Compound management of moso bamboo plantations not only improves bamboo resource utilization and the economic benefits of forest farmers, but also enhances soil structure, increasing bamboo timber and shoots yields and achieving dual benefits. However, knowledge on how compound management of bamboo plantations affected soil carbon sink function is limited. We investigated the soil respiration rate, soil organic carbon (SOC) functional fractions and driving factors under different compound management practices of moso bamboo plantations, including pure moso bamboo forest (CK), moso bamboo + Stropharia rugosoannulata (LJ) and moso bamboo + Polygonatum cyrtonema (LY) in Zhejiang province, China. The results demonstrates that compound management of moso bamboo improved economic benefits by above 6.8–fold but concurrently escalated soil carbon emissions. Compared with CK, LJ and LY increased annal mean soil respiration rate by 12.0% and 8.1%, annual cumulative soil carbon emission by 11.4% and 10.7%. POC concentrations in the LJ and LY treatments showed opposite trends between the two soil layers. Compound management of moso bamboo significantly decreased soil microbial biomass by 28.8% and 20.4% for LJ, and 23.3% and 24.5% for LY across 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm soil layers, respectively. Compound management of moso bamboo significantly affected the relationships of SOC fractions with soil microbial composition and its associated enzyme activity (p < 0.05) as different driver factors across two soil layers. Overall, moso bamboo with S. rugosoannulata exerted a far more potent influence on soil respiration and SOC fraction dynamics than did the association of P. cyrtonema with moso bamboo plantations, due to its regulation of soil microbial community composition. The impact of compound management of moso bamboo on soil carbon sink function depends on the degree of surface disturbance; minimizing surface interference is therefore recommended for sustainable, responsible cultivation.

Screening superior hosts is critical for artificial cultivation of Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma. However, intraspecific trait variation and host suitability of its emerging host Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt remain unsystematically evaluated. In this study, 31 A. canescens individuals with diverse morphotypes and parasitic statuses were selected from over 300 seedlings. After post-transplant assessment, 17 representative A. canescens genotypes were selected and cutting-propagated. Their genetic, phenotypic and photosynthetic traits were systematically analyzed by multiple approaches, with a multi-indicator evaluation system built by correlation analysis and entropy-weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution)(TOPSIS). The results showed that the Internal Transcribed Spacer(ITS) sequences of the selected genotypes had an approximate length of 644 bp, exhibiting an average GC contents of 58.35%. A total of 22 haplotypes were detected, indicating high genetic diversity. In this study, superior host genotypes were defined as those with relatively excellent growth potential and stable, efficient photosynthetic performance. NP3.13, P3.1 and NP2.23 were recognized as promising candidate host genotypes with potential for C. deserticola cultivation, and their host suitability was indirectly inferred from their relatively superior growth and photosynthetic traits. This study not only provides valuable candidate germplasm resources and a scientific basis for optimizing the cultivation of C. deserticola, but also furnishes methodological support for elite genotypes screening in other plant species by the established evaluation framework.

As a bulk traditional Chinese medicinal material native to China, Pinellia ternata has long relied on asexual propagation via tubers, which gives rise to prominent problems such as low propagation efficiency and germplasm degeneration. Somatic embryogenesis(SEG) constitutes the primary pathway for plant regeneration. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying SEG in P.ternata remain poorly elucidated. We performed genome-wide mRNA and small RNA sequencing analyses on samples collected from three key stages of SEG, namely explants, calli and protocorm-like bodies. The results indicated that the elevated levels of auxins indole-3-carboxylic acid (I3CA) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (ICA1d) promoted the regeneration of P. ternata. Transcriptome revealed that SEG of P. ternata adopted stage-specific regulatory patterns and auxin synthesis and signaling pathway genes played a significant role in the process of P. ternata SEG. small RNA sequencing identified a total of 663 miRNAs and we discovered that miR396 were the key miRNAs involved in regulating P. ternata SEG by targeting GRF genes. This study is the first to elucidate transcriptome and dynamic miRNA expression profiles during SEG in P. ternata. I3CA and ICA1d were identified as the key auxin metabolites governing SEG progression. The miR396-GRFs module may function as a core regulatory factor controlling P. ternata SEG. Collectively, these findings provide a solid theoretical basis for overcoming the technical bottleneck of low propagation efficiency in P. ternata.

Pinellia ternata(Thunb.) Breit, a well-known Chinese medicinal plants, is mainly produced by clonal propagation. Somatic embryogenesis (SEG) is a major process for plant regeneration, however, the molecular mechanism of SEG in P. ternata is still unclear. In this study, genome-wide mRNAs and small RNAs analysis were performed on the samples from three key stages of P. ternata SEG, including explant, calli and protocorm‐like bodies. The results showed that the increase in the content of auxins, especially I3CA and ICA1, contributed to the regeneration of P. ternata; PtAUX/IAA2, PtSAUR4, PtAEC1, PtAEC2, PtAUT1and PtAUT2 were important regulatory genes for auxins systhesis and signal transduction in P. ternata SEG. For the first time, we employed small RNA sequencing to investigate P. ternata SEG, and we discovered that miR396 were the key miRNAs involved in regulating P. ternata SEG by targeting GRF genes.

Pinellia ternata, a common medicinal plant in East Asia, holds significant economic and therapeutic values. However, the market industrialization of the P. ternata is retarded due to the lack of a further understanding of its cultivation patterns. Here, we report an efficient cultivation model for P. ternata. This study featured a design with four planting depths (5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm) and five types of propagation materials, forming 20 distinct experimental groups. Each group was replicated three times. This study thoroughly analyzed the specific impacts of two types and five different sizes of propagules, as well as four different planting depths, on the propagation coefficient, agronomic traits, yield, and quality of P. ternata. (1) Tubers outperformed bulbils in propagation coefficient, agronomic traits, yield, and quality, with larger propagules showing better performance than smaller ones. (2) Small-diameter propagules (≤ 1.6 cm) achieved the best propagation coefficient, yield, and quality at a planting depth of 5 cm. (3) Large-diameter propagules (1.6-2.0 cm) showed maximum yield and quality component accumulation at 10 cm. (4) Correlation analysis indicated propagation coefficient, yield, and quality were negatively correlated with planting depth but positively correlated with propagule size. In conclusion, this study provides important theoretical support for the cultivation model of P. ternata and is helpful to guide its industrial production.

Cistanche deserticola, a holoparasitic plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, relies on chemical signals from its host plant, Haloxylon ammodendron, to initiate seed germination and haustorium induction. This study employed UPLC-MS/MS to analyze the root metabolites of H. ammodendron. The results showed that 11 substances such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids were mainly contained in the roots of H. ammodendron, among which phenolic acids accounted for the largest proportion, accounting for 18.00% in winter samples and 16.11% in autumn samples. Based on the reported exogenous substances that promote haustorium induction in C. deserticola and the differential metabolites in H. ammodendron roots, we selected seven exogenous signaling substances: 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone, resorcinol, ferulic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, vanillin, and pelargonidin. Through concentration-gradient experiments (0.1-100 μM), we assessed their effects on haustorium induction in C. deserticola seeds. The results showed that among the seven substances, syringic acid, vanillic acid, and vanillin had the best impact on promoting the haustorium induction of C. deserticola seeds. Vanillic acid had the best impact at the concentration of 10 μmol/L, and the highest haustorium induction rate was 50.2%. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of vanillin and syringic acid. The results showed that phenolic acids in the host root system stimulated haustoria induction in C. deserticola seeds, with different substances requiring different optimal concentrations. This study not only identifies specific phenolic acids that enhance C. deserticola productivity but also establishes a chemical ecology framework for investigating host-parasite interactions in other root parasitic species.

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, belonging to the genus Pinellia in the Araceae family, is globally distributed. The dried tuber of P. ternata has significant medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine, with a history of usage spanning approximately 2000 years, particularly for alleviating cough and vomiting. However, soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum poses a severe threat to P. ternata plants. This study screened 44 germplasms and identified the disease-resistant Pinellia ternata P-9 and disease-susceptible Pinellia ternata P-15. A de novo transcriptome analysis was conducted to explore the key genes associated with disease resistance. Among these, a mannose-binding lectin PTA gene (PtPTA) and a DMR6-like oxygenase 1 gene (PtDLO1) were identified as resistance-related genes through transient expression assays. Subsequently, a highly efficient genetic transformation system for Pinellia ternata, achieving a positive rate exceeding 70%, was optimized to validate the function of candidate genes. Overexpression of PtPTA significantly enhanced the resistance of Pinellia ternata to Pectobacterium carotovorum, while overexpression of PtDLO1 increased susceptibility to Pectobacterium carotovorum. These findings highlight the pivotal roles of PtPTA and PtDLO1 in conferring disease resistance in Pinellia ternata against soft rot, contributing to the functional analysis of key genes and resistance molecular breeding of Pinellia ternata.

IntroductionTo explore the origin and evolution of Ligusticum Chuanxiong, we conducted a component analysis of Ligusticum Chuanxiong and its medicinal relatives.MethodsThis study encompassed seven species from various origins, including Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.), Gansu Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong cv. Gansu), Yunnan Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong cv. Yunnan), Japanese Chuanxiong (Cnidium officinale Makino), Fuxiong (Ligusticum sinense ‘Fuxiong’), Gaoben (Ligusticum sinense), and Liaogaoben (Ligusticum jeholense), comprising 27 distinct materials. We employed headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to identify various odor profiles from these species using electronic nose technology (E-nose). The method effectively identified volatile constituents in the leaves of these seven species.ResultsResults indicated that odor differences between L. chuanxiong and its medicinal relatives were predominantly observed in sensors W1W and W1S. Linear discriminant factor analysis (LDA) successfully distinguished five of the relatives; however, L. chuanxiong and L. sinense exhibited high odor similarity, limiting complete differentiation in some samples. HS-SPME-GC-MS identified a total of 118 volatile constituents, with eight differential volatiles identified: trans-Neocnidilide, β-Caryophyllene, β-Selinene, 5-Pentylcyclohexa-1,3-diene, (E)-Ligustilide, Butylphthalide, Neophytadiene, and Senkyunolide. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) grouped L. chuanxiong, L. sinense, L. jeholense, and L. chuanxiong cv. Gansu together, highlighting the close relationship between L. chuanxiong and L. sinense. Joint analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between sensor W1W and the differential volatile component β-Caryophyllene, suggesting its potential for distinguishing closely related species.DiscussionThis study provides a foundational understanding of volatile components in the leaves of L. chuanxiong and its medicinal relatives using E-nose combined with HS-SPME-GC-MS, contributing to the discussion on their interspecific odor characteristics and relationships.

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. is a widely used Chinese Medicinal Material with economic and medicinal value. Few molecular studies have been conducted on P. ternata, resulting in a lack of applicable molecular markers. This present research analyzed the genetic diversity of 255P. ternata germplasm resources from China, including 117 wild germplasm resources and 138 cultivated germplasm resources. Following the development of 17 pairs of highly polymorphic primers, 126 alleles were found; the average polymorphism was 99.21%. The average number of observed alleles (Na), effective alleles (Ne) were 1.98 and 1.36, respectively. The mean of the Nei genetic diversity index (H), the Shannon's information index (I) and the polymorphic information content (PIC) were 0.23, 0.36 and 0.6482, respectively. The population structure of P. ternata germplasm resources was categorized into two groups, designated as Group 1 and Group 2. The majority of wild germplasm resources was clustered in Group 1. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses produced similar results. A comparison of the genetic diversity parameters of wild and cultivated germplasm revealed that the genetic diversity was higher in the former, while the genetic differentiation level of the two types of germplasm was low. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated that 9% of the genetic variation was between populations and 91% of the genetic variation was within populations. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) served to corroborate the findings of the cluster and population structure analysis. It was found that P. ternata with tubers having red epidermis was more separated from other germplasm resources. Association analysis based on the generalized linear model (GLM) detected four EST-SSR markers significantly associated with P. ternata tuber color. This study will be helpful for P. ternata germplasm resource conservation, identification and trait-specific breeding programs.

Plant protease inhibitors are a ubiquitous feature of plant species and exert a substantial influence on plant stress responses. However, the KTI (Kunitz trypsin inhibitor) family responding to abiotic stress has not been fully characterized in Populus yunnanensis. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide study of the KTI family and analyzed their gene structure, gene duplication, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements, and response to stress treatment. A total of 29 KTIs were identified in the P. yunnanensis genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the PyKTIs were divided into four groups (1,2, 3, and 4). Promoter sequence analysis showed that the PyKTIs contain many cis-acting elements related to light, plant growth, hormone, and stress responses, indicating that PyKTIs are widely involved in various biological regulatory processes. RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that KTI genes were differentially expressed under the inverted cutting stress of P. yunnanensis. Transcriptome analysis of P. yunnanensis leaves revealed that PyKTI16, PyKTI18, and PyKTI19 were highly upregulated after inverted cutting. Through the GEO query of Populus transcriptome data, KTI genes played a positive defense role in MeJa, drought, time series, and pathogen stress. This study provided comprehensive information for the KTI family in P. yunnanensis, which should be helpful for the functional characterization of P. yunnanensis KTI genes in the future.

Cistanches Herba (CH), known as Roucongrong, is a widely used health food supplement and medicinal herb. In recent years, fungal and mycotoxin contamination has affected the quality and safety of CH, posing a potential threat to consumer health. In this study, the Illumina MiSeq PE300 platform and targeted the internal transcribed spacer 2 sequences were used to investigate fungal communities in CH. The differences in the fungal communities of samples from different collection areas and processing methods were analyzed. As a result, 606 ASVs were obtained and were further classified into six phyla, 27 classes, 56 orders, 110 families, and 167 genera. Basidiomycota and Rhizopodaceae were the dominant phylum and family, respectively. Rhizopus (0%–43.72%), Aspergillus (0%–19.55%), and Fusarium (0%–20.27%) were the most dominant genera among the identified genera. Meanwhile, 13 species were identified, including two potential toxigenic fungi Aspergillus terreus and and Mucor circinelloides. In addition, variations in the composition of the fungal communities, the diversity of fungi, their trophic modes, and the functional guilds in CH samples from four different collection regions and two processing methods were observed. This work provides useful information for controlling fungal contamination in herbs and foods to ensure food safety and human health.

Insecticide resistance has long been a problem in crop pest control. Bactericera gobica is a major pest on the well-known medicinal plants Lycium barbarum L. Investigating insecticide resistance mechanisms of B. gobica will help to identify pesticide reduction strategies to control the pest. Gene expression normalization by RT-qPCR requires the selection and validation of appropriate reference genes (RGs). Here, 15 candidate RGs were selected from transcriptome data of B. gobica. Their expression stability was evaluated with five algorithms (Delta Ct, GeNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder) for sample types differing in response to five insecticide stresses and in four other experimental conditions. Our results indicated that the RGs RPL10 + RPS15 for Imidacloprid and Abamectin; RPL10 + AK for Thiamethoxam; RPL32 + RPL10 for λ-cyhalothrin; RPL10 + RPL8 for Matrine; and EF2 + RPL32 under different insecticide stresses were the most suitable RGs for RT-qPCR normalization. EF1α + RPL8, EF1α + β-actin, β-actin + EF2 and β-actin + RPS15 were the optimal combination of RGs under odor stimulation, temperature, developmental stages and both sexes, respectively. Overall, EF2 and RPL8 were the two most stable RGs in all conditions, while α-TUB and RPL32 were the least stable RGs. The corresponding suitable RGs and one unstable RG were used to normalize a target cytochrome P450 CYP6a1 gene between adult and nymph stages and under imidacloprid stress. The results of CYP6a1 expression were consistent with transcriptome data. This study is the first research on the most stable RG selection in B. gobica nymphs exposed to different insecticides, which will contribute to further research on insecticide resistance mechanisms in B. gobica.

Verticillium wilt, a significant pathogen affecting cotton, has historically been challenging to control, posing a substantial threat to the sustainable development of the cotton industry. This study demonstrates that resistance to Verticillium dahliae in cotton can be enhanced by treating the roots with an ethyl acetate extract (EAAA) extracted from Artemisia argyi. The mechanisms by which EAAA activates immunity in cotton were elucidated by examining the expression levels of resistance genes post-treatment, evaluating salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) levels, analyzing transcriptome data, and employing virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology. Additionally, pot experiments were conducted to validate the efficacy of EAAA in controlling Verticillium wilt. The flavonoid content in EAAA was qualitatively analyzed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), identifying three specific flavonoids that were further screened to verify their roles in activating cotton immunity. Cotton plants treated with EAAA exhibited reduced leaf chlorosis and browning in the vascular bundles. Genes involved in SA and JA synthesis and signaling in the root system were highly expressed, resulting in increased levels of SA and JA. Transcriptome analysis revealed that most upregulated differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Two specific genes, RLK and MAPKKK18, were identified through VIGS technology as key regulators of the immune pathway in cotton. The flavonoid monomer activation experiment demonstrated that eupatilin, hispidulin, jaceosidin, and a mixture of these three could induce the expression of cotton-related resistance genes. Collectively, these findings provide a research basis for the development of EAAA as a natural plant immune-inducing agent against cotton Verticillium wilt.

Rice blast is a devastating disease caused by Magnaporthe grisea, and it is not well controlled globally. As a Traditional Chinese Medicine, Artemisia argyi has been proven to have inhibitory effects on a variety of phytopathogenic fungi. Here, we used bioactivity-guided isolation method and transcriptomics to clarify the antifungal active compounds in A. argyi and their antifungal mechanisms. In vitro studies showed that the absolute ethanol extract (AEE) of A. argyi had a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of M. grisea, with a low EC50 value of 1.156 mg/mL, and could cause the destruction of hyphae cell membrane and the leakage of cell contents. To identify the active constituents, we fractionated the AEE using macroporous adsorption resin and silica gel column chromatography. The active fraction (Fr.F-1) was fractionated and had even higher antifungal activity than AEE. The results showed that both AEE and Fr.F-1 could impact primary metabolic pathways and reactive oxygen species homeostasis of M. grisea, decrease the content of reducing sugars and downregulate the expression of genes related to starch and sucrose metabolism. Further fractionation of Fr.F-1 led to the identification of two polymethoxylated flavonoids (eupatilin and 3,5,3ʹ-trihydroxy-7,8,4ʹ-trimethoxyflavone), both of which had antifungal activity and they worked synergistically in Fr.F-1. Finally, we also investigated the effect of AEE, Fr.F-1 and eupatilin on rice blast control. The results showed that AEE, Fr.F-1 and eupatilin application strongly enhanced rice resistance to M. grisea. In brief, these findings indicate that Fr.F-1 subfraction from A. argyi and its main components polymethoxylated flavonoids confer inhibiting activities to M. grisea. This discovery can effectively alleviate the degradation pressure of A. argyi by-products, promote the healthy development of its industry, and provide new a strategy for the development of new botanical fungicides to control rice blast.

Carposina coreana is an important pest of Cornus officinalis, distributed in China, Korea, and Japan. In recent years, its damage to C. officinalis has become increasingly serious, causing enormous economic losses in China. This study and prediction of current and future suitable habitats for C. coreana in China can provide an important reference for the monitoring, early warning, prevention, and control of the pest. In this study, the potential distributions of C. coreana in China under current climate and future climate models were predicted using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model with ArcGIS software. The distribution point data of C. coreana were screened using the buffer screening method. Nineteen environmental variables were screened using the knife-cut method and variable correlation analysis. The parameters of the MaxEnt model were optimized using the kuenm package in R software. The MaxEnt model, combined with key environmental variables, was used to predict the distribution range of the suitable area for C. coreana under the current (1971–2000) and four future scenarios. The buffer screening method screened data from 41 distribution points that could be used for modeling. The main factors affecting the distribution of C. coreana were precipitation in the driest month (Bio14), precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio18), precipitation in the coldest quarter (Bio19), the standard deviation of seasonal variation of temperature (Bio4), minimum temperature in the coldest month (Bio6), and average temperature in the coldest quarter (Bio11). The feature class (FC) after the kuenm package optimization was a Q-quadratic T-threshold combination, and the regularization multiplier (RM) was 0.8. The suitable areas for C. coreana under the current climate model were mainly distributed in central China, and the highly suitable areas were distributed in southern Shaanxi, southwestern Henan, and northwestern Hubei. The lowest temperature in the coldest month (Bio6), the average temperature in the coldest quarter (Bio11), and the precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio18) all had good predictive ability. In future climate scenarios, the boundary of the suitable area for C. coreana in China is expected to shift northward, and thus, most of the future climate scenarios would shift northward.

Erianthus produces substantial biomass, exhibits a good Brix value, and shows wide environmental adaptability, making it a potential biofuel plant. In contrast to closely related sorghum and sugarcane, Erianthus can grow in degraded soils, thus releasing pressure on agricultural lands used for biofuel production. However, the lack of genomic resources for Erianthus hinders its genetic improvement, thus limiting its potential for biofuel production. In the present study, we generated a chromosome-scale reference genome for Erianthus fulvus Nees. The genome size estimated by flow cytometry was 937 Mb, and the assembled genome size was 902 Mb, covering 96.26% of the estimated genome size. A total of 35 065 protein-coding genes were predicted, and 67.89% of the genome was found to be repetitive. A recent whole-genome duplication occurred approximately 74.10 million years ago in the E. fulvus genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. fulvus is evolutionarily closer to S. spontaneum and diverged after S. bicolor. Three of the 10 chromosomes of E. fulvus formed through rearrangements of ancestral chromosomes. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the Saccharum complex revealed a polyphyletic origin of the complex and a sister relationship of E. fulvus with Saccharum sp., excluding S. arundinaceum. On the basis of the four amino acid residues that provide substrate specificity, the E. fulvus SWEET proteins were classified as mono- and disaccharide sugar transporters. Ortho-QTL genes identified for 10 biofuel-related traits may aid in the rapid screening of E. fulvus populations to enhance breeding programs for improved biofuel production. The results of this study provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at improving biofuel production in E. fulvus and enhancing sugarcane introgression programs.

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that has been widely used in China, Japan and Korea to relieve cough, vomiting, and inflammation. This review summarizes the recent research focus on germplasm resources, genetic diversity, functional genes, genetic breeding and prospects of P. ternata. The impact of germplasm resources and biogeography are the key factors of the effects of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, avoiding the medical negligence caused by using the confused medicine. Genetic diversity and genetic breeding are the basis of germplasm improvement. A virus-free technique of tissue culture is used to rapid propagation of P. ternata, promoting the production of seedlings without season restrictions. Functional gene research is the theoretical basis and target of germplasm improvement. Many genes, such as PtsHSP17.2 and PtSAD have been confirmed to play an important role in heat stress, guiding the selection and breeding of heat-resistant and drought-resistant P. ternata resources. Still, some problems exist in the production of P. ternata, presenting a challenge in breeding and cultivation. We summarize previous studies here and propose directions for further study to advance the research in the production of P. ternata.

Lonicera Linn has a large variety of herbs, is produced in large quantities and has similar trait characteristics, making it difficult to distinguish between them. In this study, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy was used to determine four Chinese herbal medicines from Lonicera Linn, namely, Lonicera japonica (Fols Lonicerae), Lonicera hypoglauca, Lonicera macranthoides and Lonicera fulvotomentosa, and the infrared spectra were scanned in the range of 4 000 similar to 400 cm(-1) and the second-order derivatives in the range of 1 800 similar to 400 cm(-1). After obtaining these fingerprints, the correlation coefficients were calculated, and second order derivative spectrum was by using the fingerprint spectrum (1 800 similar to 400 cm(-1)) with dense spectral bands, while combined with SMICA cluster analysis to classify the infrared fingerprint profiles of the herbs and compare the similarities and differences. The results showed that the overall peak shapes of the infrared spectra of the four species of Lonicera Linn were similar. The spectral peak positions and peak heights were relatively close, with absorptions near 1 629 similar to 1 635, 1 376 similar to 1 384, 1 265 similar to 1 282, 1 152 similar to 1 158, 1 050 similar to 1 051, 814 similar to 816, 611 similar to 614, 534 similar to 537 cm(-1), but the 1 731 cm(-1) C=O stretching vibration absorption peak is most pronounced in Lonicera japonica, only Lonicera macranthoides and Lonicera japonica showed a telescopic vibrational absorption peak of 1 105 and 1 103 cm(-1) C=O, the bending vibration absorption peak is most pronounced in Lonicera hypoglauca and Lonicera macranthoides 1 317 cm(-1) CH, the characteristic peak of the C=OH stretching vibration of the sugar alcohols is most evident at 1 075 cm(-1) in Lonicera fulvotomentosa. The correlation coefficient results showed some differences among the four Chinese herbal medicines in the Lonicera Linn, with the largest difference between Lonicera hypoglauca and Lonicera fulvotomentosa, with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. The four Lonicera Linn Chinese herbal medicines differed significantly in the bands 1 700 similar to 1 300 and 971 similar to 780 cm(-1) in the second-order derivative spectra. Cluster analysis using Assure ID software with Chinese herbal medicines absorption wave number as the variable showed that the class spacing between Lonicera hypoglauca and Lonicera fulvotomentosa was the largest at 6.86, further indicating that the difference between Lonicera hypoglauca and Lonicera fulvotomentosa was the largest. The identification and rejection rates of the four Lonicera Linn herbs in the clustering model were the highest point of 100% and the lowest point of 99%. The class model plots, in which the different proto species herbs are separated two by two, indicate that the infrared spectra combined with SIMCA cluster analysis can identify the four herbal species of the Lonicera Linn. The clustering analysis model was validated by taking known origins samples, and the recognition and rejection rates were also above 99%. Therefore, the combination of infrared spectroscopy and cluster analysis can identify four herbs of Lonicera Linn in a rapid and nondestructive manner, providing a scientific and effective method for the genetic identification of Lonicera Linn.

Phoresy is one of the most distinctive relationships between mites and insects, and the off-host interaction between phoretic mites and their carriers is the most critical factor sustaining the phoretic association. As phoretic associations commonly occur in temporary habitats, little is known about off-host interactions between phoronts and carriers. However, an off-host interaction has been reported, in which the plant-mediated competition between a phoretic gall mite, Aceria pallida, and its psyllid vector, Bactericera gobica, after detachment decreases leaf abscission caused by B. gobica and then directly facilitates their phoretic association. In this obligate phoresy, A. pallida seasonally attaches to B. gobica for overwinter survival and they share the same host plant, Lycium barbarum, during the growing season. It is unknown how the host plant responds to these two herbivores and what plant metabolites are involved in their interspecific interaction. Here, effects of A. pallida and B. gobica on the host plant's transcriptome and metabolome, and on enzymes involved in plant defence, at various infestation stages were studied by inoculating A. pallida and B. gobica either separately or simultaneously on leaves of L. barbarum. Our results showed that (a) A. pallida significantly promoted primary and secondary metabolite accumulation, (b) B. gobica markedly inhibited primary and secondary metabolite accumulation and had little influence on defence enzyme activity, and (c) under simultaneous A. pallida and B. gobica infestation, an intermediate response was predicted. These findings indicate that A. pallida and B. gobica have different effects on host plants, A. pallida inhibits B. gobica mainly by increasing the secondary metabolism of L. barbarum, whereas B. gobica inhibits A. pallida mainly by decreasing the primary metabolism of L. barbarum. In conjunction with our previous research, we speculate that this trade-off in host plant metabolite response between A. pallida and B. gobica after detachment promotes a stable phoretic association.

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (P. ternata) is a very important plant that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its corms can be used as medicine and function to alleviate cough, headache, and phlegm. The epidermis of P. ternata corms is often light yellow to yellow in color; however, within the range of P. ternata found in JingZhou City in Hubei Province, China, there is a form of P. ternata in which the epidermis of the corm is red. We found that the total flavonoid content of red P. ternata corms is significantly higher than that of yellow P. ternata corms. The objective of this study was to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the difference in epidermal color between the two forms of P. ternata. The results showed that a high content of anthocyanidin was responsible for the red epidermal color in P. ternata, and 15 metabolites, including cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, were screened as potential color markers in P. ternata through metabolomic analysis. Based on an analysis of the transcriptome, seven genes, including PtCHS1, PtCHS2, PtCHI1, PtDFR5, PtANS, PtUPD-GT2, and PtUPD-GT3, were found to have important effects on the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in the P. ternata corm epidermis. Furthermore, two transcription factors (TFs), bHLH1 and bHLH2, may have regulatory functions in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in red P. ternata corms. Using an integrative analysis of the metabolomic and transcriptomic data, we identified five genes, PtCHI, PtDFR2, PtUPD-GT1, PtUPD-GT2, and PtUPD-GT3, that may play important roles in the presence of the red epidermis color in P. ternata corms.