Abstract: Autumn-winter forage scarcity limits subtropical livestock systems. This study aimed to: (1) develop a segregating F₁ population derived from parents contrasting in autumn-winter biomass yield (WBY) in tetraploid Paspalum notatum; (2) estimate phenotypic and genetic variability for WBY across environments; (3) determine the relationship between WBY and spring-summer biomass yield (SBY); and (4) assess the feasibility of UAV-derived vegetation indices as non-destructive estimators of dry autumn-winter biomass yield (WBY) for future breeding. A population of 182 tetraploid F1 hybrids was evaluated at two sites in Corrientes Province, Argentina (2022-2024). WBY exhibited wide genotypic variability across locations and years (p < 0.001), with significant effects of genotype, location, and genotype × location interaction. Broad-sense heritability (H²) ranged from 0.41 to 0.64, reflecting sensitivity to thermal and moisture conditions of each environment. WBY showed a positive, moderate association with SBY (R² = 0.20 - 0.26), indicating that selection for cool-season yield does not compromise summer productivity. Among the indices evaluated, the Normalized Difference Red Edge Index (NDRE) was the most robust predictor of WBY (R² up to 0.67), though predictive accuracy varied with environmental conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate substantial and exploitable genetic variation for cool-season forage yield in P. notatum.

Abstract: Soil salinity is a major abiotic stressor that inhibits plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic relationships with plants that can enhance their tolerance to such stresses. This study evaluated the efficacy of AMF in mitigating salt stress in three plant species. Sorghum bicolor, Sesbania sesban, and Cassia tora were cultivated under greenhouse conditions for five months. Plants were subjected to four salinity levels (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 dS m^-1) with or without AMF inoculation. Growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, relative growth rate (RGR), and root-to-shoot ratio (RSR)) were measured. The percentage of root colonization by AMF structures (mycelium, vesicles, arbuscules) was also assessed. AMF colonization rates were highest at the lowest salinity level (2.5 dS m^-1) and declined significantly at 7.5 dS m^-1. Sesbania sesban showed the highest colonization rate (90%), followed by Sorghum bicolor and Cassia tora. Inoculation with AMF significantly improved all growth parameters under salt stress, particularly at 2.5 dS m^-1. Sorghum bicolor demonstrated the highest tolerance, with AMF-inoculated plants showing remarkable improvements in RGR and biomass even at 7.5 dS m^-1. AMF symbiosis significantly enhances salt stress tolerance in the studied species, with the effectiveness being species-dependent and inversely correlated with salinity levels. Sorghum bicolor exhibited the greatest potential for AMF-assisted cultivation in saline soils.

Abstract: Phytohormones act as key endogenous factors and signalling molecules that mediate abiotic stress responses in plants, and are the integration centres of plant responses to environmental stimuli, playing an important role in plant resistance to drought, salt, cold and other stresses. Stress responses are finely regulated through a complex network of different classes of phytohormone signalling pathways. Many transcription factors are able to regulate the content of endogenous plant hormones by influencing hormone synthesis, metabolic gene and stress-related genes expression, which in turn affects plant growth and development and improves plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. Signaling molecules in plant stress responses, such as abscisic acid (ABA) ethylene (ETH), gibberellin (GA), jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). Their roles in orchestrating plant responses to abiotic stresses. With global climate change, abiotic disasters have become increasingly frequent in recent years, severely hindering crop growth and development. Nanomaterials have attracted widespread attention from researchers because they can significantly alleviate abiotic stress in crops caused by factors such as salinity, drought, flooding, and heavy metals. This paper reviews recent research progress on the use of plant hormones and nanomaterials to alleviate abiotic stress in plants and elaborates on their underlying mechanisms of action. In the future, we will focus on investigating the roles of plant hormones and nanomaterials in modulating plant responses to abiotic stress, thereby enhancing plant tolerance to such stresses and increasing crop yields to address food security challenges.

Abstract: The study was developed in the context of the search for bioactive compounds of interest present in medicinal plants, among them phenolic compounds, recognized for their func-tional relevance. To this end, the extraction process was optimized using soursop leaves as a model, combining different particle sizes (< 2 mm, 2–6.3 mm, and 6.3–9.5 mm), mac-eration times (12, 24, and 48 h), and ethanol:water ratios (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25), which generated 27 extracts. The optimal process corresponded to an ethanol:water ratio of 50:50, fine particle size (< 2 mm), and 24 h of maceration, reaching 584.64 mg·L⁻¹ of gallic acid equivalents (GAE). Additionally, other plant species were evaluated: horsetail, kiswara, matico, muña, and thyme. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH method through IC₅₀ val-ues, where soursop, kiswara, and muña recorded the lowest values (0.52, 0.52, and 0.61 mg·L⁻¹), even lower than ascorbic acid (19.10 mg·L⁻¹). Thyme and horsetail showed inter-mediate activity, while matico presented the lowest response. The results indicate that these species have high potential as sources of functional bioac-tive compounds, highlighting the importance of medicinal plants for the development of natural products with antioxidant properties.

Abstract: Wild orchid populations are declining with intensified habitat fragmentation, posing severe challenges to germplasm conservation. As an important ornamental Orchidaceae species, Cymbidium ensifolium has abundant germplasm resources and frequent natural and artificial hybridization. Long-term natural evolution and anthropogenic disturbance have led to complex genetic backgrounds and ambiguous phylogenetic relationships, hindering accurate germplasm identification, elite resource excavation, and selective breeding. As a distinctive variety, Cymbidium ensifolium var. susin has great breeding potential.Clarifying its phenotypic and genetic characteristics is crucial for accelerating breeding progress. In this study, phenotypic determination, Hyper-seq reduced-representation genome sequencing, SNP/InDel genotyping, genetic diversity analysis, and core collection construction were used to evaluate the genetic diversity, population differentiation, and core germplasm screening of 13 Cymbidium ensifolium var. susin accessions.The results showed significant phenotypic differences and rich genetic variation among tested materials. Based on highly weighted floral traits, accessions were divided into three major phenotypic groups. At the molecular level, 963,239 SNP and 182,399 InDel loci were identified, mainly distributed in intergenic regions, followed by introns and exons. A phylogenetic tree constructed from SNP loci, combined with principal component and phenotypic clustering analyses, clarified the genetic structure of pure-heart Cymbidium ensifolium var. Susin , showing a distinct geographical pattern: "high consistency in Fujian and Guangdong, strong differentiation in Southwest China, and a transitional gradient in central China".Meanwhile, six core germplasm accessions were screened in this study, which provides a solid theoretical basis and material support for the conservation of pure-heart Cymbidium ensifolium var. Susin accessions, variety improvement, hybrid parent selection, and molecular marker-assisted breeding. This is of great significance for promoting the innovation of chinese orchid germplasm resources and the high-quality development of the industry.

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Buxus obtusifolia (Mildbr.) Hutch is an evergreen shrub endemic to East Africa and is traditionally used to treat chest ailments. Our recent investigation on dichloromethane leaves extract of this species yielded several aminosteroid alkaloids, some of which demonstrated promising in vitro antiprotozoal activity. Given that abiotic factors are known to influence the biosynthesis and accumulation of plant secondary metabolites, this study aimed to investigate seasonal and organ-specific variability in the alkaloid profile of B. obtusifolia. Consequently, leaf and twig samples were collected each month from the same population over a period of one year and analyzed using UHPLC/+ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS. The resulting data were processed with Bruker MetaboScape to generate a bucket table of variables <t_R:m/z> from the MS chromatograms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was subsequently used to characterize variations in the metabolite profile. Evaluation of the first three principal components (PC1–PC3) from the scores and loadings plots revealed clear differences between leaves and twigs, as well as minimal seasonal trends. A volcano plot was used to further analyze the differences between the two organs. In total, 15 aminosteroid alkaloids were identified as key contributors to these differences. This represents the first seasonal and organ-specific phytochemical variability investigation in B. obtusifolia. Thus, this study offered valuable insights into some abiotic factors influencing phytochemical profile of this plant, as well as the optimal harvest period for targeted isolation of bioactive aminosteroids.

Abstract: To investigate the effects of graphene soil conditioner on nitrogen forms, nitrogen cycling enzyme activities of rhizosphere soil, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield and quality, a pot experiment with five treatments was conducted. Soil samples were collected at the jointing (V6), tasseling (VT), milking (R3), and maturing (R6) stages to determine soil physical properties, nitrogen forms, and nitrogen cycling enzyme activities, while maize yield and kernel protein components were also measured. The results showed that graphene application significantly reduced soil bulk density and increased the content of soil aggregates >0.25 mm. Medium-rate treatments (G2, G3) notably improved the geometric mean diameter (GMD), mean weight diameter (MWD), and water-stable aggregate (WSA) content, while decreasing the unstable aggregate index (ELT) and fractal dimension (D), confirming improved soil structure. Graphene regulated soil nitrogen pools (total N, alkaline-hydrolyzable N, ammonium N, and nitrate N) in a dose-dependent and stage-specific manner through adsorption, slow release, and catalytic mechanisms. Low-to-moderate concentrations consistently enhanced nitrogen availability during most growth stages, whereas excessive application showed diminished or inhibitory effects at later stages. Moderate graphene application (G2, G3) also effectively enhanced the activities of key nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes—including nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), protease, urease, and hydroxylamine reductase (HAR)—during critical growth periods, thereby promoting soil nitrogen transformation and maize nitrogen utilization. The G3 treatment achieved the highest yield, increasing by 10.81% compared with the CF treatment. Kernel protein components (albumin, glutelin, and prolamin) exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease with rising graphene rates, indicating an optimal response at moderate application levels. Considering the comprehensive improvements in soil structure, nitrogen regulation, enzyme activities, and crop performance, a graphene application rate of 2 g·kg⁻¹ is recommended as the most effective for achieving sustainable soil quality improvement and high maize productivity.

Abstract: Nitrogen (N) availability is a major determinant of crop productivity; however, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains relatively low in most agricultural systems. After uptake from the soil, inorganic N is assimilated into organic forms, primarily amino acids, which represent the principal long-distance transport form in most plants. The distribution of amino acids from source tissues to developing sink organs therefore plays a central role in plant growth, yield formation, and the nutritional quality of harvested organs. Amino acid transporters (AATs), also known as permeases, regulate the cellular and long-distance movement of amino acids and play a central role in nitrogen partitioning within the plant. These membrane proteins belong to the AAAP, APC, and UMAMIT transporter families and participate in multiple physiological processes, including amino acid uptake in roots, xylem and phloem transport, intracellular compartmentalization, and partitioning to reproductive tissues. Recent functional studies in both model plants and crop species demonstrate that manipulation of amino acid transporters can significantly influence biomass production, seed yield, grain protein content, and nitrogen use efficiency. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on the structure, transport mechanisms, and physiological roles of plant amino acid transporters, with particular emphasis on their contribution to nitrogen partitioning and crop productivity. We also discuss emerging opportunities for exploiting amino acid transporters in crop breeding and biotechnology to enhance nitrogen utilization and improve the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Abstract: Osmolytes, including proline, soluble sugars, and glycine betaine (GB), are essential for plant adaptation to environmental stress. They contribute to osmotic adjustment, membrane stabilization, and protection of cellular functions in arid and saline habitats. This study investigated major osmolytes in native Qatari plant species in natural field conditions and their physiological adaptation strategies. Significant interspecific variation indicated diverse mechanisms of stress acclimation. Although proline accumulation was common, it did not consistently correlate with salinity tolerance, which suggests that its accumulation may reflect stress-induced metabolic imbalance rather than being a reliable indicator of resistance. In contrast, the relative balance between soluble sugars and proline indicates coordinated carbon–nitrogen regulation that supports osmotic homeostasis and growth in fluctuating environmental conditions. Halophytic species exhibited distinct osmolyte profiles that highlight the potential role of additional compatible solutes (particularly GB) in stress adaptation. However, its occurrence and functional significance in these species have been insufficiently characterized. Given the predominance of C₃ photosynthesis in Qatari flora, GB may also help mitigate photorespiratory stress in extreme conditions. The findings expand the understanding of osmotic regulation in desert plants and highlight the potential of biotechnological approaches to enhance crop tolerance of harsh environments through manipulation of compatible solutes.

Abstract: Oxidative stress plays a central role in the development of chronic diseases, increasing interest in natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents derived from plant sources. Although Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) fruits are well studied, the bioactive potential of its leaves remains insufficiently explored. In this study, dried leaves collected in Estonia were extracted using five solvents of different polarity (MeOH/H₂O 80:20, EtOH, H₂O, MeOH, and acetone). Antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using FRAP and DPPH assays, total phenolic content was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and selected extracts were qualitatively profiled by LC–ESI/MS in SIM mode. The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract was assessed in vitro using an agar-based colony-counting method for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. The highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content were observed in methanol and hydroalcoholic extracts, with MeOH/H₂O (80:20) showing the lowest DPPH IC₅₀ and highest TPC values. LC–ESI/MS analysis tentatively identified phenolic acids and flavonoids, including gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol. The aqueous extract exhibited antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 0.10–0.40 mg/mL). Statistically significant differences among solvent systems were confirmed by one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). These findings support the solvent-dependent bioactivity of V. myrtillus leaves and their potential application in functional formulations.

Abstract: In this study a new species of Pedicularis, P. dieshanensis, is described. It is endemic to Die Mountains, China, grows on the alpine meadow at the edge of the fir forest at elevations of 3150-3500 m. This species is characterized by the presence of 3-4 whorled cauline leaves, pinnatifid leave margin, purple corolla, galea with a conical beak, slightly tilted to the left, and hairless filaments. The new species morphologically resembles P. cheilanthifolia and P. anas, but it differs from P. cheilanthifolia by having pinnatifid leave margin, shorter galea, longer beak and hairless filaments, and it differs from P. anas by having pinnatifid leave margin, stable flower color and longer beak. In this paper, a detailed description of the new species includes data on its habitat, ecology, phenology, conservation status, a distribution map, detailed illustration, field photographs, and a comparison with closely related species is provided.

Abstract: Soil salinization is increasingly threatening global agricultural productivity and food security, currently affecting over 6% of the world’s land and one-third of irrigated areas. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a major vegetable crop worldwide, exhibits moderate sensitivity to salinity, which limits both its yield and fruit quality. In recent years, epigenetic regulation has gained attention as a key mechanism enabling flexible and reversible control of gene expression without altering DNA sequences. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epigenetic control of salt stress responses in tomato, focusing on three interconnected levels: DNA methylation dynamics, RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), and histone modifications. We explore how DNA methyltransferases reshape the methylome under salinity, using examples such as PKE1 and SlGI to illustrate functional gene-body methylation. The RdDM pathway is discussed with emphasis on the unexpected role of SlAGO4A as a negative modulator of stress tolerance and the growing evidence for RdDM-mediated regulation of transcription factors. We also examine the balanced regulation of histone acetylation and deacetylation, highlighting the conserved role of GCN5 in maintaining cell wall integrity and the diverse functions of HDACs (SlHDA1, SlHDA3, SlHDA5) in stress adaptation. Additionally, insights from wild tomato species and grafting-induced epigenetic changes are presented, revealing new dimensions of stress memory. Collectively, these epigenetic mechanisms constitute a complex regulatory framework that integrates stress responses with growth and development, providing potential targets for epigenetic breeding of salt-tolerant tomatoes.

Abstract: Seed-associated endophytes become active during germination, playing important roles as early colonizers of plant tissues, contributing to plant health while residing in a protective niche. In this study, we characterized a wheat-derived bacterial isolate, JunSE1L, to determine its functional traits and ecological role in the plant microbiome. The isolate was identified as Bacillus atrophaeus based on 16S rRNA analysis. JunSE1L exhibited nutrient-dependent plasticity in colony architecture, forming robust hydrophobic biofilms and pellicles under rich nutrient availability, while swarming and forming thin, often dendritic colonies under defined nutrition. JunSE1L produced highly surface-active compounds that lowered the surface tension of water to 30 mN/m and released potent proteolytic and hemolytic compounds, thus equipping JunSE1L for offensive roles, as examined against several fungal pathogens. JunSE1L inhibited Fusarium proliferatum and Mucor hiemalis in live-cell assays, while cell-free supernatant selectively inhibited M. hiemalis. JunSE1L was recovered from multiple plant compartments, including rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and aerial tissues, and was observed to emerge from cut plant tissues, supporting seed-endophyte mobilization upon germination to colonize distal tissues. Seed surface inoculation experiments with JunSE1L showed limited attachment at low cell densities and reduced seedling vigor at higher inoculum levels, supporting agricultural approaches nurturing the existing seed microbiome.

Abstract: Dioecious plants often exhibit sex-specific physiological strategies that influence their re-sponse to environmental change. However, it is not well understood whether such di-morphism extends to the developmental trajectory of the photosynthetic apparatus during natural senescence. In this study, we compared the seasonal development and decline of photosystem II (PSII) function in naturally grown male and female Ginkgo biloba using non-destructive fast chlorophyll a fluorescence induction kinetics (OJIP) and JIP-test anal-ysis. Sun-exposed, healthy leaves were sampled at approximately 15‑day intervals from 18 July to 26 November 2024 [day of year, (DOY 188–332)]. The study monitored chloro-phyll content and OJIP-derived parameters, and evaluated sex differences statistically (P < 0.05). Chlorophyll content began to decline after DOY 268 in both sexes, but decreased ear-lier and more rapidly in males. By DOY 332, male chlorophyll content fell to 1.37 % of its level at DOY 268, whereas females retained 9.55 %. OJIP fluorescence transient analysis revealed that ΔWoj shifted from negative to positive values after DOY 268 in male plants, accompanied by a sustained increase in the relative variable fluorescence at the J step (Vj). This pattern indicates an earlier and more pronounced acceptor-side limitation of PSII in male plants, associated with accelerated accumulation of QA⁻ and restricted electron transfer from QA⁻ to QB and the plastoquinone (PQ) pool. In addition, male plants showed a clearer donor-side limitation, with a pronounced ΔWOK response, suggesting reduced stability of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). In contrast, females maintained higher cross-section–based energy fluxes (TR0/CS0, ET0/CS0) and PSI-end acceptor reduction ca-pacity (RE0/CS0), and exhibited a slower decline in integrated performance indices (PI abs, PI total, DF abs). Principal component analysis further suggested that male senescence trajectories were more tightly associated with changes in electron-transport efficiency, whereas females exhibited a more gradual adjustment in energy-flux allocation. Collec-tively, these results reveal pronounced sexual dimorphism in the PSII–PSI functional de-cline pathway during natural senescence in G. biloba and provide a physiological basis for sex-aware evaluation and utilisation of ginkgo resources.

Abstract: Flavonoids are frequently presented as health-beneficial compounds of plants, and derived anthocyanins are famous for striking flower colors. The biosynthesis of flavonoids has been studied for decades and developed into a model system. Despite thousands of publications about this pathway, there are still open questions about fundamental parts of the anthocyanin biosynthesis. Here we review the evolution of the anthocyanin biosynthesis and highlight open questions - some of which are sitting in plain sight.

Abstract: Ecological restoration and nature repair combat ecosystem and land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. Yet seedling recruitment failure and perilously low plant survival (6-11%, often less) result in mass seed wastage. To understand its ability to improve seed use efficiency for restoration, the powerful germination stimulant karrikinolide or KAR₁ (3-methyl-2H-furo [2,3-c]pyran-2-one) was evaluated for on-demand seed germination stimulation and plant recruitment in core restoration species. In line with global trends, our research demonstrated that KAR₁ promoted on-demand germination in 82% of species across nine families. Our pioneering work also showed improved outcomes for deteriorating (aged) seeds and higher seedling recruitment, thereby enhancing seed use efficiency. The commercially available stimulant, gibberellic acid (GA₃), provided no assistance beyond seed germination, suggesting KAR₁ cannot be readily substituted. We recommend that KAR₁ has the potential to meaningfully enhance seed use efficiency for nature restoration once challenges like cost and KAR₁ delivery issues are overcome.

Abstract: Biological systems such as gene regulatory networks (GRNs) acquire robustness by feedback and feed-forward loops. Although many adaptations and robustness of biological systems seem to be implemented through feedback loops, feed-forward loops were demonstrated computationally and in synthetic biology applications to be as effective as feedback loops.

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The genus Eugenia (Myrtaceae) is widely distributed in Brazil and is known for producing diverse secondary metabolites with various biological activities, although several species remain poorly explored. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of seven Eugenia species (E. brasiliensis, E. involucrata, E. longipedunculata, E. myrcianthes, E. neoverrucosa, E. pyriformis, and E. uniflora), compare their chemical profiles using multivariate analysis, and evaluate their insecticidal activity against the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. EOs were obtained from dried leaves by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to compare chemical compositions, and contact bioassays were conducted to assess insecticidal activity against adult fleas. The EOs showed distinct chemical compositions, with major constituents including α-pinene, (E)-caryophyllene, viridiflorene, β-selinene, limonene, and germacrone, depending on the species. PCA revealed clear differences among species, particularly highlighting oils dominated by α-pinene and sesquiterpene-derived compounds. In the bioassays, E. uniflora showed the highest insecticidal activity, reaching 95.1% mortality at 800 µg·cm⁻² and presenting an LC₅₀ of 9.12 µg·cm⁻², whereas E. brasiliensis showed moderate activity (LC₅₀ = 157.82 µg·cm⁻²). These findings expand the chemical knowledge of the genus and indicate the potential of E. uniflora EO as a natural source of compounds with insecticidal activity against C. felis felis.

Abstract: Metal homeostasis, which coordinates the influx and efflux of essential elements such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in chloroplasts, is essential for optimum photosynthesis, especially in metal accumulating plants. Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) is a metal-tolerant species with a strong metal accumulation capacity, making it a suitable model for studying transition metal homeostasis. In this study, we identified two efflux transporters, BjYSL6.1 and BjYSL6.4, that localize in the endomembrane system of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and interact with the chloroplast Mn influx transporter BjNRAMP4.1 at the plasma membrane and within the chloroplasts. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed specific protein-protein interactions among these transporters, as well as with the membrane-bound thioredoxin BjHCF164, a known regulator of photosynthetic electron transport. Gene expression studies revealed that BjNRAMP4.1 and BjYSL6 isoforms are inversely regulated under Fe and Mn stress conditions, with BjNRAMP4.1 being strongly induced under deficiency, whereas BjYSL6.1 and BjYSL6.4 are downregulated. These findings suggest that a coordinated network involving BjNRAMP4.1, BjYSL6s, and BjHCF164 modulates metal influx and efflux at the chloroplast and plasma membrane interfaces, thereby maintaining metal homeostasis, which is critical for photosynthetic efficiency in B. juncea.

Abstract: Anthocyanins and betalains are hydrophilic plant pigments with numerous physiological and ecological functions. The biosynthesis routes of anthocyanins and betalains differ with anthocyanins being synthesized from phenylalanine via the general phenylpropanoid pathway, whereas betalains are derived from tyrosine. Although the precursors phenylalanine and tyrosine are present in all plants, there is no known plant where both these pigments are co-accumulated. Most plants synthesize anthocyanins, while certain families in the order Caryophyllales produce betalains. There is apparent mutual exclusion of these two plant pigments. Over the past five decades, evidence accumulated supporting this theory of mutual exclusion of the two pigments. However, recently published reports claim the presence of anthocyanins in well-known betalain-pigmented plants. Here, we explore the causes of such claims and provide recommendations for future studies on the topic.