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This image provides a comprehensive visual summary of our review paper on strategies to enhance tomato resistance against both biotic and abiotic stresses. At the heart of the illustration, vibrant, healthy tomato fruits symbolize the ultimate goal: cultivating resilient plants capable of thriving in challenging environmental conditions. The left panel focuses on the plant’s defense mechanisms against biotic stressors, such as pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and pests. A prominent shield icon represents the tomato’s innate immune system, which is further strengthened by beneficial soil microbes. These microbes play a crucial role by activating natural defense pathways within the plant’s roots, effectively priming the plant’s immune responses. Arrows illustrate the signaling process, showing how beneficial microbes stimulate the roots to produce defensive compounds and bolster overall plant health. The shield not only signifies protection but also emphasizes the synergy between the plant’s innate defenses and microbial allies, creating a formidable barrier against harmful pathogens. This integrated approach highlights the importance of leveraging biological agents and natural defense mechanisms to develop tomato varieties with enhanced resilience, ultimately leading to healthier crops and improved agricultural productivity in the face of environmental challenges.
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  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Systematic Review of Machine Learning Applications in Sustainable Agriculture: Insights on Soil Health and Crop Improvement

    Vicky Anand1, Priyadarshani Rajput1, Tatiana Minkina1, Saglara Mandzhieva1, Santosh Kumar2, Avnish Chauhan3, Vishnu D. Rajput1,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1339-1365, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063927 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Integrated Nutrient Management in Cereal Crops)
    Abstract The digital revolution in agriculture has introduced data-driven decision-making, where artificial intelligence, especially machine learning (ML), helps analyze large and varied data sources to improve soil quality and crop growth indices. Thus, a thorough evaluation of scientific publications from 2007 to 2024 was conducted via the Scopus and Web of Science databases with the PRISMA guidelines to determine the realistic role of ML in soil health and crop improvement under the SDGs. In addition, the present review focused to identify and analyze the trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with the successful implementation of ML in… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Microbial Strategies for Enhancing Nickel Nanoparticle Detoxification in Plants to Mitigate Heavy Metal Stress

    Hua Zhang, Ganghua Li*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1367-1399, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064632 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Metabolic Mechanisms of Plant Responses to Stress)
    Abstract Soil naturally contains various heavy metals, however, their concentrations have reached toxic levels due to excessive agrochemical use and industrial activities. Heavy metals are persistent and non-biodegradable, causing environmental disruption and posing significant health hazards. Microbial-mediated remediation is a promising strategy to prevent heavy metal leaching and mobilization, facilitating their extraction and detoxification. Nickel (Ni), being a prevalent heavy metal pollutant, requires specific attention in remediation efforts. Plants have evolved defense mechanisms to cope with environmental stresses, including heavy metal toxicity, but such stress significantly reduces crop productivity. Beneficial microorganisms play a crucial role in… More >

    Graphic Abstract

    Microbial Strategies for Enhancing Nickel Nanoparticle Detoxification in Plants to Mitigate Heavy Metal Stress

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Fruit Crops Focusing on Sustainable Production

    Meryam Manzoor1, Konstantin Korolev2, Maryam3, Riaz Ahmad4,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1401-1418, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063930 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Fruit Resistance Research and Applications)
    Abstract The productivity of fruit crops is badly affected by abrupt changes in climatic conditions. It is a matter of concern for fruit tree researchers to feed the huge population within the available resources. The adverse effects of abiotic stresses are increasing due to fluctuations in climate change. Several abiotic stresses (salinity, drought, water logging, minerals deficiency, temperature extremities and heavy metals) are reducing the overall productivity of crops. Therefore, the application of different management approaches, i.e., phytohormones, nanoparticles, organic amendments, microbes and molecular aspects are effective for the mitigation of abiotic stresses in fruit crops.… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Advances in PGPR-Mediated Plant-Pathogen Control for Food Security and Ecosystem Stability

    Sajid Ali*, Yong-Sun Moon*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1419-1451, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064284 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multi-Level Mechanisms in Plant-Pathogen Interactions)
    Abstract This review focused on the role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in enhancing plant growth and protecting against pathogens, highlighting their mechanisms of action, ecological benefits, and challenges. PGPR mediate plant growth through several mechanisms, including nutrient acquisition, production of antimicrobial compounds and induction of systemic resistance. These mechanisms are critical in improving crop yields, especially under stressful conditions. This review examines the molecular mechanisms of PGPR-mediated plant pathogen control, cellular mechanisms of PGPR in plant pathogen control, ecological and environmental benefits of PGPR application. Despite their potential, PGPR application is limited by environmental variability,… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    REVIEW

    Strengthening Tomato Resilience: Harnessing Microbial Consortia to Overcome Biotic and Abiotic Stress

    Oumaima Benaissa1,2,3, Mohammed Taoussi1,4, Ikram Legrifi1,2, Zineb Belabess3, Abderrahim Lazraq2, Rachid Lahlali1,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1453-1495, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064598 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plants Abiotic and Biotic Stresses: from Characterization to Development of Sustainable Control Strategies)
    Abstract Tomato cultivation faces formidable challenges from both biotic and abiotic stressors, necessitating innovative and sustainable strategies to ensure crop resilience and yield stability. This comprehensive review delves into the evolving landscape of employing microbial consortia as a dynamic tool for the integrated management of biotic and abiotic stresses in tomato plants. The microbial consortium, comprising an intricate network of bacteria, fungi, and other beneficial microorganisms, plays a pivotal role in promoting plant health and bolstering defense mechanisms. Against biotic stressors, the consortium exhibits multifaceted actions, including the suppression of pathogenic organisms through antagonistic interactions and… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    SHORT COMMUNICATION

    A Gel-Free Budget-Friendly Approach to GFP-Tagged Viruses Quantification in Plant Samples

    Rohith Grandhi, Mélodie B. Plourde, Aditi Balasubramani, Hugo Germain*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1497-1504, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063974 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multi-Level Mechanisms in Plant-Pathogen Interactions)
    Abstract Viral diseases are an important threat to crop yield, as they are responsible for losses greater than US$30 billion annually. Thus, understanding the dynamics of virus propagation within plant cells is essential for devising effective control strategies. However, viruses are complex to propagate and quantify. Existing methodologies for viral quantification tend to be expensive and time-consuming. Here, we present a rapid cost-effective approach to quantify viral propagation using an engineered virus expressing a fluorescent reporter. Using a microplate reader, we measured viral protein levels and we validated our findings through comparison by western blot analysis More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    HPLC-DAD Profiling and Diuretic Effect of Solanum elaeagnifolium (Cav.) Aqueous Extract: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approach

    Bouslamti Mohammed1, Nouioura Ghizlane1, Tbatou Widad1, Mohamed Chebaibi2,3, Abdulsalam Alhalmi4, Najoua Soulo1, Sulaiman Mohammed Alnasser5, Fahad M Alshabrmi6, Amine Elbouzidi7,*, Lyoussi Badiaa1, Benjelloun Ahmed Samir1
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1505-1518, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063896 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Innovative Strategies in Medicinal Plant Biotechnology: From Traditional Knowledge to Modern Applications)
    Abstract The Solanum genus is known for its diverse bioactive compounds, yet its diuretic potential remains understudied. This research commenced with an analysis of polyphenol and flavonoid content in Solanum elaeagnifolium leaf extract (SEFE) using colorimetric techniques, followed by HPLC-DAD to delineate its chemical composition. The aqueous extract revealed prominent constituents: naringin (12.38%), quercetin 3-O-B-D-Glucoside (27.25%), and flavone (15.26%). A 15-day study on normal rats investigated the diuretic potential of SEFE at repeated doses. SEFE significantly increased urine volume and urinary sodium/potassium levels without inducing hypokalaemia, contrasting with furosemide, a standard diuretic that induced hypokalaemia. Conversely, furosemide, a… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Interplay of Temporal Variation in Nectar Parameters and Pollinator-Mediated Adaptations in Epimedium wushanense

    Lanying Chen1,2, Yifu Cai3, Qiumei Quan3,*, Yunxiang Li3
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1519-1532, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064112 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Ornamental Plants: Micropropagation, Plant Biotechnology, Chromosome Doubling, Mutagenesis, Plant Breeding, Environmental Stress Tolerance, and Postharvest Physiology)
    Abstract This study investigates the diurnal patterns of nectar secretion, sugar content, and caloric value in Epimedium wushanense, and their interaction mechanisms with pollinator behavior under varying environmental conditions. Nectar secretion exhibited a diurnal pattern, peaking between 11:00 and 13:00, with progressive increases in both volumes (19.07 ± 1.66 μL/day) and caloric value (6.03 ± 0.55 cal/day) over four consecutive days, culminating in maximal production on Day 4 (p < 0.05). Floral bagging significantly altered nectar traits (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05), with bagged inflorescences demonstrating 61.82% higher nectar volume productivity relative to unbagged controls. Pollinator visitation,… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Chemical Characterization of Jarilla caudata Seeds from Mexico

    Juan Francisco Zamora Natera1,*, Mario Felipe González González1, Javier Vioque2, Julio Girón-Calle2, Manuel Alaiz2
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1533-1544, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064966 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Chemistry and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities)
    Abstract Jarilla caudata Standl. (Caricaceae) is a wild herbaceous plant native to Mexico recognized for its edible fruits. It is considered to be the closest taxonomically species to Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae), whose seeds have good nutritional and functional properties. This study analyzes and compares the seed chemical compositions of J. caudata and C. papaya to study the nutritional and functional potential of J. caudata seeds. The analysis of the proximate composition was based on standard methods. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the free amino acid profile, gas chromatography to quantify the fatty acid content, and inductively coupled plasma–optical… More >

    Graphic Abstract

    Chemical Characterization of <i>Jarilla caudata</i> Seeds from Mexico

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Morpho-Physiological Indices for Identification of Heat Tolerant Wheat Genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) at Seedling Stage

    S. Y. Labonno, M. S. Raihan, M. Mohi-Ud-Din, A. K. M. Aminul Islam*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1545-1563, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063916 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Responses to Biological and Abiotic Stresses)
    Abstract Morpho-physiological evaluation of a crop’s genetic resources is necessary to find possible genotypes to include in breeding initiatives. The objective of this study was to identify heat-tolerant wheat genotypes among36 mutant lines using morpho-physiological indices. Seedlings of mutant lines and check varieties were grown under both normal (control) and heat-stress conditions in growth chambers. Data were recorded on root-shoot parameters (length, fresh weight, dry weight, and ratio), relative water content (RWC), stability of cell membrane, pigment content, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Two-way analysis of variance showed significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) variation among15 morpho-physiological features… More >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Combining Ammonium Molybdate with Antagonistic Bacteria for Effective Control of Brown Rot Disease

    Kenza Bouzoubaa1,#, Rachid Ezzouggari1,2,#, Abdellatif Boutagayout1, Rachid Lahlali1,*
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1565-1586, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063517 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Innovations in Post-Harvest Disease Control and Quality Preservation of Horticultural Crops)
    Abstract This study investigates the compatibility and efficacy of combining ammonium molybdate (AM) with antagonistic bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B10W10 and Pseudomonas sp. B11W11 for brown rot control (Monilinia laxa). In vitro experiments reveal variable mycelial growth inhibition rates compared to untreated controls, with B11W11 + 0.5% AM and B10W10 + 2% AM displaying the highest inhibition rates after 5 days. After 10 days, the 2% AM + B10W10 combination exhibits the highest inhibition rate. Microscopic observations show structural alterations in mycelium within inhibition zones, marked by vacuolization. The antagonistic bacteria, alone or with different ammonium molybdate concentrations, significantly impact M. laxaMore >

  • Open AccessOpen Access

    ARTICLE

    Ascorbic Acid Alleviates Salt Stress on the Physiology and Growth of Guava Seedlings

    Jackson Silva Nóbrega1,*, Geovani Soares de Lima1, Jean Telvio Andrade Ferreira2, Julio Cesar Agostinho da Silva1, Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos Soares1, Valéria Fernandes de Oliveira Sousa1, Paulo Vinicius de Oliveira Freire1, Reynaldo Teodoro de Fátima1, Flávia de Sousa Almeida1, Hans Raj Gheyi2, Josemir Moura Maia3
    Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1587-1600, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063633 - 29 May 2025
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants: Physio-biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms)
    Abstract The Northeast region is the main producer of guava in Brazil, generating employment and income. However, water availability means that producer’s resort to using water with high salinity, which harms plant development, especially during the seedling formation phase. The adoption of techniques that mitigate the deleterious effect of salinity is increasingly necessary, such as the use of elicitors such as ascorbic acid. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphophysiology of guava seedlings under saline and ascorbic acid levels. The study was carried out by applying treatments composed of five saline levels (SL… More >

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