Soil salinization is a major abiotic stressor limiting global agricultural and forestry productivity. This study aimed to assess the tolerance of four wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) genotypes (8-A, F-12, F-19, F-15) to salinity stress using the in vitro culture technique. Shoots were exposed to three NaCl concentrations (0—control treatment, 33, and 100 mM) in micropropagation medium under controlled laboratory conditions for 35 days. Morphological parameters, including shoot length, shoot number, survival and multiplication rate, shoot fresh and dry biomass, and shoot water content, were evaluated alongside biochemical markers such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities assessed through ferric reducing–antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS radical scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO•) scavenging. Consistent with the experimental design, exposure to 100 mM NaCl significantly inhibited shoot growth and biomass accumulation, while survival was comparatively less affected. Genotypic variation was evident, with genotypes F-19 and F-12 demonstrating higher tolerance, maintaining greater growth and antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS) under salt stress compared to more sensitive genotypes like 8-A and F-15. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were also reduced at 100 mM NaCl, suggesting that intense salinity stress limited the biosynthesis and accumulation of these antioxidant compounds. Nitric oxide scavenging activity remained largely unaffected by salinity in all genotypes, which may indicate that the applied stress levels were insufficient to markedly alter this component of the antioxidant response. The genotype F-19 emerged as the strongest salinity-tolerant genotype, retaining superior shoot number, multiplication rate, fresh/dry biomass and stable/increased total phenolic content (TPC) under 100 mM NaCl compared to other genotypes. This integrative in vitro approach effectively distinguished salt-tolerant wild cherry genotypes and offers a valuable screening tool for breeding and selection programmes targeting improved resilience to salinity stress. The findings have practical relevance for forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture and the restoration of salt-affected sites, particularly in the context of climate change. They also align with current European and global priorities focused on identifying genetically suitable reproductive material for resilient afforestation and ecosystem restoration under increased environmental stress.

Polyamines (PAs)—primarily putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM), are low- molecular-weight, positively charged amines essential for cellular viability and involved in numerous biological processes, including plant development, embryogenesis, and interactions with microorganisms. While PAs are present in various food sources, edible and medicinal mushrooms have recently gained attention as rich reservoirs of these bioactive compounds. Despite growing data on PA concentrations in fungi, limited information exists regarding their stability during food processing and storage. This review consolidates current knowledge on the occurrence, biological functions, and health-promoting properties of mushroom-derived PAs. Emphasis is placed on their antioxidant capacity, including their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species through direct electron donation, metal ion chelation, and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, the neuroprotective roles of PAs are highlighted, particularly their potential in mitigating cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases through mechanisms such as acetylcholinesterase inhibition and lifespan extension. The involvement of PAs in mycorrhizal symbiosis and their role in enhancing stress tolerance in host plants are also discussed. This review offers an integrative perspective on PAs, highlighting their emerging therapeutic potential for human health through mushroom-derived nutrition, as well as their role in mediating plant-mycorrhizal symbiosis to enhance crop resilience and indirectly nutritional quality, and postharvest storage.

Climate change is expected to profoundly affect the growth, development, and productivity of horticultural plants in the coming decades [...]

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), in particular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their nitro derivatives (NPAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pose a major environmental and public health challenge worldwide. Our study evaluated the content of PAHs, NPAHs, and PCBs in eight common, wild macrofungal species collected from urban (Kamenički and Dunavski parks) and natural (Fruška Gora Mt.) environments in Northern Serbia. Among analyzed species, the edible Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill 1920 exhibited the highest total concentrations of Σ15PAHs (837.97 ± 11.49 ng g-1 dry weight, DW), Σ6NPAHs (166.99 ± 4.51 ng g-1 DW), and Σ10PCBs (265.27 ± 0.32 ng g-1 DW), followed closely by Auricularia mesenterica (Dicks.) Pers. 1822 (Σ15PAHs: 725.42 ± 16.02 ng g-1 DW; Σ6NPAHs: 160.63 ± 14.82 ng g-1 DW, Σ10PCBs: 214.28 ± 22.56 ng g-1 DW), both species from Kamenički park. High-molecular-weight PAHs such as dibenz[a,h]anthracene and benzo[ghi]perylene were dominant across most species most inspected species, while 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene was the most prevalent NPAH. PCBs showed species- and congener-specific adsorption patterns, with the highest concentrations detected in L. sulphureus and Stereum subtomentosum Pouzar 1964. Overall, variation in pollutant levels strongly depended on the locality and species-specific traits. In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence that wild macrofungi, from urban areas, may represent powerful accumulators of PAHs, NPAHs, and PCBs, offering important insights into environmental pollution monitoring and potential food safety risks.

Wild edible fungi are increasingly recognized as rich sources of bioactive metabolites with nutritional and therapeutic potential. This study provides the first integrated analysis of polyamines (putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM)) and phenolic compounds in five wild edible fungal species collected in Serbia, Auricularia auricula-judae, Cantharellus cibarius, Hericium erinaceus, Laetiporus sulphureus, and Pleurotus cornucopiae. Quantitative HPLC analysis revealed pronounced interspecies variability in polyamine content, with L. sulphureus exhibiting the highest total polyamine concentration (83.15 mg kg(-1) dry weight, DW) dominated by SPD. LC-MS/MS profiling identified twenty phenolic compounds and quinic acid as the most abundant metabolite (3267.97 to 19308.80 mg kg(-1) dry extract, d.e.), while flavonoids were detected at trace levels. The total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 4.81 to 22.59 mg GAE g(-1) DW, with P. cornucopiae and H. erinaceus showing the greatest phenolic richness and antioxidant capacity. The strongest ABTS and FRAP activities were recorded for L. sulphureus and P. cornucopiae, indicating significant radical-scavenging and reducing potentials. Moreover, H. erinaceus demonstrated the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) effect (85.21%), indicating a potential contribution to neuroprotective mechanisms. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed clear species separation driven mainly by phenolic acids, with L. sulphureus showing the strongest phenolic-linked bioactivity. While caffeic and p-coumaric acids were the dominant contributors to anti-AChE and antioxidant effects, while PUT also enhanced antioxidant capacity in species where it co-occurred with high phenolic levels. Overall, these findings highlight these fungi as promising natural sources of polyamines and phenolic antioxidants with potential application in functional foods.

Urban salinization from NaCl de-icing threatens ornamental plants along roadsides by disrupting growth and esthetic quality. This study evaluated salt tolerance thresholds in Gazania splendens L. and Dianthus caryophyllus L., two popular bedding species, to guide sustainable urban landscaping. Seedlings grown from certified seeds were subjected to NaCl treatments (0, 3, 6, 9 g L−1) in 2 L pots under greenhouse conditions, with growth traits, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidants assessed. Salinity reduced leaf number at 9 g L−1 in both species and root elongation primarily in G. splendens, alongside biomass declines. G. splendens showed increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids at moderate stress, as well as total phenolic content, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and ABTS radical scavenging capacity at high salinity. D. caryophyllus showed pigment declines and stable antioxidants. Principal component analysis separated species and treatments. Under the conditions of the present study, both species maintained satisfactory performance at salinity levels up to 3 g L−1 NaCl. G. splendens exhibited superior antioxidant acclimation despite greater growth sensitivity, whereas D. caryophyllus maintained photosynthetic pigment contents, providing useful information for the selection of ornamental species suitable for saline urban environments.

The study investigated the biochemical and bioactive profiles of three wild inedible mushrooms-Cortinarius trivialis, Mycena pura, and Mycena rosea-focusing on polyamine (PA) content, polyphenols, proteins, antioxidants, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Among the three PAs measured (putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM)), C. trivialis showed the highest levels of PUT and SPD, distinguishing it metabolically. In contrast, M. pura and M. rosea had lower PA levels but were richer in proteins and phenolics. Notably, M. rosea had the highest protein content (42.46%), while M. pura exhibited the greatest total phenolic and flavonoid content, correlating with its strong antioxidant activity across multiple assays. M. rosea demonstrated selective ABTS radical scavenging and the most potent AChE inhibition (93.24 +/- 7.90%), suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits. Phenolic profiling revealed species-specific compounds: C. trivialis was rich in p-hydroxybenzoic and quinic acids, while Mycena species contained protocatechuic acid and trace flavonoids. Principal component analysis underscored distinct biochemical clustering: M. pura with antioxidant-rich phenolics, M. rosea with neuroprotective SPD content, and C. trivialis with elevated PUT. This is the first report detailing PA composition and AChE inhibition in these mushrooms, highlighting their unique and complementary antioxidant and neuroprotective potential.

To evaluate the bioactivity of Fistulina hepatica, 70% ethanolic (70% EtOH) and hot water (H2O) extracts were examined for interactions with steroid-regulated pathways relevant to metabolic and hormone-dependent disorders. Binding to estrogen (ER alpha, ER beta), androgen (AR), and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors, as well as inhibition of aldo-keto reductases AKR1C3 and AKR1C4, was assessed. Neither extract showed ER or AR binding, whereas selective GR binding was observed, with the 70% EtOH extract displaying the highest affinity, comparable to prednisolone. Both extracts inhibited AKR1C3 and AKR1C4, with the H2O extract exhibiting the strongest dual inhibition, in some cases exceeding ibuprofen. Multivariate and correlation analyses revealed strong associations between chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and amentoflavone and all biological targets, indicating synergistic, multitarget effects rather than direct hormone receptor modulation. These findings highlight F. hepatica as a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical and therapeutic potential.

Cyclocybe aegerita (V. Brig.) Vizzini 2014 remains underexplored regarding the mycochemical composition and bioactivity of its anatomical parts. This study investigated solvent-specific extracts obtained from caps, stems, and whole fruiting bodies of samples collected in Novi Sad, Northern Serbia, including a polysaccharide-rich (PSH) fraction. LC-MS/MS was used to characterize phenolic compounds in extracts and the PSH fraction obtained from whole fruiting bodies, while atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the mineral composition of caps and stems. ATR-FTIR, SEM, and TGA/DTA were applied to PSH fractions obtained from stems, caps, and whole fruiting bodies. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, NO, LP, FRAP), inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, steroid hormone receptor binding (ERα, ERβ, AR, GR), and AKR1C3/AKR1C4 inhibition were evaluated, complemented by molecular docking of selected phenolics. Caps were richer in polyphenolics, particularly p-coumaric and chlorogenic acids, whereas stems contained higher levels of polysaccharides and iron. ATR-FTIR, SEM, and TG/DTA analyses revealed distinct structural and thermal characteristics of PSH fractions obtained from different anatomical parts. The hydromethanolic (80% MeOH) stem extract demonstrated dual inhibition of digestive enzymes and hormone-related targets, with α-glucosidase inhibition reaching 73.59%, while also exhibiting pronounced NO radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 307.94 μg/mL). These findings highlight the importance of organ-specific profiling and identify C. aegerita as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional food, nutraceuticals, and complementary health-related applications.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.) microgreens are emerging as functional foods, yet data on their polyamine composition remain scarce. This study reports, for the first time, the polyamine profile of chive microgreens cultivated under natural treatments, including distilled water and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extract. Polyamine analysis revealed the presence of putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM), with concentrations significantly influenced by the applied nettle extract treatments. PUT was the predominant polyamine, ranging from 1305.00 to 1857.91 nmol g-1 DW. Nettle extract modulated polyamine accumulation in a concentration-dependent -manner, with 8 mg/mL producing the highest PUT concentration (1857.91 nmol g-1 DW), while 160 mg/mL markedly reduced all quantified polyamines. These results indicate the potential of nettle extract as a natural biostimulant influencing nitrogen-related metabolic pathways in chive microgreens. The findings provide novel insight into the polyamine profiling of chives microgreens and -support their potential nutritional relevance.

Fungi represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds, offering potential applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and Volvopluteus gloiocephalus (DC.) Vizzini, Contu & Justo, two autochthonous fungi from Serbia, remain underexplored for their mycochemical composition and biological activities. This study aims to evaluate their bioactive potential, emphasizing antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic properties. Extracts from F. hepatica and V. gloiocephalus were obtained using solvents of different polarities (acetone, CHCl3, 80% MeOH, 70% EtOH, H2O and PSH), and dried fruiting bodies were subjected to chemical analysis. The chemical analyses included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis with mycroanalysis, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) profiling. While AAS profiling of minerals was conducted on the dried fruiting bodies, all other analyses were performed on the extracts. In vitro assays were performed to assess the antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM cells, and digestive enzyme inhibition (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and lipase) of the extracts. Both fungi exhibited significant antioxidant activity comparable to the standard antioxidant compound propyl gallate. Additionally, extracts showed potent enzyme inhibition, including hypoglycemic and lipase activities, indicating their potential as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agents, particularly in F. hepatica. Conversely, the acetone extract of V. gloiocephalus demonstrated notable cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM cancer cells. PCA analysis confirmed correlations between bioactive compounds and bioactivities. These findings highlight the potential of F. hepatica and V. gloiocephalus as promising sources of natural bioactive compounds with applications in addressing metabolic disorders, cancer and oxidative stress, as functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

Fomitopsis betulina (birch polypore) is a medicinal polypore with limited biochemical characterisation. This study provides the first evidence of polyamines and a detailed phenolic profile in the 80% methanolic (MeOH) extract of its fruiting bodies. HPLC analysis revealed spermidine (60.21 ± 0.97 mg/kg d.w.), spermine (41.71 ± 2.56 mg/kg d.w.), and putrescine (0.97 ± 0.10 mg/kg d.w.), with spermidine as the predominant form. Gallic acid (14,415.07 ± 1,297.36 ng/g d.e.) and quinic acid (11,332.40 ± 1,133.24 ng/g d.e.) were accompanied by apiin (514.81 ± 25.74 ng/g d.e.), reported here for the first time in this species. The MeOH extract exhibited notable antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 2.99 ± 0.11 mM TE/g; ABTS: 63.50 ± 0.51 mM TE/g) and strong acetylcholinesterase inhibition (99.03 ± 5.52%). These findings highlight F. betulina as a source of polyamines and phenolics with promising antioxidant and neuroprotective potential.

This study investigated the possibilities of improving the nutritional quality and agronomic yield of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) fruits through conventional breeding. The second objective was to assess the effects of high-temperature stress on yield- and quality-related parameters. The plant material comprised five parental genotypes and ten corresponding F 1 hybrids, obtained through partial diallel crossing. The nutritional quality and agronomic yield parameters were evaluated over two growing seasons characterized by distinct temperature regimes (temperate and high-temperature stress). The hybrids outperformed the parental lines in the fruit number and yield per plant, although they generally did not show similar improvements in nutritional quality. However, the wide ranges of variation in the carotenoid and sugar content observed among the hybrids indicate the potential for improving nutritional quality traits through breeding. High-temperature stress was predominantly associated with the decreased carotenoid content and increased sugar content in the fruits. Although the successful registration of new improved varieties and hybrids requires multi-year experimental data, the presented findings could provide a valuable contribution to butternut squash breeding for simultaneously enhanced agronomic yield and nutritional quality of fruits.

Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. has been valued since the 15th century across Europe, including the Balkan region, for its medicinal and traditional uses such as tinder production, spiritual practices, wound healing, and hemostasis. This study analyzes three Balkan strains, focusing on micro- and macroelements, polyamines (PAs), and phenolic compounds in hot water (H2O), chloroform (CHCl3), hydroethanolic (EtOH), and hydromethanolic (MeOH) extracts. Micro- and macroelements were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while PAs were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). Phenolic profiles were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with total phenolic content (TPC) assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via DPPH, ABTS, NO scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and FRAP assays, alongside anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activity assessments. This study represents the first investigation of PA profiles in F. fomentarius, with total PA levels ranging from 32.67 to 2910.09 nmol/g dry weight (d.w.). The Bosnian strain exhibited the highest PA levels, with spermidine (SPD) concentrations ranging from 899.96 to 2910.09 nmol/g d.w. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several bioactive phenolics, including amentoflavone, baicalein, chrysoeriol, esculetin, and scopoletin-reported here for the first time in this fungus. The H2O and EtOH extracts from the Croatian and Serbian strains showed higher TPC levels, correlating with notable antioxidant activity. The EtOH and MeOH extracts demonstrated significant anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activities, emphasizing their medicinal potential. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of polar extracts from Balkan F. fomentarius.

Pollen, both bee and floral, is recognized as a functional food due to its richness in bioactive compounds, including polyamines (PAs), which are associated with antioxidant and antiaging effects. This study analyzed the total PA content and distribution of individual PAs (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) in bee and floral pollen collected from various plant species in Vojvodina, Serbia. Results revealed considerable species-specific variability, with floral pollen generally exhibiting higher levels than bee pollen. Notably, floral pollen from Ailanthus altissima, Salix alba, and Zea mays was particularly rich in PAs (564.3, 539.8, and 392.4 mg/kg dry weight, respectively). These findings highlight the potential of ruderal plant species as alternative sources of PAs for functional foods. However, due to the allergenic properties of certain species, caution is warranted-especially for sensitive individuals. Further clinical research and regulations are needed to ensure the safe and effective dietary use of pollen-derived PAs.

The phytoremediation capacity of three common poplar species, white poplar (Populus alba L.), Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ’Italica’), and Euro-American hybrid poplar (Populus × euramericana (Dode) Guinier cl. I-214), grown in a middle-sized city with a continental climate in Serbia was analyzed. For this purpose, 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 10 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 6 heavy metals (HMs) were tracked in leaves and one-year-old branches. P. × euramericana showed the highest PAH uptake capacity, with concentrations of 821.40 ng g−1 dry weight (DW) and 453.64 ng g−1 DW in leaves and branches, respectively. Likewise, P. euramericana accumulated the highest levels of PCBs in leaves (364.53 ng g−1 DW). Additionally, P. nigra ‘Italica’ demonstrated the greatest accumulation potential for HMs, particularly zinc, with 310.10 µg g−1 DW in leaves. Leaves accumulated ~30% more pollutants compared with branches. Significant differences in pollutant uptake capacities were found among species and plant organs. These findings highlight the importance of species selection in phytoremediation and clarify the role of poplar species in accumulating pollutants to mitigate urban pollution. Finally, this study provides valuable insights for future phytoremediation strategies using poplars, especially in urban environments with similar conditions.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera, L.) play an important role in ecosystems due to their pollination, which directly impacts biodiversity and agricultural production. Understanding the biological mechanisms that determine bee aging is important for conserving bee populations and the ecosystems they serve. This study explored the dynamics of polyamine level changes and transcriptomic alterations during the aging of summer and winter worker bees. The present study's results indicate that the polyamine content in summer bees decreased overall with age, while winter bees exhibited a biphasic pattern, with an initial decrease followed by an increase in older individuals. These differences likely reflect distinct physiological needs during summer (work-intensive) and winter (survival-focused) periods. Transcriptomic analyses identified age-related changes, with key driver gene analysis highlighting critical genes associated with cuticle formation, venom activity, and polyamine metabolism, indicating structural and metabolic adaptations with age. KEGG pathway analysis identified enrichments in pathways related to peroxisome function, lipid metabolism, glycan degradation, lysosomal activity, and others underscoring shifts in cellular maintenance and energy regulation. This study underscores the complexity of polyamine dynamics and molecular adaptations in honey bee aging and provides a foundation for conserving bee populations and better understanding longevity across species.

Roses (genus Rosa), renowned for their economic significance and aesthetic appeal, face multifaceted challenges in cultivation due to biotic and abiotic stressors. To address these challenges, this study explores the role of osmolytes, particularly polyamines, proline and glycine betaine, as well as antioxidant capacities and condensed tannins, in enhancing stress tolerance in roses. Despite the genetic diversity inherent in roses, the metabolic aspect of stress tolerance has been underexplored in breeding programs. This paper investigates the intraspecific variability among 22 rose cultivars, focusing on osmolyte content (proline and glycine betaine), individual polyamines (putrescine, spermine and spermidine), as well as antioxidant activities, measuring radical scavenging capacity against 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) and NO• radicals. Employing a targeted metabolomic approach, we quantified the levels of individual polyamines in both the petals and leaves of rose cultivars. This was achieved through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescent detection following a derivatization pretreatment process. Within the evaluated cultivars, “Unique Aroma”, “Andre Rieu”, “Aroma 3”, “Frayla Marija” and “Trendy Fashion” stood out for their significantly elevated levels of total foliar polyamines. The predominant polyamine detected at both petal and leaf levels was putrescine, with concentrations ranging from 335.81 (“Zora Frayla”) to 2063.81 nmol g−1 DW (“Unique Aroma”) at the leaf level. Following putrescine, foliar spermidine levels varied from 245.08 (“Olivera Frayla”) to 1527.16 nmol g−1 DW (“Andre Rieu”). Regarding antioxidant capacity, the leaf extracts of rose cultivars “Zora Frayla” and “Natalija Frayla” were prominent by showing 68.08 and 59.24 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE) g−1 DW, respectively. The results highlight the intricate biochemical variability across rose cultivars and show that osmolytes, such as glycine betaine, proline and polyamines, and other biochemical markers can be used as reliable criteria for the selection of rose cultivars that are more resilient to biotic stress factors, especially powdery and downy mildew. Bridging fundamental research with practical applications, this study aims to contribute to the development of stress-tolerant rose cultivars adaptable to dynamic environmental conditions.

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum Raf. Shinn.) is a valued plant known for its diverse flower colors and long vase life. Despite considerable research on the physiological roles of osmolytes, polyamines, and phenolic compounds, there is a lack of understanding regarding their specific accumulation patterns across various lisianthus cultivars and organs. This study aims to compare eleven lisianthus cultivars with varying flowering periods according to their accumulation of osmolytes, polyamines, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacities and measure their resistance to abiotic stress factors. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescent detection was employed to quantify putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM). In addition, proline (PRO), glycine betaine (GB), antioxidant capacities, phenolic content, and flavonoid contents were assessed spectrophotometrically. This comprehensive analysis allowed for a detailed understanding of the biochemical markers. The result indicates a significant genotype and organ-dependent variation in accumulation patterns of inspected metabolites and antioxidant activities. The petals of Rosita Green exhibited the highest levels of phenols and flavonoids, whereas the petals of Rosita Blue Picote demonstrated the highest concentrations of osmolytes. Polyamines were found to be more concentrated in the petals than in the leaves. The average values indicated high levels of polyamines in the Mariachi Carmine (PUT 186.72 nmol g−1 DW) and Mariachi Pink (SPD 227.4 nmol g−1 DW) cultivars. These findings underscore the significance of inspected compounds in stress tolerance among cultivars with different flowering periods, providing insights for optimizing cultivation strategies for lisianthus.

International provenance trials are a hot topic in forestry, and in light of climate change, the search for more resilient beech provenances and their assisted migration is one of the challenges of climate-smart forestry. The main aim of the study was to determine intraspecific variability in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) among 11 beech provenances according to total antioxidant capacities estimated by various assays, such as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay, and radical scavenging capacity against nitric oxide (RSC-NO assays), as well as osmolyte content, primarily individual polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine), and free proline content. Polyamine amounts were quantified by using HPLC coupled with fluorescent detection after dansylation pretreatment. The highest values for radical scavenger capacity assays (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) were measured in the German provenances DE47 and DE49. Also, the highest NO inhibition capacity was found in the provenance DE49, while the highest content of proline (PRO), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) was recorded in DE47. The Austrian AT56 and German provenance DE49 were most abundant in total polyamines. This research underlines the importance of the application of common antioxidant assays as well as osmolyte quantification as a criterion for the selection of climate-ready beech provenances for sustainable forest management.