Open Access
REVIEW
Gian Marco Ludovici1,2,*, Paola Amelia Tassi2, Alba Iannotti2,3, Colomba Russo2,3, Francesco Gargallo di Castel Lentini4, Timothy Alexander Mousseau5, Andrea Malizia1,2
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.083056
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multi-Omics Insights into Plant Acclimation to Environmental Stress)
Abstract The detonation of nuclear weapons, beginning with the Trinity test in New Mexico and followed by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, created distinct environments of ionizing radiation exposure. While the ecological consequences of reactor accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima have been extensively investigated, the potential evolutionary implications of historical weapons testing for plant communities remain comparatively underexplored, particularly in arid ecosystems. This review synthesizes available, yet fragmented, evidence to examine the hypothesis that residual radionuclides in arid test-site environments may have acted as potential selective pressures influencing plant persistence and stress-associated traits in native… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Xianfeng Zhou1,2,3, Shaogang Lei1,*, Xinfeng Li2, Zhaojie Zhang2, Lijiao Jin2, Jingcheng Zhang3, Dongmei Chen3,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.080299
Abstract Accurate recognition of visually similar pest species remains a major challenge in agricultural vision, given that existing datasets often lack sufficient taxonomic structure, confusable categories, and quantitative analysis of class-level visual difficulty. To address these limitations, we present AP60, a taxonomy-guided benchmark dataset for fine-grained pest recognition, comprising 62,091 images from 60 pest categories and organized according to insect taxonomy. A distinctive characteristic of AP60 is the deliberate inclusion of morphologically confusable taxa, which enables more realistic evaluation of recognition models under biologically meaningful fine-grained settings. Beyond dataset construction, we introduce a feature-level confusion analysis… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Renjie Li#, Ruiya Li#, Yuying Li, Lili Guo, Qi Guo, Xiangnan He, Yunxin Zhou, Xiaogai Hou*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.083737
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Crop Genetics and Breeding for Sustainable Agriculture)
Abstract SEP3, one of the SEPALLATA (SEP) genes, plays a crucial role in the regulation of floral organ morphogenesis in plants. However, its specific function and molecular regulatory mechanisms remain largely unclear in tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.). In this study, the PsSEP3L1 sequence of the tree peony cultivar ‘Luoyang Hong’ was obtained by homologous cloning. The open reading frame of PsSEP3L1 is 738 bp and encodes 245 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PsSEP3L1 was most closely related to the SEP3 homolog from cassava. The expression level of PsSEP3L1 in petals, petaloid petals, and stamens was significantly higher than… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Svetlana Goryunova1,2,*, Margarita Lebedeva1, Aya Trifonova1, Denis Goryunov2,3, Anastasia Sivolapova2, Aleksey Troitsky3, Igor Loskutov4, Vitalii Pukhalskiy1
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.077294
Abstract Twenty-six cultivated and wild oat species with genomes of varying ploidy levels are currently known worldwide. The search for informative markers, as well as the analysis of variability and phylogeny of oat species, represents a key research directions with both fundamental and applied significance. Chloroplast microsatellites are promising markers for studying groups of closely related species, particularly in the context of allopolyploid origin analyses. The transferability of chloroplast microsatellite markers among species belonging to different “core pooids” supertribes within the Pooideae subfamily of Poaceae has been demonstrated. Following preliminary screening, twelve primer pairs were selected… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Sumit Sow1,#, Alkajyoti Sharma2,#, Mainak Ghosh3,*, Nintu Mandal4, Sanjay Kumar2, Shivani Ranjan5,*, Souvik Sadhu6, Dibyajyoti Nath7, Harun Gitari8, Rakesh Panday9
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.081362
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Application of Nanomaterials in Plants)
Abstract Increasing population pressure and growing constraints on cultivable land and water resources necessitate improving resource use efficiency through the adoption of advanced and efficient agricultural technologies. With finite resources and a growing global population, agriculture has become increasingly essential as a source of food, fiber, and livestock. Due to their eco-friendly nature, the integration of crop improvement strategies with nanotechnology and plant biostimulants (PB) plays an important role in the development of smart and sustainable agriculture. Improved agricultural techniques have the potential to transform agricultural systems, and as a result, could be a viable option… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Hanane Oucif1,2,*, Miloud Benaissa1,2, Leila Saddikioui3, Nadia Y. Asfouri3, Meriem F. Meliani1, Zineb Belhamra1,2, Djilali Baghdadi1,2
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.080926
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and Plant Stress)
Abstract Enhancing lipid productivity in microalgae is a critical goal for advancing sustainable biofuel production. Among emerging strategies, the supplementation of plant growth regulators (PGRs) has gained attention as a potential approach for modulating microalgal metabolism. This in silico study evaluated the predicted binding of sixty-five PGRs from 11 chemical classes to five microalgal enzymes associated with lipid biosynthesis, (FabD, KASII, FabG, FATA, and GPAT) using an integrative computational workflow combining virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Structure-based screening identified fifty-eight compounds with docking scores below −5.0 kcal/mol, consistent… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Lorena E. Romero-Chávez1,*, Emilee Calero-Rios2, Uriel Aldava-Pardave3, Elvis Ottos-Díaz1, Noelito Salgado-Veramendi3, Eldhy S. Huerto-Pajuelo4, Carolina Ibarra-Porras4, Richard A. Solórzano-Acosta2
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.081119
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant–Soil Interactions Under Stress: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies)
Abstract The exploration and identification of spontaneous weed species in heavy metal–contaminated soils represent a relevant approach for understanding the role and their potential application in phytoremediation. In cacao cultivation, cadmium contamination poses a significant risk due to the restrictions established for soils and cacao-derived products, thereby threatening productive sustainability and export viability. The objective of this study was to identify weed species associated with cacao cultivation exhibiting accumulation patterns and phytoremediation potential for Cd and Pb, through the assessment of biomass production and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), in natural conditions. Soil… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Zixin Lin1, Cen Xiong2, Yanli Yu1, Sy-Yu Shiau1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.080430
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Ornamental Plants: Traits, Flowering, Aroma, Molecular Mechanisms, Postharvest Handling, and Application)
Abstract Anthocyanins (ACNs), a major class of water-soluble flavonoid pigments, are responsible for the vivid red, purple, and blue hues in many edible ornamental flowers. Recently, increasing attention has been directed toward these flowers not only for their aesthetic value but also for their nutritional and functional potential, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, and cardioprotective activities. This review summarizes current knowledge on the source and biosynthesis pathways of ACNs in edible ornamental flowers, highlighting the key enzymes and regulatory genes involved. Factors affecting ACN stability, such as chemical structure, pH, temperature, light, oxygen, water activity,… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Antonio Santos-Rufo1,*, Carlos Weiland-Ardáiz1, Jose A. Dueñas2
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.082736
Abstract Seed germination in blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) is frequently constrained by deep physiological dormancy, limiting its use in breeding and germplasm studies. This study evaluated the combined effects of cold stratification (CS) and static magnetic field (SMF; 80 mT) exposure on germination performance and associated biochemical changes related to starch metabolism. Seeds of the commercial cultivar ‘Loch Ness’ were subjected to different stratification periods and magnetic treatments prior to germination under laboratory conditions. Some SMF + CS combinations showed higher germination than the untreated control, although overall germination remained low. Higher germination values were associated with… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Xin Li#, Xiaoming Tian#,*, Guangfeng Xiang, Lan Zhou, Gaofei Li, Lu Zhu, Chao Liu, Xiangpeng Li, Li Liu, Tianyi Jiang, Cun Mou, Hao Lv*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.079853
Abstract Quercus is widely distributed globally and holds significant ecological and economic value. However, the morphological classification of this genus has long been controversial, with the core issue being whether the Cyclobalanopsis should be treated as an independent genus or as a subgenus within Quercus. In this study, the chloroplast genomes of eight Quercus species were determined and analyzed. Among these, the complete chloroplast genome of Quercus pachyloma is reported for the first time, alongside newly published chloroplast genome data for seven other Quercus species collected from Hunan and Jiangxi provinces in China. All eight species exhibited a typical quadripartite… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Mazin Ahmed Abdelraouf1,2, Xiaoqi He1, Hind Abdelmonim Elsanosi1,3, Tiantian Zhu1, Jinghui Shi1, Ullah Habib1, Li Song1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.079749
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Crop Genetics and Breeding for Sustainable Agriculture)
Abstract The fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein (FLA) family is involved in important plant wall formation and mechanical strength of the stems, and has never been systematically characterized in soybean (Glycine max), a huge crop in which stem lodging has been the cause of significant losses in yield. Here, we found that the soybean genome has 64 GmFLA genes, or a considerable increase over Arabidopsis, rice, and poplar, and these genes were grouped into three phylogenetic clusters (A, B, and C) that have varied domain structures. Evolutionary studies showed that duplication of segments was the most common cause of family… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Jongwon Park1,#, Jinhyoung Lee2,#, Gunhee Lee1, Eunji Lee1, Jiwoo Kim1, Seunghwan Wi2, Tae-Cheol Seo2, Seonghoe Jang1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.082849
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Responses to Abiotic Stress)
Abstract Heat stress severely impairs plant growth and productivity, particularly in cool-season crops such as Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis). While short-term heat responses have been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying prolonged heat stress adaptation remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we conducted an integrative analysis of Chinese cabbage exposed to sustained high temperatures. Our approach combined physiological characterization, antioxidant profiling, and transcriptome-wide gene expression analysis to dissect long-term heat stress responses. Prolonged heat stress caused marked growth inhibition, including leaf chlorosis and a 39% reduction in leaf length by day 9. Biochemical analyses revealed a progressive… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Yuan Chen#, Sumeera Asghar#, Hanfei Li, Ju Cai, Yin You, Yan Li*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.080045
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Ornamental Plants: Traits, Flowering, Aroma, Molecular Mechanisms, Postharvest Handling, and Application)
Abstract The TIFY transcription factor family plays a major role in plant growth and development. Petal size is a very important agronomic characteristic in the ornamental species of Verbena bonariensis. This study identifies 16 TIFY genes (VbTIFYs) in the V. bonariensis genome. Phylogenetic reconstruction divided these genes into six distinct subclades, indicating a high degree of homology between Verbena bonariensis and Arabidopsis thaliana. Promoter sequence analysis illustrated that the promoters of TIFY genes harbor not only cis-acting elements related to hormone regulation, but also functional motifs involved in light responses and low-temperature adaptation. Chromosomal localization results shows that VbTIFY genes… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Argyrios Kalaitzidis1, Anastasia Zotou1, Dimitra Loka2, Paraskevi Mpeza1, Persephone Archimandriti1, Nicholas E. Korres1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.081379
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Responses to Abiotic Stress)
Abstract The effects of water stress on the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) were investigated in a pot experiment under greenhouse conditions. Both species were exposed to four irrigation levels: no stress (1000 mL H2O), mild stress (800 mL H2O), moderate stress (600 mL H2O), and severe stress (400 mL H2O), with treatments applied every 2 days over a period of eight weeks. The results demonstrated the negative impacts of water stress, especially under moderate and severe conditions. Specifically, there was a reduction in height and dry weight in both species, with… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Sajida1,#, Hamdy Kashtoh2,#, Tensangmu Lama Tamang2,*, Kwang-Hyun Baek2,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075288
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Abiotic Stresses and Plant Defences in Climate Change)
Abstract Drought represents a major environmental challenge, limiting water availability to plants and disrupting their physiological functions and growth, particularly in dryland regions. Traditional strategies, including water conservation practices, plant breeding, and advanced tools such as genetic engineering, have been employed to enhance drought tolerance. However, these methods are often time-consuming and expensive. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) present a promising alternative by forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots and boosting drought resilience. PGPR enhances plant tolerance to drought-induced water stress through complex biochemical and physiological mechanisms, including phytohormone modulation, exopolysaccharides production, nutrient uptake, and gene regulation.… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Muhammad Nazim1,2,*, Abdul Ghafoor3,*, Abida Hussain4, Mehwish Tabassum5, Aamir Nawaz6, Muhammad Ahmad7, Murad Muhammad1,2, Muqarrab Ali4
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.058970
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Soil Microbe-Plant Interactions: Unveiling Mechanisms of Biostimulants in Stress Tolerance)
Abstract In recent years, the world has faced rising global temperatures, accumulative pollution, and energy crises, stimulating scientists worldwide to strive for eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions. Biochar has materialized as a
favorable tool for environmental remediation, indicating efficacy as an efficient sorbent substance for both
inorganic and organic pollutants in environmental field. These unique properties exclude improved surface
functionality, porous morphology, large specific surface area (SSA), cation exchange capacity (CEC), robust
adsorption capabilities, environmental stability, and embedded micronutrients. Biochar exhibited potential
characteristics for environmental oversight, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, and soil fertility improvement. This review… More >
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