Plant-environment interactions (Hoboken, N.J.)最新文献

Forest soils are a critical component of the global carbon cycle, yet the impact of forest composition on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in tropical regions remains poorly quantified. Understanding the differences between mono-dominant and mixed-species forests is essential for climate change mitigation strategies. This study provides a comparative assessment of SOC stocks in two major forest types of the Nepal Terai: Sal (Shorea robusta) mono-dominant forests and Terai Mixed Hardwood (TMH) forests. Soil samples were collected from three depth intervals (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm) in five replicate plots for each forest type in Kapilvastu District. Bulk density was measured using the core method, and SOC was determined via the Walkley-Black wet oxidation technique. SOC stocks were calculated and differences between forest types were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean SOC stock in the top 30 cm was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in TMH forests (18.25 ± 1.2 t ha^-1) compared to S. robusta forests (15.35 ± 0.9 t ha^-1). Bulk density was significantly lower in TMH soils, while SOC concentration decreased significantly with depth in both forest types. The topsoil (0-10 cm) layer contained the largest proportion of the total SOC stock. The findings demonstrate that mixed hardwood forests in the terai Nepal store significantly greater amounts of soil carbon than S. robusta-dominated forests. This suggests that forest composition is a key determinant of carbon sequestration potential. Conservation and promotion of mixed-species forests should be prioritized in forest management and carbon incentive programs, such as REDD+, to enhance terrestrial carbon sinks and mitigate climate change.

The accelerating impacts of climate change pose significant threats to global food security, highlighting critical vulnerabilities within the agricultural system. As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, global temperatures have increased by 0.6°C over the 20th century, with projections indicating further increases of 0.1°C-2°C per decade. These trends are expected to reduce crop productivity and food availability, potentially leaving up to three billion people undernourished by 2050. Therefore, diversification of agricultural cropping systems is crucial, especially through the incorporation of underutilized and resilient crops like millets. Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses, exhibit tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress and can thrive under harsh environmental conditions such as poor soil fertility, low rainfall, drought, and salinity, making them particularly suitable for climate-vulnerable agro-ecosystems. As C4 crops, they have high photosynthetic efficiency and shorter growth durations than many C3 staples. These small-grain cereals are rich sources of gluten-free proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, and can contribute to improved nutritional security. Additionally, bioactive compounds present in grains offer therapeutic properties against various disorders and diseases, highlighting their promising nutraceutical potential. Furthermore, advances in biotechnological approaches, including molecular markers and genetic improvement techniques, offer opportunities to enhance stress tolerance and nutritional traits. This review provides insights into millets' role in food security, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, examines their stress-adaptive traits, and discusses advances in genomics and biotechnology. Although it integrates findings from previous studies, this review presents a new integrative perspective focused on enhancing millet cultivation within agricultural systems.

Photosynthetic florets support reproductive development and energetic seed provisioning of semi-arid bunchgrasses whose population dynamics rely mainly on sexually produced propagules. Photosynthetic gas exchange studies including crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) have found compensatory increases in seed-head photosynthesis following floral defoliation are accompanied by reduced light-adapted PSII quantum yield (ϕ _PSII). We undertook a field experiment to ascertain if altered ϕ _PSII and optimal PSII quantum yield (F _v/F _m) were concurrent with higher quantum yield of regulated (ϕ _NPQ) or unregulated (ϕ _NO) non-photochemical PSII absorbed energy dissipation. We quantified these responses in directly affected basal florets, and in unclipped distal florets to establish indirect responses to tissue loss. Clipping basal florets reduced F _v/F _m and increased ϕ _NPQ, indicating effective engagement of regulated non-photochemical photoprotection, but did not reduce ϕ _PSII compared to unclipped controls. Florets distal to clipped basal florets had higher ϕ _PSII but not F _v/F _m, with concurrently lower ϕ _NO compared to those distal to unclipped controls, possibly due to improved electron transport due to carbon supplementation from damaged basal florets to developing distal propagules. These results demonstrate crested wheatgrass possesses a remarkably integrated reproductive photosynthetic apparatus, facilitating its ability to consistently produce viable seed cohorts under conditions that limit native bunchgrasses reproductive success.

Potato is the world's third most important food crop, yet its production relies heavily on pesticides, creating a need for sustainable alternatives. We assessed how straw mulching, a practice known to improve soil fertility, enrich microbial activity, and suppress diseases, affects below-ground bacterial community structure and functional potential across different potato-associated sample types. A field experiment was conducted in northern Sweden using two potato cultivars under mulched and control soil conditions. Samples from the rhizosphere, root, soil, and tuber peel were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing (Illumina platform) to assess bacterial diversity and community composition. Straw mulching significantly increased bacterial richness and altered community structure across sample types and cultivars. Copiotrophic genera, which thrive in nutrient-rich environments, included Rhodanobacter, Mucilaginibacter, Flavobacterium, and Pseudomonas, and were enriched in rhizosphere, root, and tuber peel. Oligotrophs such as Bryobacter and Candidatus Solibacter dominated the soil and are known to contribute to organic matter turnover and plant growth. Notably, in the peel of one cultivar (King Edward), the abundance of Pseudomonas increased 5-7-fold, correlating with elevated starch and ascorbic acid contents of the tubers. In conclusion, the effect of straw mulching on soil bacterial communities and tuber quality appears to be diverse and cultivar dependent. Long-term and large-scale studies are needed to evaluate cumulative impacts on soil health, yield, and resilience.

Tomato farmers in southern Ghana incur losses due to the infection of crops by the tomato spotted wilt virus (Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae). The occurrence of the virus varies among individual tomato crops, influenced by the vector population and changing weather patterns. This study investigates the effect of early spring weather conditions (February-March) on the risk of occurrence of tomato spotted wilt virus in tomato-producing regions in southern Ghana. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with farmers in the Ada East and West Districts to generate information on the period, frequency and the severity of tomato spotted wilt virus occurrences for the period 2020-2023. Meteorological data for the focal years were analyzed to identify the weather variables that influenced the occurrence of the virus, including the specific months of occurrence. Logistic regression analysis shows a high correlation between temperature and the occurrence of TSWV. Findings indicate that high temperature (29°C-32°C) recorded between January and March in the area correlate with farmers' observations of the virus. Observation by farmers that the viral infection started from March imply that it could have originated in the nursery and transported to the farm. The practical implication of the findings for management requires that farmers plant resistant varieties, frequent scouting for thrips, adoption of hygienic cultural practices, while agricultural extension agents and meteorological stakeholders provide farmers with timely agronomic information and accurate weather forecasts to enable early detection and response.

Diploknema butyracea, also known as the Himalayan butter tree, is mainly valued for its butter-producing seeds and ecological significance. In addition to being significant for its traditional usage, it has lately gained popularity in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries for its pharmacological and therapeutic significance. All components of the tree contain beneficial phytochemicals, including phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and essential fatty acids, and possess bioactive properties, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Chiuri seeds contain over 60% fat and are used to produce chiuri butter with skin-healing properties and industrial applications. Despite being culturally integrated with its economic and medicinal importance, D. butyracea faces challenges from deforestation and overexploitation. This plant is underexplored and not widely promoted in accordance with its worth. This review describes the physicochemical and phytochemical composition of different components of D. butyracea. Detailed study of literature for this review was performed using databases like PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus. Moreover, the botanical description, ecology and distribution, processing methods, and medicinal and industrial applications are also discussed, providing insight into its potential for sustainable development in the region. This review aims to emphasize the multifaceted importance of D. butyracea from all the available information and encourage further exploration into its commercial importance in sustainable food systems and ecological potential.

Drought stress poses a significant challenge to growth and productivity of major tuber crops, particularly cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). These crops are among the most widely cultivated tubers globally and play a critical role in food and nutritional security, especially in drought-prone regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America. Several studies have highlighted that metabolites such as sucrose, proline and arginine contribute to osmotic adjustment, cellular protection and energy balance under drought stressed conditions. However, a comprehensive synthesis of drought-induced metabolic responses and associated pathways utilized by major tuber crops remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and evaluate the metabolic responses and pathways altered under drought stress in major tuber crops (cassava, potato and sweet potato). A cross-study analysis of peer-reviewed research articles retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases identified 223 metabolites reported to be significantly altered under drought-stressed compared with non-stressed conditions across 30 original research articles published between 2010 and 2024. MetaboAnalyst platform was used to map metabolites to their respective pathways and to quantify pathway enrichment. The higher number of drought-responsive metabolites was reported in potato, followed by sweet potato, reflecting the greater availability of metabolomics studies for these crops, whereas the limited metabolite information for cassava is attributable to fewer published studies rather than reduced drought responsiveness. Trehalose and proline were found to be the most commonly studied and highly affected metabolites across the three crops. Enriched metabolic pathways included glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, the citrate cycle, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, galactose metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. The present findings clearly call for further research to expand metabolomics investigations, particularly in cassava which is widely promoted for its climate resilience across sub-Saharan Africa, to unravel regulatory mechanisms linking metabolites, gene expression and drought-adaptive phenotypes. Therefore, an integration of metabolomics with transcriptomics and proteomics could also provide a more comprehensive overview of the tuber crops' responses to drought stress, helping in accelerating breeding efforts while ensuring improved food security.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the important legumes globally, serving as an affordable and valuable protein source for humans and livestock. However, selecting the most suitable genotype across diverse environmental conditions remains a major challenge due to significant genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI). In addition, the quantitative inheritance of resistance to soybean rust and grain yield further complicates breeding efforts. This study aimed to assess the performance and stability of newly developed soybean genotypes regarding resistance to soybean rust and grain yield. Twenty-two newly developed genotypes and two check varieties were evaluated using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during five consecutive cropping seasons in six distinct locations in Uganda. GEI patterns were examined, and stable, high-performing genotypes were found using genotype and genotype-by-environment (GGE) biplot analysis. The effects of genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) on soybean rust resistance, hundred-seed weight (HSW), and grain yield were all highly significant (p ≤ 0.01). The study revealed that genotypes 6N × SG-P-3-2, 6N × SG-P-2, and 6N × SQ-7 consistently performed better than all the other genotypes for soybean rust resistance, hundred seed weight, and grain yield across the six locations and five cropping seasons. Notably, these genotypes also demonstrated high stability for the three critical traits, making them strong candidates for varietal release. The results of this study provide valuable and new insights for soybean breeding programs in Uganda and the broader Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a pathway for the development and release of rust-resistant, high-yielding soybean varieties adapted to varying agro-ecological zones.

The legume, Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), offers high nutritional value with consumer market appeal as an affordable plant-based protein source. Ranking third in global importance after soybean and pea, faba bean provides significant amounts of carbohydrates and essential micronutrients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of planting date (spring vs. fall) on the seed composition of six faba bean varieties: Grano, Ziyad, Aprovecho, EN3, EN47, and Windsor. Planting date significantly influenced protein and carbohydrate contents as well as the protein-to-energy (PE) ratio, but had no significant effect on calorie, ash, or fat content. Fall planting resulted in higher carbohydrate content but lower protein levels and PE ratio compared to spring planting. Among the varieties, Ziyad recorded the highest protein content (26.3%) and the lowest carbohydrate content (60.6%). Additionally, fall planting increased calcium concentration and density, while spring planting enhanced the levels and density of iron, magnesium, and sodium. Potassium content varied significantly among varieties, with EN3 having the lowest (1260 mg/100 g) and Grano the highest (1580 mg/100 g). EN3 (625 mg/100 g) and EN47 (624 mg/100 g) had the lowest phosphorus levels, whereas Ziyad (750 mg/100 g) and Aprovecho (755 mg/100 g) showed the highest. These results highlight the critical role of planting date in determining the nutritional composition of faba bean seeds. Further studies are recommended to investigate amino acid profiles, detailed carbohydrate composition, and fatty acid content across different genotypes and sowing dates.

Riparian vegetation plays a critical role in maintaining ecological integrity along river corridors, yet it is highly sensitive to changes in hydrological and geomorphic conditions, particularly in sediment-influenced tropical river systems. In many Philippine rivers, increased sediment deposition and landscape disturbance have altered riparian structure and floristic composition, underscoring the need for site-specific baseline assessments. This study aimed to document the floristic composition, vegetation structure, and spatial patterns of riparian vegetation along the downstream reach of the Amnay River in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, as a baseline for understanding current riparian conditions in a sediment-influenced river corridor. Vegetation surveys were conducted using transects and quadrats established along the riverbanks, where species composition, growth form, and structural attributes were recorded. Species importance values and diversity indices were calculated to characterize vegetation dominance and diversity patterns across sampling sites. Riparian vegetation communities were mapped to describe spatial distribution and fragmentation. A total of 125 plant species representing 40 families were recorded, with vegetation dominated by herbaceous and disturbance-tolerant taxa, particularly members of Poaceae and Fabaceae. Woody vegetation was limited and occurred mainly as isolated remnant patches, resulting in low vertical complexity and fragmented spatial structure. Species diversity varied among sampling sites, reflecting localized differences in substrate stability and vegetation cover. The findings provide a baseline characterization of riparian vegetation in a sediment-influenced tropical river system and highlight the persistence of remnant woody vegetation within an otherwise simplified riparian corridor. This baseline information is essential for future monitoring, comparative studies, and the evaluation of riparian management and restoration efforts.