Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is valued for its flavor and nutrition but is highly susceptible to postharvest green mold caused by Penicillium expansum, leading to significant economic losses. This highlights an urgent need for safe and sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This study developed a bioactive coating by incorporating Cryptococcus laurentii into a chitosan (CTS) matrix. The composite coating improved the flexibility and compatibility, and maintained thermal stability of the film. The 2% CTS-C. laurentii treatment showed the strongest antifungal effect, lesion diameter by 55.2% compared with the control at 10 d of storage (P < 0.05). It also enhanced host resistance by activating defense enzymes (GLU and CHI) and the phenylpropanoid pathway, with PAL, C4H, 4CL, and CAD activities increasing by 1.8, 2.1, 1.6, and 1.9 fold, respectively, compared with the control at peak time points of 2% CTS-C. laurentii, while lignin content increased by 68.83%. Microbiome analysis showed that 2% CTS-C. laurentii restructured the fruit microbiota by increasing Pantoea and reducing Rhodococcus and Papiliotrema, while suppressing Penicillium, accompanied by a shift to DNA replication and energy production, indicating enhanced microbial competitiveness and biocontrol potential. Additionally, the coating effectively maintained fruit quality and extending shelf life.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural phenolic acid with multiple biological and pharmacological properties. However, its protective effect on ulcerative colitis (UC) remains uncertain. This study aims to explore the protective ability and potential mechanism of RA on UC, focusing on the intestinal barrier and homeostasis. UC mice model was established through the induction by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) of 2.5%, and the progression of the UC after RA treatment was monitored using clinical manifestations, histopathological examination, and biochemical analysis. The mice’s composition of intestinal flora was assessed through 16S rRNA sequencing methods, while the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs) were analyzed using targeted metabolomics. The findings demonstrated that RA could prevent a decrease in body weight, reduce the scores of disease activity index (DAI), shorten colon length, and restore the claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and occludin levels in UC mice. Furthermore, RA effectively suppressed intestinal inflammation, modulated the compositin of gut microbiota, and influenced the levels of SCFAs and BAs. Hence, RA could offer therapeutic benefits for UC mice by enhancing intestinal barrier function and preserving intestinal homeostasis. Given the availability of scientific evidence, it may serve as a preventive agent or remedy for UC.

Bamboo shoots, recognized as a type of green forest vegetable rich in fiber, protein, fat, and sugar, are gaining increasing popularity among consumers. Nevertheless, the harvest period for bamboo shoots is limited, and they exhibit vigorous metabolic activity post-harvest. Consequently, during transportation and storage, bamboo shoots are susceptible to spoilage and aging, significantly diminishing their nutritional and commercial value. This article introduces the physiological and biochemical changes that occur in bamboo shoots after harvest, focusing on aspects such as appearance quality, respiration, transpiration, and lignification. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive review of various preservation methods, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches, employed in the storage and preservation of bamboo shoots. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of innovative storage and preservation technologies informed by the physiological and biochemical changes observed in bamboo shoots postharvest.

Sanqi flower holds broad application prospects in the food industry due to its rich bioactive components and potential health benefits. However, limited information is available regarding the variation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Sanqi flowers within Sanqi–Pinus armandii (SPA) and Sanqi–Pinus yunnanensis (SPY) agroforestry systems. Here, the VOCs in Sanqi flowers were compared and analyzed using headspace–solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 60 and 55 VOCs were identified in the Sanqi flowers obtained from the SPY and SPA agroforestry systems, respectively. Terpenes were found to be the predominant components. Moreover, Germacrene D (ranging from 21.35–26.24% to 15.46–24.41%), β-Ocimene (ranging from 21.28–6.60% to 1.21–22.48%) and β-Elemene (ranging from 11.72–13.52% to 9.15–18.77%) were the most abundant in the SPY and SPA systems. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) showed that the VOCs in the Sanqi flowers within the SPY system were clustered into one group. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the VOCs in Sanqi flowers were primarily influenced by the cultivation system. Furthermore, trans-Nerolidol, (E)-4,8-Dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene and γ-Muurolene from the PYS system and Cubenene, Espatulenol, and Bicyclogermacrene from the PAS system can serve as the distinctive VOCs in Sanqi flowers. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the main factors affecting the VOCs in Sanqi flowers were humidity, followed by temperature. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the impact of different agroforestry systems on the VOCs of Sanqi flowers and offers insights into optimizing cultivation practices to enhance the medicinal edible qualities of Sanqi.

While the Sanqi-pine intercropping system enhances soil fertility and mitigates heavy metal accumulation, the dynamic interactions among soil properties, heavy metals, and microorganisms across different intercropping patterns and full growth stages remain poorly understood. Here, we established monoculture systems of Pinus armandii (Pa) and Pinus yunnanensis (Py), alongside their respective intercropping systems with Sanqi (PaS and PyS). Over a 24-month monitoring period, we determined key edaphic properties, heavy metal concentrations, and the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms, aiming to systematically uncover the regulatory mechanisms underlying these interactions. Both PaS and PyS systems significantly improved comprehensive soil fertility and effectively reduced the contents and pollution risks of heavy metals. The relative closeness of soil fertility increased by 19.35

Reducing reliance on mineral fertilizers is a crucial challenge for achieving sustainable agricultural development, and the application of organic fertilizer represents an effective approach to continuously improve soil health. Clarifying the response mechanisms of microbial community structure and key taxa to different fertilization management practices is a prerequisite for enhancing the yield of upland high-quality rice and formulating rational fertilization strategies based on soil health. This study established four gradient organic fertilizer treatments: F1 (6000 kg·ha−1), F2 (12,000 kg·ha−1), F3 (18,000 kg·ha−1), F4 (24,000 kg·ha−1), and an inorganic nitrogen fertilizer control (CK) to systematically evaluate the effects of different fertilization treatments on plant physiology, soil nutrients, and microbial community of upland high-quality rice. The results showed that, compared with the nitrogen fertilizer treatment, organic fertilizer application increased crop yield (12.2–39.7%) and soil multifunctionality (SMF), with soil enzyme activities and microbial Chao1 index as the key biological predictors. Compared with nitrogen fertilizer treatment, organic fertilization increased the complexity of the fungal network but reduced bacterial network complexity, while enhancing the modularity of the bacterial network. Microbial community assembly was dominated by deterministic processes, and high rates of organic fertilizer application intensified nutrient limitation and environmental stress. In addition, some key microbial taxa (e.g., Acidobacteriota, RB41, Methylomirabilota) were positively correlated with soil enzyme activities and played key roles in the interaction network. Structural Equation Modeling showed that the relative abundance of key microbial taxa was mainly affected by pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and available potassium (AK). Organic fertilizer application induced a certain degree of oxidative stress in plants, while the increased complexity of the microbial network and SMF helped enhance the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities of upland high-quality rice. The moderate organic fertilizer treatment (12,000 kg·ha−1) strengthened the potential ecological interactions among key microbial taxa, maintained higher enzyme activities, and achieved the highest SMF and grain yield of upland high-quality rice. The findings of this study provide an important microbial ecological basis for the precise application of organic fertilizer in upland high-quality rice systems and clarify the potential importance of key microbial taxa in maintaining crop yield and SMF.

Gray mold seriously affects the quality of kiwifruit after harvest. Melatonin (MT) is a versatile molecule that may boost resistance to postharvest diseases. In this study, exogenous application of MT at 0.10 mmol & sdot;L-1 significantly inhibited the growth and pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea in vitro and reduced gray mold incidence and lesion diameter in postharvest kiwifruit. MT treatment led to a notable increase in endogenous MT levels during storage, which coincided with the activation of host defense mechanisms. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that MT triggered the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and associated metabolic branches, with enhanced accumulation of lignin, flavonoids, total phenolics, and anthocyanins. Furthermore, MT treatment significantly enhanced the activities of key defense enzymes, including PAL, CAD, and POD, while also markedly increasing the levels of pathogenesis-related proteins such as GLU and CHI. Concurrently, MT suppressed the degradation of cell wall components by reducing the activities of cell wall-modifying enzymes like PG, PE, beta-Gal, and Cx, while preserving higher concentrations of protopectin and hemicellulose. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the improvement in cell wall structure and integrity in MT-treated fruits. Notably, MT application did not adversely affect important fruit quality attributes, such as soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), or firmness. These findings suggest that exogenous MT enhances disease resistance in kiwifruit by elevating endogenous MT content and activating multiple defense pathways, while preserving postharvest quality. The study provides a promising strategy for managing gray mold and improving the postharvest storability of kiwifruit.

Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz. (P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis) is a perennial herb of the genus Paris. As an important medicinal resource, P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis is facing exhaustion due to the high demand and its specific growth characteristics. To efficiently utilize its resources, the response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the pectinase-assisted extraction process of polyphyllins from its rhizome, with the total extraction content of polyphyllin I, II, and VII as the evaluation index. The optimal conditions were as follows: extraction temperature of 52 °C, extraction time of 34 min, and solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:19 g/mL. Under these conditions, the total content of the three polyphyllins was 29.70 mg/g, which was close to the predicted value of 29.90 mg/g and represented an increase of 27.63% over the control group. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the RSM model exhibited a good fit, and the Box-Behnken design (BBD) could be applied to optimize the extraction process of polyphyllins. This study provides a theoretical basis and a reference approach for the efficient utilization of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis resources.

Cultivation practices modulate bioactive‑metabolite accumulation in the medicinally important Dendrobium. This meta‑analysis of 2005‑2025 publications evaluates biochemical, morphological, and physiological trait responses to conventional versus forest‑based cultivation. Greenhouse and pot‑based conventional cultivation elevated multiple key bioactive compounds: alkaloids (41%, 29%), amino acids (30%, 25%), bibenzyl derivatives (28%, 26%), flavonoids (31%, 26%), lignans (19%, 1%), minerals (12%, 35%), phenolics (19%, 23%), polysaccharides (5%, 14%). Conversely, these systems lowered vitamin (64%, 20%) and volatile‑compound (40%, 52%) contents under greenhouse and pot cultivation, respectively. Among forest-based systems, lithophytic cultivation achieved a 100% increase in alkaloids, yet this figure is supported by only a small number of studies. Notably, multiple secondary metabolites exhibited substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 69–99.7%), indicative of large inter-study differences in cultivation regimes. High heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) therefore limits the generalizability of pooled estimates. Furthermore, pot cultivation also produced the greatest improvements in plant height, stem thickness, biomass yield, and flowering rate. Overall, while conventional planting systems (greenhouse, pot) are more effective for enhancing plant growth and yield, forest-based systems (particularly lithophytic) are superior for elevating the concentration of key bioactive secondary metabolites. These findings provide quantitative evidence to guide cultivation strategies according to commercial production objectives.

Autotrophic carbon-fixing bacteria (CFB) are central contributors to soil carbon sequestration and biogeochemical carbon cycling in agroforestry ecosystems and can act as reliable biological indicators for evaluating agroforestry ecosystem sustainability. However, how the conversion of monoculture Pinus armandii (MP) to Panax notoginseng (Sanqi)-Pinus armandii agroforestry (SPA) system affects CFB communities and soil multifunctionality remains largely unclear. Here, we quantified the variations in CFB abundance, community diversity, and composition across MP and SPA systems using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high-throughput sequencing technology. The results demonstrated that the SPA system significantly reduced CFB abundance but increased beta-diversity in Sanqi and P. armandii soils, respectively. For Sanqi rhizosphere soil, CFB alpha-diversity was also remarkably elevated, with Shannon and Chao1 indices increasing by 20.18% and 28.57%, respectively. Main effect analysis showed that seasonal dynamics explained the majority of the variation in CFB abundance (eta 2 = 0.27), while Sanqi introduction dominated the variation associated with CFB beta-diversity (eta 2 = 0.92). The abundance of Bradyrhizobium was markedly enriched in Sanqi rhizosphere soil rather than P. armandii soil. Furthermore, the SPA system increased the CFB network complexity by 9.10% in pine soil and 29.37% in Sanqi soil and improved the CFB network stability in pine soil. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that soil multifunctionality was closely associated with CFB network complexity. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the regulatory role of CFB in maintaining soil ecosystem functions during the transition from the MP to the SPA system.

Lilium nepalense is an endangered wild lily with high ornamental and horticultural value, yet its natural propagation is slow and wild populations are declining. Using scale segments as explants, we developed an efficient in vitro micropropagation system for Chinese L. nepalense . The optimal disinfection protocol (75% ethanol for 30 s followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 7 min) achieved a 94% explant survival rate. The highest adventitious bud induction rate (88%) was obtained from basal scale segments on MS medium with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 1.0 mg/L 6-BA. The optimal multiplication medium (MS with 0.7 mg/L NAA and 1.0 mg/L 6-BA) yielded a proliferation coefficient of 11.03 ± 0.6. Half-strength MS medium with 0.1 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L IBA resulted in 100% rooting and an average of 10.8 roots per plantlet, without abnormal callus formation. For acclimatization, a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of peat and river sand was most effective. Notably, we introduced a microbial priming strategy using native soil microbial filtrate during acclimatization to enhance plantlet adaptability. This optimized system supports germplasm conservation, artificial propagation, and horticultural use of this endangered species.

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a destructive nematode in pine forestry, poses significant challenges for control through sustainable chemical methods. This study introduces Purpureocillium lilacinum as an eco-friendly biocontrol alternative, exploring its nematicidal mechanism. In coculture with B. xylophilus, the fungus caused cuticle rupture and nematode death. Microscopic examination revealed fungal spores attaching to, germinating on, and penetrating the nematode cuticle via mechanical pressure and extracellular enzymes, ultimately resulting in host lysis through toxin secretion with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate demonstrated-and time-dependent nematicidal activity, with the ethyl acetate extract acting more swiftly within 12 h. By 72 h, the 15 % ethyl acetate extract achieved a 99 % mortality. Transcriptomic analysis showed that enhanced pyruvate metabolism supported fungal energy supply and secondary metabolite synthesis, while acetoin and lactate branches provided complementary metabolic overflow strategies to maintain redox balance. Furthermore, bioassays confirmed, for the first time, the direct nematicidal activity of the volatile metabolite acetoin, with an LC50 of 9.62 mg/mL. At 36 h, the nematicidal rate of 13 mg/mL acetoin reached a peak value of 96 %. These findings reveal that P. lilacinum operates through multienzyme synergy, secondary metabolites, and efficient pyruvate metabolism. This study systematically elucidates the fungal pathogenesis mechanism, offering crucial targets and a theoretical foundation for developing green control strategies against pine wilt disease and novel biopesticides.

Dendrobium devonianum (purple-skinned Dendrobium) is a pillar crop in Longling, Yunnan, the “Hometown of Purple-skinned Dendrobium”. Understory wild-simulated epiphytic cultivation is critical for high-quality organic production and regional industrial sustainability. This study compared two Cunninghamia lanceolata-based modes (dead tree frame cultivation vs. living standing tree cultivation) to optimize D. devonianum cultivation. Results showed that: (1) dead tree frame increased stem diameter (+ 28.0

The grapefruit industry faces a major challenge from postharvest diseases caused by Penicillium spp. Biological control is becoming increasingly acknowledged as an effective alternative to chemical fungicides for managing these diseases. This study examined the biocontrol efficacy of Cryptococcus laurentii, induced by carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS-C. laurentii), against postharvest diseases, and assessed the microbiota present on grapefruit peel using amplicon sequencing techniques. The results demonstrated that CMCS-C. laurentii significantly reduced decay incidence and induced more pronounced changes in fungal diversity than bacterial diversity within the microbiota. Notably, the treatment group exhibited a significant enrichment of the genus Papiliotrema (Cryptococcus), while the genera Zasmidium, Penicillium, and Cladosporium were reduced relative to the control group. Furthermore, CMCS-C. laurentii preserved fruit quality and minimized color change in grapefruits. The results suggest that CMCS-C. laurentii has the potential to mitigate plant pathogens, reduce the incidence of fruit diseases, and maintain high-quality postharvest grapefruits by inducing modifications in the bacterial and fungal communities.

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, a valuable Chinese herb in Yunnan Province, is highly susceptible to leaf spot disease caused by Boeremia linicola. However, effective control methods for leaf spot in P. notoginseng remain limited. We surveyed understory P. notoginseng populations in Lincang, Lancang, and Xundian, where the incidence rate reached up to 80%, and the disease index was as high as 25 in severe cases. We found that B. linicola can be transmitted through the air and overwinter in infected leaves and soil, with conidia and pycnidia serving as the primary infection source. The optimum growth conditions for the in vitro culture of the pathogenic isolate B. linicola LYB-2 were 20°C and pH 5.0. We also screened potential control agents using plate and colony-inhibition assays. Among the tested agents, tetramycin exhibited 38.56 to 74.67% inhibition against LYB-2, with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.60 mg/liter. Trichoderma atroviride and T. harzianum exhibited inhibition rates of 52.48 and 44.19%, respectively, while Bacillus subtilis reached 78.45%. Field tests demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of B. subtilis, T. atroviride BH-10 preparation, and 0.3% tetramycin, achieving 72.56, 71.3, and 70.2% inhibition, respectively. This study provides a theoretical foundation for ecofriendly management of P. notoginseng leaf spot disease while also establishing a critical scientific basis for disease prediction and sustainable control strategies.

Edible fungi, including widely cultivated varieties such as Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus, are valued for their high nutritional content, unique flavor, and medicinal properties. However, their high moisture content (80

Microorganisms are key drivers of soil multifunctionality in agroforestry systems. However, the role of rare and abundant taxa in regulating soil multifunctionality in Sanqi–Pinus armandii agroforestry (SPA) system are not well understood. To address this, monoculture P. armandii (MP) and SPA systems were established herein. High-throughput sequencing was employed to characterize rare and abundant taxa (bacteria and fungi), while soil multifunctionality was assessed by measuring edaphic factors and hydrolytic enzyme activities. The results indicated that Sanqi cultivation significantly increased soil multifunctionality by 10–12%, and also enhanced the α-diversity (4–33%), network complexity (107–262%), and stability (12–19%) of rare taxa in P. armandii forests. Moreover, Sanqi cultivation also enhanced the stochasticity of rare taxa, whereas abundant bacteria and fungi displayed decreased and increased stochasticity, respectively. PCoA and ANOSIM analyses revealed that Sanqi cultivation, rather than ecological niches, exerted a dominant influence on abundant and rare microbial communities. Additionally, both abundant taxa (Chloroflexi, Basidiomycota) and rare taxa (Proteobacteria, Basidiomycota) exhibited significantly greater relative abundances in the SPA system. PLS-PM and random forest indicated that soil multifunctionality was directly impacted by the α-diversity and network complexity of rare taxa. Together, our results highlight the indispensable role of rare taxa in the SPA system, offering new insights and practical implications for the sustainable optimization of agroforestry ecosystems.

Abstract The efficacy of synbiotic (“probiotic + prebiotic”) strategies against soil-borne diseases is often limited by the low specificity of conventional prebiotics, which may also stimulate pathogens. Here, we developed a precision synbiotic system using a sugar alcohol mixture (SAs) as a selective substrate for the probiotic yeast Saitozyma podzolica (SP), while being poorly utilized by the root rot pathogen Ilyonectria vredehoekensis (I1). In Panax notoginseng, the synbiotic system simultaneously enhanced root biomass and reduced root rot incidence. Multiomics analyses revealed dual mechanisms underlying these effects. The synbiotics reshaped the fungal community by increasing network stability and suppressing pathogen abundance while also activating host growth- and defense-related pathways, including the tryptophan-dependent auxin pathway (TAA1, ALDH) and the phenylpropanoid pathway (CYP73A, CAD). These findings provide a mechanistic framework for precision synbiotics that integrate microbiome modulation with host metabolic regulation for sustainable disease management and crop growth promotion.