Songsong Zhang¹, Huazhong Jin^1,2,*, Zhiwei Ye^1,2, Jia Yang^1,2, Jixin Zhang^1,2, Dongfang Wu^1,2, Xiao Zheng^1,2, Dingfeng Song¹

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.1, pp. 1-19, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.068044 - 10 November 2025

Abstract Multi-label feature selection (MFS) is a crucial dimensionality reduction technique aimed at identifying informative features associated with multiple labels. However, traditional centralized methods face significant challenges in privacy-sensitive and distributed settings, often neglecting label dependencies and suffering from low computational efficiency. To address these issues, we introduce a novel framework, Fed-MFSDHBCPSO—federated MFS via dual-layer hybrid breeding cooperative particle swarm optimization algorithm with manifold and sparsity regularization (DHBCPSO-MSR). Leveraging the federated learning paradigm, Fed-MFSDHBCPSO allows clients to perform local feature selection (FS) using DHBCPSO-MSR. Locally selected feature subsets are encrypted with differential privacy (DP) and transmitted… More >

Sandra Pérez-Álvarez^1,*, Eduardo Fidel Héctor-Ardisana², Eduardo Sandoval Castro³, Erick H. Ochoa-Chaparro⁴, Luisa Patricia Uranga-Valencia¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.12, pp. 3749-3803, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.072135 - 29 December 2025

Abstract Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivation has progressed from early domestication and clonal propagation to modern, data-driven breeding that is reshaping viticulture and wine quality. Yet climatic and biotic constraints still impose heavy losses—downy mildew can reduce yields by ≈75% in humid regions and gray mold by 20–50%—sustaining the need for resistant cultivars. Producer selection, interspecific crossing, and formal improvement programs have generated ~10,000 varieties, although only a few dozen dominate global acreage. Conventional breeding has delivered fungus-resistant “PIWI” cultivars that retain ≥85% of the V. vinifera genome; in Austria, national PIWI varieties are gaining acceptance for combined… More >

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 >

Heng Zhang^1,#, Meng Wang^1,#, Dong Zeng^1,2, Yunbo Xu¹, Dongyuan Guo¹, Xuanchen Liu^1,3, Zhanqi Ren⁴, Jinzi Zhang¹, Yuhang Liu¹, Qiuyu Wang¹, Shuo Yu¹, Guanzheng Qu^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.10, pp. 3205-3216, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.069994 - 29 October 2025

Abstract Hybridization remains an important method for breeding new poplar varieties. It results in significant variation in leaf phenotype among parents and offspring, and among offspring themselves. This study aimed to investigate whether leaf shape variations were similar in offspring produced from reciprocal crosses. Specifically, two hybrid combinations were produced: the direct cross with Populus ussuriensis as the maternal parent and P. simonii × P. nigra as the paternal parent (HY53), and the reciprocal cross with P. simonii × P. nigra as the maternal parent and P. ussuriensis as the paternal parent (HY268). Using 3-month-old rooted cuttings from 40 clones (36 F₁ hybrids… More >

Fida Hussain^1,*, Farooq Khan², Javed Ahmad¹, Heqiang Huo³, Tao Jiang³, Iqrar Rana⁴, Sajida Habib⁵, Muhammad Umer Farooq^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.10, pp. 3231-3249, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.069654 - 29 October 2025

Abstract The analysis of combining ability and heterosis is very important in enhancing the yield and oil quality of sunflowers under adverse conditions, and it reveals the potential of the parents and the mechanism of gene action. In this study, twenty-one hybrids were developed by crossing seven cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines with three restorer lines and evaluated for agronomic and quality traits. Highly significant general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were observed, confirming the role of both additive and non-additive gene actions. Among the tested crosses, A-42 × R-86, A-92 ×… More >

José Luis Rodríguez-Lorenzo¹, Bohuslav Janoušek¹, Emilio Cervantes^2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.9, pp. 2649-2667, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.068936 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Grapevine is unique among crops because its domestication resulted not only in new morphological characteristics, but also in altered reproductive mechanisms. Viticulture involves a change from a dioecious to a hermaphroditic mating system, which makes the reproductive system more efficient. In consequence and the fact that it is one of the oldest and most economically important cultivated plants, Vitis vinifera could be defined as an over-domesticated species. Here we review some key aspects in viticulture. The main areas of interest have remained consistent throughout history, including the origin and characterisation of cultivars, resistance to environmental conditions,… More >

Md. Nahid Hasan, Tasmina Islam Simi, Sk Shoaibur Rahaman, Md. Abdur Rahim^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.8, pp. 2313-2346, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.067633 - 29 August 2025

Abstract Molecular tools have drawn the attention of modern plant breeders for its great precision and superiority. As the global population is increasing gradually, food production should be enhanced to feed the growing population. Therefore, precise and fast breeding tools are becoming obvious. Moreover, climate change has become a critical issue in crop improvement. Advanced breeding methods are vital to combat the impact of climate change, including biotic and abiotic stresses. Major molecular techniques, such as ‘CRISPR-Cas’ mediated ‘genome editing’, ‘marker-assisted selection (MAS)’, ‘whole genome sequencing’, ‘RNAi’, transgenic approach, ‘high-throughput phenotyping (HTP)’, mutation breeding, have been More >

Vina Eka Aristya¹, Sri Minarsih¹, Kristamtini¹, I Gusti Komang Dana Arsana¹, Samijan¹, Setyorini Widyayanti¹, Sodiq Jauhari¹, Arif Susila¹, Ni Wayan Trisnawati¹, I Ketut Mahaputra¹, I Nyoman Suyasa¹, Opik Mahendra², Supriyanta³, Gilang Wirakusuma³, Taufan Alam³, Taryono^3,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.7, pp. 2055-2073, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.065227 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Rice, as a primary commodity, needs to be increased in production while facing the sustainability challenges of limited land, water resources, and climate change. The demand for rice productivity was not enough to rely only on the fertile fields’ ability; it is necessary to consider the rainfed land potential. Cultivation in rainfed land involves biophysical pressure, low production, and limited access to superior varieties. Participatory rice breeding aimed to identify farmers’ trait preferences and develop acceptable lines. A bottom-up approach involved 203 farmers from four rainfed fields in Indonesia, i.e., Semarang-Central Java, Kulon Progo-Yogyakarta, Tabanan-Bali,… More >

Dao Yao^1,#, Junming Zhou^1,#, Yashuo Wang¹, Yuxin Li¹, Wenge Cheng², Xiaoyu Lu^2,*, Huijing Liu^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.6, pp. 1669-1694, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064344 - 27 June 2025

Abstract Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat sequences (CRISPR) and their accompanying proteins (Cas), commonly presenting in bacteria and archaea, make up the CRISPR/Cas system. As one of the fundamental sources of nutrition for humans, edible crops play a crucial role in ensuring global food security. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has been applied to improve many crop traits, such as increasing nitrogen utilization efficiency, creating male sterile germplasm, and regulating tiller and spikelet formation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the use of CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology in crop genomes, covering the targeted genes, the types More >