Yanlin Pan¹, Yibin Zhang¹, Xingui Wang¹, Hongbo Qin¹, Lunfa Guo^1,2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059598

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 observed… More >

Qiang Zhang^1,#, Dongsheng Gai^1,#, Yong Liu¹, Weiyang Liu¹, Pengcheng Fu¹, Xiwen Shao¹, Xuanhe Liang², Yanqiu Geng^1,*, Liying Guo^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.060551

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 >

Fayez Althobaiti¹, Hadeer Darwish^1,*, Raghad Alruqayb¹, Saqer S. Alotaibi¹, Fahad E. Alharthi², Ibrahim Jafri¹, Sarah Awwadh Altalhi¹, Ghadi Alsharif^3,4, Hussam Awwadh E Althagafi⁵, Hesham Noureldeen⁶, Sarah Alharthi⁷, Jawaher Albaqami², Najla Amin T. Al Kashgry², Ahmed Noureldeen²

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059387

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, the… More >

Marwa Rezgui^1,#,*, Wided Ben Ammar¹, Muhammad Nazim^2,3,#, Walid Soufan⁴, Chiraz Chaffei Haouari¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.058851

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 >

Pamela Lippi, Giovan Battista Mattii, Eleonora Cataldo^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059997

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 >

Muhammad Nazim^1,2,*, Abdul Ghafoor^3,*, Abida Hussain⁴, Mehwish Tabassum⁵, Aamir Nawaz⁶, Muhammad Ahmad⁷, Murad Muhammad^1,2, Muqarrab Ali⁴

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.058970

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 >

Yan Wu¹, Xuerui An¹, Haofan Lv¹, Zhiqiang Zhao¹, Wei Liu^1,2,*, Chunpeng Wan^1,3,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059581

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 11.69 More >

Su-Ee Lau^1,2,*, Lucas Wei Tze Lim³, Mohd Fadhli Hamdan⁴, Colin Chan⁵, Noor Baity Saidi⁶, Janna Ong-Abdullah⁶, Boon Chin Tan^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059930

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 >

Wenqi Shi^1,#, Binyameen Bin Shafqat^2,#, Muhammad Arif¹, Ayesha Fazal Nawaz³, Muhammad Amir Zia⁴, Xu Ling¹, Dingli Hong¹, Ruhong Xu^1,*, Luhua Li^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.059315

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 >

Bouazza Chami^1,2, Nabil Touzout², Souad Guemouri-Athmani¹, Djamel Baali-Cherif³, Adil Mihoub⁴, Jakub Černý^5,*, Muhammad Farhan Saeed⁶, Aftab Jamal^7,*, Hayi Mohamed Yassine⁸, Yaser Hassan Dewir⁹, Aurelio Scavo¹⁰

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.059865

Abstract Intensive agricultural practices have undeniably reduced soil fertility and crop productivity. Furthermore, alkaline calcareous soils represent a significant challenge for agricultural production, particularly durum wheat, which is vital for ensuring food security. It is therefore essential to explore new cereal management strategies to maintain food production and promote crop sustainability. The application of soil microorganisms, particularly plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), as inoculants to enhance crop production is a growing area of interest. This study investigates the effects of the rhizobacteria Paenibacillus polymyxa SGH1 and SGK2, applied both individually and in combination, on the growth and… More >