Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114660
Hui Xie , Yang Li , Shouan Han, Min Wang, Xuehui Zhu, Lihuan Qin, Wen Zhang
Climate change-induced temperature fluctuations significantly impact grape aroma quality. This study employed integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to examine temperature effects on volatiles in 'Centennial Seedless' grapes from high-temperature (Turpan) and low-temperature (Urumqi) regions across four developmental stages. Metabolomic profiling identified 143 volatile compounds. Results revealed distinct accumulation patterns: early stages showed higher levels of (E)-2-hexenol and hexanal in cooler climates, while terpene concentrations (e.g., linalool, geraniol) were significantly higher during late maturation in low-temperature regions. Transcriptomic data indicated 2160 genes upregulated and 2175 downregulated at S1 stage under cooler conditions, with key terpene synthesis genes (DXS, DXR, TPS) upregulated. This study confirms that high-temperature stress inhibits typical "rose-scented" aroma formation primarily through transcriptional suppression of terpenoid biosynthesis, especially TPS genes. Cooler climates enhance terpenoid production, preserving Muscat aroma. These findings provide a theoretical basis for molecular breeding and cultivation strategies to improve aroma quality under global warming.
{"title":"Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the effects of climate on volatiles in grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Centennial Seedless) and their underlying molecular mechanisms","authors":"Hui Xie , Yang Li , Shouan Han, Min Wang, Xuehui Zhu, Lihuan Qin, Wen Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change-induced temperature fluctuations significantly impact grape aroma quality. This study employed integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to examine temperature effects on volatiles in 'Centennial Seedless' grapes from high-temperature (Turpan) and low-temperature (Urumqi) regions across four developmental stages. Metabolomic profiling identified 143 volatile compounds. Results revealed distinct accumulation patterns: early stages showed higher levels of (E)-2-hexenol and hexanal in cooler climates, while terpene concentrations (e.g., linalool, geraniol) were significantly higher during late maturation in low-temperature regions. Transcriptomic data indicated 2160 genes upregulated and 2175 downregulated at S1 stage under cooler conditions, with key terpene synthesis genes (<em>DXS, DXR, TPS</em>) upregulated. This study confirms that high-temperature stress inhibits typical \"rose-scented\" aroma formation primarily through transcriptional suppression of terpenoid biosynthesis, especially <em>TPS</em> genes. Cooler climates enhance terpenoid production, preserving Muscat aroma. These findings provide a theoretical basis for molecular breeding and cultivation strategies to improve aroma quality under global warming.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114660"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To identify dwarfing rootstocks that improve early-season fruit quality of ‘Harlikar’ apple under the cold climate of Northeast China, we monitored key quality attributes, primary metabolites, aroma volatiles and phenolics in 3-year-old trees grafted on five rootstocks. 62–396 produced the largest and most elongated fruit, whereas 60–160 conferred the greatest firmness, soluble solids content and titratable acidity. M9-T337 accumulated the highest fructose, while 62–396 led in malic acid. 60–160 fruit also contained the richest esters and total phenolics. A composite membership-function index ranked overall quality as Z3 > 62–396 > 60–160 > M9-T337 > JM7. Consequently, Z3 and 62–396 are recommended as the most suitable rootstocks for ‘Harlikar’ apple in cold regions.
{"title":"Fruit quality, sugar-acid fractions, volatile aroma components, phenolic compounds of early fruit stage ‘Harlikar’ trees onto different dwarfing rootstocks","authors":"Jiangtao Zhou, Deying Zhao, Yanhui Chen, Guodong Kang, Cungang Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To identify dwarfing rootstocks that improve early-season fruit quality of ‘Harlikar’ apple under the cold climate of Northeast China, we monitored key quality attributes, primary metabolites, aroma volatiles and phenolics in 3-year-old trees grafted on five rootstocks. 62–396 produced the largest and most elongated fruit, whereas 60–160 conferred the greatest firmness, soluble solids content and titratable acidity. M9-T337 accumulated the highest fructose, while 62–396 led in malic acid. 60–160 fruit also contained the richest esters and total phenolics. A composite membership-function index ranked overall quality as Z3 > 62–396 > 60–160 > M9-T337 > JM7. Consequently, Z3 and 62–396 are recommended as the most suitable rootstocks for ‘Harlikar’ apple in cold regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114639"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abiotic stresses, particularly salinity and drought, severely constrain plant growth and productivity by disrupting key physiological and biochemical processes. In recent years, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as a signaling molecule with promising roles in mitigating environmental challenges. This study investigated the effects of exogenous H₂S, applied as sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) at 100 and 200 μM, on antioxidant defenses, phytochemical traits, essential oil composition, and gene expression in Lavandula angustifolia. Plants were subjected to salt stress (0, 150, and 300 mM NaCl) and drought stress (100, 50, and 25% field capacity, FC) for 7 and 14 days. Results demonstrated that NaCl (300 mM) combined with NaHS (200 μM) significantly enhanced phytochemical accumulation, with chlorogenic acid, rutin, and cinnamic acid increasing by 86%, 11%, and 33%, respectively. Essential oil constituents, such as alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, also increased by 11–25% compared to untreated controls. Gene expression analysis revealed that CINs and LIMs were upregulated by 78% and 110% under NaCl (150 mM) + NaHS (200 μM), whereas LINs expression declined by 33%. Under drought stress, NaHS application at 25% FC reduced the expression of phenolics, flavonoids, FRAP, rutin, coumaric acid, and LINs by 12–67%. Conversely, notable increases were observed in secondary metabolites, including gallic acid (444%), chlorogenic acid (603%), and rosmarinic acid (205%), alongside elevated CINs (73%) and LIMs expression (55%). Overall, these findings highlight the dual role of H₂S in enhancing stress tolerance and stimulating secondary metabolite production in lavender, offering new insights into its potential as a stress-mitigating agent.
{"title":"Hydrogen sulfide signaling fortifies lavender: Antioxidant defense, phytochemical modulation, and genetic responses under salt and drought stress","authors":"Elhameh Daneshvand , Fatemeh Rahmani , Naser Abbaspour , Amir Rahimi","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114632","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114632","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Abiotic stresses, particularly salinity and drought, severely constrain plant growth and productivity by disrupting key physiological and biochemical processes. In recent years, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as a signaling molecule with promising roles in mitigating environmental challenges. This study investigated the effects of exogenous H₂S, applied as sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) at 100 and 200 μM, on antioxidant defenses, phytochemical traits, essential oil composition, and gene expression in <em>Lavandula angustifolia</em>. Plants were subjected to salt stress (0, 150, and 300 mM NaCl) and drought stress (100, 50, and 25% field capacity, FC) for 7 and 14 days. Results demonstrated that NaCl (300 mM) combined with NaHS (200 μM) significantly enhanced phytochemical accumulation, with chlorogenic acid, rutin, and cinnamic acid increasing by 86%, 11%, and 33%, respectively. Essential oil constituents, such as alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, also increased by 11–25% compared to untreated controls. Gene expression analysis revealed that <em>CINs</em> and <em>LIMs</em> were upregulated by 78% and 110% under NaCl (150 mM) + NaHS (200 μM), whereas <em>LINs</em> expression declined by 33%. Under drought stress, NaHS application at 25% FC reduced the expression of phenolics, flavonoids, FRAP, rutin, coumaric acid, and <em>LINs</em> by 12–67%. Conversely, notable increases were observed in secondary metabolites, including gallic acid (444%), chlorogenic acid (603%), and rosmarinic acid (205%), alongside elevated <em>CINs</em> (73%) and <em>LIMs</em> expression (55%). Overall, these findings highlight the dual role of H₂S in enhancing stress tolerance and stimulating secondary metabolite production in lavender, offering new insights into its potential as a stress-mitigating agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114632"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-02-16DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114688
Xiaoli Chen , Yihan Liu , Xiangyu Gao, Yifan Zhai, Xiaoming Wei, Lichun Wang
Micro Tom tomatoes were cultivated in a plant factory to investigate the effect of discontinuous blue light intervention on the coloration process of tomato fruit grown under red light. Five treatments were set up, namely R (continuous pure red light), R6h/RB2h (pure red light for 6 h and then blue light intervention for 2 h, the same below), R4h/RB4h, R2h/RB6h, RB (simultaneous irradiation of red and blue light). Based on fruit color spectral parameters, the influence of discontinuous blue light on fruit pigmentation was evaluated by measuring pigment contents, key enzyme activities, and the expression levels of related genes. The results showed that: (1) At color break stage (47 days after anthesis, DAA), an increase in the a* (20.7 %) and Red/Green (29.8 %) was observed in tomato fruits exposed to R6h/RB2h compared to R. In contrast, L*, Hue and MCARI were decreased by 9.4 %, 15.3 % and 74.6 % respectively, indicating that the tomato fruits were redder under R6h/RB2h. (2) At color break stage, the contents of lycopene, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin in fruits subjected to R6h/RB2h were increased by 3.1 %, 11.1 %, 3.9 % and 8.8 %, respectively, relative to R, resulting in orange-red tomato fruits. (3) Compared to R, the activities of phytoene synthase, phytoene desaturase, ζ-carotene desaturase, lycopene β-cyclase and lycopene ε-cyclase in fruits under R6h/RB2h were increased by 6.2 %, 9.8 %, 18.5 %, 2.6 % and 1.9 % at color break stage, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of key carotenoid biosynthetic genes GGPS, PSY, PDS, ZDS, LCY-B and LCY-E were upregulated under R6h/RB2h. (4) Correlation analysis revealed that Mg and Ca were positively correlated with PSY, GGPS, PDS, ZDS, and lycopene, suggesting that discontinuous blue light intervention might regulate fruit coloration by affecting the absorption of mineral elements in tomatoes. In summary, in terms of tomato fruit coloration, short-term discontinuous blue light intervention (R6h/RB2h) could maximize the positive effects of single red light and mixed red-blue light on tomato fruit coloration under the same photoperiod. This study provided an effective light supply strategy for regulating the light environment of tomato coloration in industrial production.
{"title":"The effect of discontinuous blue light intervention on red-light-grown tomato fruit coloration","authors":"Xiaoli Chen , Yihan Liu , Xiangyu Gao, Yifan Zhai, Xiaoming Wei, Lichun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Micro Tom tomatoes were cultivated in a plant factory to investigate the effect of discontinuous blue light intervention on the coloration process of tomato fruit grown under red light. Five treatments were set up, namely R (continuous pure red light), R<sub>6h</sub>/RB<sub>2h</sub> (pure red light for 6 h and then blue light intervention for 2 h, the same below), R<sub>4h</sub>/RB<sub>4h</sub>, R<sub>2h</sub>/RB<sub>6h</sub>, RB (simultaneous irradiation of red and blue light). Based on fruit color spectral parameters, the influence of discontinuous blue light on fruit pigmentation was evaluated by measuring pigment contents, key enzyme activities, and the expression levels of related genes. The results showed that: (1) At color break stage (47 days after anthesis, DAA), an increase in the a* (20.7 %) and Red/Green (29.8 %) was observed in tomato fruits exposed to R<sub>6h</sub>/RB<sub>2h</sub> compared to R. In contrast, L*, Hue and MCARI were decreased by 9.4 %, 15.3 % and 74.6 % respectively, indicating that the tomato fruits were redder under R<sub>6h</sub>/RB<sub>2h</sub>. (2) At color break stage, the contents of lycopene, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin in fruits subjected to R<sub>6h</sub>/RB<sub>2h</sub> were increased by 3.1 %, 11.1 %, 3.9 % and 8.8 %, respectively, relative to R, resulting in orange-red tomato fruits. (3) Compared to R, the activities of phytoene synthase, phytoene desaturase, ζ-carotene desaturase, lycopene β-cyclase and lycopene ε-cyclase in fruits under R<sub>6h</sub>/RB<sub>2h</sub> were increased by 6.2 %, 9.8 %, 18.5 %, 2.6 % and 1.9 % at color break stage, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of key carotenoid biosynthetic genes <em>GGPS, PSY, PDS, ZDS, LCY-B</em> and <em>LCY-E</em> were upregulated under R<sub>6h</sub>/RB<sub>2h</sub>. (4) Correlation analysis revealed that Mg and Ca were positively correlated with <em>PSY, GGPS, PDS, ZDS</em>, and lycopene, suggesting that discontinuous blue light intervention might regulate fruit coloration by affecting the absorption of mineral elements in tomatoes. In summary, in terms of tomato fruit coloration, short-term discontinuous blue light intervention (R<sub>6h</sub>/RB<sub>2h</sub>) could maximize the positive effects of single red light and mixed red-blue light on tomato fruit coloration under the same photoperiod. This study provided an effective light supply strategy for regulating the light environment of tomato coloration in industrial production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114688"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146209908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114627
Jing Yang , Die Jiang , Xinqi Li , Qinggang Liao , Xiaoyan Duan , Yichao Li , Fang Zhao , Wenyi Wang , Wei Tang , Canhui Li
Well-developed root systems are crucial for ensuring high and stable crop yields. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a typical shallow-rooted crop, making the improvement of root traits to enhance its production potential a significant research objective. This study employed a hydroponic system to investigate potato root phenotypes. Utilizing a natural population composed of 214 diploid potato germplasm resources, we conducted a genome-wide association study. This analysis identified 137 significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci associated with root traits, among which 12 were consistently detected across two independent environments. Furthermore, to complement the GWAS, an F2 mapping population consisting of 170 individuals was developed from a cross between two diploid lines, HD5 and M9, which exhibit contrasting root phenotypes and possess highly homozygous genomes. Whole-genome resequencing was performed on the parental lines and the F2 population for genotyping. This enabled the construction of a high-density genetic linkage map comprising 4646 Bin markers. Subsequent quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping using this map identified 38 genetic loci associated with root-related traits, with 16 loci detected in more than one analysis. Comparative analysis of the GWAS and QTL mapping results revealed 11 co-localized loci. To effectively prioritize candidate genes, we focused on 8 reliable loci that were both co-localized by GWAS and QTL mapping and consistently detected across environments. Transcriptome sequencing analysis of the two parental lines (HD5 and M9) identified 139 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within these reliable loci. Among these DEGs, DM8C01G32920, DM8C02G29270, DM8C02G30060, DM8C03G31680, DM8C05G06230, DM8C09G02710, and DM8C09G21900 emerged as the most promising candidate genes potentially involved in potato root development.
{"title":"Integrative identification of regulatory genes for potato root development through GWAS, QTL mapping, and transcriptome analysis","authors":"Jing Yang , Die Jiang , Xinqi Li , Qinggang Liao , Xiaoyan Duan , Yichao Li , Fang Zhao , Wenyi Wang , Wei Tang , Canhui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Well-developed root systems are crucial for ensuring high and stable crop yields. Potato (<em>Solanum tuberosum</em> L.) is a typical shallow-rooted crop, making the improvement of root traits to enhance its production potential a significant research objective. This study employed a hydroponic system to investigate potato root phenotypes. Utilizing a natural population composed of 214 diploid potato germplasm resources, we conducted a genome-wide association study. This analysis identified 137 significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci associated with root traits, among which 12 were consistently detected across two independent environments. Furthermore, to complement the GWAS, an F<sub>2</sub> mapping population consisting of 170 individuals was developed from a cross between two diploid lines, HD5 and M9, which exhibit contrasting root phenotypes and possess highly homozygous genomes. Whole-genome resequencing was performed on the parental lines and the F<sub>2</sub> population for genotyping. This enabled the construction of a high-density genetic linkage map comprising 4646 Bin markers. Subsequent quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping using this map identified 38 genetic loci associated with root-related traits, with 16 loci detected in more than one analysis. Comparative analysis of the GWAS and QTL mapping results revealed 11 co-localized loci. To effectively prioritize candidate genes, we focused on 8 reliable loci that were both co-localized by GWAS and QTL mapping and consistently detected across environments. Transcriptome sequencing analysis of the two parental lines (HD5 and M9) identified 139 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within these reliable loci. Among these DEGs, DM8C01G32920, DM8C02G29270, DM8C02G30060, DM8C03G31680, DM8C05G06230, DM8C09G02710, and DM8C09G21900 emerged as the most promising candidate genes potentially involved in potato root development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114627"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114671
Wenze Liu , Linlin Yang , Xiaofeng Cao , Lele Sun , Shengwei Zhou , Xupeng Gu , Wenchuan Hou , Leixia Chu , Ning Dong , Ruihang Zhang , Shouhua Liu , Chengming Dong
Soil salinization represents a paramount abiotic stressor that impedes agricultural sustainability and land resource utilization globally. Investigating the salt tolerance of the medicinal plant F. multiflora is therefore imperative for expanding its adaptive cultivation to fulfill market demands. This research systematically delineates, for the first time, the multifaceted regulatory impact of salt stress on F. multiflora, encompassing morphological development, physiological and biochemical parameters, the accumulation of secondary metabolites, and the expression of pivotal enzyme genes in the stilbene glycoside biosynthetic pathway. A concurrent genome-wide analysis of the NAC transcription factor family, a key regulator of abiotic stress responses, was also conducted. Findings indicated that escalating salt concentrations generally suppressed growth metrics but progressively elevated osmolyte content, such as proline. Stilbene glycoside accumulation exhibited organ-specific dynamics: in stems, most treatments triggered an initial decline followed by an increase, whereas in roots, a pattern of increase preceding decrease was predominant. The expression of critical THSG biosynthetic genes was significantly altered. Furthermore, 83 FmNAC genes were identified, with genomic duplication events serving as the principal mechanism for family expansion. The promoters of these genes harbored abundant cis-elements responsive to light, hormones, and stress, and most FmNACs demonstrated tissue-specific expression. Correlation analyses reveal that FmNAC51 and FmNAC70 exhibit a negative correlation with THSG content. Conversely, FmNAC14 displays a positive association with proline, while potentially exerting a detrimental influence on diverse growth metrics, such as leaf fresh weight and chlorophyll content. The FmNAC transcription factors may act on the key enzyme genes involved in stilbene glycoside biosynthesis. This study elucidates significant alterations in the growth and development of F. multiflora under salt stress and implies that the FmNAC gene family may be involved in these regulatory processes. The outcomes provide a potential theoretical foundation for future functional characterization of salt-responsive genes and could offer insights for devising strategies to cultivate F. multiflora in saline-affected regions.
{"title":"Analysis of growth-physiological changes and NAC gene family response in Fallopia multiflora under salt stress","authors":"Wenze Liu , Linlin Yang , Xiaofeng Cao , Lele Sun , Shengwei Zhou , Xupeng Gu , Wenchuan Hou , Leixia Chu , Ning Dong , Ruihang Zhang , Shouhua Liu , Chengming Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil salinization represents a paramount abiotic stressor that impedes agricultural sustainability and land resource utilization globally. Investigating the salt tolerance of the medicinal plant <em>F. multiflora</em> is therefore imperative for expanding its adaptive cultivation to fulfill market demands. This research systematically delineates, for the first time, the multifaceted regulatory impact of salt stress on <em>F. multiflora</em>, encompassing morphological development, physiological and biochemical parameters, the accumulation of secondary metabolites, and the expression of pivotal enzyme genes in the stilbene glycoside biosynthetic pathway. A concurrent genome-wide analysis of the NAC transcription factor family, a key regulator of abiotic stress responses, was also conducted. Findings indicated that escalating salt concentrations generally suppressed growth metrics but progressively elevated osmolyte content, such as proline. Stilbene glycoside accumulation exhibited organ-specific dynamics: in stems, most treatments triggered an initial decline followed by an increase, whereas in roots, a pattern of increase preceding decrease was predominant. The expression of critical THSG biosynthetic genes was significantly altered. Furthermore, 83 <em>FmNAC</em> genes were identified, with genomic duplication events serving as the principal mechanism for family expansion. The promoters of these genes harbored abundant cis-elements responsive to light, hormones, and stress, and most <em>FmNACs</em> demonstrated tissue-specific expression. Correlation analyses reveal that <em>FmNAC51</em> and <em>FmNAC70</em> exhibit a negative correlation with THSG content. Conversely, <em>FmNAC14</em> displays a positive association with proline, while potentially exerting a detrimental influence on diverse growth metrics, such as leaf fresh weight and chlorophyll content. The <em>FmNAC</em> transcription factors may act on the key enzyme genes involved in stilbene glycoside biosynthesis. This study elucidates significant alterations in the growth and development of <em>F. multiflora</em> under salt stress and implies that the <em>FmNAC</em> gene family may be involved in these regulatory processes. The outcomes provide a potential theoretical foundation for future functional characterization of salt-responsive genes and could offer insights for devising strategies to cultivate <em>F. multiflora</em> in saline-affected regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114671"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146160810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114648
Jinhui Mo , Shuncheng Zhang , Jvhao Wang , Xiao Peng , Jinli Lv , Xinyu Zhang , Xiuhong Xu , Jingwei Li , Wanping Zhang
The wild Solanum resources are a key part of Yunnan’s plant genetic diversity, and some of these resources are traditional vegetables for the local Dai and Hani ethnic minorities. However, their genetic diversity has been declining due to rapid urbanization, making conservation urgent. To establish a scientific preservation system, this study selected 15 wild Solanum germplasm resources collected from Dai and Hani-inhabited areas in Yunnan. For 9 cryo-tolerant genotypes, 8%–10% seed moisture content was optimal; preservation duration had negligible effects within the appropriate seed moisture content range, while germplasm traits significantly impacted seed survival and regeneration. Plantlets regenerated from these preserved seeds maintained stable morphological and physiological traits, and the stability of their DNA structures was further verified using 6 primers of ISSR and RAPD markers. A medium-term slow growth conservation system, which was based on the induction of adventitious buds through the cotyledon organogenesis pathway, was developed for 6 cryo-sensitive materials. The medium “MS + 30 g/L sucrose + 7 g/L agar + 2.0 mg/L ZT + 0.1–0.2 mg/L NAA (pH=5.8)” had the highest adventitious bud induction efficiency; “1/4 MS + 60 g/L sucrose + 9 g/L agar + 75–100 mg/L CCC + 0.1 mg/L ABA (pH=5.8)” retarded stem elongation while ensuring survival. Recovered plantlets only had lower root biomass than controls, with no other obvious variation in traits or DNA. This study not only provides technical support for the stable preservation of S. undatum and its relatives but also lays a foundation for safeguarding ethnic vegetable genetic resources and promoting sustainable development of Solanaceae breeding and biodiversity conservation.
{"title":"Conservation of wild Solanum germplasm based on seed cryopreservation and slow growth conservation","authors":"Jinhui Mo , Shuncheng Zhang , Jvhao Wang , Xiao Peng , Jinli Lv , Xinyu Zhang , Xiuhong Xu , Jingwei Li , Wanping Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114648","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114648","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The wild <em>Solanum</em> resources are a key part of Yunnan’s plant genetic diversity, and some of these resources are traditional vegetables for the local Dai and Hani ethnic minorities. However, their genetic diversity has been declining due to rapid urbanization, making conservation urgent. To establish a scientific preservation system, this study selected 15 wild <em>Solanum</em> germplasm resources collected from Dai and Hani-inhabited areas in Yunnan. For 9 cryo-tolerant genotypes, 8%–10% seed moisture content was optimal; preservation duration had negligible effects within the appropriate seed moisture content range, while germplasm traits significantly impacted seed survival and regeneration. Plantlets regenerated from these preserved seeds maintained stable morphological and physiological traits, and the stability of their DNA structures was further verified using 6 primers of ISSR and RAPD markers. A medium-term slow growth conservation system, which was based on the induction of adventitious buds through the cotyledon organogenesis pathway, was developed for 6 cryo-sensitive materials. The medium “MS + 30 g/L sucrose + 7 g/L agar + 2.0 mg/L ZT + 0.1–0.2 mg/L NAA (pH=5.8)” had the highest adventitious bud induction efficiency; “1/4 MS + 60 g/L sucrose + 9 g/L agar + 75–100 mg/L CCC + 0.1 mg/L ABA (pH=5.8)” retarded stem elongation while ensuring survival. Recovered plantlets only had lower root biomass than controls, with no other obvious variation in traits or DNA. This study not only provides technical support for the stable preservation of <em>S. undatum</em> and its relatives but also lays a foundation for safeguarding ethnic vegetable genetic resources and promoting sustainable development of <em>Solanaceae</em> breeding and biodiversity conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114648"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114649
Leila Aslani, Thomas Breniere, Nadia Bertin
Drought is the most influential factor affecting the yield and quality of tomato crops, but the range of responses observed is considerable. In order to better understand this variability, industrial tomatoes (cv. H1311) were grown under four irrigation regimes: i) control that maintained soil water content at field capacity (Control: C), ii) 50 % reduction in water supply compared to the control from seedling to fruit harvest (deficit irrigation: DI), iii) 50 % reduction in water supply compared to the control from seedling to fruit mature green stage and then control irrigation during fruit ripening (DI-C), iv) control irrigation until fruit mature green stage and then a 50 % reduction in water supply (C-DI). Results showed that DI enhanced fresh fruit quality by increasing sugars, acids, polyphenols, and carotenoid contents, but most of these effects were attributable to higher dry matter content, as the dry matter concentration of these compounds was not affected or even reduced. Only naringenin, rutin and total polyphenol contents exhibited additive concentration and metabolic effects under DI, as their concentrations increased on both the fresh and dry mass bases. Both C-DI and DI-C treatments had less effect on fruit quality traits than DI. At the plant level, DI strongly reduced vegetative and reproductive development in similar proportions, as well as leaf area and photosynthetic capacity through both stomatal and non-stomatal factors. As a consequence, the commercial fruit yield was strongly reduced under DI, due to decreases in fruit number and fruit growth rate. Altogether, the results suggested that yield reduction resulted from both source and sink limitations under DI. Overall, because commercial fresh and dry yields per plant were similar in C and DI treatment, water removal during the ripening period (C-DI) remained the most competitive strategy in terms of WUE, whereas constant DI might be the most favorable for fresh fruit quality.
{"title":"Comprehensive study of the developmental and growth processes that affect fruit yield and quality of determinate tomato under water deficit","authors":"Leila Aslani, Thomas Breniere, Nadia Bertin","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drought is the most influential factor affecting the yield and quality of tomato crops, but the range of responses observed is considerable. In order to better understand this variability, industrial tomatoes (cv. H1311) were grown under four irrigation regimes: i) control that maintained soil water content at field capacity (Control: C), ii) 50 % reduction in water supply compared to the control from seedling to fruit harvest (deficit irrigation: DI), iii) 50 % reduction in water supply compared to the control from seedling to fruit mature green stage and then control irrigation during fruit ripening (DI-C), iv) control irrigation until fruit mature green stage and then a 50 % reduction in water supply (C-DI). Results showed that DI enhanced fresh fruit quality by increasing sugars, acids, polyphenols, and carotenoid contents, but most of these effects were attributable to higher dry matter content, as the dry matter concentration of these compounds was not affected or even reduced. Only naringenin, rutin and total polyphenol contents exhibited additive concentration and metabolic effects under DI, as their concentrations increased on both the fresh and dry mass bases. Both C-DI and DI-C treatments had less effect on fruit quality traits than DI. At the plant level, DI strongly reduced vegetative and reproductive development in similar proportions, as well as leaf area and photosynthetic capacity through both stomatal and non-stomatal factors. As a consequence, the commercial fruit yield was strongly reduced under DI, due to decreases in fruit number and fruit growth rate. Altogether, the results suggested that yield reduction resulted from both source and sink limitations under DI. Overall, because commercial fresh and dry yields per plant were similar in C and DI treatment, water removal during the ripening period (C-DI) remained the most competitive strategy in terms of WUE, whereas constant DI might be the most favorable for fresh fruit quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114649"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114645
Muhammad Amir Shahzad , Nadia Bibi , Xiaoting Fang , Xiangquan Fan , Xueli Huang , Kaiqin Zhang , Xia Zhu , Sadia Bashir , Zhitong Ren , Shunlin Zheng
Phosphorus (P) fertilization is essential for sustaining global food security, yet its excessive use leads to economic losses and environmental concerns, necessitating alternative strategies to improve phosphorus-use efficiency (PUE). We hypothesized that nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) act as a nanoscale facilitator to mitigate P deficiency and enhance P utilization, thereby maintaining metabolic stability in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Plants were grown under low, medium, and high P regimes combined with NCQDs concentrations (0, 0.18, 0.36, 0.54, and 0.72 g l-1). Under medium P, NCQDs application significantly improved growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical dynamics. Biomass accumulation in leaves, stems and roots increased by 16–29%, while root length, surface area, diameter, and volume were enhanced by 9–21%. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration improved by 33%, 12%, and 14%, respectively, alongside a 10% decline in intercellular CO2. Chlorophyll fluorescence and SPAD values were enhanced by 6–20% and 8%. Biochemical analysis revealed similar gains; tuber starch, ATP, and protein content increased by 17–38%, whereas proline and phenolics/flavonoids decreased by 18–23%. Consequently, nutrient partitioning analysis revealed that medium P with 0.36gl-1 NCQDs achieved the highest leaf P concentration (31–56%) and P uptake efficiency (22%) over the low P control. Correlation and PCA analyses confirmed strong associations among P acquisition, root architecture, photosynthesis, and yield. Overall, NCQDs demonstrated a sustainable nano-enabled approach to boost crop productivity under limited phosphorus conditions. Future multi-omics studies will elucidate the molecular networks and regulatory genes involved in P metabolism, providing novel insights for root architecture and PUE.
磷肥对维持全球粮食安全至关重要，但其过度使用会导致经济损失和环境问题，因此需要采取其他战略来提高磷的利用效率。我们假设氮掺杂碳量子点（NCQDs）作为纳米级促进剂缓解磷缺乏和提高磷利用，从而维持马铃薯（Solanum tuberosum L.）的代谢稳定性。植物在低、中、高磷和NCQDs浓度（0、0.18、0.36、0.54和0.72 g -1）下生长。在中磷条件下，NCQDs显著改善了玉米的生长、光合和生化动力学。叶片、茎和根的生物量积累增加了16-29%，根长、表面积、直径和体积增加了9-21%。光合速率、气孔导度和蒸腾作用分别提高了33%、12%和14%，同时细胞间二氧化碳含量下降了10%。叶绿素荧光和SPAD值分别提高6-20%和8%。生化分析显示了类似的收获；淀粉、ATP和蛋白质含量增加了17-38%，脯氨酸和酚类/类黄酮含量减少了18-23%。因此，养分分配分析表明，与低磷对照相比，添加0.36g l-1 NCQDs的中磷处理叶片磷浓度最高（31-56%），磷吸收效率最高（22%）。相关分析和主成分分析证实，磷的获取与根构型、光合作用和产量之间存在较强的相关性。总的来说，NCQDs展示了一种可持续的纳米方法，可以在磷有限的条件下提高作物产量。未来的多组学研究将阐明参与P代谢的分子网络和调控基因，为根构型和PUE提供新的见解。
{"title":"Deciphering phosphorus acquisition and partitioning in potato: Root architecture, physio-biochemical adaptations, and tuber quality modulated by carbon quantum dots","authors":"Muhammad Amir Shahzad , Nadia Bibi , Xiaoting Fang , Xiangquan Fan , Xueli Huang , Kaiqin Zhang , Xia Zhu , Sadia Bashir , Zhitong Ren , Shunlin Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphorus (P) fertilization is essential for sustaining global food security, yet its excessive use leads to economic losses and environmental concerns, necessitating alternative strategies to improve phosphorus-use efficiency (PUE). We hypothesized that nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots (N<img>CQDs) act as a nanoscale facilitator to mitigate P deficiency and enhance P utilization, thereby maintaining metabolic stability in potato (<em>Solanum tuberosum</em> L.). Plants were grown under low, medium, and high P regimes combined with N<img>CQDs concentrations (0, 0.18, 0.36, 0.54, and 0.72 g <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>). Under medium P, N<img>CQDs application significantly improved growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical dynamics. Biomass accumulation in leaves, stems and roots increased by 16–29%, while root length, surface area, diameter, and volume were enhanced by 9–21%. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration improved by 33%, 12%, and 14%, respectively, alongside a 10% decline in intercellular CO<sub>2</sub>. Chlorophyll fluorescence and SPAD values were enhanced by 6–20% and 8%. Biochemical analysis revealed similar gains; tuber starch, ATP, and protein content increased by 17–38%, whereas proline and phenolics/flavonoids decreased by 18–23%. Consequently, nutrient partitioning analysis revealed that medium P with 0.36<em>g</em> <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup> N<img>CQDs achieved the highest leaf P concentration (31–56%) and P uptake efficiency (22%) over the low P control. Correlation and PCA analyses confirmed strong associations among P acquisition, root architecture, photosynthesis, and yield. Overall, N<img>CQDs demonstrated a sustainable nano-enabled approach to boost crop productivity under limited phosphorus conditions. Future multi-omics studies will elucidate the molecular networks and regulatory genes involved in P metabolism, providing novel insights for root architecture and PUE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114645"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114642
Minjian Liang , Bin Huai , Junjun Lin , Hanjun He , Mei Bai , Hong Wu
Plant transcription factors play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress resistance. Among them, the NAC transcription factor family is involved in the process of programmed cell death (PCD) during plant growth and development.
PCD is involved in the development process of the secretory cavities in the fruit of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachiensis’. During PCD in secretory cavity cells, Ca2+ -dependent and Zn2+ -dependent nucleases collaboratively participate in the degradation of the cell nucleus. However, there are still few studies on the transcription factors that regulate the synergistic action of these two types of nucleases in secretory cavity cells PCD. Therefore, this study investigated the transcription factors involved in the regulation of the synergistic action of Ca²⁺-dependent and Zn²⁺-dependent nucleases which participate in nuclear degradation during the development of secretory cavities in Citrus reticulata ‘Chachiensis’ fruits. In this study, three NAC transcription factors CrNAC2, CrNAC87-like and CrNAC100, were obtained and identified. We found that CrNAC2 had a specific expression peak in the middle initial cell stage of the secretory cavity development. While CrNAC87-like and CrNAC100 were mainly specifically expressed in the late initial cell stage and the lumen-forming stage of the secretory cavity development. These results indicated that three transcription factors were involved in the forming of secretory cavity. Through yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays, it was found that CrNAC2 negatively regulated the expression of Ca2+ -dependent nuclease CrCAN, whereas CrNAC87-like and CrNAC100 positively regulated the expression of Zn2+ -dependent nuclease CrENDO1. Therefore, we hypothesize that during the development of secretory cavities in Citrus fruits, CrNAC2 negatively regulates the Ca²⁺-dependent nuclease, which mediates limited fragmentation of nuclear DNA in the middle initial cell stage. Subsequently, during the late initial cell stage and the lumen-forming stage, CrNAC87-like and CrNAC100 positively regulate the Zn²⁺-dependent nuclease to completely degrade the nuclear DNA. This study provides additional experimental data for understanding the regulation of nucleases by NAC transcription factors in plant programmed cell death.
{"title":"NAC transcription factors regulate Ca2+ -dependent and Zn2+ -dependent nucleases to cooperatively participate in nuclear DNA degradation during programmed cell death in secretory cavity cells of Citrus fruits","authors":"Minjian Liang , Bin Huai , Junjun Lin , Hanjun He , Mei Bai , Hong Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant transcription factors play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress resistance. Among them, the NAC transcription factor family is involved in the process of programmed cell death (PCD) during plant growth and development.</div><div>PCD is involved in the development process of the secretory cavities in the fruit of <em>Citrus reticulata</em> ‘Chachiensis’. During PCD in secretory cavity cells, Ca<sup>2+</sup> -dependent and Zn<sup>2+</sup> -dependent nucleases collaboratively participate in the degradation of the cell nucleus. However, there are still few studies on the transcription factors that regulate the synergistic action of these two types of nucleases in secretory cavity cells PCD. Therefore, this study investigated the transcription factors involved in the regulation of the synergistic action of Ca²⁺-dependent and Zn²⁺-dependent nucleases which participate in nuclear degradation during the development of secretory cavities in <em>Citrus reticulata</em> ‘Chachiensis’ fruits. In this study, three NAC transcription factors CrNAC2, CrNAC87-like and CrNAC100, were obtained and identified. We found that <em>CrNAC2</em> had a specific expression peak in the middle initial cell stage of the secretory cavity development. While <em>CrNAC87-like</em> and <em>CrNAC100</em> were mainly specifically expressed in the late initial cell stage and the lumen-forming stage of the secretory cavity development. These results indicated that three transcription factors were involved in the forming of secretory cavity. Through yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays, it was found that CrNAC2 negatively regulated the expression of Ca<sup>2+</sup> -dependent nuclease <em>CrCAN</em>, whereas CrNAC87-like and CrNAC100 positively regulated the expression of Zn<sup>2+</sup> -dependent nuclease <em>CrENDO1</em>. Therefore, we hypothesize that during the development of secretory cavities in <em>Citrus</em> fruits, CrNAC2 negatively regulates the Ca²⁺-dependent nuclease, which mediates limited fragmentation of nuclear DNA in the middle initial cell stage. Subsequently, during the late initial cell stage and the lumen-forming stage, CrNAC87-like and CrNAC100 positively regulate the Zn²⁺-dependent nuclease to completely degrade the nuclear DNA. This study provides additional experimental data for understanding the regulation of nucleases by NAC transcription factors in plant programmed cell death.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"357 ","pages":"Article 114642"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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