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Main conclusion: Fa-Os-1 regulates salt tolerance of rice by regulating physiological shape and genes expression in metabolism and secondary metabolites biosynthesis, revealing a growth-promoting mechanism of endophytic Fa-Os-1. Salt stress is an important constraining factor endangering crop yield and quality. Microorganisms have significant growth-promoting and stress resistance-enhancing effects on crops, but the mechanism by which microorganisms exert their growth-promoting effects under salt stress remains largely unexplained. This study isolated an endophytic fungus with significant salt tolerance from rice roots and focused on its regulatory effects on crop growth. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing identified the fungus as Fusarium annulatum from Oryza sativa 1# (Fa-Os-1), a non-pathogenic species with a genome rich in growth-related and stress-relieving genes, with variations in genes associated with deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) biosynthesis. Under salt stress, rice growth was enhanced following inoculation with Fa-Os-1 compared with the growth of untreated rice, which was attributed to enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and nutrient uptake, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the plant, and significant changes in the expression of key genes involved in metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. These differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in biological processes, such as iron ion binding, oxidoreductase activity, hydrolase activity, and biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites. These results provide evidence of possible interaction mechanisms between endophytic fungi and crops under salt stress, and offer a theoretical basis to develop novel microbial fertilizers to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on crop growth.

Main conclusion: Additive effects of three candidate genes-SAMBA, NAC TF25, and ARF18-significantly influenced seed weight in Brassica juncea, collectively accounting for 35.79% of the trait variation. Seed weight is a major determinant of seed yield in Brassica juncea, yet its inheritance and underlying genes remain insufficiently understood. To address this, generation mean analysis (GMA) was conducted using populations derived from two contrasting parents, DRMRIJ-31 (bold seeded) and RLC-3 (small seeded), for thousand-seed weight (TSW). In addition, a GWAS was conducted employing SNP genotyping of 142 diverse genotypes of B. juncea targeting TSW across 2 rabi seasons (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). GMA suggested the predominance of d, h and i components influencing the seed weight, along with a significant maternal influence. GWAS identified two stable SNPs, Bj-B3-p17726495 (PVE: 17.77%; chromosome B03) and Bj-B4-p10707039 (PVE: 18.05%; chromosome B04), associated with candidate genes SAMBA and NAC TF25, respectively. Cloning and sequencing of these genes from both parents uncovered multiple SNPs and In/Dels, highlighting their potential role in trait variation. Molecular markers developed from these MTAs were validated in F₂ population of DRMRIJ-31 and RLC-3. Furthermore, comparative analysis with major seed weight QTLs on chromosome A09 of B. napus identified ARF18 as an additional candidate gene. Sequencing of ARF18 across bold- and small-seeded B. juncea genotypes revealed several SNPs and In/Dels. Targeting the In/Del, a gene-based marker was designed and validated in germplasm panel with PVE 10.79%. Collectively, the three loci (Bj-B3-p17726495, Bj-B4-p10707039, and ARF18) demonstrated additive effects with PVE 35.79%. This initial study on seed weight candidate genes and molecular markers in Brassica juncea will aid future efforts to improve seed weight either through marker-assisted breeding or genome-editing mediated mutagenesis.

Main conclusion A PCR-only S-genotyping was optimized for red-fleshed apple hybrids carrying the R₆ allele of MdMYB10. Sixteen distinct S-alleles were identified. New hybrids show unique S-allele frequencies, enhancing breeding diversity. Red-fleshed apples are increasingly valued for their esthetic appeal and potential health benefits, making them attractive targets in modern breeding programs. In this study, 80 novel red-fleshed and six white-fleshed apple hybrids, along with their parental cultivars, were genotyped for the R₆ allele of the MdMYB10 gene and for their S-alleles to assess pollination compatibility. All red-fleshed hybrids carried the R₆ allele, confirming their type I red-fleshed phenotype. A previously published high-throughput S-genotyping protocol was optimized to achieve single base-pair accuracy, enabling a streamlined, PCR-only workflow without the need for restriction enzyme digestion. 16 distinct S-alleles were identified, and allele-specific primers and sequencing were used to verify ambiguous cases. The genotyping results revealed inconsistencies in pedigree records and pollination procedures, underscoring the importance of molecular validation in breeding programs. Additionally, two American heritage apple cultivars were found to carry three S-alleles despite being diploid, suggesting possible segmental duplications. The S-allele frequency distribution in the new hybrids differed from traditional Hungarian and international germplasm, indicating their potential to broaden the genetic base of disease-resistant apple breeding. This study provides a refined genotyping approach and valuable insights into the genetic composition of novel apple hybrids, contributing to improved breeding strategies and germplasm management.

Main conclusion: The hornwort Anthoceros agrestis harbors a caffeoylshikimate esterase (CSE) displaying esterase activities with various caffeoyl- and 4-coumaroyl esters as well as lipase activity with the surrogate substrate 4-nitrophenyl butyrate. Caffeoylshikimic acid esterase (CSE) is an enzyme of the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) family shown to be involved in monolignol biosynthesis and thus has importance for lignification. To date, active CSEs have only been found in seed plants. A protein (AaCSE1) from the hornwort Anthoceros agrestis with 51.5% identity to the respective CSE sequence from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtCSE, At1g52760) displayed esterase activity with caffeoyl-5-O-shikimic acid as well as its 3-O- and 4-O-regioisomers. Chlorogenic acid (caffeoyl-5-O-quinic acid) as well as 4-coumaroyl esters were accepted with a lower affinity and catalytic efficiency. Slight activity could also be demonstrated for cleavage of the amide bond in N-(caffeoyl)-5-hydroxyanthranilic acid. Although AaCSE displays CSE activity and has high affinity for its substrate, this enzyme has a lower catalytic efficiency (~ 21-fold lower) compared to the CSE from Arabidopsis thaliana. Assays with the surrogate lipase substrate 4-nitrophenyl butyrate showed lipase activity. Thus, AaCSE1 could serve a dual function as esterase and lipase. Three putative CSE sequences from Mesotaenium endlicherianum, a model organism from the Zygnematophyceae, were also amplified and heterologously expressed. Only MeMAGL3 was active as a lipase. Our study showed for the first time an active CSE from a non-seed plant with dual activity as esterase/amidase as well as lipase, which could indicate a transitional state towards the evolution of more specialized CSEs predominantly involved in monolignol formation.

Main conclusion: This review proposed that plants could be used to green synthesis of metal nanoparticles with eco-friendly and wide application. Metal nanoparticles and nanocomposites have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive properties and extensive range of applications. Recently, the utilization of plant-based compounds for the synthesis of metal nanomaterials (MNMs) presents an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to nanomaterial production. Plant extracts, abundant in bioactive compounds, could serve as both reducing and stabilizing agents during the synthesis of MNMs. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the green synthesis of MNMs using plant-based materials. Specifically, the biosynthesis process and influencing factors have been described. The green synthesis mechanism with a focus on the roles of effective phytochemical components has been discussed. The utilization of plants for the green biosynthesis of typical MNMs and their applications was briefly summarized. Furthermore, the limitations and challenges of this biosynthesis method have been considered, and further research needs have been proposed. Overall, the employing of plant-based materials for synthesizing MNMs was a sustainable promising method for the green synthesis of MNMs, and its massive application would contribute to the development of nanotechnology and the usage of plant materials.

Main conclusion: Year-round strawberry production is achievable by combining advanced forcing techniques, suitable cultivars (low-chilling or day-neutral), and optimized environmental controls. These strategies extend the growing season, enhance productivity, and enable continuous out-of-season cultivation. Garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the most widely produced and consumed fruit crops worldwide, valued for its distinctive flavor, aroma, and nutritional benefits. Year-round production of garden strawberry is an emerging goal for global horticulture, but traditional, season-bound cultivars limit availability and market continuity. Recent advances in forcing culture techniques, combined with the adoption of low-chilling and day-neutral cultivars, now support continuous strawberry harvests beyond conventional seasons. This review synthesizes key developments in forcing culture across major Japanese and European production systems, focusing on photoperiod and temperature regulation, optimized cultivar selection, and regional adaptations. By extending harvest windows, these strategies help stabilize supply chains and improve grower profitability. The physiological basis of floral induction and cultivar responses is examined to reveal practical, climate-resilient pathways for sustainable strawberry cultivation. Challenges remain in labor efficiency, resource sustainability, and adapting forcing protocols to local environments. Future research should integrate genetic, environmental, and technological innovations, including genetic markers for forcing responsiveness and automated environmental controls, to ensure reliable, high-quality year-round yields. Expanding forcing culture holds promise for stabilizing production, enhancing fruit quality, and supporting sustainable livelihoods amid climate variability and growing global demand.

Main conclusion: PhC2H2-ZFP45 may act as a transcriptional activator to up-regulate the expression of PhPAL2 and participate in the formation of floral fragrance. C2H2-zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) are involved in the regulation of plant development and stress resistance. However, there are few studies on the effect of C2H2-ZFPs on the regulation of floral fragrance. Petunia hybrida has become an ideal model plant for studying floral volatile benzenoids/phenylpropanoids (FVBP) metabolism. To gain insight into the participation of C2H2-ZFPs in the regulation of floral fragrance in petunia, we performed a genome-wide identification and characterization of C2H2-ZFP genes. A total of 96 C2H2-ZFP genes were identified from the genome of Petunia axillaris, one wild parent of P. hybrida, and their gene structure, conserved motif, phylogenetic relationship, cis-acting elements were analyzed. The length and intron-exon organization in P. axillaris C2H2-ZFP genes were highly heterogeneous. The C2H2 domain was conserved in all C2H2-ZFPs, while the EAR domain was present in 33 C2H2-ZFPs. The P. axillaris C2H2-ZFP gene family was classified into four clades, and clade D contained 51 members. Most petunia C2H2-ZFP genes contained light stress response elements and hormone-related elements. 67 assembled sequences according to reported P. hybrida 'Mitchell' corolla RNA sequencing data could be mapped to the C2H2-ZFP genes of Petunia axillaris. The spatiotemporal expression patterns of PhC2H2-ZFP8 and PhC2H2-ZFP45 well correlated with the developmental and tissue-specific patterns of petunia floral scent formation and emission, suggesting that these genes might be involved in the regulation of FVBP metabolism. Through yeast one hybrid and dual luciferase assay, PhC2H2-ZFP45 was further confirmed to upregulate the expression of PhPAL2. This study will serve as a molecular basis for further exploring the role of PhC2H2-ZFPs in floral scent regulation.

Main conclusion: Oryza australiensis combines unique constitutive and inducible responses to heat stress, revealing novel mechanisms and candidate genes putatively involved in thermotolerance for improving cultivated rice's resilience Heat stress negatively impacts plant growth, reproduction, and productivity, posing a growing threat to crop yields under climate change. Understanding thermotolerance mechanisms is critical for developing resilient crops. Oryza australiensis, a wild rice species native to Australia, exhibits greater heat tolerance than the cultivated Oryza sativa, though the molecular basis remains unclear. Here, we investigated comparative heat stress responses and recovery in both species. Our data show that O. australiensis maintained higher expression of Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle genes under heat stress, consistent with its ability to sustain photosynthesis at elevated temperatures. Genes involved in C4 metabolism showed constitutively higher expression in O. australiensis, suggesting traits of a C3-C4 intermediate species. While both species down-regulated carbohydrate metabolism genes under heat, transcript levels remained higher in O. australiensis. Notably, only O. sativa accumulated sucrose under stress, implying differences in carbon partitioning between the species. We also identified differentially induced genes in O. australiensis related to protein folding, including specific heat shock proteins, alongside reduced expression of calmodulin-related signaling genes. During recovery, only O. australiensis up-regulated thionin genes, indicating a possible link between defense peptides and abiotic stress response. Additionally, several genes with unknown functions were uniquely regulated, highlighting novel candidates for further investigation. Together, these findings suggest that O. australiensis combines constitutive and inducible responses to manage heat stress and represents a valuable genetic resource for enhancing thermotolerance in cultivated rice, a key trait in a changing climate.

Main conclusion: The suppression of photosystem II, photosystem I, respiratory complex I, and respiratory complex III triggers lipid biosynthesis via increased ROS in Chlorella pyrenoidosa SHOU-1002 under nitrogen limitation. This study investigated the regulation of photosynthesis and respiration in lipid biosynthesis. Chlorella pyrenoidosa SHOU-1002 was analyzed using biochemical and molecular biological approaches under nitrogen limitation, chemical treatments, and RNA interference (RNAi). The results showed that nitrogen limitation redirected carbon flux from chlorophyll, carbohydrates, and proteins to lipids, yielding biodiesel-suitable lipids with a calculated degree of unsaturation ≤ 92.80%. Mechanistically, nitrogen limitation inhibited the activities of photosystem II (PSII), photosystem I (PSI), respiratory complex I (RCI), and respiratory complex III (RCIII) by downregulating the expression of their constituent genes. This suppression led to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent lipid accumulation. RNAi of these complexes similarly enhanced ROS and lipid accumulation. These results support a conclusion that photosynthetic and respiratory inhibition drives ROS-mediated lipid accumulation in C. pyrenoidosa SHOU-1002. This finding enhances our understanding of microalgal lipid biosynthesis under nitrogen limitation and could contribute to the development of the microalgae-biofuel industry through metabolic engineering.

Main conclusion: Secondary metabolites play important roles in osmotic adjustment, ion homeostasis, and redox signaling in wheat under salinity stress. Together, these functions support plant acclimation to saline conditions. Integrative omics approaches can clarify the regulation of their biosynthetic pathways. Applying this knowledge in targeted breeding may accelerate the development of saltresilient wheat cultivars. Salt stress is a major environmental challenge that adversely affects wheat growth, developmental cascades, and grain yield and quality. As a major staple crop, it is imperative to improve wheat's salt tolerance for ensuring food security in increasingly saline agricultural environments. Secondary metabolites, a diverse group of organic compounds not directly involved in primary metabolic processes, play significant roles in plant stress responses and adaptation. These compounds include phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids, each contributing to plant defense mechanisms through antioxidant activities, osmoprotection, and stress signaling. This review focuses on the pivotal role of secondary metabolites in enhancing wheat's resilience to salt stress. It explores how these metabolites contribute to various aspects of salt tolerance, including ion regulation, osmotic adjustment, and oxidative stress management. By examining recent research findings, this review aims to highlight the specific secondary metabolites involved in wheat's response to saline conditions and their potential mechanisms of action. Ultimately, the review seeks to provide insights into how leveraging secondary-metabolite pathways can lead to the development of wheat varieties with improved salt tolerance, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.