Halogen selection and facet engineering were effective strategies for catalyst optimization, however, their synergistic mechanism in enhancing photo-Fenton performance remained unclear. In this study, the effects of halogens (Br and I) and facets ({001}, {010} and {110}) on the photo-Fenton degradation of amoxicillin (AMX) by BiOX were systematically investigated. The results revealed that halogen selection and facet engineering enhanced the photo-Fenton performance by improving the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron (e-) and their activation capability toward oxidants. Among them, halogen selection (Br) played a dominant role in enhancing the degradation performance, while facet engineering ({010} facet) contributed secondary optimization. Experimental results demonstrated that in the presence of peroxydisulfate (PDS, 0.065 mM) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 0.065 mM), BiOBr exhibited superior photo-Fenton performance to BiOI on all facets. For the same halogen, the BiOX with the {010} facet (BiOX-010/vis/oxidant) outperformed BiOX-001/vis/oxidant and BiOX-110/vis/oxidant in degradation activity. Further analysis from the perspective of band structure and photoelectrochemical properties revealed that BiOBr enhanced photogenerated e- separation efficiency and reduction capacity by modulating its band structure. Work function calculations indicated that exposure of the {010} facet facilitated the migration of photogenerated e- through Br-Bi/Br-O-Bi bonds, reducing its interfacial work function (2.72 eV), thereby significantly improving interfacial charge transfer efficiency. Under this synergistic regulation strategy of halogen and facet, BiOBr-010 exhibited the strongest PDS adsorption affinity (Eads = 2.78 kJ/mol), enabling BiOBr-010/vis/PDS to achieve excellent AMX degradation performance (kobs = 0.028 min-1). This study elucidate the contributions and mechanisms of halogen and facet types to the photo-Fenton performance, providing design strategies for the development of efficient and stable photo-Fenton systems.

China is recognized as one of the global distribution centers for the genus Paeonia . However, among wild peony species, only Paeonia lactiflora has been relatively well-studied and utilized, while other wild peony resources remain under-investigated. In particular, the genome sizes of wild Chinese peonies have not been clearly defined. Among these, P. mairei , an endemic species in China, is classified as Near Threatened on the 2004 China Species Red List due to its limited and valuable wild populations. Nevertheless, its ploidy level and genome size remain unresolved, significantly hindering the further development and application of wild peony resources. In this study, eight populations of P. mairei and 13 additional wild peony species were analyzed using flow cytometry to determine ploidy levels and estimate genome sizes. All eight populations of P. mairei were confirmed as tetraploid, with no diploid types detected. The genome sizes of P. mairei ranged from 21.11 to 25.27 Gb, this study examined the relationship between pronounced variation in genome size among geographically distinct populations and their habitat conditions. The genome sizes of the 13 wild peony species were determined as follows: P. tenuifolia : 9.21 Gb; P. anomala : 9.91 Gb; P. emodi : 10.02 Gb; P. intermedia : 10.75 Gb; P. mlokosewitschii : 11.49 Gb; P. daurica : 11.77 Gb; P. lactiflora : 11.86 Gb; P. veitchii : 12.24 Gb; P. parnassica : 12.72 Gb; P. obovata : 13.51 Gb; P. sterniana : 13.24 Gb; P. officinalis : 18.66 Gb; P. arietina : 23.24 Gb. The study provides the first comprehensive measurements of genome sizes across 14 wild peony species, thereby enriching the genomic repository of the genus Paeonia and establishing a critical foundation for future research in genomics and molecular cytogenetics within this taxon.

Potassium (K+) is essential to plant growth and development. The absorption and transport of K+ by plant roots occurs mainly through K+ channels or transporters. In this study, an AKT1-type channel named PbrAKT1 was successfully cloned and characterised by a series of detailed procedures, including protein sequence alignment, expression and subcellular localisation analysis, as well as functional verification by heterologous expression function validation in yeast mutant R5421, Arabidopsis akt1 mutant, and Xenopus oocytes. The results showed that PbrAKT1 is preferentially expressed in pear roots and exhibits plasma membrane localisation, but its expression is unaffected by low K+ treatment. PbrAKT1 exhibits the function of an inwardly-rectifying K+ channel, and its activity is autonomously regulated when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In addition, a series of heterologous expression experiments confirmed that PbrAKT1 plays an indispensable role in the processes of K+ transport, as well as alleviating the low-K+ -sensitive phenotype of yeast mutant R5421 and Arabidopsis akt1 mutant. In summary, PbrAKT1 plays an indispensable role in the processes of K+ transport and provide new information on the molecular mechanism of K+ absorption in pear roots.

Anthocyanin is an essential pigment in all major horticultural crops especially in ornamental trees. Magnolia wufengensis (new species of Magnolia) with red color flower was recently found as a popular species for ornamental use, but anthocyanin synthesis and regulation in M. wufengensis are poorly understood. Herein, transcriptome analysis was used to decipher the gene network associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis. An R2R3-like MwMYB-1 transcription factor was found. MwMYB-1 overexpression resulted in anthocyanin accumulation in tobacco and Arabidopsis. MwMYB-1 worked independently rather than forming a protein complex with bHLH or WD40 protein. According to MwMYB-1 DAP-seq analysis in Arabidopsis, the MwMYB-1 transcription factor preferred to bind the “AAGAGAG” motif (DREME-5) in the third exon of the AtMYB75 gene. The yeast one hybrid assay and transcription activity assay further confirmed this. Thus, MwMYB-1 activated AtMYB75 gene expression and conducted cascade amplification of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Taken together, our findings provide a novel understanding of anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation in M. wufengensis and can be used to promote agronomic trait improvement in tree species.

Maintaining humidification and inhibiting nitrogen losses during vermicomposting process have emerged to be key factors for high-quality productions. Previous data have showed outstanding functions of biochar addition in improving vermicomposting quality. In this study, the influence of bamboo biochar (BB) and rice husk biochar (RHB) addition on compost maturity, humification and nitrogen loss was evaluated in the vermicomposting of cattle manure and maize straw. Results revealed that BB or RHB amendment improved organic matter decomposition, enhanced humification and maturity of compost, particularly in the 10% BB treatment, which exerted the highest humic acids content and GI value. Furthermore, BB or RHB addition significantly reduced nitrogen losses, in which the volatilization of NH3 and N2O were reduced by 24.93%-66.23% and 14.91%-55.12%. The fewest nitrogen loss was detected in the treatment of 10% BB. Biochar inhibited nirK, nirS but promoted AOB-amoA, nosZ expression; fewer N2O producing bacteria (Pseudomonas, Devosia, Luteimonas genus) were observed in the biochar treatment, and thereby decreased the N2O emission. Therefore, 10% BB addition for co-vermicomposting cattle manure and maize straw is an efficient way to increase humification, maturity, and reduce nitrogen loss, and future applications following this strategy is believed to generate better productions.

Cuscuta species (dodders) are agriculturally destructive, parasitic angiosperms. These parasitic plants use haustoria as physiological bridges to extract nutrients and water from hosts. Cuscuta campestris has a broad host range and wide geographical distribution. While some wild tomato relatives are resistant, cultivated tomatoes are generally susceptible to C. campestris infestations. However, some specific Heinz tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) hybrid cultivars exhibit resistance to dodders in the field, but their defense mechanism was previously unknown. Here, we discovered that the stem cortex in these resistant lines responds with local lignification upon C. campestris attachment, preventing parasite entry into the host. Lignin Induction Factor 1 (LIF1, an AP2-like transcription factor), SlMYB55, and Cuscuta R-gene for Lignin-based Resistance 1, a CC-NBS-LRR (CuRLR1) are identified as factors that confer host resistance by regulating lignification. SlWRKY16 is upregulated upon C. campestris infestation and potentially negatively regulates LIF1 function. Intriguingly, CuRLR1 may play a role in signaling or function as an intracellular receptor for receiving Cuscuta signals or effectors, thereby regulating lignification-based resistance. In summary, these four regulators control the lignin-based resistance response in specific Heinz tomato cultivars, preventing C. campestris from parasitizing resistant tomatoes. This discovery provides a foundation for investigating multilayer resistance against Cuscuta species and has potential for application in other essential crops attacked by parasitic plants.

Parasitic weeds cause billions of dollars in agricultural losses each year worldwide. Cuscuta campestris (C. campestris), one of the most widespread and destructive parasitic plants in the United States, severely reduces yield in tomato plants. Reducing the spread of parasitic weeds requires understanding the interaction between parasites and hosts. Several studies have identified factors needed for parasitic plant germination and haustorium induction, and genes involved in host defense responses. However, knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the interactions between host and parasitic plants, specifically at the interface between the two organisms, is relatively limited. A detailed investigation of the crosstalk between the host and parasite at the tissue-specific level would enable development of effective parasite control strategies. To focus on the haustorial interface, we used laser-capture microdissection (LCM) with RNA-seq on early, intermediate and mature haustorial stages. In addition, the tomato host tissue that immediately surround the haustoria was collected to obtain tissue- resolution RNA-Seq profiles for C. campestris and tomato at the parasitism interface. After conducting RNA-Seq analysis and constructing gene coexpression networks (GCNs), we identified CcHB7, CcPMEI, and CcERF1 as putative key regulators involved in C. campestris haustorium organogenesis, and three potential regulators, SlPR1, SlCuRe1-like, and SlNLR, in tomatoes that are involved in perceiving signals from the parasite. We used host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) transgenic tomatoes to knock-down the candidate genes in C. campestris and produced CRISPR transgenic tomatoes to knock out candidate genes in tomatoes. The interactions of C. campestris with these transgenic lines were tested and compared with that in wild-type tomatoes. The results of this study reveal the tissue-resolution gene regulatory mechanisms at the parasitic plant-host interface and provide the potential of developing a parasite-resistant system in tomatoes.

This study investigated effects of composite microbes (CMs) (Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trichoderma longibrachiatum) on humification during co-composting of biogas residue, spent mushroom substrate and rice straw. Results showed that CMs inoculation elevated degradation ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin by 7.86%, 8.87% and 6.45%, and contents of humus and humic acid were correspondingly promoted by 15.5% and 23.6%, respectively. Relative abundances of bacteria associated with refractory macromolecules degradation (Flavobacterium, Anseongella and Actinomadura) and cellulolytic fungi (Hypocreales_Incertae_sedis, Hypocreaceae and Psathyrellaceae) were raised by CMs addition. Redundancy analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between microbial communities and temperature, fulvic acid and lignocellulose contents. Moreover, CMs inoculation promoted pathways of xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, which was closely associated with lignocellulose degradation and humus formation. These results suggested that biological inoculation could enhance composting efficiency and improve compost quality, benefiting biogas residues composting.

Phylloporia is shown to be monophyletic according to molecular sequence data. Morphologically, Phylloporia is characterized by annual or perennial basidiomata, a monomitic to dimitic hyphal system, generally presenting a duplex context, absence of setae, and abundant tiny, thick-walled and colored basidiospores. In this study, specimens from China and Brazil a priori identified to Phylloporia species were revised. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nuc 28S rDNA showed that they nested within the Phylloporia clade, in which they formed eight new terminal lineages. According to this result and additional morphological and ecological data (host relationships), these eight lineages are described as eight new species: Phylloporia atlantica, P. cystidiolophora, P. montana, P. perangusta, P. rattanicola, P. solicola, P. splendida, and P. subpulla. Detailed descriptions with illustrations are provided for these new species, and their relationships with similar or allied species are discussed. An identification key for all accepted 56 species with a synoptic description is provided, and two keys to neotropical and Asian Phylloporia species are also provided.

A new poroid wood-rotting fungus, Sidera vesiculosa, is described from Singapore based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis. The species is characterized by annual, resupinate and waxy fresh basidiocarps, small pores measuring 7-9 per mm, a monomitic hyphal system with vesicular cells, the presence of rosette-like crystals, allantoid to innate basidiospores measuring 2.9-3.7 x 0.6-1.0 mu m, and causing a white rot. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from ITS and nLSU sequences indicates that the new species forms a distinct lineage with strong support and is closely related to Sidera lowei.

Amylosporus annosus sp. nov. sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Malaysia, tropical Asia. It is characterized by perennial, resupinate basidiocarps which are leathery when fresh, woody hard when dry, with white fresh pores which become cream to buff-yellow up on drying, distinct receding sterile margin, a dimitic hyphal structure with dextrinoid skeletal hyphae, generative hyphae bring simple septa only, basidia bearing eight sterigmata, and ellipsoid, fairly thick-walled, finely asperulate, strongly amyloid basidiospore measuring 3–3.7 × 2.4–3 μm. A molecular study based on the combined ITS (internal transcribed spacer region) and nLSU (the large nuclear ribosomal RNA subunit) dataset demonstrated the studied samples formed a new lineage in Amylosporus.

Four species of Haploporus, H. angustisporus, H. crassus, H. gilbertsonii and H. microsporus are described as new and H. pirongia is proposed as a new combination, based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses inferred from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU) sequences. Haploporus angustisporus, H. crassus and H. microsporus occur in China, H. gilbertsonii occurs in the USA, and the distribution of H. pirongia is extended from New Zealand to Australia. Haploporus angustisporus is characterized by the distinct narrow oblong basidiospores measuring 10.5–13.5 × 3.9–5 µm. Haploporus crassus is characterized by the presence of ventricose cystidioles occasionally with a simple septum, dissepimental hyphae usually with a simple septum, unique thick-walled basidia and distinctly wide oblong basidiospores measuring 13.5–16.5 × 7.5–9.5 µm. Haploporus gilbertsonii is characterized by its large pores (2–3 per mm), a dimitic hyphal structure with non-dextrinoid skeletal hyphae and wide oblong basidiospores measuring 12–15 × 6–8 µm. Haploporus microsporus is characterized by distinctly small pores (7–9 per mm), the presence of dendrohyphidia, and distinctly small ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 5.3–6.7 × 3–4.1 µm. Haploporus pirongia is proposed as a new combination. Haploporus amarus is shown to be a synonym of H. odorus and Pachykytospora wasseri is considered a synonym of H. subtrameteus.

Cuscuta species (dodders) are agriculturally destructive parasitic angiosperms. These parasitic plants use haustoria as physiological bridges to extract nutrients and water from hosts. Cuscuta campestris has a broad host range and wide geographical distribution. While some wild tomato relatives are resistant, cultivated tomatoes are generally susceptible to C. campestris infestations. However, some specific Heinz tomato hybrid cultivars exhibit resistance to dodders in the field, but their defense mechanism was unknown. Here, we discovered that the stem cortex in these resistant lines responds with local lignification upon C. campestris attachment, preventing parasite entry into the host. LIF1 ( Lignin Induction Factor 1 , an AP2 -like transcription factor), SlMYB55 , and CuRLR1 ( Cuscuta R-gene for Lignin-based Resistance 1 , a CC-NBS-LRR ) are identified as crucial factors conferring host resistance by regulating lignification. SlWRKY16 is upregulated upon C. campestris infestation and acts as a negative regulator of LIF1 function. Intriguingly, CuRLR1 may play a role in signaling or function as a receptor for receiving Cuscuta signals or effectors to regulate lignification-based resistance. In summary, these four regulators control the lignin-based resistance response, preventing C. campestris from parasitizing these resistant tomatoes. This discovery provides a foundation for investigating multilayer resistance against Cuscuta species and has potential for application in other essential crops attacked by parasitic plants.One-sentence summary Four key regulators confer lignin accumulation in the tomato stem cortex to block C. campestris host penetration upon infection.### Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.

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Garden wastes (GW) having high lignin contents could hinder the growth of earthworms and microorganisms in vermicomposting. This study investigated the Eisenia fetida-based vermicomposting of GW mixed with cattle manure (CM) and/or spent mushroom substrate (SMS) at different ratios of GW alone (control), 3:1 GW:SMS, 1:1 GW:SMS, 3:1 GW:CM, 1:1 GW:CM and 2:1:1 GW:SMS:CM to promote earthworm growth and improve the final vermicompost quality. In general, treatments with the addition of SMS and/or CM increased the survival rate, biomass, cocoon and juvenile numbers of E. fetida compared to the control. The addition of SMS and/or CM also significantly increased the activities of dehydrogenase, cellulase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase compared to the control. Furthermore, the addition of SMS and/or CM facilitated the decomposition of organic matter, cellulose and lignin, increased nutrient (N, P and K) concentrations, and accelerated nitrification compared to the control. The addition of SMS and CM led to greater chemical changes of the substrate compared to control. Heavy metal concentrations were increased in the final vermicomposts comparatively to the initial materials, but none of them exceeded the permissible limits. The highest germination index of Chinese cabbage and tomato seeds were both observed in the treatment of 2:1:1 GW:SMS:CM which reached 146.9 and 148.1. Overall, the 2:1:1 GW:SMS:CM treatment had the highest growth and reproduction rates of E. fetida, higher percentage degradation of organic matter, cellulose and lignin, as well as the best quality of the final vermicompost.

Glechoma longituba is a widespread crop in China. With high concentrations of many bioactive compounds, it has long been treated as a health beneficial ingredient for human diet and even some medicine. In order to gain comprehensive understandings of current resources of Glechoma longituba, samples from seventeen geographical origins in fifteen Chinese provinces were collected to reveal the connections between different influence factors and certain bioactive compounds. Firstly, high variations in the contents of ethanol-soluble extracts, total flavonoid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were proved among different Glechoma longituba populations. Totally four parameters of soil physical properties, twelve parameters of soil chemical properties, thirty years' climate records and genetic diversity among different Glechoma longituba populations were thoroughly investigated. As a result, soil chemical property and climate condition with significant correlation between each other were both indicated to have the strongest positive correlations with bioactive compounds of Glechoma longituba, among which soil phosphorus, soil iron, temperature and moisture were showed to act as key factors. Neither the genetic variation nor the soil physical property was significantly related to the concentrations of bioactive compounds. These results laid the first theoretical foundation for further study of how to improve the quality of Glechoma longituba resources, as well as provided guidance for breeders to focus more on choosing planting areas with ideal climate conditions and modulating the optimum soil chemical properties for better Glechoma longituba cultivation.

This research evaluated green waste compost (GWC) and green waste vermicompost (GWV) as peat substitutes in growing media used for the production of geranium (Pelargonium zonale L) and calendula (Calendula officinalis L.). Five growing media were prepared: 100% Peat (P), 50% Peat + 50% GWC (PC), 100% GWC (C), 50% Peat + 50% GWV (PV), and 100% GWV (V). Geranium and calendula seedlings were transplanted into each medium and were grown under commercial nursery conditions for 6 months, i.e., until they attained commercial size. The higher percentage of GWC and GWV in the growing medium could increase bulk density and air space; decrease total pore space and water-filled porosity; and increase pH, electrical conductivity, and macro- and microelement contents. The heavy metal contents of all growing media were within safe ranges. Particle-size distribution and fertility were superior in the vermicompost-based media than in the compost-based media. Geranium growth was reduced in media containing GWC (C and PC). Calendula growth in compost-based growing media was similar to or greater than growth in pure peat. Geranium and calendula growth and flowering were superior in all vermicompost-based media (PV and V) than in the control medium (P). These results indicate that GWV is better than GVC as a partial substitute for peat in the cultivation of geranium and calendula.

The aim of this study is to investigate the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa after flocculation using modified tannin (Q-TN). The cell biomass and percentage of living cells in the supernatant and settled flocs were investigated. Physiological activity of algal flocs were also evaluated. The results showed that the algae biomass in the supernatant increased in the first 18 days and declined in the following 12 days. The cell growth in the settled flocs was inhibited after 10 days. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid (ASA) increased to the maximum on the 2–5 days for scavenging excess oxygen free radicals. The dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity also reached the maximum on the 2–5 days. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content reached the highest on the 10th day, revealing the severe lipid peroxidation and cell lysis. The Q-TN exerted greater stresses on cells than Al2(SO4)3.

Kalanchoe ( K .) daigremontiana is important for studying asexual reproduction under different environmental conditions. Here, we describe a novel KdNOVEL41 ( KdN41 ) gene that may confer drought resistance and could thereby affect K. daigremontiana development. The detected subcellular localization of a KdN41/Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP) fusion protein was in the nucleus and cell membrane. Drought, salt, and heat stress treatment in tobacco plants containing the KdN41 gene promoter driving β-glucuronidase ( GUS ) gene transcription revealed that only drought stress triggered strong GUS staining in the vascular tissues. Overexpression (OE) of the KdN41 gene conferred improved drought resistance in tobacco plants compared to wild-type and transformed with empty vector plants by inducing higher antioxidant enzyme activities, decreasing cell membrane damage, increasing abscisic acid (ABA) content, causing reinforced drought resistance related gene expression profiles. The 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) staining results also showed less relative oxygen species (ROS) content in KdN41 -overexpressing tobacco leaf during drought stress. Surprisingly, by re-watering after drought stress, KdN41 -overexpressing tobacco showed earlier flowering. Overall, the KdN41 gene plays roles in ROS scavenging and osmotic damage reduction to improve tobacco drought resistance, which may increase our understanding of the molecular network involved in developmental manipulation under drought stress in K. daigremontiana .