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, Vol.95, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.075657 - 28 February 2026

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

Christian Pérez-Chablé¹, Daisy Pérez-Brito^1,*, Anuar Magaña-Alvarez¹, Jairo Cristóbal-Alejo², Irma L. Medina-Baizabal¹, Marcela Gamboa-Angulo^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.072668 - 28 February 2026

Abstract Acalypha gaumeri (Euphorbiaceae) is the only endemic species of the genus in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is dioecious and has antifungal properties against various phytopathogens. In the present study, molecular identification of A. gaumeri was performed using the rbcL region, confirming its belonging to the Acalypha genus. Its genetic diversity was evaluated using 10 SPAR markers (ISSR and DAMD) from 60 individuals collected from female and male plants of the Kiuic, Tinum and Yaxcaba ex-situ populations. The results showed a high level of genetic polymorphism (PIC = 0.980) and significant differences among the populations. Ethanol and aqueous extracts from… More >

Pingkan Aditiawati¹, Kamarisima¹, Rudi Dungani^1,*, Tirto Prakoso², Neil Priharto¹, Muhammad Iqbal Ar-Razy Suwardi¹, Muhammad Rizki Ramdhani¹, Maya Fitriyanti¹, Dzulianur Mutsla¹, Widya Fatriasari³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0113 - 23 January 2026

Abstract This study aimed to produce and characterize mycelium leather (Mylea) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). Variations in OPEFB composition (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) were tested using a 10% w/w Ganoderma lucidum inoculum. The mycelium underwent boiling, plasticization, drying, pressing, waxing, and Tencel fabric reinforcement to form Mylea. The physical, mechanical, and flammability properties of OPEFB-based Mylea were evaluated as a potential animal leather substitute. The highest tensile strength (8.47 MPa) was observed in the 0% OPEFB sample due to reinforcement with the Tencel fabric layer. Meanwhile, the 20% OPEFB sample after drying More > Graphic Abstract

Ceren Ayşe Bayram^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.10, pp. 3283-3295, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.073047 - 29 October 2025

Abstract In semi-arid regions where climatic limitations hinder open-field vegetable production, greenhouse-based lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation plays a vital role in ensuring off-season supply. In this study, the potential of sustainable input combinations was evaluated to enhance lettuce productivity, quality, and profitability under unheated greenhouse conditions in Southeastern Türkiye. Treatments included farmer practice and a mycorrhizal biofertilizer (ERS, a water-soluble arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus product) applied alone or in combination with organic-based biostimulants (IS and NM). Evaluated parameters were plant height, leaf pigmentation (a*, h°), SPAD values, vitamin C, nitrogen and phosphorus content, and gross margin. The More >

CHIOMA C. EZEUKO^#, SANDANI V. T. WIJERATHNE^#, QIANA L. MATTHEWS^*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.9, pp. 1605-1629, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.065474 - 25 September 2025

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have arisen as potential therapeutic tools in managing infectious diseases because EVs can regulate cell-to-cell signaling, function as drug transport mechanisms, and influence immune reactions. They are obtained from a myriad of sources, such as plants, humans, and animal cells. EVs like exosomes and ectosomes can be utilized in their native form as therapeutics or engineered to encompass antimicrobials, vaccines, and oligonucleotides of interest with a targeted delivery strategy. An in-depth understanding of host-pathogen dynamics provides a solid foundation for exploiting its full potential in therapeutics against infectious diseases. This review mainly More >

Muhammad Shahzaib^1,2, Shenzhen Wang^1,3, Rundong Yao¹, Sezai Ercisli⁴, Rongxiang Wang¹, Xiaona Fu¹, Hanqing Cong¹, Pingyin Guan³, Xuefei Jiang², Mahmoud F. Seleiman⁵, Yuandi Zhu³, Muhammad Mubashar Zafar^1,2,6,7,*, Fei Qiao^1,6,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.7, pp. 2167-2181, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.065068 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Keitt’) is one of the core fruit delicacies produced by China. During the post-harvest storage span, the fungal pathogen colletotrichum gloeosporioides readily invades the fruits and leads to a significant overall yield loss. In recent years of development, the exploitation of naturally occurring fungitoxic compounds such as Sandalwood Essential Oil (SEO) has been useful in tackling various fungal species. This study demonstrates the potential of SEO as part of a storage protection strategy against C. gloeosporioides-induced post-harvest anthracnose. SEO displayed a relatively higher mycelial growth inhibition rate when compared to various other essential More >

Pamela Lippi¹, Aleš Eichmeier², Sergio Puccioni³, Giovan Battista Mattii¹, Eleonora Cataldo^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1047-1072, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064272 - 30 April 2025

Abstract The search for environmentally friendly approaches in viticulture is increasing, driven by the need to minimize the ecological footprint of conventional methods while ensuring high grape quality and stable yields. Among the various alternatives explored, essential oils (EOs) have drawn attention due to their natural origin and bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and insect-repellent effects. They are characterized by numerous utilisations, from managing diseases and pests in vineyards to post-harvest applications to preserve and prolong storage duration. This innovative review examines, for the first time, the topic of EOs on viticulture, embracing their multiple uses… More >

Nur Azreena Idris^1,*, Madihah Ahmad Zairun², Aisyah Humaira Alias¹, Zawawi Ibrahim¹, Noorshamsiana Abdul Wahab¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.1, pp. 163-180, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.053388 - 20 January 2025

Abstract The utilization of oil palm biomass in the production of high-value products has increased substantially. Due to the presence of sugars and starches in their tissues, oil palms have an exceptionally low natural resistance to fungi, making them susceptible to contamination. In this study, the properties of particleboard made from oil palm fibers, namely empty fruit bunches (EFB), oil palm trunks (OPT), and oil palm fronds (OPF) fibers and its potential for fungal attack were evaluated. The chemical composition, spectroscopic characterization, morphological features, and elemental analysis of oil palm biomass fibers were identified and thoroughly… More > Graphic Abstract

Mohsen Mohamed Elsharkawy^1,*, Mari Sumayli², Faisal Ay Alzahrani³

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.12, pp. 3373-3385, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.058875 - 31 December 2024

Abstract Endophytes associated with plants are recognized as bio-reservoirs of natural products and denote a significant symbiotic interaction in nature. Endophytes penetrate the plant’s interior tissues without showing any indications of disease or obvious alterations. In this study, the potential of a novel and new isolated plant growth-stimulating fungus, Coniothyrium aleuritis, was evaluated against PVY (the pathogen potato virus Y) on potato plants. Many parameters, including disease severity, PVY titer, enzymatic profiling, defense-related biochemical marker (carotenoid), phenolic compounds, proline content, as well as growth and yield parameters, have been investigated to clarify the role of C. aleuritis isolate… More > Graphic Abstract

Abderrahim Boutasknit^1,2,3,*, Wissal Benaffari^2,3, Mohamed Anli^2,3, Abdoussadeq Ouamnina^2,3, Amine Assouguem⁴, Rachid Lahlali^4,*, Abdelilah Meddich^2,3,5

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.12, pp. 3589-3616, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.057881 - 31 December 2024

Abstract Drought stress (DS) and overuse of chemical fertilizers cause considerable losses in the agro-physiological as well as biochemical performance of plants. In this context, considerable effort will be required to replace chemical fertilizers (NPK) with biostimulants as an important approach to enhance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. Here, we evaluated the effect of separating and/or combining arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with compost (C) in comparison to the use of NPK on the growth, physiological and biochemical of tomatoes under DS. The findings showed that DS significantly reduced the growth and physiological attributes of tomatoes.… More >