ArchiveGinkgo biloba L. is a relic tree species that integrates medicinal, edible, ornamental, and scientific research value, offering substantial economic and social benefits. However, market demand for new cultivars with superior ornamental characteristics, high bioactive compound content, and enhanced stress tolerance is becoming increasingly urgent, and conventional breeding approaches can no longer adequately meet these needs. The rapid advancement of omics technologies has provided novel perspectives and a rich data foundation for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying key traits in G. biloba from multiple dimensions. This review systematically summarizes the progress and application of omics technologies in studies on G. biloba morphogenesis, sex determination and differentiation, biosynthesis of pharmacologically active compounds (flavonoids and terpene lactones), and stress resistance. To address the limitations of current omics-based research on G. biloba traits, this paper proposes a multidisciplinary framework integrating systems biology, precision phenomics, and machine learning modeling, aiming to propel molecular design breeding in G. biloba and provide strategic reference for its precision genetic improvement as well as the quality and efficiency enhancement of the entire industrial chain.
Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive brachy bacteria that can contaminate food during production, processing and storage, leading to potential food safety issues and listeriosis. The disease can cause gastroenteritis, sepsis, meningitis, abortion and even death, with a mortality rate of 20%-30%, seriously threatening public health and food safety. In recent years, plant essential oils have been known as natural food preservatives due to their non-toxic and harmless advantages and natural ingredients, and are a research hotspot for inhibiting Listeria monocytogenes. The research on the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by plant essential oils mainly focuses on the evaluation of antibacterial effect, the analysis of antibacterial mechanism and its application effect in food, but the indepth analysis of its antibacterial mechanism is still insufficient. This review systematically discusses the biological characteristics and pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes, and clarifies the central role of key virulence factors in bacterial adhesion, invasion, proliferation and other pathogenic links. The inhibitory activity of different plant essential oils against Listeria monocytogenes and their application status in the food industry were summarized, and the potential mechanism of plant essential oils to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes was analyzed. It was clarified that it could play a bacteriostatic effect by destroying cell membrane structure, blocking nucleic acid and protein synthesis, interfering with metabolic pathways, and regulating the expression of virulence factors. At the same time, the application results of transcriptomics technology in this field are summarized for the above-mentioned antibacterial mechanisms, and its role in elucidating the antibacterial mechanism at the molecular level is emphasized, and the unique advantages of this technology in research and application are demonstrated. It provides a theoretical reference for the subsequent development of efficient and safe natural food preservatives and the industrial application of plant essential oils in the field of food safety.
Elucidating the response of soil nutrients to long-term drought can better predict the impact of climate change on the ecosystem of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)forest in the future, and can guide the production and management practice of bamboo forest.
This study measured and analyzed the response of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus content and storage, as well as their stoichiometric characteristics, to no throughfall exclusion (CK) and long-term throughfall exclusion (DR) in bamboo forests using the “ceiling method” for rain interception.
The results showed that the average value of available phosphorus content, hydrolytic nitrogen and organic carbon content, as well as the average soil C/N and C/P values in the 0-50 cm soil layer of drought soil were significantly lower than those in the control soil (P<0.05). The total phosphorus content and average pH value of drought soil were slightly lower than those in the control, while the total nitrogen content and N/P value of soil were higher than those in the control. There was no significant difference in soil nutrient content between drought and control treatments in each soil layer of 0-10 cm, 10-30 cm, and 30-50 cm. The soil pH values in all drought soil layers were lower than those in the control, with the pH value in the 10-50 cm range being significantly lower than that of the control (P<0.05). The C/P value in the 10-30 cm drought soil layer and the C/N value in the 10-50 cm drought soil layer were significantly lower than those in the control (P<0.05), while the N/P value in the 30-50 cm soil layer was significantly higher than that in the control (P<0.05). Drought has increased the “surface aggregation” phenomenon of soil nutrient content and the chemical stoichiometry. The organic carbon storage and total phosphorus storage in the 0-50 cm soil layer under drought were lower than the control, while the total nitrogen storage in the soil was higher than the control. Relevant analysis shows that the pH value of the control soil is significantly positively correlated with organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus storage (P<0.01), while the pH value of soil under drought stress is only significantly negatively correlated with C/N and significantly positively correlated with N/P. The total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and organic carbon content in soil under drought are significantly or extremely significantly positively correlated with N/P (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the total phosphorus content is significantly negatively correlated with C/N (P<0.05).
The soil pH value, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus content are the main influencing factors of nitrogen and phosphorus balance in soils under drought.
To analyze the variation in oil yield and oil component composition of Acer truncatum seed kernels from Horqin sandy land, and to screen for germplasm resources with high oil value.
This study takes seeds from 92 high-yielding mother trees collected from three provenances in Horqin sandy land as the research subjects. Oil extraction and determination, as well as fatty acid component and content determination, were performed. Variance analysis and correlation analysis were employed to investigate the variation in oil traits and the associations among different traits. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the oil-related traits of superior trees.
1) The average oil content of the seed kernels of high-yielding superior trees of A. truncatum in Horqin Sandy Land was 46.07%, with a coefficient of variation of 6.33% and a genetic diversity index of 2.05; 2) A total of 14 fatty acid components were detected in the oils, among which linoleic acid had the highest content (33.76%), arachidonic acid had the largest coefficient of variation (48.32%), and behenic acid had the highest genetic diversity index (2.08); 3) The variance component percentage of oil content among populations and within populations was 90.16% and 9.476%, respectively, indicating that the variation mainly originated from among populations. The phenotypic differentiation coefficients for the 14 fatty acid contents ranged from 4.484% to 95.198%, with the highest coefficient observed for nervonic acid and the lowest for arachidic acid; 4) Correlation analysis indicated that oil content was significantly positively correlated with the content of arachidonic acid and stearic acid (P<0.01), and significantly negatively correlated with the content of nervonic acid (P<0.01). There are also complex correlations among the different fatty acid components; 5) The results of the AHP showed that the weight value of seed kernel oil content was 0.286, ranking first in comprehensive weight; among the fatty acid compositions, nervonic acid had the highest comprehensive weight (0.215). The comprehensive scores of the 92 superior individuals of A. truncatum ranged from 0.320 to 0.611.
The genetic diversity of A. truncatum oils in Horqin sandy land is rich, providing a material basis for the screening of oil germplasm resources; Moreover, the genetic differences in oil and nervonic acid content among different superior trees are significant, which provides the possibility for the targeted breeding of varieties with high oil and high nervonic acid content; Preliminary screening identified that the seed kernel oil content and the content of major fatty acid components in CF-6, XA-18, XA-11, CF-11, and XA-20 were all at the forefront. These strains can provide high-quality germplasm resources for the subsequent breeding of oil-related superior.
Focusing on the optimization of the adventitious bud induction system of Chamaecyparis hodginsii, a native species of Fujian, this study aims to provide theoretical support for the conservation of its germplasm resources and the development of in vitro propagation techniques.
By screening 6-BA, ZT, KT and other cytokinins, determining the most suitable implants, the best sterilization formula for implants, and the best incubation formula for adventitious bud induction, and exploring the mechanism of endogenous hormones in germination.
1) C. hodginsii is most suitable for extraction as a young, young, sprouted stem that was born in the year; 2) 75% alcohol disinfection for 10 s, 4% sodium hypochlorite disinfection for 600 s was the best disinfection formula of explants, which significantly reduced the risk of contamination; 3) The optimum culture medium for adventitious bud induction was MS + Sucrose 30.0 g/L + Agar 6.5 g/L + 0.1 mg/L KT, the rate of bud induction was 85.56%. At the same time, for the common browning problem in tissue culture of C. hodginsii, we found that the combination of AC and VC treatment had significant anti-browning effect, and the pollution rate was below 10%, effectively improving the culture efficiency; 4) The dynamic changes in the endogenous hormone levels during the process of adventitious bud induction indicate that the concentrations and ratios of IAA, ABA, GA3, and CTK exhibit regular fluctuations. Among these, ABA and GA3 have antagonistic effects. The balance between the ratios of IAA/ABA and CTK/IAA is the core mechanism regulating the bud germination of C. hodginsii. The period of 7-14 days is when the concentrations of IAA and the ratios of IAA/ABA, CTK/IAA reach their peak levels, making it a critical stage for the bud germination of C. hodginsii. During this period, the synergistic action of these hormones collectively contributes to their ability to adapt to the environment and promote growth and development.
This study has preliminarily established a low-pollution adventitious bud induction system for C. hodginsii, clarified the impact of different cultivation conditions on the content of endogenous hormones, and revealed the regulatory rules of endogenous hormones in the process of adventitious bud induction.
To explore the critical periods and occurrence patterns of embryo abortion during distant hybridization among apricot, plumcot, and peach, and to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for embryo rescue methods in Rosaceae stone fruit trees.
Twelve distant hybrid combinations were designed using apricot, plumcot, and peach as female parents. Following controlled artificial pollination, the developmental progression of young fruits was monitored, fruit size and fruit set rates at different developmental stages were recorded. The survival time of immature embryos was assessed using fluorescent staining. Viable immature embryos were subjected to bud induction, proliferation, and rooting cultures. Different plant growth regulator combinations were evaluated to establish an effective immature embryo rescue system for Rosaceae stone fruit trees.
Fruit development and immature embryo survival time in distant hybridization of Rosaceae stone fruit trees were significantly influenced by the female parent species. In hybrid combinations with common apricot or kernel apricot, plumcot, and peach, common almond, or almond as female parents, fruit growth ceased at 12, 6, and 31 days after pollination, respectively, and fruit drop began at 21, 18, and 38 days after pollination. Distant hybrid young fruits of Rosaceae stone fruit trees commonly exhibited prevented transverse diameter growth, occurring in 48.3%-69.0% of cases compared with compatible pollination controls. In addition, prevented vertical diameter growth was observed in young fruits of four combinations such as ‘Fengweimeigui’ × ‘Xiaobaixing’, with an incidence of 52.8%-55.9%, while prevented side diameter growth was noted in young fruits of ten combinations such as ‘Zhongren 3’ × ‘Jinbian 1’, occurring in 47.2%-74.3% of cases relative to controls. Seven hybrid combinations, with ‘Longwangmao’, ‘Fengweimeigui’, ‘Zhongyoutao 4’, and ‘Shantao 1’ as female parents, showed fertilization timing similar to that of compatible controls, whereas the remaining combinations exhibited delayed fertilization. The optimal embryo rescue medium consisted of MS basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D or IAA (2.0 mg/L), 6-BA (0.5 mg/L), sucrose (30 g/L), and agar (7 g/L), with 40.0% of the rescue rate of immature embryos. The proliferation medium comprised MS basal medium supplemented with 6-BA (1.0 mg/L), sucrose (30 g/L), and agar (7 g/L), with 30.5 of the average of new buds. The rooting medium consisted of WPM basal medium supplemented with NAA (0.5 mg/L), sucrose (20 g/L), and agar (7 g/L), with 25.5 of the average of roots.
The female parent genotypes significantly affect the time when young fruits stop growing and drop, as well as the survival time of immature embryos in distant hybridization of Rosaceae stone fruit trees. The optimal periods for immature embryo rescue, when apricot, plumcot, and peach are used as female parents, are 12-18, 6-15, and 12-30 days after pollination, respectively. Among these, combinations using ‘Longwangmao’, ‘Fengweimeigui’, and ‘Zhongyoutao 4’ as female parents show relatively higher success rates in embryo rescue. Plant growth regulators such as 2,4-D, IAA, 6-BA, and NAA serve as critical additives during embryo rescue.
This study integrated airborne LiDAR point cloud features with a hyperparameter optimization algorithm to develop a precise carbon stock estimation model for Pinus elliottii plantations in wetlands. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for large-scale carbon sink monitoring, thereby supporting forest management decisions that align with the "dual carbon" goals.
Taking Pinus elliottii plantation in Guangdong Province as the research object, 101 point cloud feature variables were extracted based on airborne LiDAR data. The recursive feature elimination combined with cross-validation (RFE-CV) was used to screen the optimal feature combination, and the Optuna hyperparameter optimization framework based on the TPE algorithm (with RMSE as the objective function) was introduced to construct random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models. The model performance was evaluated by R2, RMSE and MAE, and the SHAP value was used to analyze the contribution mechanism of features to the prediction of carbon storage of Pinus elliottii.
1) Five optimal feature variables (AIH40, AIH80, H10, H25, Imax) closely related to the estimation of Pinus elliottii carbon storage were selected by 5-fold RFE-CV. Compared with the model using all variables, feature selection significantly improved the prediction accuracy of each model. Among them, the XGBoost model has the most obvious effect (R2 increased from 0.78 to 0.89, RMSE decreased from 0.63 to 0.46 t, MAE decreased from 0.48 to 0.41 t); 2) The Optuna hyperparameter optimization framework based on the TPE algorithm is significantly better than random search: the RMSE value of the XGBoost model is reduced by 2.31%, and the error adjustment percentage (13.13%) is 3.57 times that of random search. The convergence iterations of the RF and KNN models are reduced by 33.33% and 49.18%, respectively; 3) After optimization by Optuna-TPE, the accuracy of each model has been significantly improved: the XGBoost model achieves the highest accuracy, with its R2 significantly increasing from 0.89 to 0.93, thus becoming the optimal model; 4) SHAP value analysis revealed the difference of feature dependence in different slash pine models: AIH40 dominated XGBoost prediction (SHAP = 0.64), while H25 was more critical to the RF model (SHAP = 0.28).
This study showed that feature selection and Optuna hyperparameter tuning based on the TPE algorithm are crucial to improve the performance of the Pinus elliottii carbon storage estimation model. The optimized XGBoost model combined with the optimal feature combination realized the high-precision estimation of the carbon storage of Pinus elliottii plantations.
To investigate the effects of different nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization ratios on the accumulation of nitrogen metabolites, soluble sugar content, vegetative growth, and reproductive organ development in 19-year-old Taiwania cryptomerioides. The goal was to identify an optimal N-P-K fertilization scheme to promote its growth and development.
An L16(43) orthogonal experimental design with three factors (N, P, K) and four levels was employed. The contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and total nitrogen were determined in the buds, flowers, and fruits. Additionally, growth parameters of vegetative and reproductive shoots were measured.
1) A comprehensive evaluation indicates that the N3P4K2 treatment has the most significant overall promotional effect on the main agronomic traits. Under this treatment, bud soluble protein content reaches 9.84 mg/g and total nitrogen content is 1.97%, representing increases of 116.26% and 28.76% over the control, respectively. The dry weights of vegetative and reproductive shoots reach 1.21 g and 1.38 g, which are 55.13% and 2.22% higher than the control. Bud soluble sugar content under this treatment is 49.05 mg/g, a 54.68% increase. The N3P2K4 treatment also shows excellent performance, ranking second overall, with increases of 114.95% in bud soluble protein, 26.14% in bud total nitrogen, 47.68% in vegetative shoot dry weight, 1.48% in reproductive shoot dry weight, and 48.50% in bud soluble sugar compared to the control; 2) Nitrogen exerts an extremely significant promotional effect (P<0.01) on soluble protein content and vegetative growth indicators, with effects typically peaking at the N3 level and showing a downward trend at the N4 level. In contrast, total nitrogen content is generally highest at the N4 level; 3) Phosphorus also shows an extremely significant promotional effect (P<0.01) on most measured indicators, with the P3 level performing best for protein and total nitrogen accumulation; 4) The main effect of potassium is not significant (P>0.05) for most metabolic and growth indicators; however, its presence at specific levels is an essential component of the optimal treatments, suggesting a crucial role in nutrient balance and interaction.
A balanced N-P-K application, particularly N3P4K2 and N3P2K4 can significantly optimize nitrogen metabolism and soluble sugar accumulation in Taiwania cryptomerioides.
To breed novel Camellia oleifera cultivars characterized by spring flowering, superior fruit economic traits, and excellent oil quality, this study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of distant hybridization progeny, aiming to screen elite spring-flowering germplasm resources.
Twenty-seven initially selected spring-flowering superior individuals from the hybrid progeny of ‘Youza 2’ (YZ2) × ‘Deyou 2’ (DY2) served as experimental materials. Systematic observations were made on their flowering phenology, floral organ morphology, pollen viability, and fruit economic traits. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis, difference analysis, and principal component analysis.
Significant segregation in flowering traits was observed among the 27 spring-flowering Camellia oleifera superior individuals. The earliest initial flowering date occurred in YD21, while the latest was recorded for YD11. YD26 exhibited the longest full-bloom period, lasting 32 days. Floral organ traits showed varying degrees of variation among individuals, with style number ranging from 3 to 5 lobes and petal number ranging from 5 to 10. Notably, YD22 displayed the largest flower diameter (89.56 mm), consistent with entomophilous characteristics. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant positive correlations (P<0.01) between petal number and style number, and between flower diameter and style length, indicating coordinated regulation in floral organ development. Pollen viability varied markedly among individuals, ranging from 35.35% to 83.31%. YD17 demonstrated the highest pollen viability (83.31%), and the phenomenon of “pseudo-pollen” was observed. Regarding fruit traits, YD6 possessed the thinnest pericarp (1.32 mm), with its fresh seed yield rate (52.99%) and kernel oil content (51.17%) being significantly superior to parental performance. YD17 exhibited the highest fresh seed yield rate (63.31%), standing out prominently among the population. Unsaturated fatty acids accounted for 85.40%-88.01% of the total fatty acids in the oil. YD11 displayed the highest oleic acid content (79.77%).
Comprehensive evaluation identified superior individuals YD3, YD7, and YD17 as outstanding performers for key economic traits, including fruit size, seed yield rate, and oleic acid content. These individuals represent valuable germplasm resources for further breeding and research.
To reveal the variation patterns and driving mechanisms underlying leaf phenotypic diversity in Quercus mongolica and provide a data basis for constructing Quercus mongolica germplasm banks, breed suitable provenances, and to promote sustainable utilization.
Thirteen leaf phenotypic traits were systematically measured for 55 Quercus mongolica provenances from northeast and north China. Nested analysis of variance was used to quantify variation contributions among and within provenances; phenotypic differentiation coefficients were employed to analyze the degree of genetic differentiation; principal component analysis (PCA) and UPGMA clustering were combined to explore the classification value of traits; regression models were utilized to evaluate the impact of climatic differences (e.g., annual average temperature, seasonal rainfall) between provenance and planting sites on phenotypes.
All 13 traits show significant differences among provenances (P<0.05), with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 18.81% to 63.50%. Among them, leaf area (CV=63.50%), petiole length (45.42%), and leaf base angle (39.86%) exhibit the most significant variations. The average phenotypic differentiation coefficient is 61.99%, and the variance contribution among provenances (57.65%) is significantly higher than that within provenances (35.09%), indicating that variation mainly originates from geographical population differentiation. Correlation analysis shows that different leaf traits are mainly highly correlated with leaf length and leaf width. PCA extracts 3 principal components (cumulative contribution rate 66.60%), with dominant factors being leaf length (PC1 loading 0.954), leaf tip angle (PC2 loading 0.745), and leaf base angle (PC3 loading 0.743) in sequence. Cluster analysis divides the 55 provenances into 3 types: large-leaf type (6 provenances), medium-leaf type (23 provenances), and small-leaf type (25 provenances). The medium-leaf and small-leaf types account for 90.9%, with classification based on leaf size (leaf length, leaf width) and angle characteristics (leaf tip angle, leaf base angle). Climatic differences between provenance and planting sites have significant effects on 6 traits (P<0.05), but the explanatory rates (coefficient of determination, R2) are generally low (<0.17).
Leaf phenotypic diversity in Quercus mongolica is dominated by genetic differentiation among provenances. Leaf area, petiole length, leaf base angle, leaf perimeter, and leaf vein angle are key indicators of phenotypic differentiation; leaf length, leaf tip angle, and leaf base angle can serve as core indices for germplasm classification. Climatic factors have a weak impact on traits, indicating that genetic background is the main cause of variation.
To investigate the effects of different fertilization treatments on the growth and physiology of Phoebe bournei seedlings, and to provide a theoretical basis for developing scientific fertilization strategies to cultivate high-quality seedlings that are both tall and robust, thereby improving afforestation survival rates.
Two-year-old Phoebe bournei seedlings were used as experimental materials. A factorial design was employed with four compound fertilizer levels (0, 4, 8, 16 g per seedling) and four bio-fertilizer levels (0, 5, 10, 20 g per seedling), forming 16 treatment combinations. Seedling height, ground diameter, biomass, chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, as well as soluble sugar and starch contents in various plant parts (leaves, branches, roots) were measured. Multiple comparisons and correlation analysis were used to systematically study the effects of fertilization on seedling growth and NSC accumulation and allocation.
Fertilization significantly promoted the growth of Phoebe bournei seedlings. Treatments T6 (4 g compound fertilizer + 10 g bio-fertilizer) and T7 (4 g compound fertilizer + 20 g bio-fertilizer) showed the most pronounced increases in seedling height, ground diameter, and biomass. The medium fertilizer group overall exhibited the best comprehensive promotion effect, resulting in seedlings with suitable height-to-diameter and shoot-to-root ratios, while maintaining high seedling quality indices and overall growth coordination. Therefore, the combined application of 4-8 g compound fertilizer combined with 10-20 g biofertilizer is recommended to achieve both quality improvement and efficient NSC accumulation in Phoebe bournei seedlings. Correlation analysis indicated widespread correlations among seedling height, ground diameter, soluble protein, chlorophyll, biomass, and NSC contents in different parts. Main effect analysis revealed that compound fertilizer had a strong main effect, enhancing most indicators including seedling height, ground diameter, total biomass, and seedling quality index. Bio-fertilizer had a relatively weaker main effect but was particularly prominent in promoting NSC accumulation in roots and branches.
The combined application of compound fertilizer and biofertilizer is recommended to balance rapid growth and NSC accumulation in Phoebe bournei seedlings, shorten the growth cycle, and enhance stress resistance. This study provides support for supplying high-quality seedlings for the establishment of Phoebe bournei plantations and the restoration of wild populations.
Exploring the physiological response to drought, to screen drought-resistant varieties, accelerate the breeding of drought-resistant Phalaenopsis varieties, meet the market demand in arid areas, and improve economic benefits.
Eleven Phalaenopsis cultivars were selected, and their photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and physiological indexes were investigated after natural drought following watering, and the drought-resistant varieties were screened out by using membership functions and cluster analysis.
As the water content decreases, the net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and chlorophyll content of most varieties continuously decline, while the intercellular CO2 concentration, electrical conductivity, soluble sugar content, and malondialdehyde content continuously increase. The contents of CAT, SOD, and soluble proteins show a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The drought tolerance evaluation system constructed based on the membership function method indicates that the drought tolerance ranking of the varieties is as follows: ‘Gold Princess’ > ‘Dior’ > ‘Sunrise’ > ‘Aurea Mocha’ > ‘Las Vegas’ > ‘Anna’ > ‘Prince Berry’ > ‘Bordeaux’ > ‘Gongxi Facai’ > ‘Man Tianhong’ > ‘Dream Lady’. Through cluster analysis, the 11 Phalaenopsis varieties are divided into two categories based on their drought tolerance. The first category consists of six drought-tolerant varieties, namely ‘Gold Princess’ ‘Dior’ ‘Sunrise’ ‘Aurea Mocha’ ‘Las Vegas’ and ‘Anna’, the second category includes five general varieties, namely ‘Prince Berry’ ‘Bordeaux’ ‘Gongxi Facai’ ‘Man Tianhong’ and ‘Dream Lady’.
‘Gold Princess’ ‘Dior’ ‘Sunrise’ ‘Aurea Mocha’ ‘Las Vegas’ and ‘Anna’ can adapt to the dry climate of Ningxia and are suitable for planting and popularizing in Ningxia; ‘Prince Berry’ ‘Bordeaux’ ‘Gongxi Facai’ ‘Man Tianhong’ and ‘Dream Lady’ may need frequent watering in the arid area of Ningxia and the cost is high, so they should be planted appropriately.
To explore the differential mechanisms of carbohydrates in dioecious plants, this study took Fraxinus velutina as the research object. It aimed to analyze the differences in carbohydrate allocation patterns between male and female plants at different developmental stages, thereby providing a scientific basis for the regulation of carbon metabolism in sexually dimorphic plants and the management of urban forests.
Specimens were gathered during the fruiting phase (S1), fruit expansion period (S2), and fruit ripening stage (S3). Branches in the upper southern section of the trees were tested to determine the levels of non-structural and structural carbohydrates.
Growth stages and their combined effect with gender notably affect structural carbohydrates and some non-structural carbohydrates (P<0.05). In both genders of F. velutina, leaf cellulose content first increases and then decreases, with females showing significantly lower levels than males at S1. Lignin content declines steadily, and females have lower levels in all stages, with a marked difference at S2 (P<0.05). Regarding non-structural carbohydrates: female starch content drops dramatically from S1 to S2 and is significantly lower than that of males at S2 (P<0.05); fructose content first decreases and then increases, with females were significantly lower at S2; sucrose content follows a similar trend, with females showing significantly lower levels at S2 (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicates that in females, cellulose is mostly negatively associated with non-structural carbohydrates (such as starch and soluble sugars), while in males, starch is mostly positively associated with soluble sugars and their components. This reflects gender-specific coordination in carbon metabolism and trade-off strategies in carbon allocation.
Owing to distinct life history strategies, male and female F. velutina exhibit differences in carbohydrate allocation during development: males retain higher levels of structural carbohydrates in leaves, relying on the advantages of cellulose and lignin to support vegetative growth; females display more adaptable mobilization of non-structural carbohydrates, adjusting starch and soluble sugars dynamically to meet reproductive needs.
To explore the water sources of riparian forests and their response to the water level of the Yellow River in the Ulan Buh desert section of the Yellow River basin, reveal the water use strategies of Salix matsudana, understand their adaptability under drought conditions, and to provide a theoretical basis for ecological protection and restoration in the desert area of the Yellow River basin.
Salix matsudana was selected from the river bank of the Ulan Buh desert of Yellow River “Jizi bend”. In the growing season of 2022-2023, plant stems were collected, as well as forest soil, groundwater, Yellow River water and other potential water sources of plants. Water was extracted from plant and soil samples by a freeze-vacuum water extraction device, and the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of each water sample were determined and analyzed. The contribution ratio of different potential water sources to plants was calculated using MixSIAR model.
The water source of Salix matsudana had obvious seasonal changes. In May 2022, Salix matsudana mainly absorbed deep soil water, accounting for 84.1%. In June, July, August and September, the absorption proportion of deep soil water decreased (44.6%, 36.9%, 26.0%, 54.1%). Concurrently, the proportion of water absorbed from the middle soil increased by 24.3%, 13.7%, 8.6% and 7.2%, respectively. Additionally, the proportion of groundwater absorption increased by 6.9%, 21.5%, 38.3% and 19.1% respectively during these months. From May to September 2023, Salix matsudana mainly absorbed deep soil water and groundwater. The proportion of deep soil water absorption was 65.6%, 38.9%, 63.3%, 52.3% and 30.2%, and the proportion of groundwater absorption was 14.3%, 31.6%, 18.6%, 29.1% and 48.2%, respectively. There was no significant difference between 2022 and 2023 in the contribution ratio of different potential water sources (P>0.05). The proportion of groundwater absorbed by Salix matsudana increased with the water level of the Yellow River, and the proportion of Yellow River water to the water source of Salix matsudana decreased.
The main water source of Salix matsudana is relatively reliable deep soil water and groundwater. The water level of the Yellow River will affect the water source of Salix matsudana to a certain extent, especially the absorption ratio of groundwater and Yellow River water, which reflects the adaptability of Salix matsudana to drought.
To reveal the spatial differentiation law of the ecological service value of typical sand-land governance modes in the middle reaches of the Heihe river, the characteristics of the adaptability of the six sand-land governance modes, and to provide a scientific basis for the optimization of the models and spatial optimization allocation of regional sand-land governance, and to promote the maximization of ecological restoration benefits and regional sustainable development.
This study analyzed the spatial differentiation characteristics of different governance modes through the processes of questionnaire survey, expert scoring, literature review, field investigation, indoor detection and data analysis. A multi-level ecological service value assessment mode for governance patterns was constructed based on the principles of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the weights of evaluation indicators. According to the weighted quantitative scoring and ranking of the 11 indicators in the evaluation system with 5 dimensions, the governance effect, economic benefit, and service value of the land desertification governance modes in the study area are analyzed and evaluated, and the preferred modes are selected.
1) The ecological service values of different modes exhibit significant differences: the grape-based integrated mode stands out in economic value; the Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche deserticola mode demonstrates the best ecological benefits; the Lycium barbarum complex mode shows good balance, with clear coordinated development of economic and ecological benefits; the Jerusalem artichoke complex mode performs exceptionally well under specific site conditions, achieving the highest soil improvement and water-saving efficiency among all modes, although its economic output is relatively low; the Xanthoceras sorbifolium complex mode maintains balanced and stable performance across all indicators, lacking outstanding advantages but being an ideal choice for transitional zones due to its drought tolerance and woody oilseed potential; the ecological livestock farming mode delivers notable short-term benefits through a “forage-livestock-fertilizer” cycle that enables rapid returns, though carrying capacity must be strictly controlled; 2) Based on the comprehensive evaluation of ecological service value based on AHP, the order of the ecological service value scores of the 6 ecological governance modes is: Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche deserticola mode (comprehensive score of 88.9) > grape composite mode (85.6) > Jerusalem artichoke complex mode (82.8) > Lycium barbarum complex mode (80.5) > ecological farming mode (78.6) > X. sorbifolia complex mode (75.2).
Different governance modes exhibit significant complementarity in their ecosystem service functions: the Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche icola mode excels in ecological barrier function, the grape composite mode leads in economic output, and the Jerusalem artichoke composite mode demonstrates excellent performance in saline-alkali improvement and water conservation, while the remaining modes possess applicable value under specific site conditions. Based on multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation using the AHP, the Haloxylon amodendron-Cistanche deserticola mode, the grape composite mode, and the Jerusalem artichoke composite mode were selected as the optimal regional governance paradigms. Accordingly, a spatial scheme based on ecological functional zoning is proposed: developing a Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche deserticola ecological-economic system in the transition, deploying water-saving grape industries in the water-proximal zone, and promoting Jerusalem artichoke-Xanthoceras sorbifolia composite restoration in the salt-alkali zone.
China's pulp industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and the loss of forest carbon sinks due to the process of obtaining wood raw materials is particularly significant. Domestic wood pulp production and consumption continue to rise, further intensifying carbon emissions and pressure on timber resources, posing a serious challenge to achieving industry emission reduction targets. To address this challenge, mitigate the loss of forest carbon stocks and reduce carbon emissions from the industry, this study proposes the replacement of wood pulp raw materials with giant reed raw materials in the production of pulp and evaluates the potential for emission reduction and avoidance of the loss of forest carbon stocks.
This study adopts the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to quantitatively analyze the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the wood pulp and giant reed pulp industry chain, and systematically assesses the potential contribution of the raw material substitution strategy (giant reed instead of wood) in the reduction of emissions in the pulp industry.
The replacement of wood by giant reed in the production of pulp significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The life cycle assessment shows that the emission reduction per unit of production (1 Adt) for different pulp type (BCP, UBCP, CMP) is about 0.056-0.214 tCO2e, which is equivalent to a reduction of GHG emissions by 3.42%-14.76%, with the raw material collection and transportation stages being the key emission reduction links. At the same time, the use of 1 ton of ruderalis pulp reduces timber harvesting by about 4.732 m3 and retains about 4.844 tCO2e of forest carbon stocks. The analysis of wood pulp capacity planning scenarios based on 65 production lines in 46 pulp mills in China in 2025 shows that bleached chemical pulp (BCP) has the greatest potential for emission reductions, and that Shandong, Hubei, and Guangxi are key regions for emission reductions. Under the 2060 carbon neutrality goal, the full implementation of the giant reed feedstock substitution strategy is predicted to retain about 39.26-157.05 TgCO2e of forest carbon stocks per year and significantly reduce dependence on imported wood.
Substitution of giant reed raw materials for wood raw materials for pulp production has significant synergistic benefits of greenhouse gas emission reduction and forest carbon sink protection, which not only reduces dependence on imported wood, but also provides scientific and feasible technological support for the pulp industry to implement the national 2060 carbon neutrality goal, while significantly reducing dependence on imported wood.
By investigating the characteristics and spatial patterns of plant alpha diversity in the Kangnan forestry general farm, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for differentiated ecological conservation and forestry management in this forest area.
Using data from the second national census of forest and grassland genetic resources, the importance values of the tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer, as well as the plant α diversity index were calculated through statistical aggregation. The diversity characteristics were summarized, and combined with relevant analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis, the spatial pattern of plant diversity in the forest area was revealed.
Key plot data indicate that the tree layer consists of a community dominated by species from the Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Cornaceae, and Pinaceae families. In the shrub layer, the Bambusoideae subfamily constitutes a single-dominant community accounting for 15.6% of the total, while in the herbaceous layer, communities dominated by the genus Carex accounted for 6.4%. Regarding the alpha diversity indices of forest vegetation, the Patrick richness index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou evenness index generally showed a pattern of tree layer < herbaceous layer < shrub layer, indicating the presence of highly stable and less degraded plant communities. The alpha diversity indices of the tree layer in the forest area showed a strong and significant positive correlation with precipitation and a significant positive correlation with aspect; the alpha diversity indices of the shrub layer showed a significant negative correlation with elevation; the alpha diversity indices of the herb layer showed a strong and significant negative correlation with slope and a significant negative correlation with elevation. The spatial autocorrelation of the plant α-diversity indices in the sample plots showed a confidence level of over 99% and exhibited significant positive spatial correlation, with the strength of spatial autocorrelation being highest in the tree layer, followed by the herb layer and then the shrub layer. Except for the evenness index of the shrub layer, which showed no high/low clustering, the plant α-diversity indices of the other layers all exhibited varying degrees of high-high and low-low clustering, as well as low-high and high-low clustering anomalies.
Overall, plant diversity in the forest area remains stable, but some communities are at risk of degradation; tree layer diversity is significantly influenced by precipitation and aspect, shrub layer diversity is markedly influenced by elevation, and herb layer diversity is influenced by both slope and elevation; spatial autocorrelation of plant diversity in the forest area is pronounced, with both highly stable high-high clusters and degraded low-low clusters, as well as anomalous low-high and high-low clusters. These characteristics provide important theoretical foundations and technical references for forest management across the entire region.
To explore and evaluate the nonlinear response relationship and driving mechanisms between forest landscape patterns and carbon storage in Hunan Province, and to optimize forest management and enhance regional carbon sequestration capacity.
Based on land use data from 2000 to 2020 in Hunan Province, forest landscape patterns were assessed using the Fragstats and moving window method. The Invest model was used to evaluate the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of carbon storage. On this basis, the random forest machine learning method was applied to clarify the nonlinear impact of forest landscape patterns on regional carbon storage. Finally, the XGBoost-SHAP model was employed to analyze the driving intensity of natural and socio-economic factors on carbon storage.
1) From 2000 to 2020, forest patch density in Hunan Province increased from 1.2 to 1.4, while the interspersion and juxtaposition index increased from 55.7 to 59.5. This indicates intensified forest landscape fragmentation and more pronounced spatial interspersion among different landscape types; 2) The total carbon storage in Hunan Province decreased from 2.097 billion tons to 2.086 billion tonnes, with the spatial distribution of carbon storage being extremely uneven, concentrated mainly in the southern and western regions of Hunan. The total carbon storage in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration continued to decline; 3) Shannon's diversity index, patch density, and contagion index positive correlations with total carbon, aboveground, and soil carbon storage; 4) GDP, temperature, and population density are the main factors driving the changes in unit carbon storage, with GDP having the most significant positive driving effect (SHAP = 0.61).
This study emphasizes that optimizing forest landscape structure and increasing economic investment can sustainably enhance regional carbon storage capacity. The findings provide a scientific basis for understanding the dynamic relationship between forest landscape pattern evolution and carbon storage, as well as for forest management practices.
To explore the effects of the decomposition of Salix psammophila mechanical sand barriers on the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities.
Salix psammophila sand barriers deployed for 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were selected as research objects, with bare sandy land as the control (CK). Field in-situ sampling, indoor indicator measurements, and Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology were employed to reveal the response relationships between bacterial and fungal diversity, soil properties, and enzyme activity during the decay process of Salix sand barriers.
1) Soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil moisture content (SMC) increased significantly with the duration of deployment (SOC increased by 71.56% after 7 years compared to 1 year, and SMC increased by 79.90%); 2) Richness (Sobs and Ace indices) of bacterial communities peaked at 3 years of deployment, while diversity (Shannon index) was highest at 7; 3) Fungal diversity and richness generally showed an increasing trend, with Talaromyces dominating at 5 years, accounting for up to 83.25%, and the Shannon index of fungal communities significantly increased by 7 years; 4) Redundancy analysis indicated that bacterial communities were driven by SOC and alkaline phosphatase (APh), while fungal communities were primarily regulated by APh, SMC, and urease (Ure).
The decomposition of Salix psammophila mechanical sand barriers significantly influenced the structural and functional succession of microbial communities by altering soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity, providing a scientific basis for optimizing sand barrier materials and evaluating ecological functions in desertification control.
This study aims to develop an efficient tissue culture propagation system for Eucalyptus maidenii and identify high- performance genotypes, thereby establishing a theoretical and technical foundation for large-scale seedling production.
Seeds from elite E. maidenii families were used as explants. Using full factorial and orthogonal experimental designs, the optimal culture conditions were determined for primary culture, subculture proliferation, adventitious root induction, and hardening. The selected optimal proliferation and rooting media were then applied to axenic seedlings of different genotypes to screen genotypes that exhibited both high proliferation efficiency and robust rooting competence.
The optimal conditions for the primary culture and subculture of sterile stem segments of E. maidenii are MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 6-BA, 0.6 mg/L NAA, 20 g/L sucrose, and 4.5 g/L agar, resulting in a 100% axillary bud induction rate, a 10.40-fold monthly proliferation rate, a plantlet height of 1.14 cm, and robust shoot clusters. Adventitious root induction is optimally achieved on 1/2 DCR medium containing 0.6 mg/L IBA, 0.3 mg/L NAA, 1.0 mg/L ABT1, 20 g/L sucrose, 5 g/L agar, and 0.16 g/L activated charcoal, with a 86.67% rooting rate after 20 days. A 1:1:1 (v/v/v) mixture of humus soil, vermiculite, and peat soil provides the highest transplantation success, with a 76.67% survival rate. A total of 118 E. maidenii genotypes were evaluated for proliferation and rooting capacity, from which one superior genotype (G116) with both high proliferation efficiency and strong rooting ability was selected. After 60 days of culture, G116 exhibits a 11.76-fold proliferation rate, reaches 1.65 cm in height, and develops robust shoot clusters. This genotype also demonstrates a 93.33% rooting rate within 20 days of culture.
The research successfully developed an efficient in vitro propagation system for E. maidenii and selected one genotype exhibiting superior propagation traits. This methodology enhanced seedling production efficiency.
To systematically identify the MAPK gene family members based on the whole-genome data of Prunus sibirica, analyze their bioinformatics characteristics and expression patterns under low-temperature stress, and to reveal the potential functions of these family members in response to low-temperature stress.
Based on the genomic and transcriptomic data of P. sibirica, methods such as genome-wide identification, conserved motif analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, and syntenic analysis were used to determine the basic information, physicochemical properties, gene structures, phylogenetic relationships, and response mechanisms under low-temperature stress of MAPK family genes.
A total of 84 MAPK genes were identified in P. sibirica, including 11 PsMAPK, 10 PsMAPKK and 63 PsMAPKKK genes, which were widely distributed across eight chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified all MAPK family members into three subfamilies: MAPK, MAPKK, and MAPKKK (including MEKK, ZIK, and Raf). Conserved motif analysis revealed that motifs within each subfamily were conserved. Promoter cis-element prediction showed that the promoter regions of 44 genes were enriched in low-temperature-responsive elements. Transcriptome data indicated that 14 MAPK genes were differentially expressed under low-temperature stress, and the expression levels of genes such as PsMAPK1 and PsMAPKKK2 were significantly upregulated with decreasing temperature.
Through comprehensive analysis of the gene structure, chromosomal distribution, and phylogenetic relationships of the MAPK gene family members in P. sibirica, the physicochemical properties and molecular characteristics of the MAPK family members were clarified. Further expression analysis indicated that 14 genes, including PsMAPK1 and PsMAPKK7, are involved in important signaling pathways responding to low-temperature stress.