded for Rosa micrantha, Rosa canina ‘Inermis’, and luciae hybrid ‘Fragezeichen’. Among the hybrid teas 'Cathedral Bells', while among floribundas 'Méphisto' proved to be the most valuable fruiting rose variety.

Abstract: This research addressed the lack of standardization in the nutritional interpretation of pecan nut kernels. The objective was to evaluate the effect of kernel defatting on nutrient concentration, generate correction factors for each element, and establish nutritional standards through the Integrated Differential Diagnosis (IDD). For this purpose, 222 kernel samples of the Western Schley variety were analyzed, collected at the “El Eden” orchard from 2023 to 2025 in Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico. In these samples, the concentration of macro and micronutrients was determined on a defatted basis and compared with their non-defatted equivalent using a comparison of sample means by paired observations. From this, correction factors were calculated, and subsequently, nutritional standards were generated, which were validated internally and externally in an orchard with similar conditions. The results revealed that defatting significantly increased the concentrations of N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn, while Ca and Na showed a significant decrease, and Cu showed no changes in its concentration. The correction factors allowed the transformation of concentrations from the defatted basis to the non-defatted basis, facilitating comparison with previously reported literature. The validation of the standards indicated that they were useful for detecting nutritional imbalances consistent with soil characteristics, highlighting deficiencies of P, Mn, and Cu, as well as an excess of Na.

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of different LED spectral irradiance ratios on the growth, secondary metabolites, and essential oil characteristics of Ocimum x africanum Lour. cultivated for four weeks under controlled conditions. Four LED lighting treatments with different red, blue, green, ultraviolet A, and far red light ratios, and a treatment in greenhouse as control were used. The constant 16-h photoperiod and light intensity of 220 µmol·m-2·s-1 were maintained. The F2 treatment (UV-A:B:R:Fr = 6.60:45.15:29.23:19.02) promoted the greatest plant height (76.62 cm), chlorophyll a (7.41 mg/100 g, FW), chlorophyll b (4.73 mg/100 g, FW), and total phenolic (25.78 mg/g, FW) concentrations. F1 treatment (B:G:R:Fr = 17.14:29.8:47.4:5.66) produced the significantly higher (p < 0.01) biomass (8.3 ton/ha, FW), oil yield (10.89 L/ha), and carotenoid (3.74 mg/100 g, FW) than the others. Essential oils contained 12–15 compounds, dominated by neral (27.5–37.3%), geranial (41.1–49.9%), and (E)-β-caryophyllene (2.4–9.9%). While the highest contents of oil (0.83 %, DW), anthocyanin (16.50 mg/100 g, FW), and total flavonoid (14.17 mg/g, FW) were obtained under F4 (B:G:R:Fr = 13.85:43.50:39.30:3.35). These findings demonstrate that optimized LED spectra can effectively improve both productivity and phytochemical quality in O. africanum through regulating both primary and secondary metabolism.

Abstract: The scarcity of resources has constrained the supply of conventional feedstuffs for livestock production. Consequently, mulberry, known for its high protein and bioactive compounds, has been developed as a promising alternative feed. However, the optimal water-fertilizer ratio for cultivating feed mulberry in the North China Plain and the underlying physiological and agronomic mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this, a two-year field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted to investigate the effects of water-fertilizer coupling on feed mulberry yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and soil quality. This experiment employed a split-plot design with three irrigation levels (I1=45, I2=90, and I3=135 mm) and four fertilizer rates (F1=0, F2=150, F3=225, and F4=300 kg·ha⁻¹). The results demonstrated that: (1) with variation trends in SWC consistent with those of soil available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents. Under water-fertilizer coupling, the total water consumption in the I3F3 treatment reached its peak, increasing by 11.8% and 9.0% compared to I1F1, respectively. (2) Feed mulberry yield increased with elevated irrigation and fertilizer application. The highest yield, along with the peak leaf N, P, and K contents, was achieved under the I3F3 treatment (135 mm irrigation and 225 kg·ha⁻¹ fertilizer). (3) Water and fertilizer use efficiencies exhibited parabolic trends in response to increasing irrigation and fertilizer inputs. The I3F3 treatment emerged as the most effective management strategy, achieving high yield while maintaining superior WUE. However, the highest agronomic nitrogen efficiency (AEN) was observed in I2F2. (4) The AMOS 26 model indicates that water-driven improvement of soil conditions and soil nutrient effects are the key determinants affecting yield; and the content of soil nutrients significantly affects the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents of the feed mulberry leaves. In summary, feed mulberry exhibits significant potential for providing feed biomass, particularly by maintaining sufficient forage supply during dry seasons. This study provides critical insights for developing efficient water-fertilizer management practices to support China’s intensified animal production systems.

Abstract: Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) has significant agronomic and nutritional value. However, it is highly susceptible to destructive soil-borne pathogens, particularly vascular wilt and root rot caused by Fusarium species. While chemical-based fungicides are conventionally used for disease management, their overuse or misuse poses severe ecological and health risks. Trichoderma species are widely recognized for their dual capacity to promote plant growth and suppress diseases, making them valuable biological control agents in sustainable agriculture practices. This study aims to isolate endophytic Trichoderma strains from loquat tissues and identify them based on ITS, tef1-α, rpb2 and acl1 sequencing and morphological evaluation , as well as to evaluate their antifungal properties and plant growth promotion capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. It showed that T. asperellum B077R1 and T. virens GFR9 effectively impeded the mycelial growth of both Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani in the in vitro dual culture assay. Moreover, T. asperellum B077R1 demonstrated the highest growth-promoting activity and biocontrol efficacy in the greenhouse pot assay, significantly reducing disease severity and enhanced plant height, total biomass (fresh and dry weight) and photosynthetic pigment content. Our study provides new evidence that newly isolated endophytic strains of Trichoderma from the loquat exhibit robust host compatibility and provide a promising sustainable strategy for improving the health and production of perennial fruit crops.

Abstract: Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) and vectored by Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), remains a major constraint to sustainable citrus production. In Florida, individual protective covers (IPCs) have been adopted as an effective psyllid exclusion tool by shielding young trees from this vector of the phloem-dwelling bacterium CLas. Brassinosteroids (BRs), a class of plant steroid hormones, are being explored as a treatment to mitigate HLB and are approved for commercial use in the state. We investigated the effect of IPCs combined with homobrassinolide (HBr) applied as a foliar spray, on CLas titer, canopy volume, tree growth, yield, fruit quality, and defense-related gene expression of the salicylic acid (SA) pathways in ‘Tango’ mandarin grafted on sour orange (SO) or US-942 rootstocks. After being covered with IPCs in the field for three years, trees were subjected to monthly foliar application of HBr upon IPC removal. The experiment included four treatment groups: trees with IPC and HBr spray (IPC HBr+), IPC without HBr (IPC HBr-), no-IPC with HBr (no-IPC HBr+), and no-IPC without HBr (no-IPC HBr-). IPCs effectively delayed bacterial infection for six to nine months after IPC removal, maintaining higher Ct values (lower CLas titers) than in no-IPC trees, confirming the protective effect of IPCs against early CLas colonization. The combination of IPCs and HBr spray significantly enhanced canopy volume, particularly in trees grafted on SO. This effect was sustained over one year and was consistently greater in IPC HBr+ trees than in IPC HBr- and no-IPC HBr+ or HBr- trees, suggesting a synergistic effect of the combined therapy on enhancing tree growth. The tree height and trunk diameter were primarily improved by IPC, regardless of HBr treatment. IPC-treated trees exhibited significantly greater height and trunk diameters (scion and rootstock) than no-IPC trees across one or both rootstocks, indicating that IPCs alone contribute to these horticultural growth improvements. IPC trees also showed reduced preharvest fruit drop compared to the no-IPCs trees, resulting in higher yields, with additional gains observed in IPC HBr+ trees on SO. Fruit quality attributes, including °Brix, titratable acidity, peel color, and size, did not differ significantly among treatments. Importantly, gene expression analysis revealed early and sustained upregulation of key SA pathway genes in IPC HBr+ trees, indicating that HBr effectively activated systemic acquired resistance (SAR), particularly on SO rootstock. This study highlights the complementary roles of IPCs and HBr in the management of HLB. While IPCs provided essential early protection against CLas and promoted long-term horticultural growth, HBr enhanced early canopy development, activated host defense mechanisms, and enhanced yield. The integration of both approaches offers a sustainable and effective strategy to protect young citrus trees, delay CLas infection, and improve tree health and productivity under endemic HLB.

Abstract: Durio zibethinus Murr., commonly known as durian or the "King of Fruits," is prized for its strong aroma, spiny rind, and unique flavor. With global demand rising, it has become a key export, especially for Thailand, which led the market in 2024 with US$4.4 billion in revenue. However, breeding efforts are hindered by limited genetic diversity research, long generation times, and environmental sensitivity. These challenges are compounded by weak enforcement of intellectual property protections under Thailand’s Plant Variety Protection Act (PVP), which limits incentives for breeders. To address this, Thailand has turned to Geographical Indications (GIs) to protect and promote region-specific varieties. By 2024, 17 GI designations were granted across 16 provinces, including the notable Monthong durian from Pakchong in Nakhon Ratchasima. Although classified under the Monthong group, genetic similarity was observed, while notable phenotypic variation exists among varieties. These differences may be attributed to specific agronomic or genetic traits, warranting investigation into the cultivation characteristics that influence consumer-related qualities and preferences. Strengthening supply chain standards through good agricultural practices, GIs, genetic profiling, and international certification would support sustainable economic growth, improved farmer revenues, and long-term global competitiveness in the durian industry.

Abstract: Low-temperature stress severely limits early-spring melon (Cucumis melo L.) production. However, the regulatory roles of NAC transcription factors in melon responses to abiotic stress remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the melon cultivar ‘Xizhoumi No. 17’ was used as the experimental material, and an Agrobacterium-mediated root transformation system was employed to generate CmNAC29-overexpressing and empty-vector control plants. Phenotypic analysis, physiological measurements, transcriptome sequencing, and molecular interaction assays were performed to systematically investigate the regulatory mechanism by which CmNAC29 mediates chilling tolerance in melon roots. The results showed that CmNAC29 overexpression significantly alleviated cold stress-induced growth inhibition in melon seedlings, reduced membrane lipid peroxidation, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and proline accumulation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes associated with CmNAC29 overexpression were significantly enriched in functional categories related to oxidoreductase activity. Further validation showed that CmNAC29 upregulated the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes, the key proline biosynthesis gene CmP5CS1, and core components of the ICE-CBF-COR pathway. Molecular assays confirmed that CmNAC29 possesses transcriptional activation activity and directly binds to the promoters of CmP5CS1-1 and CmCOR413 by recognizing NAC-binding sites, thereby activating their transcription. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that CmNAC29 positively regulates chilling tolerance in melon seedlings by coordinately enhancing antioxidant defense, osmotic adjustment, and cold signal transduction. This study provides an important genetic resource and theoretical basis for the molecular breeding of cold-tolerant melon cultivars.

Abstract: Tomato reproductive development is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Climate change modifies these factors, necessitating the development of tools to optimize reproductive processes. This study evaluated seaweed extracts from Macrocystis sp., Lessonia sp., and Ascophyllum nodosum as biostimulants. The effects of these extracts on flowering, fruit set (the transition of flowers into fruit), and fruit ripening were assessed following foliar application at 0.25% w/v. A significant improvement in floral fertilization (successful pollination and fruit formation) was observed, with DuoAlgae resulting in a 100% increase compared to the control. Anisotropic growth was also recorded: Fertimar SC increased fruit length by 13.77% and the number of mature fruits by 130.41% relative to the control. Regarding fruit quality, chlorophyll content increased at the breaker stage (the initial stage of color change). At the red stage, elevated levels of NO3- (nitrate), K+ (potassium), TSS (total soluble solids), lycopene, and β-carotene were detected. Collectively, these results indicate that biostimulants modulate reproductive development and fruit quality, underscoring the potential of Peruvian algae to enhance crop productivity

Abstract: The performance of native landraces of Capsicum annuum L. under contrasting production systems remains poorly understood, limiting their integration into optimized production schemes. This study evaluated the phenological and productive responses of five genotypes (four native landraces and one commercial cultivar) under two sys-tems representing locally relevant production conditions: open-field (OF) and a sub-strate-based hydroponic system under low-technology, passively ventilated tunnel-type greenhouse conditions (GH), in order to identify differences in genotype performance across environments during the 2023 growing season in Puebla, Mexico. Agroclimatic and agronomic variables were analyzed using independent ANOVA by system and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). The GH system exhibited restrictive microclimatic conditions, with maximum temperatures exceeding 48 °C and photo-synthetically active radiation reduced by approximately 53% compared to OF conditions. Environmental conditions were not standardized between systems; therefore, the results reflect the contrasting microclimates of locally relevant production systems and provide a context-specific assessment of genotype performance. These conditions were associated with reduced yield across genotypes under GH, whereas higher productivity levels were observed under OF conditions. The commercial cultivar Serrano Tampico achieved the highest yield (1.118 kg per plant under OF), while Mixteco Largo and Cola de Ratón produced the highest number of fruits. The CCA revealed a strong genotype × environment (G×E) interaction, with native landraces showing greater adaptation to open-field conditions. Overall, the results provide evidence of the sensitivity of these materials to the production environment and underscore the need for system-specific selection and management strategies.

Abstract: The succesful escape from slavery between the late 17th and the mid 19thth century depended greatly on the runaway’s skills in adapting themselves to their natural environment. Although published works on the (oral) history of the Maroons hardly contain information on the gardens of the runaways, archival records of military expeditions aimed to destroy Maroon settlements report large provision fields, a variety of crops and ingenious uses of the surrounding forest. Vegetation types, cultivated crops and wild plants, indicated with archaic Dutch and Surinamese names, and written in a variety of spellings, are difficult to interpret for researchers studying archival records of this period. Still, these scholars have seldom collaborated with botanists to decipher such names. What crops did the Maroons grow in and around their hideouts? Which wild plant species were essential for their survival? Here we present a list of ultivated crops, wild useful plants and vegetation types that appear in colonial accounts on the violent destruction of the settlements of those who had sought freedom from the the harsh conditions of slavery. Although written by people who generaly despised Maroons, the accounts of the armed troops reflect the African agency in transforming plant use in the Americas. Their excellent agricultural skills and knowledge of the local flora helped the Maroons to survive and thrive in their hidden forest settlements. Although never mentioned by the reporters, these archival documents also reflect the plant knowledge of indigenous and enslaved militia members.

Abstract: Eryngium foetidum is classified as an Unconventional Food Plant with socio-economic importance in the Amazon. Its propagation units exhibit low and irregular germination due to dormancy, although the type of dormancy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate methods to overcome dormancy and promote germination in E. foetidum propagation units. Treatments included chemical scarification with sulfuric acid (1, 2, and 3 min), mechanical scarification with sandpaper, immersion in room-temperature water and hot water, and a control treatment. Germination percentage, hard and dead propagation units, normal seedlings, first count, germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), and relative frequency were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a heat map and a correlation network. The results revealed the formation of two distinct groups. Group I, consisting of chemical scarification treatments, promoted higher germination percentages and GSI, lower MGT, a significant reduction in hard propagation units, and greater germination uniformity, likely due to partial removal of the seed coat. The correlation network showed a strong negative association between hard units and germination, GSI, and first count, reinforcing the role of physical restriction as a determinant of dormancy. Chemical scarification with sulfuric acid was the most effective method for overcoming dormancy in E. foetidum.

Abstract: A two-year field experiment was conducted in an organic vineyard in Tuscany (Italy), to evaluate the effects of micronized biochar (0.5% v/v) applied via fertigation on soil fertility/biological quality and Vitis vinifera performance. The biochar, derived from pyrogasified mixed wood, was compared to watered controls (CTR) following a randomized plot design. Soil chemical properties, dehydrogenase (DHA) and alkaline phosphatase (APA) activities, and plant parameters (biomass, leaf area, gas exchange, chlorophyll, flavonols, and foliar nutrients) were assessed in samples collected in July and September (2021 and 2022). Biochar did not significantly alter total and dissolved organic carbon contents or nitrogen fractions but enhanced DHA and APA activities, alongside increased available phosphorous content (+37.5%) and exchangeable potassium content (+7.1 and +19.7% in September 2021 and July 2022, respectively), indicating improved microbial activity and nutrient availability. Conversely, exchangeable calcium and magnesium contents decreased, likely due to biochar adsorption properties. Plant responses included increased leaf area and dry biomass in 2022, elevated net photosynthesis rate (+14.4%) and apparent carboxylation efficiency, and transient increases in foliar nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents, with reduced magnesium concentration (–27%) but stable chlorophyll levels. These findings suggest that low doses of micronized biochar may enhance soil quality and vine physiology, supporting its efficient and effective use in organic vineyards.

Abstract: Gibberellins (GAs) is a key endogenous hormone regulating chrysanthemum flowering, and Gibberellin INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1) is the core receptor of the gibberellin (GA) signaling pathway. However, the functional mechanism of CmGID1A remains unelucidated. Here, we constructed CmGID1A-RNAi silencing lines, and characterized the biological function of CmGID1A by phenotypic identification, protein interaction assays, qRT-PCR and RNA-seq. The results of RT-qPCR showed that CmGID1A responds to short days and gibberellins. Inhibition of the expression of CmGID1A can significantly promote the transition of chrysanthemum from the vegetative growth stage to the reproductive growth stage and accelerate its flowering process. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays confirmed that CmGID1A interacts with the DELLA protein CmRGL1 in a gibberellin-dependent manner. RNA-seq results revealed that silencing of CmGID1A leads to a significant up-regulation of downstream Ethylene Response Factor 6 (ERF6) expression. Collectively, CmGID1A acts as a GA receptor to mediate GA signal transduction via interacting with CmRGL1, and regulates the expression of CmERF6 and other downstream genes, thereby participating in the regulation of floral transition in chrysanthemum. This study clarifies the core role of CmGID1A in the GA signaling pathway and provides novel experimental data for enriching the molecular regulatory mechanism of GA in floral transition in chrysanthemum.