This study investigated the influence of cultivar and rootstock on the fruit cracking index and harvest date of sweet cherry under the agro-ecological conditions of Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Four Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Marysa, Sweet Gabriel, Sweet Valina, and Sweet Stephany) grafted onto two vegetative rootstocks (Gisela 5 and Gisela 6) were evaluated during the 2025 growing season. The results showed statistically significant differences among combinations cultivar/rootstock in both harvest date and fruit cracking index. The lowest cracking index was recorded for Sweet Stephany grafted onto Gisela 6, while the highest susceptibilitywas observed for Marysa grafted onto the same rootstock. Overall, cultivars grafted onto Gisela 6 exhibited higher cracking susceptibility compared to those grafted onto Gisela 5. A strong and highly significant negative correlation (r = −0.91**) was established between harvest date and fruit cracking index, indicating that earlier-ripening cultivars were more prone to cracking. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars and rootstocks in reducing the risk of fruit cracking. However, in order to provide more valuable information for the introduction of new sweet cherry cultivars and the establishment of sustainable orchards under similar agroecological conditions, it is necessary to extend the study over two or even three years, as only in this way can reliable and relevant data be obtained.
The objective of this study is to identify consumption patterns and the factors influencing the selection of potted herbs in Poland. The research was conducted on a sample of n = 1000 using the survey method with the CAWI technique. The da-ta underwent quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics (percentages of responses), Pearson correlation analysis, and factor analysis using the principal component method. To assess the significance of relationships between socio-demographic variables and the study variables, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, as well as the Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon W, and Z tests, were used. Over 80% of Poles buy fresh potted herbs, most often in discount supermarkets and less often in health food shops, small grocery stores, greengrocers, and market stalls. The most frequently purchased species are parsley, mint, marjoram, coriander, and lovage. The primary reasons for purchasing potted herbs are flavor and seasoning qualities, health considerations, and nutritional value. The most important factors in the purchasing decision are aroma and taste, attractive appearance and freshness, health benefits, and nutritional value. Factors cited as encouraging consumers to consume fresh potted herbs more frequently included chemical-free cultiva-tion and the use of organic methods, a wider range of products, lower prices, and better flavor. The socio-demographic characteristics of consumers had a significant impact on their purchasing behavior. These characteristics also differentiated the importance of factors influencing purchasing decisions, encouraged more frequent consumption of potted herbs, explained the reasons for a lack of interest in potted herbs among those who do not buy them, and identified factors that could encourage these people to consume fresh herbs. This study focuses specifically on consumption patterns of potted herbs in Poland, a segment influenced by sustain-ability trends and health-conscious behaviors. The study’s findings may be relevant to producers and distributors of potted herbs, particularly for planning production and distribution to meet actual consumer requirements and preferences.
Fulvic acids are humic-derived biostimulants that can modulate nutrient uptake, carbon metabolism, and biomass allocation in horticultural crops; however, their effect on assimilate partitioning and nitrate accumulation in hydroponically grown root vegetables remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effect of weekly foliar application of a fulvic acid-based biostimulant (K-TIONIC®, 4 mL L–1) on yield, biomass distribution, nitrate content, and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L. Crimson Giant) cultivated in an ebb-and-flow hydroponic system under greenhouse conditions in Chihuahua, Mexico. A completely randomized design with two treatments (control and fulvic acids) and 36 experimental units per treatment was used. Fulvic acid application increased equatorial diameter by 8.50%, fresh storage root weight by 28%, and total yield by 41.66%. In contrast, vegetative growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments were unaffected. Regarding quality attributes, nitrate concentration in edible tissues decreased by 4.96% and water content by 0.57%, pH, total soluble solids, color index were not significantly affected, and visual quality index improved by 98%. These results indicate that foliar-applied fulvic acids improve radish productivity and commercial quality in soilless systems primarily by promoting biomass distribution to the storage organ.
This study evaluated the effects of different fertilization strategies on the biochemical composition and storage stability of dried tomatoes. Tomatoes were grown under ten fertilization treatments and analyzed in two periods: immediately after drying (Period 1) and after six months of storage (Period 2). Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and organic acid composition (oxalic, citric, malic, succinic, and fumaric acids) were determined. Fertilization treatment, drying period, and their interaction significantly affected TPC and organic acid composition (p < 0.0001). Antioxidant capacity was significantly influenced by fertilization and drying period (p < 0.05). In Period 1, TPC values ranged from approximately 31.40 to 35.96 mg GAE g–1, while antioxidant capacity varied between 175.69 and 373.38 Trolox µmol TE g–1, depending on fertilization treatment. After six months of storage (Period 2), both TPC (32.14–40.86 mg GAE g–1) and antioxidant capacity (563.19–781.25 Trolox µmol TE g–1) generally increased. Heatmap analyses revealed distinct clustering patterns between periods, with a more coherent association among malic acid, succinic acid, and TPC observed in Period 2. These findings indicate that fertilization strategies strongly influence both the initial biochemical composition and the long-term stability of dried tomatoes.
This study evaluated weed community composition and diversity in tomato crops under five fertilization regimes, including mineral fertilization (NPK) applied alone or in combination with well-decomposed cattle manure, retort beech charcoal, and their combinations. A total of 23 weed species were recorded across all treatments. Species richness ranged from 10 to 23 species (T1 = 17, T2 = 12, T3 = 15, T4 = 23, T5 = 10). Total weed density ranged from 70.67 to 187.99 individuals per m². The highest Shannon diversity value was recorded in T4 (2.439), while the lowest was in T5 (1.965). Simpson’s dominance index ranged from 0.116 to 0.182, with consistently high evenness across treatments. Jaccard’s similarity index ranged from 31.82% to 73.91%, while Steinhaus coefficients ranged from 0.412 to 0.718. PERMANOVA indicated significant differences in weed community composition among treatments (p = 0.001). NMDS ordination (stress ≈ 0.16; R² = 0.973) suggested partial separation among treatments, with T3 and T4 appearing more similar, while T5 was separated from other treatments and characterized by comparatively reduced community complexity. Chenopodium album and Amaranthus retroflexus were present in all treatments (100% frequency). Therophytes represented the dominant life form across treatments (78.26%). The results showed that the fertilization strategy influenced the frequency and abundance of the weed population in tomato crops.
Iodine (I) and selenium (Se) deficiency in the human body constitutes a significant health, social, and economic challenge. This study aimed to examine the effects of sprays of I and Se, applied alone or combined, on vegetative growth, yield, fruit quality, and fruit biofortification of Kordia sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). The trees were sprayed with: (i) I and/or Se, four times in the early season at rates of 25 g ha–1 and 15 g ha–1 per spray, respectively; (ii) I and Se, once, 3 days before harvest, at rates of 50–100 g ha–1 and 30–60 g ha–1, respectively; and (iii) I and Se in the early season as in combination (i), plus before harvest as in combination (ii), using the lowest rates of these nutrients. It was found that none of the spray combinations affected tree vigour, fruit yield, mean fruit weight, and fruit firmness and acidity. Early-season Se sprays delayed leaf fall and increased both chlorophyll level in leaves and soluble solid concentration in fruit. Pre-harvest spray treatments decreased leaf chlorophyll concentration, and caused leaf damage and defoliation. The highest amounts of I and Se in fruit were found in trees sprayed with these nutrients in the early season plus before harvest. Lower efficiency in biofortifying fruit with I and Se was observed for early-season sprays and for pre-harvest spray applied at the highest rates of I and Se. It is concluded that early-season sprays, alone or combined with a pre-harvest spray of I and Se, can be recommended for late-ripening sweet cherry cultivars.
Cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin (3-OHM), a significant metabolite derived from melatonin (MEL) through its interaction with oxygen-containing compounds, is believed to play a crucial role in enhancing plant resistance to various abiotic stresses. Despite its importance, research on 3-OHM remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous 3-OHM treatments on the drought stress tolerance of pepper seedlings during the emergence phase. The application of 3-OHM to seeds at various concentrations (0, 10, 50, and 100 & micro;M) notably improved seedling emergence performance under drought conditions compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, 3-OHM treatments significantly reduced oxidative stress markers such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), while simultaneously enhancing the activities of key antioxidant enzymes including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Additionally, seedling proline and total chlorophyll contents increased significantly by 3-OHM application. Among the concentrations tested, 50 & micro;M 3-OHM consistently showed the most pronounced beneficial effects across multiple parameters. These results underscore the potential utility of 3-OHM as a natural bioactive compound to mitigate the detrimental impacts of abiotic stress in agricultural crops. To further elucidate the physiological mechanisms and confirm the efficacy of 3-OHM, future studies should focus on comparative analyses with MEL, employing the optimal 3-OHM concentration identified herein.
Ganoderma resinaceum is a medicinal macrofungus recognised for its diverse pharmacologically active metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, and polysaccharides with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential. This study aimed to elucidate how substrate formulation based on agricultural residues can modulate the metabolic composition of G. resinaceum under controlled cultivation conditions. Nine substrate mixtures were prepared using chickpea (Cicer arietinum), pea (Pisum sativum), and poppy (Papaver somniferum) stalks, as well as corncobs (Zea mays), in combination with beech sawdust and wheat bran. The fruiting bodies were analysed for amino acid, organic acid, and sugar profiles using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results demonstrated that substrate composition markedly influenced metabolite accumulation. Chickpea- and pea-based substrates promoted the biosynthesis of key amino acids, whereas poppy stalk affected organic acid balance, and corncob formulations modified sugar metabolism. The findings indicate that metabolite production in G. resinaceum is strongly substrate-dependent, reflecting both nutrient availability and biochemical adaptability of the fungus. Overall, the study highlights a sustainable biotechnological approach to enhance bioactive metabolite production through tailored substrate design. The outcomes provide a foundation for future optimisation of G. resinaceum cultivation toward pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
Mycorrhizal fungi increase plant resistance to stress factors such as drought, high or low temperatures, acidification, soil contamination with heavy metals, and the presence of soil pathogens. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of mycorrhizal inoculum on plant growth and the microbiome of the rhizosphere soil of tomato. The experiment was established in the greenhouse of the Felin Experimental Farm at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The research material consisted of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Luba & nacute; cv. The mycorrhizal inoculum Endo-VAM from Mykoflor (Ko & nacute;skowola, Poland) was used for mycorrhization of tomato seedlings. It contains spores and live mycelium of the following species: Glomus intraradices, G. mosseae, G. claroideum, G. etunicatum, Gigaspora margerita, and Entrophospora spp. Non-mycorrhized tomato seedlings served as a control. Six weeks after the application of the mycorrhizal inoculum, mycological analysis of tomato roots and microbiological analysis of rhizosphere soil were performed, and plant height, stem base diameter, fresh and dry root weight were determined. The roots of mycorrhized plants were found to be more abundantly colonized by fungi, including antagonistic species, than the roots of non-mycorrhized plants. The total number of bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera, and the total number of fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of mycorrhized plants were significantly lower than in the rhizosphere of control plants. Analysis of morphological parameters of tomato plants demonstrated a beneficial effect of the mycorrhizal inoculum on the growth of fresh and dry root weight, but did not demonstrate a significant effect of mycorrhiza on plant height or tomato stem base diameter.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of newly developed microbial consortia on the degree of colonization of cucumber, strawberry, and apple roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and to determine the number of spores of these fungi in the rhizosphere soil. The following strains of beneficial bacteria were used in the 3 consortia: 1-Bacillus licheniformis TES10B3, TES5B21, GOS10B9; Streptomyces sp. GOS5B1, 2-Pseudomonas sp. Pi22B, Pi25C, Klebsiella sp. NAzot2, 3-Priestia sp. TES5B10C, GOS5B22; Bacillus licheniformis GOS10B151. All consortia have been enriched with biochar. It was found that the use of Consortium 2 with biochar had asignificant effect on increasing the colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Consortium 3 significantly increased the formation of mycorrhizal fungi spores in the rhizosphere soil in 2023, while in the following year the highest spore count was observed in the soil after the application of Consortium 2 with biochar. This beneficial effect makes both biochar and bacterial consortia recommended in the cultivation of horticultural plants to improve their growth and development and to improve the quality of soils, especially those that are poor in organic matter. Consortium 2 is recommended as a biostimulant for growing fruit and vegetable plants.
This study evaluated the effects of different salicylic acid (SA) concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 mM) on the postharvest quality of green beans during cold storage (4 +/- 1 degrees C). Physiological parameters (respiration rate, electrolyte leakage, weight loss, and cutting resistance), biochemical traits (total soluble solids, TSS), and colorimetric properties (L*, h degrees, C*, and browning index) were assessed to determine treatment efficacy. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and hierarchical heatmap clustering, were applied to characterize multidimensional treatment responses. Salicylic acid exhibited dose-dependent and parameter-specific effects. The 0.5 mM SA treatment improved visual quality by maintaining higher chroma values and a more stable hue angle, while also enhancing cutting resistance. The 1 mM dose increased respiration rate and electrolyte leakage, indicating elevated metabolic activity and membrane stress. In contrast, 2 mM SA provided a more balanced preservation of overall quality by reducing weight loss and maintaining moderate color stability. Regardless of treatment, storage duration significantly affected color parameters h degrees, and browning index), reflecting natural chlorophyll degradation and senescence processes. PCA revealed that PC1 (43.0% of total variance) was primarily associated with visual quality attributes (L*, C*, TSS, and browning index), PC2 (19.9%) with stress-related variables (respiration rate and electrolyte leakage), and PC3 (12.1%) with cutting resistance. Heatmap clustering and correlation analysis supported these relationships by grouping color and biochemical attributes separately from stress indicators. Overall, the results demonstrate that SA dose optimization is critical for maintaining postharvest quality of green beans under cold storage conditions. These findings highlight the usefulness of multivariate approaches in integrating physiological and visual quality tributes and support the practical application of optimized salicylic acid doses for extending the postharvest life of green beans.
Citrus fruits, belonging to the Rutaceae family, are among the most widely cultivated fruits worldwide. However, oranges are highly susceptible to postharvest quality deterioration during storage. Weight loss, firmness reduction, and biochemical changes are among the major factors limiting the shelf life of citrus fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium alginate edible coatings enriched with thyme essential oil on the postharvest quality of Washington navel oranges. Fruits were treated with sodium alginate alone or in combination with thyme essential oil and stored at 20 +/- 2 degrees C and 65 +/- 5% relative humidity for 60 days. The results demonstrated that coated fruits exhibited significantly lower weight loss and better firmness retention compared with untreated fruits. In addition, the coatings maintained higher levels of titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total phenolic content, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid throughout storage, leading to enhanced antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the combined application of sodium alginate and thyme essential oil effectively preserved cellular membrane integrity, as indicated by reduced ion leakage. Overall, sodium alginate coatings enriched with thyme essential oil can be considered a safe and effective strategy to delay physiological senescence and improve the postharvest quality of Washington navel oranges.
We welcome eighteen new Scientific Advisory Board members of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Hortorum Cultus, who help to expand our expertise in areas of cutting-edge horticultural research and maintain our journal’s high publishing standards.
This review provides a comprehensive discussion of Epichloë fungi, grass endophytes that form deeply integrated symbioses, including the taxonomy and morphology of these organisms, along with the evolution of their classification based on molecular data. The complex nature of their symbiotic interactions is detailed, ranging from mutualistic protection against biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, silicon accumulation, enhanced photosynthesis) to potential livestock toxicity resulting from alkaloid production. We present analyses of the fungi’s life cycles, including vertical (mutualistic) and horizontal (pathogenic) transmission, and the role of hybridization in shaping alkaloid profiles. The production of alkaloids (lolines, indole-diterpenes, ergot alkaloids, peramine) and their biological effects are discussed. We also highlight the dynamics of host specificity and coevolution. Furthermore, detection and characterization methods are presented, emphasizing molecular techniques like PCR and microsatellite analysis for rapid and precise strain identification. Finally, the significant agronomic and ecological implications of Epichloë endophytes are addressed, underscoring their potential in sustainable agriculture through the development of “safe” and effective strains. New topics included in the review include information on the use of modern molecular markers for rapid and precise strain identification. Furthermore, the review highlights the extended benefits of endophyte presence for the host through silicon accumulation and manipulation of photosynthesis, as well as a new approach to alkaloid biosynthesis through domain shuffling, which allows for genetically based prediction of alkaloid profiles.
Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a pseudo-cereal with increasing agronomic and nutritional importance due to its high seed yield potential and valuable lipid composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NPK fertilization level, cultivar, row spacing and their interactions on yield components, crude fat content, fat yield and fatty acid composition of amaranth seeds. A three-year field experiment (2016–2018) was conducted in southeastern Poland using two cultivars (Rawa and Aztek), four levels of NPK fertilization and two row spacings (30 and 55 cm). The results showed that cultivar was the main factor differentiating seed yield, crude fat content, fat yield and fatty acid composition. The Aztek cultivar produced significantly higher seed yield and fat yield, whereas Rawa was characterized by a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. Row spacing significantly affected plant density and yield structure, while increasing NPK fertilization enhanced seed and fat yield. Significant two-factor interactions were identified. The interaction between fertilization level and cultivar significantly affected palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids, whereas the interaction between row spacing and cultivar influenced linoleic acid content (C18:2, n-6) and the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio. These results confirm that both quantitative and qualitative traits of amaranth seeds are determined by complex interactions between genetic and agrotechnical factors.
Encapsulation of agrochemicals allows growers to precisely control the conditions under which the active ingredient is released. Since zinc, copper, and calcium ions are essential micronutrients in crop production, the goal of our work was to incorporate them into alginate-based capsules, and to investigate the impact of their release on seed germination and seedling growth. Oriental mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) was selected as a model crop. Among the tested ions, Cu²⁺ exhibited the greatest increase, followed by Zn²⁺, whereas Ca²⁺ showed the smallest increase, and its concentration declined over time when calcium-based capsules were applied. Performed studies demonstrate that released cations from the capsules into soil solution significantly affected seeds germination and biomass of mustard sprouts in laboratory tests. The release of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ negatively influenced radicle development, with Cu²⁺ almost completely suppressing radicle elongation, and Zn²⁺ exhibiting a progressive inhibitory effect with increasing incubation time. Although, Ca²⁺ stimulated radicle elongation, it did not significantly affect total sprout and cotyledon biomass.
Orthotospovirus iridimaculaflavi (iris yellow spot orthotospovirus, IYSV) is one of the most important viral pathogens affecting onions worldwide. The virus is predominantly transmitted by onion thrips and can cause significant losses in cultivated fields. In this study, the identification and molecular characterisation of IYSV isolates originating from onion crops in Poland were carried out. Symptomatic onion plants (Allium cepa L.) were observed in Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubelskie, and Wielkopolskie regions of Poland. The plants were characterised by various disease symptoms from mild to severe, resulting in deformation and growth reduction. A total of 40 onion samples were collected, and the presence of IYSV was confirmed in three of them. Moreover, the occurrence of Potyvirus cepae (onion yellow dwarf virus, OYDV) in single and mixed infections with IYSV was observed. The sequences of IYSV obtained in this study were compared with the sequences retrieved from the GenBank database, and the phylogenetic analysis was subsequently conducted. The maximum-likelihood reconstruction revealed that the Polish isolates mainly grouped with isolates originating from Serbia. To our knowledge, it is the first report of IYSV infecting onions in Poland.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different growth media and IBA doses on the growth parameters of Salvia officinalis L. plant. The study was conducted according to a factorial experimental design in randomized plots within the climate cabin, which has fully controlled conditions, located in the Department of Horticulture at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. A total of 360 cuttings were used, with 10 cuttings representing each application. In the study, which was conducted with three replications, plants were grown in 200 mL pots. The cuttings used in the rooting study were obtained from medicinal sage (S. officinalis) plants in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Garden of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Agriculture, in June 2023. The cuttings were brought to the laboratory, planted in 3 different media: perlite (100%); perlite + peat (1 : 1); peat (100%), and applying four different concentrations of hormones: 0 ppm; 250 ppm; 500 ppm; 1000 ppm IBA (indole-3-butyric acid). The trial ended 50 days following planting, and the necessary measurements were made. In this study, the highest growth performance were obtained in the perlite + peat growth medium, except for root length. Considering the hormone × growth media interactions, the highest fresh plant weight, dry plant weight, fresh root weight, and dry root weight were obtained as 3.549 g, 0.976 g, 4.351 g, and 0.644 g, respectively, in perlite + peat growth medium applied with 1000 mg kg-1 IBA. The highest plant length (17.617 cm) and rooting rate (80%) were also obtained with 1000 mg kg‒1 IBA application in peat (100%) and perlite (100%) growth media, respectively.
In this study, the growth performance of three different summer squash cultivars was evaluated under in vitro conditions using Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient media supplemented with varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. In the study, parameters including germination rate (%), stem fresh and dry weight (g), root fresh and dry weight (g), shoot and root length (mm) were investigated. In addition, antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content in plant shoots were determined using the DPPH method. According to the findings, the highest stem fresh weight was recorded as 0.72 g in cultivar Pelin grown in control medium (without PEG). In terms of root fresh weight, the highest mean value among the media was also observed in control with 0.43 g. The longest shoot length as 48.91 mm was also determined in Pelin. Increasing concentrations of PEG were found to have a negative impact on all growth parameters.
This study employed quantitative metabolomics to conduct a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the diversity and accumulation patterns of flavonoid compounds in the leaves of six different genotypes of Artemisia argyi Levl. et Van (A. argyi) germplasms. The aim was to establish a metabolite-marker-based quality evaluation system and provide theoretical underpinnings for germplasm conservation and targeted development. Flavonoids were quantitatively analyzed using ultra- performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). A combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) of heatmaps was applied to reveal the disparities in metabolic profiles among different germplasms. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was utilized to identify differential metabolites, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis to explore the underpinnings of metabolic pathways. The findings demonstrated that a total of 76 flavonoids belonging to 11 categories were identified. Flavones (24 compounds) and flavonols (20 compounds) were the predominant classes, accounting for 57.9% of the total. Aa36 and Aa60 all displayed the highest diversity with 64 compounds. The total flavonoid content ranged from 8.70 to 14.01 μg/g, and Aa41 had the highest content. Seven flavonoids of jaceosidin, eriodictyol, eupatorin, hispidulin, chrysosplenetin, scutellarin, quercimeritrin consistently ranked among the top 10 components in six germplasms, thereby constituting the common pharmacodynamic foundation. PCA and HCA classified six germplasms into two metabolic types. Group I, composed of Aa9, Aa13, Aa36, Aa38, and Aa41, was abundant in methoxylated flavonoids. Group II, only Aa60, had a distinctive profile dominated by scutellarin, which accounted for 52.4% of the total content (34.7 μg/g). The differential metabolites were significantly enriched in the secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathway (ko01110), flavonoid biosynthesis pathway (ko00941), and flavone/flavonol biosynthesis pathway (ko00944), which uncovered the regulatory mechanisms. The seven identified core flavonoids can function as stable metabolic markers for the quality assessment of germplasms. Meanwhile, the scutellarin dominant profile of Aa60 offers a distinct resource orientation for the development of A. argyi cultivars with cardio-cerebrovascular protective functions.
