Understanding below ground plant development is essential for characterizing root soil interactions and assessing plant responses to environmental variability. Existing observation platforms, however, often suffer from limited flexibility and reduced adaptability across heterogeneous field conditions. This work presents an enhanced framework that integrates an automated image analysis pipeline for the monitoring of fine root dynamics in olive trees. The system employs four fixed-position NOIR cameras and low power red LED illumination to acquire high resolution images under field conditions. A dedicated machine learning model was developed to identify root structures from underground images through multiscale texture descriptors, yielding preliminary accuracies of more than 75%. To refine the morphological characterization of detected roots, a semantic segmentation model based on a deep learning encoder–decoder architecture was implemented, enabling pixel level discrimination between root tissue and soil background. The resulting masks preserve fine scale geometry and support the extraction of quantitative traits such as root length and diameter. The integrated system represents a flexible and modular solution for long term, non invasive root phenotyping and provides a foundation for monitoring growth dynamics in real environmental conditions.

Ongoing climatic changes are reshaping the environmental and edaphic conditions of agricultural soils, demanding new tools to support resilient and sustainable crop management. In this context, we present the design and validation of a low-impact, vision-based monitoring system for in-situ observation of root growth in olive trees. The system integrates a polycarbonate underground structure equipped with four fixed Arducam NOIR 8 MP cameras and red LED illumination, optimized for low-light imaging at a resolution of approximately 0.2 mm/pixel. A Raspberry Pi, managed by an Arduino with RTC module, autonomously handles image acquisition and cloud-based data transfer.Two experimental campaigns were conducted at the University of Tuscia (Viterbo, Italy). The first (June–October 2024) aimed at testing system robustness under field conditions. The system shows reliable imaging performance, but exposed limitations related to network connectivity and power management. Specifically, excessive energy consumption by the Raspberry Pi led to battery depletion in low irradiance periods. A second ongoing campaign (from May 2025) involves four systems monitoring three olive trees over a growing season, focusing on cross-plant root detection reliability.Results from the first deployment demonstrate the system’s potential for non-invasive, long-term monitoring of fine root dynamics. High-quality images were obtained, and root elongation was visible across sequential captures. Planned improvements include enhanced energy efficiency and the integration of automated root segmentation algorithms. This work supports the development of scalable instrumentation for real-time phenotyping and precision agriculture under climate stress.

The rapid expansion of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation in central and southern Italy has revealed emerging phytosanitary challenges, including “pomegranate wood decay syndrome”, characterised by cortical cankers, wood browning, and progressive plant decline. This study investigates the fungal microbiota associated with symptomatic pomegranate wood using a combined approach of traditional fungal isolation and ITS2 metabarcoding analysis. Samples from two orchards in Lazio were examined, revealing a complex fungal community with a high prevalence of Neofusicoccum parvum (putative) and species belonging to the genus Diaporthe. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the role of N. parvum in causing significant wood browning, while other isolates showed variable virulence. Statistical analyses validated the pathogenicity of select isolates, with the putative Diaporthe eres (Nitschke) consistently demonstrating potential pathogenic activity across all trials. Metabarcoding identified 289 taxa, highlighting a richer fungal diversity in the symptomatic wood compared to the asymptomatic sections. Notably, Coniella granati, previously implicated in pomegranate decline, was absent in the studied orchards. The findings reveal that pomegranate wood decay is a complex syndrome driven by fungal pathogens and environmental stressors, such as low temperatures. This study highlights the value of integrative approaches for understanding and managing fungal-associated wood diseases in pomegranate orchards.

BACKGROUND:Olive is one of the most cultivated species in the Mediterranean Basin and beyond. Despite being extensively studied for its commercial relevance, the origin of cultivated olive and the history of its domestication remain open questions. Here, we present a genealogical and kinship relationships analysis by mean of chloroplast and nuclear markers of different genera, subgenus, species, subspecies, ecotypes, cultivated, ancient and wild types, which constitutes one of the most inclusive research to date on the diversity within Olea europaea species. A complete survey of the variability across the nuclear and plastid genomes of different genotypes was studied through single nucleotide polymorphisms, indels (insertions and deletions), and length variation.RESULTS:Fifty-six different chlorotypes were identified among the Oleaceae family including Olea europaea, other species and genera. The chloroplast genome evolution, within Olea europaea subspecies, probably started from subsp. cuspidata, which likely represents the ancestor of all the other subspecies and therefore of wild types and cultivars. Our study allows us to hypothesize that, inside the subspecies europaea containing cultivars and the wild types, the ancestral selection from var. sylvestris occurred both in the eastern side of the Mediterranean and in the central-western part of Basin. Moreover, it was elucidated the origin of several cultivars, which depends on the introduction of eastern cultivars, belonging to the lineage E1, followed by crossing and replacement of the autochthonous olive germplasm of central-western Mediterranean Basin. In fact, our study highlighted that two main 'founders' gave the origin to more than 60% of analyzed olive cultivars. Other secondary founders, which strongly contributed to give origin to the actual olive cultivar diversity, were already detected.CONCLUSIONS:The application of comparative genomics not only paves the way for a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the Olea europaea species but also provides original insights into other elusive evolutionary processes, such as chloroplast inheritance and parentage inside olive cultivars, opening new scenarios for further research such as the association studies and breeding programs.

Adventitious rooting (AR) is a crucial part of the agamic propagation to obtain a high-quality root system. The process is regulated by several factors like hormones, light, and mineral nutrition. Auxins play a central role and activate the pathways involved in the major morphological and molecular changes. Adventitious roots are mainly induced with IBA, a synthetic auxin, but there is interest in finding natural alternatives to this product. This study evaluated the effect of metabolites secreted by Pantoea agglomerans on the induction and initiation phase of AR in vitro in microcuttings of Pyrus communis 'Dar Gazi', using IBA as control (CK). P. agglomerans is a plant growth-promoting bacterium, which produces IAA in secreted form when grown in medium supplemented with tryptophan. Tests were performed enriching the rooting medium with secreted metabolites from IAA-producing P. agglomerans cultures to achieve a final auxin amount of 0.2, 0,4 and 1 mg L-1. Explants were sampled after 4 and 7 days from the start of treatment (DAT), between 8 and 12 DAT for Pantoea-treated explants at the time of adventitious root appearance (TARA) and at 35 days for control explants (TARA). The results indicate a different regulation of physiological and phenotypic events generated after bacterial treatment: reduced time of roots appearance, root origin directly from the stem tissue, and absence of callus development, associated with a decrease in root number formation, while resulted longer than those generated in IBA-treated explants. qRT-PCR results of WOX, IAA/Aux, and ARFs genes and miRNA156, 160, 167, confirmed that the bacterial metabolites play a positive role in the induction of the AR process, and that the time scale of gene expression was coherent with the reduction of time of root appearance.

The establishment of plant architecture requires coordination of distinct processes including shoot branching and apical dominance (AD). AD involves the bud apical shoot, mainly through indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthetized by the cells of the meristem and young leaves. The rootward flow generates an auxin gradient in the stem and buds, regulating lateral bud (LB) outgrowth. Phytochromes and AD are involved in the shade-avoidance syndrome in woody plants. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of cherry rootstocks to light, mediated by the photoreceptor phytochrome, and its effect on the role of auxin in driving branching by AD. Pharmacological treatments using transport inhibitors and a competitor of IAA were applied to transgenic lines of Colt cherry rootstock, which showed different sensitivities to light because of the ectopic expression of a rice phyA gene. Results showed different physiological behaviours among the transgenic lines and between themselves and the Colt-wt line. Exogenous IBA inhibited Colt-wt LB outgrowth, and this inhibition was less intense in transgenic lines. The IAA-inhibitors and IAA-competitor promoted branching. In in vitro phyA-transgenic plantlets, the ectopic gene induced greater branching and a higher number of buds developed in new shoots. This work confirms a positive action of phytochrome on lateral branching in cherry rootstock, playing a role in the regulation of AD. Moreover, we suggest that the confined in vitro system might now be used as a phenotyping screening to test the plasticity of the response, highlighting the behaviour of modified genotypes due to an ectopic insertion event by simple and rapid procedures.

Background Biodynamic agriculture is a management approach that aims to reduce the reliance on agrochemicals for production by emphasizing the use of specific natural preparations. A 2-year field trial spanning 2019–2020 was conducted in an established vineyard ( Vitis vinifera L., cv. Cesanese d’Affile) to elucidate the impact of the cow horn silica biodynamic preparation (BD-501) on leaf vine physiology, potential resistance via chitinase activity, and analysis of secondary metabolites. The vineyard under biodynamic management was divided into two plots: one treated with BD-501 (BD-501) and the other untreated (BD). Throughout the vine growth season, measurements of carotenoid and chlorophyll levels, polyphenols, and chitinase activity were taken around key phenological phases (BBCH scale). During the ripening phase, a fluorometer was employed to assess chlorophyll fluorescence in the leaves. Results Leaves treated with BD-501 exhibited elevated concentrations of polyphenols and increased chitinase activity during the later phenological phases. In contrast, the untreated BD samples demonstrated high values primarily in the central phase of the observation period but not consistently throughout. At the time of harvest, chlorophyll concentration and quantum yield exhibited no statistically significant differences. BD-501 triggered a distinct response in terms of potential defense mechanisms (elevated polyphenols and chitinase activity) during the veraison phase. However, conversely, lower levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids were observed. Conclusions Nevertheless, a further round of experimental work is required to thoroughly comprehend the regulatory mechanisms behind this adaptive response and to ascertain the efficacy of BD-501. Graphical Abstract

In the Mediterranean basin, agriculture and other forms of human land use have shaped the environment since ancient times. Intensive and extensive agricultural systems managed with a few cultured plant populations of improved varieties are a widespread reality in many Mediterranean countries. Despite this, historical cultural landscapes still exist in interior and less intensively managed rural areas. There, ancient fruit tree varieties have survived modern cultivation systems, preserving a unique genetic heritage. In this study, we mapped and characterized 106 living fruit trees of ancient varieties in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Tree ages were determined through tree ring measurements and radiocarbon analyses. We uncovered some of the oldest scientifically dated fruit trees in the world. The oldest fruit species were olive (max age 680 ± 57 years), mulberry (647 ± 66 years), chestnut (636 ± 66 years), and pear (467 ± 89 years). These patriarchs hold a unique genetic resource; their preservation and genetic maintenance through agamic propagation are now promoted by the Lucan Agency for the Development and Innovation in Agriculture (ALSIA). Each tree also represents a hub for biodiversity conservation in agrarian ecosystems: their large architecture and time persistence guarantee ecological niches and micro-habitats suitable for flora and fauna species of conservation significance.

There are numerous food safety aspects that must be taken into consideration by organic food producers and processors to ensure the safety and quality of their products. The application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, together with the implementation of good hygiene practices (GHP), ensures that food safety and process hygiene criteria are met. This study was based on a survey conducted among 316 producers and processors representing the organic food sector in five European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Italy and Poland). The knowledge and experience of organic food operators with HACCP systems were evaluated. Moreover, their needs and expectations towards assistance (training, guidance materials) that could improve the level of knowledge and compliance with respective food safety rules and regulations were assessed. The need for support on a number of issues related to food safety and guidance documents on the application of HACCP principles were also identified. This study provides highlights of the application of HACCP principles, with particular focus on identifying priorities and needs for two types of food operators (food producers and food processors). Although most of the surveyed food operators were confirmed to have basic knowledge regarding the HACCP system, there was a lack of understanding of the system principles. The needs and expectations varied among the studied countries and types of organic operators. Recognition of the full potential of the HACCP system requires assistance, particularly in the preparation of documents and records. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings and to identify effective strategies to improve the HACCP knowledge of food operators.

Plant tissue cultures depend entirely upon artificial light sources for illumination. The illumination should provide light in the appropriate regions of the electromagnetic spectrum for photomorphogenic responses and photosynthetic metabolism. Controlling light quality, irradiances and photoperiod enables the production of plants with desired characteristics. Moreover, significant money savings may be achieved using both more appropriate and less consuming energy lamps. In this review, the attention will be focused on the effects of light characteristics and plant growth regulators on shoot proliferation, the main process in in vitro propagation. The effects of the light spectrum on the balance of endogenous growth regulators will also be presented. For each light spectrum, the effects on proliferation but also on plantlet quality, i.e., shoot length, fresh and dry weight and photosynthesis, have been also analyzed. Even if a huge amount of literature is available on the effects of light on in vitro proliferation, the results are often conflicting. In fact, a lot of exogenous and endogenous factors, but also the lack of a common protocol, make it difficult to choose the most effective light spectrum for each of the large number of species. However, some general issues derived from the analysis of the literature are discussed.

The European Construction Sector Observatory outlined that green building envelopes as green roofs and walls contribute to the reduction of energy demand and CO2 emissions due to the air conditioning in summer periods, and the mitigation of heat islands in urban areas. For this reason, the understanding about the contribution of urban greening infrastructures on buildings to sustainable energy use for air conditioning is urgent. This paper focuses on the analysis of a vertical surface provided with a Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch., a winter deciduous species, as green cover of a building, assessing the reduction of the solar radiation energy absorbed by the façade and, consequently, the heat flux (HF) transmitted into the internal ambient. This research shows that, in July, surface temperatures (STs) on the vegetated façade were up to 13 °C lower than on the unvegetated (bare) façade. Under the climate and environmental conditions of the green wall located at ENEA Casaccia Research Center, a saving of 2.22 and 1.94 kWhe/m2, respectively in 2019 and 2020, for the summer cooling electricity load, was achieved. These energy reductions also allowed the saving of 985 and 862 g CO2/m2 emissions, respectively, in 2019 and 2020. Ultimately, a green factor named Kv* was also elaborated to evaluate the influence of vegetation on the STs as well as on HFs transmitted into the indoor ambient and adapted to the case of a detached vertical green cover. Measurements of Kv* factor lasting three years showed the suitability of this index for defining the shading capacity of the vegetation on the building façade surfaces, which can be used to predict thermal gains and effects in a building endowed of a vertical green system.

Plant-derived polyphenols exhibit beneficial effects on physiological and pathological processes, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, mainly because of their antioxidant activity. Apples are highly enriched in these compounds, mainly in their peel. The Tuscia Red (TR) apple variety exhibits the peculiar characteristic of depositing high quantities of polyphenols in the pulp, the edible part of the fruit. Since polyphenols, as any natural product, cannot be considered a panacea per se, in this paper, we propose to assess the biological effects of TR flesh extracts, in comparison with two commercial varieties, in a model system, the insect Drosophila melanogaster, largely recognized as a reliable system to test the in vivo effects of natural and synthetic compounds. We performed a comparative, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the polyphenol compositions of the three cultivars and found that TR flesh shows the highest content of polyphenols, and markedly, anthocyanins. Then, we focused on their effects on a panel of physiological, morphometrical, cellular and behavioral phenotypes in wild-type D. melanogaster. We found that all the apple polyphenol extracts showed dose-dependent effects on most of the phenotypes we considered. Remarkably, all the varieties induced a strong relenting of the cell division rate.

A balanced diet is critical for human health, and edible plants play an important role in providing essential micronutrients as well as specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that can regulate human gene expression. Here we present the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) miRNAs (mol-miRs) on lipid metabolism. Through in silico studies we identified the potential genes involved in lipid metabolism targeted by mol-miRs. To this end, we tested the efficacy of an aqueous extract of MO seeds (MOES), as suggested in traditional African ethnomedicine, or its purified miRNAs. The biological properties of MO preparations were investigated using a human derived hepatoma cell line (HepG2) as a model. MOES treatment decreased intracellular lipid accumulation and induced apoptosis in HepG2. In the same cell line, transfection with mol-miRs showed similar effects to MOES. Moreover, the effect of the mol-miR pool was investigated in a pre-obese mouse model, in which treatment with mol-miRs was able to prevent dysregulation of lipid metabolism.

Light is an electromagnetic radiation that occurs in a narrow range of over an extremely wide range of wavelengths, from gamma rays with wavelengths to radio waves measured in meters [...].

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are part of the systemic signaling network that perceives pathogens and activates defenses in the plant. Eukaryotic and bacterial species have a 24-h ‘body clock’ known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm regulates an organism’s life, modulating the activity of the phytochromes (phys) and cryptochromes (crys) and the accumulation of the corresponding mRNAs, which results in the synchronization of the internal clock and works as zeitgeber molecules. Salicylic acid accumulation is also under light control and upregulates the PR genes expression, increasing plants’ resistance to pathogens. Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight disease in pear trees. In this work, four bacterial transcripts (erw1-4), expressed in asymptomatic E. amylovora-infected pear plantlets, were isolated. The research aimed to understand how the circadian clock, light quality, and related photoreceptors regulate PR and erw genes expression using transgenic pear lines overexpressing PHYB and CRY1 as a model system. Plantlets were exposed to different circadian conditions, and continuous monochromic radiations (Blue, Red, and Far-Red) were provided by light-emitting diodes (LED). Results showed a circadian oscillation of PR10 gene expression, while PR1 was expressed without clear evidence of circadian regulation. Bacterial growth was regulated by monochromatic light: the growth of bacteria exposed to Far-Red did not differ from that detected in darkness; instead, it was mildly stimulated under Red, while it was significantly inhibited under Blue. In this regulatory framework, the active form of phytochrome enhances the expression of PR1 five to 15 fold. An ultradian rhythm was observed fitting the zeitgeber role played by CRY1. These results also highlight a regulating role of photoreceptors on the expression of PRs genes in non-infected and infected plantlets, which influenced the expression of erw genes. Data are discussed concerning the regulatory role of photoreceptors during photoperiod and pathogen attacks.

Traditional medicine is often chosen due to its affordability, its familiarity with patient's cultural practices, and its wider access to the local community. Plants play an important role in providing indispensable nutrients, while specific small RNAs can regulate human gene expression in a cross-kingdom manner. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of plant-enriched purified extract microRNAs from Moringa oleifera seeds (MO) on the immune response and on HIV infection. Bioinformatic analysis shows that plant microRNAs (p-miRs) from MO belonging to 18 conserved families, including p-miR160h, p-miR166, p-miR482b, p-miR159c, p-miR395d, p-miR2118a, p-miR393a, p-miR167f-3p, and p-miR858b are predicted to target with high affinity BCL2, IL2RA, TNF, and VAV1, all these being involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, immune response and also in the regulation of HIV pathogenesis. The effects of MO p-miRs transfected into HIV+ PBMCs were analyzed and revealed a decrease in viability associated with an increase of apoptosis; an increase of T helper cells expressing Fas and a decrease of intracellular Bcl2 protein expression. Meanwhile no effects were detected in PBMCs from healthy donors. In CD4+ T cells, transfection significantly reduced cell activation and modified the T cell differentiation, thereby decreasing both central and effector memory cells while increasing terminal effector memory cells. Interestingly, the p-miRs transfection induces a reduction of intracellular HIV p24 protein and a reduction of viral DNA integration. Finally, we evaluated the effect of synthetic (mimic) p-miR858b whose sequence is present in the MO p-miR pool and predicted to target VAV1, a protein involved in HIV-Nef binding. This protein plays a pivotal role in T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling, so triggering the activation of various pathways. The transfection of HIV+ PBMCs with the synthetic p-miR858b showed a reduced expression of VAV1 and HIV p24 proteins. Overall, our evidence defines putative mechanisms underlying a supplementary benefit of traditional medicine, alongside current antiretroviral therapy, in managing HIV infection in resource-limited settings where MO remains widely available.

The speciesPantoea agglomeransincludes strains that are agronomically relevant for their growth-promoting or biocontrol traits. Molecular analysis demonstrated that the IPDC pathway involved in the conversion of tryptophan (Trp) to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is highly conserved amongP. agglomeransstrains at both gene and protein levels. Results also indicated that the promoter region controlling the inducible expression ofipdCgene differs from the model systemEnterobacter cloacae, which is in accordance with the observation thatP. agglomeransaccumulates higher levels of IAA when cells are collected in the exponential phase of growth. To assess the potential applications of these microorganisms for IAA production,P. agglomeransC1, an efficient auxin-producer strain, was cultivated in 5 L fermenter so as to evaluate the effect of the medium formulation, the physiological state of the cells, and the induction timing on the volumetric productivity. Results demonstrated that higher IAA levels were obtained by using a saline medium amended with yeast extract and saccharose and by providing Trp, which acts both as a precursor and an inducer, to a culture in the exponential phase of growth. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed a significant effect of the carbon source on the exometabolome profile relative to IAA-related compounds and other plant bioactive signaling molecules. The IAA-enriched metabolites secreted in the culture medium byP. agglomeransC1 were used as plant biostimulants to run a series of trials at a large-scale nursery farm. Tests were carried out within vitroandex vitrosystems following the regular protocols used for large-scale plant tree agamic propagation. Results obtained with 4,540 microcuttings ofPrunus rootstock GF/677 and 1,080 plantlets ofCorylus avellanaL. showed that metabolites from strain C1 improved percentage of rooted-explant, number of adventitious root formation, plant survival, and quality of plant as vigor, with an increase in the leaf area between 17.5 and 42.7% compared to IBA-K (indole-3-butyric acid potassium salt)-treated plants.

Strains belonging to Pantoea agglomerans species are known for their ability to produce metabolites that can act in synergy with auxins to induce the adventitious root (AR) formation. The latter is critically important in the agamic propagation of several woody species, including pear (Pyrus communis L.), playing a considerable role in the commercial nursery farms including those using micropropagation techniques. When grown on a medium amended with tryptophan, the plant growth-promoting (PGP) strain P. agglomerans C1 produces a cocktail of auxin and auxin-like molecules that can be utilized as biostimulants to improve the rooting of vegetable (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and woody crop species (Prunus rootstock GF/677 and hazelnut). In this study, we evaluated the morphological and molecular responses induced by strain C1 exometabolites in microcuttings of P. communis L. cv Dar Gazi and the potential benefits arising from their application. Results showed that exometabolites by P. agglomerans C1 induced a direct and earlier emergence of roots from stem tissues, and determined modifications of root morphological parameters and root architecture compared to plants treated with the synthetic hormone indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Transcription analysis revealed differences in the temporal expression pattern of ARF17 gene when IBA and C1 exometabolites were used alone, while together they also determined changes in the expression pattern of other key auxin-regulated plant genes. These results suggest that the phenotypic and molecular changes triggered by P. agglomerans C1 are dependent on different stimulatory and inhibitory effects that auxin-like molecules and other metabolites secreted by this strain have on the gene regulatory network of the plant. This evidence supports the hypothesis that the strategies used to harness the metabolic potential of PGP bacteria are key factors in obtaining novel biostimulants for sustainable agriculture. Our results demonstrate that metabolites secreted by strain C1 can be successfully used to increase the efficiency of micropropagation of pear through tissue culture techniques.

Current and predicted climate changes scenarios require crops with an improved adaptability to mutable environmental features, such as, hypoxia for the root system. In order to overcome the reduction of oxygen, plants activate coping mechanisms and strategieS.Prunus spp. are hypoxia-sensitive woody species and although many information has been gathered over the last decades, many physiological mechanisms remain unclear. To verify whether anoxic plant responses are also regulated by photoperiod, plants of Mr.S.2/5-WT plum, and its variant genotypes S.4 tolerant (plus) and S.1 sensitive (minus) to flooding, were grown in a greenhouse and were submitted to natural photoperiod (NP) and to constant photoperiod (CP) from mid-July until the first 10 days of October. From mid-September plants from each genotype, grown under the two photoperiods, were divided into two groups, and one of them underwent long-term flooding. Gas exchange parameters, energetic and biochemical activities, leaf chlorophyll contents, and stress symptoms were measured at different times, whereas soluble sugars were quantified in leaves and roots 14 days after flooding, when stress symptoms in WT and S.1 became prominent. Seasonal changes in the photoperiod played a role in the adaptability to anoxia, although flooding stress response differed among the three genotypes.Anoxia affected leaf gas exchange and S.4 flooded-leaves retained higher ACO(2) under conditions of NP and CP. Leaf soluble sugar concentration differed among genotypeS.Regardless the photoperiod, S.4 anoxic-leaf sugar concentration was the lowest, except for sorbitol. S.4 anoxic-roots under CP accumulated the highest levels of sucrose and sorbitol. Influences of the photoperiod were observed in WT and S.1 anoxic-leaves, whereas S.1 anoxic roots accumulated the lowest concentration of sugars, regardless of photoperiod. Leaf and root respiratory activity in flooded plants was highest in S.4, and ADH activity increased in all flooded plants under CP but the highest activity was observed only in S.1 under NP during flooding. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that the S.4 genotype has a plastic adaptability to flooding stress, escaping from the photoperiod regulatory cross-talk system, and can better cope with the new scenarios generated by climate changes.