The novel organomineral substrate (NOS) cultivation of Dictyophora rubrovolvata promotes rapid mycelial growth but suffers from mass primordia degeneration and necrosis with poorly understood microecological mechanisms. In this study, we employed metagenomics, untargeted metabolomics, and physicochemical profiling to elucidate the spatial-temporal dynamics of the substrate microenvironment across three developmental stages. Results demonstrated that the excessive initial primordia formation triggered rapid nutrient exhaustion, notably alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, accompanied by pH stress. This physicochemical deterioration coincided with a profound functional breakdown of the substrate microbiome, characterized by the sharp downregulation of core carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and nitrogen-cycling genes (e.g., narG, nirK). Topological analysis revealed substantial topological differences and structural fragmentation in the cross-kingdom co-occurrence network observed between T2 and T3 stages, marked by a surge in competitive interactions. This structural collapse facilitated the explosive invasion of keystone pathogens, primarily Clathrus, Amaricoccus, and Chryseobacterium. Furthermore, metabolomic integration indicated that the proliferation of these late-stage opportunistic taxa was highly coupled with the marked accumulation of suspect allelopathic metabolites (e.g., 2,4-dichloro-6-nitrophenol) while simultaneously suppressing bacterial multidrug efflux pumps, thereby paralyzing the microecosystem’s detoxification capacity. Our tripartite network integration suggested that this coordinated biochemical stress and nutritional depletion exhibited strong covariation with the irreversible abortion of fruiting bodies. Conclusively, primordia degeneration of D. rubrovolvata in the organomineral substrate is tightly associated with a coordinated microecological shift characterized by rapid nutrient depletion, network destabilization, and biochemical stress. Importantly, these findings and the proposed mechanistic framework are specific to the high-load NOS cultivation matrix and cannot be directly extrapolated to traditional soil-based systems without longitudinal comparative multi-omics validation. Diagnosing these substrate-specific bottlenecks provides actionable engineering targets for formula optimization.
Climate change has increased drought frequency in Loess Plateau apple-producing regions. Vermicompost (Vc) and Piriformospora indica (Pi) have been reported to improve plant drought resistance. However, the effects of their combined application on apple growth, soil environment and soil microbial community under drought remains unexplored. Here, we investigated these effects through a 90 days pot experiment with four treatments (control, Vc, Pi, Pi+Vc) under well-watered (WW) and drought stress (DS). The results indicated DS inhibited plant growth and nutrient uptake, and also increased the levels of H2O2 and MDA. However, Pi+Vc treatment significantly increased relative growth rate (RGR), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and nutrient absorption under DS, but did not significantly affect biomass accumulation. Vc and Pi+Vc improved soil nutrients and enzyme activities under both WW and DS, whereas Pi alone showed no significant benefit. Although the treatments differentially affected bacterial and fungal diversity, the co-application of Pi and Vc enhanced microbial diversity under DS. Individual or combined Pi and Vc altered the structure and composition of microbial communities, and increased microbial co-occurrence network modularity. PLS-SEM analysis further demonstrated that the co-application of Pi and Vc promote the plant growth were closely related to bacterial community restructuring under DS. Collectively, this study suggests that combined Pi and Vc application hold potential for improving apple seedling drought tolerance, providing a foundation for future field-based validation on the Loess Plateau.
Sustainable lettuce production faces significant challenges due to soilborne pathogens such as Pythium irregulare, necessitating the development of effective biological control strategies. This study evaluates the potential of two agro-industrial waste-derived compost teas (CT1 and CT2) to suppress pathogen pressure. By integrating rhizosphere pathogen quantification (qPCR) with plant biomass assessment, defense-related gene expression, and phytohormones, we characterized the distinct physiological and molecular mechanisms through which these organic amendments enhance systemic resistance. Both compost teas enhanced disease suppressiveness compared to peat, with CT1 showing the highest suppressiveness index, while CT2 more effectively reduced pathogen abundance over time. These effects were associated with distinct physiological and molecular responses. CT1 primarily promoted plant growth, increasing cytokinin and gibberellin levels, whereas CT2 induced higher levels of stress-related hormones, including jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Gene expression and hormone profiling revealed the activation of both induced systemic resistance (ISR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) pathways, although ISR-related responses were more pronounced, particularly in CT2-treated plants. Temporal analysis indicated that defense responses peaked at 48–72 h after pathogen inoculation, underscoring the dynamic plant–pathogen interactions. The results suggest that compost teas suppress P. irregulare through a dual mechanism involving direct pathogen suppression and plant defense priming. These findings highlight that compost feedstock composition is a critical factor in determining both soil suppressiveness and the architecture of the plant immune response.
Corylus colurna represents a non-suckering rootstock for modern hazelnut cultivation; however, its practical deployment is severely constrained by extreme recalcitrance of woody cuttings to adventitious rooting (AR). To investigate the molecular basis of this limitation, we compared auxin-mediated AR induction in micropropagated stem cuttings of the rooting-competent C. avellana (cv. Giffoni) and of the rooting-recalcitrant C. colurna (clone CC8).We first established a tissue-specific expression atlas of auxin transporter genes, identifying CaPIN2 and CaPIN5.3 as root-specific markers, and validated CaUBQ14 and CaPP2 as stable reference genes for cross-species RT-qPCR analyses in Corylus. RNA-Seq-based genome-wide profiling of basal tissues from micropropagated cuttings during AR induction revealed that Giffoni efficiently co-regulates LBD-dependent signalling with a dynamic auxin homeostatic control, via CaGH3.5- and CaIAR4-mediated auxin conjugation and release, respectively, to coordinate root primordia formation and cell wall remodelling. Conversely, the recalcitrant CC8 Colurna genotype is characterised by a constitutive defensive state marked by the upregulation of cytokinin and ABA signalling and by a robust antioxidant response, exemplified by its near-exclusive accumulation of the glutaredoxin CaGRX370 transcript. In addition, a distinct "auxin-depleting" regulatory landscape was uncovered in C. colurna, characterised by chronic auxin metabolism associated with a ∼50-fold higher basal expression of the auxin catabolic gene CaDAO1 and a sustained IBA-induced upregulation of the intracellular auxin-sequestering carrier CaPIN5.3. These findings provide a comprehensive molecular framework to inform strategies aimed at improving AR in hazelnut.
Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is a widely cultivated fruit tree in temperate climatic regions such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Sour cherries are produced in Hungary, where the characteristics for marketability are mainly focused on the fruit colour and flavour profile, particularly on the balance between sweetness and acidity. Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) fruit quality is strongly influenced by colour, polyphenolic composition and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which collectively contribute to consumer choice and breeding value. However, the relationship between fruit colour and chemical composition remains insufficiently explored in traditional Hungarian sour cherry germplasm. In this study, 28 Hungarian sour cherry cultivars and landraces were evaluated using colorimetric analysis (CIELab parameters), total polyphenolic content (TPC), soluble solid content (SSC) and volatile aroma profiling. Considerable variability was observed among the analysed cultivars and their measured traits. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between colour parameters and selected VOCs, suggesting coordinated relationships between fruit pigmentation and aroma composition. Local cultivars such as ‘Dunabogdány’ (linalool: 24.27), ‘Érdi Jubileum’ (linalool: 18.04; geraniol: 12.17) and ‘Helyi Sötét’ (α-terpineol: 17.22) have high concentrations of monoterpenes, ‘Pándy 43′ (benzaldehyde: 58.35), ‘Tiszabög 50/7′ (benzaldehyde: 57.12) and ‘Velencei Kései’ (benzaldehyde: 88.13) have the highest concentration of benzenoids, and ‘Érdi Bőtermő’ (hexanal: 16.75) have the highest aldehyde concentration, making this cultivar a promising candidate for the future flavour development breeding program. The findings reveal considerable biochemical diversity within the Hungarian sour cherry gene bank and underscore the value of colorimetric and volatile profiling in germplasm evaluation and breeding programs targeting enhanced fruit quality and aroma.
Macadamia is an economically important tree crop in Yunnan, China, where boron deficiency may constrain fruit set, yield, and kernel quality. This study integrated a field experiment with six-year-old ‘A4’ trees and a hydroponic experiment using ‘H2’ root-stock seedlings to evaluate boron responses across the soil-root-leaf-fruit continuum. Soil-applied Borax-Plus was tested at 20, 40, and 60 g plant–1, while combined treatments received 20 g plant–1 soil-applied Borax-Plus combined with 0.1%, 0.3%, or 0.5% foliar Solubor. Boron application increased soil available B, whereas higher soil rates slightly reduced soil pH and exchangeable Ca. Hydroponic application of 0.5 mg l–1 B promoted root development. In the field, boron altered leaf morphology, photosynthetic pigments, and mineral nutrient status in a dose- and trait-dependent manner, while several treatments improved yield and fruit development. Combined soil-foliar application also influenced fruit disease incidence and kernel nutritional quality. Membership function analysis identified 20 g plant–1 Borax-Plus combined with 0.1% Solubor (T4) as the best overall treatment. These findings indicate that appropriate boron supply can coordinate soil, root, leaf, and fruit responses and provide a practical basis for boron management in Macadamia grown on acidic red soils.
Polyamines (PAs) are small aliphatic compounds that function as important plant biostimulants, contributing to growth regulation, development, and responses to environmental stresses. Among these compounds, putrescine (Put) has gained considerable attention for its potential role in improving plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, especially drought conditions. This study investigated the effects of varying irrigation intervals and exogenous Put application on growth performance and antioxidant responses of Petunia × hybrida cv. Grandiflora. The experiment was conducted using a factorial completely randomized design with three replications, including four irrigation regimes (2, 4, 6, and 8-day intervals) and four Put concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM). Extended irrigation intervals negatively affected plant growth parameters and photosynthetic pigment levels, demonstrating the detrimental effects of water limitation. However, Put treatment mitigated drought-induced damage and improved several physiological traits. The highest soluble sugar accumulation and guaiacol peroxidase activity were recorded in plants subjected to an 8-day irrigation interval with 1.5 mM Put. Catalase activity was greatest under severe drought conditions without Put supplementation, while carotenoid content was lowest in plants treated with 0.5 mM Put under adequate irrigation. Altogether, the significant interaction between irrigation frequency and Put concentration on growth and biochemical characteristics indicates that Put application may enhance drought tolerance and support physiological stability in petunia under water-limited conditions.
Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes encode the largest family of plant immune receptors and play central roles in disease resistance. Despite the economic importance, no systematic genome-wide characterization of NLR genes has been conducted in raspberries. Here, we performed a comprehensive comparative analysis of NLR genes across eight raspberry (Rubus) species and identified 147 to 395 NLR genes per species. Complete NLR structures (CNL, TNL, and RNL) accounted for 68.2% of identified genes, with CNL and TNL being predominant. Chromosomal distribution analysis revealed conserved hotspots on chromosomes 2, 5, and 7, with RNL and TNL genes preferentially localized to chromosomes 1 and 2. Genome-wide synteny analysis identified 2798 NLR syntenic pairs, predominantly between members of the same subclass, indicating extensive evolutionary conservation across Rubus. Tandem duplication was the primary driver of NLR expansion in most species, while dispersed duplication occurred more in R. idaeus, R. hirsutus, and R. occidentalis. Gene family evolution analysis further revealed lineage-specific patterns of expansion and contraction, with significant NLR contractions in R. occidentalis and R. chingii and net expansions in R. idaeus and R. sachalinensis. Expression profiling showed that more NLR genes were expressed in leaves and young fruits than in mature fruit, and comparison of resistant (‘Latham’) and susceptible (‘Glen Moy’) raspberry cultivars following Phytophthora rubi infection revealed downregulated and upregulated NLRs for future functional studies. Together, these findings provide new insights into the organization, evolution, and expression of NLR genes in raspberries and establish a comparative genomic resource for investigating disease-resistance genes in raspberries and related species.
Drought stress severely restricts tomato growth, impairs photosynthetic metabolism, and reduces yield. Although biochar and potassium nitrate (KNO3) exhibit great potential in alleviating drought-induced damage to plants, the mitigation mechanism underlying their combined application remains unclear. In this study, gradient treatments of biochar and potassium nitrate (KNO3) were established, and tomato plants were subjected to drought stress at 45–55% field water capacity for 10 days. The effects of biochar combined with KNO3 on chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic gene expression, antioxidant systems, growth, and yield of tomatoes under drought stress were investigated. The results showed that drought stress impaired photosystem structure and electron transport, suppressed the transcription of photosynthetic genes, triggered massive accumulation of superoxide anion (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and ultimately retarded tomato growth and reduced fruit yield. Compared with the B0K0 (drought only), the combined application of biochar and KNO3 maintained the activity of the oxygen-evolving complex, improved photochemical efficiency and electron transport rate, and upregulated the expression of psbA, psbB, Cab, and psaA. Meanwhile, the activities and gene expression levels of SOD, POD, and CAT were markedly enhanced. These physiological improvements led to a maximum increase of 35.2% in fruit yield compared with the B0K0. Comprehensive drought tolerance evaluation revealed that biochar combined with 50 mM KNO3 achieved the optimal mitigation effect, followed by the 100 mM treatment. Collectively, the combined application of biochar and KNO3 synergistically alleviated drought damage by restoring photosystem function, modulating photosynthetic gene expression and strengthening the antioxidant defense systems. Thees findings provide a theoretical reference for stress-tolerance and efficient cultivation of tomato in arid and semi-arid regions.
Pulsed light (PL) is a non-thermal technology that extends the shelf life of perishable fruit by maintaining quality attributes. This study evaluated the effect of a single PL treatment (six pulses of 0.72 J cm⁻²; total fluence 4.32 J cm⁻²) on the quality, antioxidant systems, and volatile profile of haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea cv. Aurora) stored for 28 d at 0 °C and 90–95 % relative humidity. From day 7 onward, PL-treated berries showed a significant reduction in weight loss, with untreated berries losing 7.27 percentage points more by day 14 (2.9-fold difference). PL-treated berries also maintained higher firmness (preserved by 1.30-fold) from day 21 onward. Non-enzymatic antioxidants accumulated to higher levels in PL-treated fruit, with phenolic and flavonoid contents peaking at day 14 (79.97 mg GA Eq 100 g⁻¹ FW and 138.13 mg REq 100 g⁻¹ FW higher than the control, respectively), while anthocyanin losses between days 14 and 28 were largely reduced. Superoxide dismutase activity was enhanced immediately after treatment and was 30.67 U 100 mg⁻¹ protein higher than the control at day 14. GC–MS analysis identified 32 volatile compounds, of which 14 (VIP > 1.00) were identified as potential aging-related markers; PL initially suppressed volatile emission but subsequently modulated selected volatile compounds, including ethyl butanoate and 2,5-dimethyl-4‑methoxy-3(2H)-furanone (mesifurane). The TSS/TA and color attributes were maintained throughout storage. Collectively, these results suggest that a single low-dose PL treatment modulated postharvest quality attributes, antioxidant responses, and volatile composition in haskap berries during cold storage.
Soil salinity severely limits vegetable yield and quality, yet its potential to enhance nutritional compounds remains unclear. Here, integrated metabolomic, transcriptomic and, quantitative analyses revealed that salt stress (200 mM NaCl) significantly increased essential amino acids, flavonoids and β-carotene in Chinese cabbage despite growth inhibition. A total of 1905 metabolites were detected, of which 558 were identified as differentially accumulated metabolites. Essential amino acids, including tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, leucine, histidine and lysine, accumulated markedly under salt stress. Functional flavonoids (6-methylflavone, luteolin, isoliquiritigenin, glycitin and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside) and β-carotene were also significantly enhanced. Transcriptomic analysis identified 7161 differentially expressed genes, and multi-omics integration revealed that these metabolic changes were associated with the upregulation of shikimate, branched-chain amino acid and phenylpropanoid pathways. Overall, this study provides insights into salt-induced metabolic reprogramming in Chinese cabbage and reveals metabolic and transcriptional changes associated with short-term salt stress. However, further studies incorporating multiple genotypes, salt concentrations, and treatment durations are needed to evaluate the generality and stability of these responses.
Folate deficiency remains a relevant public health concern, and agronomic biofortification may represent a sustainable strategy to enhance dietary intake through fresh vegetables. This study evaluated the effect of different light intensity regimes on folate accumulation, yield, mineral composition, and nitrate content in mizuna (Brassica rapa L. var. japonica), pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) grown in a soilless system under LED lighting. Three treatments were applied over a 30day growth cycle: a constant light intensity of 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (T1); an initial 23day period at 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ followed by a 7day increase to 300 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (T2); and a constant light intensity of 300 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (T3).Folate content significantly increased under T3 (+24% vs. T1 and T2), particularly in pakchoi, without affecting fresh yield. Higher light intensity also reduced NO3- accumulation (up to −80% in pakchoi), whereas no substantial changes were observed in mineral composition. A 100 g portion of mizuna (T2) or pakchoi (T3) can provide up to 45% of the adult Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for folate. Targeted PPFD management therefore represents a promising chemical-free strategy to enhance micronutrient density, although species and genotype selection remain crucial for effective biofortification.
Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool for sustainable viticulture, enabling the development of nano-elicitors that enhance metabolite production at lower doses than conventional treatments. This study evaluated the effects of foliar applications of methyl jasmonate (MeJ), chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs), and MeJ loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (MeJ-ChNPs) on the amino acids composition of musts and wines from Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo. In musts, MeJ-ChNPs significantly increased the total amino acids content, driven by increases in most of the individual amino acids, including some of the good nitrogen sources for yeast, such as glutamine and leucine. In contrast, MeJ and ChNPs affected only specific nitrogen compounds; tyrosine and cysteine for both treatments, both of which are important, as they can serve as aromatic precursors, and histidine and isoleucine in MeJ samples, without altering the total amino acids concentration. Although most of the amino acids decreased during vinification, wines from the MeJ-ChNPs treatment showed higher concentrations of amino acids compared to the other treatments, consistent with their higher initial levels in the corresponding musts. Overall, these results support the potential of the MeJ-ChNPs foliar application as a promising strategy, combining nanotechnology with elicitor-based approaches, to improve nitrogen composition in musts and maintaining this improvement in wines. However, this response should be validated over the course of additional growing seasons, in different vineyards and grape varieties before making more general agronomic recommendations.
Peat-free substrates are increasingly used in sustainable horticulture but often have low nutrient availability and buffering capacity, which can limit plant performance under low-input conditions. Microbial biostimulants such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) may enhance nutrient acquisition and productivity, although their effectiveness and interactions in peat-free systems remain unexplored, particularly under low-input conditions. This study evaluated the effects of AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis) and NFB (Azospirillum brasilense) on Capsicum pubescens grown in a commercial peat-free substrate composed of wood fibre, buffered coir, and composted pine bark under unheated glasshouse conditions. Four treatments were applied: control, AMF, NFB, and AMF+NFB. AMF was applied at transplanting (1.5 g L⁻¹), while NFB was applied at 2 g L⁻¹ and reapplied biweekly. Growth, biomass, yield, physiological traits, and substrate chemical properties were measured. NFB maximised vegetative growth, increasing plant height by up to 79% and enhancing canopy development, whereas AMF delivered the highest yield (+26%) and resource-use efficiency (WUE, NUE, PUE). Yield gains were driven by fruit weight rather than number. Substrate conditions improved markedly, with reduced electrical conductivity and increased N, P, and K availability. The combined AMF+NFB treatment did not consistently outperform individual inoculations, indicating limited synergistic effects. Multivariate analyses confirmed that productivity was primarily driven by biomass accumulation and nutrient availability. Overall, microbial inoculation significantly improved growth, yield, and substrate quality of C. pubescens in a wood fibre, coir, and bark-based substrate under reduced- fertiliser conditions in an unheated glasshouse across an extended growing season.
High rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer are common in intensive vegetable production, mainly from the use of insurance applications of N. Chlorophyll meters and sap nitrate measurements are promising tools for monitoring crop N status and optimizing fertilizer requirements, allowing for rapid on-farm decisions. We evaluated the response of two chlorophyll meters, SPAD-502 and MC-100, and sap nitrate measurements with LAQUAtwin meter, to assess crop N status and yield in lettuce. Two soil-grown lettuce experiments were conducted in spring of 2021 and 2022 in open field conditions, and two substrate-grown lettuce experiments were conducted in spring and summer of 2022 in a screenhouse. Four N treatments were applied in open field, and six N treatments were applied in screenhouse crops, varying from deficient to excessive N supply following a randomized complete block design in each experiment. Midrib sap nitrate concentration provided good and rapid assessment of leaf N status (R2=0.79) and nitrogen nutrition index (NNI; R2=0.87). Conversely, there were low relationships between measurements of chlorophyll meters and leaf N content. The maximum yield of lettuce was associated with 27.5 SPAD units and 6.3 Chlorophyll Content Index (CCI) units, with R2 values of 0.63 and 0.70, respectively. Strong relationships were also obtained between chlorophyll meters measurements and crop N uptake, with a slightly better performance of CCI units measured with the MC-100. Overall, these results suggest that sap nitrate can be effectively used to schedule and/or correct the timing of N fertilizer applications. The amount of N to be applied can be estimated using MC-100 measurements, allowing for easy and rapid adjustments in subsequent fertilizations.
Maintaining vase quality and color stability is a major postharvest challenge for Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Sunset’ cut flowers, which show rapid senescence and pronounced petal color fading during vase life. Pyrazinamide (PZA) and related compounds have previously been linked to ethylene-related responses, but their effects on postharvest quality and senescence regulation in cut flowers remain unclear. In this study, cut flowers were treated with 5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg·L–1 PZA in a basic preservative solution, and vase performance, water status, flower color, ethylene-associated metabolism, oxidative status, and volatile composition were evaluated. Among the tested concentrations, 50 mg·L–1 PZA showed the most consistent effect, extending vase life by approximately 29 h compared with the basic preservative control (CK2) and 36 h compared with the water control (CK1) under laboratory vase conditions. This treatment helped maintain fresh weight, water balance, and flower diameter during the main ornamental period, and slowed petal color fading, as indicated by higher a* values and lower ΔE* during key vase stages. PZA treatment was also associated with decreased tissue ethylene content, accompanied by altered activities of ethylene-biosynthesis-related enzymes, downregulated expression of PlACS, PlACO, and PlEIN3, enhanced SOD and POD activities, and reduced MDA accumulation. These results indicate that 50 mg·L–1 PZA improved postharvest vase quality under laboratory vase conditions, accompanied by reduced ethylene-associated metabolism and oxidative deterioration. Further validation through ethylene challenge assays, comparisons with established ethylene-management treatments, and residue and safety assessments is required.
4-Coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) is a key branching-point enzyme in the plant phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, playing an essential role in the synthesis of lignin, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites. In this study, a total of 30 4CL gene family members were systematically identified for the first time, which were unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes. Based on a maximum likelihood tree constructed exclusively using melon 4CL protein sequences, the 30 Cm4CL genes were classified into four subfamilies (I-IV), each exhibiting distinct exon-intron structures and conserved motif compositions. All Cm4CL proteins were highly conserved, containing the typical AMP-binding domain and the 4CL characteristic motif. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed that Cm4CL genes are enriched in regulatory elements associated with light response, phytohormones, and abiotic stress. Cm4CL genes displayed distinct expression differentiation; constitutively highly expressed genes such as Cm4CL24 showed high expression levels in vegetative organs and during the post-harvest stage of fruits. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that representative Cm4CL genes exhibited differential responses to NaCl stress and treatments with SA, ABA, and MeJA. Among them, Cm4CL1 was upregulated 4.3-fold under salt stress, and Cm4CL26 was upregulated 8.8-fold under ABA treatment. This study provides candidate genes and a foundational resource for further functional dissection of phenylpropanoid metabolism and stress tolerance breeding in melon.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are functional rhizosphere microorganisms capable of enhancing plant growth. To investigate the efficacy of PGPR in improving tea quality across diverse application scenarios, field trials were conducted in three tea-producing regions involving four tea cultivars. Fresh leaves were processed into finished tea using three distinct methods—green tea, black tea, and white tea. The experimental design included a control (CK, compound fertilizer only), a PGPR treatment (compound fertilizer + PGPR), and an additional reduced fertilization regimen combined with PGPR. Quality components of the finished tea samples were comprehensively analyzed. Results indicated that PGPR-treated samples exhibited significantly higher contents of water extracts, theanine, and free amino acids, as well as increased diversity and abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to the CK group. Conversely, the contents of tea polyphenols, catechins, and caffeine were significantly reduced, contributing to an optimized flavor profile. Notably, under reduced fertilization conditions supplemented with PGPR, tea quality was maintained or even improved compared to the full-dose fertilizer control. These findings demonstrate that PGPR exerts significant positive effects on tea quality in complex field environments, successfully achieving the goals of “fertilizer reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency enhancement,” thereby indicating promising application prospects in sustainable tea production.
Climate constraints in cool-temperate regions significantly restrict the productivity of greenhouse-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) while seedlings in large-size containers enhance root development and resource acquisition, which could significantly improve tomato yield. A four-month tomato cultivation experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of seedling container treatments and zeolite application rates on tomato growth and soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that: (1) Compared with the control group (CK: the local practice, 0 t·ha-1 zeolite + 72-cell plug tray), all treatments significantly increased fruit yield to varying degrees. Considering both agronomic performance and seedling cultivation cost, the treatment of 3 t·ha-1 zeolite + 32-cell plug tray was identified as the economically and agronomically optimal choice; (2) Compared with CK, the 3 t·ha-1 zeolite + 32-cell plug tray treatment was significantly improved tomato fruit quality attributes. Vitamin C, titratable acid, soluble sugar, and soluble protein in tomato fruits increase by 75.95%, 64.18%, 73.49%, and 124.05%, respectively; (3) Compared with CK, the application of 3 t·ha-1 zeolite + 32-cell plug markedly improved soil fertility status. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available potassium, and available phosphorus increased by 22.27%, 54.26%, 64.65%, and 62.69%, respectively. Catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, and sucrase activities were increased by 105.77%, 104.90%, 118.38%, and 131.69%, respectively. Considering both yield improvement and soil fertility, the treatment of 3 t·ha-1 zeolite + 32-cell plug tray exhibits superior comprehensive benefits and is suitable for popularization and application in cool-temperate regions.
