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The cover image illustrates the crucial role of biostimulants in enhancing plant resilience against various abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, salinity, and heavy metal contamination, which threaten global agriculture and food security. Biostimulants, which encompass organic, inorganic, and microbial formulations, mitigate these stresses by inducing physiological and biochemical modifications in plants. These modifications include optimizing water use efficiency by regulating stomatal closure, reducing oxidative damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and stabilizing ion channels to maintain cellular homeostasis under adverse conditions. Additionally, biostimulants promote root development, improve nutrient uptake, and activate stress-related signaling pathways, ultimately strengthening plant defenses and promoting growth. This visual representation underscores the transformative potential of biostimulants in modern agriculture. Their application enhances crop productivity and supports sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on chemical inputs. As climate change exacerbates environmental stresses, biostimulants offer a promising, eco-friendly strategy to ensure food security and resilience in agricultural systems. This cover image is a compelling visual narrative of how biostimulants contribute to plant adaptation and survival in an increasingly challenging environment.
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  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Enhancing Plant Resilience to Abiotic Stress: The Power of Biostimulants

    Su-Ee Lau1,2,*, Lucas Wei Tze Lim3, Mohd Fadhli Hamdan4, Colin Chan5, Noor Baity Saidi6, Janna Ong-Abdullah6, Boon Chin Tan1,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 1-31, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059930 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Recent Bio-stimulants and Their Physiological Effects in Alleviating or Overcoming Various Environmental Stresses)
    Abstract Abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, and heavy metal contamination severely affect global agricultural productivity. Between 2005 and 2015, droughts caused losses of approximately USD 29 billion in developing countries, and from 2008 to 2018, droughts accounted for over 34% of crop and livestock yield losses, totaling about USD 37 billion. To support the growing human population, agricultural output must increase substantially, necessitating a 60%–100% rise in crop productivity to meet the escalating demand. To address environmental challenges, organic, inorganic, and microbial biostimulants are increasingly employed to enhance plant resilience through various morphological, physiological,… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Biochar, Properties and Skills with a Focus on Implications for Vineyard Land and Grapevine Performance

    Pamela Lippi, Giovan Battista Mattii, Eleonora Cataldo*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 33-64, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059997 - 24 January 2025
    Abstract Biochar has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing vineyard sustainability by improving soil properties and mitigating climate change impacts. This review highlights key findings on biochar’s role in viticulture, focusing on its effects on soil fertility, water retention, and plant physiology. Field and pot studies demonstrate that biochar amendments enhance soil structure, increase cation exchange capacity (CEC), and promote water availability, leading to improved drought resistance in grapevines. However, the impacts on grape yield, physiology, and quality remain inconclusive, with some studies reporting benefits while others show neutral effects. Future research should focus on More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Biochar as a Climate-Smart Agricultural Practice: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Promoting Sustainable Farming

    Muhammad Nazim1,2,*, Abdul Ghafoor3,*, Abida Hussain4, Mehwish Tabassum5, Aamir Nawaz6, Muhammad Ahmad7, Murad Muhammad1,2, Muqarrab Ali4
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 65-99, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.058970 - 24 January 2025
    (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 >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Combining Ability and Heterotic Effects in Newly Developed Early Maturing and High-Yielding Maize Hybrids under Low and Recommended Nitrogen Conditions

    Mohamed M. Kamara1,*, Nora M. Al Aboud2, Hameed Alsamadany3, Abeer M. Kutby4, Imen Ben Abdelmalek5, Diaa Abd El-Moneim6, Motrih Al-Mutiry7
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 101-122, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.058033 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Integrative Approaches to Plant Stress Responses under Changing Climate Conditions)
    Abstract Nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient vital for the growth and productivity of maize. However, excessive nitrogen application can result in numerous environmental and ecological problems, such as water pollution, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, breeding maize hybrids resilient to low nitrogen conditions is crucial for sustainable agriculture, especially under low nitrogen conditions. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the combining ability and heterosis of maize lines, recognize promising hybrids, and study gene action controlling key traits under low and recommended N stress conditions. The half-diallel mating design hybridized seven maize inbreds, resulting… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Transcriptome Analysis of Derris fordii and Derris elliptica to Identify Potential Genes Involved in Rotenoid Biosynthesis

    Yanlin Pan1, Yibin Zhang1, Xingui Wang1, Hongbo Qin1, Lunfa Guo1,2,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 123-136, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059598 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Transcriptional Regulation and Signal Transduction Networks in Plant Growth, Development, Morphogenesis, and Environmental Responses)
    Abstract Derris fordii and Derris elliptica belong to the Derris genus of the Fabaceae family, distinguished by their high isoflavonoid content, particularly rotenoids, which hold significance in pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Rotenone, as a prominent rotenoid, has a longstanding history of use in pesticides, veterinary applications, medicine, and medical research. The accumulation of rotenoids within Derris plants adheres to species-specific and tissue-specific patterns and is also influenced by environmental factors. Current research predominantly addresses extraction techniques, pharmacological applications, and pesticide formulations, whereas investigations into the biosynthesis pathway and regulatory mechanism of rotenoids remain relatively scarce. In this study, we… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Exogenous Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) Modulate Physiological Characteristics, Photosynthesis, Secondary Metabolism and Antioxidant Defense System in Peganum Harmala L. under Nickel Stress

    Marwa Rezgui1,#,*, Wided Ben Ammar1, Muhammad Nazim2,3,#, Walid Soufan4, Chiraz Chaffei Haouari1
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 137-155, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.058851 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Integrative Approaches to Plant Stress Responses under Changing Climate Conditions)
    Abstract Nickel (Ni) toxicity significantly impairs plant growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism by inducing oxidative stress. This study evaluates the potential of exogenous Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) in mitigating Ni-induced stress in Peganum harmala L. Seedlings were exposed to 0, 200, 500, and 750 μM NiCl2, with or without AKG supplementation. Under 750 μM Ni stress, dry weight (DW) decreased by 33.7%, tissue water content (TWC) by 39.9%, and chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll levels were reduced by 17% and 15%, respectively. Ni exposure also significantly increased secondary metabolite production, with leaf anthocyanin content rising by 131%, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Calmodulin-Like Proteins in Tobacco

    Mengjie Xu, Anbin Wang, Tonghong Zuo, Hecui Zhang, Zhihao Hu, Liquan Zhu*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 157-179, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.060566 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Genetic Diversity and Evolution)
    Abstract Calmodulin-like (CMLs) proteins are critical in calcium signaling and essential for plant growth, development, and stress responses. In many species, the CMLs families have been identified and described. However, the characterization and expression profiling of CMLs genes in tobacco is retrievable. In this study, a comprehensive whole-genome identification and analysis, and 75 NtCML genes were identified in tobacco, each containing two to four EF-hand domains. Most NtCML proteins exhibited conserved gene structures and motifs. Notably, most NtCML proteins were intron-less and distributed across 18 chromosomes. Two pairs of tandemly duplicated genes and seven pairs of segmentally More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Analyzing the Cytotoxic and Genetic Impact of Datura stramonium Extract on MCF7 and HT29 Cancer Cells: A Metabolite and Gene Expression Study

    Fayez Althobaiti1, Hadeer Darwish1,*, Raghad Alruqayb1, Saqer S. Alotaibi1, Fahad E. Alharthi2, Ibrahim Jafri1, Sarah Awwadh Altalhi1, Ghadi Alsharif3,4, Hussam Awwadh E Althagafi5, Hesham Noureldeen6, Sarah Alharthi7, Jawaher Albaqami2, Najla Amin T. Al Kashgry2, Ahmed Noureldeen2
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 181-198, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059387 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research in Medicinal Plants)
    Abstract The interest in using the Datura stramonium plant is due to its natural products, which are used in many pharmaceutical industries. The objective of the current study was to assess the therapeutic and cytotoxic effects of the D. stramonium plant on two types of human cancer cell models (MCF7 and HT29) in vitro. A soxhlet apparatus was used to obtain methanolic extract from dried plant leaves. The recovered crude, after the solvent had evaporated, was then dispersed at varied concentrations of extract 100, 50, 20, and 0.0 µg/mL and tested to see how the cells responded. Also,… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    One Novel Nortriterpenoid from the Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity

    Yan Wu1, Xuerui An1, Haofan Lv1, Zhiqiang Zhao1, Wei Liu1,2,*, Chunpeng Wan1,3,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 199-207, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059581 - 24 January 2025
    Abstract A novel pair of oleanane nor-triterpenes, with compound 1 featuring a unique 18α-H structure, was isolated from mastic, and this compound represents a noteworthy new entity not previously reported in the literature. The absolute configurations of their structures were further determined using a combination of different analytical methods such as NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD). The compound actively mitigated inflammations by efficiently quenching nitric oxide (NO) synthesis within an ex vivo system using lipopolysaccharide activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, compound 1 exhibit a better IC50 concentration of More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Thymus serpyllum L. Essential Oil: Phytochemistry and in Vitro and in Silico Screening of Its Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

    Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli1, Hanae Naceiri Mrabti2, Amine Elbouzidi3,*, Naglaa S. Ashmawy4,5, Amine Batbat6, Emad M. Abdallah7, Wafa Laaboudi8, Mohammed Aladhadh9, Fahad M. Alshabrmi10, Sulaiman Mohammed Alnasser11, Mohamed Addi3, Naoufal El Hachlafi12
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 209-227, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.060438 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Biological Activities of Essential Oils)
    Abstract Thymus serpyllum L., often known as wild thyme, has been used since ancient times due to its multifaceted culinary and medicinal attributes. It is usually utilized in folk medicine to manage different health issues. This work aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological characteristics of T. serpyllum essential oil (EO), including its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Moreover, we have prompted an in-silico simulation to reveal the underlying mode of action of these properties. The chemical characterization of T. serpyllum (EO) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated sabinene (17.33%), terpinen-4-ol (11.73%), phellandral (13.18%), and thymol (10.54%) as main… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Impact of Seed Halopriming on Germination, Morphological Traits, and Cry1Ac Gene Expression in Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

    Wenqi Shi1,#, Binyameen Bin Shafqat2,#, Muhammad Arif1, Ayesha Fazal Nawaz3, Muhammad Amir Zia4, Xu Ling1, Dingli Hong1, Ruhong Xu1,*, Luhua Li1,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 229-241, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059315 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Recent Research Trends in Genetics, Genomics, and Physiology of Crop Plants)
    Abstract Seed priming is an effective seed pretreatment technology that enhances germination and overall crop performance by optimizing seed hydration and metabolic processes before planting. Seed quality is a critical determinant of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) crop performance, influencing germination, plant vigor, and yield. This study evaluates the effects of seed priming with potassium salts (1% and 2% KCl and K2SO4) on germination, morphological traits, and Cry1Ac gene expression in three Bt cotton cultivars (IUB-2013, NIAB-878B, FH-142) as Cry1Ac enhance the pest resistance in Bt cotton and reduce the plant’s dependence on chemical insecticides. Seeds were primed for six hours, air-dried,… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Effects of Chlorine-Based Fertilizers on Tomato Growth under Soilless Culture

    Fei Li1,2, Meili Ding1, Hui Yuan1, Siping Wang1, Bin Liang2,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 243-250, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059499 - 24 January 2025
    Abstract This study investigated the effects of chlorine-based fertilizers under varying nitrogen solution concentrations in a soilless culture system. The experiment included four nitrogen solution concentration levels, with nitrogen concentrations of 6 mmol/L (C1), 12 mmol/L (C2), 18 mmol/L (C3), and 24 mmol/L (C4). Each nutrient concentration level was further divided into four chloride ion treatments (R1, R2, R3, and R4), where 100%, 60%, 33%, and 0% of the NH4+ and K+ ions were derived from NH4Cl and KCl, respectively. The length, surface area and volume of root were significantly higher by 25.3%~136.9%, 40.1%~173.1%, 27.9%~178.0%, respectively, in the… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Assessment of Salinity Tolerance and Ecotypic Variability in Vicia narbonensis L.: Morphological, Physiological, and Biochemical Responses

    Hocine Bougrine1,2, Salah Hadjout1,*, Mohamed Zouidi1, Abdeldjalil Belkendil1, Amer Zeghmar1, Chaouki Boulekdam1, Walid Ouaret3, Walid Soufan4, Fathi Abdellatif Belhouadjeb5, Amar Mebarkia2
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 251-267, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.060096 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants: Physio-biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms)
    Abstract Salinity stress is a major challenge for global agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, limiting plant productivity due to water and soil salinity. These conditions particularly affect countries along the southern Mediterranean rim, including Algeria, which primarily focuses on pastoral and forage practices. This study investigates salinity tolerance and ecotypic variability in Vicia narbonensis L., a fodder legume species recognized for its potential to reclaim marginal soils. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses were assessed in three ecotypes (eco2, eco9, and eco10) exposed to different salinity levels (low, moderate, and severe). The study was conducted using… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Effects of Paclobutrazol Seed Soaking on Non-Structural Carbohydrate and Grain Enrichment in Direct-Seeded Rice

    Qiang Zhang1,#, Dongsheng Gai1,#, Yong Liu1, Weiyang Liu1, Pengcheng Fu1, Xiwen Shao1, Xuanhe Liang2, Yanqiu Geng1,*, Liying Guo1,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.1, pp. 269-279, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.060551 - 24 January 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Crop Managements and Crop Adversity: Strategies, Mechanisms, and Implements)
    Abstract The yield of direct-seeded rice (DSR) was constrained by inadequate grain filling. Recent studies have indicated that paclobutrazol application plays a significant role in enhancing crop agronomic traits and increasing yield. This study aimed to examine the effects of paclobutrazol seed soaking (PSS) on non-structural carbohydrate accumulation and grain enrichment in DSR, potentially providing a theoretical foundation for achieving high-yield DSR cultivation. The experiment utilized two rice varieties, Jiyujing (JYJ) and Jijing305 (JJ305), with seeds soaked in paclobutrazol concentrations of 0 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1. PSS demonstrated increased chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and… More >

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