Cassava is one of the three major tuber crops in the world, and is also an important food crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Bacterial blight (CBB) is an important disease for cassava. CCCH (C3H)-type zinc finger proteins are widely present in most of organisms, not only involved in plant growth and development, hormone regulation, but also in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although the function of some C3H genes in other plants has been reported, but that in cassava has not been reported. In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetic characteristics, chromosome location, gene structure, promoter cis-acting elements and collinearity of cassava C3H genes. A total of 89 C3H genes (MeC3H01-MeC3H89) were identified in cassava, which were distributed on 18 chromosomes. The phylogenetic tree showed that 89 MeC3H proteins were classified into 4 subfamilies. The C3H gene promoters contains multiple stress, hormones, plant growth and development response elements. 39 pairs of cassava C3H genes had homologous relationships, indicating that these genes may be amplified by replication during evolution. We also analyzed the response expression pattern of C3H genes after cassava was infected by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm) by transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments. The expression levels of MeC3H49, MeC3H42 and MeC3H68 were significantly up-regulated, and those of MeC3H35, MeC3H77, MeC3H36, MeC3H31 and MeC3H86 were significantly down-regulated. In summary, we identified the cassava C3H gene family members and their expression patterns in response to Xpm infection, which lays a foundation for further analysis of the function of MeC3Hs.

Natural rubber serum (NRS), a by-product generated during the processing of natural rubber (NR), contains all essential plant nutrients and numerous high-value bioactive components such as quebrachitol, ergothioneine, glutathione, and functional proteins, demonstrates significant resource utilization potential. Effective exploitation of NRS can not only mitigate environmental pollution and reduce disposal costs but also extend the NR industrial chain and enhance the economic benefits of the NR industry. In recent years, technological innovations in membrane separation, crystallization purification, fermentation, and biological extraction have facilitated substantial progress in the resource utilization of NRS. This paper systematically reviewed the component characteristics of NRS and advances in its application in multiple fields. It detailed the research and utilization of plant-derived nutrients in NRS, with a focus on the application progress of its bioactive components in high-value fields such as biomedicine and cosmetics. Finally, prospects for future applications were discussed, aiming to provide references for related research and support the green transformation and sustainable development of the NR industry.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly mobile heavy metal in soil, exhibiting greater mobility than other heavy metals and readily entering the topsoil in free ionic forms, thereby facilitating uptake by crops. Application of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers can modulate Cd accumulation in rice, while novel nano-fertilizers, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, effectively mitigate Cd stress. A pot experiment was conducted with six treatments: conventional fertilizer (CF), Cd + conventional fertilizer (Cd), Cd + conventional Si fertilizer (Cd+Si), Cd + nano-Si fertilizer (Cd+nSi), Cd + conventional Zn fertilizer (Cd+Zn), and Cd + nano-Zn fertilizer (Cd+nZn). This study investigates the effects of different Si and Zn fertilizer types on rice growth, Cd uptake, and translocation under Cd stress. The results revealed: (1) Under Cd stress, rice plant height, stem diameter, biomass, and root growth decreased significantly. Silicon and zinc fertilizers effectively alleviated Cd-induced growth inhibition. At the booting stage, nano-Si treatment restored plant height and stem diameter to levels comparable to the CF control. Compared with the Cd treatment, biomass increased by 38.68% (Cd+nSi) and 35.20% (Cd+nZn), while root fresh weight rose by 31.44% (Cd+nSi) and 24.84% (Cd+nZn). (2) Cd stress markedly reduced leaf chlorophyll content, suppressing chlorophyll biosynthesis. Foliar Si and Zn applications enhanced chlorophyll by 5.99%–7.68% and nitrogen content by 4.70%–8.19% at the booting stage, with nano-Si achieving the highest levels. (3) Soil pH increased notably after Si and Zn amendments, peaking under nano-Si (+10.51% vs. Cd). Bioavailable Cd declined significantly: Cd+nSi and Cd+nZn reduced it by 14.54% and 16.36%, respectively, and lowered the Cd transfer coefficient by 17.77% and 15.54%. (4) Nano-Si outperformed nano-Zn in suppressing Cd uptake and translocation. The bioconcentration factor decreased by 36.63% (Cd+nSi) and 31.08% (Cd+nZn), while the translocation factor dropped by 13.70% (Cd+nSi) and 2.72% (Cd+nZn) versus the Cd treatment. Overall, nano-fertilizers surpassed conventional fertilizers in mitigating Cd stress, with nano-Si demonstrating superior efficacy over nano-Zn in restricting Cd accumulation and transfer in rice.

The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in fruit quality and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of major mango cultivars across different regions in Guangxi. Four cultivars (Jinhuang, Guifei, Tainong, and Guiqi) from four producing areas (Baise, Nanning, Yulin, and Qinzhou) were selected as the research subjects. The quality of mangoes was assessed using national standard analytical methods. Systematic analyses were performed via correlation analysis, cluster heatmap analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). Jinhuang exhibited higher average values in single-fruit weight (748.86 g), peel thickness (2.30 mm), stone weight (98.37 g), edible rate (89.91%), fruit shape index (1.92), firmness (10.53 N), and sugar-acid ratio (52.73). Guiqi showed superior performance in color difference (19.30), SSC (22.67%), Vc (52.73 mg/100 g), total sugar (52.73 mg/g), and β-carotene (39.30 mg/g). Significant regional differences (P<0.05) were observed in peel thickness, sugar-acid ratio, Vc, total sugar, and β-carotene among the same cultivars from different areas. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between single-fruit weight and stone weight, edible rate, and fruit shape index (r=0.78); color difference and SSC (r=0.75); SSC and total sugar (r=0.81); and Vc and β-carotene (r=0.87). Fruit shape index was negatively correlated with Vc and β-carotene (r=-0.85), while titratable acidity showed a strong negative correlation with sugar-acid ratio (r=-0.80). Cluster analysis categorized the 13 indices into four groups, morphological traits, peel characteristics, physicochemical properties, and nutritional quality. PCA extracted four principal components (cumulative variance contribution: 88.41%), capturing the majority of original quality information. Comprehensive scores ranked cultivars as Guiqi>Jinhuang>Tainong>Guifei and regions as Baise>Nanning>Yulin>Qinzhou. Significant quality variations existed among cultivars, with Guiqi demonstrating superior sweetness and nutritional quality compared to the more acidic Guifei. Guiqi from Baise, Jinhuang and Guifei from Nanning, and Tainong from Yulin exhibited optimal fruit quality traits, highlighting regional and cultivar-specific advantages.

Ethrel is widely used as a stimulant in rubber tree plantations, which plays an important role in increaisng latex yield effectively and reducing labor requirements for tapping. However, the stimulatory effect of ethrel exhibits a pronounced dose-response relationship, excessive application may lead to adverse effects, such as tapping panel dryness (TPD). In this study, rubber tree clone Reyan 73397 was used as the experimental material, and an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the trace determination of ethrel in the bark was developed. The distribution of ethrel at various time points and different parts of the bark following its application was investigated. The samples were extracted using a methanol∶1% formic acid aqueous solution (9∶1,V/V), and directly analyzed after filtration. The samples were separated by waters CORTECS HILIC C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.6 μm) with mobile phase A (0.01% ammonia solution) and mobile phase B (acetonitrile∶water 80∶20, V/V) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection was performed under electrospray ion source, negative ion scanning and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Quantitative analysis was conducted using external standard calibration curves, quantitative ion was 107. The results showed a good linear relationship for ethrel within the range of 0.02 μg/mL to 1.00 μg/mL, with coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9997. Recoveries ranged from 85.3% to 101.2% at spiked levels 0.1 µg/kg to 1.0 µg/kg, with relative standard deviations of 1.14%-7.28%, and limits of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 µg/kg. This method was applied to study the distribution characteristics of ethrel in stimulated bark rings, both above and below the ethrel-treated 5 cm and 10 cm areas, after applying different concentrations of ethrel (0.5%, 2.0%,4.0%) over 0-96 h. The results revealed that ethrel was unevenly distributed in the rubber tree, the concentration at the stimulated area was significantly higher than that in other areas, areas closer to the stimulated bark were higher than that in distant areas, and the areas below the stimulated bark were higher than that above it. The concentration of ethrel at the stimulated area showed a significant positive correlation with the stimulated ethrel concentration. Additionally, the concentration displayed an initial increase followed by a gradual decline over time. For the three concentrations, peak levels were observed between 12 h and 24 h post-stimulation, after which a gradual decrease occurred, with relatively high concentrations still detectable at 96 h. Compared to the indirect measurement of ethylene release rates by gas chromatography, this method has many significant advantages, including simplicity, rapidity, excellent reproducibility, and high sensitivity, thereby providing reliable technical support for the quantitative analysis of ethrel in rubber trees. The study preliminarily revealed the absorption, distribution and transport patterns of externally stimulated ethrel on rubber tree tapping cuts. It was found that the diffusion and transport of ethrel were limited, with the compound primarily concentrated at the stimulation site. The findings would provide a theoretical basis for further elucidating the dose-dependent effects of ethrel on yield stimulation and guiding its safe and efficient application.

This study investigated the sexual cross-compatibility of the double-flowered Lagerstroemia speciosa ‘Yunchang’, using it as the maternal parent and crossing it with Lagerstroemia speciosa (Deep Purple), Lagerstroemia speciosa (Deep Purplish Pink A), L. indica ‘Red Rocket’, L. indica ‘Pink Velour’, L. balansae, L. siamica, L. tomentosa, and L. indica ‘Red Leaf’ as paternal parents. Through experiments including pollen viability testing, stigma receptivity assessment, hybridization, hybrid seed germination, and fluorescence microscopy observation of pollen tube germination and growth after pollination, the cross-compatibility of double-flowered Lagerstroemia speciosa ‘Yunchang’ during sexual reproduction was systematically analyzed. The results showed: (1) The stigmas of double-flowered Lagerstroemia speciosa ‘Yunchang’ exhibited receptivity throughout the day, peaking between 10: 00 AM and 12: 00 PM when the stigma surface appeared dark blue with abundant bubble formation. (2) The cross between double-flowered Lagerstroemia speciosa ‘Yunchang’ and Lagerstroemia speciosa (Deep Purplish Pink A) demonstrated significantly higher fruit set rate (22.2%), fruit longitudinal diameter (19.45 mm), thousand-seed weight (7.9 g), and seedling emergence rate (8.7%) compared to other combinations. The cross with L. indica 'Red Rocket' produced the highest number of seeds (153 seeds), while no fruit set was observed in the cross with L. balansae. Severe distant hybridization barriers were identified, particularly showing the lowest compatibility between double-flowered Lagerstroemia speciosa ‘Yunchang’ and L. balansae. (3) Fluorescence microscopy observations of combinations with high and low fruit set rates revealed that no pollen germination occurred on stigmas within 0-48 hours post-pollination in low fruit set combinations. In high fruit set combinations, no pollen grain germination was observed at 0 h and 2 h post-pollination; however, at 4 h and 6 h, a few pollen tubes began elongating, accompanied by significant callose deposition on stigmas and pollen tube rupture. Pollen tube elongation became more pronounced at 8 h and 24 h post-pollination. By 48 h, pollen tubes had elongated to the style position, with substantial callose interference and pollen tube distortion. These observations suggest that the sexual hybridization barriers in double-flowered Lagerstroemia speciosa ‘Yunchang’ may originate from extensive callose interference on the stigma.

Diploid (2n) and tetraploid (4n) seedlings were used in this study to access the optimal light quality for the growth of Anthurium andraeanum Pink Champion seedlings. Different LED light configurations with varying ratios of red light (R) and blue light (B) served as the light source, while fluorescent daylight lamps were used as the control (CK). Seven types of light qualities were set up: CK, R, B, R5∶B5, R6∶B4, R7∶B3, and R8∶B2. The study evaluated how different light qualities affected the growth of A. andraeanum seedlings, as well as the contents of soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the leaves. Additionally, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) was measured. The results indicated that, compared with the control, red light (R) reduced leaf width, leaf area, and biomass of the two types of seedlings, and increased the POD activity in both seedlings, also the CAT activity and MDA content in the 2n seedlings. Blue light (B) significantly decreased the biomass, SS, and H₂O₂ content of the 4n seedlings, and increased the CAT and POD activity in both 2n and 4n seedlings, and the SOD activity in the leaves of the 2n seedlings. The combination of red and blue light qualities had the ability to mitigate the growth reduction or MDA increase caused by the individual light types. The combined red and blue light treatment increased the number of leaves, leaf area, leaf width, root length, biomass, SP content, and SOD and CAT activity in both types of seedlings. As the proportion of red light increased, biomass and protective enzyme activity initially rose and then declined, peaking under the R7∶B3 treatment. Conversely, H₂O₂ and MDA content exhibited an inverse trend. In conclusion, the appropriate ratio of combined red and blue light significantly promotes the morphogenesis and biomass accumulation of A. andraeanum seedlings, and enhances the antioxidant capacity. After a comprehensive evaluation using membership functions, R7∶B3 was determined to be the most effective among the seven light qualities, making it the optimal choice for the growth of A. andraeanum seedlings.

The biological property by which plant root tips perceive moisture gradients and bend toward regions of higher water potential is termed hydrotropism. As a critical adaptive strategy for plants to respond to dynamic water environments, hydrotropism drives roots to actively navigate toward water sources, optimizing water acquisition. The regulatory mechanism of hydrotropism involves the coordinated mediation of second messengers (reactive oxygen species and calcium ions), phytohormones (abscisic acid, auxin and cytokinin), and key regulators such as MIZ1. Plants achieve adaptive responses to water stress through integrating processes of moisture gradient perception, signal transduction, and asymmetric hormone distribution. However, significant differences exist in hydrotropic regulatory mechanisms among species, and in the interactions with other tropisms (gravitropism, phototropism, and thigmotropism). Elucidating the core regulatory factors of hydrotropism and the interaction patterns of the signaling networks would provide a theoretical basis for genetic improvement of water-use efficiency in crops and sustainable agricultural development.

The root system of Taraxacum kok-saghyz (short for TK) contains laticifers capable of producing natural rubber, and the structure and properties closely resemble the laticifers of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). So,. Tk is recognized as an ideal alternative plant source for natural rubber production. Due to morphological disparities between Hevea and Taraxacum, conventional iodine-bromine (I₂Br₂) staining proves unsuitable for laticifers morphological studies in T. kok-saghyz. Furthermore, bromine (Br₂), the primary component of traditional I₂Br₂ staining solution, is classified as a Category II precursor chemical under stringent regulatory controls owing to its potent corrosivity, irritancy, and high procurement/transportation costs. To develop safer and more economical staining protocols for laticifer morphology, this study substituted Br₂ with sodium bromide (NaBr) and hydrogen bromide (HBr). Light microscopic analysis of root sections stained with various NaBr/HBr-I₂ formulations revealed I₂Br₂ staining induced light tan coloration of latex in laticifer, but caused severe structural degradation, and yielding suboptimal staining and section quality, NaBr-based formulation (1 mol/L NaBr+0.2 mol/L I₂ in acetic acid) demonstrated improved staining efficacy with preserved root morphology, HBr-based formulation (2.5 mmol/L HBr+0.2 mol/L I₂ in acetic acid) achieved optimal staining intensity while maintaining perfect histological integrity, and aqueous solvent systems (NaBr/HBr+I₂ in H₂O) failed to stain laticifers and induced significant tissue damage. The results confirmed that NaBr and HBr could serve as safer, cost-effective alternatives to Br₂ for laticifer morphological studies. The developed methodologies would provide critical technical foundations for investigating laticifers in non-woody rubber-producing plants, including T. kok-saghyz, Lactuca species, etc.

To investigate the function of the sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) in the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta, the SNMP genes were identified at the whole genome level using BLAST and HMMER homology search approaches. Full-length cDNA sequences of TabsSNMPs were obtained by RT-PCR, followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analyses to characterize the gene structures, physicochemical properties, spatial structures, and phylogenetic relationships. Furthermore, the expression patterns of TabsSNMPs in different tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that there were two SNMP genes in T. absoluta, namely TabsSNMP1 and TabsSNMP2. The gene sequence lengths were 47 817 bp and 41 859 bp, respectively, with open reading frames (ORFs) of 1572 bp and 1560 bp, encoding 523 and 519 amino acids, respectively. The predicted protein molecular weights were 58.64 kDa and 57.94 kDa, and the isoelectric point were 7.54 and 6.72, respectively. The structural modeling indicated that both proteins contained two transmembrane regions and a large extracellular loop. The phylogenetic tree suggested that TabsSNMP1 clustered with Ostrinia furnacalis OfurSNMP1 and Chilo suppressalis CsupSNMP1, while TabsSNMP2 formed a clade with Pectinophora gossypiella PgosSNMP2. Tissue expression profiles showed that TabsSNMP1 and TabsSNMP2 were highly expressed in the antennae of both sexes, with significantly higher expression in male antennae, suggesting the involvement in male-specific sex pheromone recognition. Our findings would provide a theoretical basis for further study of the SNMP genes function in T. absoluta.