Fruit texture is a critical determinant of quality and marketability, undergoing substantial modifications during ripening. Although post-harvest changes have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms governing texture development during fruit maturation remain poorly characterized. The structural integrity of the fruit, largely determined by cell wall components such as cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin, plays a pivotal role in texture regulation. In our study, we identified two key genes closely associated with fruit firmness—the transcription factor MdbHLH147 and cellulose synthase MdCESA1—through RNA-sequencing and weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Transient expression assays involving overexpression and silencing of MdCESA1 in apple fruit confirmed its role in regulating fruit firmness via cellulose synthesis. Using yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays, GUS reporter assays and dual-luciferase reporter systems, we demonstrated that MdbHLH147 directly binds to the MdCESA1 promoter to suppress its activity. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that MdbHLH147 negatively regulates MdCESA1 expression. Specifically, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that the MdbHLH147 specifically binds to the E-box (CACTTG) within the MdCESA1 promoter. Our findings not only elucidate a novel regulatory module controlling apple fruit firmness but also offer potential molecular targets for breeding programs aimed at optimizing fruit texture.

An appropriate nitrogen (N) supply alleviates copper (Cu) toxicity, but the underlying mechanisms of different N forms remain unclear. This study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of nitrate (NO3--N) and ammonium (NH4+-N) on Cu uptake, translocation, and tolerance in Malus plants under Cu exposure conditions. Under excess Cu, NO3--N reduced root and leaf Cu concentrations and root-to-shoot translocation but increased Cu sequestration in root cell walls, accompanied by elevated pectin, hemicellulose (HC1 and HC2) contents, and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, and decreased polygalacturonase activity relative to NH4+-N. In contrast, NH4+-N increased water-soluble Cu, bioconcentration/translocation factors and subcellular Cu in sensitive fractions, indicating enhanced Cu mobility and phytotoxicity. NO3--N lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. RNA sequencing showed that NO3--N upregulated cell wall metabolism genes, whereas NH4+-N activated Cu uptake/transport genes. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis identified WRKY51 with HUB genes EXPA and BXL. These findings establish physiological and molecular foundations for NO3--N-mediated Cu stress mitigation.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can rebalance growth-defense trade-offs in plants. However, the temporal molecular mechanisms underlying sustained growth promotion in woody fruit crops, particularly cherry (Prunus avium), remain largely unclear. This study inoculated Gisela 6 sweet cherry seedlings with three PGPR strains (Rahnella Y17, Arthrobacter Y37, and Bacillus megaterium P6). Phenotypic and physiological traits were assessed at 60 days (d), while targeted phytohormone metabolomics and root transcriptomes were profiled at 30 and 40 d post-treatment. Our results demonstrated that all three PGPR strains enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic capacity, and root architecture, with Y37 demonstrating superior biomass promotion. Phytohormone dynamics featured consistent ABA (abscisic acid) suppression, coupled with an early elevation of GA (gibberellin) and auxin followed by subsequent cytokinin accumulation. Notably, Y37 uniquely enriched jasmonate intermediates. Comparative transcriptomic analysis uncovered strain-specific trajectories, with integrated co-expression analysis defining modules associated with early metabolism and later structural remodeling. Key hub genes were identified as involved in hormone regulation and cell wall synthesis. Collectively, these findings suggest that Y37 drives a temporal partitioning from metabolic priming to architectural reinforcement by reallocating carbon and tuning hormone pathways, thereby underpinning superior growth and resilience. This study provides novel insights into PGPR-based strategies for sustainable cherry production.

Sweet cherries have high nutritional and economic values, but its industry development is constrained by weak root growth. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have a high application potential for improving the soil environment and promoting root growth and development. This study investigated the effects of two PGPR (Enterobacter sp. D27 and Bacillus sp. D79 strains) on Gisela 6 growth and physiological indices, as well as on native soil microbial community structure and function. Compared with uninoculated plants (CK), both single and combined inoculations (MIX) of D27 and D79 improved seedling growth, among which D27 had the most significant effects on improving the root system architecture and chlorophyll fluorescence ability. D27, D79, and MIX inoculation treatments significantly altered the diversity of rhizosphere soil fungal communities but had minimal effect on bacterial communities. Furthermore, D27, D79, and MIX inoculation treatments changed the structure of the microbial communities, increasing the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria affiliated with the family Firmicutes, genera Bacillus and Mesorhizobium, and fungi belonging to the family Mortierellomycota and genus Mortierella. Microbial differences in the rhizosphere soil were more significant after the D27 inoculation than after CK, D79, or MIX treatments. Correlation analysis showed that the majority of the rhizosphere microbial genera were positively correlated with each other. Microbial community function prediction showed that D27, D79, and MIX inoculation treatments had greater effects on fungal community function than on the bacterial community. The proportion of symbiotic nutrient - type fungal communities significantly increased after inoculation with the D27 strain. These results indicated that the comprehensive value of Enterobacter D27 in promoting plant growth and improving soil warrants further exploration. This study provides a theoretical reference for the use of PGPR to optimize the soil microbial environment and promote root growth and development of cherry.

Background Apples are important cultivated fruit crops grown worldwide and represent one of the most nutritious foods in a healthy diet. They are rich in nutrients, such as sugars, organic acids, vitamins, and amino acids, and possess a pleasant aroma. Spraying different types of potash fertilizers on apples can affect the fruit quality at maturity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect remain unclear. In this study, two types of potassium (K) fertilizers (K2SO4 and KH2PO4) were applied to the leaves of Haruka apples to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of different K fertilizer types of on fruit nutritional quality and aroma, construct ceRNA network, and identify the most effective K fertilizer type. Results Seventy-seven and 45 differentially altered compounds (DCCs) were identified in the nutritional and volatile compounds of fruit flesh of apples under K2SO4 treatment, whereas 25 and 8 DCCs were identified under the KH2PO4 treatment, respectively. Both K2SO4 and KH2PO4 increased the content of tyrosine, vitamin B2, and lipids in mature apples. Additionally, K2SO4 enhanced the nicotinamide content. KH2PO4 improved the aroma of apples during ripening only through the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway, whereas K2SO4 improved the aroma during ripening through the LOX, MEP, and shikimate pathways. K fertilizer treatment increased the expression of LOX and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genes by regulating the LOX pathway, whereas the expression of LOX and ADH genes was downregulated in the KH2PO4 treatment compared with that in the K2SO4 treatment. ceRNA networks associated with apples sprayed with potash fertilizer were also established, showing that mdm-miR159a and PC-3p-45634_116 are involved in apple aroma and lipid synthesis. Conclusions The application of K2SO4 was more effective than that of KH2PO4 at improving fruit nutritional quality and aroma, offering valuable guidance for production in orchards.

Uneven nutrient distribution across orchard soil layers may constrain plant-soil-microbe interactions, yet how crushed branch extract combined with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) regulates root exudates and rhizosphere microecological processes remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of crushed branch extract combined with PGPR on apple seedling growth, soil nutrient availability, root exudates, and rhizosphere microbial communities, and to compare these responses between orchard topsoil and subsoil. In this short-term pot experiment, orchard topsoil and subsoil were used as growth substrates for apple seedlings treated with 1% crushed branch extract combined with Priestia sp. X153 and Enterobacter sp. D27. The combined application of crushed branch extract and PGPR significantly promoted apple seedling growth, with stronger effects in subsoil than in topsoil, particularly in terms of soil nutrient availability and microbial diversity. In the subsoil substrate, the combined treatment significantly increased soil organic carbon contents by 21.72% and 19.33% and NO3−-N contents by 21.69% and 19.14% in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, respectively. This treatment reshaped rhizosphere microbial communities in both soil layers, promoted the accumulation of fatty acyl root exudates, and increased the abundances of functional genes related to carbon cycling (mct, pccA, lig, and sga), nitrogen fixation (nifH), and phosphorus transformation (phoX). Fatty acyl compounds were mainly associated with Ancylothrix and Codinaea in topsoil, but with Massilia and Calycina in subsoil, suggesting their potential role in driving soil layer-dependent rhizosphere microbial assembly. These results suggest that, during the short-term seedling stage, crushed branch extract combined with PGPR may promote apple seedling growth by regulating root exudates and rhizosphere microbial assembly, particularly in nutrient-limited subsoil.

Soil carbon cycling in orchard systems is profoundly influenced by tillage regime (TR) and mulching material (MT); however, their synergistic effects on soil carbon cycling and microbial functional traits remain poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted to analyze soil physicochemical properties, active carbon-pool components, and functional gene structure of carbon‑cycling microbial community under two tillage regimes: clean tillage (CT) and natural grass cultivation (NG), and four mulch treatments: no mulch (NM), shredded branches mulch (SDM), composted shredded-branch mulch (SDCM), and shredded branches-derived biochar mulch (SDBM). Compared with CT, NG increased soil nutrients, active carbon components, key carbon- and nitrogen- cycling enzymes activities, and the abundance of key carbon-cycling bacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi. Under NG, different MT treatments significantly promoted soil carbon cycling and microbial function, particularly SDCM, significantly increasing soil nutrients content and carbon pool management index (CPMI) while boosting active carbon components and related enzyme activities. Functional gene analysis revealed that SDCM synergistically promoted carbon cycling through methanol metabolism (K04480) and pectin degradation (K22994) while inhibiting methanogenesis (M00356). NG combined with SDCM most effectively enhanced soil-carbon sequestration by optimizing microbial community structure and metabolic networks, providing a theoretical basis for sustainable orchard management.

Mulching is an agronomic practice that improves orchard soil and promotes root growth. To investigate the regulatory effects of different mulching materials on soil properties, microbial communities, and root function in apple orchards, eight treatments were established: clean tillage (CK), organic fertilizer mulching (OFM), chopped corn straw mulching (SM1), chopped and bundled corn straw mulching (SM2), intact corn stover mulching (SM3), composted apple branch mulching (BM), horticultural ground cover fabric mulching (FM), and weed mulching (WM). The results showed that OFM, BM, SM1, and SM3 exhibited effective cooling effects during summer. During the peak root-flush period, OFM, SM3, and BM significantly reduced soil bulk density, increased porosity, enhanced soil organic matter and available nutrient contents, and elevated the activities of soil sucrase, urease, and catalase. Moreover, these treatments promoted the accumulation of carbohydrates and the uptake of mineral nutrients in roots. OFM and SM3 significantly increased the Simpson index of both soil bacterial and fungal communities, while BM improved the beta diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. OFM, SM3, and BM can effectively improve soil physicochemical properties, optimize microbial community structure, and enhance root nutrient uptake. It is recommended as a mulching measure for soil in northern apple orchards. Among the eight treatments evaluated, OFM, SM3, and BM exhibited superior performance in improving soil physicochemical properties, promoting root function, and enhancing microbial community diversity. Therefore, the findings of this study provide an effective soil management strategy for apple orchards in the cold northern regions of China.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of orchard soils threatens tree growth, fruit quality and food safety, and strategies are needed to limit Cd accumulation in apple. Grafting is widely used in apple production, but how rootstock-scion interactions regulate Cd uptake and detoxification remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which different apple graft combinations modulate Cd accumulation and tolerance. Four graft combinations comprising 'Hanfu' (HF) or 'Fuji' (FJ) scions grafted onto Malus baccata (L.) Borkh. (Mb) or Malus micromalus Borkh. (Mm) rootstocks, were grown in nutrient solution with or without 50 μM CdCl₂. Plant growth, Cd2+ influx, Cd accumulation and localization, antioxidant capacity, cell wall composition, and root and leaf transcriptomes were analyzed. Cadmium stress reduced biomass, root system development and photosystem II efficiency but generally increased non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity. The Mb rootstocks showed lower root net Cd2+ influx, lower Cd accumulation in roots and leaves, and weaker Cd signals in xylem than Mm, indicating a greater ability to restrict Cd uptake and transport. Across combinations, root cell walls were the major Cd sink, and Cd exposure increased pectin, hemicellulose and lignin contents. Transcriptome analyses revealed rootstock and scion specific Cd responses, with distinct enrichment of genes related to photosynthesis, oxidative stress and cell wall metabolism. These findings provide a physiological and molecular basis for selecting low-Cd apple graft combinations.

To investigate the mitigating role and underlying mechanisms of exogenous boron (B) in cadmium (Cd)-stressed woody fruit trees, a hydroponic study was conducted using Malus hupehensis Rehd. seedlings treated with different B concentrations (0, 12.5, 50, and 150 µM H₃BO₃). Cd stress significantly inhibited plant growth, reduced photosynthetic parameters, pigment content, biomass, and root activity, but induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and impaired the antioxidant defense system. In contrast, the 50 µM B treatment (B2) effectively alleviated Cd toxicity. This treatment significantly decreased Cd accumulation, bioconcentration factor, and translocation factor across tissues. The B2 treatment enhanced Cd immobilization in root cell walls by increasing pectin content and pectin methylesterase activity. Additionally, it shifted Cd chemical forms toward lower-toxicity forms—increasing pectin- and protein-bound, phosphate-bound, and oxalate-bound Cd, while reducing inorganic and water-soluble Cd fractions. The B2 treatment further activated the antioxidant system, elevating the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and increasing non-enzymatic antioxidant levels (free proline and ascorbic acid), thereby reducing ROS and malondialdehyde accumulation. The B2 treatment also downregulated key genes including ZIP6 and IRT1 involved in Cd uptake. In conclusion, an optimal B concentration of 50 µM alleviates Cd stress in Malus hupehensis Rehd. by regulating Cd uptake and translocation, enhancing cell wall fixation, altering Cd chemical forms, activating antioxidant defenses, and regulating stress-related gene expression.

Crispness, a key attribute of fruit texture quality, is a critical determinant of apple commercial value. Pectin, a major component of the cell wall, plays a vital role in maintaining cell structure, turgor pressure, and mechanical support, with pectin methylesterase (PMEs, EC 3.1.1.11) mediating pectin modification during cell wall remodeling. In this study, we identified two genes, MdMYB44 and MdMPE3 (pectin methylesterase 3), that regulate apple fruit crispness. Through Y1H, EMSA, ChIP-qPCR, and transient expression assays, we demonstrated that the MYB transcription factor MdMYB44 directly enhances the expression of MdMPE3 by binding to its promoter. These results indicate that MdMYB44 acts as a positive regulator of fruit crispness by activating MdMPE3 transcription. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which MYB transcription factors and pectin methylesterase influence apple fruit texture, enriching our understanding of the regulation of fruit crispness.

Crabapple is the traditional term for plants of the genus Malus with fruit measuring less than 5 cm in diameter (Fiala 1994). Crabapples include species such as Malus prunifolia Borkh., Malus spectabilis (Ait.) Borkh., and more, and are distributed mainly in the northern temperate zone (Li 1999). In China, because of the emphasis on germplasm resources, more and more new crabapple varieties with excellent ornamental performance have been selected by horticulturists. However, of all known crabapple cultivars, most ornamental traits are focused on flower color and shape, such as 'Juan Zhulian' (Zeng et al. 2022), 'Fen Balei' (Zhou et al. 2019), 'Hongzi Die' (Luo et al. 2025), and 'Yunjuan Yunshu' (Lu et al. 2023); and attractive foliage color, such as 'Duojiao' (Zhang et al. 2020). Currently, the breeding trend for crabapples continues to be to breed new varieties with unusual flower shapes, double petals, and novel flower colors, but their luscious display of fruit in autumn- and especially in winter-is particularly rare. We introduce the new crabapple cultivar Hong Shanhu, which has the excellent ornamental traits of fruit that remain bright red and persist through the winter. Moreover, this variety displays exceptional winterhardiness. The breeding of this variety will enrich the diversity of ornamental crabapple germplasm resources and provide more choices for landscaping in cold regions.

The mechanisms by which methyl jasmonate (MeJA) enhances cadmium (Cd) tolerance in Malus remain unclear. The physicochemical and molecular responses of Malus hupehensis exposed to 0 or 50 μM Cd with or without exogenous 5 μM MeJA or 50 μM ibuprofen (IBU) for 3 d were explored via a hydroponic experiment. MeJA alleviated Cd-induced growth inhibition, photosynthetic suppression, and oxidative damage. Cd increased the activities of some antioxidant enzymes and levels of endogenous MeJA, which were further enhanced by MeJA application. MeJA decreased the proportion of water-soluble Cd, thereby decreasing Cd mobility and accumulation in all tissues. MeJA increased cell wall (CW) component contents and -COO/-OH groups, thereby improving Cd binding capacity and restricting cellular Cd mobility. MeJA-responsive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. MeJA downregulated Cd uptake and transport genes but upregulated Cd detoxification genes and CW metabolic genes. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that two key modules strongly correlated with Cd tolerance, including hub transcription factors (TFs) that regulate hormone signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism. Overall, MeJA effectively enhanced Malus plant tolerance by reducing Cd accumulation, enhancing cell wall immobilization and modulating transcriptional regulation.

To unravel the physiological and molecular regulation underlying the variation in zinc (Zn) tolerance between two contrasting apple rootstocks, namely, Malus baccata Borkh. (Mb) and Malus hupehensis Rehd. (Mh), seedling were exposed to either 1 or 100 μM Zn under hydroponic conditions. Growth inhibition and impairments in leaf anatomical structure were weaker in Mh than in Mb. The Zn concentrations were 14.2 % and 50.25 % lower in the roots and stems of Mh than in those of Mb, respectively. The translocation factor was reduced by 67.89 % and 44.64 % in Mh and Mb, respectively, in response to excess Zn. The Mh roots presented higher proportions of water-insoluble Zn than the Mb roots. The subcellular distribution of Zn revealed that cell walls (CWs) played an important role in Zn detoxification in both rootstocks. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that CWs of Mh had a stronger binding capacity for Zn than did those of Mb. The disturbance of the redox balance induced by excess Zn was weaker in Mh than in Mb. Excess Zn induced a greater reduction in the expression of genes involved in Zn uptake and translocation in the Mh roots than in the Mb roots. However, the expression of genes related to Zn detoxification increased more in Mh roots than in Mb roots. Our results suggest that Mh is more tolerant than Mb to excess Zn, which is ascribed largely to the greater inhibition of Zn mobility and activation of physiological responses and the stricter regulation of the expression of key genes involved in Zn uptake, translocation, remobilization, and detoxification.

Soil salinization, caused by the extensive use of inorganic fertilizers, has restricted the development of the sweet cherry industry. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that colonize the area around the roots, playing a crucial role in promoting plant growth, alleviating salt stress, and enhancing crop productivity. However, few studies have investigated whether PGPR can alleviate salt stress in sweet cherry. This study aimed to investigate whether co-inoculation (MIX) of Pantoea ananatis D1-28 and Bacillus aryabhattai F isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays L. could improve salt tolerance in seedlings of the common cherry (Prunus avium) rootstock Gisela 6. The results indicated that MIX inoculation alleviated salt stress and enhanced plant height and biomass. Under 100 mM salt stress, the MIX strain inoculant treatment significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate (14.38%), transpiration rate (22.61%), stomatal conductance (15.63%), total soluble sugar content (18.72%), free proline content (23.79%), superoxide dismutase activity (19.53%), and peroxidase activity (21.96%) but reduced the O2•- (16.99%) and H2O2 contents (17.59%) in Gisela 6 compared to CK without PGPR inoculation. After the MIX treatment, multiple indices showed strong correlations and improved salt stress resistance. In addition, principal component analysis showed that under 100 mM salt concentration, the MIX strain exhibited the largest separation from CK and had the strongest alleviating effect on plant salt stress. These results suggest that co-inoculation with the strains P. ananatis D1-28 and B. aryabhattai F effectively alleviated salt stress, improved plant photosynthetic capacity, and increased plant biomass by regulating antioxidant defense system and osmotic adjustment substances.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affect cadmium (Cd) accumulation and tolerance in host plants. However, the effects of AMF on Cd accumulation and phytotoxicity and their underlying mechanism in apples remain uncharacterized. In this study, the comprehensive physiological and molecular responses of uninoculated and Rhizophagus intraradices-inoculated Malus hupehensis Rehd. rootstocks exposed to 0 or 300 μM Cd were investigated. AMF inoculation mitigated Cd-induced growth and photosynthesis inhibition and nutrient ion disorders. It also lowered the concentrations of Cd in all tissues and reduced Cd transport to the shoots. Compared to uninoculated apple plants, those inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi reduced the mobility and toxicity of Cd by altering its form and binding it to the cell walls of the roots and leaves. AMF inoculation ameliorated Cd stress by altering endogenous phytohormone levels and triggering enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with AMF under Cd stress regulated carbohydrate and amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, as well as phytohormone biosynthesis and signal transduction. Furthermore, AMF inoculation downregulated certain genes involved in Cd uptake and transport while upregulating other genes involved in detoxification. These results suggest that AMF alleviate Cd phytotoxicity by orchestrated physiological and transcriptomic regulation in M. hupehensis Rehd., providing valuable insights into the efficacy of AMF inoculation in improving the heavy metal resistance of fruit trees.

Heavy summer rain increases the risk of waterlogging in cherry-producing areas in China. However, the mechanisms underlying the responses of cherries to waterlogging and post-waterlogging reoxygenation remain unknown. To determine the root response to waterlogging and recovery, Prunus sachalinensis Kom. was exposed to 1 day of waterlogging and allowed to recover for 5 days. Here, we revealed alterations in root responses during the waterlogging and recovery periods. Variations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and scavenging, energy status, and signal transduction were time-specific. Waterlogging increased the accumulation of fermentation products, which was accompanied by decreased adenylate energy states and starch levels, indicating that Ps-RAMY upregulation-maintained energy balance. Reoxygenation resulted in a recovery period that caused a ROS burst. After 1 day of recovery, ROS accumulation peaked, and after 5 days of recovery, ROS levels returned to normal. Additionally, a regulatory module that controls ROS homeostasis and energy status during waterlogging recovery was described. These results indicated that 24 h of waterlogging did not cause irreversible injury in Prunus sachalinensis. Collectively, these results provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the response to waterlogging and the subsequent recovery.

Transforming organic waste, such as pruning branches into compost and extracting water, can limit the levels of harmful substances in organic waste and decrease the spread of soil-borne diseases, critical for promoting sustainable agriculture. This study employed a pot experiment to examine the influence of water extraction from pruned branches or its compost on root respiration, mitochondrial structure, antioxidant system, and photosynthetic carbon metabolism. The findings demonstrated that the high concentration of pruning branches debris water extract (ST10) exhibited elevated ROS content in the roots and leaves, causing membrane lipid peroxidation, damaging mitochondrial structure, and inhibiting root growth. However, low-concentration pruned branch debris water extract (ST1) did not produce this phenomenon in seedlings. However, pruned branch debris can have its toxicity reduced after composting, and the extracted water can be used as a fast and efficient organic liquid fertilizer. The extracted water (CT1 and CT10) obtained from the composting of pruned branch debris increased the levels of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX and reduced O2 center dot- and H2O2 production in the seedling roots. It also maintained the integrity of the mitochondria. Moreover, the CT1 and CT10 treatments elevated the total root respiration, increased the content of ATP and organic acid in the roots, and promoted root growth. Correspondingly, the CT10 treatment increased the photosynthetic rate and the content of soluble sugars in leaves and roots, offering adequate substrates for respiration, while the ST10 treatment decreased the content of soluble sugars in roots and leaves. These findings indicate that the composting of crushed branches can lower the toxicity of leaching solutions, promote plant growth, and enhance sustainable agricultural development.