Open Access

REVIEW

Lucija Galić, Zdenko Lončarić, Miroslav Lisjak^*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3297-3318, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.072504 - 01 December 2025
Abstract Phenolic compounds represent a broad and structurally diverse class of plant secondary metabolites with importance for both plant biology and human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of their biosynthesis, chemical diversity, multifaceted functions in plants, roles in the wider ecosystem, and significance in human nutrition and biotechnology. Primarily synthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway, these compounds encompass major classes such as lignin, flavonoids, and tannins. Within the plant, they perform critical functions including providing structural support (lignin), defending against biotic stresses (e.g., pathogens, herbivores), mediating ecological interactions (pollination, symbiosis, allelopathy), and protecting against abiotic… More >

View

233

Download

51

Open Access

REVIEW

Mingwei Yue¹, Shen Rao^1,*, Xiaomeng Liu¹, Wei Yang², Yuan Yuan¹, Feng Xu², Shuiyuan Cheng^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3319-3348, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.073602 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant and Environments)
Abstract Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, represents a major global environmental threat due to its widespread dispersion through anthropogenic activities. Environmental Cd contamination poses significant risks to living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. Certain plant species have evolved Cd hyperaccumulating capabilities to adapt to high-Cd habitats, playing critical roles in phytoremediation strategies. Here we review the biodiversity and biogeography of Cd hyperaccumulators, the underlying mechanisms of Cd uptake and accumulation, and the ecological impacts of hyperaccumulation. The major points are the following: twenty-four Cd hyperaccumulator species have been documented, with shoot Cd concentrations More >

View

360

Download

134

Open Access

REVIEW

Qinfu Sun, Junqiang Xing, Wanyu Zhang, Chen Lin^*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3349-3370, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.071525 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Responses and Adaptations to Environmental Stresses)
Abstract Extensive transcriptomic reprogramming is triggered by biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, with coordinated regulation mediated through multiple transcription factor families, such as WRKY, MYB, NAC, and BBX proteins. Among these, B-box (BBX) proteins represent a distinct class of zinc finger transcription factors characterized by the presence of conserved B-box domains. They serve as central regulators in plant photomorphogenesis and developmental processes. Accumulating genetic and biochemical evidence demonstrates that BBX family members orchestrate plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses through multifaceted molecular mechanisms, including the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, enhancement of… More >

View

80

Download

23

Open Access

REVIEW

Riya Tripathi, Varsha K. Singh, Palak Rana, Sapana Jha, Ashish P. Singh, Payel Rana, Rajeshwar P. Sinha^*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3371-3399, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.070712 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Metabolic Mechanisms of Plant Responses to Stress)
Abstract Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes. They exhibit remarkable metabolic adaptability, enabling them to withstand oxidative stress, high salinity, temperature extremes, and UV radiation (UVR). Their adaptive strategies involve complex regulatory networks that affect gene expression, enzyme activity, and metabolite fluxes to maintain cellular homeostasis. Key stress response systems include the production of antioxidants such as peroxidases (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS). To withstand environmental stresses, cyanobacteria maintain osmotic balance by accumulating compatible solutes, such as glycine betaine, sucrose, and trehalose. They also adapt to temperature and light fluctuations… More >

View

97

Download

33

Open Access

ARTICLE

Sheikh Showkat Ahmad¹, Chandni Garg¹, Dalia Fouad², Islam Abdulrahim Alredah³, Sandeep Kaur⁴, Satwinderjeet Kaur^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3401-3426, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.067984 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Linking the Gap Between Properties, Compounds and Cropping Strategy)
Abstract The Tragopogon dubius is traditionally used to treat many ailments, consumed as a vegetable, and utilized as fodder for livestock. Tragopogon dubius, found in the Kashmir Himalayas, is the least explored for its bioactivity properties and has a unique geographical location. This study is the first attempt to investigate the antioxidant, anticancer, and genoprotective properties of the aqueous extracts from the leaves (AQ-TrDL) and stems (AQ-TrDS) of this plant. AQ-TrDL and AQ-TrDS demonstrated significant amounts of phenolic and flavonoid contents. GC-HRMS identified various phytochemicals belonging to different classes, like carboxylic acids, fatty acid derivatives, phenols, and triterpenoids.… More >

View

193

Download

54

Open Access

ARTICLE

Cheng Song^1,*, Iftikhar Hussein Shah², Ghulam Abbas Ashraf³, Muhammad Arif⁴, Muhammad Aamir Manzoor^1,5,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3427-3451, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.070778 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Application of Nanomaterials in Plants)
Abstract Heavy metal pollution has become a pervasive environmental issue affecting numerous regions worldwide. Recently, there has been significant attention given to the application of nano-enabled technologies with the purpose of enhancing plant development and alleviating heavy metal stress. This study aimed to illustrate the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to enhance the morphological traits of D. huoshenense exposed to cadmium (Cd) stress. The chemical structure and elemental composition of the ZnO-NPs were characterised by a series of analytical methods, including X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectrometry, XPS, and TEM. Plant samples used were collected at 0, 5,… More >

Graphic Abstract

View

861

Download

374

Open Access

ARTICLE

Raquel Hidalgo-Sanz, María-Ángeles Del-Castillo-Alonso, Laura Monforte, Rafael Tomás-Las-Heras, Encarnación Núñez-Olivera, Javier Martínez-Abaigar^*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3453-3470, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.070087 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Adaptation Mechanisms of Grapevines to Growing Environments and Agricultural Strategies)
Abstract Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the main crops worldwide, and ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280–315 nm) radiation is emerging as a promising technical tool to enhance secondary metabolites that can contribute to the quality and health-promoting properties of both grapes and the resulting wines. However, few studies have assessed the effectiveness of UV-B supplements under field conditions. Here, we compared the effects of two different field UV-B treatments (a single supplement applied at pre-harvest, and a double supplement applied at both veraison and pre-harvest) on the phenolic composition of Tempranillo grape skins and the resulting wines.… More >

View

341

Download

127

Open Access

ARTICLE

Sena Yıldız¹, Nurhan Keskin^2,*, Birhan Kunter³, Harlene Hatterman-Valenti⁴, Ozkan Kaya^4,5,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3471-3492, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.073180 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Precision Fertilization and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Crops)
Abstract Climate change-driven environmental stresses, particularly ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, pose severe threats to grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) productivity and physiological stability. This study investigated the protective role of melatonin in in vitro plantlets of two grapevine cultivars, ‘Merlot’ and ‘Erciş’, subjected to low (≈8.25 μW cm⁻², 16 h) and high (≈33 μW cm⁻², 4 h) UV-B exposure. Significant cultivar-specific responses were observed (p < 0.001). The ‘Erciş’ cultivar exhibited higher oxidative stress, with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels reaching 24.30 mmol g⁻¹ FW in control plants compared with 14.91 ± 0.25 mmol g⁻¹ FW in ‘Merlot’. Melatonin provided dose-dependent mitigation, reducing MDA to… More >

View

429

Download

143

Open Access

ARTICLE

Vardhelli Soukya¹, Soumen Maitra^1,*, Nandita Sahana², Saikat Das³, Rupsanatan Mandal³, Arpita Mandal Khan¹, Arindam Das⁴, Ashok Choudhury⁵, Prodyut Kumar Paul⁶, Ahmed Gaber⁷, Mohammed M. Althaqafi⁸, Akbar Hossain^9,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3493-3508, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.071450 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Plant Breeding and Genetic Improvement: Leveraging Molecular Markers and Novel Genetic Strategies)
Abstract The present study investigated the genetic diversity of 24 germplasms of Polianthes tuberosa L. via 16 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker techniques. The research findings revealed that the ISSR markers presented higher levels of band reproducibility and were more efficient at clustering germplasms. Among the 16 markers examined in this study, 12 had a complete polymorphism rate of 100%. The molecular analysis revealed a PIC ranging from 0.079 to 0.373, with a mean value of 0.30, whereas the range of the marker index was from 0.0001 to 0.409, with an average value of 0.03, and More >

View

463

Download

161

Open Access

ARTICLE

Iván De-la-Cruz-Chacón, Christian Anabí Riley-Saldaña, Marisol Castro-Moreno, Claudia Azucena Durán-Ruiz, Alma Rosa González-Esquinca^*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3509-3526, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.072586 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Secondary Metabolism and Functional Biology Volume II)
Abstract The seedling phase represents an initial and critical stage for the establishment of individuals in the ecosystem. During this stage, specialized metabolites contribute to survival; however, studies analyzing the presence of these molecules and the reasons for their production and accumulation are still scarce. Annonaceae is a botanical family recognized for the chemodiversity of its secondary metabolites; nearly 1000 alkaloids have been reported in approximately 150 adult specimens. The aim of this study was to determine whether alkaloid biosynthesis in Annonaceae is expressed from early stages. For this purpose, Annona macroprophyllata, Annona muricata, Annona purpurea, and Annona reticulata seedlings,… More >

View

413

Download

149

Open Access

ARTICLE

Yue Ma^1,2, Douwen Qin^1,2, Weiqiang Liu^1,2, Xiuting Ju^1,2,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3527-3538, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.069643 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Ethnobotany: Value and Conservation)
Abstract Comprehensive evaluation based on mineral element content is one of the effective methods for the exploration and utilization of wild tulip germplasm resources. In this study, Tulipa iliensis, Tulipa tianschanica and Tulipa heterophylla distributed in China were used as the research objects. The contents of 10 mineral elements (N, K, P, S, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn) in roots, bulbs and leaves were determined, and the three wild tulips were comprehensively evaluated by correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed distinct variations in mineral element content among different organs of T. iliensis, T. tianschanica and T.… More >

View

245

Download

60

Open Access

ARTICLE

Qunlu Liu^1,#, Fiza Liaquat^1,2,#, Qiqi Tang¹, Jun Yang^3,4, Shuai Qiu⁵, Amber Malik², Kang Ye^3,4, Kai Gao⁵, Jun Qin^3,4,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3539-3562, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.071989 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Nutrient Dynamics in Improving Plant Productivity and Ecosystem Functioning: Adaptation and Resource Conservation)
Abstract Hydrangea macrophylla is a popular ornamental shrub with a lot of economic and aesthetic value. It is known for its different flower shapes (lacecap and mophead) and the way its flowers change color depending on the pH of the soil. Even though it is important for gardening, we still don’t know much about the molecular processes that lead to flower growth. The purpose of this study was to find and study SNP-related genes and transcription factors that are connected to the growth of H. macrophylla flowers. Genome-wide SNP analysis identified 11 SNPs associated with MYB transcription factors… More >

View

80

Download

22

Open Access

ARTICLE

Yousra Hammouti^1,2,*, François Mesnard², Oussama Khibech³, Mohamed Taibi¹, Yousra Belbachir³, El Hassania Loukili⁴, Reda Bellaouchi⁵, Abdeslam Asehraou⁵, Mohamed Addi^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3563-3583, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.071139 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Medicinal Plants and Natural Bioactives: From Pharmacology to Cosmeceutical Innovation)
Abstract Centaurium erythraea Rafn (“Gosset El Haya”) has long been prized in North African folk medicine, yet Moroccan chemobiological data remain scarce. Ethanol extracts of northern Moroccan aerial parts were profiled by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and found rich in phenolics, dominated by 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (57.8%) and naringin (10.3%). The extract exhibited strong antioxidant power in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of ≈74 µg mL⁻¹, and a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of ≈201 µg mL⁻¹ and selective antimicrobial activity, sharply inhibiting Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum, and Rhodotorula glutinis while sparing Staphylococcus aureus. In-silico absorption, distribution, metabolism,… More >

View

244

Download

55

Open Access

REVIEW

Nadia Lamsaadi¹, Oumaima Maarouf², Soukaina Lahmaoui², Hamid Msaad², Omar Farssi², Chaima Hamim², Mohamed Tamoudjout², Hafsa Hirt², Habiba Kamal², Majida El Hassni², Cherki Ghoulam^3,4, Ahmed El Moukhtari^5,*, Mohamed Farissi²
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3585-3610, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.072311 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants: Physio-biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms)
Abstract Abiotic stresses, such as drought, heavy metals, salinity, and extreme temperatures, are among the most common adverse threats that restrict the use of land for agriculture and limit crop growth and productivity. As sessile organisms, plants defend themselves from abiotic stresses by developing various tolerance mechanisms. These mechanisms are governed by several biochemical traits. The biochemical mechanisms are the products of key genes that express under specific conditions. Interestingly, the expression of these genes is regulated by specialized proteins known as transcription factors (TFs). Several TFs, including those from the bZIP, bHLH, MYB, HSF, WRKY,… More >

View

243

Download

55

Open Access

ARTICLE

Jie Jin¹, Tianci Wang¹, Yaning Wang¹, Jingqi Yao², Jinxiu Song^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3611-3632, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.070680 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Plant Nutrition-Mechanisms, Regulation, and Sustainable Applications)
Abstract In plant factory with artificial lighting, precise regulation of environmental and nutritional factors is essential to optimize both growth and quality of leafy vegetables. This study systematically evaluated the combined effects of light intensity (150, 200, 250 μmol/(m²·s)) and calcium supply in the nutrient solution (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mmol/L) on lettuce morphology, photosynthesis, quality indices, and tipburn incidence. Elevating light from 150 to 200 μmol/(m²·s) significantly enhanced leaf number, area, photosynthetic rate, biomass, and foliar calcium. These gains plateaued at 250 μmol/(m²·s), where tipburn incidence surged to 76.5%. Photosynthetic pigments progressively rose with light intensity. Calcium supply… More >

View

553

Download

292

Open Access

ARTICLE

Manzhu Liao¹, Lan Yang¹, Liehua Tie¹, Qiqiang Guo^1,*, Weilie Zheng^2,*, Jiangrong Li², Yongxia Li²
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3633-3652, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.072725 - 01 December 2025
Abstract Cupressus gigantea is an endemic endangered tree species in the Tibet Plateau, and studying the survival status of the different C. gigantea populations and revealing the main environmental factors that affect the population survival are particularly significant for the conservation and sustainable development of endangered species. Based on the 28 sample plots, the Hierarchical Cluster Method was used to classify the C. gigantea populations into four community types. Age structure diagrams were drawn based on the structure of each community, static life tables and survival curves were compiled, and the future development trends of each age group in… More >

View

136

Download

31

Open Access

ARTICLE

Shahin Imran^1,2, Maki Katsuhara^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3653-3665, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.073959 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Responses to Biological and Abiotic Stresses)
Abstract Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) employs the Na⁺ transporter HvHKT1;1, which is an N⁺-selective transporter. This study characterized the full-length HvHKT1;1 (HvHKT1;1-FL) and three mRNA variants (HvHKT1;1-V1, -V2, and -V3), which encode polypeptides of 64.7, 54.0, 40.5, and 32.9 kDa, respectively. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed that HvHKT1;1-FL is the most abundant transcript across leaf, sheath, and root tissues under normal conditions, with the highest expression in leaves. Under 150 mM NaCl stress, HvHKT1;1-FL and its variants showed a dynamic, time-dependent expression pattern, with peak leaf expression at 2 h, sheath expression at 12 h, and root expression at 2 h, suggesting their… More >

View

100

Download

24

Open Access

ARTICLE

Fang Liao, Xiurong Wang^*, Muyan Xie, Lixin Duan
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3667-3686, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.069653 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Metabolism Changes to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Responses and Possible Adaptations Strategies)
Abstract Bryophytes play important ecological roles in terrestrial ecosystems, but their growth is often influenced by environmental factors and chemical interactions with surrounding vegetation. Fallen leaves are an important source of allelopathic substances, yet little is known about their impact on mosses. This study investigates the allelopathic effects of fallen leaves from Cinnamomum camphora, Pinus massoniana, and Bambusa emeiensis on the bryophyte Thuidium kanedae in Guiyang. The litter aqueous extract (0.0125 g/mL (T1), 0.025 g/mL (T2), 0.05 g/mL (T3), 0.1 g/mL (T4) and distilled water control (CK)) was used to regularly water and culture T. kanedae. During the 120-day test period,… More >

View

208

Download

58

Open Access

ARTICLE

Nada Zaari Jabri¹, Mohamed Ait-El-Mokhtar^1,*, Fadoua Mekkaoui¹, Najwa Rabah¹, Ilham Amghar¹, Ghizlane Diria², Abdelaziz Hmyene¹
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3687-3701, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.071634 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Responses and Adaptations to Environmental Stresses)
Abstract Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a major environmental stressor that adversely affects crop germination and early development. This study assessed the impact of increasing Cd concentrations (0.125 to 1 g/L) on seed germination and early seedling growth in three bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars: Achtar, Lina, and Snina. The results revealed a clear dose-dependent inhibitory effect of Cd. Germination percentage (GP) significantly declined with increasing Cd levels, while mean germination time was progressively delayed, particularly at higher concentrations. Vigor index (VI) also showed significant reductions, reflecting compromised seedling establishment. Morphological traits, especially shoot and root lengths,… More >

View

278

Download

68

Open Access

ARTICLE

Chen Xu^1,#, Tianhao Luan^1,#, Zexin Qi², Xiaolong Liu³, Yaliang Liu⁴, Hui Sun⁵, Yueqiao Li¹, Ning Sun¹, Qian Li¹, Shaofeng Bian¹, Lihua Zhang^1,*, Hongxiang Zhao^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3703-3719, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.071324 - 01 December 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Abiotic Stress in Agricultural Crops)
Abstract Optimizing drip irrigation with straw mulch return represents a promising sustainable intensification strategy for revolutionizing regional water management. This 2-year controlled field experiment examined straw incorporation effects (removal and return) and drip irrigation levels (200, 350, 500 mm) on maize carbon-nitrogen metabolism, root bleeding sap characteristics, dry matter accumulation, and yield. Dry matter and yield increased with irrigation amount. Under 200–350 mm irrigation, straw return enhanced root bleeding intensity; elevated nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in bleeding sap; and promoted soluble sugar and hydrolyzed amino acid contents, establishing material foundations for yield formation. More >

View

67

Download

21

Open Access

REVIEW

Ruikang Ma^1,2, Ziying Huang¹, Zexiu Zhang³, Ruohui Lu⁴, Menghan Li¹, Zhiyi Luo³, Mengni Li⁵, Pengyue Zhang³, Xiaohong Lin³, Guozhuang Zhang^1,*, Linlin Dong^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3721-3748, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.072062 - 01 December 2025
Abstract Dendrobium officinale (DO) is a well-recognized medicinal and edible plant with a long history of application in traditional medicinal practices across China and Southeast Asia. Recent studies have demonstrated that DO is abundant in diverse bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (DOP), flavonoids, alkaloids, and bibenzyls thought to exert a range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects. However, our comprehensive understanding of two key aspects—pharmacological functions and biosynthetic mechanisms—of DO’s major constituents remains limited, especially when considered within the clinical contexts of traditional use. To address this gap, this study reviews DO’s historical applications, clinical effects, and… More >

Graphic Abstract

View

260

Download

83