Ecological enhancement measures, such as farmland margin restoration, are efficient in addressing biodiversity loss, yet traditional pairwise meta-analyses often fail to comprehensively assess the diverse range of margin interventions available. This study introduces the well-established network meta-analysis (NMA) framework to agroecology to systematically assess the effectiveness of different farmland margins in conserving natural enemies across main grain crops such as wheat, maize, soybean, and rice. Using Bayesian and Frequentist NMA frameworks, we analyzed 20 studies retrieved through systematic literature screening. Both methods consistently ranked treatments as follows: flower strips > grass strips > crops > spontaneous plants > bare fields. However, confidence intervals for most comparisons included zero, indicating the ranking should be viewed as an indicative trend, not a definitive hierarchy. Meanwhile, there are limitations of this model, including the sparse data network, potentially large sampling errors within studies, and limited data. This study demonstrates NMA's potential for agroecology and establishes a framework for restoration-focused comparisons, though it notes that robust application requires additional data and adaptations.

Introduction:The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is the primary source of medically important benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), including morphine and codeine. Nevertheless, the transcriptional regulatory networks and transport processes underlying the spatiotemporal accumulation of BIAs during capsule development remain incompletely understood. Methods:We performed an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis across five defined capsule developmental stages (S1-S5). Transcript-metabolite relationships were examined using global correlation analysis, trend analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). To identify putative BIA transporters, we applied a multi-tiered bioinformatic screening pipeline that combined hub-gene prioritization, transmembrane domain prediction, and functional annotation, followed by qRT-PCR validation of shortlisted candidates. Results:Metabolomic profiling revealed a clear developmental trajectory of BIA accumulation, with S4 emerging as a critical stage for BIA biosynthesis. Terminal alkaloids reached maximal levels at S4 and declined sharply at S5, suggesting the initiation of active transport and/or metabolic conversion at late development. Strong transcript-metabolite concordance enabled robust multi-omics integration. WGCNA identified 32 co-expression modules, among which the steelblue, brown, blue, and white modules showed the strongest associations with BIA metabolites, including the key intermediate thebaine. The integrated screening strategy and qRT-PCR validation ultimately highlighted PsMATE1 and PsEXS1 as the highest-confidence transporter candidates, supported by their multiple predicted transmembrane domains, membership in established transporter families, and expression patterns tightly synchronized with late-stage BIA accumulation. Conclusion:This study provides a comprehensive multi-omics resource and a systematic framework for transporter discovery in P. somniferum capsules. The identification of PsMATE1 and PsEXS1 offers prioritized targets for future functional characterization and advances understanding of the mechanisms controlling BIA transport and accumulation during capsule development.

Invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, introducing new diseases, and competing with native species for resources. Bidens pilosa L., a globally invasive weed originating in tropical America, severely impacts agricultural productivity by infesting 31 economically vital crops across over 40 countries. This study examined the global distribution of Bidens pilosa L., under current and future climate scenarios. Using species distribution models and occurrence data, we identified key factors influencing its spread, including temperature, precipitation, and human influence. Our findings suggest a likely decline of suitable habitats in tropical regions and an expansion into temperate regions, with climate suitability decreasing under higher temperatures. Additionally, historical reconstructions emphasize that the rapid spread of the species was facilitated by maritime trade routes. Management strategies are proposed that emphasize the need for enhanced control measures in high-risk areas and conservation efforts in its native range in tropical America. Overall, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of B. pilosa distribution and informs proactive management strategies to mitigate its ecological and economic impacts.

Impatiens balsamina is a widely distributed ornamental plant known for its attractive floral colors and significant pharmaceutical value. Anthocyanins are responsible for the floral coloration of I. balsamina. However, the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the various colors of I. balsamina flowers remain unclear. In this study, we combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis of five groups of I. balsamina with white, pink, red, purple, and magenta flowers. The metabolome analysis identified anthocyanidins, including cyanidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin, peonidin, petunidin, and malvidin, in the petals of I. balsamina. Lower total anthocyanin levels were detected in white and pink flowers compared to red, purple, and magenta flowers. The red coloration was attributed to high concentrations of pelargonidin glucosides, while purple coloration was due to malvidin glucosides. Magenta flowers contained a high percentage of both malvidin and pelargonidin glucosides. Differentially expressed structural genes such as IbCHS1, IbF3H, IbF3′H, IbF3′5′H1, IbF3′5′H2, IbDFR1, IbOMT1, IbOMT2 and IbOMT3 were identified through transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, co-expression analysis identified candidate transcription factors correlated with these structural genes. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in I. balsamina, and offers a theoretical basis for the directed breeding of varieties with new floral colors.

An unreported lactone, multiplolide I (1) was isolated from Aspergillus sp. GXNU-HLC1Y2-2. Through extensive spectral analyses, the structure of 1 was determined. The absolute configuration of multiplolide I was established via X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Multiplolide I and four known compounds were evaluated for insecticidal activity against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. The results revealed that 1 exhibited significant insecticidal activity against D. citri Kuwayama, with a lethality value of 93.96%.

Based on the LC-MS/MS molecular networking strategy, nine undescribed 2-isobutylmalate derivatives, namely bletistrosides M-U (compounds 1-7, 9, and 11), together with two known analogues (compounds 8 and 10), were isolated and identified from the leaves of Bletilla striata. Their structures with absolute configurations were deduced from spectroscopic data, acidic hydrolysis, and comparison with reported compounds. Compounds 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 represented four pairs of Z/E isomers regarding cinnamoyl groups, and each pair underwent interconversion under UV radiation at 254 nm. Biologically, compounds 1, 2, and 10 exhibited anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects against bleomycin-stimulated cell injury in A549 cells. Further investigations demonstrated that the anti-pulmonary fibrosis potential of 2 was related to the inhibition of apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by blocking the Bax/Bcl-2, TGF-β1/Smad2/3, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, while concurrently enhancing the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

An undescribed sesquiterpene beibuxsocapsa A (1), together with six known compounds, ergosterol (2), 22E,24R-ergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α,6β-triol (3), stigmasterol (4), stigmast-4-en-3-one (5), stigmast-4-en-6β-ol-3-one (6), and loliolide (7) were successfully obtained from the CH2Cl2 (dichloromethane) extract prepared from the leaves of the Chinese mangrove plant, Heritiera littoralis Dryand (Malvaceae). Their structures were unambiguously elucidated via thorough spectroscopic examinations corroborated by comparisons with pertinent literature. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was precisely determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction of its modified structure. Furthermore, the ability of compounds 1-7 to suppress NO (nitric oxide) production in RAW-264.7 macrophages stimulated by LPS (lipopolysaccharide) were evaluated as an indicator of their anti-inflammatory activity. Notably, Compound 1 significantly reduced NO production in LPS-stimulated cells, with an IC50 value of 9.22 μM.

Withstanding extreme cold stress is a prerequisite for alpine treeline trees to persist and survive. However, the underlying mechanism by which treeline trees sense phenological changes and survive hard winters has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the physiology, transcriptome, and metabolome of the subalpine treeline species Larix chinensis to identify the molecular mechanism of phenological and cold resistance. Calcium and antioxidant enzyme activities (e.g., superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) are essential for coping with winter cold stress in L. chinensis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that circadian rhythm and phytohormone signalling transduction played important roles in regulating L. chinensis phenological changes and cold stress responses. The variations in the transcriptome identified were accompanied by the specific accumulation of flavones, flavonols, and monosaccharides. The flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways played important roles in the adaptation of L. chinensis to the extreme winter environment, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis was an important pathway involved in bud burst. In addition, temperature and photoperiod had synergistic influences on the formation and release of bud dormancy. Thus, our findings provided new insights into the mechanism of subalpine treeline formation.

Epimedium longnanense, a new species of Epimedium (Berberidaceae) from Longnan Prefecture, Gansu Province, China, is here proposed and illustrated. E. longnanense has large flowers with petals possessing long spur and obvious basal lamina, and thus should be grouped into series Davidianae. The species closely resembles E. flavum of ser. Davidianae in morphology. However, it can be easily distinguished by its elongated rhizome (vs. compact), trifoliolate leaves (vs. five leaflets, sometimes trifoliolate), pale pink or purplish-red inner sepals with 6–8 × 2–3 mm (vs. pale sulphur-yellow, ca. 11 × 4 mm).

IntroductionFlower color is an ideal trait for studying the molecular basis for phenotypic variations in natural populations of species. Epimedium (Berberidaceae) species exhibit a wide range of flower colors resulting from the varied accumulation of anthocyanins and other pigments in their spur-like petals and petaloid sepals. MethodsIn this work, the anthocyanidins of eight different Epimedium species with different floral pigmentation phenotypes were analyzed using HPLC. Twelve genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were cloned and sequenced, and their expression was quantified. ResultsThe expression levels of the catalytic enzyme genes DFR and ANS were significantly decreased in four species showing loss of floral pigmentation. Complementation of EsF3'H and EsDFR in corresponding Arabidopsis mutants together with overexpression of EsF3'5'H in wild type Arabidopsis analysis revealed that these genes were functional at the protein level, based on the accumulation of anthocyanin pigments. DiscussionThese results strongly suggest that transcriptional regulatory changes determine the loss of anthocyanins to be convergent in the floral tissue of Epimedium species.

Four undescribed neolignan glycosides, bletineosides A-D (1-4) were isolated from the pseudobulbs of Bletilla striata. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, along with acidic hydrolysis reactions and ECD experiments. All isolates were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against glutamate-induced PC12 cell injury. Compound 3 and 4 showed significantly neuroprotective effects at the concentration of 10 mu M when compared with the model group. Compounds 1-4 represented the first examples of neolignan glycosides from the genus Bletilla. This study disclosed the potency of Bletilla striata as a new source of anti-neurodegenerative agents.

Background Leaves are the main medicinal organ in Epimedium herbs, and leaf flavonoid content is an important criterion of Epimedium herbs. However, the underlying genes that regulate leaf size and flavonoid content are unclear, which limits the use of breeding for Epimedium development. This study focuses on QTL mapping of flavonoid and leaf-size related traits in Epimedium . Results We constructed the first high-density genetic map (HDGM) using 109 F1 hybrids of Epimedium leptorrhizum and Epimedium sagittatum over three years (2019–2021). Using 5,271 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, an HDGM with an overall distance of 2,366.07 cM and a mean gap of 0.612 cM was generated by utilizing genotyping by sequencing (GBS) technology. Every year for three years, 46 stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf size and flavonoid contents were discovered, including 31 stable loci for Epimedin C (EC), one stable locus for total flavone content (TFC), 12 stable loci for leaf length (LL), and two stable loci for leaf area (LA). For flavonoid content and leaf size, the phenotypic variance explained for these loci varied between 4.00 and 16.80% and 14.95 and 17.34%, respectively. Conclusions Forty-six stable QTLs for leaf size and flavonoid content traits were repeatedly detected over three years. The HDGM and stable QTLs are laying the basis for breeding and gene investigation in Epimedium and will contribute to accelerating the identification of desirable genotypes for Epimedium breeding.

Epimedium pinnatum Fisch. ex DC. ( Berberidaceae ) is a perennial herb with ornamental and medicinal value distributed in the Caucasus region. In this study, the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing system was used to assemble the complete chloroplast genome sequence of E. pinnatum for the first time. Results showed that the total length of the chloroplast genome was 156155 bp with 38.82％GC content, comprising a large single-copy region ( LSC, 89425 bp) , small single-copy region ( SSC, 16284 bp) , and pair of inverted repeat regions ( IRa and IRb, 25223 bp) . The chloroplast genome of E. pinnatum contained 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA ( tRNA ) genes, and four ribosomal RNA ( rRNA ) genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. pinnatum subgen. Epimedium and sect. Macroceras was clustered on a branch, which was separated from the branch composed of species from sect. Diphyllon, subgen. Epimedium. These results suggest that further study is needed to clarify the natural system of Epimedium based on more data.

Background The Bletilla genus of Orchidaceae includes plants with great economic value, among which B. striata is the main traditional medicinal plant, and its pseudobulb, known as BaiJi , was first recorded in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica. However, there has been little systemic evaluation of the germplasm quality of Bletilla plants in China. In order to comprehensive evaluate the Bletilla resources in China and screen out the candidate phenotypic traits determining yield and/or quality of Bletilla , the variation of phenotypic indicators (pseudobulb, leaf, stem, inflorescence, flower) and active ingredients contents (polysaccharide, total phenolics and militarine) in different populations of B. striata and B. ochracea were investigated through 4 years’ common-garden experiment. Results There were abundant phenotypic variations and significant differences among different populations in the morphological phenotypes, pseudobulb weight and main active ingredient contents. AHBZ, HBLT and HBSN populations showed good prospects for industrial development, presenting higher quality in terms of yield and main active ingredient content. Pseudobulb yield, polysaccharide and total phenol content are positively correlated with phenotypic traits. Militarine content is negatively correlated with almost all indexes. Plant height, leaf width and stem diameter may be important indicators of potential excellent germplasms. Conclusions Bletilla is not strictly geoauthentic medicinal plants. B. ochracea could be accepted as an alternative resource to B. striata . The best harvest period of Bletilla is the third year after cultivation. Plant height, leaf width and stem diameter may be important indicators of potential excellent germplasms. These results provide important information required for the efficient screening and utilization of Bletilla germplasm resources.

This protocol utilizes the Tn5, a widely used transposase, to perform single-strand DNA sequencing. Tn5 can tagment single-strand DNA and ligate transposon cargo to the 3’ end. We developed a tagmentation-based and ligation-enabled single-strand DNA sequencing method called TABLE-seq. The method below is an example to use TABLE-seq to conduct strand-specific RNA sequencing.

Bletilla is an Orchidaceae genus with high medical value, including detumescence, antibacterial, and hemostasis. In this study, detailed estimates of ploidy level, karyotype, and genome size were first obtained, and a comprehensive cytological analysis was carried out to better understand the evolution of the genus. The karyotypes of Bletilla were mainly composed of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes with lengths ranging from 1.25 to 4.93 μm. There was moderate cytological variation in Bletilla (chromosome number 2n = 32 to 76). Diploid with 2n = 34 and 2n = 36 was detected in Bletilla ochracea and Bletilla formosana, respectively, whereas diploid (2n = 32) was dominant in Bletilla striata, dysploidy (2n = 34, 2n = 36) and polyploid (2n = 48, 51, 64, 76) variations were also observed. Three species had a relatively symmetric karyotype, and which of B. ochracea was more asymmetry. The genome size (1C-values) varied from 2.94 pg (B. striata) to 3.33 pg (B. ochracea), of which B. ochracea was significantly larger than the others (P < 0.05). A positive correlation (P < 0.01) between 1Cx vs. haploid chromosome length (HCL) and asymmetry coefficient of karyotypes (AsK%) was observed.