Amine Assouguem^1,*, Saoussan Annemer^2,3, Mohammed Kara⁴, Abderrahim Lazraq⁵

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.6, pp. 1631-1668, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.065750 - 27 June 2025

Abstract Unlike primary metabolites, secondary metabolites serve critical ecological functions, including plant protection, stress tolerance, and symbiosis. This review focuses on extracting, separating, and identifying the major classes of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, glycosides, saponins, and coumarins. It describes optimized methods regarding plant selection, extraction by solvents, and purification of the metabolites, highlighting the latest advancements in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The review also describes some of the most important problems, such as the instability of the compounds or diversity of the structures, and discusses emerging technologies that solve these issues. Moreover, it examines More >

Ali Salehi Sardoei^1,*, Bahman Fazeli-Nasab²

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.6, pp. 1601-1630, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064729 - 27 June 2025

Abstract The ability of plants to tolerate cold is a complex process. When temperatures drop or freeze, plant tissues can develop ice, which dehydrates the cells. However, plants can protect themselves by preventing ice formation. This intricate response to cold stress is regulated by hormones, photoperiod, light, and various factors, in addition to genetic influences. In autumn, plants undergo morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes to prepare for the low temperatures of winter. Understanding cellular stress responses is crucial for genetic manipulation aimed at enhancing cold resistance. Early autumn frosts or late spring chills can cause… More >

Shaowei He, Wenchao Cui^*, Gang Li, Hairun Xu, Xiang Chen, Yu Tai

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.84, No.1, pp. 861-886, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.063979 - 09 June 2025

Abstract The Virtual Power Plant (VPP), as an innovative power management architecture, achieves flexible dispatch and resource optimization of power systems by integrating distributed energy resources. However, due to significant differences in operational costs and flexibility of various types of generation resources, as well as the volatility and uncertainty of renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar power) and the complex variability of load demand, the scheduling optimization of virtual power plants has become a critical issue that needs to be addressed. To solve this, this paper proposes an intelligent scheduling method for virtual power… More >

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

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

Saif Ullah^1,2, Izhar Ali^1,2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1029-1045, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064608 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Nitrogen (N) assimilation is crucial for the growth and development of C₃ plants, as it converts inorganic N into organic forms, important for protein synthesis, nucleic acids and other vital biomolecules. However, abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures and others significantly impact N uptake and utilization, thereby hindering plant growth and development. Recent advances in molecular biology have illuminated the complex networks that govern N assimilation under these stressful conditions, emphasizing the role of transcription factors, regulatory genes, and stress-responsive pathways. This review provides an integrated perspective on the latest research in nitrogen metabolism… More >

Shahin Imran^1,2,#,*, Mousumi Jahan Sumi^3,#, Israt Jahan Harine⁴, Newton Chandra Paul¹, Md. Asif Mahamud⁵, Rakibul Hasan Md. Rabbi⁵, Marian Brestic⁶, Mohammad Saidur Rhaman^7,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1073-1109, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064046 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Heavy metal (HM) accumulation in soil poses a major hazard to both ecological health and plant growth progressions. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) are examples of HMs that negatively impact the growth and development of plants, resulting in lower agricultural output and food safety concerns. Biochar (BC), a substance rich in carbon that is formed by pyrolyzing natural biomass, has demonstrated remarkable promise in reducing HM stress in polluted soils. Research has shown that BC effectively lowers plant uptake of metals, and enhances soil qualities,… More >

Arpita Rani Roy¹, Israt Jahan², Sharah Jabeen Mou², Md. Farhan Hasin³, Prodipto Bishnu Angon^1,*, Rebeka Sultana², Badhon Mazumder⁴, Md. Arif Sakil^5,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1177-1210, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063675 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Global warming is making plants more susceptible to heat stress. Hence, adjustments to crop production systems are required for global food security. Heat stress (HS) poses a threat to the quality of ecosystems and global food security due to its adverse effects on plant development. The degree to which HS affects physiological disruptions, physical harm, and biochemical changes at various growth stages directly correlates with its effects on physiological functions, plant growth, and crop production. One promising approach is soil modification using biochar, which enhances soil health and promotes the development of microbial communities, ultimately… More >

Maryam¹, Mohamed M. El-Mogy², Muhammad Faheem Jan³, Iram Naz¹, Ishtiaq Ahmad^4,*, Riaz Ahmad⁵, Muhammad Tanveer Altaf⁶

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.3, pp. 623-640, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063763 - 31 March 2025

Abstract Various environmental stressors, such as salinity, heat, drought, and metals, present significant obstacles to crop productivity. This study delves into the adverse effects of metals, specifically focusing on cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) on plants. It explores the sources of these metals, examining both natural occurrences and human-induced activities, and investigates the mechanisms through which plants absorb them. Metal pollution, in particular, negatively affects plant and microbiome well-being, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that harm essential macromolecules. Traditional stress-resistant plant varieties necessitate substantial development, leading… More >

Blanca Olivia Trejo-Paniagua¹, Nancy Ruiz-Lau^2,*, María Goretty Caamal-Chan³, Rosa Isela Cruz-Rodríguez¹, Anayancy Lam-Gutiérrez⁴, Víctor Manuel Ruíz-Valdiviezo¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.3, pp. 861-873, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.062410 - 31 March 2025

Abstract Exogenous proline is an effective agent for increasing plant tolerance to abiotic stress in plants. In this study, we evaluated its effect on seedlings of Siete Caldos chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens), a semi-domesticated variety. The Capsicum genus is known for its sensitivity to water stress. We pretreated the seedlings’ roots by immersing them in proline solutions (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mM) for 48 h. Then, we exposed them to water stress using a Hoagland nutrient solution supplemented with 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG-8000) for nine days. We analyzed key physiological and biochemical parameters, including relative… More >

Antonio Rodrigues da Cunha Neto¹, Alexandra dos Santos Ambrósio¹, Arlinda de Jesus Rodrigues Resende¹, Breno Régis Santos¹, Michele Carla Nadal^2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.3, pp. 539-560, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.061776 - 31 March 2025

Abstract Cytokinins are plant hormones that are essential for plant growth and development and are involved in a variety of processes. They are synthesized by the modification of adenine with an isoprenoid chain, resulting in cytokinins such as isopentenyladenine and zeatin. The levels of these hormones are regulated by conjugation, degradation and oxidation processes that modulate their activity. Cytokinins are perceived by cells through specific receptors that, when activated, trigger signaling cascades responsible for regulating the expression of genes critical for development. In addition, cytokinins interact with other hormones, such as auxins, to coordinate plant growth… More >