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Yu Yang^1,*, Biao Jia¹, Xin Ma^1,*, Hailing Shang¹, Shuai Lou¹, Chao Zhang¹, Jianming Zhao¹, Min Li¹, Jiali Bao¹, Zhongbo Wang², Dongjie Jia³
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.081047 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Integrated Approaches to Crop Yield Enhancement)
Abstract Small berries, represented by strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and aronia berries, are increasingly valued worldwide for their rich nutritional content and economic potential. This review systematically outlines the growth characteristics of these berries, with a focused analysis on strawberries-including their ecological adaptations and responses to soil, water, temperature, light, and nutrition. It further elaborates on the integrated technical system for protected strawberry cultivation, covering cultivar selection, seedling propagation, transplanting, water and nutrient management, environmental control, flower and fruit regulation, green pest control, and post-harvest handling. The paper also discusses innovative models for industry development, such as More >

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Abdul Ghafoor^1,*, Muhammad Munir^2,*, Khalid Turk¹, Muhammad Tahir³, Umair Riaz⁴, Adnan Mustafa⁵
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.080990 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Application of Nanomaterials in Plants)
Abstract Agricultural systems increasingly face interacting abiotic and biotic stresses driven by climate change and soil degradation. Plant performance under such conditions is determined by coordinated networks of functional traits governing resource acquisition, allocation, and defense. These traits also structure plant-associated microbiomes, whose activities influence nutrient cycling, stress buffering, and disease suppression. This review synthesizes current evidence that agricultural nanomaterials enhance crop stress resilience primarily by reprogramming plant functional trait networks and, through them, modulating microbiome dynamics. We analyze how nanomaterial physicochemical properties including size, surface chemistry, dissolution behavior, and redox activity determine their bioavailability and… More >

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REVIEW

Ioana Crișan^*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.078817 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: The Biological Activity of Essential Oils, Volume II)
Abstract Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae), commonly called garden sage or Dalmatian sage, is an aromatic species native to the Mediterranean Basin and one of the oldest medicinal herbs. Culinary importance is well attested historically and has continued relevance for contemporary regional gastronomy, particularly in Europe. Traditionally, it has been used for medicinal infusions, to flavor or preserve meat, and in the production of cheese specialties. Today, it is recognized for its commercial and industrial value. This work aims to provide an up-to-date look at the economic botany of this species, with special reference to the essential oil (EO)… More >

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Alla I. Perfileva¹, Konstantin V. Krutovsky^2,3,4,5,6,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.078352 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Application of Nanomaterials in Plants)
Abstract The article presents the study of the effect of nanocomposites (NCs) based on selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a matrix of natural polysaccharides—arabinogalactan (AG), carrageenan (CAR), and starch (ST)—on the content of chlorophylls (Chls) and carotenoids in potato tissues in vitro. Potatoes were grown for 28 days on Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium with the addition of a NC, then pigments were isolated from leaf tissues, and their content was determined spectrophotometrically. Both a stimulating effect and an inhibitory effect of different NCs on the pigment content were found. Se and Cu… More >

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183

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Sijun Bao¹, Yingping Chen^1,2,3, Xiaoqiang Wei^1,2,3, Long Tan^1,2,3, Lihui Wang^1,2,3,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.080248 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Ethnobotanical Innovations: Exploring Traditional Plant Uses for Modern Solutions)
Abstract This study aimed to elucidate the effects of varying seedling ages at planting on the agronomic traits and nutrient content of stem lettuce. The early-maturing variety “WS120” and the late-maturing variety “WS1” were employed as experimental materials. Four seedling age treatments were established at 20, 25, 30, and 35 d. By measuring the agronomic traits and nutrient content of the stem lettuce, we employed correlation analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and the membership function method for a comprehensive evaluation. This study aims to elucidate the optimal planting age for stem lettuce in plateau regions.… More >

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207

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ARTICLE

Matteo Gentilini^1,2,3, Sofia Mangili², Alberto Selvaggi^4,5, Rodolfo Gentili^1,*, Brigitte Marazzi^2,3
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.078024 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Managing Invasive Alien Species: Understanding Impacts for Implementing Ecosystems Restoration)
Abstract Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (Johnson grass, Poaceae) is a worldwide problematic alien species, rapidly expanding its alien range in Europe. This study reconstructed the spread history, and assessed the current distribution, ecological traits, and invasion potential of this species in the Insubric region of northern Italy and southern Switzerland. Herbarium and occurrence data showed that its spread began in the late 19th century and has accelerated recently in the foothill zone, progressing northward and upward. High-cover populations occurred in anthropogenic habitats, especially ruderal and agricultural areas. Morphological analyses revealed statistically significant site-dependent differences in plant height… More >

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Meng Zhao¹, Shuai Li¹, Yuanyuan Zhang^2,3, Yunduan Qin^2,3, Yu Xu^2,3, Chunyang Feng^2,3, Kekang Su^2,3, Xinlei Guo^2,3, Changwei Shen^1,*, Jingping Yuan^2,3,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.077668 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Plant Nutrition-Mechanisms, Regulation, and Sustainable Applications)
Abstract Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is a typical potassium (K)-demanding crop that is highly sensitive to soil K availability. Severe soil potassium deficiency in production fields frequently impairs both yield and quality. Therefore, screening for potassium-efficient varieties is essential for identifying germplasm resources and breeding materials tolerant to low-K conditions. To evaluate genetic variation in potassium utilization efficiency, 12 Chinese cabbage germplasms were assessed under two field conditions: with adequate potassium supply (K₂O 165 kg/ha) and without potassium application (K₂O 0 kg/ha). Fourteen parameters, including yield, plant growth, potassium content, and potassium accumulation, were measured and compared.… More >

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Wessam M. Serag El-Din^1,*, Kamal E. Attia¹, Taghreed E. Eissa^2,*, Tarek M. Noor El-Deen², Hadeer Darwish^1,3, Ghadah H. Al Hawas^4,5, Modhi O. Alotaibi^6,7
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.078357 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Crop Stress Mitigation for Enhanced Productivity and Quality)
Abstract Water salinity is a growing environmental concern that significantly impacts soil health, agricultural productivity, and freshwater sustainability, especially in arid regions. This study evaluated the comparative effects of foliar-applied glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on growth, flower yield, essential oil composition, and physiological responses of Matricaria chamomilla L. under water salinity levels. The experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons at the Experimental Farm of El-Quassassin, Ismailia, Egypt, using a factorial randomized complete block design with three replicates. Foliar applications of GSH (1, 2, and 3 mM) and H₂O₂ (5, 10, and 20 mM)… More >

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66

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Yuxian Liu^1,2, Jinzhuo Yao^1,2, Bangxing Han^1,2,*, Cheng Song^1,3,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.082999 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Hormone Signaling and Environmental Cue Integration: Mechanisms and Regulatory Networks)
Abstract Essential oil is one of the main active ingredients in the medicinal herb Peucedanum praeruptorum. However, limited studies have been conducted on the quality evaluation of this essential oil. Here, we performed an optimization and evaluation of P. praeruptorum volatile oil extraction using response surface methodology. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was employed to screen relevant biomarkers. A sensory evaluation of the volatile oil components of P. praeruptorum was conducted across different time periods, and aroma differences were examined. The optimal extraction process involved an extraction time of 4 h, a soaking time of 2 h, a… More >

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144

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Xiaoling Wang^1,*, Youyou Wang¹, Longkang Ni¹, Ruoyu Hao², Jiawei Cao¹, Hongfei Zhao¹, Liju Zhou¹
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.079810 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Plant Nutrition-Mechanisms, Regulation, and Sustainable Applications)
Abstract (1) Purpose: Sustainable forage production requires strategies that accelerate plant regrowth while reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the potential multifunctionality of a plant growth-promoting microorganism, strain S2_8_1, hypothesized to enhance ryegrass regrowth in association with increased rhizosphere nitrification and cytokinin-related plant responses. (2) Methods: Comparative experiments were conducted using S2_8_1 and a cytokinin producing Streptomyces strain (Shan2) under both soil and hydroponic conditions. Treatments were evaluated for biomass production, soil NO₃⁻-N content, nitrification rate, and leaf zeatin riboside (ZR) levels. Multiple linear regression was applied to quantify the relative contributions… More >

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38

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ARTICLE

Shaowei Zhang^1,2,#, Bingbing Li^3,#, Xiaogai Zhao^2,#, Guoqiang Fan^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.081526 - 27 May 2026
Abstract Growth regulatory factor (GRF) genes play a crucial role in plant growth and development, reproduction, metabolism, and stress resistance. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide integrated analysis of transcriptome and miRNA expression profiles in Paulownia fortunei challenged by phytoplasma infection, with a specific focus on elucidating the functional landscape of the PfGRF transcription factor (TF) family. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the PfGRF TF family. A total of 16 PfGRF genes were identified in this study, among which 13 were located on the chromosomes of P. fortunei. They were divided into six groups based on amino acid… More >

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17

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Zejin Zhang^1,2,#, Zhengnan Yan^3,#, Xiangyu Ding³, Weiming Ren³, Yarong Zhang³, Haoxu Shen³, Jinxiu Song⁴, Na Lu⁵, Ying Liang^1,2, Li Tang^1,2,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.083745 - 27 May 2026
Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) has shown great potential in agricultural applications, however, its concentration-dependent effects on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) growth, nutrient absorption, and root architecture remain unclear. In the present study, a hydroponic experiment was conducted with different GO concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L⁻¹) and setting the non-GO treatment (0.0 mg L⁻¹) as the control for cucumber plants (cv. Qingbaizao). The results showed that low to moderate concentrations (0.5–1.0 mg L⁻¹) significantly promoted cucumber growth, increased shoot and root biomass, enhanced the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and optimized root architecture by increasing cellulose and… More >

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32

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Emerson de Medeiros de Sousa^1,#, Salvador Barros Torres^2,#, Marciana Bizerra de Morais^3,#, Clarisse Pereira Benedito², Kleane Targino Oliveira Pereira², Moadir de Sousa Leite², Maria Valdiglezia de Mesquita Arruda², Jéssica Christie Dantas de Oliveira Costa², Roseane Rodrigues de Oliveira², Giovanna Dias de Sousa², Cynthia Cavalcanti de Albuquerque³, Marco Porceddu⁴, Gianluigi Bacchetta⁴, Francisco Vanies da Silva Sá^5,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.078410 - 27 May 2026
Abstract Semiarid regions are frequently affected by low water availability, which hinders the development of horticultural species such as melon (Cucumis melo L.). In this context, techniques that enhance drought tolerance are essential for more effective crop management. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance and antioxidant activity of different melon cultivars using seed pre-treatment with stress-attenuating agents. The experiment was conducted in two stages, both arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 50 seeds. In the first stage, a 3 × 5 factorial scheme was used, combining three levels of water deficit (0.0,… More >

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54

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ARTICLE

Bizhen Lin^1,#, Wenzhong Lin^2,#, Dongmei Lian¹, Susu Yuan¹, Weiying Wang^1,*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.082698 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Pests and Diseases and Biological Control)
Abstract Grafting is a common strategy to control bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) in susceptible crops, including pepper. However, the contribution of resistant rootstocks to scion immunity, beyond physical pathogen exclusion, requires further elucidation. In this study, susceptible ‘HF8’ scions were grafted onto six rootstock genotypes, and their resistance was evaluated via leaf-clip inoculation, which bypasses root-mediated physical barriers. Scions grafted onto resistant rootstocks exhibited restricted pathogen spread and higher survival rates; specifically, the NK4-HF8 combination demonstrated a 100% survival rate, compared to 11% in susceptible-rootstock combinations and 46% in self-grafted controls. Comparative transcriptomic profiling revealed distinct transcriptional… More >

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Elizeu Monteiro Pereira Júnior, Lorena de Souza Cunha, Andreza Sousa Carmo, Ana Clara Lucarini, Ynglety Cascaes Pereira Matos, Allan Klynger da Silva Lobato, Elaine Maria Silva Guedes Lobato^*
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.072138 - 27 May 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and Plant Stress)
Abstract Nickel (Ni) is an essential metallic micronutrient for optimal plant growth and development, regulator of essential metabolic processes, but its interaction with other essential nutrients can result in differences in the absorption of these nutrients, which can disrupt the ionic balance. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological performance and growth of soybean plants subjected to Ni levels applied via soil under Fe (iron) excess, determining the behavior of redox metabolism, gas exchange, and photosynthetic pigments. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a factorial 2 × 3, with… More >

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