Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are widely involved in plant development and stress responses. Cymbidium goeringii (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f. is a globally important ornamental orchid whose growth is frequently constrained by extreme heat, yet genome-wide information on its bZIP genes and their responses to heat treatment remains limited. In this study, 67 CgbZIP genes were identified from the C. goeringii genome; 63 were assigned to 10 subfamilies based on phylogenetic relationships, while four remained unclassified. RT-qPCR analysis showed that selected CgbZIP genes displayed different transcript-level responses under heat treatment. CgbZIP4 showed increased transcript abundance under heat treatment, whereas CgbZIP49, CgbZIP50, CgbZIP53, and CgbZIP2 showed reduced transcript abundance. CgbZIP25 displayed a fluctuating expression pattern during the 24 h treatment. Yeast two-hybrid assays supported a possible physical interaction between CgbZIP4 and CgbZIP25 in yeast. These results provide candidate CgbZIP genes for further functional studies of heat-stress responses in C. goeringii.

Understanding how urban forest trail environments contribute to visitors’ health through cultural ecosystem benefits (CEBs) is essential for integrating human well-being into urban forest management. However, empirical evidence remains limited, particularly for treetop trails, which are underrepresented in the literature. This study investigates how environmental quality perception (EQP) influences perceived health benefits (PHBs), with CEBs conceptualized as key mediating variables. A field survey was conducted at the Fu Forest Trail in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, yielding 445 valid questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the direct and indirect pathways linking EQP, CEBs, and PHBs. The results show that high-quality treetop trail environments significantly enhance CEBs across the identity, experience, and capability dimensions. Among these, the identity dimension exerted positive effects on both experience and capability. Mediation analyses further revealed that identity and experience played significant parallel mediating roles between EQP and PHBs, whereas the mediating effect of capability was relatively weaker. In addition, a sequential mediation pathway was identified, in which EQP influenced PHBs through an identity-driven experiential process. Overall, the findings highlight the pivotal role of CEBs in translating environmental quality into health outcomes and underscore the importance of prioritizing identity- and experience-oriented benefits in the planning and management of urban treetop trails to better support public health.

Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) supplement traditional protected areas (PAs), but significant challenges remain in identifying potential OECMs under future climate risks. This study utilizes Fuzhou as an example to establish a framework for identifying potential OECMs in response to this challenge. First, land-use transitions from 2020 to 2030 were projected to capture future landscape dynamics with the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model under different scenarios. Next, ecological sources were identified by evaluating migratory bird habitat suitability using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, while composite resistance surfaces were constructed to reflect interspecific ecological differences. Third, habitat networks were delineated based on the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, and key pinch points were extracted through circuit theory to highlight areas critical for connectivity. Finally, by identifying potential OECM areas, delineating their conservation priorities, and formulating a differentiated typology strategy, this study establishes a structured foundation for subsequent site-level verification and screening. The results indicate a significant conservation gap, with less than 5% of migratory bird habitats protected within existing PAs, underscoring the vulnerability of these habitats under future climate change. To address this, we identified potential OECMs with different priority levels primarily concentrated in the eastern, central, and southwestern regions of Fuzhou, with the most important clusters located in the city center, Changle-Mawei districts, Fuqing City, Luoyuan-Lianjiang County, and Yongtai County, potentially connecting with PAs within 10 km. This study offers key insights into identifying climate-resilient potential OECMs to strengthen migratory bird conservation and support global biodiversity goals.

A new orchid species, Dendrobium laoshanense, from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated in this study based on morphological evidence. Morphological analysis indicates that D. laoshanense is similar to D. hercoglossum and D. aduncum, but it can be distinguished from the former by a lip with a broader base that gradually narrows to an acute apex and bears dense yellow short hairs at the base, and from the latter by leaves that are apically obtuse and unevenly bilobed, together with narrower, more elongate sepals and petals, each with a hooked apical tip.

As an important part of territorial ecological restoration, existing research on mine ecological restoration largely focuses on individual mine restoration projects from an engineering perspective or the identification of restoration priorities from a purely ecological viewpoint. There is little consideration of integrated decision-making for mine ecological restoration at a whole-area spatial scale, and a spatial prioritization framework that simultaneously integrates ecological, habitat, and health-support dimensions remains absent. This study introduces a One Health framework, taking 169 mining brownfields in Longhu Town, Jinjiang City, Fujian Province as the study objects. Based on a whole-area spatial scale, ArcGIS (10.8) spatial analysis was conducted to construct a three-dimensional evaluation framework of environment, species, and health support from the three dimensions of ecological sensitivity and landscape visual sensitivity, bird habitat suitability, and the spatial provision of health facilities. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then combined to identify ecological restoration priorities and reuse zones, further exploring strategic guidance for the ecological restoration and reuse of mining brownfields oriented toward a One Health framework at the whole-area spatial scale. The results show that the 169 mine brownfields are concentrated around stone processing areas. Among them, 21 sites are prioritized for environmental restoration, 67 for bird habitat suitability improvement, and 93 for enhancing health facility provision; these are ultimately classified into three comprehensive restoration zones. This study can provide decision support for the differentiated restoration, reuse zoning, and spatial governance of mine brownfields within a whole-area spatial planning system.

Introgressed genes can significantly influence the ecological fate of recipient species exposed to novel environments. Here, we present a protocol for detecting introgressed genes and assessing their functional impact in recipient species by combining fdM statistics with expression profiling under various stress conditions. We describe procedures for identifying introgressed genes, their paralogs, and their alleles. We also detail steps for analyzing and comparing their responses to abiotic stress in orchids.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Jiao et al.1

Cupressaceae , a gymnosperm family, draws attention due to its controversial phylogenetic position. Here, we present a comprehensive genome analysis of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), a Cupressaceae species, to enhance our understanding of gymnosperm evolution. The 11.24 Gb assembled genome, shaped by inefficient long terminal repeat removal, offers insights into its phylogenetic position. Phylogenetic analysis refines gymnosperm relationships between Cycads-Ginkgo and their relation to Gnetales-Pinaceae. Whole-genome duplication (WGD) analysis reveals no evidence for an ancient polyploidization event in the lineage of C. lanceolata, and confirms a seed-plant-shared WGD event. We also explore genomic evidence to explain the population history and adaptability of C. lanceolata, including potential glacial refugia, dispersal centers, and unique sterility. Furthermore, the refined (A)B(C) model for reproductive organ development in C. lanceolata has broader applications across gymnosperms. This study provides a valuable genome sequence and contributes to the understanding of gymnosperm evolution.

The labellum, a distinctive floral organ unique to orchids, possesses significant ornamental and research value. Here, wild type plants (W1, W2), a lip-like sepal mutant (MS), a lip-like petal mutant (MP), and a peloric flower mutant (ML) of Cymbidium ensifolium were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying labellum formation. Morphological and cytological analyses revealed that MS sepals and MP petals acquired labellum-like traits (folded structures, conical papillae), whereas ML labella adopted petal-like features (flat epidermal cells). Transcriptome analysis identified seven key B- and E-class MADS-box genes (including DEF -/ AP3- , SEP-, and AGL6- like genes) potentially involved in labellum development. Subsequent qRT-PCR profiling showed that gene expression dynamics closely reflect organ fate. Expression of CeAP3-3 and CeAP3-4 correlated with the establishment of inner perianth identity (petal/labellum), while CeAGL6-2 activation was specifically associated with labellum specification. Notably, CeAGL6-2 was ectopically expressed in lip-like organs of MS and MP, but absent in the petaloid labellum of ML. Conversely, expression patterns of CeAP3-1 and CeAGL6-1 suggested roles in promoting sepal/petal or non-labellum perianth fates. Protein interaction assays (Y2H, BiFC) demonstrated that CeAP3-3 interacted strongly with CeAGL6-2 and CeSEP2, while CeAP3-4 interacted with CeSEP2. Integrating these results, we propose a model in which heteromeric complexes formed by CeAP3-3, CeAGL6-2, and CeSEP2 are central to specifying labellum identity in C. ensifolium . Overall, these findings highlight the cooperative role of B- and E-class transcription factors in labellum specification through dynamic expression shifts and protein interaction networks, thereby enriching our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving orchid labellum formation.

Plant genomics underpins a foundation for understanding evolution, gene regulation, and fundamental biological processes, subsequently supporting both the conservation and innovative utilization of plant germplasm resources. The Lythraceae family encompasses numerous species of economic and ecological significance, and are valued for their edible, medicinal, and ornamental properties. The family-wide distribution, spanning extreme intertidal zones, semi-deserts and tropical forests, positions Lythraceae as an exemplary model for investigating the genomic mechanisms underlying ecological adaptation. Recent advances in chromosome-level genomes, pan-genomics, genetic mapping, multi-omics integration, and large-scale phenotyping have greatly accelerated research in plant evolution and breeding. Nevertheless, despite the growing genomic and trait-focused studies in Lythraceae, a comprehensive conceptual synthesis linking evolutionary events, structural variation (SV), regulatory networks, and future research directions remain absent. In this review, we present an overview of genomic resources and introduce a unified framework linking whole-genome duplications, lineage-specific SVs, and their functional impacts on species diversification. We also synthesize recent advances in genome evolution, phylogenetic relationships, biotechnology, and molecular mechanisms controlling growth, development, and stress responses. In addition, we address challenges associated with genetic transformation of woody Lythraceae species and discuss strategies to enhance molecular breeding. This review provides a forward-looking perspective on Lythraceae genomics and identifies key scientific questions that will steer future research in evolutionary biology, functional genomics, and crop improvement.

Effective protected area networks are essential for achieving global conservation targets. Previous studies have mainly examined conservation outcomes within protected areas and their spillover effects on buffer zones. However, the role of protected areas in conserving landscape-scale ecosystem services remains largely unclear. In this study, we assessed ecosystem services conservation outcomes within protected areas, buffer zones, and the broader landscape in a global biodiversity hotspot (the Wuyishan Biodiversity Priority Conservation Areas) by applying the propensity score matching methods. Using a 35-year dynamic mapping of ecosystem services, we identified ecosystem services priority zones and conservation gaps across different levels. Key findings include: (1) Ecosystem services conservation outcomes differed between protected areas and non-protected areas; (2) Protected areas indirectly enhanced ecosystem services conservation outcomes in adjacent non-protected areas, though this effect fluctuated over time; and (3) The current protected area network (covered 8.82 % of the study area) protected 34 % of ecosystem services priority zones. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of landscape-scale ecosystem service conservation and underscore the importance of integrating protected areas into wider landscapes to enhance socio-ecological resilience. The study directly informs the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Target 3 on protected area effectiveness and landscape integration, and Target 11 on maintaining ecosystem services.

The taxonomic status of Hayata Aver. has long been a subject of debate, with confusion and uncertainty regarding its relationship to Zeuxine Lindl. and Cheirostylis Blume. Here, we conducted phylogenetic analyses using complete plastome data and a combination of traditional molecular markers (nrITS, matK, psaB, rbcL and trnL-trnF). Both plastid and nuclear datasets consistently resolved Hayata as sister to Zeuxine, with strong support from plastid data and moderate support from nrITS. Our results support the recognition of Hayata as an independent genus, distinct from both Zeuxine and Cheirostylis.

Cymbidium ensifolium exhibits highly specialized floral structures with considerable morphological diversity, including multi-tepal varieties that are distinguished by unique floral patterning and are of high ornamental value, making them a key breeding target. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying multi-tepal formation in this species remain poorly characterized. To address this, we employed an integrated approach, combining phenotypic observation, cytological examination, transcriptome sequencing, gene expression profiling, functional validation, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays. The multi-tepal phenotype was characterized by increased numbers of sepals and petals and the absence of a gynostemium. Transcriptome analysis revealed several key regulatory genes, including CeLFY, CeAP1-1, CeAP1-2, CeAG-1, CeAG-2, and CeAG-3. Expression analysis revealed a marked upregulation of CeLFY and CeAP1s during early bud development in the multi-tepal variety, correlating with enhanced perianth organ formation. In contrast, persistent downregulation of CeAGs across floral stages was associated with gynostemium abortion. Transgenic assays confirmed that perturbation of these genes resulted in aberrant floral organ development, and subcellular localization supported the nuclear presence of their protein products. Y1H and DLR experiments indicated that CeLFY activates the promoters of CeAP1s, promoting sepal and petal proliferation. Furthermore, promoter analysis identified structural variations in the CeAGs promoters that reduced CeLFY binding affinity, thereby repressing CeAGs expression and impairing gynostemium development. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the multi-tepal flower formation in C. ensifolium and contribute to the molecular basis for ornamental trait improvement in orchids.

IntroductionSpecies composition, interspecific associations, and community stability play crucial roles in shaping individual plant survival and population dynamics. Research in this area carries multidimensional significance for forest conservation, contributing to the maintenance of ecological balance and the enhancement of biodiversity. To explore interspecific interactions among dominant species in evergreen broad-leaved forest communities and promote favorable community development, we selected two representative communities dominated by Castanopsis eyrei and Castanopsis carlesii for detailed investigation.MethodsUsing methods such as niche analysis, variance ratio (VR), chi-square test (χ²), and Spearman’s rank correlation, we analyzed the niche characteristics and interspecific association patterns of the 13 tree species with the highest importance values (IV) in each community.ResultsOur results revealed high species richness, with Castanopsis carlesii exhibiting the highest importance value and a relatively wide niche breadth, confirming its dominant role. However, the ranking of niche breadth did not correspond directly to the importance value ranking, suggesting that species distribution frequency plays a key role in determining niche width. The average niche overlap (0.26) and niche similarity coefficient (0.29) among dominant species were low, indicating limited resource sharing. Overall, interspecific associations showed a non-significant negative trend, both χ² and Spearman’s tests positive-to-negative association ratio was 0.77.DiscussionContrary to previous studies that suggest relative stability in evergreen broad-leaved forests, our findings indicate that the studied communities are currently in a relatively unstable developmental stage. This instability highlights the need for strategic adjustments in species composition and enhanced promotion of positive interspecific relationships. We therefore recommend deliberate optimization of tree species assemblages to strengthen facilitative interactions and improve community resilience.

The origin and radiation of plant lineages is one of the central topics in evolutionary biology, and the diversification of Orchidaceae is of more concern and still perplexing. In this study, we selected to resolve the origin and radiation of Orchidaceae by focusing on the Calanthe alliance. Using nrITS, plastome sequences, and single-copy SNP data, we systematically reconstructed its phylogeny and spatiotemporal evolution. The monophyly of the six genera was confirmed; however, conflicts between the plastome and single-copy SNPs were observed at both the species and generic levels. In addition, the Calanthe alliance originated in the late Oligocene, during a period of sharp climate cooling, while its three major clades were established in the warmest phase of the Cenozoic. The ancestral area of Calanthe was located in Southeast Asia, and the uplift of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau in the Late Miocene drove the dispersal of Calanthe from tropics to subtropical and temperate areas. The diversification of the Calanthe alliance followed a two-step pattern: an initial steady increase in lineages with adaptation to broader elevational ranges, and a second phase of relative stasis followed by recent speciation. Thus, we deemed that the montane area, as an essential distribution area of Calanthe, functioned as both "museum" and "cradle" in the diversification history of this genus. This work provides new insight into the classification and historical dynamics of complicated taxa in Orchidaceae.

Fusarium wilt of Phalaenopsis spp., caused by Fusarium species, is a major soil-borne disease that severely threatens the yield and ornamental quality of Phalaenopsis. Endophytic fungi can serve as natural biocontrol agents against soil-borne pathogens and have potential applications in biological control. In this study, a pathogenic isolate, HT-1, was obtained from Fusarium-wilted Phalaenopsis plants, and its pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation assays on detached leaves and intact plants. Morphological observations, together with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF-1α) sequence analyses, identified HT-1 as Fusarium proliferatum. Seven endophytic fungi with strong antagonism against F. proliferatum were screened using a dual-culture assay. All seven isolates consistently inhibited five representative plant pathogens in vitro, showing broad-spectrum and promising biocontrol potential. Detached leaf inoculation assays showed that both Trichoderma virens and Trichoderma asperellum significantly reduced lesion area and disease severity caused by F. proliferatum, indicating potential application in disease management. In summary, this study identified seven endophytic fungi from Phalaenopsis with broad-spectrum antagonistic potential against multiple plant pathogenic fungi. Meanwhile, the protective effects of T. virens and T. asperellum against F. proliferatum were preliminarily evaluated using detached leaves. These findings provide theoretical reference and fungal resources for screening candidate biocontrol strains against Phalaenopsis Fusarium wilt and related plant diseases, and lay a foundation for future studies on biocontrol mechanisms, whole-plant efficacy verification, and practical application.

Pholidota chinensis is an orchid with both medicinal and ornamental value. Due to overharvesting and limited natural reproduction, its wild populations have declined sharply. Although aseptic sowing enables large-scale propagation, climate-driven extreme heat poses a threat to seedling production. However, the physiological responses and propagation potential of P. chinensis seedlings under heat stress remain poorly understood. This study examined six-month-old seedlings under four temperatures (34℃, 36℃, 38℃, 40℃) for up to 96 h. Photosynthetic performance was assessed via UV-Vis spectroscopy and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and propagation potential via stem segment regeneration. Unexpectedly, high-temperature stress induced a non-monotonic and temperature-specificpattern of pigment alteration: 34℃ reduced total chlorophyll to ~40% of initial value, whereas 36℃, 38℃, and 40℃ maintained 70%–95%, revealing that pigment content did not decline monotonically with increasing temperature. Pigment degradation became increasingly synchronized at higher temperatures, with chlorophyll b and carotenoid absorbance strongly correlated with chlorophyll a peaks (r > 0.85–0.90, P < 0.01). In contrast, Fv/Fm declined in a strictly temperature-dependent manner, from 0.74 to 0.50 (34℃), 0.45 (36℃), 0.41 (38℃), and 0.25 (40℃) at 96 h. Notably, 36℃ showed signs of partial PSII recovery, while the 36–38℃ range represented a critical transition zone, with 38℃ showing sustained suppression without clear recovery. Fv/Fm correlated strongly with proliferation coefficient (r > 0.85, P < 0.01), with proliferation severely compromised below Fv/Fm = 0.40 and completely lost at 0.25. These findings demonstrate that pigment content and photosynthetic functionality respond to heat stress through distinct mechanisms in P. chinensis seedlings. The strong Fv/Fm–regenerative capacity correlation supports chlorophyll fluorescence as a rapid, non-destructive indicator for early stress diagnosis and heat-tolerant material screening.

The NUCLEAR FACTOR Y (NF-Y) transcription factor family plays a crucial regulatory role in various aspects of plant development, physiological responses, and light signaling pathways. Nevertheless, there are limited reports on the characteristics and functions of NF-Ys in orchids. This study identified the NF-Y gene family in four orchids (Gastrodia elata, Gastrodia menghaiensis, Platanthera guangdongensis, and Platanthera zijinensis) and analyzed their structural domains, physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene collinearity, and the cis-elements in their promoter region. A total of 91 NF-Ys were identified from four orchids, among which NF-Y gene numbers varied among orchid species, with relatively fewer NF-Y genes identified in fully mycoheterotrophic orchids compared with partially mycoheterotrophic taxa. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into three subfamilies, and the protein domains and gene structures of the same branch exhibited high similarity. The promoters of these NF-Ys are enriched with photoresponsive cis-elements. During floral organ development in G. elata, GelNFY2, GelNFY6, and GelNFY14 were significantly downregulated at the large bud stage (S2) but significantly upregulated in the lip of flowering stage (S4), suggesting their potential involvement in lip development. In conclusion, this study provides a valuable resource for further investigation into the regulatory functions of the NF-Y gene family in orchids.

Orchidaceae, one of the largest and most morphologically diverse angiosperm families, showcases unique evolutionary adaptations in morphology, ecology, and function. Recent advances in molecular and genomic research have greatly reshaped our understanding of orchid evolution, revealing how genome dynamics, ecological interactions, and developmental plasticity jointly shaped their exceptional diversification. Phylogenomic frameworks derived from various genomic datasets have reconstructed the evolutionary history, revealing the influence of geological, climatic, and biotic factors on ancient divergences and global distributions. Comprehensive genomic studies have uncovered substantial variation in genome size, structure, and composition, largely driven by repetitive elements and whole-genome duplication events that facilitated adaptive radiations. Key innovations, including epiphytism, mycoheterotrophy, and deceptive pollination, are linked to gene family evolution and modifications in pathways related to CAM photosynthesis, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and floral morphogenesis. Integrative multi-omics approaches further illuminate mechanisms underlying speciation hotspots, coevolution with pollinators and fungi, and the molecular basis of developmental diversity. Overall, this review synthesizes current genomic, phylogenetic, and functional insights into orchid evolution, providing a theoretical foundation and future research framework for understanding their molecular diversification.

The Fagaceae family, comprising over 900 species, is an essential component of Northern Hemisphere forest ecosystems. However, genomic data for tropical and subtropical genera Castanopsis and Castanea remain limited compared to the well-studied oak. Here, we present chromosome-level genome assemblies of Castanopsis carlesii and Castanea henryi, with assembled genome sizes of 927.24 Mb (N50 = 1.57 Mb) and 780.10 Mb (N50 = 1.07 Mb), respectively, and repetitive sequence contents of 45.79% and 44.88%. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the estimated divergence time between Castanopsis and Castanea was determined to be 48.3 Mya and provided evidence that both genera experienced only one of the ancient whole genome triplication event (γ event) shared with most eudicots. The development of C. carlesii flower bracts and cupules was controlled by A- and E-class genes, suggesting that the cupules may originate from the bracts. Additionally, genes involved in sucrose and starch metabolism genes played distinct roles during C. carlesii fruit development. The amplification of the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) gene family in Fagaceae exhibited similarities, indicating that this expansion may be an adaptation to similar environmental pressures. This study provides valuable genomic resources for Asian Fagaceae and enhances our understanding of Fagaceae evolution.