Ruikang Ma¹, Guangfei Wei², Songzi Li², Tongle Li¹, Fugang Wei³, Yong Wang⁴, Guozhuang Zhang^2,*, Linlin Dong^1,2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075657

Abstract Keystone taxa are critical for microbial community homeostasis and ecological niche interactions. However, the functions and genomic traits of endophytic keystone fungi in plant tissues remain unclear. Via network analysis, this study identified keystone fungi Plectosphaerella (Plec) and Cladosporium (Clad) in roots/leaves of medicinal Panax plants (P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius, P. notoginseng). Both correlated strongly positively with ginsenoside Rd content in respective tissues (ρ > 0.6, p < 0.001). Co-cultivation confirmed their ability to convert ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd, linked to β-glucosidase activity. Whole-genome sequencing/assembly/evolutionary analysis of the two strains elucidated genomic features for their keystone roles and saponin biotransformation. More > Graphic Abstract

Xiao Wang^*, E Liang, Xiaohui Song, Deyan Li

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075656

Abstract Three-year-old Panax japonicus was exposed to elevated CO₂ concentrations using open-top chambers: ambient CO₂ (aCO₂), moderately elevated (e1CO₂, 550 μmol/mol), and highly elevated (e2CO₂, 750 μmol/mol). Gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic pigments, sugar accumulation, and total saponin content were measured to assess the effects of CO₂ enrichment on photosynthesis, sugar metabolism, and saponin biosynthesis. The e1CO₂ treatment significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (by 17.22% at 36 days and 69.62% at 92 days), chlorophyll a content, and soluble sugar, sucrose, and starch accumulation. Key sugar metabolism enzymes, including sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), also showed enhanced activity. Consequently, underground rhizome total saponins rose More >

Li Wang^1,2, Jinfeng Zhang², Binbin Li², Zhengbo Pen³, Zhiyuan Yang^3,*, Anshu Rastogi^4,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075709

Abstract Chilo suppressalis (Walker) is one of the most important rice pests worldwide, posing a significant challenge to effective control. To develop a precision-timed, eco-friendly management strategy, overwintering population investigation and dynamic monitoring of C. suppressalis populations were conducted in the Meishan region of Sichuan, China, from 2023 to 2024. The optimal timing for insecticide application was estimated, followed by field trials evaluating the efficacy of different insecticides. Results demonstrated that the peak emergence of first-generation adults typically occurred in early July (under the environmental conditions of the Meishan region), with the ambient humidity below 75% and temperature… More >

Miguel Ángel De los Santos-Santos¹, Rosendo Balois-Morales^1,2, Juan Esteban Bello-Lara², José Orlando Jiménez-Zurita², Graciela Guadalupe López-Guzmán², Efigenia Montalvo-González³, Guillermo Berumen-Varela⁴, Carlos Azhael Rodríguez-Guzmán², Andrés Eloy León-Fernández^2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.076197

Abstract Acetogenins are lipidic polyketides with antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antitumor properties, mainly found in the roots, stems, bark, leaves, and fruits (particularly the seeds) of Annonaceae species. Previous studies have identified acetogenins in the peel and pulp of soursop (Annona muricata L.) fruits. In this research, acetogenins present in starch and pectin extracted from these fruits were analyzed and identified, given their potential importance in the pharmaceutical and possibly in the food industries. The objective was to identify and quantify acetogenins in starch and pectin of soursop fruits. Extraction of both polysaccharides was performed using conventional… More >

Hui Zhang¹, Yingchun He¹, Min Hong², Yang Wang³, Mingzhang Li¹, Qiguo Zhuang¹, Kui Du¹, Yue Xie^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.074974

Abstract The genus Actinidia is primarily functionally dioecious, and early sex identification plays a crucial role in improving breeding efficiency and reducing production costs. In this study, the accuracy of three sex-linked molecular markers (SyGI [Shy Girl], FrBy [Friendly Boy], and SmY1) in sex identification was evaluated in various Actinidia species. The selected marker products were subsequently cloned and sequenced in six wild Actinidia species. Ninety-six wild A. chinensis chinensis accessions and 74 A. chinensis deliciosa accessions, most of which were wild, with only one cultivated, were used for comprehensive primer validation. Thirty-three juvenile A. chinensis chinensis hybrid seedlings were used for practical application… More >

Wonkyu Yi, Jongseok Park^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.073450

Abstract Understanding plant responses under low-pressure conditions is important for developing closed cultivation systems that simulate space environments. This study aimed to assess the effects of different pressure levels on growth, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolite accumulation in red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ‘Super Caesar’s Red’). Plants were cultivated for three weeks in sealed chambers under 101 kPa (atmospheric pressure), 66 kPa (moderate low pressure), and 33 kPa (severe low pressure). Growth analysis showed that leaf length and leaf area decreased significantly with reduced pressure, while chlorophyll content and SPAD values increased gradually. Photosynthetic measurements indicated More >

Geng Zhang¹, Xiangyu Ding², Zidan Wen², Chao Liu², Duyen T. P. Nguyen³, Jinxiu Song⁴, Zejin Zhang⁵, Zhiming Yan^1,6, Yuanhua Wang^1,*, Zhengnan Yan^2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.077381

Abstract As a pivotal environmental factor, light, comprising intensity, photoperiod, and spectrum, governs the entire life cycle of strawberries by mediating alterations in the plant’s morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits. Although extensive research has been conducted on light-mediated growth regulation in horticultural crops, most reviews focus primarily on leafy and fruiting vegetables, with limited attention given to berry crops such as strawberries. Additionally, most existing reviews concentrate on one or several growth stages, failing to systematically characterize light’s effects throughout the entire growth cycle and postharvest stage. This review briefly summarizes the regulatory roles of light More >

Shaimaa R. Ahmed^1,*, Omnia M. Hendawy², Sumera Qasim², Hanan Khojah³, Ambreen Malik Uttra⁴

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075718

Abstract The study evaluated the skin anti-aging activity of Astragalus sarcocolla leaves extract (ASE) by assessing its antioxidant and inhibitory effect activity on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase in relation to its chemical composition. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) identified 27 metabolites (15 flavonoids, 8 phenolic acids and their derivatives, and 4 coumarins). ASE showed strong antioxidant capacity in DPPH (IC₅₀ value of 26.05 µg/mL) and FRAP (2433 µM FeSO₄/g extract) assays. The extract inhibited MMP-1 and MMP-9 in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase activities (IC₅₀ = 35.038, 40.748, 61.389,… More > Graphic Abstract

Manar Bouhchich¹, Abdessadek Rahimi¹, Rhizlan Abdnim², Amine Elbouzidi^3,*, Mohamed Addi³, Mostafa Mimouni¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.074293

Abstract Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds, often discarded as by-products during date fruit processing, represent approximately 6–20% of the fruit’s mass depending on cultivar and maturity stage. Although traditionally used for producing activated charcoal and in environmental remediation, their pharmacological potential remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, biological activity, and potential commercial value of seeds from four widely consumed Saharan cultivars (Assiane, Boufegouss, Aziza, and Majhoul) collected in the Figuig region. Soxhlet extraction was employed to obtain seed extracts, which were subsequently characterized by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. The analyses revealed… More >

Olga S. Tsiftsoglou^1,*, Vladimir Mihailovic², Nikola Sreckovic², Jelena S. Katanic Stankovic³, Kyriakos Michail Dimitriadis¹, Michalis K. Stefanakis⁴, Diamanto Lazari¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075566

Abstract Achillea species are known for their healing properties since ancient times. There is extensive literature on their pharmacological action due to their bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of hydroalcoholic extracts from the inflorescences and leaves of the species Achillea crithmifolia Waldst. and Kit., A. grandifolia Friv. and A. millefolium L. The phytochemical profiles of all extracts were evaluated both by NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS analysis, and the results were consistent with the spectrophotometrically determined total phenolic (TP: 125.42–191.98 mg/g) and total flavonoid (TF: 47.34–180.02 mg/g) contents. All the extracts were tested More >