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

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 >

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

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 >

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

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 >

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

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 >

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

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

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

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 >

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

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 >

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

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 >

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

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 >

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

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 >