Saif Ullah^1,2, Izhar Ali^1,2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1029-1045, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064608 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Nitrogen (N) assimilation is crucial for the growth and development of C₃ plants, as it converts inorganic N into organic forms, important for protein synthesis, nucleic acids and other vital biomolecules. However, abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures and others significantly impact N uptake and utilization, thereby hindering plant growth and development. Recent advances in molecular biology have illuminated the complex networks that govern N assimilation under these stressful conditions, emphasizing the role of transcription factors, regulatory genes, and stress-responsive pathways. This review provides an integrated perspective on the latest research in nitrogen metabolism… More >

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

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

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

Shahin Imran^1,2,#,*, Mousumi Jahan Sumi^3,#, Israt Jahan Harine⁴, Newton Chandra Paul¹, Md. Asif Mahamud⁵, Rakibul Hasan Md. Rabbi⁵, Marian Brestic⁶, Mohammad Saidur Rhaman^7,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1073-1109, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064046 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Heavy metal (HM) accumulation in soil poses a major hazard to both ecological health and plant growth progressions. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) are examples of HMs that negatively impact the growth and development of plants, resulting in lower agricultural output and food safety concerns. Biochar (BC), a substance rich in carbon that is formed by pyrolyzing natural biomass, has demonstrated remarkable promise in reducing HM stress in polluted soils. Research has shown that BC effectively lowers plant uptake of metals, and enhances soil qualities,… More >

Dandan Wang^*, Jiaxin Chen, Yanwen Zhang

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1137-1158, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063894 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Taxus cuspidata, a rare species of the Taxus genus, and its wild resources are under severe threat. The development of cultivated species has become an important strategy to replace wild species. The objective of this work was to elucidate the differences in secondary metabolite accumulation, particularly in the paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway, between wild and cultivated species. This study employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technologies to conduct integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of wild and cultivated species of T. cuspidata. The results showed that the content of paclitaxel in cultivated species was significantly higher… More >

Yuxin Zhao, Zhanxiang Tan, Yuying Li, Kaiyue Zhang, Lili Guo^*, Xiaogai Hou^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1159-1176, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063737 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) play a crucial role in the physiological processes of plant growth and development and stress response. To elucidate the characteristics and functions of the PBL gene family in tree peonies, the whole genome identification of PBL family members in tree peonies was conducted using a bioinformatics approach based on the published Arabidopsis thaliana PBL protein sequence. A total of 51 PoPBL members were identified, which were distributed unevenly on five chromosomes in the tree peony. PoPBL proteins were localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and mitochondria, with most members of the same clade… More >

Arpita Rani Roy¹, Israt Jahan², Sharah Jabeen Mou², Md. Farhan Hasin³, Prodipto Bishnu Angon^1,*, Rebeka Sultana², Badhon Mazumder⁴, Md. Arif Sakil^5,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1177-1210, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063675 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Global warming is making plants more susceptible to heat stress. Hence, adjustments to crop production systems are required for global food security. Heat stress (HS) poses a threat to the quality of ecosystems and global food security due to its adverse effects on plant development. The degree to which HS affects physiological disruptions, physical harm, and biochemical changes at various growth stages directly correlates with its effects on physiological functions, plant growth, and crop production. One promising approach is soil modification using biochar, which enhances soil health and promotes the development of microbial communities, ultimately… More >

Yuhang Li¹, Li Sun¹, Tao Wang¹, Bingjun Yu², Zhihong Gao³, Xiaochun Shu¹, Tengyue Yan¹, Weibing Zhuang^1,2,*, Zhong Wang^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1211-1223, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063647 - 30 April 2025

Abstract bHLH transcription factors, widely exist in various plants, and are vital for the growth and development of these plants. Among them, many have been implicated in anthocyanin biosynthesis across various plants. In the present study, a PdbHLH57 gene, belonging to the bHLH IIIf group, was characterized, which was isolated and cloned from the colored-leaf poplar ‘Zhongshancaiyun’ (ZSCY). The cDNA sequence of PdbHLH57 was 1887 base pairs, and the protein encoded by PdbHLH57 had 628 amino acids, the isoelectric point and molecular weight of which were 6.26 and 69.75 kDa, respectively. Through bioinformatics analysis, PdbHLH57 has been classified… More >

Ammar Attar^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1225-1237, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063207 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Artemisia dracunculus L., or tarragon, is a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family that is extensively cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are valued for its preventative and therapeutic properties in both cookery and traditional medicine. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of A. dracunculus (tarragon) essential oil (ADEO), with estragole (57.23%) identified as the major compound through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. ADEO exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity, with Escherichia coli showing higher resistance (inhibition zone (IZ) = 14.7 ± 0.58 mm, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 2% and minimum bactericidal… More >

Ghizlane Houzi¹, Aimad Allali^2,3,*, Amine Elbouzidi^4,*, Mohamed Taibi⁴, Mohamed Chebaibi^3,5, Ben Khada Zineb⁶, Ramzi A. Mothana⁷, Mohammed F. Hawwal⁷, Rachid Flouchi^3,8, Abdeslam Asehraou⁹, Amal Lahkimi², Soad Khal-Layoun¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1239-1251, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.063021 - 30 April 2025

Abstract This work uses GC-MS to analyze the bioactive compounds of Salvia rosmarinus essential oils (SREO) and evaluates their antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal effects, as well as the major component, 1,8-cineole. Chemical analysis identified 16 compounds accounting for 99.19% of the oil’s total content, with 1,8-cineole (33.17%), camphor (16.53%), α-pinene (14.46%), and camphene (8.14%) as the major constituents. Antimicrobial activities were assessed against pathogenic strains using minimal inhibit concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. SREO exhibited a minimum MIC of 0.128% against P. aeruginosa, while 1,8-cineole showed a minimum MIC of 2.06% against the same strain,… More >

Vu Phong Lam^1,2,#, Dao Nhan Loi^2,3,#, Xin Wang³, Jongwon Do^4,5, Isaya Kisekk⁵, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga⁶, Jongseok Park^1,3,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.4, pp. 1253-1267, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.062507 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Agastache rugosa, a medicinal plant known for its bioactive compounds, has gained attention for its pharmacological and commercial potential. This study aimed to optimize ethanol concentration to enhance growth and bioactive compound production in A. rugosa cultivated in a controlled plant factory system. Ethanol treatments at 40 and 80 mM significantly promoted both vegetative and reproductive growth. Plants treated with these concentrations exhibited higher net photosynthetic rates (A) and intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) compared to the untreated control, whereas stomatal conductance (g_s) and transpiration rate (E) remained unaffected. Chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, and SPAD values, significantly increased with ethanol… More >