As an important resource plant in tropical regions, Daemonorops jenkinsiana has significant value in the fields of ecology, economy and medicine. This study investigated the community structure of D. jenkinsiana in the secondary forest of Fanjia Provincial Nature Reserve, Hainan. Through sample plot investigation and analysis, the secondary forest in the Fanjia Provincial Nature Reserve of Hainan served as the research object in this study, revealing its community structure characteristics in detail and providing a theoretical foundation for resource protection and artificial cultivation of D. jenkinsiana., providing theoretical insights for the conservation and sustainable utilization of D. jenkinsiana resources. The D. jenkinsiana community was rich in species composition, encompassing a total of 161 plant species belonging to 134 genera and 69 families. In dominant taxa, the dominant families included Fabaceae, Rubiaceae and Arecaceae, accounting for 47.83% of the total species; the dominant genera were Ficus, Ardisia and Calamus, contributing to 13.66% of the total species. Tropical elements dominated both the families and genera of the plants. Among them, there were 47 tropical families, representing 77.05% of the total families, and 108 tropical genera, accounting for 85.71% of the total genera. The dominant species in the arbor layer were Ficus microcarpa, Heptapleurum heptaphyllum, Phoebe sheareri, Cryptocarya concinna, Quercus glauca, Aporosa dioica, Lannea coromandelica, Camphora officinarum, Zanthoxylum nitidum, Engelhardia roxburghiana. The dominant species in the shrub layer included D. jenkinsiana, Rhapis excelsa, Desmos chinensis, Calamus tetradactylus, Maesa japonica, Calamus egregius, Dypsis lutescens, Psychotria rubra, Ancistrocladus tectorius and Dalbergia hupeana. The dominant species in the herb layer were Rhapis excelsa, Alpinia japonica, D. jenkinsiana, Psychotria rubra, Dalbergia hancei, Maesa japonica, Desmos chinensis, Schima superba, Ardisia crenata and Tetracera asiatica. Species diversity was the highest in the shrub layer and lowest in the herb layer. The D. jenkinsiana community not only serves as a valuable natural subject and sample source for regional biodiversity studies but also supports population regeneration and the long-term maintenance of habitats. Furthermore, it represents a vital natural germplasm repository. By establishing sample banks (e.g., seeds, seedlings, tissue samples from mature plants) and digital information databases (documenting provenance, growth environment parameters, morphological traits, and genetic characteristics), the provenance information for D. jenkinsiana across different species and growth stages can be systematically enriched. The effort holds significant importance for the sustainable management of both cultivated D. jenkinsiana plantations and natural liana communities.

Granule-bound starch synthase I (MeGBSSI) is the key enzyme for amylose synthesis in cassava, primarily responsible for catalyzing the formation of amylose through α-1,4-glucosidic linkages on the surface of starch granules. However, how MeGBSSI cooperates with other starch-synthetic enzymes to orchestrate starch biosynthesis remains unclear. In the previous stage of this research group, through yeast two-hybrid technology, it was hypothesized that the soluble starch synthase MeSSV was a potential binding protein of MeGBSSI. In this study, the MeGBSSI and MeSSV genes were cloned using the main cultivated variety of cassava, Huanshan 8 (SC8), as the material. Yeast two-hybrid vectors pGBKT7-MeGBSSI and pGADT7-MeSSV were constructed. Through yeast two-hybrid point-to-point experiments, the interaction relationship between MeGBSSI and MeSSV was preliminarily verified. The luciferase complementation (LCA) and double-molecule fluorescence complementation (BiFC) techniques were used to further clarify the direct protein interaction between the two. The results showed that the protein sequences encoded by the MeGBSSI and MeSSV genes, compared with the sequenced variety AM560, respectively, had 4 and 2 amino acid substitutions; the MeGBSSI protein was non-toxic to yeast cells and had no self-activation activity; this protein interacted with the soluble starch synthase MeSSV in yeast; the LCA experiment showed that the chemical signals significantly enhanced after co-expression of MeGBSSI and MeSSV; the BiFC experiment further proved that the two could form a complex in plant cells, and the interaction signal was located in the chloroplast. The findings would provide new insight into the synergistic regulation among cassava starch-synthetic enzymes.

To clarify the genetic diversity characteristics of pollen morphology and the genetic relationships among pitaya germplasm resources, 63 pitaya germplasm accessions were used as the research materials in this study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe pollen micromorphology, 8 traits including polar axis length, equatorial axis length, and polar-equatorial ratio were systematically measured, and the diversity patterns of these traits were investigated through correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. The results showed that the pollen grains of all 63 pitaya germplasms were N3P4C3 type, with tricolporate apertures and spiny exine ornamentation. The differences in pollen among the germplasms were mainly reflected in subtle aspects such as shape, size, germinal furrow traits and exine ornamentation. The pollen grains were prolate or subspheroidal in shape. The polar axis length ranged from 58.82 to 101.00 μm, the equatorial axis length ranged from 52.50 to 86.54 μm, the germinal furrow length ranged from 37.03 to 82.25 μm, the germinal furrow width ranged from 1.31 to 8.53 μm, the furrow spacing ranged from 25.14 to 53.88 μm, and the surface spine density ranged from 1.30 to 3.11 per μm². Among the quantitative traits, the coefficient of variation (CV) of germinal furrow width was the largest, while that of equatorial axis length was the smallest. Correlation analysis revealed that polar axis length had an extremely significant positive correlation with germinal furrow length and polar-equatorial ratio, and polar-equatorial ratio had an extremely significant negative correlation with furrow spacing. Cluster analysis showed that the 63 germplasms were divided into 3 major clusters at a Euclidean distance of 20. The first cluster contained 30 accessions including Yuhonglong, the second cluster contained 15 accessions including Yunnan No.5, and the third cluster contained 18 accessions including Bama Red Flesh. This study confirmed that pitaya pollen morphology presents abundant genetic diversity, and established a palynology-based technique for the classification and identification of pitaya germplasms, which can provide important theoretical support for the identification and genetic breeding of pitaya germplasm resources.

Dwarfism is a key trait for Litchi chinensis breeding and cultivation. Focusing on the candidate gene LcGAMYB23 implicated in dwarfism by prior quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, we evaluated the MYB transcription factor family background and its molecular application potential. A genome-wide bioinformatic survey identified 151 members of the LcMYB gene family. Conserved motif and domain analyses showed that all family members harbored the canonical Myb_DNA-binding domain, indicating high sequence conservation in litchi. We further cloned and sequenced LcGAMYB23 from three standard (non-dwarf) cultivars (9918, Feizixiao, FZX; Sanyuehong, SYH) and three dwarf cultivars (Nuomici, NMC; Yamulong, YML; Ziniangxi, ZNX), and detected consistent sequence differences between the two groups. Based on the divergent single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites, we developed molecular markers and validated them across 70 cultivars. The markers effectively discriminated standard versus dwarf types at the cDNA level, with concordant results at the genomic DNA level. The findings would provide practical tools for molecular typing and marker-assisted selection of dwarfism in litchi and lay the groundwork for functional elucidation of LcGAMYB23.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), a nutrient-rich crop of significant economic importance, serves as a staple food in many Arab countries and regions, offering considerable potential for further development and utilization. Its genetic resources play a crucial role in driving innovation and enhancing the competitiveness of the date palm industry, garnering increasing attention from the scientific community in recent years. While phased research progress has been achieved, overall studies remain in an exploratory stage. Currently, the global date palm industry faces severe challenges, including climate change, cultivar deterioration, loss of genetic diversity, and threats from pest and disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to accelerate in-depth research on the preservation, identification, evaluation and innovative utilization of date palm germplasm resources to overcome bottlenecks in achieving simultaneous improvements in yield, stress resistance and quality. This paper systematically reviewed the current status of date palm germplasm resources, encompassing core areas such as resource collection and conservation technologies, identification and evaluation systems, and strategies for innovative utilization. It further examined existing bottlenecks and challenges, proposed targeted solutions, and outlined future directions for development. This study aims to provide theoretical support and strategic guidance for the efficient development and innovative utilization of date palm germplasm resources, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and optimizing resource management.

To enhance the flower quantity and flowering quality of Phalaenopsis, this study investigated the regulatory effects of spraying 6-BA or multi-stem inducer before and after flower stalk emergence on the flowering traits and lateral branch development of different cultivars. The experiment employed one large-flowered cultivar and six small-flowered cultivars. Treatments included spraying 400 mg/L 6-BA or multi-stem inducer (200×dilution) before stalk emergence and 200 mg/L 6-BA after stalk emergence. Flowering indices such as stalk emergence time, double-stalk rate, multiple-stalk rate, stalk length, flower number, number of lateral branches on the stalk, and bud abortion count were measured. Spraying 6-BA or the multi-stem inducer before stalk emergence significantly promoted stalk emergence in small-flowered cultivars, increasing the double-stalk and multiple-stalk rates (e.g., the multiple-stalk rate of 'Jinbian linglong' reached 100%). However, it reduced the number of lateral branches on the stalk in some cultivars. The large-flowered cultivar 'Daliajiao' was insensitive to multi-stalk induction, with a double-stalk rate of only 3.3%, but its stalk emergence time was advanced by 20 days compared to the control after pre-emergence 6-BA treatment. Although spraying 6-BA after stalk emergence delayed flowering, it significantly increased the inflorescence length, flower number, number of lateral branches on the stalk, and the length of the longest lateral branch in small-flowered cultivars. It also induced varying degrees of bud abortion, with 'Jinbian kafei' being the most severely affected, showing a bud abortion rate as high as 59.2%. In conclusion, the effects of 6-BA on Phalaenopsis flowering exhibit significant cultivar differences and are dependent on the application timing. Treatment before stalk emergence is conducive to inducing multiple stalks in small-flowered cultivars and improving emergence uniformity, with the multi-stem inducer showing similar effects to 6-BA. Treatment after stalk emergence can optimize the inflorescence structure of small-flowered cultivars but requires attention to the risk of bud abortion. In production, the appropriate treatment timing should be selected based on cultivar characteristics and cultivation objectives.

The study addressed the industrial challenges of low flowering rate and reduced yield in off-season pitaya cultivation caused by light and temperature limitations in tropical regions. By leveraging the unique advantages of bio-based carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in enhancing photosynthesis and stress resistance, we systematically investigated the regulatory effects on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and fruit quality of pitaya. Using four-year-old Taiwan No. 6 red-fleshed pitaya as the plant material, different concentrations of CQDs (CDS₂₀₀, CDS₂₅₀, CDS₃₀₀, CDS₅₀₀) and the combinations with nutritional elements (coCDS₃₀₀, coCDS₅₀₀, coCDS₈₀₀) were applied. Through field trials conducted in both summer and winter seasons, the dynamic changes in Rubisco activity, chlorophyll content, flowering characteristics, yield, and fruit quality were systematically investigated. Results demonstrated that during summer, CDS₂₅₀ and coCDS₃₀₀ rapidly increased Rubisco activity by 41.05% and 20.46% respectively compared to control, while composite treatments consistently outperformed single CQD applications. In winter, high-concentration treatments (CDS₂₀₀, CDS₂₅₀) exhibited a "rapid activation-fast decline" pattern in enzyme activity, whereas composite treatments maintained elevated Rubisco activity for 14 days. Chlorophyll synthesis was significantly enhanced, with summer CDS₂₀₀ increasing chlorophyll by 43.89% (versus 10.56% for chlorophyll a), and winter composite treatments elevating chlorophyll b proportion to 61.80% without affecting chlorophyll a. Notably, CQDs significantly promoted winter flowering with concentration-dependent effects, where CDS₅₀₀ showed the most prominent increase (141.80%), followed by coCDS₃₀₀ and CDS₃₀₀. Yield analysis revealed CDS₃₀₀ achieved 115.60% yield increase, while high-concentration CDS₂₀₀ showed weakest effects, consistent with its regulation on Rubisco activity, chlorophyll content and flowering. The premium fruit ratio reached 80.91% under coCDS₃₀₀, with all composite treatments outperformed single CQD groups. Winter yield enhancement (58.24%) markedly exceeded summer gains (27.19%). The research demonstrates that bio-based CQDs significantly enhance pitaya yield and quality by regulating photosynthetic systems and reproductive growth, with particularly prominent effects under low-light conditions in winter, providing technical support for off-season cultivation of tropical fruit trees.

The comprehensive effects of different fertilization treatments on soil fertility, enzyme activity and microbial community structure in rubber plantations were systematically investigated to provide a theoretical basis for sustainable nutrient management of rubber plantation soils. Using the rubber clone Reyan 7-33-97 as the research subject, five treatments were set, no fertilization (CK), conventional chemical fertilizer (CF), organic-inorganic compound fertilizer (OF), and two slow-release fertilizers with different release ratios (SF 25% and SF 50%). Soil chemical properties, enzyme activity and microbial community structure were measured to systematically explore the relationships among the factors. Compared with CF, OF treatment significantly increased soil organic matter (35.40%), available phosphorus (40.00%), pH (10.86%) and urease activity (54.84%). SF 25% significantly increased available phosphorus (43.00%) and catalase activity (19.23%). The available phosphorus content in SF 50% treatment showed no significant difference from CF, but was significantly lower than that in OF and SF 25% treatments. Microbial community analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in bacterial and fungal α-diversity across the treatments, but β-diversity analysis showed that fertilization treatments had a significant effect on the fungal community structure. Furthermore, both OF and SF 25% treatments significantly increased the relative abundance of Acidobacteria (93.47%, 64.58%), Chujaibacter (351.56%, 222.53%) and Ascomycota (38.43%, 11.13%) while decreasing the relative abundance of Rozellomycota. The SF 50% treatment significantly decreased the relative abundance of Glomeromycota (53.70%). In conclusion, organic-inorganic compound fertilizer (OF) and slow-release fertilizer (SF 25%) were more effective in improving soil fertility, enzyme activity and microbial community structure, and can be recommended as fertilization strategies for soil health management in rubber plantations.

As the main organic waste after the cultivation of edible fungi, the resource utilization of mushroom residue is of great significance to the sustainable development of agriculture. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the key active component in the decomposition process of mushroom residue, and the dynamic changes of its content and structure evolution directly affect the environmental effect and fertility release of mushroom residue after returning to the field. At present, the research on the evolution law of DOM system at different decomposition stages of mushroom residue is not clear. Especially, the quantitative analysis on the continuous changes of key physical and chemical properties such as DOM aromaticity, molecular weight and humification degree is insufficient, which limits the efficient resource utilization of mushroom residue. Therefore, this study took mushroom residue as the research object, and aiming to reveal its dynamic evolution law by monitoring the changing trend of DOC content, aromaticity, molecular weight and humification degree of DOM in mushroom residue at different decomposition stages (5^th, 15^th, 30^th and 60^th days). In this paper, the characteristic spectral parameters of DOM in mushroom residue were systematically measured and analyzed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, including SUVA₂₅₄, SUVA₂₆₀, SUVA₂₈₀, A₂₅₀/A₃₆₅, A₃₀₀/A₄₀₀, α₃₅₅, and spectral slope (S_R), and the response order of DOM structure was further analyzed by combining with two-dimensional correlation spectrum (2D-COS). The results showed that the DOC content decreased significantly with the extension of the decomposition period, and decreased by 71.05% on the 60^th day compared with the 5^th day, indicating that the easily degradable organic carbon components in the mushroom residue were preferentially utilized by microorganisms. SUVA₂₅₄ and SUVA₂60 decreased at first and then increased, while SUVA₂₈₀ increased at first and then decreased, indicating that the aromatic components with simple structure in DOM were preferentially decomposed by microorganisms. A₂₅₀/A₃₆₅ and A₃₀₀/A₄00 gradually decreased during the decomposition process, reflecting the increase of DOM molecular weight and humification degree. α₃₅₅ decreased significantly, and the S_R value was always less than 1, indicating that the DOM of mushroom residue was dominated by external input. 2D-COS analysis showed that the aromatic component (200 nm) was the most sensitive to the decomposition process. To sum up, this study revealed the regular phenomenon that DOM structure tends to be complex and stable in the decomposition process of mushroom residue, which would provide theoretical support for soil carbon sequestration and mushroom residue resource utilization. In the future, with the help of three-dimensional fluorescence and high-resolution mass spectrometry, the composition and transformation path of DOM in mushroom residue could be deeply analyzed, and the correlation analysis between DOM and microbial community function could be strengthened to fully reveal the driving mechanism and long-term ecological effect of DOM transformation of mushroom residue.

The PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYL) gene family (Pyrabactin Resistance 1/PYR1-Like/Regulatory Component of ABA Receptor), as core receptors of abscisic acid (ABA), play a pivotal regulatory role in the signaling pathways of plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought. Saccharum spontaneum L. (wild sugarcane), an important wild relative for sugarcane stress-resistant breeding, harbors abundant drought-tolerant genetic resources. However, systematic identification and functional analysis of its PYL gene family remain unreported to date. Based on the S. spontaneum genome data (Saccharum spontaneum Np-X2021), the study identified members of the SsPYL gene family using bioinformatics approaches, and systematically analyzed the physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements in promoters. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to investigate the expression patterns of core members under drought stress. The results showed that 32 SsPYL genes, designated as SsPYL1 to SsPYL32, were identified in the S. spontaneum genome. The encoded proteins ranged in length from 149 to 385 amino acids, with most being acidic and hydrophilic proteins primarily localized in the cytoplasm. The secondary structure was dominated by α-helices and random coils. Furthermore, SsPYLs exhibited uneven distribution across chromosomes, and segmental duplication was the dominant mechanism driving family expansion. A total of 54 pairs of syntenic genes were identified between SsPYLs and rice OsPYL genes, reflecting the evolutionary conservation of this family among monocotyledonous plants. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the 32 SsPYLs into three subfamilies, with members of the same subfamily sharing similar conserved motif compositions and gene structures. All SsPYL proteins contained the signature PYR_PYL_RCAR_like domain. The promoter regions of SsPYL genes were enriched in hormone-responsive and abiotic stress-related cis-acting elements, such as ABRE (ABA-responsive element), ARE (anaerobic responsive element), and LTR (low-temperature responsive element). Under drought stress, the expression levels of eight SsPYL genes (SsPYL1, SsPYL3, SsPYL4, SsPYL6, SsPYL8, SsPYL14, SsPYL19 and SsPYL24) were extremely significantly upregulated (P<0.01), among which SsPYL8, SsPYL14 and SsPYL19 showed more than 5-fold upregulation. The genes are thus speculated to be key candidate genes regulating drought tolerance in S. spontaneum. The study represents the first systematic characterization of the molecular features and drought-responsive patterns of the SsPYL gene family in S. spontaneum. It would provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the functional mechanisms in ABA-mediated drought stress signaling pathways and offer important gene targets for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in sugarcane.