Lobularia maritima (sweet alyssum) is a popular ornamental plant that displays a range of flower colors, particularly white and purple. However, the genetic underpinning and evolutionary history of flower colors have remained unknown. To address this, we performed a de novo assembly of a chromosome-level genome for this species and conducted comparative population genomic analyses of both domestic

Acer pentaphyllum Diels (Sapindaceae), a highly threatened maple endemic to the dry-hot valleys of the Yalong River in western Sichuan, China, represents a valuable resource for horticulture and conservation. This study presents the first chromosomal-scale genome assembly of A. pentaphyllum (~626 Mb, 2n = 26), constructed using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing technologies. Comparative genomic analyses

Sandalwood (Santalum album), a culturally significant and economically valuable horticultural species, is renowned for its heartwood and essential oils enriched with sesquiterpene compounds such as santalol. Despite progress in elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of these valuable metabolites, the transcriptional regulation of this process, particularly under abiotic stress conditions, remains largely

The present research examined the regulatory function of MaEIL4 in the ripening process of banana. The findings demonstrated that MaEIL4 is a transcription factor with activity in the nucleus. The transient modulation of MaEIL4 expression in banana fruit slices has been found to exert a significant impact on maturation, either enhancing or inhibiting its progression, as shown by phenotype and endogenous

Strawberry fruits, known for their excellent taste and potential health benefits, are particularly valued for their rich content of hydrolyzable tannins (HTs). These compounds play key roles in regulating growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HT synthesis in plants remains poorly elucidated. In this study, based on a correlation analysis between the transcriptome and

Mung bean (Vigna radiata), an essential annual legume, holds substantial value in global agriculture due to its short growth cycle, low input requirements, and nutritional benefits. Despite extensive domestication, the genetic mechanisms underlying its morphological and physiological evolution remain incompletely understood. In this study, we present a gap-free, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food of 800 million people in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its industrial utilization for bioethanol, animal feed, and starch are still continuously expanding. It was not until the 1970s that significant scientific efforts were undertaken to improve cassava, despite its considerable economic and social significance. Shorten the breeding

Soil salinity is one of the major stresses that threatening the production and even survival of crops. NPR1 (nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related genes 1), traditionally considered to be involved in plant immunity by serving as a master regulator in salicylic acid signaling pathway, has been proved to play a critical role in regulating salt stress in plants. However, regarding the function of NPR1

The texture of fruit skin is a significant aspect of its appearance quality and serves as an essential breeding trait. The surface of pear fruit develops a cork layer, resulting in either a full russet appearance or localized russet spots. Among these, the localized russet spots significantly diminish the aesthetic appeal of the fruit and are considered undesirable for breeding purposes. These spots

Pineapple, a vital tropical fruit worldwide, faces economic losses due to blackheart disorder, a complex physiological disorder influenced by various factors, including abrupt temperature changes. This study employed Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) to investigate the metabolic alterations in pineapple fruits Ananas comosus L

Chili peppers (C. annuum L.) are a commercial spice crop in the tropics. In Thailand, chili pepper is a cash crop for farmers and has cultural significance in Thai cuisine. Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. is responsible for a significant reduction in the marketable fruit yield of chili peppers. In this study, we tested the combining abilities of anthracnose-resistant chili pepper

Crape myrtle is an important summer flowering shrub with abundant flowers and long flowering period, and widely used in gardens around the world. Though the MADS-box genes have profound impacts on floral organogenesis in other plants, their function and expression patterns in Lagerstroemia remain unclear. In the study, we conducted the comprehensive analysis of the MADS-box family from three Lagerstroemia

Horticultural crops suffer massive production losses due to abiotic stress, which is a key limiting factor worldwide. The ability of these crops to withstand such stress has been linked to melatonin, a biomolecule with significant roles in both physiological and molecular defense responses. Melatonin is pivotal in enhancing the resilience of horticultural crops to abiotic stress, making it a critical

Given the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and global warming, outdoor thermal comfort has become crucial for urban livability. However, there is a lack of field survey-based research on large-scale thermal comfort assessment across continuous urban spaces. To address this gap, this study developed a framework for assessing outdoor thermal comfort. A total number of 668 onsite observations from

Polyphenols represent a significant class of nutrients in apples, contributing to human health and well-being. Among these, procyanidins stand out as the most prevalent polyphenolic compounds in apple fruits. These compounds are abundant in wild apples and generally low in modern apple cultivars. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and recover genetically lost genes that regulate polyphenol accumulation

Taxus L., an important ornamental, economic, and medicinal plant, is renowned for producing paclitaxel (Taxol®), a potent chemotherapeutic agent. The biosynthesis of paclitaxel involves intricate biosynthetic pathways, spanning multiple enzymatic steps. Despite advances, challenges remain in optimizing production methods. Microorganisms, particularly endophytic fungi, show potential in producing paclitaxel

Tea plant is a fluoride (F)-hyperaccumulator, which poses a potential threat to human health via tea consumption. Reducing F accumulation in fresh tea leaves is crucial for enhancing the safety of tea production at its source. This study aims to isolate novel genes responsible for F accumulation or transport in tea plants. We identified an aluminum (Al)-activated malate transporter gene, CsALMT6, which

Proanthocyanidins (PAs), anthocyanins, and flavonols are key flavonoids that play diverse roles in plant physiology and human health. Despite originating from a shared biosynthetic pathway, the regulatory mechanisms of PA biosynthesis and the cooperative regulation of different kinds of flavonoids remain elusive, particularly in flower tissues or organs. Here, we elucidated the regulatory network governing

Pathogens significantly restrict the production of Brassica rapa (Brassica rapa L. ssp. Pekinensis), with climate change and evolving planting patterns exacerbating disease prevalence. Multi-channel rapid diagnostic methods in the field can facilitate the early detection and control of diseases in B. rapa. Here, we established a multi-channel lateral flow biosensor (LFB) combined with a CRISPR/Cas12a

Curcuma alismatifolia is an important ornamental plant of significant economic value, while the floral fragrance has been rarely investigated, leading to a lack of knowledge about the floral scent. By performing metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we investigated the variation of 906 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in florets of eight C. alismatifolia cultivars and four different developmental

Abiotic stresses, particularly drought and heat, pose significant threats to agricultural productivity and global food security. This study, therefore, investigated the responses of seven Prunus rootstocks (Garnem, GF 677, Marianna 2624, Myrobolan 29C, Rootpac 20, Rootpac 40, and Rootpac R) to drought, heat shock, and their combination, as well as their recovery potential. The present research encompassed

Strawberry is distributed worldwide. Quality changes in fresh produce have been assessed based on the accumulated storage temperature under laboratory conditions. However, the applicability of this approach in an actual distribution test has not been investigated. This study assessed the relationships among strawberry quality (damage area and mold incidence), accumulated distribution temperature (ADT)

China's intensive pineapple farming expansion has led to soil degradation, excessive nutrient input and loss, and reduced efficiency. This study addresses these issues with a multi-objective, coordinated soil and nutrient management approach by developing 4Rplus nutrient management technologies.. These technologies combine organic amendments (manure and biochar) with enhanced efficiency fertilizers

High salinity can severely inhibit the growth and development of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.). WRKY proteins are believed to mediate the adaptation of plants to abiotic stresses. Here, we identified the ClWRKY61 gene, which positively regulates the tolerance of watermelon to salt stress. Knockout of the ClWRKY61 reduced salt tolerance, while overexpression of the ClWRKY61 enhanced salt tolerance

Brassica rapa includes a variety of important vegetable and oilseed crops, yet it is significantly challenged by clubroot disease. Notably, the majority of genotypes of B. rapa with published genomes exhibit high susceptibility to clubroot disease. The present study presents a high-quality chromosome-level sequence of the genome of the DH40 clubroot-resistant (CR) line, a doubled haploid line derived

Tree and herbaceous peony are considerably important ornamental plants within the genus Paeonia, and hold substantial horticultural value. This review summarizes the progress in research on the senescence mechanisms of tree and herbaceous peony flowers, focusing on the regulation of gene expression, hormonal interactions, and the influence of environmental factors on senescence. Using high-throughput

Commercial value of cucumber is primarily driven by fruit quality. However, breeding goals frequently focus on production constraints caused by biotic and abiotic stresses. As sources of resistances are often present in unadapted germplasm, we sought to provide morphological and genetic information characterizing the diversity of fruit quality traits present in the CucCAP cucumber core collection.

Galloylated flavan-3-ols are key quality and health-related compounds in tea plants of Camellia section Thea. Camellia ptilophylla and Camellia sinensis are two representative species known for their high levels of galloylated flavan-3-ols. Building on our knowledge of galloyl catechin biosynthesis in C. sinensis, we now focus on the biosynthesis of galloylated phenolics in C. ptilophylla, aiming to

The homeostasis of gibberellin (GA) is crucial for the normal development of anthers, but its underlying regulatory mechanisms are not clear. The GA induced v-Myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) transcription factor LoMYB65 is involved in anther development. In this study, we screened and identified an interacting protein of LoMYB65, Lilium Oriental Hybrids BEL1-Like Homeodomain6 (LoBLH6)

The colour of plant leaves undergoes changes during different growth stages, with anthocyanins playing a pivotal role in this process. 'Shine Muscat' (MS) is a white-flesh green-leaf variety, while 'ZhongShan-HongYu' (ZS-HY) is a red-flesh red-leaf variety. The leaves of their hybrid offspring show different colour in autumn. However, the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in these varieties remains

In the post-harvest process of the chrysanthemums, the fading of the capitulum is severe because of the significant reduction of anthocyanin content at the later full-bloom stage, making the selection of appropriate post-harvest preservative essential for color retention and enhancement. Jasmonates (JAs) have positive significance in promoting the accumulation of plant pigments and the synthesis of

Ascorbate (Asc), commonly known as vitamin C, is a vital molecule for plant growth, development, and stress resilience. It is also known to play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, cell division, and differentiation. This article thoroughly explores the processes governing the metabolism of Asc in plants and its roles in physiological functions. It lays down

Carnation is important floral crop. The introduction of wild carnation species is carried out in parallel with research on existing species and varieties. Dianthus plumarius subsp. praecox is a wild species with an extremely high germplasm conservation importance. The most important step in the study of its cultivation is to propagate it in vitro under conditions of minimum impact on nature. Therefore

Hericium erinaceus has been cultivated in China for centuries, known for its notable edible and medicinal properties. This study investigated the diversity and composition of symbiotic bacteria between the wild and cultivated H. erinaceus strains using high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of bacterial 16S rDNA, and the bacterial function was preliminarily predicted. In addition, the correlation

Luffa acutangula (ridge gourd) is a widely cultivated cucurbit species in Asia, often severely impacted by Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), causing substantial losses in yield. Identifying resistant resources is crucial for mitigating these losses. In this study, a collection of 112 ridge gourd germplasm accessions was evaluated for ToLCNDV symptoms in a field environment prone to infection

Consumers particularly value plums for their high levels of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Cold storage is the primary method to extend shelf-life, but it can cause physiological disorders, such as chilling injury and decreased fruit quality. Melatonin is an eco-friendly tool that reduces quality loss and chilling injury in fruit and vegetables. 'Angeleno' plums were treated with different concentrations

Studies of parks underscore the significance of park equity, considering both its quantity and quality. However, the vulnerability of peri-urban communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic concerning park utilization, goes beyond what objective assessments of access and quality can capture. Based on a multidimensional and comparative framework and combining objective evaluation and subjective

UGT (UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase) family members are mainly involved in the modification of secondary metabolites, as well as plant stress responses. Previously, we identified the UGT gene MdUGT88F4 from Malus spp. In order to verify whether it had biological function in apple plants, we generated transgenic apple plants overexpressed MdUGT88F4 and treated them with salt stress. The results showed

Iris sanguinea Donn ex Horn. is a common perennial ornamental herb in Northeast China due to its strong cold-resistance capacity. In this study, integrative analyses of metabolomics and transcriptomics data were performed on five cultivars of I. sanguinea with varying petal colors to elucidate the molecular basis underlying petal pigmentation. The metabolomics data revealed that a total of five major

SULTR1;1 and SULTR1;2 are high-affinity sulphate transporters that are crucial for sulphate uptake from the soil. Nevertheless, the impact of sulphate absorption mediated by SULTR1;1 and SULTR1;2 on the metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds as well as the physiological processes they are involved in is not yet fully understood. In this study, we cloned the BoSULTR1;1 and BoSULTR1;2 genes from broccoli

Powdery mildew (PM), caused by Podosphaera xanthii, poses a substantial menace to the worldwide Cucurbita pepo yield. The VQ family plays a broad role in plant growth, development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and environmental signaling. To investigate the responsiveness of the CpVQ30 gene to powdery mildew infection in Cucurbita pepo L., CpVQ30 was transiently overexpressed in virus-susceptible

Green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum Sacc. is a serious disease of Kinnow mandarin fruits, causing up to 90 per cent fruit rot. The use of chemical fungicides has raised concerns about residual toxicity in edible fruits. To find effective alternatives to chemical fungicides, yeasts, plant leaf extracts, and GRAS salts were investigated to determine post-harvest losses. Seven yeast isolates from

The seed and edible oil (SEO) industry produces a significant amount of waste, from wastewater to organic solid waste such as soybean and sunflower seed husks. The inclusion of these materials as substrates for edible mushroom production was examined. Lignocellulosic characterization of the substrates was also performed to determine the exact nutrient requirements for fungal inoculation. Comparative

Urbanization is one of the main drivers of biotic homogenization in bird communities worldwide. Yet, only a few studies have addressed its functional consequences on the top-down control birds exert on insect herbivores. We hypothesized that their inconsistent results reflect the overlooked heterogeneity of the urban habitat for birds, and in particular the distribution and diversity of urban trees

Urbanisation generally leads to a loss of taxonomic and functional diversity in almost all animal taxa, yet a mosaic of highly variable habitats within the urban matrix could offer a diversity of insect prey to highly mobile predators such as bats. We therefore asked if insect-feeding bats change in trophic interactions along rural–urban gradients.

Audience segmentation can be used to identify target audiences in environmental public engagement and communication, but few studies have used segmentation to study biodiversity conservation behavior. This study used segmentation to better understand perceptions and behaviors around different types of actions related to native plant gardening. With a United States representative survey (n = 1,200)

This study investigates the genetic basis of fruit traits in European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), with a focus on identifying the genetic determinants that influence nut and kernel traits as well as the genes associated with flowering time. The research aims to shorten hazelnut breeding cycles and understand the genetic interplay affecting these traits. Using a mapping population from 'Tonda Gentile

Brassica rapa is a crop belonging to the Brasicaceae family, which is widely grown throughout the world. Cultivation of crops of the species B. rapa are subjected to stressors that cause a decrease in production, such as drought or black rot caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. The need to find more sustainable alternatives to maintain production linked to intrinsic characteristics of the

Understanding the distribution of plant moisture during the seedling stage of greenhouse crops is challenge in developing scientific irrigation strategies and proposing effective cooling methods. This study investigated the effects of different soil moisture contents [W1: 25–35 % (severe drought), W2: 35–45 % (mild drought), W3: 45–55 % (suitable moisture), and W4: 55–65 % (excess moisture)] on tomato

Flower gardens can create valuable habitat for urban pollinators, but little is known about the existing spatial pattern of gardens on the landscape, or factors associated with the decision to plant a flower garden. We mapped the distribution of front yard flower gardens compared to four other front yard landscaping types (lawn, shrubs, non-vegetated, and weeds) across 86,429 addresses in Greater Boston

Astaxanthin is a highly effective antioxidant and its application in agricultural production is still unclear. The effects of foliar astaxanthin application on nitrate content, antioxidant quality, and biomass of hydroponic two lettuce genotypes were investigated in present study. The 1.0 g L-1 astaxanthin showed the maximum positive effects on gene expression levels of the nitrate reductase, nitrite

Blueberry fruit are highly perishable and intolerant of storage. Calcium treatment plays a vital role in preservation of fruit and vegetable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of calcium chloride treatment on fruit softening at ambient temperature storage with a focus on calcium signal transduction and the relationship between calcium treatment and ABA synthesis and transduction

The fundamental mechanisms causing the peel reddening of ‘Kongxin’ plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) fruit maintained at room temperature at 25 °C were discovered through an integrated analysis of the transcriptomics and metabolomics. There were apparent differences in fruit quality among the three periods. We also performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of plum fruit peel at different reddening

Currently, greenhouse soil has cadmium (Cd) pollution problems, causing serious Cd accumulation in various crops, including cucumber. Grafting is now widely used in greenhouse cucumber production, but the role and mechanism of grafting in regulating Cd accumulation and tolerance of cucumber merits further investigated. We used popular planted cucumber varieties ‘Jinchun No 4’ (Cj) and ‘Lvguan’ (Cl)

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) has become an industrially important crop worldwide due to the presence of steviol glycosides (SGs), a low-caloric sweetener compound, in its leaf. Due to its outcrossing nature, phenotypic and biochemical variability is observed among the stevia plant raised through seeds. Thus, phenotypic and biochemical characterization of the collected germplasms is fundamental in developing

Apple (Malus spp.) is a widely cultivated economic crop. Leaf-related traits, such as leaf size, pigment content, and photosynthetic rate, serve as important indicators of light use efficiency and are associated with apple fruit quality and potential yields. Identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes related to these traits is essential for plant breeding. Genomic selection (GS) presents

Management zones are an important aspect of precision agriculture as they help to define spatiotemporal areas that share homogenous attributes for site-specific management such as irrigation. In this study, we evaluated the potential of delineating irrigation management zones in almond (Prunus dulcis) orchards using three different variables: evapotranspiration (ET), crop water stress index (CWSI)

The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has resulted in a significant increase in the production of metal oxide nanoparticles, which are increasingly released into the environment. Due to their widespread distribution, evaluating the potential toxicity of these particles is essential. Aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs), in particular, are widely used in various industries and consumer products

Soluble sugar content is a crucial parameter affecting the taste and flavor of cucumber. Fruit sweetness varies depending on the soluble sugar content. To explore the regulatory mechanism underlying soluble sugar content, we performed metabolome sequencing on diploid (low soluble sugar, CK) and autotetraploid (high soluble sugar, T) cucumber fruits on the day of flowering (S1) and 9 days after flowering